USA operates the exact opposite of this. We use the government to do the big things that aren’t/won’t be profitable immediately to set things up for big business to rake in all the benefits later by building their businesses on that foundation. Of course, all those business owners “did it on their own,” neverminding the fact that the ground they walk on only exists because of everyone else.

If my father can bring himself to not vote R, anyone can. All it takes is a willingness and ability to look at nuanced issues objectively. You know, the most rare thing on the planet!

Circumstances make the idea of moving feel a bit foolish, but things are quickly getting to the point where it doesn’t matter; mental health should have no price tag.

The other factor is my general contrarian nature; why should I leave? I’m not the one that sucks. AKA, I’m a stubborn ass.

I live in a place that could pass for MAGA Mecca and am literally surrounded on all fronts pretty much anywhere I go. It is extremely isolating. Thankfully my parents are sane; still Christian, but at least they look on with a similar confused horror - though they still “like a lot of what he’s doing, just not how he’s doing it.”

I just want to say this is a masterful use of the format.

They also remember the before times, so they understand what was lost.

The best way to motivate is to build relationship and demonstrate a sense of excitement or at least show real-world connection to content. Relationship is the key, though. Students will care more about anything you say if they trust that you care about them.

We owe each other a lot.

What Utopia do you live in where the reason doesn’t end with “which means we won’t be able to line the pockets of our friends’ companies?”

Drive-through window clerk gets thanked a lot, too.

I’ve been using the patched Reddit Sync. Reddit is dead. I can’t put my finger on it, but the place has definitely changed.

I haven’t seen any ads? Am I missing something?

Good point… Do both!

Nice shot! Reminds me of watching the moonrise over Peaks Island when I was in Portland, Maine, back in 2017. The distance of the island coupled with the clear, full moon made for a striking illusion. It looked so huge as it began peaking over the horizon I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. Magical place up there, just wish it didn’t become a frozen wasteland half of the year.

Can’t argue with that, was just trying to point out why people were reacting negatively is all.

I apologize for douchenozzling up the thread. I actually appreciate the explanation as it was informative, but it is pedantic to focus on that instead of answering the original question.

Just saying, nobody loves a pedant.

A new house for my aging parents with no stairs.

Cognitive dissonance is an impossible nut to crack for anyone but the person experiencing it. Just say your piece with no expectations; at least you will know you are honest, and you never know - even a tiny crack can shatter the bubble. Probably won’t.

Jimmy, you got nuthin’ but rocks ‘tween yer ears if you think you can go cowboyin’ with no cows.