Comments on: Political posts http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts Accelerating Intelligence Wed, 22 May 2013 19:05:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: egore http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-52767 egore Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:24:51 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-52767 If we are not allowed to think and reason for ourselves, there is little use in thinking. If we are not allowed to think and reason for ourselves, there is little use in thinking.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-51162 Mr.X Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:40:42 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-51162 @Bri: "you have a very backward view of the war of 1812." How can a view of history be backward!?1812 in my mind is always about Napoleon btw.Ask Canadians what they think..;) This stuff about a naval blockade: Maybe you just want to look it up.Your leadership thought, because of the war in Europe, Britian would not defend Canada. I just wanted to show how these "details", conquered or not conquered feel when one speaks about ones own people.The commentar was meant to provocate (a success), not represent my opinion. They really kicked your butts, burned down your white house, conquered places without fighting since your soldiers just gave up.But in a sense, and this is hard for many of you, they didn't kick your ass since you weren't even in the planning:) The "Quebecois" rather lived with the British than with you guys, because they saw how you treated the native indians and slaves, after all your talk of freedom. Really, your country isn't exactly known as harbinger of freedom for others, and it is not anti-american to say that all this feel-good we're great and nice and "our shit don't stink" is annoying.Btw: I am not refering to the answers I got because I asked, but to a general tendency of "Americans" to always "know" who is the "good" one (their side, always). There was a famous moment when an American general or sth like that rode to a Franco-canadian leader and yelled he was there to free them.The Canadian got angry at the insult "he was not stupid!?), pulled the gun of a subordinate and shot him. The Germanic tribes may have been tribal, but that doesn't make them "French" (which was what I disagreed with).They may not have been as primitive as you may think, but they can't compare to the Greeks for example (Romans "stole" much of their higher cultural attributes from Greece). The Chinese didn't subjugate their empire anymore than the Romans. I don't have a strong anti-American bias, truth is you guys often don't know much about history and think in black and white propaganda terms. Do you really believe your governemnt gives a damn about freedom in Syria, Iran,Iraq, Russia etc!? Tell me where I said something that was grounded in "Anti-americanism" and not facts.Nonetheless, I'll always try to account for this (since I guess, you'd be right in some sense). I could say the same about you guys (a question- is this too informal, you guys!?): Despite the fact that Europe does overwhelmingly well in science and the financial crisis, like all these crisises before, came from the USA many of you are still extremely arrogant towards us (Euro-trash, Euro-crisis, Old-continent etc).Maybe you are anti-european!? Ps: The Germanic people may have been tribal, but that doesn't make them French.It's not as if I'm jealous not or sth, I'd rather live today as German than as a Greek or Italian person.Of course, they can dwell in their glorious past (ever spoken to a Greek person). ;) Pps: Alexander was "Greek."So I disagree. @Bri:
“you have a very backward view of the war of 1812.”

How can a view of history be backward!?1812 in my mind is always about Napoleon btw.Ask Canadians what they think..;)

This stuff about a naval blockade: Maybe you just want to look it up.Your leadership thought, because of the war in Europe, Britian would not defend Canada.

I just wanted to show how these “details”, conquered or not conquered feel when one speaks about ones own people.The commentar was meant to provocate (a success), not represent my opinion.

They really kicked your butts, burned down your white house, conquered places without fighting since your soldiers just gave up.But in a sense, and this is hard for many of you, they didn’t kick your ass since you weren’t even in the planning:)

The “Quebecois” rather lived with the British than with you guys, because they saw how you treated the native indians and slaves, after all your talk of freedom.

Really, your country isn’t exactly known as harbinger of freedom for others, and it is not anti-american to say that all this feel-good we’re great and nice and “our shit don’t stink” is annoying.Btw: I am not refering to the answers I got because I asked, but to a general tendency of “Americans” to always “know” who is the “good” one (their side, always).

There was a famous moment when an American general or sth like that rode to a Franco-canadian leader and yelled he was there to free them.The Canadian got angry at the insult “he was not stupid!?), pulled the gun of a subordinate and shot him.

The Germanic tribes may have been tribal, but that doesn’t make them “French” (which was what I disagreed with).They may not have been as primitive as you may think, but they can’t compare to the Greeks for example (Romans “stole” much of their higher cultural attributes from Greece).

The Chinese didn’t subjugate their empire anymore than the Romans.

I don’t have a strong anti-American bias, truth is you guys often don’t know much about history and think in black and white propaganda terms. Do you really believe your governemnt gives a damn about freedom in Syria, Iran,Iraq, Russia etc!?

Tell me where I said something that was grounded in “Anti-americanism” and not facts.Nonetheless, I’ll always try to account for this (since I guess, you’d be right in some sense).

I could say the same about you guys (a question- is this too informal, you guys!?): Despite the fact that Europe does overwhelmingly well in science and the financial crisis, like all these crisises before, came from the USA many of you are still extremely arrogant towards us (Euro-trash, Euro-crisis, Old-continent etc).Maybe you are anti-european!?

