Will, your current video "Quick Morning Rant: Chinese VS American Solar Products"

[Here for the boos]

Yup. Thats the communist way. Everyone is miserable. Why do people that think like you always want to break things up into "small groups" so you can pit them against each other, while at the same time whining about "equality"?

We are all Human. We are all Children of the world. Some succeed, some do not. The idle have no money, unless its yours. If you want equality, give all your shit away to the poor, and live like Mother Teressa. Then I will respect you.

Wow you completely missed the whole point. That's the communist way? LOL Just call everything you don't like or understand communist or socialist and that shuts down the argument right there right? You won! You shoulda done that way before this and saved us all a lot of time.

You at best have absolutely no idea the definition of communism you're now trying to throw around, or at worst just doing it in bad faith because you can't argue anything else so you're hoping people just see the word communist and agree with you. Where in all my comments did I mention I was hoping for the State to seize all means of production?

Why does striving for equality of opportunity mean I have to give all my stuff away? That makes no sense.

EDIT: Ok I'm done too @Sanwizard, I'm glad we have the freedom to debate this all publicly too. Have a good night.

 

[Pyrofx]

I'm a Jarhead. Semper Gumby

 

[SolarRat]

I just watched the video, and I laughed my ass off! Not because it was funny, but because it was so true...and because I always thought Will was a Liberal. It's good to know he's smarter than that .

I'm going to go back and try and read the 8 pages of this thread. In the mean time, thank you guys for your service! You allow us to bicker like children and fools on the internet!

 

[curiouscarbon]

Literal terrorist sentiment has been expressed in this thread, and I'm in the process of saving all the threads I've participated in so that I can log off and find a healthier online space to discuss solar stuff.

Have a great day everyone!

Hate can be harnessed very easily. Lol.

 

[CaseyB]

Literal terrorist sentiment has been expressed in this thread, and I'm in the process of saving all the threads I've participated in so that I can log off and find a healthier online space to discuss solar stuff.

Have a great day everyone!

Hate can be harnessed very easily. Lol.

Whoa..I’ve seen a rigorous debate of opposing views on what is causing societal/economic decline in this and other countries, but “literal terrorist sentiment” ?!?. Really? “Hate” ?!? Really?!?
And to think it all started with a short heartfelt video about individuals taking responsibility for themselves, and not waiting for someone/something else to do it for you.
Maybe @curiouscarbon you could point out exactly what you consider hate/terrorist dialogue before you bail on the most helpful solar info repository on the intertubes.

 

[Wibla]

“literal terrorist sentiment” ?!?. Really? “Hate” ?!? Really?!?

Go look at the post Sanwizard made a few pages back?

 

[CaseyB]

Go look at the post Sanwizard made a few pages back?

Ok I reviewed Sanwizard’s posts, and all I saw were some opinions expressed.
I realize that a significant portion of the population considers doubleplus ungood badthink a crime, but we still have the 1st Amendment.. sort of. I found nothing about hate or terrorism.

 

[svetz]

Alternate thoughts on UBI

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Why does striving for equality of opportunity mean I have to give all my stuff away? That makes no sense.

EDIT: glad we have the freedom to debate this

equality of opportunity is the summated premise of the Declaration of Independence.
The 16th and 17th thinkers that articulated in plain common language a melding of intellectual discourse and the common man’s advancing yet banal understanding of economic and religious freedom laid the foundation this document was built from.

What your have been describing is an imposed limitation upon those more successful in ‘x’ pursuit to somehow provide an income level for those with no skin in the game - and perhaps not the same skills and work ethic- to profit (achieve a return) at a level that exceeds what their risk or commitment would indicate is likely.

That isn’t equality of opportunity: that’s (to use current discourse terminology) a form of wealth redistribution. An effort to achieve equality of outcome.

