The Well-Mannered Politics Thread

[Somerset Ravens]

Because not anyone has the option to take another job...
I don’t see what’s difficult about this - we both get that legally it is a bargaining chip at the moment - we are saying that it shouldn’t be because people should have a right to take a job without worrying about whether something outside of their control would leave them unpaid long term (at a point in time where they are likely more in need of money given the shit show that is American healthcare)

I understand the problem of being unpaid because of something outside of your control. I do not understand why you think it is the employer's responsibility. Can't individuals buy disability insurance to cover such a risk?

 

[rossihunter2]

Well our forefathers were amazing leaders. It’s a shame that we don’t have these types of leaders nowadays or less of them. That being said, they dint have the media back then like we have.

Well I know Ben Franklin had an extremely sordid past lol but yes I agree about their amazing leadership and courage.

I’m not saying they weren’t great leaders but will also mention that we view people more fondly with time and without the media (you’re spot on there) it’s hard to say whether they were great leaders or not

You’d think they would be given all that they achieved but they also achieved a lot of it without external scrutiny (which I’m not sure is a bad thing)

They were most certainly courageous given all they attempted

 

[rossihunter2]

I understand the problem of being unpaid because of something outside of your control. I do not understand why you think it is the employer's responsibility. Can't individuals buy disability insurance to cover such a risk?

It just seems like a foreign concept to work
It creates a healthier workforce
Which creates a more efficient workforce

It feels very shortsighted to ask a worker to pay money in order to feel safe at work in order to be paid

 

[Inqui]

You misunderstand me, I understand that the constitution is the law of the land and that it is difficult to change but it’s also 250 years old (almost) so naturally it is out of date in many respects... so it should evolve

Also not sure why health and education shouldn’t be federal - because let’s be honest if education had been left entirely to the states in the 60s and beyond you’d probably still have segregated schools in some states

Australia's having a constitutional crisis atm, where the constitution says MPs can't have ties to a foreign power and a whole load of MPs have been ruled ineligible because it turns out they're dual citizens or something to that effect. One person married an Italian citizen, another (who was born in Australia) had Greek parents and Greek law confers citizenship automatically, and I believe another had UK citizenship for a similar reason (I never knew UK citizenship transferred like that - if I'm understanding her circumstances correctly that means I'm actually eligible to become a UK citizen myself). It turns out a pretty ridiculous amount of MPs are actually ineligible for parliament - to the point where the government's on the brink of losing its majority and there are several byelections planned.

That rule about not being beholden to foreign powers (aside from being vaguely defined) is a fine principle to have since you obviously want your representatives to act in the best interests of your country. But the world was a lot less mobile when that clause was written and then established through the courts - and the relationships between countries were more competitive. If I were an Australian I'd be more worried about that MP with Greek heritage having ties to big tobacco or other lobbyists than whether he's allowed to collect a Greek pension in 30 years' time since said lobbyists are far more likely to have an undue influence on his decisions. And that's before you get into the irony of how the first thing every parliament does is swear allegiance to a foreign citizen (the Queen).

I'd like to see us implement a written constitution (and fwiw if you guys had one you wouldn't be going through the Brexit clusterfuck), but it has to be a living document. Even if we were to write one now, there's no way to know how to set up principles that define how a country should be run in relation to developments in big data, AI, taxation and human welfare in a highly globalised world, and a changing world order. Who knows how any of that will look in 100 years' time, much less 50 or even 10 years.

 

[rossihunter2]

Australia's having a constitutional crisis atm, where the constitution says MPs can't have ties to a foreign power and a whole load of MPs have been ruled ineligible because it turns out they're dual citizens or something to that effect. One person married an Italian citizen, another (who was born in Australia) had Greek parents and Greek law confers citizenship automatically, and I believe another had UK citizenship for a similar reason (I never knew UK citizenship transferred like that - if I'm understanding her circumstances correctly that means I'm actually eligible to become a UK citizen myself). It turns out a pretty ridiculous amount of MPs are actually ineligible for parliament - to the point where the government's on the brink of losing its majority and there are several byelections planned.

