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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: The_Hammer on July 16, 2012, 02:28:12 AM

Title: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking - The Newsroom
Post by: The_Hammer on July 16, 2012, 02:28:12 AM
Anyone watching HBO's The Newsroom?

Pretty Epic.

The writers seem fearless and not afraid to say what every rational person in the world is thinking about modern culture.


Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: phreak on July 16, 2012, 03:04:01 AM
This is exactly how I feel about the US. Yes, even that it could again be the greatest country on earth. But it sure as hell isn't right now.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: phreak on July 16, 2012, 03:12:11 AM
Does anyone have some insight into empire decline, especially that of the British Empire? I know some of the historical background, but am interested in perspectives on peoples' perception then and now. When did it sink in for the common man that the empire was gone? Was there a specific event that triggered this realisation (WW2?) or was this a gradual change in thinking?
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: The_Hammer on July 16, 2012, 03:30:46 AM
Does anyone have some insight into empire decline, especially that of the British Empire? I know some of the historical background, but am interested in perspectives on peoples' perception then and now. When did it sink in for the common man that the empire was gone? Was there a specific event that triggered this realisation (WW2?) or was this a gradual change in thinking?

You must not know much about American history if you think WW2 was the trigger point of decline.

WW2 was the true birth of America becoming a super power.  

Before WW2 America was as prominent in the world as Sweden, but Franklin Roosevelt's guts to stand up and help our British allies showed the world that American's had the will to do what was right and fight against inhumanity.

Shortly thereafter America became a military and economic super power.

The downfall of what was morally right in America occurred in the 1980's when lobbyist paid off the people we as American citizens elected to represent our best interest.

Today, not only America, but the Westernized World has degenerated into a culture of greed and vice.  Kindness and compassion is all but absent, and most find pleasure in the pain of others.


[/youtube]
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: phreak on July 16, 2012, 03:33:26 AM
You must not know much about American history if you think WW2 was the trigger point of decline.
That's why I explicitly mentioned the British Empire.

And also I want to know on a human level when the decline became too obvious to ignore, not on a macro level (which is easier to spot for an outsider).
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Dr Dutch on July 16, 2012, 03:42:22 AM
Does anyone have some insight into empire decline, especially that of the British Empire? I know some of the historical background, but am interested in perspectives on peoples' perception then and now. When did it sink in for the common man that the empire was gone? Was there a specific event that triggered this realisation (WW2?) or was this a gradual change in thinking?
They neglected the upright row, that was it. yes.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Tito24 on July 16, 2012, 03:44:17 AM
the superpower of al capone
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Dr Dutch on July 16, 2012, 03:46:11 AM
That's why I explicitly mentioned the British Empire.

And also I want to know on a human level when the decline became too obvious to ignore, not on a macro level (which is easier to spot for an outsider).
Colonies went, they went too. US had no colonies, so they could rise...
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: phreak on July 16, 2012, 04:11:21 AM
Colonies went, they went too. US had no colonies, so they could rise...
True, but I want to know more about what the man in the street felt. Was it India's independence that made it dawn on the little people that GB was no longer a world power? Was it having to cower in bomb shelters during V1 raids? Was it much earlier, losing millions of troops during WW1? Or was it gradual, just more and more people realising that GB went from being an empire where the sun never sets, to a simple country where it never shines?

I'd like to know this about our country as well, but nobody alive shortly after the Golden Century is around these days.  :P
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 07:55:26 AM
Anyone watching HBO's The Newsroom?

Pretty Epic.

The writers seem fearless and not afraid to say what every rational person in the world is thinking about modern culture.



    wow!!!!
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Fortress on July 16, 2012, 10:02:23 AM
Good stuff.

The USA is FAR from the greatest country in the world.

At its beginnning, it meant well, but has since unraveled to a point where it's gasping for air. 
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on July 16, 2012, 10:09:18 AM
Good stuff.

The USA is FAR from the greatest country in the world.

At its beginnning, it meant well, but has since unraveled to a point where it's gasping for air. 

Funny how people keep on saying that, yet there are millions and millions of people all over the world that continue to move to the USA and never leave.

Brits always talk down to the US but I can't tell you how many move here and never leave. I read one stat that when it comes to illegal immigraiton that germans are third behind the latinos and asians coming into the country.

