World is Falling Apart Thread (Locked forever)

[Ack]

As someone from the South, I am more than aware of how history is often manipulated to push an individual's world view and how a society can embrace it. I most certainly recommend O'Reilly's work with a grain of salt, as I would of any other news commentator. But sometimes it is worth examining if only to provide new insight into a topic.

As a recent example, a new biography of Ulysses Grant came out last year that refutes many of the oft-recited claims that he was a terrible president and died a drunkard, instead lionizing him as a proto-Jimmy Carter. Is this view accurate? Read the work and figure out for yourself.

[Erik_Twice]

From my little understanding of American history, Grant was a flawed man and couldn't achieve the goals he set himself but he was moved in the right direction and seemed to have had his heart on the right place.

I've also read that claims that he was an alcoholic had no basis and were simply propaganda of the time.

On a related matter, I'm a bit surprised that Harding is regarded as "one of the worst presidents ever". He seemed to have been a progressive-thinking man who set out to do a lot of good in his short tenure.
- Attempts at pacification and reconstruction after WWI
- Disarmament
- Reduced interventionism in Latin America
- Improved the economy, ending a depression and increasing wages, profits and GDP.
- Passed anti-lynching legislation

Apparently his cabinet was not clean, but it hardly seems a mark against him compared to other people on the list. *Coughandrewjacksoncough*

[Sarge]

Because I like a little humor (and was a Cruz supporter during the primaries), I found this little Cruz-Deadspin "war" pretty funny.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2689 ... g-national

[ZeroAX]

You guys realize that the toddler is realizing the plot of an arrested development episode, right? Betting 1000$ He's going to be involved in some kind of scandal with the construction companies in the future.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Because I like a little humor (and was a Cruz supporter during the primaries), I found this little Cruz-Deadspin "war" pretty funny.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2689 ... g-national

That's too funny, and Deadspin's response to a very funny tweet is deplorable.

I don't like Ted Cruz's politics, and I used to comfort myself regarding Donald Trump's election by repeating "At least we didn't elect Ted Cruz." I am slowly coming to realize, however, the Donald Trump may be far, far worse...(At least the very least, Cruz would be remotely predictable and not show such disdain for truth!)

[Jmustang1968]

Because I like a little humor (and was a Cruz supporter during the primaries), I found this little Cruz-Deadspin "war" pretty funny.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2689 ... g-national

That's too funny, and Deadspin's response to a very funny tweet is deplorable.

I don't like Ted Cruz's politics, and I used to comfort myself regarding Donald Trump's election by repeating "At least we didn't elect Ted Cruz." I am slowly coming to realize, however, the Donald Trump may be far, far worse...(At least the very least, Cruz would be remotely predictable and not show such disdain for truth!)

I think Cruz would be more scary to the Dems and Liberals as he would have much more party backing to push through initiatives.

[prfsnl_gmr]

I think Cruz would be more scary to the Dems and Liberals as he would have much more party backing to push through initiatives.

That's pretty much where I was coming from. He is vastly more intelligent than Donald Trump, and I think he would have much, much more support from his party for his policy initiatives. (I am basically counting the days until the Republicans in Congress - and even his own VP and cabinet appointments - turn on our current POTUS.)

So...basically...when faced with a choice between an evil genius and a thin-skinned, narcissistic, know-nothing blowhard, I would choose the latter. I am beginning to think that is not such a wise decision...

[Sarge]

But he loves The Princess Bride! And video games! (Although he doesn't play a ton now, because of obvious reasons.) He can't be that bad!

Cruz is scary to a lot of Republicans as well. I think they may be happier with Trump, because they think they'll be able to cut more deals that way (but they are both hated, just so we're clear). Dunno. I do think Cruz looks more like a typical politician, but his record backs up what his priorities are. Trump has a rep as a non-politician, but with all the schmoozing and deal-making he does, I'd say he's very much a politician.

[prfsnl_gmr]

But he loves The Princess Bride! And video games! (Although he doesn't play a ton now, because of obvious reasons.) He can't be that bad!

Well! If I'd known that I would've put out a yard sign!

[Sarge]

Ha! Well, apparently he played a ton of Super Mario Bros. and Japanese fighting games, according to a Daily Beast article. He also doesn't own a console now to keep from being tempted, although he apparently still does smartphone gaming. Wonder if we should tell him he can play SNES on his phone?