dreamdancer 0 #151 January 20, 2011 Quote To the dancing dream kid: You're waaaaay off base. You've been tagged out several times. Leave the playing field while you still have your pants on. you calling me 'kid' and then worrying about whether my pants are on is getting me worried stay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #152 January 20, 2011 Quote (incidentally, I am a firm believer in an estate tax, and I believe the ongoing shift of wealth to the rich from the middle class is bad for the nation). there's no real point in argueing with you then stay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #153 January 20, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Quote so the poor created their own wealth. then the rich came along... Uh huh....so again, who was the poor guy that bought the plane and rigs? hey, none of us are rich. we just scrape a living and get as many skydives in as possible - that's rich enough for me Who was the 'poor guy' that bought the plane and rigs, Kevin? someone i've worked with for many years. not a rich guy if that's what you're thinking. you should come and visit and check the place out stay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Belgian_Draft 0 #154 January 20, 2011 Quote Quote (incidentally, I am a firm believer in an estate tax, and I believe the ongoing shift of wealth to the rich from the middle class is bad for the nation). there's no real point in argueing with you then Except you forgot your point that rich people dislike educated people. Keep going. It's fun watching you trying to dig you way out of that hole.HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HandsomeSalad 0 #155 January 20, 2011 Quote If the system were sucha that everybody passed, the courses would have to be so easy that nobody would learn anything and that would be a worse situation than failing those who cannot make the grade. Really? So its good the US ranks 18th in world education? And bad that places like Japan and Denmark have close to a 100% high school education passing rate? Hmm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,070 #156 January 20, 2011 >and i'm saying people aren't being rewarded fairly for their labour . . . Even a janitor here gets paid enough to afford a home, food, a TV - that's an incredibly high standard of living compared with the rest of the world. Seems pretty fair to me. >and it is the super rich who are in the process of trying to destroy the current >system through their own greed. The super rich profit from the current system; you admitted that yourself some time ago. You're starting to go in circles here. >>Also a bunch oAlso a bunch of Vietnamese, Filipino, Thai and Korean. Lately a lot of Middle >>Easterners, Indians and Persians. Even some Ukranians, Slovakians and Russians. >so a lot of cheap labour... ?? No. Why do people like yourselves always associate people who have a different color skin with "cheap?" >i don't think increasing inheritance tax is going to 'destroy' anyone - but it might just >rebalance society to an equitable level.. Or you could start doing that yourself. You're rich by worldwide standards; you can afford to skydive. How about taking some of that disposable cash and distributing it to all those people you think are being treated unfairly by rich people like yourself? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Belgian_Draft 0 #157 January 20, 2011 QuoteQuote If the system were sucha that everybody passed, the courses would have to be so easy that nobody would learn anything and that would be a worse situation than failing those who cannot make the grade. Really? So its good the US ranks 18th in world education? And bad that places like Japan and Denmark have close to a 100% high school education passing rate? Hmm... Their education system, and culture, is very different from the US. It is comparing apples to oranges....or bananas. Care to explain again how rich people dislike educated people even though it is the educated people that make them wealthier? I think it is you who dislikes educated folk.HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HandsomeSalad 0 #158 January 20, 2011 Quote Their education system, and culture, is very different from the US. It is comparing apples to oranges....or bananas. Comparing the educational systems of advanced industrial countries is worthless because of the difference in curriculum, implementation and the societies culture? Ummm, No. Quote Care to explain again how rich people dislike educated people even though it is the educated people that make them wealthier? Maybe you don't read very well? I wrote that the rich, and I assume we are talking about the top global players, both like and dislike educated populations. On the one hand you want educated, innovative and creative people to generate capital. On the other hand you don't want this spectrum of thinking leaking too heavily into their off time in case they start to develop radical notions about absurd issues like justice, equality, etc. This conversation is funny given that most of you are arguing that the super rich are so because of their own and others education - but seem to discredit the notion that these incredibly powerful and 'successful' people don't understand and self appraise their own social position, acknowledge it, and carry out measures to ensure its sustainability. Quote I think it is you who dislikes educated folk. I think you didn't actually read what I had typed, created arguments for me, mistook my input as agreement with Dancer's theory and cannot comprehend how the educated section of the population are both a virtue and cause for concern for those at the top of the global pyramid. