quote:

ORIGINAL: meatcleaver

Those people who bought into the American dream really are suckers. I think the term American dream was made up by Englishmen selling their fellow Englishmen a pig in a poke, snake oil salesmen selling the colonies back in the sixteenth century. It was selling a fantasy then and has been ever since.

quote:

ORIGINAL: meatcleaver

Those people who bought into the American dream really are suckers. I think the term American dream was made up by Englishmen selling their fellow Englishmen a pig in a poke, snake oil salesmen selling the colonies back in the sixteenth century. It was selling a fantasy then and has been ever since.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mefisto69

George's comments are spot on. This country Used to produce the brightest minds and finest artists in the world. As a result of our short lived 'cultural revolution' where the conservatives, military and big business were outed, the educational system was deliberately destroyed. Enter the 'Whole Language" system. Within 5 years, educators knew it was a dismal failuire.....there have been other 'modifications to this non sense, but the problem persists. Americans are no longer taught to read effectively, write with clarity or even comprehend what they are reading. University level education standards have been lowered drastically and the result is harsh.
Parents no longer have the ability to teach their children how to read beause they were not taught. The educational system continues to blow smoke up eveyones ass with their 'new and revolutionary' reforms....big business loves it because the average American is struggling to put food on the table, is force fed desires for the latest techno toys and doesn't have time or the inclination to take back what is theirs.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mefisto69

George's comments are spot on. This country Used to produce the brightest minds and finest artists in the world. As a result of our short lived 'cultural revolution' where the conservatives, military and big business were outed, the educational system was deliberately destroyed. Enter the 'Whole Language" system. Within 5 years, educators knew it was a dismal failuire.....there have been other 'modifications to this non sense, but the problem persists. Americans are no longer taught to read effectively, write with clarity or even comprehend what they are reading. University level education standards have been lowered drastically and the result is harsh.
Parents no longer have the ability to teach their children how to read beause they were not taught. The educational system continues to blow smoke up eveyones ass with their 'new and revolutionary' reforms....big business loves it because the average American is struggling to put food on the table, is force fed desires for the latest techno toys and doesn't have time or the inclination to take back what is theirs.

quote:

ORIGINAL: meatcleaver

quote:

ORIGINAL: mefisto69

George's comments are spot on. This country Used to produce the brightest minds and finest artists in the world. As a result of our short lived 'cultural revolution' where the conservatives, military and big business were outed, the educational system was deliberately destroyed. Enter the 'Whole Language" system. Within 5 years, educators knew it was a dismal failuire.....there have been other 'modifications to this non sense, but the problem persists. Americans are no longer taught to read effectively, write with clarity or even comprehend what they are reading. University level education standards have been lowered drastically and the result is harsh.
Parents no longer have the ability to teach their children how to read beause they were not taught. The educational system continues to blow smoke up eveyones ass with their 'new and revolutionary' reforms....big business loves it because the average American is struggling to put food on the table, is force fed desires for the latest techno toys and doesn't have time or the inclination to take back what is theirs.

Politicians and businessmen being scared of creative people is not purely an American problem. Capitalism hates creativity where cultural renewal is the motivating factor and not profit, it creates too much uncertainty. Far better to pulp people's brains, have them mindlessly consume and steer them away from critical thought.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mefisto69

George's comments are spot on. This country Used to produce the brightest minds and finest artists in the world. As a result of our short lived 'cultural revolution' where the conservatives, military and big business were outed, the educational system was deliberately destroyed. Enter the 'Whole Language" system. Within 5 years, educators knew it was a dismal failuire.....there have been other 'modifications to this non sense, but the problem persists. Americans are no longer taught to read effectively, write with clarity or even comprehend what they are reading. University level education standards have been lowered drastically and the result is harsh.
Parents no longer have the ability to teach their children how to read beause they were not taught. The educational system continues to blow smoke up eveyones ass with their 'new and revolutionary' reforms....big business loves it because the average American is struggling to put food on the table, is force fed desires for the latest techno toys and doesn't have time or the inclination to take back what is theirs.

quote:

ORIGINAL: popeye1250

quote:

ORIGINAL: mefisto69

George's comments are spot on. This country Used to produce the brightest minds and finest artists in the world. As a result of our short lived 'cultural revolution' where the conservatives, military and big business were outed, the educational system was deliberately destroyed. Enter the 'Whole Language" system. Within 5 years, educators knew it was a dismal failuire.....there have been other 'modifications to this non sense, but the problem persists. Americans are no longer taught to read effectively, write with clarity or even comprehend what they are reading. University level education standards have been lowered drastically and the result is harsh.
Parents no longer have the ability to teach their children how to read beause they were not taught. The educational system continues to blow smoke up eveyones ass with their 'new and revolutionary' reforms....big business loves it because the average American is struggling to put food on the table, is force fed desires for the latest techno toys and doesn't have time or the inclination to take back what is theirs.

Colleges and Universities have become "degree factories."
When "anyone" can get a "degree" what are they really worth?
And as soon a good-paying jobs are created they are shipped overseas.
I can't tell you how many waiters and waitresses I've met with "degrees."
As Mark Twain said; "we can't all make a living by taking in each other's wash."
I thought colleges and universities were supposed to be "Non-Profits." Seems they're looking at the bottom line like a "for profit" company these days.
The economy will function just fine on having 15-20% of the populace "degreed".
When it gets up to 60% it's rediculous.
Just look at the titles of some of those "degrees".
"Landscape Architect", "Golf Course Manager", "Food and Beverage Manager", "Solid Waste Manager," "Personal Trainer."
Now they have Titles?
"Hey, drop that broom! You're not qualified to sweep and swab that floor without a "degree" and a Title!"
"Now get out of here and go to college for a four year "degree" in "Janitorial Sciences!"
You know, as rediculous as it sounds I bet some college or university has a "degree" in "Janitorial Sciences."
I was once told by a councilor that they "even have degrees for learning "challenged" people with below average i.q.s.
Again, what good are they if anyone can get one?
Mr. O'Donnel the janitor at my elementary school must be rolling in his grave! "I coulda been a contender!"

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

      Carlin is just bitter because he spent all his money on cocaine instead of technology stock (or even real estate), back when he was still the funniest man I've ever seen.  It stikes me funny when he talks about a big club we can't join, and the video shows clips of self-made people.

     If your (generic 'your') idea of the American Dream is a birthright to a high-pay low-skill job, with full union bennies and Arbor Day as a paid holiday, then you're asleep.  If you think it means the safety net should be a lifetime hammock for the lazy, you're stoned.

     If you think it is about opportunity, and a right to pursue your bliss, win or lose, then you probably already know that Carlin is just another once-brilliant burnout, on the "Bad Investments" county fair tour bus.