Misinformation is the term used when someone gets the facts wrong. Disinformation is purposefully misleading in order to manipulate. Which do you think is more common in our society?
Share why if you wish.
Category: Politics
Unrestrained Capitalism Or Social Democracy?
Which do you think makes for a better society: capitalism with as few restraints on it as possible, or a form of social democracy with protections for the masses?
Share why if you wish.
Unrestrained Capitalism Or Social Democracy?
What The Hell?
What the hell?
It feels like our country has shifted into the bizarro world. Whether it’s rules, social norms, or politics, what was once accepted is now rejected, and what was previously dismissed is now embraced. Ideas we believed a generation, a decade, or even a year ago now seem outdated or have been completely overturned. What the hell?
For example, overt lying is now common in politics, and most of the public accepts it. In fact, spreading lies is widespread. However, not long ago, when those lies were exposed, a politician’s approval ratings would drop—unless, of course, they soon showed genuine remorse.
Or, whatever happened to treating people with respect, kindness, and a little grace? We live in an era where friendships are ending because everything has become political, and disagreements turn into hatred. Family members don’t talk to each other or even disown one another over political differences. And some politicians label their opponents as evil or even compare them to subhuman creatures — for example, our president often calls opponents animals or vermin. When and why have we let so much harshness into our private and public lives?
Lastly, social media isn’t bringing us together, even though we can connect with people across the globe. Instead, our feeds are filled with rumors, lies, and bullying, which turn people away from forming new relationships—unless, of course, the people we meet share our beliefs.
We’re confused, angry, overwhelmed — and worst of all, numb. When everything feels upside down, it’s hard to know where to turn or whom to trust. So many have checked out, opting for apathy instead of action, because what good does caring do anymore? Every day brings a new contradiction, a new reason to shout, yet we stay silent. Or worse, we laugh it off. Cynicism has replaced hope. We’ve started accepting the absurd as normal because fighting it seems pointless. But shouldn’t we fight? Shouldn’t we care? Shouldn’t we be trying to find ways to rebuild community?
What’s going on? What the hell?
Related questions: Why do we put up with unhappiness? What is truth? Where is society failing? How do you deal with uncertainty?
What Should Taxes Be Used For?
How taxes are collected and spent can be a contentious topic. In your opinion, what should our tax dollars be spent on?
Opinions on taxation vary quite widely. At one extreme are people who would prefer to eliminate taxation completely. Others would like to drastically increase taxes, particularly on wealthy individuals, in order to fund community services.
Some of the services that are typically under the federal purview are infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, airports and shipping ports. Basically, if a structure or system spans different states, or is too large for any one state to fund and manage, the federal government gets involved.
Similarly, taxes typically pay for defense, including various military services, weapons systems, and the like. These are used for defending the entire country from outside threats. Spending on national defense can vary quite widely from country to country.
Health care is another area where taxes can be spent. The percentage of people covered and the quality of care can make the spending differ drastically.
Foreign aid, scientific research, food inspection, disease prevention, disaster recovery, and management of public lands are also common spending targets.
As tax revenue goes down, spending should also decrease. While collecting taxes is unpopular, elimination or reduction of services is also unpopular. Managing both the rate at which money comes in and goes out is a difficult balance, and rising deficits show that it is difficult to maintain.
How should our taxes be collected and distributed? Do we take in too much, or too little? What about spending? Is there a general philosophy regarding what we should collectively fund?
Related questions: What are our responsibilities to others? What role should government play in our lives? What is the purpose of money? What does the government do that wouldn’t be done otherwise?
Do You Feel Heard?
Everyone likes to feel that others are sincerely listening to their ideas, fears, and concerns. Do you feel heard?
It is all too easy to imagine that you are invisible. At work, your boss might be oblivious to your ideas. At home, your partner is focused on their own needs. Friends don’t return calls or texts. You have so much to say, but it seems that no one is listening.
That feeling can be demoralizing. Why continue to make an effort if no one notices?
To avoid feeling this way, it is important that we feel heard. Whether it is in the office, at home, or from our elected leaders, having someone acknowledge you can make all the difference.
Of course, no one can have every idea be meaningful or important. There are, after all, other people, with their own motivations and thoughts and ideas. But having someone listen, really listen to you, can make you feel better even if nothing else results from it.
Are there areas of your life where you feel heard? Did you do anything to make that happen? Alternately, do you ever feel ignored or trivialized by someone important to you? How can you respond in a productive way?
Related questions: Who hears your voice? What is your voice? How can we become better listeners?