Asian Americans

[keefe]

I don’t think there is anything wrong with them fundamentally, but the most prominent communist countries have not turned out great for their citizens, and/or gave rise to awful dictators or repressive regimes.  So you end up promoting something that’s been historically pretty awful in practice nearly across the board, saying “well it doesn’t have to be like that”.

Oh, I don't know about that. Life in the Hermit Kingdom has some appeal.

[Hards Alumni]

I don’t think there is anything wrong with them fundamentally, but the most prominent communist countries have not turned out great for their citizens, and/or gave rise to awful dictators or repressive regimes.  So you end up promoting something that’s been historically pretty awful in practice nearly across the board, saying “well it doesn’t have to be like that”.

Eh, calling some of those countries 'communist' isn't accurate.  They're dictatorial in general with the illusion of communism.  China is communist in name only.

I think we have really rose tinted glasses about the exceptionalism of capitalism.

[Hards Alumni]

Oh, I don't know about that. Life in the Hermit Kingdom has some appeal.

Yeah, because North Korea is communist   

I know you're joking, though.

[keefe]

Eh, calling some of those countries 'communist' isn't accurate.  They're dictatorial in general with the illusion of communism.  China is communist in name only.

I think we have really rose tinted glasses about the exceptionalism of capitalism.

Marxism will never work because it defies human nature.

"Greed is good"   ...Gordon Gecko

[Babybluejeans]

If there were a perfect economic system, we’d know it by now. But there isn’t and capitalism, for its flaws, has elevated people out of living a subsistence, hand-to-mouth existence in numbers globally that are mind-boggling.

This particular era of unchecked, “late stage” capitalism could use some leavening. But the foundation works.

[JWags85]

Eh, calling some of those countries 'communist' isn't accurate.  They're dictatorial in general with the illusion of communism.  China is communist in name only.

I think we have really rose tinted glasses about the exceptionalism of capitalism.

That’s fine, but that’s really all there is.  Show me a prosperous thriving communist country.  I mean, maybe Vietnam?  But it’s still fairly corrupt and extremely poor.

It’s not even “screw everything but capitalism”.  I don’t have to support it, but I can see the appeal and benefits of democratic socialism to some.  True Communism I can’t see ever properly working in a modern, relatively affluent country.  I can only seeing it appealing to those who truly have nothing

[Hards Alumni]

That’s fine, but that’s really all there is.  Show me a prosperous thriving communist country.  I mean, maybe Vietnam?  But it’s still fairly corrupt and extremely poor.

It’s not even “screw everything but capitalism”.  I don’t have to support it, but I can see the appeal and benefits of democratic socialism to some.  True Communism I can’t see ever properly working in a modern, relatively affluent country.  I can only seeing it appealing to those who truly have nothing

I've been away for a couple of days, but yes, I generally agree.  I don't think Communism is very viable as a switch from capitalism because it would be very dramatic.  I also have serious doubts that it works on a large scale at all.  Communism breeds a ton of corruption, and despotism, which ultimately undermines the entire ideology.

[Billy Hoyle]

it sure is interesting to see how suddenly attacks on Asians and Asian Americans aren't a story anymore once the perpetrators were being identified.

[Pakuni]

it sure is interesting to see how suddenly attacks on Asians and Asian Americans aren't a story anymore once the perpetrators were being identified.

The aggrievement is strong with this one.
Anyhow, facts matter ...

ABC News, yesterday:
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hirono-anti-asian-hate-bill-chance-senate-stand/story?id=77163413

LA Times, three days ago:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-17/in-2020-hate-crimes-against-asian-americans-in-l-a-more-than-doubled

NBC News, four days ago:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-meet-asian-pacific-american-caucus-amid-rise-hate-crimes-n1264193

NY Times, five days ago:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/senate-anti-asian-american-hate-crimes.html

CNN, five days ago:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/politics/anti-asian-hate-crimes-senate-vote/index.html

Washington Post, six days ago:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-asian-american-hate-crimes/2021/04/13/a489e14e-9c63-11eb-8005-bffc3a39f6d3_story.html

[Galway Eagle]

it sure is interesting to see how suddenly attacks on Asians and Asian Americans aren't a story anymore once the perpetrators were being identified.

