fair wages?

[sigma]

Listen, I beg you not to take my words as anti-American propaganda. But if you take a sober look at the reality, because there is no need for the U.S. to spend such a huge amount of money to support a massive U.S. Army. The main constraint on the global war has long been a huge number of nuclear missiles (I will not repeat again that there are several other ways in which you can quickly and completely destroy everything artificial satellites, to destroy the Internet, and so on and so on ...). I think what thinking American politicians remained somewhere in the 20th century. I have the impression that the American and European elite in general partially lost the ability to evolve. All that they can do it just to provoke civil war in other countries to justify the content of a huge U.S. Army and extort money from ordinary American taxpayers to maintain its superpower status. I do not know how you can influence your government, but if the U.S. cut military spending at least half, I think that life in the United States sharply and significantly cheaper.

And besides, I do not understand why Barack Obama proved guilty of all sins and failures of the political elite. You look at his behavior, facial expressions, gestures. No need to be a professional psychologist to see that Barack Obama can not even hide the fact that he speaks clearly dictation old American elite. I do not know, it can be specially made to show that the intelligent and smart negros unable to competent governance, and they are not able to make progress in foreign policy?

[Will Robinson]

Sigma, do you believe if the USA got rid of most of its military that Russia would do the same?

[sigma]

Sigma, do you believe if the USA got rid of most of its military that Russia would do the same?

In my opinion, you are not quite understand what you're saying. I meant that Russia today has an optimum and sufficient forces to repel the attack. At that time, as the U.S. has about a thousand foreign military bases. Moreover, without a real threat of an attack on the United States from other countries. I have asked you three times to name at least one reason for the attack Russia on U.S. or other countries. No one can answer!
But of course, if the Americans just like to have so many military bases and year after year, wasting huge amount of money to maintain them, then I can only wish good luck to the American taxpayer, so that they can feed this horde of soldiers unnecessary and maintaining a huge number of long outdated military equipment.



(this map is a bit dated, but mostly relevant)

[Tunnelcat]

Collision trade and you're not making much money???

What do you do?

Because unless you're a wash kid you can make a decent living in the industry.

A good estimator can make 50-85k
same for the tech 55-85k
painters 60-90k
managers 70 -100k +

Even entry level mid techs can make 35k+

Based on inflation, those are pretty accurate figures for entry level techs, back in the 1970's and now. Well above minimum wage. The experienced ones will make quite a bit more.

In the end, it is possible to live well even on a small wage. It's a matter of your preference and your beliefs about happiness. It all depends on what to you are willing to sacrifice for your happiness
Examples:
One guy works as an electrician, but drives a BMW 740, just because he likes this car.
Couple lives modestly, but they love to travel together, and they have traveled half the planet.
The other guy is a foodie, and it works only for what a tasty meal in expensive restaurants. (By the way, he even spends his vacation part time, for example, in Astrakhan or in Kamchatka or on Baikal, that he had the opportunity unlimited to guzzle black and red caviar, freshly smoked sturgeon, cisco, white salmon, etc.
Another woman who works in a bank, basically does not want to have a car or a vacation home, because she has many friends who are willing to give her car and invited them to live in their country house.
The young guy who had never rested in other countries, but he has two computers at cost 150,000 rubles each.
Another woman who dresses like a beggar and buys food in supermarket economy class constantly invests his money in the purchase of new flats, making them an expensive repair and then sells (she's just crazy about this, and she has no time for anything else ).
And finally, my cousin runs a personal driver, has a modest home and two older machines, but his eight children, education which he spends most of his wage.

I agree too. But the problem in America is that people see Wall Street Hedge Fund traders sitting on their butts all day making millions just by leveraging other people's money. When you look at the hard work a mechanic does all day for the paltry wage in comparison that he earns, then look at that trader gambling with other people's money to make his huge salary, that disparity fosters resentment and jealousy and a sense that there are better ways to make more money for less work.

[Tunnelcat]

.....But of course, if the Americans just like to have so many military bases and year after year, wasting huge amount of money to maintain them, then I can only wish good luck to the American taxpayer, so that they can feed this horde of soldiers unnecessary and maintaining a huge number of long outdated military equipment.

Well, because when our politicians, mostly conservatives, keep feeding the military monster whether it wants it or not, are creating a fat bloated pig in search of a problem that doesn't exist. So if a problem doesn't exist, it will make one to feed itself and make itself relevant. We're screwed.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-panel ... requested/

I think I've figured out why our military is crawling all over Africa. The political minds that be in our present corporate-owned government want to militarily stabilize Africa, the last bastion of cheap labor, so that it will be the next big country to pillage with arbitrage. The only thing that's keeping American corporations out of Africa is that it's politically unstable and violent.

