| ??? 05/03/07 04:10 Read: times |
#138520 - Reasons Responding to: ???'s previous message |
Craig Steiner said:
Yes, I think that I and every other human being on this planet is more important than deer and antelope. No, I don't think I'm more important than any other human being, present or future. Richard Erlacher said:
OK, but why do you believe that? What is it you've done that makes YOU better than those deer or antelope, or that fly on the wall? I have intellect, intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to recognize right and wrong. I also have empathy for my fellow human beings that compels me to, given the choice, save a human rather than an antelope if given the choice. The deer and antelope are within their rights to think they're superior if they want to, and feel free to ask them if you'd like. But since you're asking me, a human, I'm giving you my reasoning as a human. Richard Erlacher said:
Why is your comfort and convenience more important than that of countless other humans who will have to suffer becuase of the reckless abandon with which you and other squander the collective resources of the planet? Because it is only your opinion that my comfort and convenience comes at the expense of the comfort and convenience of others. I disagree with that opinion. Craig Steiner said:
Corruption here (I happen to be on business in Mexico so "here" is Mexico right now) effects everyone at all levels. Not just the rich, not just the poor. Everyone complains about it and no-one can do anything about it. It´s systemic and pervasive. You don't escape it because you're rich. Net worth has nothing to do with it--though if you have a higher net worth, you'll be expected to pony up more for the bribe because you can afford it. Richard Erlacher said:
I's suggesting that, sequestered among the top 5% in net-worth you really have no clue what the impact of corruption in a country is, since you only see the things the ultra-rich see. And I'm suggesting you don't know what you're talking about since 1) You don't know who and what levels of Mexican society I've had and have in the last 10 years. 2) As I've said before, corruption impacts everyone here. Differing levels of income and social status change what specific corruption you'll be exposed to, but no-one is immune. Not the rich, not the poor. Richard Erlacher said:
Endemic corruption in a country such as Mexico is accepted as reality because it's built into everything. As I said before, what's evil about corruption in the U.S. is that it's claimed to be nonexistent, so most people are not aware of it until you have a Chernobyl or an Enron. People in Mexico know it is everywhere so they're prepared for it. Here in the U.S. everyone denies it exists, and nobody prepares. Once again we disagree. I have never denied there is corruption in the U.S. Of course there is. But the suggestion that it comes anywhere close to the level of corruption in Mexico and many other countries is patently absurd. The reason why "no-one prepares" for it is because, well, you don't normally have to. It's the exception rather than the rule. Craig Steiner said:
I'm more concerned about people doing good for other people, and that's something I do see often in every country I've been in. Craig Steiner said:
Sadly, everywhere you, or I, have been, what does good for one person or group generally does ill for another. It's not possible for man to do good, because there IS no good. There's evil and greater evil, though. That's a disgusting attitude but it really explains your negative outlook on just about everything. Again, you're a very negative person and I believe that you get back from this world exactly what you put in. Being as negative as you are, I'm not at all surprised that your experience reflects that negativity. I thank God that I don't have your depressing attitude and that the world hasn't given me any reason to believe you but rather gives me every reason to pity you. This thread has very little to do with climate change anymore. Regards, Craig Steiner |