Ps: The Germanic people may have been tribal, but that doesn’t make them French.It’s not as if I’m jealous not or sth, I’d rather live today as German than as a Greek or Italian person.Of course, they can dwell in their glorious past (ever spoken to a Greek person). ;)

Pps: Alexander was “Greek.”So I disagree.

]]> By: DougW http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-51097 DougW Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:04:55 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-51097 Wow, everyone on this chain is so missing the point. The purpose of this site was, I thought, to promote interest in a particular slice of science. It has done a wonderful job of that. Getting into politics is fine, as long as it is from a scientific point of view, i.e. how polling impacts elections, what are the trends that have shifted the voting population, etc. But getting into economic predictions based upon the outcome of an election is just plain stupid. Ask your self this. Which is more complex, the game of poker, or the economy of the world? I'm guessing you answered the economy. Now, If you want to scientifically look at poker, you can do that. But the moment you say "John should hold the two jacks he was dealt. if he does so he will win this hand", you have moved from being a scientist to be an idiot. The science of poker, and the science of the economy, are both based upon equations that feature both probability and the reactions of other intelligent agents (who are NOT in your control!) as significant features in the outcome. When someone who is considered a serious and significant figure in the world of science starts to drift off into making predictions of systems like the economy based upon 'hunches' or 'guesses' (and get real, no one knows exactly what the compromise on the fiscal cliff will actually be, they're just guessing), they are doing a huge disservice to their position in the world of science. Wow, everyone on this chain is so missing the point. The purpose of this site was, I thought, to promote interest in a particular slice of science. It has done a wonderful job of that. Getting into politics is fine, as long as it is from a scientific point of view, i.e. how polling impacts elections, what are the trends that have shifted the voting population, etc. But getting into economic predictions based upon the outcome of an election is just plain stupid. Ask your self this. Which is more complex, the game of poker, or the economy of the world? I’m guessing you answered the economy. Now, If you want to scientifically look at poker, you can do that. But the moment you say “John should hold the two jacks he was dealt. if he does so he will win this hand”, you have moved from being a scientist to be an idiot. The science of poker, and the science of the economy, are both based upon equations that feature both probability and the reactions of other intelligent agents (who are NOT in your control!) as significant features in the outcome. When someone who is considered a serious and significant figure in the world of science starts to drift off into making predictions of systems like the economy based upon ‘hunches’ or ‘guesses’ (and get real, no one knows exactly what the compromise on the fiscal cliff will actually be, they’re just guessing), they are doing a huge disservice to their position in the world of science.

]]> By: Bri http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-51088 Bri Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:23:26 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-51088 @Mr.X: you have a very backward view of the war of 1812. The British instigated it with there naval blockade of trade between the North American continent and France. The US thought that the Canadians would want freedom from British rule. It was British at the time and they were fighting the French. Quebec still speaks French. There wasn't a lot of effort to colonize Canada, it was ment to liberate them. Britain made a successful naval blockade during the conflict, but didn't always win in battle. They never kicked our butts, but they did rule the seas. You seem to have a strong anti American bias in many of your posts. I think it clouds your opinion of us. In reference to freedom. During our revolution we adopted many French attitudes in terms of liberty, or freedom. Unfortunately many have eroded. As for empires there were many. The Persian, Chinese, Indian, are but a few. Alexander formed the basis that later became the Roman Empire. I would still call them the definitive empire, but all empires fade with time. Their system of governance was it's defining point. The others tended to coalese and subjugate. Roman turned there holdings into an Effiecient machine, where all roads lead to Roman. As to the Germanic people at that time, one can only describe them as tribal. @Mr.X: you have a very backward view of the war of 1812. The British instigated it with there naval blockade of trade between the North American continent and France. The US thought that the Canadians would want freedom from British rule. It was British at the time and they were fighting the French. Quebec still speaks French. There wasn’t a lot of effort to colonize Canada, it was ment to liberate them. Britain made a successful naval blockade during the conflict, but didn’t always win in battle. They never kicked our butts, but they did rule the seas. You seem to have a strong anti American bias in many of your posts. I think it clouds your opinion of us. In reference to freedom. During our revolution we adopted many French attitudes in terms of liberty, or freedom. Unfortunately many have eroded. As for empires there were many. The Persian, Chinese, Indian, are but a few. Alexander formed the basis that later became the Roman Empire. I would still call them the definitive empire, but all empires fade with time. Their system of governance was it’s defining point. The others tended to coalese and subjugate. Roman turned there holdings into an Effiecient machine, where all roads lead to Roman. As to the Germanic people at that time, one can only describe them as tribal.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-51019 Mr.X Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:11:32 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-51019 Well, remember the time British Canada conquered the USA after being attacked without any reason but their peacefulness? So much for being picky. The south Germans were no Gaulish tribes.Or do you have a source for this claim? Rome defined was it means to be an empire: Western-centric, what about China or Indian kingdoms!? I guess I wasn't being picky, else I had written your tour was besides the point, since you only talked about "the ancients" but did not show how your modern institutions are the same as theirs;) My main point was, that the ancients never had anything we living today would accept as being democratic.Therefore, our institutions evolved, given that we all seem to presume to be in possession of freedom, to some degree.Else we wouldn't feel the need to attribute it to someone else because we, for example, romanticize the Romans;) You wrote: Directly inherited.Later you say: Through the enlightenment period that admired... Do you know this "telephone game"!?This kind of direct inheritance? "Freedom of speech is one of the best example why America is a great country": I know no developed country where you don't have at least as much freedom of speech as you guys.I know many if which you can say and do much more, e.g the scandinavian countries. For example:In the USA you can get sued for everything.You have to use political correctness.I mean, read modern American books: A person becomes a "she", regardless of gender.Or you have to use the plural- instead of he, which was the historical choice and just so happens to be much shorter.Someone who is retarded becomes differently abled (implicating other skills). Now you may say, you don't have to use these expressions, if you are willing to take the flak.But, I don't see any difference between the USA and other countries concerning this (in fact, we have less "subvented" euphemisms in Europe, ). Anyway: What I really wanted to ask- how do you think new /evolved institutions should look? You hinted at a global hive, I don't think redirecting our/your/anyones institutations towards "interconnectedness" is a good idea at the moment.A democracy needs a demos, the forming of which would need some time. Ps: "In total, 7,225,800 adults were under correctional supervision (probation, parole, jail, or prison) in 2009 — about 3.1% of adults in the U.S. resident population. In addition, there were 70,792 juveniles in juvenile detention in 2010." How does this relate to your idea of freedom? Well, remember the time British Canada conquered the USA after being attacked without any reason but their peacefulness? So much for being picky.

