md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 19, 2023 19:55:12 GMT -5
So it's good to see you, and I'm sorry for the health challenges you've faced and from which you are continuing to recover. I can relate, as we've discussed. But I thought I'd start a separate thread to ask some questions about things you've said since your return, both pre- and post-anonymity.
I want to try to keep it more general, and not specific to Hunter, Joe, Donald, and the specific detailed controversies of today . . . but I'm always interested in epistemology. So I want to know why you think the way you do. And I do want to be civil, I don't mean any of this to be an attack, or unkind . . . I'm genuinely curious.
You said, in the post revealing your identity: "I am neither liberal nor conservative, not on board with either party, I am a moderate pragmatist. I also don’t believe in any specific dogma, political agenda . . ." I think that's either dishonest or delusional, perhaps you can show me how it's neither? I posit that dialectic because just about everything that you said after that I disagree with diametrically. If you were a centrist/moderate, I'd agree with you at least some of the time, right?
You said in that same post that Republicans "play the politics of fear, anger, and hatred. They want you upset and thinking emotionally. From Trump to Santos, corruption abounds in the GOP, and no, the dems aren't immune, but the most destructive rhetoric comes from the right." You went on to say, "Thousands of Asian Americans were assaulted after Covid because red blooded Americans blamed them for it."
So I'm wondering - can you support any of that with facts? How many Asian Americans were assaulted, by whom, and why? Also I'd like to hear more about how "the dems aren't immune" - can you compare/contrast "destructive rhetoric" from both left and right and show how the right's rhetoric is "most destructive?" Or maybe you could also show how "the dems" appeal to the intellect and don't use scare tactics and emotional appeals?
Then you said "Jews are under attack again, always by white supremacist fascists." Whew! "Always" is a really big word, my friend. [My wife and I are amateur relationship counselors. When the couple we're talking to starts with the "you always/you never" rhetoric, one of us throws the yellow flag.] So anyway, can you document this claim? That white supremacists are assaulting Jews? Do you really want to have a conversation about which ideological "side" is anti-Semite?
And THEN you (ever escalating) said that "LGBTQ folks are again under assault by the right, another scapegoat group that will suffer to keep you angry. Moms for Liberty is out there making sure we ban books to prevent indoctrination of children." [It's tough to just keep asking questions and not to opine myself, but . . . I'll keep trying.] So can you name a book that Moms for Liberty seeks to "ban" and defend why that book's content should be available in my kindergarten grandchild's library?
So that's enough for now. I'm not retired like Jesus, so that's all the time I have for tonight. (Tweak aimed at RR.) I hope you don't interpret my questions as an attack, or insulting. I'm genuinely curious. I think that you have a distorted view of your own outlook on the world. If you're a leftist (and I think the evidence in your own words indicates that you are) - that's OK, we'll argue like cats and dogs, but . . . own it and be realistic about your worldview. Don't pretend like you're wearing black-and-white stripes and you're neutral and objective in your pronouncements.
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 19, 2023 21:36:33 GMT -5
I hope this discussion continues as I’m very interested in it.
It seems that on average, folks on the left side tend not to enjoy the uneasiness of debating differing ideas, where those on the right seem more willing to do so.
I just recently had difficulty doing that with two lifelong friends. Ones an average Joe, but one is a lawyer and CPA and both don’t like it. Same with my daughter. She won’t engage in debate.
Don’t back down BW. If we can’t have this conversation here, what hope is there for the country to get back to debating?
One, MD and I have all had many differing opinions but at the end of the day, we’d have no problem sitting at a bar and having a cold one.
