World is Falling Apart Thread (Locked forever)

[marurun]

On The Media recently did a fantastic series on poverty in America, looking at myths we have about the poor and about success. The series is well-researched and, at moments, heartbreaking. It illustrates so well how what we think we know about poverty is carefully crafted to flatter those who escaped it and ignore those still trapped by it. It demonstrates, I think, how monolithic the problem is, and how hard it is to change it.

I implore you, if you have time to listen, please listen to these pieces. They will change you, I sincerely hope.

http://www.wnyc.org/series/busted-ameri ... erty-myths

(Let me also append here how constantly impressed I am with public radio journalism. This is one medium which has managed to stay true to the mission of journalism and not rolled over for advertisers and ratings, in part because it doesn't have to. Truly one of our most significant public/private institutions. )

[Ack]

I love how you are praising Trump for bringing over a tiny number of jobs (for the US' size) when during Obama tenure there were way more jobs being created every single month.

But I guess that's the entire point of this narcissistic orange-man. Deflect away any criticism and treat every tiny positive thing like an important victory.

That said, there are some issues with President Obama's(he's still President for a couple more hours) job creation record: during much of his presidency, entrepreneurship was actually on a downward trend, and new business creation moved heavily into major cities, meaning few businesses were being formed in vast swathes of the country:

In the period of 2010-2014, roughly 59% of counties in the US saw more businesses close than open. And at least 50% of all jobs created during that period were only created in major cities, not in the rural counties that so heavily voted for Trump. http://eig.org/recoverymap

As for startup business creation, 2015 was the first time we saw an uptick in activity since 2010. http://www.kauffman.org/~/media/kauffma ... s_2015.pdf

That's not to say that President Obama's legacy on job creation is a bad one. Looking at the raw numbers, yes, jobs were created and our major population centers did see a recovery. I can look outside my window at work and see numerous construction projects, while LinkedIn is happy to notify me of the 60,000+ jobs available in Atlanta. We're definitely in a boom period. But unfortunately the entire country has not seen the same level of recovery.

Now will Trump do better? Who can tell? We can only sit and wait to find out. I hope for the best, sure, but I don't expect it. As for President Obama, much as Trump has promised to dismantle his legacy, I believe that legacy has greater implications both domestically and internationally than Trump(or most folks really) realize, and while some of it I disagree with, some of it I think is exceptional. Eventually we'll look back and be able to ascertain the full influence of Barack Obama's policies on the world. Until then, I'll admire the victories I know of and try not to dwell on the defeats.

[CRTGAMER]

Now will Trump do better? Who can tell? We can only sit and wait to find out.

I hope for the best, sure, but I don't expect it. As for President Obama, much as Trump has promised to dismantle his legacy, I believe that legacy has greater implications both domestically and internationally than Trump(or most folks really) realize, and while some of it I disagree with, some of it I think is exceptional. Eventually we'll look back and be able to ascertain the full influence of Barack Obama's policies on the world.

Until then, I'll admire the victories I know of and try not to dwell on the defeats.

THIS. My whole focus on the last post is the judgement negativity and not even giving the new president a chance. Agree with some of what Obama accomplished, though his end of term agenda has raised an eyebrow. Looking forward to watching the Inauguration and Talladega Band strut their stuff this morning (well later watching the rewind on YouTube).

@ MrPopo - Apologies, my weakness of contantly editing my posts. You are right, maybe too much stuff where the various points slugged thru are missed?

The video of Judge Pirro pulls no punches, anyone have thoughts on it or the other issues I posted above?

[Ack]

Listening to the speech. He's hitting the God angle pretty hard.

[MrPopo]

I noticed a lot of references to the Civil War.

[ElkinFencer10]

I disagree with the assertion that not attending isn't respecting the democratic process. As a reminder, the words "democracy" and "democratic" are based on Greek meaning "rule by the people." Almost three million more of the PEOPLE chose Secretary Clinton than President Trump. If anything disrespects "the democratic process," it's the disgrace of an electoral system we've used for over two hundred years that put him in power. Democracy is rule by the PEOPLE, and the PEOPLE chose Hillary Clinton.

It's perfectly fine to say that not attending the inauguration isn't respecting the process of REPUBLICAN government because a republic is just rule by representatives, but to say that Trump's ascension to power is democratic is to admit that you have no idea what democracy or democratic government is.

[CRTGAMER]

I agree with you on abolishing the Electoral College. An old beating a dead horse argument claiming Trump lost, the Candidates would have campaigned different had it been based on a Popular Vote. The Popular numbers could have gone either way, though I do wish everyone's vote would have been counted as a one tally nation wide.

Outstanding to Hillary Clinton for attending, that took some guts. As to the 65 lame ducks that did not, they just added to the damage to the Democratic Party. The Inauguration is much bigger then the man, our country has the proud tradition of Peaceful Transfer of Power and should be respected. Only 45 Americans have this great honor; President Trump's next four years (two for many of Congress for reelection) will determine if the Democrats can make a come back.

President's Trump first pen signing is the waiver approval for retired Marine General James Mattis, looks like a great start!

[MrPopo]

You realize that this is not the first nor the last time members of congress have not shown up for presidents on both sides of the aisle, right?

[CRTGAMER]

I see the new President as "Mr Smith goes to Washington" (great movie by the way) with this time a powerful team to implement great changes. At his Inauguration Speech, very blunt and backing the people instead of the congressional party sitting behind him.

Trump Inauguration Speech ABC News - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRBsJNdK1t0

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the ... 9ce315e72b

Donald Trump’s full inauguration speech transcript, annotated
Today's ceremony, however, has very special meaning because today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the people. January 20th, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.

We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only America first, America first. The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action.

Donald Trump Inauguration Day (4 hours worth of the entire day / Click Scroll Bar to jump ahead)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UXYMPTdC40

At the Military Ball, President Trump asked if he should keep the Twitter going. A resounding supporting cheer, YES!

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/

So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again!

Your voice, your hopes and your dreams will define our American destiny. Your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again - and yes, together, WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

For the people in false panic over Trump's Twitter, maybe a better move to keep it for venting about the Media?

[marurun]

Why do you capitalize words that have no reason to be capitalized? I feel like that's a sign of something you should talk to someone about.