Possessions as Social Capital

[Alan]

Sorry. I don't participate in the Public Policy forum anymore.

That's a shame. I wish more people would.

And this is exactly why. The Public Policy forum here (on most any site, really) seems to be where reality goes to die. Ideology holds absolute sway over real life.

I think ideology does make itself known there, but is that a bad thing? Being exposed to different points of view shouldn't be threatening, although I can see where it might be upsetting to some.

In theory, that particular forum should act as a receptacle for political and/or social ideologies, keeping them out of the other forums. Unfortunately, that doesn't always work. Just like all other communities, there's always someone who feels free to interject their thoughts on "right wingers", "those tea party folk" and their "penis-mobiles", etc., into any discussion, while simultaneously lamenting the very existence of the forum designed to house those areas of discussion.

I'd like to think it's just a blind spot.

[redfox]

Ok, just when did I miss the penis-mobiles?

[JaneV2.0]

Ha! I was just wondering the same thing...Personally, I drive an Oldmobile.

[dmc]

Sorry. I don't participate in the Public Policy forum anymore.


And this is exactly why. The Public Policy forum here (on most any site, really) seems to be where reality goes to die. Ideology holds absolute sway over real life.

You still have not suggested a workable solution to the issue of so-called "liabilities". Should we just rocket the old and poor and handicapped and homeless into space in endless orbit? Maybe let them justify their shortcomings by performing a few scientific experiments before they die? Should we shoot a few of them at every dawn? Find what remaining ice floes haven't melted and just ship them off, Viking-funeral style? Should we engage in genetic testing before birth and off those who are likely to develop illnesses that prevent them from contributing "fully" to our great Capitalist future? What happens if one of the afflicted is you? Or a member of your family? Up for a mercy killing?

I'd be happy to think that we've progressed beyond the Wild West and haven't yet approached a Mad-Max future. But as long as human beings are seen as "non-depreciating assets", what's to discuss? Enjoy your insulation.

We kill many unborn children. Are they not just considered liabilities to some?

[dmc]

Sorry Alan, that should have been in the Public Policy forum.

[dmc]

Ok, just when did I miss the penis-mobiles?

I had one for a short while. Maybe I still do. I think the definition was anyone having a big truck that isn't using it to pull a trailer. Or a bigger vehicle than ones needs beyond basic utility.

[redfox]

I had one for a short while. Maybe I still do. I think the definition was anyone having a big truck that isn't using it to pull a trailer. Or a bigger vehicle than ones needs beyond basic utility.

Gosh, does the light rail I commute on count? It's the biggest vehicle I own a share in!

[dmc]

Gosh, does the light rail I commute on count? It's the biggest vehicle I own a share in!

It would probably depend on how many passengers are riding with you at the time. Some times it may qualify.

[Alan]

Gosh, does the light rail I commute on count? It's the biggest vehicle I own a share in!

Maybe the person who introduced the term on these forums will weigh in. I've never been clear on the basis of his definition, although I think DMC expressed the gist of it.
All I know is I've lately been afraid to mention my 10 cylinder, 9 mpg motorhome on these forums for fear of being called out. I'm sensitive that way.

[ToomuchStuff]

That's a shame. I wish more people would.


I think ideology does make itself known there, but is that a bad thing? Being exposed to different points of view shouldn't be threatening, although I can see where it might be upsetting to some.

In theory, that particular forum should act as a receptacle for political and/or social ideologies, keeping them out of the other forums. Unfortunately, that doesn't always work. Just like all other communities, there's always someone who feels free to interject their thoughts on "right wingers", "those tea party folk" and their "penis-mobiles", etc., into any discussion, while simultaneously lamenting the very existence of the forum designed to house those areas of discussion.

I'd like to think it's just a blind spot.

Blind spot as much as a lack of moderation maybe. I rarely go into that forum and asked if it was blockable, because I would like to NEVER see it. I come from a family where politics and religion have done a lot of damage, to the point where I was told I shouldn't have been ever born and am not human, by a relative on their death bed. (last conversation). There is a big difference between understanding there are different viewpoints and being expected to believe one can spit in the wind and not have it fly back (don't see people changing their minds).