[sigma]

... But the problem in America is that people see Wall Street Hedge Fund traders sitting on their butts all day making millions just by leveraging other people's money. When you look at the hard work a mechanic does all day for the paltry wage in comparison that he earns, then look at that trader gambling with other people's money to make his huge salary, that disparity fosters resentment and jealousy and a sense that there are better ways to make more money for less work.

A person can steal a million dollars, or win big money in the lottery, but, as a rule, easy money does not bring happiness and benefit to people. While a person can feel a sharp sense of happiness, even when he's just bought a new washing machine or refrigerator for their honestly earned money. Even to the very expensive things and services people quickly get used and it does not bring him any joy (I tested this on my own experience).

[Tunnelcat]

That is so true, yet people here still crave money as the root of all happiness. People tend to forget what's more important in life when greed consumes them, and easy money is truly poisonous. The most rewarding wealth is that which a person works hard to earn. That's why our markets and our government are so screwed up. If you think Russia is not immune, think again.

[sigma]

In Russia, people are always stealing and will steal. Everyone chooses his own way. Only God knows how many corpses of criminals and corrupt officials and police officers buried in the woods. I mean, that should never be jealous of a man on a Mercedes because it is not yet known, that he sacrificed for this. Maybe he has so many problems that you can consider yourself an absolutely happy person compared to him.

[Spidey]

Yes, Africa sure is a big country, all right.

[Tunnelcat]

Yes, Africa sure is a big country, all right.

LOTS of manpower there in desolate poor old Africa. People willing to work for dirt poor wages. If we could only harness it without resorting to abject slavery again.......................

And you can bet that someone somewhere is slavering over the thought of really, really cheap labor and giant factories on tax free land pushing out products 24/7, while at the same time, finding new depositories for the world's e-waste. China's workers are already clamoring for better wages and the pollution and waste issue has gotten so bad that it's burying them. Just you wait and see Spidey. I bet that's what will happen in the future.

[vision]

Be careful with opinions of Africa. The continent will play a unique role in humanity's future and will be completely transformed within a generation. Don't get me started. I could write a book...

[Ferno]

Actually I did. He never got back to me about it.

Are you claiming you contacted me about a job?

well I did lay it out for you in a previous post, about a month or so ago. not a pm. IIRC, it was when you were talking about needing a mechanic.

[sigma]

.....But of course, if the Americans just like to have so many military bases and year after year, wasting huge amount of money to maintain them, then I can only wish good luck to the American taxpayer, so that they can feed this horde of soldiers unnecessary and maintaining a huge number of long outdated military equipment.

Well, because when our politicians, mostly conservatives, keep feeding the military monster whether it wants it or not, are creating a fat bloated pig in search of a problem that doesn't exist. So if a problem doesn't exist, it will make one to feed itself and make itself relevant. We're screwed.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-panel ... requested/

I think I've figured out why our military is crawling all over Africa. The political minds that be in our present corporate-owned government want to militarily stabilize Africa, the last bastion of cheap labor, so that it will be the next big country to pillage with arbitrage. The only thing that's keeping American corporations out of Africa is that it's politically unstable and violent.

The presence of U.S. military bases in other countries have one this fact violates the independence of these countries. On the right to independence which the United States so much yell. That is, other countries can get the supposedly "independent" only by dependence on the USA And while the United States have the audacity to criticize Russia for its actions, which the United States has long been a global scale and allow themselves...

[Will Robinson]

Sigma, I think America feels it too has an 'optimum and sufficient' force to repel attacks in the areas it chooses to defend.

We have extended our might to countries that would be vulnerable.

My question to you was because you have decided we have too much available military might....that it is threatening. Well if we were to scale it all down to only having enough to protect our own borders would Russia do the same?

I don't believe they would. In fact if we had done so back in the late 70's I think the Berlin Wall would be standing today and the Soviet Union would be larger than it ever was.

[CUDA]

Make one wonder if the Ukraine was part of NATO and we had troops there would Russia have invaded?

[Spidey]

I guess people thought I was being serious when I agreed Africa was a big country…really...must...try...harder…

[Will Robinson]

I guess people thought I was being serious when I agreed Africa was a big country…really...must...try...harder…

Should have put a rimshot sound effect after it lol

[sigma]

Sigma, I think America feels it too has an 'optimum and sufficient' force to repel attacks in the areas it chooses to defend.

We have extended our might to countries that would be vulnerable.

My question to you was because you have decided we have too much available military might....that it is threatening. Well if we were to scale it all down to only having enough to protect our own borders would Russia do the same?

I don't believe they would. In fact if we had done so back in the late 70's I think the Berlin Wall would be standing today and the Soviet Union would be larger than it ever was.