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 7:00:28 GMT -5
One, MD and I have all had many differing opinions but at the end of the day, we’d have no problem sitting at a bar and having a cold one. Hell no - and we should do it soon!  |
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Post by One on Jul 20, 2023 7:51:53 GMT -5
One, MD and I have all had many differing opinions but at the end of the day, we’d have no problem sitting at a bar and having a cold one. Hell no - and we should do it soon! Every time I talk without beer I prove my age, ignorance and curmudgeonry. With apologies to John Lee: |
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md717
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Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 19:21:32 GMT -5
One, MD and I have all had many differing opinions but at the end of the day, we’d have no problem sitting at a bar and having a cold one. Hell no - and we should do it soon! Let me amend - *I* would have a problem having a cold *one* with you guys. Seems "one" is kindof a problem for me . . . it would probably be more like a cold SIX or EIGHT. |
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 19:40:16 GMT -5
I hope this discussion continues as I’m very interested in it. It seems that on average, folks on the left side tend not to enjoy the uneasiness of debating differing ideas, where those on the right seem more willing to do so. I just recently had difficulty doing that with two lifelong friends. Ones an average Joe, but one is a lawyer and CPA and both don’t like it. Same with my daughter. She won’t engage in debate. Don’t back down BW. If we can’t have this conversation here, what hope is there for the country to get back to debating? I think that this is a really interesting observation, and one that I share. I'll flesh it out a little from my personal experience. It seems like many on the left feel superior and that "debating" with the likes of me is beneath them. That if I hold the views that I do, it's prima facie evidence that I'm too stupid or immoral to engage. But here's the other thing that I've noticed - if a leftist *does* actually engage in debate and you flat out smoke them with facts and logic - it doesn't matter! They won't change their mind. So here's where I think that those on my side of the ideological chasm have made a mistake - a colossal one. We feel like if we can win the debate, we'll win the policy argument and turn the country to a different course. WRONG, it turns out. For example. Suppose you could prove, hands down, hard cold evidence, no dispute whatsoever that burning fossil fuels wasn't really contributing that much to "Climate Change" and that it was more closely linked to solar activity. Do you think that the left would change their policy and open ANWR, greenlight the Keystone XL pipeline, stop subsidizing solar and EVs, etc. ad nauseum? NO, they wouldn't. So what do we do? I wish I knew, honestly. So I hope BW takes your advice and responds to my post, I think that would be interesting. I guess we'll see. Perhaps he's tapping out a reply right this very minute. |
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 20, 2023 19:41:25 GMT -5
What is the midpoint between Bumfuck, Lancaster and civilization?
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 19:42:47 GMT -5
What is the midpoint between Bumfuck, Lancaster and civilization? Lancaster, I think. |
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 20, 2023 19:59:26 GMT -5
I hope this discussion continues as I’m very interested in it. It seems that on average, folks on the left side tend not to enjoy the uneasiness of debating differing ideas, where those on the right seem more willing to do so. I just recently had difficulty doing that with two lifelong friends. Ones an average Joe, but one is a lawyer and CPA and both don’t like it. Same with my daughter. She won’t engage in debate. Don’t back down BW. If we can’t have this conversation here, what hope is there for the country to get back to debating? I think that this is a really interesting observation, and one that I share. I'll flesh it out a little from my personal experience. It seems like many on the left feel superior and that "debating" with the likes of me is beneath them. That if I hold the views that I do, it's prima facie evidence that I'm too stupid or immoral to engage. But here's the other thing that I've noticed - if a leftist *does* actually engage in debate and you flat out smoke them with facts and logic - it doesn't matter! They won't change their mind. So here's where I think that those on my side of the ideological chasm have made a mistake - a colossal one. We feel like if we can win the debate, we'll win the policy argument and turn the country to a different course. WRONG, it turns out. For example. Suppose you could prove, hands down, hard cold evidence, no dispute whatsoever that burning fossil fuels wasn't really contributing that much to "Climate Change" and that it was more closely linked to solar activity. Do you think that the left would change their policy and open ANWR, greenlight the Keystone XL pipeline, stop subsidizing solar and EVs, etc. ad nauseum? NO, they wouldn't. So what do we do? I wish I knew, honestly. So I hope BW takes your advice and responds to my post, I think that would be interesting. I guess we'll see. Perhaps he's tapping out a reply right this very minute. This is where a new news outlet with real debate would come in handy. The country needs to get more at ease with true debate and get the courage to exchange ideas. But I’ll throw this at you MD. Do you recall any times in your life where you changed your opinion based upon debate or if that wasn’t an option, by reading sources that you initially didn’t agree with? Thinking bigger issues in politics or life, not the small stuff. |
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md717
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Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 20:24:48 GMT -5
I agree - a news outlet with "real" debate would be interesting. Not something that could or should be created by fiat. But CNN/MSNBC have their token "Conservatives" who are typically not Conservative at all, and Fox has its "Liberals" who aren't typically the best/brightest of the bunch. So I'd love to see the best Conservatives and the best Leftists on the same channels going head to head. Will that happen? Could it happen? Probably not.
