kallend 2,175 #1 March 9, 2014 theweek.com/article/index/257266/what-the-collapse-of-the-ming-dynasty-can-tell-us-about-american-decline Discuss.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
winsor 236 #2 March 9, 2014 kallendtheweek.com/article/index/257266/what-the-collapse-of-the-ming-dynasty-can-tell-us-about-american-decline Discuss. I think the article is overly optimistic regarding the future of the U.S. of A. Given that mediocrity has become an unassailable virtue, and that stupidity is our most cherished inexhaustible resource, we are doomed. We are well beyond the tipping point, and the question is not 'if' so much as 'when, and how bad.' It was fun while it lasted. BSBD, Winsor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #3 March 9, 2014 [Reply]When science was taught, it was taught as canonical wisdom, to be accepted instead of questioned and improved And today, we have only settled science and deniers. Anyone has questions then that is an anti-science flat earther denier. Let's build a list of canonical wisdom coming from our government. Yes. Americans have gotten lazy. Problem is, Americans are some of the most hardcore enabled in the world. A strong governmennt wants it that way. The more governable the people are, the more governing can be done. I will note, though, that scientistic and technological mastery has often been in large part due to America's imported talent. Two of the greatest technological achievements that the US hangs its hate on in the 20th century are nuclear power and the moon landing. Imported talent played vital roles. We've never before hesitated to import talent. Technology. Stealth aircraft? Based on a Russian research paper. Can you imagine the Wright Brothers showing up at Kitty Hawk wanting to fly something off of the ecologically sensitive sands today? Innovation is far too difficult. Education? Look where it went once the Department of Education was created. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