That rule about not being beholden to foreign powers (aside from being vaguely defined) is a fine principle to have since you obviously want your representatives to act in the best interests of your country. But the world was a lot less mobile when that clause was written and then established through the courts - and the relationships between countries were more competitive. If I were an Australian I'd be more worried about that MP with Greek heritage having ties to big tobacco or other lobbyists than whether he's allowed to collect a Greek pension in 30 years' time since said lobbyists are far more likely to have an undue influence on his decisions. And that's before you get into the irony of how the first thing every parliament does is swear allegiance to a foreign citizen (the Queen).

I'd like to see us implement a written constitution (and fwiw if you guys had one you wouldn't be going through the Brexit clusterfuck), but it has to be a living document. Even if we were to write one now, there's no way to know how to set up principles that define how a country should be run in relation to developments in big data, AI, taxation and human welfare in a highly globalised world, and a changing world order. Who knows how any of that will look in 100 years' time, much less 50 or even 10 years.

Oh wow what a culturally minimising rule - this world should be coming together not separating and being worried about borders - that Greek mp is far more likely to be humane in dealings with foreign peoples and minorities and will be more representative of diverse australia than an “Australian” Parliament

Yeah you probably are eligible - uk is pretty loose with dual citizenship

Also what message does it send anyone who’s migrated to australia or who’s parents migrated there - it genuinely feels a bit nazi in its ideology - purification and stuff... (i realise that feels strong but it’s ideologically similar - if nowhere near as severe)

And brexit is already gonna be a clusterfuck - only 35% of the country voted for it including people who are gonna be dead by the time it comes about (and 16/17 year olds who couldn’t vote are gonna be most affected - if they’re old enough to go to prison then they are old enough to vote tbh especially on something as life changing as this)

 

[Somerset Ravens]

Average household income. Somerset's last, or near last depending on the recency.

"The decade hasn't seen any improvement in two stubborn economic problems for Somerset: poverty and high unemployment," reports DelmarvaNow. "Its 8.7 unemployment rate in January was the highest anywhere outside of its extremely seasonal neighbor, Worcester. And its rock-bottom median household income of $36,716 is lower than the next-poorest Maryland county by about $3,000."

"While wealthy states tend to have wealthier localities across the board, Somerset County, the poorest in Maryland, was still relatively poor," USA Today writes, reporting that Somerset is MD's poorest county. "A typical household earned less than $38,500 between 2009 and 2013, more than $35,000 less than the comparable state figure. Poor educational attainment among county residents may be partially the reason for the low incomes — 14.2% of area adults had at least a bachelor's degree during the five years through 2013, less than half the comparable national rate of 28.8%."

And this, from Baltimore Business Journal, shows just how bad poverty is in Somerset. It's worse than in Baltimore.

The unemployment rate you mention is a surprise to me. It had been running much closer to 10%. The educational system even though not the best is not the real problem. The best and brightest have little reason to stay here and leave for better opportunities.

The biggest problem in this county is the County Commissioners. They fell in love with the 1960s and are reluctant to let go.

You have mentioned the importance of good benefits. Many people here choose to work as independent contractors ( seafood and agriculture ) without benefits but this allows them to shield income from taxes.

 

[Willbacker]

You misunderstand me, I understand that the constitution is the law of the land and that it is difficult to change but it’s also 250 years old (almost) so naturally it is out of date in many respects... so it should evolve

Also not sure why health and education shouldn’t be federal - because let’s be honest if education had been left entirely to the states in the 60s and beyond you’d probably still have segregated schools in some states

No I strongly disagree about segregated schools lol.

But what about those minorities or other groups who don’t subscribe to the majority view in their states - part of the greatness of the USA is supposedly its diversity of people and opinions but you’re acting like each state has unanimously different views to other states when it’s far more likely that there are differences within state

What about those people in your state who can’t afford private healthcare, what then are they to do?

What about public schooling, someone might not have enough money to move states to one that has better public schooling so they get left in a school in their state with lowest common denominator teaching/care...

Well you can look at it this way. Big cities actually control some of our states like New York and Illinois for instance with massive acreage of rural territory. The rural people have to deal with that. Just shows you an opposite way of how it works.

That would have to be for the states and doctors to decide but believe me nobody gets left behind or has. Tbh and I know nobody likes to hear it but illegals is what killed our healthcare. It never used to be a problem. Right now Obamacare has been a failure for lack of choices, high premiums and high deductables and only the ones that can "afford" Obamacare are getting screwed. Not the poor or the illegals. They get it for free. You think that's fair.