So your question is a very good one. I have changed my opinions on a great number of things over the years - a few profound, but most pretty subtle. I can't say whether the cause was debate, experience, education, illness, or just deep personal reflection. In most cases I would imagine it was a combination of several of these.
At this point in my life, I'm pretty closed-minded. I know that's taboo, but . . . I've thought long and hard and read a lot about many issues and I think if you're approaching 60 and you don't have some pretty firm opinions about the basic issues of life, you've not been very serious about them up until now.
That's not to say I wouldn't change any of my basic assumptions/opinions if I was smoked in a debate by logic and facts. I don't believe in ghosts. You show me a ghost in the flesh (so to speak) who can walk through walls and knows things only my dearly departed would know . . . I'll change my opinion right quick!
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Post by birdwatcher on Jul 20, 2023 22:16:06 GMT -5
I will address all your questions, but to do so properly I need to do some research to provide you with the receipts you want, like I did for my reply to One. I always refer to a quote from Shakespeare to remind myself that I, nor anybody else, has all the answers.
‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’
I will not contend that what I see as right for me has to be right for you, that is up to you. I also don't think I have the answers to the world's problems. I would bet that in some ways I am more conservative than you, and in others I'm much more liberal. When I said I don't adhere to a strict belief system, one dictated by others to be specific, I have assembled a personal set of rules that dictate my approach to life. But you want answers to the questions you posed, so it will take a little time to answer each question fully, with references that illustrate my contentions. Bear with me, I will be back, I am here to discuss these issues. I'm just moving a little slower these days...
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 20, 2023 22:23:14 GMT -5
I’ve changed my mind on several things over the years. At one point I’felt very strongly about the other side of these issues
- I now believe that the Russia Gate thing was a hoax and orchestrated at the highest levels and those responsible should be identified, ,publicized and prosecuted
- I now believe that the right was hoodwinked about Trump winning the election and election changing voter fraud. When the talking heads at Fox knew it was bullshit and went on TV every night to spew the bullshit, that is criminal. They should be identified, publicized and prosecuted.
- I now believe The main cause of poverty is irresponsible choices in life. The Great Society programs failed In their attempt and should have Instead focused on plans to keep the family unit in tact
- I now believe that Trickle down economics didn’t work. Those boats that were supposed to rise, are stuck on the rocks
- I now believe that the Bible is more literal than the popular “Bible as Literature” theory that was popular in the 80’s
- I now believe that aliens exist
That’s an honest list of a few that come to mind sure to get some people on both sides annoyed at me.
