My (not very strong) historical evidence for my claim is that the US has not had a significant Constitutional Amendment passed in over 45 years (I don't consider the 27th Amendment... moreMy (not very strong) historical evidence for my claim is that the US has not had a significant Constitutional Amendment passed in over 45 years (I don't consider the 27th Amendment, which made a minor adjustment to Congressional salary rules, to be significant).There have been two such periods of relative Constitutional calm/inertia in the country's past.From 1804 to 1865, no amendments were passed. The unaddressed issues around slavery led to the Civil War.From 1870 to 1913, no amendments were passed. The unadressed issues surrounding industrialization, imperialism, wealth/income inequality, and increasing economic volatility led to the Progressive Era and measures such as the income tax, the Federal Reserve, direct election of Senators, and granting women the right to vote.What form do you think the next shift in Constitutional structure will take? less
I've actually heard this many times, mostly from the young people I deal with. Why do Americans think they invented everything that matters?Or, did they?
We are having French food, but I don't know the menus yet. What's yours? Last year we had an Indian menu. (From India.) Before that--British. Seems my friends are world travelers! ... moreWe are having French food, but I don't know the menus yet. What's yours? Last year we had an Indian menu. (From India.) Before that--British. Seems my friends are world travelers! I just travel with food! Next year? Probably Italy.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". Edmund Burke. He was an Irish statesman born in 1729 and died in 1797. He has been regarded by som... more"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". Edmund Burke. He was an Irish statesman born in 1729 and died in 1797. He has been regarded by some to be the father of modern Conservatism. Do you think those who refuse to fight evil are evil? That is not what Burke said. It is what I'm saying. He just said that if good men do nothing evil will triumph. I think that makes those "good men" evil too. Do you?
I am. I guess after the let down of this election was one thing, but it wasn't all. The radio started playing one of the saddest songs played at the memorial service of 9/11. It wa... moreI am. I guess after the let down of this election was one thing, but it wasn't all. The radio started playing one of the saddest songs played at the memorial service of 9/11. It was "Adagio for Strings", by Samuel Barber. It brought back the same experience I had after 9/11. It was on NPR, "The Prarie Home Companion". It was very, very sad. I wonder if any other people are experiencing such sadness today, if they have other reminders like I did.
Among the Founding Fathers were certainly racists and bigots and misogynists. They were slave owners too. I don't know if homophobia existed way back then but if it did they would ... moreAmong the Founding Fathers were certainly racists and bigots and misogynists. They were slave owners too. I don't know if homophobia existed way back then but if it did they would be that as well. PET is no different now than they were then except for the slavery thingy. That's only because we have made slavery illegal.
