Salamander

I am aware of the political spectrum and all the various theories you mention here. Where my issue lies is at the heart of the rigidity of one's stance on that spectrum. To stand to the right is fine, I don't really care what side of the spectrum you would rather associate yourself. However, not accepting that a social approach to a problem may provide a very concrete solution is dangerous. I am not trying to make an argument that socialism is better or worse. I just don't understand, or perhaps condone, the need to discredit a possible solution because of the political theory associated with it. It seems to border on negligence to me. This topic is taking away from the initial intent of the thread. If you would like to continue... I am be happy to entertain any PM's.

No, not at all. I am just saying that any developed nation requires a large pool of professionals that require a vast amount of education. This education is definitely not cheap. How many people would not be able to pay for a complete education without government intervention? Will an entity ensure the shortfall is controlled? Will educational instituations provide reasonably priced education? Will that education be to the quality the world demands? Are any of those losses acceptable? If so, my argument fails. Also, lets examine the benefit to society of any individual. Those whose contributions to society are far greater than the menial paycheck they receive are benefiting your society (yes, it is more complicated than that). You must admit that you need these people. Why then, should you not be responsible for ensuring that they are provided the resources they need now, so that they will be able to meet your needs in the future? After all... don't you benefit in the end? I would say the benefit/cost analysis is pretty straight forward - even without throwing buzz phrases like sustainable development (yes it is not just environmental) into the equation. Although - I would be of the youth... of the class that could have never paid the full 100% of my B.Sc and therefore, might very well be biased. Sorry about that.

Police and fire departments funded and administered by the municipal or state governments are by definition socialist. Federal governments do not need to be involved for something to be social. I may be wrong... but by definition (ie. out of a dictionary), socialism is any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration. No reference to federal government. In the spirit of curiosity (not trying to take the thread in a new direction)... What is this general feeling of fear I seem to find surrounding the word socialism? Is it the definition, the historical references, the underlying ideology???? Any insight would be nice. Maybe I am just imagining things.

Have you ever needed the service of a doctor, lawyer, engineer... etc??? I only ask because without any public funding I highly doubt you would ever have an educated class numerous enough to provide needed services. Do you really think that enough people can afford the price tag of a GOOD COMPLETE education on their own? Perhaps you wouldn't mind having to recruit thousands upon thousands of the professionals from around the world to fill your deficit. Are you trying to insult Canada here? Implying a more socialist country has failed the people that pay the taxes. An implication using a painfully ignorant statement regarding terrorist ranks in Canada holds no ground. Also, using a seperatist argument here is extremely rude. When you understand the complexities surrounding that issue it will make sense to you how that was inexcusably arrogant.

This quote is taken, as it appeared, from that slide show. “66,033 Americans are Buried or Missing in france. Thousands more who died fighting for france are buried or honored in the US.” I am far too young to pretend that I understand what was happening in Europe during this time. However, I must argue that statement because I find it hard to believe and extremely disrespectful for anyone to imply that those soldiers died for France (notice the capital “F”). I would recommend asking a few WWII veterans about their experiences and what they felt they were fighting for. Also, ask if they appreciate the reference to the deaths of those they fought next to being used for this purpose. I also find the reference to debts owed because Americans were part of the force that helped defeat the Germans in France rather arrogant. By the same logic I could argue that Canadians should expect France to not support this war because hey… Canadians cemeteries are also scattered throughout France and Canada has yet to declare support for this war. Pick a new target to vent your frustrations. Better yet, get together with some friends and Carpe Cerevisi!!!

No promises because I may be thinking of the wrong size battery... However, you should be able to find them at any watch repair place.

Please explain yourself. Why is it a joke?

Hey... Canadian Skydive Center!!! nice to see you've found your way here. Who was your instructor? PS. If one of us told you that your first paper pull was perfect... it was.

The calendar of events shows a full moon on February 16th but no night jumps. If enough people are looking to do the night jump would it be possible to persuade someone to send up a load? Does this happen? If yes, what would be required?

If you are looking for a smooth transition from pic to pic you may want to learn how to use flash (tweening function). Good luck.