I think people bitch about commericialism, greed etc. but love living within pissing distance of 50 major chain stores and love getting things cheap.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Tito24 on July 16, 2012, 10:19:08 AM
they never leave because usa makes so good hamburgers
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Dr Dutch on July 16, 2012, 10:35:05 AM

I'd like to know this about our country as well, but nobody alive shortly after the Golden Century is around these days.  :P

Trading was the main thing, plus our neighbour countries were not that strong around then. Plus we were extremely liberal for the period, so lots of scholars and scientists came to Holland. Everything just fitted into place that century. It couldn't last because we had just 2 or 3 million inhabitants. It was crazy really...
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: crownshep on July 16, 2012, 11:10:03 AM
Just watched the first episode on Sky over here in England,loved the first 5 mins,and that episode just got better and better,can`t wait for part 2 tommorrow night.Brilliant series.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Fortress on July 16, 2012, 11:14:55 AM
Funny how people keep on saying that, yet there are millions and millions of people all over the world that continue to move to the USA and never leave.

That many folks choose the lesser shit out of two shits doesn't make the lesser shit not shit. Get it?

To deny that the US hasn't deteriorated massively these past few decades is to be either stupid or have your head in the sand.

Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: flipper5470 on July 16, 2012, 11:16:21 AM
Pseudo-intellectual drivel designed to appeal to sofa dwellers who think they have all the answers to the world's problems.  
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Voice of Doom on July 16, 2012, 12:07:29 PM
You must not know much about American history if you think WW2 was the trigger point of decline.

WW2 was the true birth of America becoming a super power.  

Before WW2 America was as prominent in the world as Sweden, but Franklin Roosevelt's guts to stand up and help our British allies showed the world that American's had the will to do what was right and fight against inhumanity.

Shortly thereafter America became a military and economic super power.

The downfall of what was morally right in America occurred in the 1980's when lobbyist paid off the people we as American citizens elected to represent our best interest.

Today, not only America, but the Westernized World has degenerated into a culture of greed and vice.  Kindness and compassion is all but absent, and most find pleasure in the pain of others.


[/youtube]

The US entered WW2 for the same reason it entered WW1...to save countries that had taken large loans from the western banking cabals from being obliterated.  New occupiers mean new governments and new governments mean the cancellation of previous debts. 
That certainly doesn't detract from the nobel efforts of the men fighting the war but is a true statement about how much their lives are worth to the elites.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 12:18:25 PM
You must not know much about American history if you think WW2 was the trigger point of decline.

WW2 was the true birth of America becoming a super power.  

Before WW2 America was as prominent in the world as Sweden, but Franklin Roosevelt's guts to stand up and help our British allies showed the world that American's had the will to do what was right and fight against inhumanity.

Shortly thereafter America became a military and economic super power.

The downfall of what was morally right in America occurred in the 1980's when lobbyist paid off the people we as American citizens elected to represent our best interest.

Today, not only America, but the Westernized World has degenerated into a culture of greed and vice.  Kindness and compassion is all but absent, and most find pleasure in the pain of others.


[/youtube]
                                                                                              wow!!  this one had me choke up a little, is that charlie chaplin?
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Psychopath on July 16, 2012, 12:38:10 PM
ahahahahah, fuck off you naive little dweeb.

Do you think humans are angels incapable of "sin"? What the fuck do you think keeps you safe at night, with paved roads, running water and electricity? A pacifist approach to politics?

When has that ever worked in the past? When was there ever a time where a dominant nation didn't rule the world or the majority of it?

...and isn't there always a foreign threat that manages to overthrow and/or strongly competes with the current dominant empire? If you wish to remain dominant, "pre-emptive" measure must be taken before it's too late, in strive to maintain dominance and favourable order.  

The only thing that differentiates America from previous empires is the level of human rights and freedom it grants its citizens.

The whole system is built on consumerism. You can't have self-indulgent, absent minded, greedy and envious consumers when your populous hails a king, and fears abuse from its own military, politicians, and secret police.


Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Roger Bacon on July 16, 2012, 01:01:34 PM
That is idiotic.  Overall Math, science, life expectancy, infant mortality, median household income, labor force, and exports aren't and should never be what make (or made) America great. 