We are now talking to you about the growing financial problems of the United States, due to the huge cost of maintaining the enormous U.S. Army, which is not actually needed because Blow away the threat of attack on the United States.
I can only recognize the fact that American experts brainwashing are outstanding professionals, if they were able to inspire for hundreds of millions mentally healthy American citizens , that the territory of the United States could be so interesting that there is a sense of an attack on the United States. Only total nerd might think that it makes sense to attack the country, which has virtually no natural resources and protected by three oceans from military incursions into their territory. And what does the Berlin Wall to the safety of the U.S. border?
But of course, if you think "optimal and sufficient" for the cost of maintaining the current U.S. Army, then do not need to complain about tax increases, prices, and the annual decline in the welfare of ordinary Americans.
I suspect that a huge external debt of the United States suggests that the U.S. has long been fanning large financial bubble soap. And when it burst, I think that the U.S. financial crisis broke out this, in comparison with which the economic crisis in Europe seem slight misunderstanding.

Make one wonder if the Ukraine was part of NATO and we had troops there would Russia have invaded?

Russia has long agreed to become a member of NATO, if you did not yet know. And some NATO member countries agree to accept Russia into NATO. U.S. does not want and prohibits. I think we all understand why

[Will Robinson]

Sigma, you completely ignored the point that I made regarding our military is so large and spread out because we have extended our protection to more than just our own borders.
We had kept the USSR from taking more than they otherwise would have for example.

We out built your Soviet war machine and it cost you dearly. You ended up losing much of the lands you had managed to claim.

And you have ignored the question I asked twice now. I think because you know we both understand that the US unilaterally scaling back the military would not cause a Russia to scale back in response.

Also, if you think America has no natural resources then you are mistaken...or misled.

[sigma]

I have the impression that you not read my last posts.

[Will Robinson]

I have the impression that you not read my last posts.

I have, twice now, and the answer is definitely not there.
You also keep talking about our border and ignore the distinction I made about the US is protecting more than just our own border.

[Spidey]

Anyone that thinks the US has no natural recourses is not worth trying to have a discussion with.

The most obvious one is land….duh.

Really…between the bad translations and the brainwashing…what’s the point.

[sigma]

I have the impression that you not read my last posts.

I have, twice now, and the answer is definitely not there.
You also keep talking about our border and ignore the distinction I made about the US is protecting more than just our own border.

Even on the day of NATO's idea to protect against a Soviet attack was already out of date. Moreover, the U.S. has always been the initiator of the arms race. Gorbachev cut for scrap huge number of ballistic missiles to improve relations with the West. And that Russia received in response to this? Increased U.S. military power, NATO approach to our borders and violation of the ABM Treaty. If you bother to read not only the Western media, but also want to obtain information from other sources, you will not ask such silly questions. USA Today has unjustifiably superior military forces compared with Russia. As long as the U.S. not begins to reduce its armed forces, can not even be out of the question that Russia has begun to reduce its nuclear capability.
In addition, the activity of the U.S. "protection" of other countries has long been a lot of questions and complaints from the international community. U.S. still manages to gag some world leaders bundles of money or economic sanctions. But today it is clear that even loyal to the United States other leaders oppose and protest against such ugly methods of U.S. influence on the politics and economics of other leading countries.

Now it's your turn to answer my previous question.

[sigma]

Anyone that thinks the US has no natural recourses is not worth trying to have a discussion with.

The most obvious one is land….duh.

Really…between the bad translations and the brainwashing…what’s the point.

Nevada, California, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho are particularly attractive.

[Will Robinson]

I think there is plenty of room for debate about who scrapped what and when...

what question do you want me to answer...i'm not finding it...

[sigma]

Willy, I think that sometimes your hypothalamus tells you that in fact, you have lost your individuality and ability to think independently, to find and analyze accurate information under conditions imposed for you media pressure and in conditions of dependence on public opinion, which suppresses your own opinion. You just do not want to admit this. You just want to look like a patriot of his country, but do not even try to acquire the ability of independent thinking.

[Will Robinson]

is that a question?

[CUDA]

Willy, I think that sometimes your hypothalamus tells you that in fact, you have lost your individuality and ability to think independently, to find and analyze accurate information under conditions imposed for you media pressure and in conditions of dependence on public opinion, which suppresses your own opinion. You just do not want to admit this. You just want to look like a patriot of his country, but do not even try to acquire the ability of independent thinking.

are you talking about Will? Or yourself?

[sigma]

are you talking about Will? Or yourself?

I very much hope Willy will be a little smarter than you

[sigma]

is that a question?

If you do not see the questions that you would like answered, I will not insist on the need of your response

[Will Robinson]

just on the off chance that your translator has let you down terribly...there are no questions in the post you gave me.
No question...at all. Not in english anyway. Maybe it started out as a question I don't know.