The south Germans were no Gaulish tribes.Or do you have a source for this claim?

Rome defined was it means to be an empire: Western-centric, what about China or Indian kingdoms!?

I guess I wasn’t being picky, else I had written your tour was besides the point, since you only talked about “the ancients” but did not show how your modern institutions are the same as theirs;)

My main point was, that the ancients never had anything we living today would accept as being democratic.Therefore, our institutions evolved, given that we all seem to presume to be in possession of freedom, to some degree.Else we wouldn’t feel the need to attribute it to someone else because we, for example, romanticize the Romans;)

You wrote: Directly inherited.Later you say: Through the enlightenment period that admired…

Do you know this “telephone game”!?This kind of direct inheritance?

“Freedom of speech is one of the best example why America is a great country”:

I know no developed country where you don’t have at least as much freedom of speech as you guys.I know many if which you can say and do much more, e.g the scandinavian countries.

For example:In the USA you can get sued for everything.You have to use political correctness.I mean, read modern American books: A person becomes a “she”, regardless of gender.Or you have to use the plural- instead of he, which was the historical choice and just so happens to be much shorter.Someone who is retarded becomes differently abled (implicating other skills).

Now you may say, you don’t have to use these expressions, if you are willing to take the flak.But, I don’t see any difference between the USA and other countries concerning this (in fact, we have less “subvented” euphemisms in Europe, ).

Anyway: What I really wanted to ask- how do you think new /evolved institutions should look?

You hinted at a global hive, I don’t think redirecting our/your/anyones institutations towards “interconnectedness” is a good idea at the moment.A democracy needs a demos, the forming of which would need some time.

Ps: “In total, 7,225,800 adults were under correctional supervision (probation, parole, jail, or prison) in 2009 — about 3.1% of adults in the U.S. resident population.

In addition, there were 70,792 juveniles in juvenile detention in 2010.”

How does this relate to your idea of freedom?

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50964 Mr.X Fri, 09 Nov 2012 04:59:46 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50964 @Marcos: Well.You have a spine!?Now add the brain. @Marcos: Well.You have a spine!?Now add the brain.

]]> By: melajara http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50792 melajara Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:44:48 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50792 "the Roman empire never conquered Germany". Of course, Germany is a modern country ;-) I should have said Rome conquered part of the Gaulish tribes calling themselves Germans and the actual territory seized was sealed by the limes or Hadrian's Wall, but, hey, Mr picky, this was just a Grand Tour of a few paragraphs, LOL My main point was to emphasize how little the main political institutions evolved in comparison with science and technology. In a fully interconnected and interdependent world this hiatus soon enough will be unbearable. Hence, those institutions have to radically evolve ASAP, but, anyway, they will be wiped out with the Singularity ;-) “the Roman empire never conquered Germany”. Of course, Germany is a modern country ;-)

I should have said Rome conquered part of the Gaulish tribes calling themselves Germans and the actual territory seized was sealed by the limes or Hadrian’s Wall, but, hey, Mr picky, this was just a Grand Tour of a few paragraphs, LOL

My main point was to emphasize how little the main political institutions evolved in comparison with science and technology. In a fully interconnected and interdependent world this hiatus soon enough will be unbearable.