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 22:59:57 GMT -5
I will address all your questions, but to do so properly I need to do some research to provide you with the receipts you want, like I did for my reply to One. I always refer to a quote from Shakespeare to remind myself that I, nor anybody else, has all the answers. ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’ I will not contend that what I see as right for me has to be right for you, that is up to you. I also don't think I have the answers to the world's problems. I would bet that in some ways I am more conservative than you, and in others I'm much more liberal. When I said I don't adhere to a strict belief system, one dictated by others to be specific, I have assembled a personal set of rules that dictate my approach to life. But you want answers to the questions you posed, so it will take a little time to answer each question fully, with references that illustrate my contentions. Bear with me, I will be back, I am here to discuss these issues. I'm just moving a little slower these days... Take your time, my friend. And only if doing so seems good to you, and helps you to express yourself. I don't need answers from you for my sake. (Although I have to admit I'm dying to know where you think you're more conservative than me! I'm really not sure that's possible. Ronald Reagan was a pinko, from my point of view.) But I'd caution you to avoid the "I'm OK, you're OK" thing . . . to the degree that my advice and $1.79 will still get you a small coffee at WaWa. Let's not adopt the "this is my truth" and "this may be your truth" relative thing - at that point what is the value in even conversing? So I think it's important that we stay engaged and work out what is true, what works, and how we should proceed from a policy and political standpoint. But that's me. (See what I did there? That last part was a joke.) |
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 23:20:47 GMT -5
I’ve changed my mind on several things over the years. At one point I’felt very strongly about the other side of these issues - I now believe that the Russia Gate thing was a hoax and orchestrated at the highest levels and those responsible should be identified, ,publicized and prosecuted - I now believe that the right was hoodwinked about Trump winning the election and election changing voter fraud. When the talking heads at Fox knew it was bullshit and went on TV every night to spew the bullshit, that is criminal. They should be identified, publicized and prosecuted. - I now believe The main cause of poverty is irresponsible choices in life. The Great Society programs failed In their attempt and should have Instead focused on plans to keep the family unit in tact - I now believe that Trickle down economics didn’t work. Those boats that were supposed to rise, are stuck on the rocks - I now believe that the Bible is more literal than the popular “Bible as Literature” theory that was popular in the 80’s - I now believe that aliens exist That’s an honest list of a few that come to mind sure to get some people on both sides annoyed at me. The profound things about which I've had a change of mind/heart are deeply personal and I don't think I can share them here. They have to do with religion and the nature of human relationships . . . deep stuff. The more trivial/subtle changes of mind have to do with policy issues that are more boring. As to your list - very honest and vulnerable! You should share it with your wife, you will get points. I'm very sorry that you ever got sucked into RUSSIA RUSSIA RUSSIA! As to the 2020 election - you really need to separate the "news" portion of Fox from the "opinion" portion of Fox. So Brett Baer is not Sean Hannity. And the 2020 election was rigged. Not stolen, or cheated, necessarily - but rigged. Read Mollie Hemingway's book of that title and see if you change your mind again on this point. Totally with you with regard to the main causes of poverty. I'm a little puzzled as to why that would be a change of mind, or something that you didn't know all along? "Trickle Down" economics was a pejorative term concocted by Reagan's detractors. "Supply Side" is more accurate. Get regulations and barriers to expansion out of the way, and everyone benefits. That's still true and always will be. If you cna identify a more economically successful period than 1983 through  - I'd be happy to hear about it. Reagan's economic policies made every American better. You believe the Bible is literal? We may have to talk about this privately. You said "literal" not "true." If you believe it's literal AND true - holy smoke. Aren't you Catholic? I'm pretty sure those two things will get you kicked out of the club. But again, we can discuss this one privately. I've read the book a few times. And now, to sum it all up, you believe in aliens. I don't even know what to say to that. I guess I'd be interested in hearing more about why in the world (or out of the world) you think that is the place to be. (Cleanup on aisle 5 - Mikey's brains have spilled all over the floor! STAT!) |
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 20, 2023 23:37:58 GMT -5
