USA - moving forward?

**baba** · #1 10-22-2008, 12:58 PM

Is America as a society progressing, regressing, or stagnant. I realize this is very subjective, hence the thread.

I think we are are moving forward, and education via increased exposure to information and alternate views/ideas is the catalyst. Call me an optimist.

buzzbass · #2 10-22-2008, 01:00 PM

I wish I shared your optimisim

Relic · #3 10-22-2008, 01:01 PM

moving forward. Evolution sometimes stings a bit.

**baba** · #4 10-22-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzbass

I wish I shared your optimisim

Oddly enough, I'm usually a glass half empty guy.

BlacktotheBlind · #5 10-22-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzbass

I wish I shared your optimisim

+1

Jeremy Crockett · #6 10-22-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

moving forward. Evolution sometimes stings a bit.

Evolution is an unguided/mindless/blind process. Therefore where a society heads cannot be equated to evolution.

To the OP: Define "progress".

**baba** · #7 10-22-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Crockett

To the OP: Define "progress".

Improving.

I intentionally did not specify beyond that, being that it is so subjective. I also think questions that are open to some interpretation and personal views make more interesting discussions.

Relic · #8 10-22-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Crockett

Evolution is an unguided/mindless/blind process...
.

...that happens to an organism or species, society is made up of a species no?
As people evolve in various ways, so does their society.

Krügmeister · #9 10-22-2008, 01:20 PM

Unfortunately, I believe we are in fast regression... we are FAR less considerate and twice as selfish as the generations before us... and we are 3 times as stubborn and resolute in our hedonistic ways.
I don't believe there is a particular "age on enlightenment" We are VERY similar to where the Roman Empire was before they imploded... All the education and enlightened views couldn't save them from themselves or the barbarian hordes rampaging through the empires borders … wide-spread apathy proves fatal each and every time.
Maybe if the rest of the world believed in life and liberty and self-government as we do... but sadly this isn’t true... in fact, in addition to us being our worst enemy our actual enemies seem in far more expedient decline in decorum and civility, and brutally barbaric in their resolve.
Regardless of political leanings we MUST understand that there are people and countries that would love to see us do a proverbial face-plant… and are simply enabling or allowing us to do it for them.
Beware the ides of March…
… I’m doing well, and I’ll ride it down with the rest of you.

Jeremy Crockett · #10 10-22-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

...that happens to an organism or species, society is made up of a species no?
As people evolve in various ways, so does their society.

However, society is clearly governed by beings with a will. Thus directed and not "evolutionary" in any sense of the word. We are not Borg... well... I have some questions about Maki and Atoz.. but other than that, we are not Borg.

bmc · #11 10-22-2008, 01:29 PM

On the topic of infant mortality, no.:

http://www.newbritainherald.com/site...d=665567&rfi=6

..and on space exploration, possibly not. Russia, China and India are catching up. With the space shuttle's useful life wrapping up in 2010, there will be no substitute until 2015.

Relic · #12 10-22-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Crockett

However, society is clearly governed by beings with a will. Thus directed and not "evolutionary" in any sense of the word. We are not Borg... well... I have some questions about Maki and Atoz.. but other than that, we are not Borg.

But those "beings with a will" that govern us are organisms and subject to evolution as are all of their subjects? We ALL evolve and so does society along with us for better or worse.
BTW, this is really a stupid argument.... yes I'm bored

MakiSupaStar · #13 10-22-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_v_s

Oddly, I feel we, as a society, can take a huge step backwards if we put all our eggs in one basket....or fail to remember that the basket isn't going to carrry itself.

Mike

However, I also think the basket needs mending. Otherwise we'll be cooking eggs on the sidewalk.

Christopher · #14 10-22-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baba

Is America as a society progressing, regressing, or stagnant. I realize this is very subjective, hence the thread.

In terms of income equality, median household income, fertility, educational achievement and mortality, the objective answer is no.

Jeremy Crockett · #15 10-22-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

But those "beings with a will" that govern us are organisms and subject to evolution as are all of their subjects? We ALL evolve and so does society along with us for better or worse.

But "evolution" is distinct from "progress". Progress implies a desired end result. It's not just mere semantics, it's the crux of the biscuit, as it were.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

BTW, this is really a stupid argument.... yes I'm bored

Here is a picture of a silly dog to cheer you!

Relic · #16 10-22-2008, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Crockett

Here is a picture of a silly dog to cheer you!

It's obviously evolving. Look at the tusks, no doubt to scoop shellfish and mollusks up from the silt of the ocean. I'll bet it's feet are webbed as well.

Atoz · #17 10-22-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baba

Is America as a society progressing, regressing, or stagnant. I realize this is very subjective, hence the thread.

I think we are are moving forward, and education via increased exposure to information and alternate views/ideas is the catalyst. Call me an optimist.

I'll let you know two weeks from now. My instincts say no.

Dr Stankface · #18 10-22-2008, 02:21 PM

Gas prices are lower. I'm content.

Jeremy Crockett · #19 10-22-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baba

Improving.

I intentionally did not specify beyond that, being that it is so subjective. I also think questions that are open to some interpretation and personal views make more interesting discussions.

Gotcha. Then we're not improving. It would seem that we won't be happy unless Uncle Sam takes care of us from cradle to grave. The State wants to tell us how to raise our kids, the Sate will provide health care as it sees fit, the State will take from those who have and give to those who have not, the State wants to re-define what a family is and when the State has decided that you're too old or too sick and a burden to Society the State will kindly pull the plug in its mercy.

No, thanks. I'll pass.

Atoz · #20 10-22-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Crockett

Gotcha. Then we're not improving. It would seem that we won't be happy unless Uncle Sam takes care of us from cradle to grave. The State wants to tell us how to raise our kids, the Sate will provide health care as it sees fit, the State will take from those who have and give to those who have not, the State wants to re-define what a family is and when the State has decided that you're too old or too sick and a burden to Society the State will kindly pull the plug in its mercy.

No, thanks. I'll pass.

Well stated.