The reason we are (were) the best is because of our freedom; economic, creative, individual.  Everything else stemmed from that.  It would be very difficult to compete with other countries in those categories while enjoying such freedom to do as we please, and run OUR OWN LIVES.

In such a gigantic free society, there are bound to be groups (that enjoy the freedom to fail) which skew those statistics.


Unfortunately (because of weak minded, ignorant followers) we're now joining the ranks of mediocre countries around the world.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 01:05:07 PM
That is idiotic.  Overall Math, science, life expectancy, infant mortality, median household income, labor force, and exports aren't and should never be what make (or made) America great. 

The reason we are (were) the best is because of our freedom; economic, creative, individual.  Everything else stemmed from that.  It would be very difficult to compete with other countries in those categories while enjoying such freedom to do as we please, and run OUR OWN LIVES.

In such a gigantic free society, there are bound to be groups (that enjoy the freedom to fail) which skew those statistics.


Unfortunately (because of weak minded, ignorant followers) we're now joining the ranks of mediocre countries around the world.

  have you travelled outside of the united states?
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 01:05:46 PM
All the people in this thread that say america isnt the greatest country in the world, could you pick a country that you feel is the greatest.  Not criticizing, just wanna see what people would say.  If you had to pick one, which would you pick?  As of right now.  
  CANADA!!
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 01:06:58 PM
ahahahahah, fuck off you naive little dweeb.

Do you think humans are angels incapable of "sin"? What the fuck do you think keeps you safe at night, with paved roads, running water and electricity? A pacifist approach to politics?

When has that ever worked in the past? When was there ever a time where a dominant nation didn't rule the world or the majority of it?

...and isn't there always a foreign threat that manages to overthrow and/or strongly competes with the current dominant empire? If you wish to remain dominant, "pre-emptive" measure must be taken before it's too late, in strive to maintain dominance and favourable order.  

The only thing that differentiates America from previous empires is the level of human rights and freedom it grants its citizens.

The whole system is built on consumerism. You can't have self-indulgent, absent minded, greedy and envious consumers when your populous hails a king, and fears abuse from its own military, politicians, and secret police.



  Im sure you have not.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on July 16, 2012, 01:14:44 PM
  CANADA!!

HAHAHA, no. Canada's tax system ensures that canadians cannot become rich as quickly as they can in the USA.  Canada does everything it can to be like the USA and deny that it wants to be like the USA.

People need to realize as well that America is fucking huge with so many different types of people and regions that it is crazy.  Trying to define America as a whole is immposible. 
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: D_1000 on July 16, 2012, 01:15:31 PM
                                                                                              wow!!  this one had me choke up a little, is that charlie chaplin?

From Charlie Chaplin's classic The Great Dictator.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Roger Bacon on July 16, 2012, 01:21:49 PM
  have you travelled outside of the united states?

Only been to Canada, the United Kingdom, (England, Wales, and Scotland).

No one enjoys the kind of freedom we do.  That is slowly being taken away though.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Psychopath on July 16, 2012, 01:22:53 PM
  Im sure you have not.


lol, I've lived in several countries, and i'm currently in Canada. What makes you say that?
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Shockwave on July 16, 2012, 01:24:18 PM
ahahahahah, fuck off you naive little dweeb.

Do you think humans are angels incapable of "sin"? What the fuck do you think keeps you safe at night, with paved roads, running water and electricity? A pacifist approach to politics?

When has that ever worked in the past? When was there ever a time where a dominant nation didn't rule the world or the majority of it?

...and isn't there always a foreign threat that manages to overthrow and/or strongly competes with the current dominant empire? If you wish to remain dominant, "pre-emptive" measure must be taken before it's too late, in strive to maintain dominance and favourable order.  

The only thing that differentiates America from previous empires is the level of human rights and freedom it grants its citizens.

The whole system is built on consumerism. You can't have self-indulgent, absent minded, greedy and envious consumers when your populous hails a king, and fears abuse from its own military, politicians, and secret police.



I mostly agree with this.
You cannot be pacifist and still be a superpower - it wont work.
The world isnt nice, too many differing cultures for everyone to live by the same ideals, always someone out there willing to chop your head off to accomplish his own goals.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Roger Bacon on July 16, 2012, 01:26:27 PM
The thing that makes, or made America great was that it was a bastion of Freedom from the rest of the world.

Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on July 16, 2012, 01:27:52 PM
The thing that makes, or made America great was that it was a bastion of Freedom from the rest of the world.



now it's very secular but no one wants to admit it.  The government is not afraid to push Christianity on the country even though that is what this "freedom" stems from.  Being someone free to choose your own religion.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: D_1000 on July 16, 2012, 01:28:17 PM
Only been to Canada, the United Kingdom, Whales and Scotland.

No one enjoys the kind of freedom we do.  That is slowly being taken away though.

Real estate and financial issues, greed, health care issues, homeless people, illegal aliens, gangs, wars, bankrupting yourself for college degrees, 99% / occupy Wall Street, bipartisan politics, ethnic violence etc. This is all a part of the US seen from the outside, you will find out most people don't want that kind of freedom.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Shockwave on July 16, 2012, 01:50:01 PM
now it's very secular but no one wants to admit it.  The government is not afraid to push Christianity on the country even though that is what this "freedom" stems from.  Being someone free to choose your own religion.
I've noticed this as well - one of the founding beliefs of this country was freedom from religious persecution, and now it seems like people like to push Christianity like its the countries official religion.

Note - I have no problem with saying the whole "One nation under god" phrase, as god can apply to many religions or many ideals.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 03:01:32 PM
HAHAHA, no. Canada's tax system ensures that canadians cannot become rich as quickly as they can in the USA.  Canada does everything it can to be like the USA and deny that it wants to be like the USA.

People need to realize as well that America is fucking huge with so many different types of people and regions that it is crazy.  Trying to define America as a whole is immposible. 
  why the fuck is getting RICH at the top of your priorities? I agree completely agree with everything else you wrote.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: The_Hammer on July 16, 2012, 03:08:17 PM
Bill Clinton had the right ideas when he was President.

Booming economy, low unemployment, low taxes for the middle class, tax the wealthy.

No wars, only intervened with force when necessary (Kosovo).

Small government.

Obama had the same way idea when coming into office, but he inherited the largest economic disaster since the Great Depression and 2 wars.  He did end the Iraq War and is withdrawing combat troops from Afghanistan next year, so maybe there is a chance to restore some ideals we saw under Clinton.

[/youtube]
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 03:17:17 PM
The thing that makes, or made America great was that it was a bastion of Freedom from the rest of the world.


IT WAS ,  exactly!! and now what is happening?? please understand, my feelings about americas beginnings, are nothing but complete and TOTAL RESPECT. but what it has become, because of apathy and rhetoric, and delusion, is undeniable. stop allowing the 1% and the other bastards that are simply power hungry robots control what you think and what you believe. ''the natural liberty of man, is to be free from any superior on earth, and NOT be under the will or legislative authority of man, but only to have the law of nature for his rule''.  Samuel Adams.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Shockwave on July 16, 2012, 03:26:41 PM
Bill Clinton had the right ideas when he was President.

Booming economy, low unemployment, low taxes for the middle class, tax the wealthy.

No wars, only intervened with force when necessary (Kosovo).

Small government.

Obama had the same way idea when coming into office, but he inherited the largest economic disaster since the Great Depression and 2 wars.  He did end the Iraq War and is withdrawing combat troops from Afghanistan next year, so maybe there is a chance to restore some ideals we saw under Clinton.

[/youtube]
I'll agree with the 1st half of your statement.
Obama does not believe in small government.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 16, 2012, 03:37:48 PM
I'll agree with the 1st half of your statement.
Obama does not believe in small government.
  im a clinton and obama fan,, only because my choices are limited and they are Irishmen. lol, but they are still controles or persuaded by the "real power". Obama is a puppet, they all are,, except the 2, the few the proud the 2.... that were..... ASSASINATED.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: phreak on July 17, 2012, 12:23:54 AM
All the people in this thread that say america isnt the greatest country in the world, could you pick a country that you feel is the greatest.  Not criticizing, just wanna see what people would say.  If you had to pick one, which would you pick?  As of right now.  

The absolute number one? Probably Switzerland for me.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: pedro01 on July 17, 2012, 12:45:03 AM
HAHAHA, no. Canada's tax system ensures that canadians cannot become rich as quickly as they can in the USA.  Canada does everything it can to be like the USA and deny that it wants to be like the USA.