I will address all your questions, but to do so properly I need to do some research to provide you with the receipts you want, like I did for my reply to One. I always refer to a quote from Shakespeare to remind myself that I, nor anybody else, has all the answers. ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’ I will not contend that what I see as right for me has to be right for you, that is up to you. I also don't think I have the answers to the world's problems. I would bet that in some ways I am more conservative than you, and in others I'm much more liberal. When I said I don't adhere to a strict belief system, one dictated by others to be specific, I have assembled a personal set of rules that dictate my approach to life. But you want answers to the questions you posed, so it will take a little time to answer each question fully, with references that illustrate my contentions. Bear with me, I will be back, I am here to discuss these issues. I'm just moving a little slower these days... Take your time, my friend. And only if doing so seems good to you, and helps you to express yourself. I don't need answers from you for my sake. (Although I have to admit I'm dying to know where you think you're more conservative than me! I'm really not sure that's possible. Ronald Reagan was a pinko, from my point of view.) But I'd caution you to avoid the "I'm OK, you're OK" thing . . . to the degree that my advice and $1.79 will still get you a small coffee at WaWa. Let's not adopt the "this is my truth" and "this may be your truth" relative thing - at that point what is the value in even conversing? So I think it's important that we stay engaged and work out what is true, what works, and how we should proceed from a policy and political standpoint. But that's me. (See what I did there? That last part was a joke.) PS - it strikes me as a little odd that things that you stated as cold matters of fact (Asians assaulted by "red blooded Americans"(Code for Right Wingers) , and Jews assaulted by white supremacists (also code for right wingers) requires research on your part to support. If you were going to throw that out there, wouldn't you have the receipts at your disposal?
That came off a little harsher than I intended - I'll be interested to see what you have to say on these various points.
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Post by One on Jul 21, 2023 6:15:02 GMT -5
What is the midpoint between Bumfuck, Lancaster and civilization? Bumfuck. It is the definition of civilization. Argue that.  |
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Post by One on Jul 21, 2023 6:17:37 GMT -5
I’ve changed my mind on several things over the years. At one point I’felt very strongly about the other side of these issues - I now believe that the Russia Gate thing was a hoax and orchestrated at the highest levels and those responsible should be identified, ,publicized and prosecuted - I now believe that the right was hoodwinked about Trump winning the election and election changing voter fraud. When the talking heads at Fox knew it was bullshit and went on TV every night to spew the bullshit, that is criminal. They should be identified, publicized and prosecuted. - I now believe The main cause of poverty is irresponsible choices in life. The Great Society programs failed In their attempt and should have Instead focused on plans to keep the family unit in tact - I now believe that Trickle down economics didn’t work. Those boats that were supposed to rise, are stuck on the rocks - I now believe that the Bible is more literal than the popular “Bible as Literature” theory that was popular in the 80’s - I now believe that aliens exist That’s an honest list of a few that come to mind sure to get some people on both sides annoyed at me. You and I still disagree on a few things. Come to Bumfuck. See the light. |
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Post by One on Jul 21, 2023 10:48:44 GMT -5
I’ve changed my mind on several things over the years. At one point I’felt very strongly about the other side of these issues - I now believe that the Russia Gate thing was a hoax and orchestrated at the highest levels and those responsible should be identified, ,publicized and prosecuted - I now believe that the right was hoodwinked about Trump winning the election and election changing voter fraud. When the talking heads at Fox knew it was bullshit and went on TV every night to spew the bullshit, that is criminal. They should be identified, publicized and prosecuted. - I now believe The main cause of poverty is irresponsible choices in life. The Great Society programs failed In their attempt and should have Instead focused on plans to keep the family unit in tact - I now believe that Trickle down economics didn’t work. Those boats that were supposed to rise, are stuck on the rocks - I now believe that the Bible is more literal than the popular “Bible as Literature” theory that was popular in the 80’s - I now believe that aliens exist That’s an honest list of a few that come to mind sure to get some people on both sides annoyed at me. - Russiagate never passed the smell test and was shown to be fallacious by two separate investigations, principally when it was shown that Hillary and her campaign orchestrated it. The Democrat investigation proudly states there was