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I suspect a good many of my readers will recall last year's lively conversation, hosted by the Center for Progressive Urban Politics, featuring me, James Howard Kunstler, Chris Martenson, Frank Morris, and Dmitry Orlov. Kevin Lynn, the host and organizer of that event, recently had me as a guest on his podcast for a very wide-ranging discussion. It's now available for listening and download. Enjoy!
Soso, Hm. 170MB...
Date: 2018-01-21 12:00 pm (UTC)The mp3 encoder lame with the preset voice and you've got absolutely the same perceived quality. But "Unlimited storage and bandwidth" means nobody cares about how many disks are used...
Re: Soso, Hm. 170MB...
Date: 2018-01-21 07:09 pm (UTC)Re: Soso, Hm. 170MB...
Date: 2018-01-21 10:10 pm (UTC)Did you ever consider for even one brief moment to say 'thanks for letting us know about this podcast', before getting on your little whine and moan routine?
I'm not saying that your social skills leave much to be desired, but it sure looks that way to me!
Chris
Re: Soso, Hm. 170MB...
Date: 2018-01-23 04:41 am (UTC)I wrote a scathing one-star review (was challenging to avoid foul language, but I did so) of the podcast player and submitted it, then noticed it has a 4.7 rating with over 1400 reviews. Hah, what do I know about anything... :-)
Immigration
Date: 2018-01-21 09:34 pm (UTC)The Republicans are prating about a desire for quality immigrants. They pretend to want the kind of people who will found new industries and become the next class of millionaires. Mind you, the Democrats pretend that each of the immigrants they want to welcome will have an equal chance to be one of those successful entrepreneurs. And there are just enough successful entrepreneurs in any given group to fuel that fantasy: peddle hand made widgets and become a master of the widget trade, start a taco truck and end up owning an international taco franchise chain, etc. I think it is pretty clear that "successful" is Republican code for "won't need public assistance."
The Democrats promote the idea of America as sanctuary, ready to take in the huddled masses. Hence the emphasis on DACA, political refugees, etc. But they ignore the real problems that occur when you drop a few hundred utterly foreign workers into the middle of Iowa or Kansas. But a growing chorus of "we need to take care of our own" does not mean that Americans have suddenly turned xenophobic. I am currently reading an article in the New Yorker about Central American gangs in Long Island. Many of the gang members are the unaccompanied minors that are supposed to move us to pity. None of this is new: waves of immigration have always brought members of the criminal class along with the hard working families. Irish gangs, Italian gangs, Asian gangs: every group has a certain number who prey on their cohorts but branch out to cause problems for the larger society. But you can't mention this in certain circles without being denounced as a racist.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-01-22 10:29 am (UTC)Podcast
Date: 2018-01-22 08:37 pm (UTC)Thanks for posting this. I’ve always found your interviews to be worth listening to and this was no exception.
If there is a way for me to get an email when you post something on this “mini” blog that would be great. I’m trained to check out ecosophia.net at latest Thursday morning but have been late to most of your posts on dreamwidth.
I’m a mid boomer member of the salaried class but not a member of the salaried class that is protected by one of the government sponsored racquets (as JHK would put it). As an engineer, I’ve have been out of work and have been self-employed so had to contend with the cost of health care etc. So, I do understand your points about the wage class and think they are valid. My two children are graduating College and High School this year and I see what they will have to contend with. The obvious path would be to steer them toward employment in one of the racquets but that would only give the illusion of safety since the racquets will fail too at some point in the future.
I found it interesting that you made many of the same point about the fading of American empire as were made on a financial podcast that I listen to. The podcast is put out by Erik Townsend, who I learned of through Chris Martenson as I did you. They did a five part series on the end game for the US dollar which was a panel discussion between Erik and 3 money managers. You or some of your readers might find it worthwhile:
https://www.macrovoices.com/
Thanks,
Bob
http://www.investingwithnature.com
China
Date: 2018-01-23 02:42 am (UTC)Rita Rippetoe
The bus comment hits the spot
Date: 2018-01-23 08:37 pm (UTC)Also, the local buses (which are free) have a very distinct crowd of less well-off people (and students).
Class is indeed the unspoken (and unspeakable) issue here.
Interestingly, it is quite clear that part of the professional classes are getting worse conditions day-by-day but all this "smart", "educated" people cannot fathom the idea that one day they might be on the other side of the professional-wage divide.
good discussions
Date: 2018-01-25 03:52 pm (UTC)On a local side, I am working through the first few lectures of CGD ,... not trying to rush like I did with OBAD. Also about finished my short story for the Old Solar System competition (also a first for me).
Re: good discussions
Date: 2018-01-25 04:35 pm (UTC)Great interview
Date: 2018-01-26 10:39 pm (UTC)Wonderful interview, thanks for sharing!