Hence, those institutions have to radically evolve ASAP, but, anyway, they will be wiped out with the Singularity ;-)

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50784 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:25:12 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50784 "Google it up." Yeah.Fine.And you want to give grammar lessons!? Come on, why don't you tell me where you are from? Ps: Which book did you allegedly write? “Google it up.”

Yeah.Fine.And you want to give grammar lessons!?

Come on, why don’t you tell me where you are from?

Ps: Which book did you allegedly write?

]]> By: Marcos Marin http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50782 Marcos Marin Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:23:19 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50782 Google it up. So you do miss a spine... all makes sense now. Google it up.

So you do miss a spine… all makes sense now.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50747 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:36:15 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50747 @Marcos: Grow a spine? You know, maybe you want to tell me which book you allegedly wrote.Btw: Arguing on the internet has not much to do with having a spine. Besides, about googling: Why should I make it easy for lazy idiots like you? Ps:Where are you from? @Marcos: Grow a spine? You know, maybe you want to tell me which book you allegedly wrote.Btw: Arguing on the internet has not much to do with having a spine.

Besides, about googling: Why should I make it easy for lazy idiots like you?

Ps:Where are you from?

]]> By: GAUSS http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50694 GAUSS Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:06:30 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50694 That's what I was thinking, but of course needed to clarify. That’s what I was thinking, but of course needed to clarify.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50686 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:50:03 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50686 @ Daniel: "4. The virulent policies of Islam, the UN and the EU will find the vacuum and take full advantage of it for growing a pestilence that will march across this planet leaving death and destruction in it’s wake like nothing we have seen before." The UN and EU? What did we do? @ Daniel:
“4. The virulent policies of Islam, the UN and the EU will find the vacuum and take full advantage of it for growing a pestilence that will march across this planet leaving death and destruction in it’s wake like nothing we have seen before.”

The UN and EU? What did we do?

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50674 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:11:52 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50674 * must.Their. Somewhat ironic:) * must.Their. Somewhat ironic:)

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50672 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:09:39 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50672 Thanks for your detailed answer, but I most correct you in one thing - the Roman empire never conquered Germany, and most of central Europe escaped their conquest. Rhetors: Don't forget sophists.We have some here, it seems. Executive, legislative, judicative: Funny enough, we learned this at school, although my country doesn't take it too seriously. I agree with your sentiment about the cleverness of people.There skill in mnemonics, rhetorics etc were much higher, due to the technological level at that time making such skills valuable. Anyway, I was hinting at the fact that these ancient governments are not exactly what we would call democracy.No vote for women, young people(!?), those who have to work and can't afford to stop for some days, "forigners", etc. Thanks for your answer, and have a nice day:) Ps: Concerning obama- I always thought about it like I think about a bus with a given route, the driver may change, the course (overall) not. Thanks for your detailed answer, but I most correct you in one thing – the Roman empire never conquered Germany, and most of central Europe escaped their conquest.

Rhetors: Don’t forget sophists.We have some here, it seems.

Executive, legislative, judicative: Funny enough, we learned this at school, although my country doesn’t take it too seriously.

I agree with your sentiment about the cleverness of people.There skill in mnemonics, rhetorics etc were much higher, due to the technological level at that time making such skills valuable.

Anyway, I was hinting at the fact that these ancient governments are not exactly what we would call democracy.No vote for women, young people(!?), those who have to work and can’t afford to stop for some days, “forigners”, etc.

Thanks for your answer, and have a nice day:)

Ps: Concerning obama- I always thought about it like I think about a bus with a given route, the driver may change, the course (overall) not.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50666 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:00:30 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50666 @Bri: Thanks for you answer.From the outside it looks as if your state uses moralizing to get the people behind its "realpolitik." "One statement that really bears this out is,” I may disagree with what you say, but I will give my life, for the right for you to say it”." This statement was made by a freedom loving (^^) Frenchman (Voltaire).I agree with you.Although I think an effort should be made to keep things civil. In the end we are all biased.Not living someplace colors the perception at least as much. I bet many right-wingers won't agree with your culture comment (these guys are everywhere, no specific critic intended). Thank you for your honest answer. @Bri:
Thanks for you answer.From the outside it looks as if your state uses moralizing to get the people behind its “realpolitik.”

“One statement that really bears this out is,” I may disagree with what you say, but I will give my life, for the right for you to say it”.”

This statement was made by a freedom loving (^^) Frenchman (Voltaire).I agree with you.Although I think an effort should be made to keep things civil.

In the end we are all biased.Not living someplace colors the perception at least as much.

I bet many right-wingers won’t agree with your culture comment (these guys are everywhere, no specific critic intended).