collusion but can't be proven, and I'm amazed so many fine people so easily accept that. A bottomless purse funded a largely partisan effort to impeach the integrity of a sitting president that lasted almost two years amid a political landscape where a twitter addicted narcissist was relentlessly tarnished by Democrats, Republicans, and the media. From his first day in office major media outlets were honoring celebrities calling for his death and openly declaring the beginning of his impeachment. He was found guilty, people accepted it, and the only thing remaining was to prove it. Oops. - The media keeps telling us the election was squeaky clean, which by itself should make us question. But we should also wonder why, immediately following the election, the Democrats spent millions of dollars contesting every claim which was brought before a judge and fought to keep all evidence from being reviewed, including thousands of affidavits from poll watchers and election workers. I accept the possibility that 81 million people may have voted against a man they were taught to despise, but not the blatant fact that any attempt for a formal investigation was either never considered or was obstructed. Not only was/is there evidence, but (in conjunction with) the simple fact that half the country believed the election was fixed should have demanded an investigation. - Not only irresponsible choices, but government intervention into making bad choices. The old adage of a "hand up, not a hand out", or the biblical "teach to fish rather than give a fish" hit the nail. I've always believed society has an obligation to care for those who are unable to care for themselves, but making the population dependent is not helping anyone. - I'll wisely defer to MD and his far more informed explanation on the trickle, but it's also logical. When we tax people they have less money, when we make it easier for businesses to hire workers it not only increases profits but it provides disposable income for more people and creates a somewhat sustainable circle - business makes money, hire more workers in pursuit of making yet more money, workers make money to spend on more products. The left will focus on only one part of the equation and label it as greed, but when we tax the shit out of businesses they end up going someplace else and hire workers who make far less - profits rise, Americans suffer. Because it's either that or charge more for products people can't afford or go out of business. - Reports show that Christians are the most persecuted people in the world. The lessons found in the Bible have benefited humanity for centuries but are in contrast to the New World Order. The same holds true with the Constitution. Both are targets of the left, not because they don't work, but because they do. - The universe is a pretty big place, it seems pretty arrogant to believe that ours is the only spec that will support intelligent life. If you mean you now believe beings from someplace else exist in our environment I'd think the same arrogance would apply in an argument against that possibility. I also believe in aliens, mainly because it doesn't make sense not to believe. |
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 21, 2023 18:26:44 GMT -5
What is the midpoint between Bumfuck, Lancaster and civilization? Lancaster, I think. Sadly, that’s probably not far from the truth. I realized that after I typed it and was hoping you didn’t notice. One, what town is closest to you. When you walk for miles to get to Ike Godsey’s store, what is the town that’s on the store sign? |
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 21, 2023 18:54:43 GMT -5
I will address all your questions, but to do so properly I need to do some research to provide you with the receipts you want, like I did for my reply to One. I always refer to a quote from Shakespeare to remind myself that I, nor anybody else, has all the answers. ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’ I will not contend that what I see as right for me has to be right for you, that is up to you. I also don't think I have the answers to the world's problems. I would bet that in some ways I am more conservative than you, and in others I'm much more liberal. When I said I don't adhere to a strict belief system, one dictated by others to be specific, I have assembled a personal set of rules that dictate my approach to life. But you want answers to the questions you posed, so it will take a little time to answer each question fully, with references that illustrate my contentions. Bear with me, I will be back, I am here to discuss these issues. I'm just moving a little slower these days... Take your time. A well researched and soundly reasoned reply is always a positive. |
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 21, 2023 19:09:13 GMT -5
MD,
With regards to aliens, MikeyNumbers says this:
With hundreds of millions of habitable planets in our galaxy alone, and figuring maybe half are older than Earth, I’ll bet the over 1 in other planets that have intelligent life that has the technology to reach our planet and has done so.
Add to this all of the things that have come out since they de stigmatized people discussing it and it’s a lock:
Bet the Over !