[sigma]

Well, for example, if tunnelcat can see the questions in context, and it can deployed and substantively respond even rhetorical and unpleasant questions , it does not mean that you should change your straightforwardness.

[Will Robinson]

Willy, I think that sometimes your hypothalamus tells you that in fact, you have lost your individuality and ability to think independently, to find and analyze accurate information under conditions imposed for you media pressure and in conditions of dependence on public opinion, which suppresses your own opinion. You just do not want to admit this. You just want to look like a patriot of his country, but do not even try to acquire the ability of independent thinking.

Please show me where that collection of words asks a question.
Do that and I'll answer...

And if that isn't the question then why did you post that in response to my asking you for the question?

[sigma]

1. Do you think that your opinion is separate and independent from the influence of the point of view of the Western media?

2. Do you really think that the size of the U.S. Army and the cost of its maintenance today is the optimal and necessary to protect the U.S. from attack by other countries?

3. Do you really believe that the U.S. Army operates a peacekeeping mission in other countries, rather than a catalyst for the development of military conflicts?

4. Do you really think that Russia's actions is a far greater threat to world peace than the actions of the U.S. and NATO?

5. Are you sure that if Russia begins to reduce its nuclear arsenal, the United States (NATO) will not have the temptation to conquer our country?

[Will Robinson]

1. Do you think that your opinion is separate and independent from the influence of the point of view of the Western media?

I think I'm influenced by anything I read or hear, sometimes I reject it, sometimes I believe it because it fits with what I know to be true to the best of my ability to know the truth. Sometimes I develop doubts based on what I read or hear.

2. Do you really think that the size of the U.S. Army and the cost of its maintenance today is the optimal and necessary to protect the U.S. from attack by other countries?

No, I already said it is bigger for purposes of extending protection to others.
Do I think we have excess? Sure but that is the nature of our system, the capitalists ( the seller) having influence on government (the buyer).

3. Do you really believe that the U.S. Army operates a peacekeeping mission in other countries, rather than a catalyst for the development of military conflicts?

We do both as we see fit, sometimes symotaneously. And we do it better than most in both scenarios. We are powerful, magnanimous and ruthless.

4. Do you really think that Russia's actions is a far greater threat to world peace than the actions of the U.S. and NATO?

At times, it depends on the situation, not on any inherent fault or altruistic tendency of either country.

[sigma]

I can conclude that the ideology of Americans are not much different from the ideology of fascism, or to some extent, communism, unfortunately. That is, in fact, the United States impose their worldview for other nations through the media, or armed forces, or economic sanctions, discarding opinion of other nations and their right to self-identity as a useless vestige of world culture...
Thank you for your opinion.

[Will Robinson]

I can conclude that the ideology of Americans are not much different from the ideology of fascism, or to some extent, communism, unfortunately. That is, in fact, the United States impose their worldview for other nations through the media, or armed forces, or economic sanctions, discarding opinion of other nations and their right to self-identity as a useless vestige of world culture....

We only do that to the ones who both, disagree with us and are counter productive to our goals....you know...just like your country does...

[sigma]

If you forget, I will remind you that Germany in 1938 as well as the United States today, began to accumulate huge armed forces under the pretext of protection against the alleged "communist" threat. Although the real motive was taking Russian land. Do not you know that Adolf Hitler explained to the invasion and the conquest of Russia as "the protection of the interests and security of the German nation"? Fucк, Russia rather will blow up the entire planet than it allows to repeat the events of June 1941.
Although of course, I make a claim to American politics, and not to you personally.
You know, I thought that the cold war ended when the United States made ​​the collapse of the USSR.
But now I do not know if I can forgive the United States, that they dare to show so wanton aggression against Russia, such as the imposition of economic sanctions in 2014...

[Will Robinson]

If you forget, I will remind you that Germany in 1938 as well as the United States today, began to accumulate huge armed forces under the pretext of protection against the alleged "communist" threat. Although the real motive was taking Russian land. Do not you know that Adolf Hitler explained to the invasion and the conquest of Russia as "the protection of the interests and security of the German nation"? Fucк, Russia rather will blow up the entire planet than it allows to repeat the events of June 1941.
Although of course, I make a claim to American politics, and not to you personally.
You know, I thought that the cold war ended when the United States made ​​the collapse of the USSR.
But now I do not know if I can forgive the United States, that they dare to show so wanton aggression against Russia, such as the imposition of economic sanctions in 2014...

You should have more faith in us. We were right about the Soviet Union, and as you say, we finished it off....
We will solve the Russian problem too and you can thank us later

[sigma]

I'm just surprised that you are not worried imbalance of forces in the world. I hope that neither the U.S. nor any other country in the world will never be a total monopoly. It will be the beginning of the degradation of human civilization.