Thank you for your honest answer.

]]> By: Marcos Marin http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50660 Marcos Marin Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:45:46 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50660 "Google this, look up that"... when are you going to start talking for yourself? Grow a spine, you dont even have a "butt" apparently. “Google this, look up that”… when are you going to start talking for yourself? Grow a spine, you dont even have a “butt” apparently.

]]> By: Singbe http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50633 Singbe Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:06:26 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50633 It's pure propaganda, based on fear in order to manipulate voters. Republicans have used fear of others ( blacks, women, gays, Muslims, and now I guess Chinese) in order to scare their base. http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2007/12/15/the-roots-of-fear.html 1. Amara, are these Ray's views as well? He hired you to be his voice on this website. 2. Ray, as a fellow Jew I am offended. Using your website to promote propaganda against a certain race is offensive. 3. Political thought based on coherent thought is needed to further discussion. This video does not do this and diminishes the singularity theory. Is the singularity theory based on an emotional argument , or science. It’s pure propaganda, based on fear in order to manipulate voters. Republicans have used fear of others ( blacks, women, gays, Muslims, and now I guess Chinese) in order to scare their base.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2007/12/15/the-roots-of-fear.html

1. Amara, are these Ray’s views as well? He hired you to be his voice on this website.

2. Ray, as a fellow Jew I am offended. Using your website to promote propaganda against a certain race is offensive.

3. Political thought based on coherent thought is needed to further discussion. This video does not do this and diminishes the singularity theory. Is the singularity theory based on an emotional argument , or science.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50603 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:39:44 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50603 @Marcos: Well.I never saw you giving any information besides your claims. @Marcos: Well.I never saw you giving any information besides your claims.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50601 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:38:56 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50601 @Iterator: Ok, quote me using just rhetorics (completly, not single sentences).I bet you'll see that I didn't do what you claim. If you can't back your claim up, you just did what you are accusing me of. @Iterator: Ok, quote me using just rhetorics (completly, not single sentences).I bet you’ll see that I didn’t do what you claim.

If you can’t back your claim up, you just did what you are accusing me of.

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50587 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:26:30 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50587 @Marcos: Well, you mistake me for someone else. Google the word fact.All these butthurt pple here^^ @Marcos: Well, you mistake me for someone else.

Google the word fact.All these butthurt pple here^^

]]> By: Marcos Marin http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50574 Marcos Marin Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:11:41 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50574 Can you believe it? "It seems your mind needs some iteration." And he would call that a fact =) hahaha Carry on, Mr.X.. caaaaarry on... Can you believe it?

“It seems your mind needs some iteration.”

And he would call that a fact =) hahaha

Carry on, Mr.X.. caaaaarry on…

]]> By: Marcos Marin http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50572 Marcos Marin Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:07:35 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50572 hehe, exactly! See Mr.X, you are starting to make yourself too obvious! hehehe hehe, exactly!

See Mr.X, you are starting to make yourself too obvious! hehehe

]]> By: Amit http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50534 Amit Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:01:20 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50534 To, The Editor, Why should / did you apologize? I do not see anything wrong with putting up political posts once in a while. Everything, including science and technology, has a political aspect to it; economics does so, too. Anyone who has a problem with the posts should not read them. That said, I do think that the quality of the content posted by you was mediocre, at best. Maybe, you could work on improving the quality, thereof? Also, I do not see how making snide remarks at the teeth of Chinese students helps us in any way. A strategy best avoided. To,
The Editor,
Why should / did you apologize? I do not see anything wrong with putting up political posts once in a while. Everything, including science and technology, has a political aspect to it; economics does so, too. Anyone who has a problem with the posts should not read them.
That said, I do think that the quality of the content posted by you was mediocre, at best. Maybe, you could work on improving the quality, thereof? Also, I do not see how making snide remarks at the teeth of Chinese students helps us in any way. A strategy best avoided.

]]> By: iterator http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50524 iterator Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:36:09 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50524 Oh.... there is the emphasis and reiteration. Carry on. Oh…. there is the emphasis and reiteration.

Carry on.

]]> By: iterator http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50522 iterator Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:34:46 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50522 Sadly, I felt like feeding a troll, yesterday, Mr. X. I am amazingly impressed you linked any useful information whatsoever, usually you snipe with your own strawman after strawman. Thank you for actually supporting your rhetoric with something more than emphasis and reiteration. Sadly, I felt like feeding a troll, yesterday, Mr. X. I am amazingly impressed you linked any useful information whatsoever, usually you snipe with your own strawman after strawman. Thank you for actually supporting your rhetoric with something more than emphasis and reiteration.

