NexusPrime

Gorgon, sometimes a change in the system is forced from without, not within. As governments scale in size, they also scale in complexity and money and resource needs. Increasing complexity entails increased energy and resource needs. There is an argument to be made that if a government exceeds its ability to gather money and resources and use them efficiently, a case of diminishing returns, it is too complex and more likely to be incapable of governing effectively. In fact, there is a deep and disturbing danger present in becoming too complex and exceeding sustainability and viability. Too much waste and corruption can kill the society and system. The more complex the system, the more chances for waste and corruption on a greater and grander scale. I suggest you get a chance to read Joseph Tainter's work called The Collapse of Complex Societies. http://www.amazon.com/Collapse-Complex-Soc...y/dp/052138673X We may be reaching that point here in the US and perhaps some countries of Europe. Despite a trillion-dollar stimulus package and massive construction projects to put people back to work, the economy refuses to cooperate as economists predicted and social problems gradually become worse as unemployment and poverty levels have risen, and critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, sewer systems, railways, etc. have fallen apart. Cost of living is rising fast and oil prices are rising too. There are warning signs ahead. This time is different. What is going on right now is above and beyond parties or political ideologies.

RIP Michael, aka Visceris. I know you were a good guy trying to make your dreams happen.

Thanks for this little gem of irrelevance Gromnir. Did you have anything of value to add to this thread such as links to chemistry tutorials or text suggestions? linky there... something o' value & relevant to the thread. as a person who has hired more than a handful o' employees, am gonna inform you that a major reason for choosing college grads has got 0 to do with what the prospect learned in school. the degree is proof that an individual can gut it out for four years and finish their education. is nothing wrong with taking time off from school, but every month you is away from school the harder it will be to return. don't put off too long or you is gonna wonder where time went, and you is gonna be stuck with a crappy 40k a year job when you is in your thirties and forties. til you go back to school, you is a drop-out. HA! Good Fun! 4-year degree isn't what it used to be, Grommy. However, I think it is still very good. Uni opens horizons, tests limits, and reforms the willing mind. Try to finish your degree as soon as possible, Krezack. When we're young, we're often impatient and easily distracted. Time matters more and more as we get older. Being stuck with a 40K year job or not is not a function of education, but one of opportunities, intelligence, and luck. Education of course can influence the other three. Don't settle for what you have now, but what's possible tomorrow.

Not really. What started out as a libertarian movement based on constitutionalist ideals is now being projected as a far right nutjob group through media manipulation. There's nothing 'projected' about people like Christine O'Donnell becoming endorsed nominees. I think the Tea Party got hijacked by Faux News and problem Palin, Glenn Beck, etc. They have nuts and racists coming out of the woodwork. The two-party system is part ofthe problem. The Founding Fathers tried to keep the system from falling into the hands of parties, but it's this mentality that also limits and weakens American democracy. We have two dysfunctional parties that are unable to represent a majority or significant minority of views, and even when one or the other gets control of government, is handicapped by its arrogance and egocentricity, that they're the chosen ones. American voters are disgusted with both and are willing to pitch their votes for anything that seems to oppose the mainstream and offer a return to what was (and can no longer be). btw, hi, haven't been here in ages. I remember and recognize several of you old fogeys here.