I remember we discussed the schooling before and you didn't realize that here if you're in a certain district you have to go to that school in that district. You cant go to another public school in another district where you may rather have your child go even if you'd rather them go to that school. There's no choices unless you want private ed.

 

[Somerset Ravens]

It just seems like a foreign concept to work
It creates a healthier workforce
Which creates a more efficient workforce

It feels very shortsighted to ask a worker to pay money in order to feel safe at work in order to be paid

I see the value of sick leave. If I were an employer I would offer it because I would want to attract the very best employees if I could afford to do so. There is no way that as an employer I should be required to do so.

I am not trying to offend you with this question. Do you have a job with a for profit company?

 

[K-Dog]

You could be like me and have limited experience with a bachelor's degree and need to take the first job for experience.

Which takes us back to a conversation from a short while back about jobs.

I will preface my comments by saying I know NOTHING about the job market you are in, but I feel like I can make some fairly educated deductions and draw a conclusion or two.

I don't think your market is in super high demand at your skill level. I don't think entry level pays too bad, but it is not woo-hoo wages.
I think with 5-10 years real world experience opportunities open up and pay and benefits go accordingly.

My Dad taught me a young age, every decision has a consequence. Every single one of them. It is inescapable. If you make the decision you have to accept the consequence. Period.
You have to take responsibility for the decisions you make.
I wanted to be a radio DJ. I had a set up in my parents basement. I was pretty good. I was on air locally for a few years and had a syndicated show for a short period of time. I don't do that anymore, not because I don't want to, I would LOVE it. The market is WAY too cut throat. The market is saturated with talent. I didn't want to deal with the competition.

My daughter wants to be a psychiatrist. I think it is a GREAT career choice, and a great fit for her, but I keep warning her that, that is going to be a flooded market by the time she gets there and she might have to make a lot of sacrifices for a few years.

As I said befor it is sad that most people won't make $110,000.00 doing what they love. But not everyone making $110,000.00 loves what they do.
If you choose to do what you love and base your career solely on what you love there will be consequences. If you choose to chase the almighty dollar, there will be consequences.

 

[K-Dog]

You misunderstand me, I understand that the constitution is the law of the land and that it is difficult to change but it’s also 250 years old (almost) so naturally it is out of date in many respects... so it should evolve

Twice now you have described the Constitution as "out of date" Did you read it yet? You aren't making that statement without proper research are you ?
The structures, the delegation of power and authority stand the test of time.
I reread it just this evening since we were talking about is. I see nothing that needs changed that has not already been changed, but there is an amendment or two I am not a fan of , but that is how it all works.

 

[rossihunter2]

I see the value of sick leave. If I were an employer I would offer it because I would want to attract the very best employees if I could afford to do so. There is no way that as an employer I should be required to do so.

I am not trying to offend you with this question. Do you have a job with a for profit company?

I do not have a job at all right now lol - why do you think I spend so much time on these forums haha

 

[K-Dog]

I do not have a job at all right now lol - why do you think I spend so much time on these forums haha

Can I ask why not?

 

[Tank]

Okay.
My buddy and his gf were out on the town.
A gang of young black men ( eight ) attacked them. his gf was raped by five of them. My buddy was forced at knife point to wach.
My frinds mother in law was car jacked robbed of her purse and pistol wipped by two young black men.
An ex gf got lost in the wrong part of Baltimore she was pulled from her car and stripped near naked by three young black men, befor someone came to her aide.

A friend eight year old daughter was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a young black man.

When my family was young. My parents took us to DC to see the museum's and a picnic on the mall. Three young black men ran through our picnic stomping and kicking our food.

I was knocked unconscious on the Baltimore light rail in "the knock out game" by a young black man.

Every single crime. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Where there was a perpetrator. It was a young black man.

Based on your reasoning, 90% of the crimes committed against me and the people I care about were at the hands of young black men.
Can I say young black men are out to get me?

Would that be fair? Accurate?

BTW full disclosure, I don't have a problem with young black men, but I am uneasy in certain situations. Do you blame me?
When you "come to" and you are in a ball on your wifes lap and there is a crowd of black youth filming pointing and laughing you come out jaded.

Wowzer....... This is a graphic illustration to those who just don’t know and should bring things into perspective for them.

 

[rossihunter2]

Can I ask why not?