]]> By: Marcos Marin http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50494 Marcos Marin Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:37:54 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50494 hehehehehe hehehehehe

]]> By: Mr.X http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50475 Mr.X Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:59:20 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50475 @Bri: I think surpressing is such a typical western notion (when applied to oneself).Reminds me of the 19th century, stiff upper lips etc and the hailing of willpower.Instead of forcing it, one should logically line out why he wants to perceive the truth, learn about biases, and then just notice, accept without judgement when he fell prey to a bias.Of course, after accepting comes correcting.After a while, this becomes automatic (at least concerning unwanted feelings). These biases aren't necessarely you, and can partly be dissolved (those that are nurture) this way.Others (like the planning fallacy) can be overcome by heuristics or algorithms (depending on the complexity of the task involved).I guess one could get a lot of mileage out of this, without having to strain so much. Have a nice day. @Bri: I think surpressing is such a typical western notion (when applied to oneself).Reminds me of the 19th century, stiff upper lips etc and the hailing of willpower.Instead of forcing it, one should logically line out why he wants to perceive the truth, learn about biases, and then just notice, accept without judgement when he fell prey to a bias.Of course, after accepting comes correcting.After a while, this becomes automatic (at least concerning unwanted feelings).

These biases aren’t necessarely you, and can partly be dissolved (those that are nurture) this way.Others (like the planning fallacy) can be overcome by heuristics or algorithms (depending on the complexity of the task involved).I guess one could get a lot of mileage out of this, without having to strain so much.

Have a nice day.

]]> By: Bri http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50469 Bri Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:43:46 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50469 Truth is factually based. This to is interpreted. Look at the supreme court. It tries to see things on a factual bases, but is still biases toward affiliations. It's a constant struggle to perceive the truth, but it should be taken by everyone. The best way to be balanced is to try and see the other perspectives and understand them. To do that well you need to suppress your own biases. You have to posit that you might be wrong, and accept that the other opinions are hinged on something. Truth is factually based. This to is interpreted. Look at the supreme court. It tries to see things on a factual bases, but is still biases toward affiliations. It’s a constant struggle to perceive the truth, but it should be taken by everyone. The best way to be balanced is to try and see the other perspectives and understand them. To do that well you need to suppress your own biases. You have to posit that you might be wrong, and accept that the other opinions are hinged on something.

]]> By: Sea Bass http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50455 Sea Bass Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:27:09 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50455 Wrong. Film is spot on accurate as to the causes of our economiic downfall. But like the rest of the sheeple, you quibble and argue while the truth passes over your head. Don't you get! Some here do! Follow the money. This is bigger than left or right. The past 3 elections were all just smoke screens. It's all about the money. Look at who gets paid, bailed out, subsidized, receives bonuses for failed business, funds re-election campaigns. Meanwhile our debt sky rockets and the presidents' financial advisors and secretary treasurers make millions. Big banks give said officials reduced finance rates... Wake up America. Every issue is secondary to money. Science and technology are nothing without money. Forget taxing the rich or poor, I say we tax the politicians, lobbyists, Harvard financial advisors, banksters, Wall Street. Wrong. Film is spot on accurate as to the causes of our economiic downfall. But like the rest of the sheeple, you quibble and argue while the truth passes over your head.

Don’t you get! Some here do! Follow the money. This is bigger than left or right. The past 3 elections were all just smoke screens.

It’s all about the money. Look at who gets paid, bailed out, subsidized, receives bonuses for failed business, funds re-election campaigns.

Meanwhile our debt sky rockets and the presidents’ financial advisors and secretary treasurers make millions. Big banks give said officials reduced finance rates…

Wake up America. Every issue is secondary to money. Science and technology are nothing without money.

Forget taxing the rich or poor, I say we tax the politicians, lobbyists, Harvard financial advisors, banksters, Wall Street.

]]> By: Ian http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50384 Ian Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:55:33 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50384 Yeah, liberals have a brain, conservatives don't LOL! Yeah, liberals have a brain, conservatives don’t LOL!

]]> By: someday69 http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50348 someday69 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:17:08 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50348 because of our best''and our worst come out,,,it's really hard...to see any TRUTH,,,because it's all tanted with Emotion's..... because of our best”and our worst come out,,,it’s really hard…to see any TRUTH,,,because it’s all tanted with Emotion’s…..

]]> By: RB http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50319 RB Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:45:05 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50319 I remember reading recently that liberals and conservatives have different brain structures. Could it be that we need both extremes in order to find the middle? http://2012election.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004818 I remember reading recently that liberals and conservatives have different brain structures. Could it be that we need both extremes in order to find the middle?

http://2012election.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004818

]]> By: RB http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50315 RB Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:32:51 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50315 Any American using the words "Marxist" or "socialist" should throw up automatic red flags for thinking people, as most of the people using those words these days have no idea what they mean. They're simply catch-all "bad words" designed to scare the "patriots" and "free thinkers". Tragically, the irony is lost on them. Calling Obama a socialist or a Marxist is offensive to socialists and Marxists. WRT the original issue, personally, I prefer science and tech to be politics-free, because science is about objective analysis and exploration, and politics is anything but. Any American using the words “Marxist” or “socialist” should throw up automatic red flags for thinking people, as most of the people using those words these days have no idea what they mean. They’re simply catch-all “bad words” designed to scare the “patriots” and “free thinkers”.