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Post by One on Jul 21, 2023 19:58:26 GMT -5
Lancaster, I think. Sadly, that’s probably not far from the truth. I realized that after I typed it and was hoping you didn’t notice. One, what town is closest to you. When you walk for miles to get to Ike Godsey’s store, what is the town that’s on the store sign? Grandpa says it's Bumfuck, he's out by the barn tilting the jug. |
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Post by nephillymike on Jul 21, 2023 20:29:18 GMT -5
Sadly, that’s probably not far from the truth. I realized that after I typed it and was hoping you didn’t notice. One, what town is closest to you. When you walk for miles to get to Ike Godsey’s store, what is the town that’s on the store sign? Grandpa says it's Bumfuck, he's out by the barn tilting the jug. |
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 24, 2023 22:55:01 GMT -5
Lancaster, I think. Sadly, that’s probably not far from the truth. I realized that after I typed it and was hoping you didn’t notice. One, what town is closest to you. When you walk for miles to get to Ike Godsey’s store, what is the town that’s on the store sign? Yes, I quite enjoyed that. Me: "Alexa, what's the midpoint between Bucks County and Juniata County?" Alexa: "MD, that would be somewhere within a one mile radius of downtown Lancaster, PA." Me: "Thank you, Alexa. And that's a beautiful dress." |
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Post by One on Jul 26, 2023 8:38:38 GMT -5
Sadly, that’s probably not far from the truth. I realized that after I typed it and was hoping you didn’t notice. One, what town is closest to you. When you walk for miles to get to Ike Godsey’s store, what is the town that’s on the store sign? Yes, I quite enjoyed that. Me: "Alexa, what's the midpoint between Bucks County and Juniata County?" Alexa: "MD, that would be somewhere within a one mile radius of downtown Lancaster, PA." Me: "Thank you, Alexa. And that's a beautiful dress."  Was that a joke? Do you use Alexa? |
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md717
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Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 26, 2023 15:40:25 GMT -5
Yes, that was a joke. I do not use Alexa. In fact, I had to look up what her name was. I kinda thought the "beautiful dress" thing at the end would give it away. |
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Post by One on Jul 28, 2023 6:10:45 GMT -5
Hahahaha. Well, you got me. These days we never know where common sense ends and insanity begins.
I know a few younger folks who love Alexa. We've talked about how the app listens to everything you say, meaning there is no privacy in your home. I'm met with shrugs. Apparently the younger generation(s) have no expectation of privacy, something I just can't seem to wrap my head around. I realize my phone listens to me, even when it's not in use, and that it tracks me wherever I go. I suppose in that case I've surrendered. I feel very old some times.
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md717
Pro Bowler
Posts: 276
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Post by md717 on Jul 28, 2023 15:52:24 GMT -5
I'm with you. All the ads I hear on the radio for VPNs so that my Internet Service Provider doesn't know the sites I visit. And my phone tracking me. There are steps I could take to limit that intrusion (like a VPN for example, and turning off the tracking on my phone, turning off my phone completely more often, etc. etc.) but honestly I don't have the time/energy. And I'm not convinced I'd be successful in shielding my privacy anyway.
Case in point, we just started the refi process for one of our recent multi unit acquisitions and the MINUTE my lender pulled our credit my phone began to ring. Apparently that sends out some sort of bat signal so I got calls from every mortgage broker in the country, it would seem. I got over 50 the first day - something like 7 or 8 per hour! I had to put my phone on Do Not Disturb or I couldn't get anything done. (You can't help but look at a ringing phone.) How'd they even get my cell number? My lender says that's not part of the posting. What a world we live in.
Sorry for the rant - all that to say, I feel you, bro!
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Post by One on Jul 28, 2023 20:39:16 GMT -5
Right on, my brother.
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- I'd be happy to hear about it. Reagan's economic policies made every American better.
Was that a joke? Do you use Alexa?