WDSmart

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/31/1120299781/jk-rowling-new-book-the-ink-black-heart Thanks for your link to her newest book. However, I would not be in favor of banning that book anywhere. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but I don't think it should be banned.

I don't think it's her books, but her activism on the subject. Yes, you're correct. I haven't read all her books, but the movies I've seen made from her books don't have any prejudice about transgenders in them, although, of course, they don't specifically mention transgenders. Anyway, what I said above about banning books would certainly also include the non-book-related actions of the author.

I see numerous reports of overstays like this involving individuals from various nations. Why do you think they do this? - Do they have something in their records that would prohibit them from getting a proper O visa and receiving a long-term stay extension? - Is the process so confusing that they don't try to learn how to do it? - Are they just too lazy to do it? What is it?

I think this all depends on your age, health condition, and money. I, for one, at 79, do not have any health insurance and find going to local public hospitals adequate. The worst part about them is the amount of time you have to wait. When I go, even with an appointment, I just plan to be there all day, especially if I have to get the medicine prescribed.

I'm not in favor of those who reject transgender people, but I also don't think someone's views on anything are justification for banning their books. I'd even say this about very controversial subjects like all sides of racism, sexism, xenophobia, and MAGA articles or books (or Forum posts 😉)

I'm not in favor of any country spending its time and resources on the "space race." We should utilize all those resources to figure out how to stop and address the environmental problems we've created here on Earth.

Deficit spending can be employed in a socialist economy, but, like all economies, it would not be recommended, especially for an extended period. Social programs in a partially capitalistic economy, such as the one in the USA, are not necessarily deficit spending unless that spending exceeds the total revenue of the state, which in a capitalistic economy typically comes from taxes.

If I did that, I'd need to get three refunds: two for bachelor's degrees and one for a master's degree.

I don't know why you continue to imply that the left is the violent faction, when it's obvious to everyone that the extreme right is the violent faction.

Yes, I do. "Socialism" is an economic system in which all contribute to the economy to the best of their ability, and the government provides for the needs of each citizen to the best of its ability. "Social Democracy" has many definitions online, but my definition is a socialist economy under a democratic government. A definition I found online is "social democracy, political ideology that originally advocated a peaceful evolutionary transition of society from capitalism to socialism using established political processes." - Encyclopedia Britannica

Keynesian economics is not pure socialism. It's a mix of capitalism and socialism. Although in pure socialism, the means of production are controlled by the government, socialism is also characterized by citizens' needs being fulfilled by the government through public funds. Almost everything that is deserved using the term "public" is an aspect of socialism, such as public streets, public parks, public hospitals, public schools, etc. This is opposed to capitalism, where there are private streets, private parks, private hospitals, private schools, etc. The USA, the UK, and most Western countries have a Keynesian economy with different ratios of capitalism and socialism.

It's a goal.

Looks like our difference of opinion also occurs online... Keynes and the Ethics of Socialism | Mises Institute

Yes! Absolutely. Things like gas chambers and executions are actions of the government, not the economy.

Keynesian economics is not pure socialism, but does allow socialist aspects.

I don't understand why you're saying this. Socialism is an economic system in which everyone contributes as best they can, and the state then provides for the needs of each citizen as best as it can. It has nothing to do with killing people.

Just like V. M. Blokhin too. I had to look this guy up online. Blokhin lived in the Soviet Union and was an executioner there during the 1920s. I saw no references to his preferences for economies.

It's a goal. Capitalism doesn't fail, but it doesn't treat everyone in society equally or even fairly. If carried to an extreme, it produces a plutocracy (rule of the rich). In the US (and the UK, and others), we have a mix of socialism and capitalism. That's called a "Keynesian economy." And usually, the discussions are not about whether we should have one or the other, but rather about what the mix should be. I've, of course, for a high-percentage socialist economy.

Yes, whether you're walking or driving, don't ever expect Thai drivers to obey the rules of the road. Most do, but there are still many that drive their cars like they are riding a motorbike, and don't pay any attention to lanes, traffic rules (like stopping for pedestrians), or even traffic lights.

I've traveled all over the world, and the city I'd put at the top of my list for unwelcoming would be New Delhi, India.

Zohran Mamdani is a socialist, just like me! 💗

DEI!

I think you are overlooking his expired passport which will lead to serious charges of overstay, along with this violent incident. ...and then fine him and deport him! 😉

Lock him up for about 30 days before releasing him, and then deport him! 😡

Although I don't condone these actions, I would point out that this is exactly what is done to pro-Palestinian protesters all the time! 🥺