Your idea of the state of the world.

I keep trying to form an opinion on where I stand on the current state of the world's societal affairs. So, seeing as how i am kinda dumb founded by the range (and not just here in the US)and would like to be objective as I can. I figured this; we have a diverse community here from around the world; so I ask of you this. What is your perspective from wherever you are on what is happening around you at home in your country and from a world wide perspective. It is a favor I ask for you to share this if you will as I will end up using it to form mine. I set aside, the movements of human society for a bit would love to have unfiltered opinions that are not washed in a fake light. I appreciate this, but I ask as we all will have a mixture of opinions that any argument made be civil in all forms please. I do not want to cause discord or strain among any of us, only to learn more.

Two words: confirmation bias.

That put aside, there is beautiful weather here in Ecuador, where it's always sunny and hotter than Vader on Mustafar.

Society is and always will be a mess, but that's because it has one fatal flaw: it's made up of humans.

If you want to know more about Ecuador, I'm game.

Fact on the confirmation bias you got me on that but, I'm human. I have no doubt society is a mess always has been; studying history in college was just picking out what part of the mess I wanted to explain..... I would love to learn more about Ecuador. Whats the state of living, how does the political system function ect. I was working with a group of Chinese students on a film and I learned a lot about their view on the world it is quite interesting and something that is not really mentioned on our side of the ocean. Textbook knowledge is good but a person sharing their information is excellent quality of knowledge. First hand sources are always better than book learning from building a point of view context; in my belief that is.

Kobos wrote: I would love to learn more about Ecuador. Whats the state of living, how does the political system function etc.

We are a representative democracy, much like the US. And much like the US, big money takes to have weight on exactly how said democracy works. At the moment, we have a dominating political party with majority in Executive, Legislative (one body, not bicameral), and Judicial powers. Free press has suffered a bit, but in general we are doing well. We use the US Dollar, so it's tough to compete in exports with neighboring countries.

The governing political party is very socially progressive, so think someone like an authoritarian Bernie Sanders. So, we are good, but how sustainable it is, I don't know. Economies function in cycles, so I guess eventually we will have to deal with a recession. Our president is very anti-free press and very pro-Chavez Venezuela, so we are a tiny bit scared.

I figured this; we have a diverse community here from around the world

Of people with access to internet, and the time and wherewithal to spend time following this site and our other interests.

and varying degrees of english speakingness....

so not so diverse?

JamesSand wrote:

I figured this; we have a diverse community here from around the world

Of people with access to internet, and the time and wherewithal to spend time following this site and our other interests.

and varying degrees of english speakingness....

so not so diverse?

And coffee lovers. Do not forget, we are coffee lovers.

So, that information in mind, how many organizations are state run? The anti free press thing is saddening to hear but in the same time it is not unique, even though we have relative free press it is on the decline either from private or state influence. I feel like it has been for some time. I appreciate you sharing, again I have my opinions on the US as I am here but it's best to get opinions on other places from real people.

Kobos wrote: So, that information in mind, how many organizations are state run? The anti free press thing is saddening to hear but in the same time it is not unique, even though we have relative free press it is on the decline either from private or state influence. I feel like it has been for some time. I appreciate you sharing, again I have my opinions on the US as I am here but it's best to get opinions on other places from real people.

I appreciate the vote of confidence. I assure you, I am not fake people. :laugh:

The Government has taken over quite a bit in the last ten years. Limiting freedom of the press has helped them keep control, as corporate interests did make their way through the media and then onto protesters in the streets, seeing more than 5 presidents revoked from mandate in less than 10 years. But it is a double-edged sword. Most utilities are run through companies that are public. Government also owns a few tv stations and a few newspapers they took from "corrupt" people, and the phone company is state run but there is competition that is from the private sector.

I guess some background might help.
I'm a Caucasian male, age 24-30, from Lansing, Michigan. I am very complicated when it comes to politics. I am very liberal when it comes to social programs, education, and taxes. Comparatively I have great qualms about the government's involvement beyond that. Business, religion, and government should never mix.

I see a world full of scared people pretending that they aren't terrified. There is a lot of uncertainty and paranoia from my local area. From high levels of lead in the water to shootings and break-ins to terrible road conditions, my city isn't fairing well. Still it's the capitol. There are signs of improvement but they are a long time coming. Manufacturing is still a major player in the economy here. We have people travel thousands of miles for manufacturing jobs. I, personally, work in manufacturing. We also have had an increase in major government scandals lately breaking trust between the elite and the commonfolk.

James, on that you are correct but it is still a more broad audience than i am going to find in Chicago who are willing to talk.

Magnus- I see so if I may, what then is your view of the region around you what is the general movement of the South American Continent in your view? These are all things I wanted to learn; so it's all useful to me any information you wish to share.

JLSpinner- I feel like this is a general happening in any major US city though I am biased as I am from Chicago and we are just kinda used to it. Has manufacturing remained stable as an economic source or is it swings less controlled. Unfortunately, I believe the fear is rampant in the US and that in part is the media but that's a whole different diatribe then my goal here : ).

Thank you for you replies, digital coffee is currently being brewed.