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,070 #159 January 20, 2011 >This conversation is funny given that most of you are arguing that the super rich are >so because of their own and others education - but seem to discredit the notion that >these incredibly powerful and 'successful' people don't understand and self appraise their >own social position, acknowledge it, and carry out measures to ensure its sustainability. They definitely do. One of those measures is creating an environment in which they can remain rich - which includes having educated and talented people who support them. Let's take an example that more people are familiar with. Airspeed is arguably one of the best 4-way teams on the planet, and they are about as successful as one can get in the skydiving world. And they want to stay that way, and indeed have proven they _can_ maintain that position. A non-skydiver might assume they do that by "keeping people down" - by preventing other teams from becoming as skilled as they are, to reduce the competition. Skydivers know that the exact opposite is true. They are a big part of advanced training, and indeed make money by making people into better skydivers. And the ones who they do the best jobs on - the ones with loads of natural talent, with the determination to train hard, and the good fortune to get training from Craig, Eliana etc - are the ones who become the next Airspeed members. They maintain their position not by keeping others down, but by helping others up to their level. (And, of course, making lots of money in the process.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #160 January 20, 2011 QuoteOn the other hand you don't want this spectrum of thinking leaking too heavily into their off time in case they start to develop radical notions about absurd issues like justice, equality, etc. utter bullshit - they couldn't care less about your subjective social agendas based on thievery - they are more worried about the heavy thinkers coming up their own competitive businesses during their time off, but that's the trade off for developing even better employees. In fact, if you establish an excellent employee and encourage them, sometimes that employee comes up with businesses that benefit you and them at the same time and create even more jobs. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #161 January 20, 2011 Quote>Skydivers know that the exact opposite is true. They are a big part of advanced training, and indeed make money by making people into better skydivers. And the ones who they do the best jobs on - the ones with loads of natural talent, with the determination to train hard, and the good fortune to get training from Craig, Eliana etc - are the ones who become the next Airspeed members. They maintain their position not by keeping others down, but by helping others up to their level. (And, of course, making lots of money in the process.) not in DD's world - in that world, not only does Airspeed hide the 'secret stuff', they purposely teach incorrect technique, approach other teams during dirtdives and talks them into doing the wrong draw, and sabotages gear on the other teams too. Remember when Eliana kicked that rookie team's point right in the knee last year during climbout? crazy stuff. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loumeinhart 0 #162 January 20, 2011 QuoteWho was the 'poor guy' that bought the plane and rigs, Kevin? someone i've worked with for many years. not a rich guy if that's what you're thinking. you should come and visit and check the place out I'm not a 'rich' guy..so I guess I can buy a plane and rigs. Hold my beer and watch this: QUESTION TO DREAMDANCER: What is the largest amount someone should be allowed to inherit ? (this is of course before tax) a) 5k b) 500K c) 1 mil d) 100 mil His answer is going be blabla rich blablabla super rich blablablabla blabla didn't earn it bla bla blabity blaaa. But he won't give a number Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,070 #163 January 20, 2011 >Remember when Eliana kicked that rookie team's point right in the > knee last year during climbout? crazy stuff. Yeah, come to think of it. I remember doing video for them for a weekend, and I landed on Craig once! I figured I had just screwed up the count, but now I realize that he intentionally funnelled me to keep me down. Geez, I used to think that I just needed to work on my camera skills to get better. But now I've come to realize that none of this is my fault! I am a victim of the evil richAirspeed. When will someone address the growing gap between my skills and theirs? They need to be taken down a notch is what I'm thinking. Maybe we could penalize them ten points a round and give them to the team I am videoing. That would be much more fair. