Sacrilege!

[Fatstrat]

Originally Posted by D. Shelton

John Goodman is fatter in real life ?...

That aint the first time I've been told I looked like him.

[Larry Pattis]

Without self-evaluation we are nothing.

We're behind in math, science (all education, really), health care, and many other aspects of our country in comparison to other industrialized nations.

To ignore this fact will be the death of 'murica, for sure.

The fact that most here prefer the SUV/CUV to the as-functional and more efficient Euro-style wagons (sport and otherwise), or even the good ol' minivan (we have one) says a lot about the mindset here.

[delaorden9]

I can see it now.... it is a fake chinese Gibson

[Fatstrat]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Without self-evaluation we are nothing.

We're behind in math, science (all education, really), health care, and many other aspects of our country in comparison to other industrialized nations.

To ignore this fact will be the death of 'murica, for sure.

The fact that most here prefer the SUV/CUV to the as-functional and more efficient Euro-style wagons (sport and otherwise), or even the good ol' minivan (we have one) says a lot about the mindset here.

Interesting comment considering who's in control of our schools.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by Fatstrat

Interesting comment considering who's in control of our schools.

Parents (parenting) and culture are the prime determinants in regards to educational success.

Remember that we had the same "in charge entity" (if you must) of our *public schools* when we were on top. What has changed...? Culture. Parenting.

EDIT: ...and as a nod towards our colleges, well, we still do lead the world there, as evidenced by foreign attendance at our institutions of higher learning.

[mtsusean]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Parents (parenting) and culture are the prime determinants in regards to educational success.

Remember that we had the same "in charge entity" (if you must) of our *public schools* when we were on top. What has changed...? Culture. Parenting.

I don't think so.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by mtsusean

I don't think so.

I do.

We've cut back so very much on schools, well, it's pretty goofy.

Just one example:

When I was in grammar school (early 1960s) we had 16-20 kids in each class...max. Today it can be nearly double that...and I missed mentioning "class size" as one of the prime determinants, earlier. Apologies.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by D. Shelton

But an enthusiastic troll

It was typical, but now that's just like water off a duck's back...and calling Eugene Oregon as home, well, that also fits...

[Fatstrat]

Cut back? This suggests something different.
http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fe...e-chart.html#1

[SongwriterFan]

It might have something to do with all that new-fangled stuff they're trying to teach.

Just had a very interesting discussion yesterday with the lady who runs the local Firehouse Subs franchise near me. She was a teacher until very recently. Decided to get out.

[flaggerphil]

Well, another thread that proves that evolution exists...

[Chicago Sandy]

I don’t see Flying Orca’s sig file (from Asimov, an American citizen, IIRC) as “anti-American.” There IS a growing strain of thought in the U.S. that is suspicious of intellectuals and venerates a lack of education (whether education is formal or self-acquired) as somehow being desirable and even purer of heart and spirit. But nowhere is it implied that is the dominant sentiment in the U.S., nor that it is synonymous with our national identity. (And to be honest, anti-intellectualism also exists to a growing degree in certain sectors of the Canadian population).

It is a logical fallacy to equate any criticism of the U.S., its institutions, and its leadership with “anti-Americanism,” “hatred” of our country, or a lack of patriotism. Those of us who criticize do so out of concern born of love for America. A rejection of the doctrine of “exceptionalism,” or criticism of some societal aspect is not incompatible with love for our country. I can and do love America without having to believe “we’re number one!” And, I submit, so do Larry and those of us here to the left of the center line. (But although I feel sad that someone living elsewhere may not share our love for our country, it’s not relevant).

[flaggerphil]

Originally Posted by Fatstrat

HEY! That's my Walnut Valley Festival (National Flatpicking Championship) hat.
Very COOL in my book. It even has a guitar on it.

Oh! Ummm...the dogs nails need to be trimmed?

[sdelsolray]

Playing a Gibson guitar while wearing a Martin T-shirt is sacrilige!

[Fatstrat]

Originally Posted by Chicago Sandy

I don’t see Flying Orca’s sig file (from Asimov, an American citizen, IIRC) as “anti-American.” There IS a growing strain of thought in the U.S. that is suspicious of intellectuals and venerates a lack of education (whether education is formal or self-acquired) as somehow being desirable and even purer of heart and spirit. But nowhere is it implied that is the dominant sentiment in the U.S., nor that it is synonymous with our national identity. (And to be honest, anti-intellectualism also exists to a growing degree in certain sectors of the Canadian population).

It is a logical fallacy to equate any criticism of the U.S., its institutions, and its leadership with “anti-Americanism,” “hatred” of our country, or a lack of patriotism. Those of us who criticize do so out of concern born of love for America. A rejection of the doctrine of “exceptionalism,” or criticism of some societal aspect is not incompatible with love for our country. I can and do love America without having to believe “we’re number one!” And, I submit, so do Larry and those of us here to the left of the center line. (But although I feel sad that someone living elsewhere may not share our love for our country, it’s not relevant).

As a American who is proud of my nation I may agree that we, like EVERYWHERE ELSE have our problems. But also believe that in very many aspects we are the greatest nation ever to exist on this planet. I don't mind others commenting occasionally on their opinions of our detriments. But find posting it as a Sig line in EVERY SINGLE POST goes a bit over the line. Don't you think?
And again, it's quite telling that no one except me minded. But change ONE WORD and turn it around. And that brought comments.