Tv is a hard industry to work in especially at the lower levels towards the end of a calendar year - it’s been a struggle trying to get work recently

And my other work is mostly seasonal (summer) and is part time anyway but that’s pretty much finished too - hasn’t been consistent work for a few weeks on that job

 

[RavensMania]

On my plan at work my dental and vision are extremely cheap. My vision is only around 4 dollars while my dental is 12 so if you look online you may be able to find something very affordable for basic care. My dental personally only covers up to a 1000 dollars. Not sure about my vision but I can get a free pair of glasses valued around the 200 range.

With dental it’s very important to know how certain items are covered. For example, Sometimes cheaper plans will cover items like a crown as a major item instead of a basic item, causing the consumer to have more out of pocket expenses. I’m a financial advisor but also do insurances.

 

[29BmoreBird22]

On my plan at work my dental and vision are extremely cheap. My vision is only around 4 dollars while my dental is 12 so if you look online you may be able to find something very affordable for basic care. My dental personally only covers up to a 1000 dollars. Not sure about my vision but I can get a free pair of glasses valued around the 200 range.

Well, it's actually really nice because there's a local community college by me and they do dental cleanings for $10 because they have students that need to practice. As far as vision, I've been very fortunate to not need glasses, yet...

 

[29BmoreBird22]

What is your chosen profession? Are there many employers in your field?

I have a biochemistry degree and I had a research position in a lab when I lived in Blacksburg, but when I moved, there just weren't many labs around me. So I've been working with vets part time trying to find something full time or another lab. I want to be a vet in the long run.

 

[29BmoreBird22]

Which takes us back to a conversation from a short while back about jobs.

I will preface my comments by saying I know NOTHING about the job market you are in, but I feel like I can make some fairly educated deductions and draw a conclusion or two.

I don't think your market is in super high demand at your skill level. I don't think entry level pays too bad, but it is not woo-hoo wages.
I think with 5-10 years real world experience opportunities open up and pay and benefits go accordingly.

My Dad taught me a young age, every decision has a consequence. Every single one of them. It is inescapable. If you make the decision you have to accept the consequence. Period.
You have to take responsibility for the decisions you make.
I wanted to be a radio DJ. I had a set up in my parents basement. I was pretty good. I was on air locally for a few years and had a syndicated show for a short period of time. I don't do that anymore, not because I don't want to, I would LOVE it. The market is WAY too cut throat. The market is saturated with talent. I didn't want to deal with the competition.

My daughter wants to be a psychiatrist. I think it is a GREAT career choice, and a great fit for her, but I keep warning her that, that is going to be a flooded market by the time she gets there and she might have to make a lot of sacrifices for a few years.

As I said befor it is sad that most people won't make $110,000.00 doing what they love. But not everyone making $110,000.00 loves what they do.
If you choose to do what you love and base your career solely on what you love there will be consequences. If you choose to chase the almighty dollar, there will be consequences.

Someone could pay me minimum wage to work in a lab at this point and I would be happy. I want to be an exotic or zoo vet. I'm a male. I also want to specialize in surgery. The vets I work with like to joke that they're going to roll out the red carpet for me when I apply for vet school because I'm a male with that specialty interest.

I'm a biochemistry major in research. This isn't a saturated market by any stretch except I live in an area with several colleges that can give free labor to companies as an "internship," so I'm not as appealing because I need to be paid rather than just getting credits at college for my time and effort.

Psychiatry absolutely will not be saturated. Psychology? Sure. Psychiatry? She could not pick a better field if she always wants to be in demand. There's usually like four month waiting lists to get into a psychiatrist because there are so few. Four month waiting list for a 15 minute appointment. It's crazy. If she can stomach getting her master's in psychology and getting her MD, then go for it. She'll make great money and always be needed.

I don't need money more than I need to live nor do I need a lot of money now. My vets said that I would care about how little money I make as a vet, but I don't want to be a vet for money- I want to be a vet because I love animals.

 

[K-Dog]

Not to stir up the freedom of speech thing again, but I was reminded of a great quote....

"If you don't believe in freedom of speech for those you despise, then you don't believe in freedom of speech. "

 

[Willbacker]

Sanctuary cities can all rot and go to hell. You got a city that released an illegal immigrant that had committed 7 felonies and had already been deported 5 times. Commits another felony. ICE asks for a retainer on him. He gets released. Murders a young woman and gets away scot free. Not even a manslaughter conviction????? And then one of the lawyers proclaims it a victory for illegal immigrants. Fuck off!!