One of Thomas Sowell’s books covers I think 600? years of cultural economic history that sums it up well: the adaptive and strong work ethic populations surpass their circumstances when opportunity exists. There’s data from post 1860s that reflects that promotion among the black population (I’m not denying other aspects- negatives for sure didn’t exist at the same time; merely showing that even in post slavery America, once opportunity presented, the newly freed black Americans exceeded their circumstances in spite of a bigoted culture that existed in some regions) and all America began to benefit culturally, spiritually, and economically from this previously not free population.

That is burgeoning equality of opportunity.

Equalizing the playing field as you describe:

An equal start absolutely doesn't guarantee an equal outcome. Agreed. That's nature. That's out of our control. What we can control is we can try and equalize the playing field as much as possible. That's 100% in our control.

isn’t equalizing the playing field. It is propping up players at the outset, while penalizing others as the game progresses and everyone’s success is diminished. The top players then go elsewhere to play (mass exodus of California is a current, narrow minded example)

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Alternate thoughts on UBI

I would like to hear a good unbiased discourse on these ideas. And a strong, sound intellectual presentation from both pro and con.

The views offered in the video have a predisposition that puts a diode in line with the logic. The dopamine aspects, the fight/flight natural behaviors of the bulk of mankind, and the dichotomy of the value of work indicate humans are fulfilled in ‘struggle’ and overcoming which the video doesn’t even gloss over: it never mentions this at all. (Other than a single sentence acknowledging game theory, maybe)

I’m no sociologist but from the pandemic? More than half of my local population didn’t go about to find meaning or fulfillment while being shut down. They found ways to buy take out, but by and large they stayed home and (euphemistically) “watched TV.”

Which indicates to me they wouldn’t go find jobs harshtag/notasociologist

 

[svetz]

...Which indicates to me they wouldn’t go find jobs harshtag/notasociologist...

The nice thing about the experimental programs is they have decades of data on it to know what percentage wouldn't go find jobs and how well it works/hurts.

 

[Sonshine]

Good on you, Will! Speaking the truth, calmly, is not a rant though... it's a service.

And, you're absolutely right, social "science" degrees are useless -- if not outright harmful to society. The only thing worse than believing that garbage is an "education" is running up a big tab on the gubmint to pay the Marxist college that gave it to you... and then expecting those of us who work for a living to bail you out of the hundred thousand plus dollar debt YOU willingly incurred.

 

[WoodsieLord]

I just saw the video and I wanted to say what I think.

Will, you're a surgeon. You have the ability to dissect a subject with presicion to mitigate political debate without censuring yourself.

1: What I LOVE about this forum is that everyone can speak out. Rules must be respected, of course. But everyone can say what they think as long as they remain respectful. This should be the common thing, alas it's not.

2: gobally, we're living weird times where brands, businesses and celebrities try to align with the loudest masses, walking on broken glass trying not to offend anyone so that their revenue/popularity is not damaged.
When Will speaks his mind, he is being honest with himself. He is not trying to please an audience. He is not risking being who he's not just to "blend in". He might be right or wrong, I'm not saying that every word that comes out of his mind must be true nor that I necesarilly have to agree with completely.

3: Why should we care? He reviews products the very same way he 'rants'. Not trying to please anyone, without fear of offending anyone. He does not walk on broken glass while he conducts reviews. The product has a significant deviation of the advertised features? Oh boy, I don't want to be that manufacturer! Will's not going to let that pass. Doesn't matter if the product was a gift. He goes stright to the point. You may disagree with his approach. He might be wrong. (By the way, he's been wrong before and I find it even more admirable that he then states it publicly. Not out of fear but because he finds it's the best thing to do).

Why do we see product reviews? Because we get to know the product better without risking the investment. Due to the previous points, I trust the sh** out of his reviews and suggestions. So, cheers to you Will!.
Also you have a lot of courage to open up and share your past with total strangers.


PD: I'm a simple 'sudaca' and I was kind of surprised that I share your views in regards to the US millitary and the 'when the bombs starts falling' parts.