Oh Lordy - here we have "The American Dream" in all it's fucking gory (sic).

Why the fuck do you care that you can become rich more quickly in the US? Even if it were true, it ain't gonna happen to you, pal.


Quote
Are you temporarily embarrassed?

You may not realise it, but you could be a temporarily embarrassed millionaire. Do you plan to someday in the future have more money? Are you concerned that your taxes are too high, because someday you might pay too much tax. Do you ride the bus only because this year you can’t afford that luxury car you’re going to have? Do you live pay cheque to pay cheque like most people just because you haven’t had your lucky break.

You aren’t rich and it’s very unlikely you ever will be. The economic and power systems of this planet are not designed for you to get rich. The American dream doesn’t exist and it never did. Stop being a temporarily embarrassed millionaire and just be a person.

Amen.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: pedro01 on July 17, 2012, 12:46:36 AM
Only been to Canada, the United Kingdom, (England, Wales, and Scotland).

No one enjoys the kind of freedom we do.  That is slowly being taken away though.

I've lived in US, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Japan and Thailand.

I never really noticed any difference in how free I was in any of the European countries when compared to the US - perhaps you can explain.

The US is the only place where I've had cops trying to intimidate me.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: phreak on July 17, 2012, 12:54:19 AM
Oh Lordy - here we have "The American Dream" in all it's fucking gory (sic).

Why the fuck do you care that you can become rich more quickly in the US? Even if it were true, it ain't gonna happen to you, pal.
Exactly. You have to admit: the brainwashing has been very successful. It's a very basic conflate: equating "anyone" with "everyone". Yes, anyone can become a millionaire in the US -- just like in any other country on earth. Trash can win the Powerball and suddenly have tens of millions. But not everyone can be a millionaire -- again, just like any country on earth.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: YngiweRhoads on July 17, 2012, 03:40:03 AM
Funny how people keep on saying that, yet there are millions and millions of people all over the world that continue to move to the USA and never leave.

Brits always talk down to the US but I can't tell you how many move here and never leave. I read one stat that when it comes to illegal immigraiton that germans are third behind the latinos and asians coming into the country.

I think people bitch about commericialism, greed etc. but love living within pissing distance of 50 major chain stores and love getting things cheap.

Hahaha!

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/americans-moving-canada-record-numbers-report-161857845.html
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking - The Newsroom
Post by: MORTALCOIL on July 17, 2012, 03:43:37 AM
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Parker on July 17, 2012, 03:54:16 AM
  why the fuck is getting RICH at the top of your priorities? I agree completely agree with everything else you wrote.
What's that saying, "Get Rich or Die Trying"?
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: bighead on July 17, 2012, 04:31:22 AM
Hahaha!

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/americans-moving-canada-record-numbers-report-161857845.html
.  Lol.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: _bruce_ on July 17, 2012, 05:14:44 AM
Pseudo-intellectual drivel designed to appeal to sofa dwellers who think they have all the answers to the world's problems.  

 :D
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking - The Newsroom
Post by: GigantorX on July 17, 2012, 05:26:23 AM
I keep giving this show chances, as I love Waterson and Daniels, but it sucks.

I think I'm done with it.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: pedro01 on July 17, 2012, 05:32:59 AM
What's that saying, "Get Rich or Die Trying"?

Yes - appropriate for a shallow negro rapper

BUT

Not a great thing to teach the children, is it?
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking - The Newsroom
Post by: bighead on July 17, 2012, 06:32:29 AM

this should be mandatory in all schools. But the doctrines put in place by the rockefellers some 70 years ago would never allow it.
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking - The Newsroom
Post by: bighead on July 17, 2012, 06:42:50 AM
http://www.businessinsider.com/these-6-corporations-control-90-of-the-media-in-america-2012-6
Title: Re: Having The Guts to Say What Everyone is Thinking
Post by: Parker on July 17, 2012, 06:52:16 AM
Yes - appropriate for a shallow negro rapper

BUT

Not a great thing to teach the children, is it?
Well yes and no---he is rich, and he hasn't died...yet
but, many of these young hoodlums all they have on their mind is getting rich---whether it be hood rich or real world rich, and they will screw over anybody to get their.