Tragically, the irony is lost on them.

Calling Obama a socialist or a Marxist is offensive to socialists and Marxists.

WRT the original issue, personally, I prefer science and tech to be politics-free, because science is about objective analysis and exploration, and politics is anything but.

]]> By: RB http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50313 RB Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:25:04 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50313 Daniel, thank you for regurgitating long-dead paranoid ideas from Fox and Friends. We look forward to hearing your thoughts when you decide to have some of your own. Daniel, thank you for regurgitating long-dead paranoid ideas from Fox and Friends. We look forward to hearing your thoughts when you decide to have some of your own.

]]> By: RB http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50311 RB Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:16:23 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50311 Tony is likely referring to the Montana ballot measure that says corporations are not people. Tony is likely referring to the Montana ballot measure that says corporations are not people.

]]> By: Tame http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50303 Tame Thu, 08 Nov 2012 04:56:45 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50303 Many (most?) people who are interested in the singularity and related issues come from a libertarian (liberal for non-americans like me) perspective and so come to expect the occasional political post on sites like this. Many (most?) people who are interested in the singularity and related issues come from a libertarian (liberal for non-americans like me) perspective and so come to expect the occasional political post on sites like this.

]]> By: Gabriel http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50285 Gabriel Thu, 08 Nov 2012 04:02:53 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50285 I'm a little disappointed that the political posts were deleted -- on a website like this that delves into the technological singularity, politics are intertwined....politics is something we simply cannot get away from, no matter how much we feel we want too -- it's just too important. I can understand hoping to come to a website like this where we can only hear about the wonderful exponentially growing technologies, politics will play a key role in especially our ability to actually take advantage of them. That being said, on principle, while I can understand the disinterest in seeing anything that isn't purely science-related on this website, you have to remember that the ramifications of all these advances will affect everything....and yes, that especially includes politics -- so if anything, I imagine the political articles will keep on coming faster. I’m a little disappointed that the political posts were deleted — on a website like this that delves into the technological singularity, politics are intertwined….politics is something we simply cannot get away from, no matter how much we feel we want too — it’s just too important. I can understand hoping to come to a website like this where we can only hear about the wonderful exponentially growing technologies, politics will play a key role in especially our ability to actually take advantage of them.

That being said, on principle, while I can understand the disinterest in seeing anything that isn’t purely science-related on this website, you have to remember that the ramifications of all these advances will affect everything….and yes, that especially includes politics — so if anything, I imagine the political articles will keep on coming faster.

]]> By: Editor http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50256 Editor Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:33:40 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50256 >The film and response by James Fallows are both legitimate IF PRESENTED TOGETHER. Right >The film and response by James Fallows are both legitimate IF PRESENTED TOGETHER.

Right

]]> By: Dwee http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50254 Dwee Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:29:44 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50254 Arabs hate Persians, Jews, Negros, Chinese and Christians. One version of Muslim hates another version of Muslim. Liberals hate Conservatives. Vegetarians think they are superior to carnivores. You could go on for days like this. Only hope for humans is A.I. Humans are the robots that must be controlled. Arabs hate Persians, Jews, Negros, Chinese and Christians. One version of Muslim hates another version of Muslim. Liberals hate Conservatives. Vegetarians think they are superior to carnivores. You could go on for days like this. Only hope for humans is A.I. Humans are the robots that must be controlled.

]]> By: Dwee http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50245 Dwee Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:19:38 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50245 Amen brother. Amen brother.

]]> By: Boldar http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50224 Boldar Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:43:31 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50224 There's really no need to even mention a political affiliation here. They are all pretty much one in the same when they receive so much of their campaign money from large megacorps. The 2 party system is killing us by dividing us to be conqured. It would be better to uncouple traditional views into multiple platforms to give us real choices. There’s really no need to even mention a political affiliation here. They are all pretty much one in the same when they receive so much of their campaign money from large megacorps. The 2 party system is killing us by dividing us to be conqured. It would be better to uncouple traditional views into multiple platforms to give us real choices.

]]> By: klaatu http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50210 klaatu Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:46:51 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50210 Let me put it more coherently... anyone who agrees with the message of the film is exactly the kind of person it was made for. Someone who can be manipulated easily. Google "right wing commenters wanted" & see the ads that were put on Craigs list last year & see the "qualifications". It will give you a laugh. This is the kind of thing you risk attracting Let me put it more coherently…
anyone who agrees with the message of the film is
exactly the kind of person it was made for. Someone
who can be manipulated easily.

Google “right wing commenters wanted” & see the ads
that were put on Craigs list last year & see the “qualifications”.
It will give you a laugh.
This is the kind of thing you risk attracting

]]> By: GAUSS http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50209 GAUSS Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:46:27 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50209 What step was that? (I'm from Montana). What step was that? (I’m from Montana).

