George Carlin on the debt ceiling

[DixieFlyer]

he tells it like it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsL6m...layer_embedded

[DanielSong39]

Unfortunately there is way too much truth in this video...

[FoxNews]

FoxNews has confirmed that George Carlin hated governments, yet supported governments. In other words, like that basterd Rush Limbaugh who won't sign with us, he's just a populist entertainer.

[Gyudon]

Carlin was brilliant. He explains another threat to critical thinking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o allowing the owners to control us.

[Blue Man]

I love George Carlin as much as is heterosexually possible, but citizens of the United States of America in the year 2011 have it better than citizens of any country in any time of history. Most of us have jobs which are pretty low on the effort scale, and we're paid well enough to afford the "necessities" of life, 75% of which would be considered luxuries by 90% of humans who have ever lived.

We have it so good, that if the billionaire members of the "club" who provide it for us get to keep a lot more for themselves, I say good for them. They deserve it, by doing such an awesome job running our economy.

[Inconceivable]

Originally Posted by Blue Man

I love George Carlin as much as is heterosexually possible, but citizens of the United States of America in the year 2011 have it better than citizens of any country in any time of history. Most of us have jobs which are pretty low on the effort scale, and we're paid well enough to afford the "necessities" of life, 75% of which would be considered luxuries by 90% of humans who have ever lived.

We have it so good, that if the billionaire members of the "club" who provide it for us get to keep a lot more for themselves, I say good for them. They deserve it, by doing such an awesome job running our economy.

Yup, sounds very sustainable. The good times will a keep on rollin'.

[Blue Man]

Originally Posted by Inconceivable

Yup, sounds very sustainable. The good times will a keep on rollin'.

We're in the middle of the worst recession in almost a hundred years. And still we are all incredibly well off. Anyone who would trade being a citizen of the USA in the year 2011 for any other place in any other time of history is either crazy, or has radically different priorities than most people.

[Wigmeister General]

Originally Posted by Blue Man

We're in the middle of the worst recession in almost a hundred years. And still we are all incredibly well off. Anyone who would trade being a citizen of the USA in the year 2011 for any other place in any other time of history is either crazy, or has radically different priorities than most people.

The poor people of the world are cushioning our fall.

[FashionableFedora]

Originally Posted by Blue Man

We're in the middle of the worst recession in almost a hundred years. And still we are all incredibly well off. Anyone who would trade being a citizen of the USA in the year 2011 for any other place in any other time of history is either crazy, or has radically different priorities than most people.

What do you mean by "radically different priorities?" What do you think people prioritize the most? You're basing your argument on the USA having the highest "standard of living" in history. What that boils down to is us having lots of stuff. I wouldn't argue with that. But I think that most people would agree that having the most stuff is not the highest priority (George Carlin's classic bit on stuff notwithstanding).

What's more important? Having strong connections to your community (community being broadly defined), having a sense of control over your environment and your future (as a corrolary, having a sense of hope), and having strong faith in a higher power or purpose.

I would gladly trade most of my stuff (standard of living if you will) for that package, and I think there are several historical settings that I could get it. So yes, I there are historical venues I would rather live than USA2011.

[Blue Man]

Originally Posted by FashionableFedora

What do you mean by "radically different priorities?" What do you think people prioritize the most? You're basing your argument on the USA having the highest "standard of living" in history. What that boils down to is us having lots of stuff. I wouldn't argue with that. But I think that most people would agree that having the most stuff is not the highest priority (George Carlin's classic bit on stuff notwithstanding).

By radically different priorities I mean some people might be so religious that they would prefer to live in a theocracy where everybody worshiped the same God, even if living conditions were terrible. Most Americans, even the religionist ones, aren't willing to give up too much of their comfort for faith.

What's more important? Having strong connections to your community (community being broadly defined), having a sense of control over your environment and your future (as a corrolary, having a sense of hope), and having strong faith in a higher power or purpose.

I would gladly trade most of my stuff (standard of living if you will) for that package, and I think there are several historical settings that I could get it. So yes, I there are historical venues I would rather live than USA2011.

Why can't you have those things in 2011 in the USA? What places and times could you live where you'd have more of them?