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,106 #164 January 20, 2011 QuoteQuoteWho was the 'poor guy' that bought the plane and rigs, Kevin? someone i've worked with for many years. not a rich guy if that's what you're thinking. you should come and visit and check the place out I'm not a 'rich' guy..so I guess I can buy a plane and rigs. Hold my beer and watch this: QUESTION TO DREAMDANCER: What is the largest amount someone should be allowed to inherit ? (this is of course before tax) a) 5k b) 500K c) 1 mil d) 100 mil His answer is going be blabla rich blablabla super rich blablablabla blabla didn't earn it bla bla blabity blaaa. But he won't give a number There is a big difference between banning or capping inheritance and taxing it.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Belgian_Draft 0 #165 January 20, 2011 Please accept my apology. I thought it was dreamdancer I was responding to. I guess that is one drawback to using a Droid to participate in these forums. BTW, it is an apples/oranges comparison. Just because you fail to understand why doesn't make it not so.HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loumeinhart 0 #166 January 20, 2011 Quotehere is a big difference between banning or capping inheritance and taxing it. Of course there is, I meant to specify the re-tax dollar amounts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HandsomeSalad 0 #167 January 20, 2011 QuoteQuoteOn the other hand you don't want this spectrum of thinking leaking too heavily into their off time in case they start to develop radical notions about absurd issues like justice, equality, etc. utter bullshit - Actually it is real. Quote they couldn't care less about your subjective social agendas based on thievery - Really? Read '60s business literature. Quote they are more worried about the heavy thinkers coming up their own competitive businesses during their time off, but that's the trade off for developing even better employees. In fact, if you establish an excellent employee and encourage them, sometimes that employee comes up with businesses that benefit you and them at the same time and create even more jobs. Ok, for the lucky few knowledge workers of the developed world this may occur occasionally. Meanwhile most global unskilled labour is not going to be skipping off towards a rainbow/sunset with their boss. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HandsomeSalad 0 #168 January 20, 2011 QuotePlease accept my apology. I thought it was dreamdancer I was responding to. I guess that is one drawback to using a Droid to participate in these forums. BTW, it is an apples/oranges comparison. Just because you fail to understand why doesn't make it not so. Thanks. What countries do you think are a far comparison for US education? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #169 January 20, 2011 QuoteQuotePlease accept my apology. I thought it was dreamdancer I was responding to. I guess that is one drawback to using a Droid to participate in these forums. BTW, it is an apples/oranges comparison. Just because you fail to understand why doesn't make it not so. Thanks. What countries do you think are a far comparison for US education? few nations, and esp Japan, do not have to educate people in 100 different languages. Or have such a large portion of their students preferring an alternate language. This does have a considerable impact on test scores. Yet at the university level, the world sends its best and brightest over. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Belgian_Draft 0 #170 January 20, 2011 QuoteQuotePlease accept my apology. I thought it was dreamdancer I was responding to. I guess that is one drawback to using a Droid to participate in these forums. BTW, it is an apples/oranges comparison. Just because you fail to understand why doesn't make it not so. Thanks. What countries do you think are a far comparison for US education? Why do you need a comparison? The assertion was made that the US school system is set up to fail people.HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #171 January 21, 2011 So why is it that you expect to inherit the "Super Rich's" money? When you recieve welfare and government assistance, is that because you earned it?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #172 January 21, 2011 QuoteSo why is it that you expect to inherit the "Super Rich's" money? When you recieve welfare and government assistance, is that because you earned it? the bankers certainly don't... (but they keep sucking up all that welfare from us)stay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #173 January 21, 2011 QuoteQuoteSo why is it that you expect to inherit the "Super Rich's" money? When you recieve welfare and government assistance, is that because you earned it? the bankers certainly don't... (but they keep sucking up all that welfare from us) Why do you deflect? Are you of the opinion that, if it is OK for them, then it is OK for you? Or, and I think this is more correct, it is NOT ok for them, but it is still ok for you. Taking money for nothing is still stealing, any way you look at it.I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #174 January 21, 2011 QuoteYet at the university level, the world sends its best and brightest over. and richest... (cambridge and oxford do quite well too)stay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #175 January 21, 2011 QuoteExcept you forgot your point that rich people dislike educated people. as a class they do of course...stay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
