http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org Thu, 21 Dec 2006 23:41:21 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The United States must be the only industrialized western country in which religion plays a major role in government. A large number of simple-minded and unquestioning folk, who live in an area referred to politically as the Bible Belt are electing representatives who have more in common with the clergy than with their fellow senators and congressmen. Fanatic ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/12/21/bush-administration-sectarian-government/ The economic policy of Ronald Reagan is strikingly similar to the one we live under today. For starters, both Presidents believed in supply-side economics, and therefore supported big businesses. Both also Presidents increased military spending (Reagan by 40%) to pay for increased defense of the most secure country in history. Reagan created ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/12/21/reaganomics-vs-bushanomics/ Democracy in the United States is in need of an update. The electoral college is a roadblock preventing the creation of a system that will be able to reflect the Americna voice. Hopefully, American minds are not yet so simplified that a two-party system will suffice to represent all of ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/12/21/the-two-party-system-and-getting-rid-of-the-electoral-college/ http://blog.zmag.org/ttt -A blog by Noam Chomsky himself. Offers a very informative Q and A. http://www.lp.org/yourturn/ -The official Libertarian Party Blog. http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/ -Andrew Sullivan's blog. http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/12/19/blogs/ With the Baker Commission report released, and the "grave and deteriorating" tactical situation on the ground in Iraq now in writing, we find ourselves at a good vantage point from which to survey important events; both past and recent. Before discussing the dire situation that is unfolding before us, it is necessary ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/12/15/new-thoughts-on-the-iraq-war/ Iraq and Vietnam are two countries that will be long remembered for being a quagmire for United States troops. Although the United States lost exponentially more men in Vietnam than in Iraq so far, (58,000 compared to 2,878) both wars are/were very unpopular worldwide. However, the proposed invasion of Iraq was extremely ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/11/27/iraq-ominous-parallels-to-vietnam/ The best solution to racism, discrimination, and deficiencies in our economic system is reasonable and intelligent behavior. Time will destroy the last remnants of this old and tiresome problem, but only if society can stop taking an extreme (and hypocritical) position to counter racism. "Racism will become an ugly memory only when universities teach a ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/10/12/wealth-gapracism-iii/ I've given this issue more thought ever since I finished my last post on the subject. My opinion regarding multiculturalism and political correctness hasn't changed and I feel the need to explain why multiculturalism is keeping the problem afloat. Racism is any view that sees skin color. Whether men choose ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/10/12/multiculturalism-maintaining-the-wealth-gap/ The world is a grand meritocracy (fair to say?). People are respected or disregarded based on their achievement and power (fair to say!). The wealth gap that Mr. Conley describes in his works is an example of this. Unfortunately, many if not all minorities are discriminated against in some way. As ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/10/11/the-wealth-gap-forged-before-our-time/ The US Armed Forces represent a terrific option for those who are unsure about their future. The Army can pay for college and offer substantial financial support, making it an attractive possibility. The Army has a lot to offer:  The strength, training and salary you earn as a Soldier in the Army ... http://gerzarathustra.learnerblogs.org/2006/10/04/state-sponsored-violence-an-option/