PD2: Western societies are clearlly ill and it's getting worse. But at the same time please take into consideration that including China in the bag is -in my opinion- unfair competition. The very same way you don't allow athletes that use steroids in a competition. Manufacturers 'free market' part should be encased in similar levels of personal freedomness and quality of life. I believe US manufacturers don't fall behind just because they lack the top notch synthetic-fiber anti-suicide nets that China factories have. I would rather believe that there is a commercial disadvantage that american (or western) companies implicitly don't require those nets at all. Thankfully.

Regards! and Sorry if my english is weird

 

[Jennifer]

I just saw the video and I wanted to say what I think.

Will, you're a surgeon. You have the ability to dissect a subject with presicion to mitigate political debate without censuring yourself.

1: What I LOVE about this forum is that everyone can speak out. Rules must be respected, of course. But everyone can say what they think as long as they remain respectful. This should be the common thing, alas it's not.

2: gobally, we're living weird times where brands, businesses and celebrities try to align with the loudest masses, walking on broken glass trying not to offend anyone so that their revenue/popularity is not damaged.
When Will speaks his mind, he is being honest with himself. He is not trying to please an audience. He is not risking being who he's not just to "blend in". He might be right or wrong, I'm not saying that every word that comes out of his mind must be true nor that I necesarilly have to agree with completely.

3: Why should we care? He reviews products the very same way he 'rants'. Not trying to please anyone, without fear of offending anyone. He does not walk on broken glass while he conducts reviews. The product has a significant deviation of the advertised features? Oh boy, I don't want to be that manufacturer! Will's not going to let that pass. Doesn't matter if the product was a gift. He goes stright to the point. You may disagree with his approach. He might be wrong. (By the way, he's been wrong before and I find it even more admirable that he then states it publicly. Not out of fear but because he finds it's the best thing to do).

Why do we see product reviews? Because we get to know the product better without risking the investment. Due to the previous points, I trust the sh** out of his reviews and suggestions. So, cheers to you Will!.
Also you have a lot of courage to open up and share your past with total strangers.


PD: I'm a simple 'sudaca' and I was kind of surprised that I share your views in regards to the US millitary and the 'when the bombs starts falling' parts.

PD2: Western societies are clearlly ill and it's getting worse. But at the same time please take into consideration that including China in the bag is -in my opinion- unfair competition. The very same way you don't allow athletes that use steroids in a competition. Manufacturers 'free market' part should be encased in similar levels of personal freedomness and quality of life. I believe US manufacturers don't fall behind just because they lack the top notch synthetic-fiber anti-suicide nets that China factories have. I would rather believe that there is a commercial disadvantage that american (or western) companies implicitly don't require those nets at all. Thankfully.

Regards! and Sorry if my english is weird

Your English couldn’t be better, BRAVO!!

 

[12VoltInstalls]

RE: ubi

It’s just a mind warp.

so I don’t own property or a home. Acquiring property soon. Been working hard for three or four years to get there. I’m 56 and working at a higher level than I’d like a lot more hours than I’d prefer so I can buy something, build a house, and sell a few times over ten years cuz I have no retirement savings (life isn’t fair but I’m ok with that).

if basic income was available how would “I” achieve at higher levels? Because that ubi money will have to come from somewhere. It will come from where it’s available: those who earn more.

or, if I chill, will me riding ubi let the government tell me I can’t own a house, or a small boat, or whatever? Because a higher lifestyle would mean: Cheating on taxes income? Thievery? Taking from the system and having inappropriate luxuries?

Utopia has its issues.

And what about crime? Does human nature improve under ubi? So the haves-less gain moral ethics? And illicit drugs- do they go away? The pie may be sweet but there’s many ingredients that flavor it.

 

[Sanwizard]

equality of opportunity is the summated premise of the Declaration of Independence.
The 16th and 17th thinkers that articulated in plain common language a melding of intellectual discourse and the common man’s advancing yet banal understanding of economic and religious freedom laid the foundation this document was built from.

What your have been describing is an imposed limitation upon those more successful in ‘x’ pursuit to somehow provide an income level for those with no skin in the game - and perhaps not the same skills and work ethic- to profit (achieve a return) at a level that exceeds what their risk or commitment would indicate is likely.

