Trump's tariff wars...long post.

[martthebass]

Using a Star Trek analogy I believe the US would like to be seen as the Federation whereas in actuality they are more akin to the Ferengi……

[prowla]

10 minutes ago, LowB_FTW said:

Because of the impending death of critical thinking.

Technology is a double-edged sword for this as it disseminates more information than ever before to us, but that is information overload, and as such the ability to focus on lengthy complex texts is diminishing, simply because we have to wade through so much guff to get to the crux of the matter.

The fact a lot of this stuff is now residing behind paywalls isn't helpful either.

People know who they like, and if a person of influence says something, who are you to argue against them? And if you do argue the point you just get shouted down, so really, what's the point?

Critical thinking is on life support, and it's not gonna get any better.

 

All of this is IMO.

 

Mark

There's a difference between data and information.

[LowB_FTW]

7 minutes ago, prowla said:

There's a difference between data and information.

And how does one sort one from the other? Oh yeah, critical thinking.

The distinction you make might be more obvious to you and me, and some others here, but it's not so obvious to a lot of people.

I see this demonstrated daily in comments sections of news stories and articles.

 

Mark

[prowla]

5 minutes ago, LowB_FTW said:

And how does one sort one from the other? Oh yeah, critical thinking.

The distinction you make might be more obvious to you and me, and some others here, but it's not so obvious to a lot of people.

I see this demonstrated daily in comments sections of news stories and articles.

 

Mark

Yep - sometimes it’s a struggle to separate the wheat from the chaff. 
There’s also often an intolerance when people draw different inferences from the same data, typically expressed by berating or typecasting the perceived offender. 

Edited 9 hours ago by prowla

[Dad3353]

All of these comments and opinions bring to mind the works of John Aubrey, collected in 'Brief Lives', a classic, giving a very down-to-earth view of contemporary Elizabethan times, as seen from his daily notes. One recognises easily enough the same tribulations, the same 'fears', doubts and 'certainties' as today (with the possible exception of an impending Climate Catastrophe, which was not much of an issue then, apparently...). The same remarks about political figures, the Youf of his day, the degradation of public manners and Education going to Pot; the list is long. Luckily enough it's a darned good read, with many a chuckle or outright belly laugh at the, to us, quaint medical practices of the day, but it puts a bit of perspective on the current grumblings about how it's all going wrong. T'was the same, for those that read Classics, in the days of Pliny, of course, or Plato, but Aubrey is a much lighter read. Highly recommended as a partial cure for those looking too earnestly at today's frantic spin. Refreshing. Just sayin'. 

[peteb]

36 minutes ago, prowla said:

 

I don't know - how many did vote because of that?

 

Lots and lots of people voted leave because of that. Not necessarily because they believed it was true, but because they liked the audacious nature of the lie and made them feel good to see that the people that they had come to blame for their falling living standards were outraged by the blatant untruth on the side of a bus.

 

Of course, it is difficult to explain to people with no idea how the economy works that the real reason was the money pumped into the banking system following the 2008 crisis went to the very wealthy, rather to them as intended. It was easier to blame foreigners and overly-cautious politicians who should have stopped this from happening, rather than those who profiteered from the situation and opportunist fringe politicians with an eye for the main chance. It didn't help that a lot of people didn't really believe that Brexit would actually happen until it was too late, so many saw it as a 'free hit' to make a protest about a useless government! 

 

[Downunderwonder]

The NZ UK High Commisioner told it like it is about Trump at a meeting of Euro diplomats yesterday. Got sacked today as diplomats are obligated to be diplomatic. Pity.

[tegs07]

9 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

All of these comments and opinions bring to mind the works of John Aubrey, collected in 'Brief Lives', a classic, giving a very down-to-earth view of contemporary Elizabethan times, as seen from his daily notes. One recognises easily enough the same tribulations, the same 'fears', doubts and 'certainties' as today (with the possible exception of an impending Climate Catastrophe, which was not much of an issue then, apparently...). The same remarks about political figures, the Youf of his day, the degradation of public manners and Education going to Pot; the list is long. Luckily enough it's a darned good read, with many a chuckle or outright belly laugh at the, to us, quaint medical practices of the day, but it puts a bit of perspective on the current grumblings about how it's all going wrong. T'was the same, for those that read Classics, in the days of Pliny, of course, or Plato, but Aubrey is a much lighter read. Highly recommended as a partial cure for those looking too earnestly at today's frantic spin. Refreshing. Just sayin'. 

That’s the fascinating thing about history. The themes, fears and challenges echo through the centuries. However even a cursory glance at the pages reveal pivotal moments when quiet diplomacy and careful cooperation and planning play a key role in determining the future. That moment for Europe was four years ago during Trump’s first term where all the turmoil and chaos on the world stage that we are currently living through was broadcast loud and clear. It was evident in the response and aftermath of the great financial crisis of 2008 and the populist movement that turned western politics from the centre path towards a resurgence of right wing nationalism.

 

European leaders have finally woken up to the threat and the challenges that they are facing and so far appear to be doing so in a coordinated and dignified manner. IMO this is the most significant change I have witnessed in my lifetime. It will be in the history books and studied by future generations and is worthy of discussion. Hopefully the outcome will be favourable as this is as much of an opportunity as it is a threat.

[Mrbigstuff]

Sounds like Zelensky has backtracked and wants to sign trump’s deal. Can’t help but feel this will empower the US to continue their strategy of owning global natural resources and Ukraine will be simply handed over to Russia once their resources dry up.

[tegs07]

11 minutes ago, Mrbigstuff said:

Sounds like Zelensky has backtracked and wants to sign trump’s deal. Can’t help but feel this will empower the US to continue their strategy of owning global natural resources and Ukraine will be simply handed over to Russia once their resources dry up.

It might take a while. Team Tr*mp are busy threatening Gaza with imminent destruction.