I think you're getting tunnel vision and the Chauvin case is dominating the news. As Pakuni wrote, there's plenty of coverage, it's not the main story because there's a much larger story at its peak right now.

[MU82]

it sure is interesting to see how suddenly attacks on Asians and Asian Americans aren't a story anymore once the perpetrators were being identified.

Wrong again, oh Mr. White Victimhood.

[JWags85]

Wrong again, oh Mr. White Victimhood.

His tunnel vision could be biasing him with all the other news dominating the headline, but he has an Asian-American wife, elderly Asian American in laws, and that’s clearly the whole driver of his contributions and concerns in this space.  Immediately labeling him another fragile white man isn’t fair

[ZiggysFryBoy]

His tunnel vision could be biasing him with all the other news dominating the headline, but he has an Asian-American wife, elderly Asian American in laws, and that’s clearly the whole driver of his contributions and concerns in this space.  Immediately labeling him another fragile white man isn’t fair

The king of name calling.

Blah blah emperor trump blah blah cult blah blah racist blah blah blah.  Effen blah.

[rocket surgeon]

Nothing wrong with Marxist ideas or communism, but I do agree with your parenthesis.

She was probably the outlier in her veneration for mass murderers.

  just caught this...wow!  kinda 'splains things a little bit i guess, but "nothing wrong"?  what have they contributed other than kalashnikovs, vodka and babes?

[MU82]

His tunnel vision could be biasing him with all the other news dominating the headline, but he has an Asian-American wife, elderly Asian American in laws, and that’s clearly the whole driver of his contributions and concerns in this space.  Immediately labeling him another fragile white man isn’t fair

Billy shouldn't act like a fragile white man so often then. And he shouldn't make stuff up just because he needs to fit a narrative. Kudos to you for coming to his defense, though.

[Hards Alumni]

  just caught this...wow!  kinda 'splains things a little bit i guess, but "nothing wrong"?  what have they contributed other than kalashnikovs, vodka and babes?

Ah yes, as opposed to the great world of capitalism.  Which has brought us slavery, global imperialism, and ecological disaster... all in the name of profit!

Good lord, you're dumb.  You probably think the USA is the greatest country in the world, don't you?

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Ah yes, as opposed to the great world of capitalism.  Which has brought us slavery, global imperialism, and ecological disaster... all in the name of profit!

Good lord, you're dumb.  You probably think the USA is the greatest country in the world, don't you?

What country is better?  Serious question, want to know what you America haters think is a better country.   

[Galway Eagle]

What country is better?  Serious question, want to know what you America haters think is a better country.

Well as whole that a tough one. Depending on shifting priorities that were focusing on to rank it I'd rank the USA anywhere from 1 to 15 or even lower. Doesn't help that one of those was duped by their own con man and now many citizens are regretting it.

[Hards Alumni]

What country is better?  Serious question, want to know what you America haters think is a better country.

I don't hate America by any stretch.  But I don't think it's the greatest country in the world.  Finland gets high marks in a lot of rankings, but I wouldn't want to live there.

I think there has been a national mythos for a long time that the USA does everything better, and that we are some sort of model for what the rest of the world should aspire to be.  Are there a lot of awesome things about America?  Yes!  Do we sniff our own farts?  Oh hell yes.

[JWags85]

Well as whole that a tough one. Depending on shifting priorities that were focusing on to rank it I'd rank the USA anywhere from 1 to 15 or even lower. Doesn't help that one of those was duped by their own con man and now many citizens are regretting it.

It’s complicated for sure.  I know plenty of people who have no interest in business or making money, could care less what their tax rate is, are more concerned about not needing to worry or stress about a variety of things.  I can totally see why they are disenchanted with America and look longingly at Nordic countries or other places in Europe. 

At the same time, I have multiple friends and business associates in countries like Belgium, France, and Norway who bemoan how hard it is to be an entrepreneur there and envy the hell out of the economic openness of the US, even at the expense of some of the benefits they enjoy where they are.