That isn’t equality of opportunity: that’s (to use current discourse terminology) a form of wealth redistribution. An effort to achieve equality of outcome.

One of Thomas Sowell’s books covers I think 600? years of cultural economic history that sums it up well: the adaptive and strong work ethic populations surpass their circumstances when opportunity exists. There’s data from post 1860s that reflects that promotion among the black population (I’m not denying other aspects- negatives for sure didn’t exist at the same time; merely showing that even in post slavery America, once opportunity presented, the newly freed black Americans exceeded their circumstances in spite of a bigoted culture that existed in some regions) and all America began to benefit culturally, spiritually, and economically from this previously not free population.

That is burgeoning equality of opportunity.

Equalizing the playing field as you describe:
isn’t equalizing the playing field. It is propping up players at the outset, while penalizing others as the game progresses and everyone’s success is diminished. The top players then go elsewhere to play (mass exodus of California is a current, narrow minded example)

Very well stated. Thank you. You express your thoughts in am eloquant manner. I obviously cannot, as some here already are labling me terrorist for the ghastly idea of opposing liberal dogma and narratives.
I only seek Truth and Light. I miss those Superman cartoons on TV, where kids were indoctrinated to actually love their country, not hate it like in the current school system.
I miss the premise of the Boy Scouts also, where Honor, Integrity, Duty, Honesty, Hard work, Moral Ethics, and rugged self reliance were instilled.
The current pop culture is more "give me mine NOW!", and everything Will said in his rant.

 

[HOU_Castle]

From what I've heard and read (can't confirm 100% because it's not my field, but inclined to believe), obesity and other health issues are contributed to as well by things other than laziness and eating too much.

The diet of refined white flour, sugar, etc. are poor for our health. There was an attempt to promote a different food pyramid, but it ran counter to goals of food industry. Proper diet provides nutrients and slow release of sugar into bloodstream from starches. Bad diet releases a slug of sugar which body has to deal with, throw insulin at, pack away in cells. Then you're hungry again. It is a twofer, because the pharmaceutical industry wins too.

Also, we are not a single species (or hybrid of a couple.) Rather, we are a symbiotic relationship with 10,000 different species that live in and on our bodies. Studies show that introducing a particular bacteria in the gut makes mice obese or exhibit Parkinson's-like symptoms. Kill of that organism, and the mouse is cured. Our diet, including fiber, supports population of gut bacteria. Antibiotics can wipe them out, changing how our bodies work. Koalas and Cows can't live on the diet they eat; gut bacterial processes it into something they can. Industrial farming doesn't put antibiotics (or arsenic!) in feed to prevent illness. It is to kill off bacteria so livestock produces more pounds of meat per pound of feed. Antibiotic residue in our meats may or may not affect us (kill some of our gut bacteria, breed superbugs.)

A boss brought in to run company I once worked for said, "There's a lot of money to be made managing diabetes!"
I thought, "That's true ..."
"There's a lot of money to be made managing diabetes."
"There is a bit of money to be made curing diabetes." ?
"But there isn't any money at all to be made preventing diabetes."

In junior high (45 years ago) someone came in to tell us how rice and wheat are processed. It is harvested, the fiber is polished off (used for pig feed), vitamins are added, and it is sold to us.
I thought (didn't speak up), "So you give the pigs the nutritious part, and sell us food with synthetic vitamins."
The few dozen vitamins you know of weren't identified for our health. No money in that. The research was to benefit production of livestock.




That's what I'm talking about. White rice, cooks in 20 minutes. That stuff will kill you.
What you should be eating is brown rice, which takes 45 minutes.

"White rice, cooks in 20 minutes. That stuff will kill you." I have to disagree with your statement.
I have been eating white rice for over 45 years, and it does not kill me (and I'm not overweight according to my BMI calculation).
The key is "MODERATION".
Brown rice can kill you too if you eat way too much everyday. Just like saying: "Live below your means".
DON"T be greedy. Gluttony??