]]> By: de Broglie http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50205 de Broglie Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:28:53 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50205 Daniel, very well stated. I agree with your analysis. People want a stronger more powerful government to be involved in their lives from cradle to grave. Obama is openly against the Constitution as it stands. Indeed, if the Supreme Courst becomes more libera,l they will likely overturn Ricci v. DeStefano. Daniel, very well stated. I agree with your analysis. People want a stronger more powerful government to be involved in their lives from cradle to grave. Obama is openly against the Constitution as it stands. Indeed, if the Supreme Courst becomes more libera,l they will likely overturn Ricci v. DeStefano.

]]> By: klaatu http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50204 klaatu Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:23:51 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50204 The film and response by James Fallows are both legitimate IF PRESENTED TOGETHER. Fallows shows the film for what it is, a obvious piece of propaganda typical of an Andrew Breitbart. All the things attributed to the downfall of the US have been used successfully by the Chinese. If this were a Fox "News" forum that last would be evidence of self incrimination. Hahha, precisely...these are the methods of Marxists & Chicoms which you favor & blah blah blah circular non-reason. Chris Hedges has a liberal black & white purity problem & writes like a right wing plant intent on embarrassing the present day left. present day liberals. IOW, half the time he's an embarrassment and not b/c he was driven self immolation The film and response by James Fallows are both legitimate
IF PRESENTED TOGETHER. Fallows shows the film
for what it is, a obvious piece of propaganda typical of
an Andrew Breitbart. All the things attributed to the downfall of the US have been used successfully by the Chinese. If this were a Fox “News”
forum that last would be evidence of self incrimination.
Hahha, precisely…these are the methods of Marxists &
Chicoms which you favor & blah blah blah circular
non-reason. Chris Hedges has a liberal black & white purity problem
& writes like a right wing plant intent on embarrassing the present day left.
present day liberals. IOW, half the time he’s an embarrassment
and not b/c he was driven self immolation

]]> By: grettir76 http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50198 grettir76 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:58:35 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50198 There are nice forums on this site where all kinds of people are talking about politics and various other subjects. Personally I come to the front page for science/tech/future trends(related to tech) news as this is one of the better sites on this area however I have no interest to see what the editor or any ofther of kurzweilai staff thinks about politics, trying to mix tech with politics will divide your reader base in my opinion. Its not about being offended, its more about being annoyed. Btw John Galt is dead and buried in a mass grave along with other extremes such as fascism, nazis, communists and other extreme ideoligies. There are nice forums on this site where all kinds of people are talking about politics and various other subjects.

Personally I come to the front page for science/tech/future trends(related to tech) news as this is one of the better sites on this area however I have no interest to see what the editor or any ofther of kurzweilai staff thinks about politics, trying to mix tech with politics will divide your reader base in my opinion.

Its not about being offended, its more about being annoyed.

Btw John Galt is dead and buried in a mass grave along with other extremes such as fascism, nazis, communists and other extreme ideoligies.

]]> By: Gorden Russell http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50197 Gorden Russell Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:55:25 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50197 Right, harmil22, "political ideology [has] invaded and infected scientific research" since the dark ages. Remember when the Grand Inquisitor took Galileo down to the dungeon to show him the tools of the torturer? It was all religious politics. Only a few remember the names of those who threatened Galileo. Most of today's educated people know of Galileo. Right, harmil22, “political ideology [has] invaded and infected scientific research” since the dark ages. Remember when the Grand Inquisitor took Galileo down to the dungeon to show him the tools of the torturer? It was all religious politics. Only a few remember the names of those who threatened Galileo. Most of today’s educated people know of Galileo.

]]> By: Bob Vasquez http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50196 Bob Vasquez Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:54:43 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50196 I relish serious discussions on public policy and comparative religion, however, on this site I would like to see their connection with science and technology. For example, which public policies are hindering or assisting in furthering some beneficial or non-beneficial sci/tech; and, how does religion play into this drama? I, too, would just skip over someone's general political views that do not make the connection. I relish serious discussions on public policy and comparative religion, however, on this site I would like to see their connection with science and technology. For example, which public policies are hindering or assisting in furthering some beneficial or non-beneficial sci/tech; and, how does religion play into this drama? I, too, would just skip over someone’s general political views that do not make the connection.

]]> By: Marcos Marin http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50185 Marcos Marin Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:34:27 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50185 Do you remember what you said to me when I said you were not ready for the singularity? Do you remember what you said to me when I said you were not ready for the singularity?

]]> By: K. Bernzott http://www.kurzweilai.net/political-posts/comment-page-1#comment-50180 K. Bernzott Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:14:14 +0000 http://www.kurzweilai.net/?p=170069#comment-50180 Why did you feel obligated to censor yourself? Why did you feel obligated to censor yourself?

]]>