I’m not myopic or nationalist enough to think the US is DA BEST without any comparisons, and can acknowledge there are myriad issues with late stage capitalism.  But it is still pretty hard to beat in terms of starting something from scratch and succeeding.  Even the most desirable countries in Europe have so much more of a stacked deck if you’re not from generational money or government connected.

[Hards Alumni]

It’s complicated for sure.  I know plenty of people who have no interest in business or making money, could care less what their tax rate is, are more concerned about not needing to worry or stress about a variety of things.  I can totally see why they are disenchanted with America and look longingly at Nordic countries or other places in Europe. 

At the same time, I have multiple friends and business associates in countries like Belgium, France, and Norway who bemoan how hard it is to be an entrepreneur there and envy the hell out of the economic openness of the US, even at the expense of some of the benefits they enjoy where they are.

I’m not myopic or nationalist enough to think the US is DA BEST without any comparisons, and can acknowledge there are myriad issues with late stage capitalist.  But it is still pretty hard to beat in terms of starting something from scratch and succeeding.  Even the most desirable countries in Europe have so much more of a stacked deck if you’re not from generational money or government connected.

Great distinction, and absolutely true.

[Galway Eagle]

It’s complicated for sure.  I know plenty of people who have no interest in business or making money, could care less what their tax rate is, are more concerned about not needing to worry or stress about a variety of things.  I can totally see why they are disenchanted with America and look longingly at Nordic countries or other places in Europe. 

At the same time, I have multiple friends and business associates in countries like Belgium, France, and Norway who bemoan how hard it is to be an entrepreneur there and envy the hell out of the economic openness of the US, even at the expense of some of the benefits they enjoy where they are.

I’m not myopic or nationalist enough to think the US is DA BEST without any comparisons, and can acknowledge there are myriad issues with late stage capitalist.  But it is still pretty hard to beat in terms of starting something from scratch and succeeding.  Even the most desirable countries in Europe have so much more of a stacked deck if you’re not from generational money or government connected.

In general I agree with your assessment unless you get sick and need medical care, have a few children that get sick, want paternity/maternity leave, try to get an education to move up in status, or are forced into one of the poorer areas that are by far the most deadly of any westernized nation.

That being said you're right it's certainly easier for entrepreneurs here if the cards are dealt favorably. If you are not then I'd take my chances in a Western European country or Canada.

[Goose]

I always say that when we have more people exiting the USA vs. entering the USA on a monthly basis than I would question if we were still the greatest country in the world. People risk their lives to enter the USA and smart, wealthy people with ability to move to a "better" country seldom move.

[JWags85]

In general I agree with your assessment unless you get sick and need medical care, have a few children that get sick, want paternity/maternity leave, try to get an education to move up in status, or are forced into one of the poorer areas that are by far the most deadly of any westernized nation.

That being said you're right it's certainly easier for entrepreneurs here if the cards are dealt favorably. If you are not then I'd take my chances in a Western European country or Canada.

I’m not talking about medical care and paternity/maternity leave is not a consideration if you’re starting/running a business.  I’m talking strictly business opportunity situations.

There is a reason people with business/entrepreneurial aspirations come here.  Canada is often easier to migrate to, but not as business friendly. And Western Europe, forget about it. Maybe if you want a good stable office job with benefits, but not if you want to set out on your own.

[Galway Eagle]

I always say that when we have more people exiting the USA vs. entering the USA on a monthly basis than I would question if we were still the greatest country in the world. People risk their lives to enter the USA and smart, wealthy people with ability to move to a "better" country seldom move.

Family and friends are a strong pull. Hell I moved back despite having both those in Ireland and England because they weren't my immediate family or my MU buddies. I think if you gave an average person a survey whether they'd move countries if there weren't those barriers then you may find the results surprising.
There's also the task of sponsorship/visa which isn't easy, even getting a job in Ireland, with citizenship, is next to impossible as long as you're still in the states.


I agree about the general point about incoming vs leaving but also need to look at that same concept for other countries as well. The best and brightest all over the westernized world rarely leave their stable environments