 

[Jennifer]

"White rice, cooks in 20 minutes. That stuff will kill you." I have to disagree with your statement.
I have been eating white rice for over 45 years, and it does not kill me (and I'm not overweight according to my BMI calculation).
The key is "MODERATION".
Brown rice can kill you too if you eat way too much everyday. Just like saying: "Live below your means".
DON"T be greedy. Gluttony??

Too many grapes and watermelon can kill you.. or at least make you wish you were dead cus your tummy hurts so much.. ask me how I know.. LOL... it's been over 100 here in NW AZ all week and I've been eating them like candy.. now I have a McTummy ache...

Moderation is the key word, absolutely.

 

[Txxt]

Jan 6 was supposed to be the start of a movement, but was overtaken by false media narratives, and the government coming down hard on any supporters of freedom. The deep state turned DC into war zone when they became scared that the people may complain about the coup they just performed, with the help of the supposed free press.
The NSA and FBI are being used to clamp down on ANY opposition to the takeover.
The IRS is coming down on anyone who speaks out. There is no more free speech. Tech is turning off your opinion.

I agree with Will, and hope China or Iran or Putin or North Korea dont get any ideas now that they have their weak sister running the US, until the people wake up and take back the country.

The truth is dribbling out. Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, all the corruption being exposed. Let the light shine, so everyone can see for themselves.

Very well stated. Thank you. You express your thoughts in am eloquant manner. I obviously cannot, as some here already are labling me terrorist for the ghastly idea of opposing liberal dogma and narratives.
I only seek Truth and Light. I miss those Superman cartoons on TV, where kids were indoctrinated to actually love their country, not hate it like in the current school system.
I miss the premise of the Boy Scouts also, where Honor, Integrity, Duty, Honesty, Hard work, Moral Ethics, and rugged self reliance were instilled.
The current pop culture is more "give me mine NOW!", and everything Will said in his rant.

I’ve been reading this forum for a few weeks now and I’ve largely valued the discourse in this thread. But I feel like I need to say something here.

How can one say first that January 6th was carried out by supporters of freedom, the same people who VIOLENTLY entered the capitol, some of whom killed a federal police officer (Moderator Note, Fake News: it was determined that this officer's death was caused by natural causes: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/19/9888...ck-died-of-natural-causes-medical-examiner-ru) and threatened the Vice President of the US with hanging and multiple members of Congress then go on to say how one supports honor, duty, and integrity? I can fully expect that my words will be twisted in order to prove a point that the terrorists on 1/6 WERE acting w integrity to fight the “deep state” but let’s be real. The expectation in modern society is to show up at the polls and change the hands controlling government by ones vote. Not by violent upheaval. Which, by the way, was fomented by conspiracy theorists in the media and our own government because quite honestly the last administration did not want to leave unless there was no other option (Moderator Note, Fake News: The last administration followed all laws and legal avenues available to them in their departure from the office as would any party I imagine, please see the election results of 1876: https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/educational-resources/disputed-election-1876). And it wanted to elicit as much concern about irregularities as possible because that is the play book of that “side”. It’s nothing new.

its really interesting to long for the times when children were “indoctrinated” to love their country, I think that speaks volumes and what is really valued: subjugation and worship of the state, and the elimination of critical thinking about history

 

[svetz]

I used to be dead-set against UBI, but now I'm not so sure. The technophile argument in the video a few posts up seems to be an undeniable upcoming reality. Even if the answer isn't UBI, seems like we need something and I'm not sure the existing safety net programs can handle it.

RE: ubi...And what about crime? .... And illicit drugs- do they go away?

From the video there was a reduction in crime and drugs in the 26 year study. But, keep in mind there have been numerous programs to test the concept and not all are created equally by any means. I actually like that there are experiments and long-term data available with statistics like crime and drug usage, facts are always better than guessing. To me running the programs and collecting data is a great way to learn from the mistakes, hopefully from them, we can at least better target existing safety-net programs.

It would be interesting to hear what folks that have some form of UBI see as the strengths/weaknesses of their programs.