with embers flying an estimated two to three miles ahead of the established fire and in every direction

Wow never knew it could be so powerful. That's like a cluster bomb of fire.

Thanks for that explanation! I also worked at a movie theater, we did have a couple fires that started at the popcorn machine, now I know why :)

At the moment, it's hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel. People currently do seem as you describe, but I'm confident it's not their inherent nature. They were taught to be that way, so perhaps there's a way to unteach.

Eventually, I reckon we're progressing towards a point where the state will no longer have sufficient funds for the most basic services towards their citizens. People at that point do have an incentive to be compassionate. Not sure if a state failing will provide for enough time for people to organize mutual aid groups and networks they can depend on, but at least it's a glimmer of hope.

Wouldn't you still risk sparks falling, possibly igniting dried grass?

Not sure if that is actually possible from the few sparks that fall, just a question.

No argument here, I wholeheartedly agree. But let me state the obvious: parliamentary democracy is a feature of capitalism.

That's the most important question of our time. We have only a few decades to not only come up with that answer, but also with its rigorous implementation.

There seem to be many theories and strategies, either working within and outside the current system, but few seem ideal. Further worsened by the fact that the more ideal a solution seems, the more change it requires of regular folks, thus the more resistance it will face.

But then again, I'm sure once more people see the necessity of it, more discussions will happen, hopefully resulting in better contemporary strategies.

There are arguments to be made in favor of that yes, in the sense accelerationism. But that is based on the delusion that the fascist state will eat itself in the end, which is not guaranteed. That and all the suffering of course.

What I'd really prefer is not to have a corrupt lying stooge between me and decision-making.

The nature of parliamentary politics sure, but that's just oligarchy with a thin veneer of democracy. No politician is ever responsible, stronger still, the more they push austerity, the more they are rewarded with top-level positions in international institutions. That is what drives politicians, not the betterment of their people. So I can't undo myself of the impression that participating in this sham is reinforcing it, legitimizing it.

It does, actually. Ice cream can put you at grave risk of brain freeze.

Good point! Then again, I don't think some flavors result in less brain freeze than others.

Even breathing has downsides.

True as well, every breath destroys lung cells.

If you want to be philosophical about it, consider this: If there weren’t pros and cons, you wouldn’t be making a choice at all.

This, however, I'm having a hard time to agree with. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure choice is something natural, but that will require some deeper investigation to ascertain. In a fictional natural state, when looking for a place to sleep, would a "family" really (have to) make a conscious choice between this cave and that one?

Very interesting viewpoint but it doesn't quite seem to apply when choosing flavors at an ice cream parlor.

socialism

noun

so·​cial·​ism ˈsō-shə-ˌli-zəm

any of various egalitarian economic and political theories or movements advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

Not anyone. Billionaires will not be helped by this.

Spoiler: they won't

That's what Chomsky said too, I don't buy it. In my country there are 10+ parties, 6 of which in government, and people are still playing the lesser evil game in the deluded hope they can shift the window.

Am I? I just hate the lesser evil bullshit.

Biutiful by Inarritu

wow nice, I had no idea!

The ruling is seen by some as a blow to Germany's fight against right-wing extremism, although for others it could be proof of the country's high standards of free speech.

Yes, nothing says free speech like repressing pro-Palestinian demonstrators under vague security rationales.

European leaders are still stuck on X, says enough about them too.