ramKatori

It is not a positive step. Introducing any new type of tax is an extremely short-sighted idea. There has been a whole thread on this topic... maybe this should be merged there...

The promo for a fashion show on TV says: "It's not what you wear that counts, it's who you wear." Fashion, like many other areas can be pursued by second-handers. Yet, there are rational ways to do it too.

The man who pointed a laser at a couple of planes is being charged under Patriot Act. Recently, the US government has been discussing the idea of keeping individuals in prison for life without any due process. While I support the "war on terror" in general and the war in Iraq in particular, I do fear the Patriot Act (like any discretionary power given to government) will eventually be abused -- it is only a question of time.

These are tribes very similar to the Amazon tribes one sees on National Geographic. Their way of life has been unchanged for decades. There was a time when evangelists would go to such places and convert the tribes, but also bring them into the modern world. I reckon modern man -- yes even modern Indians -- lack the moral certainity to bring these people into the 21st century.

I agree. Bush's "religious orthodoxy" is very mainstream. He is more like a mainstream muslim.

As would the death of Christianity and Hinduism.

No offence, but I hope you will first reply to your own question. As for me, I have not just seen Gate's code but have also seen some detailed memos he has written about it. From these, I have concluded that he is an excellent programmer. Also, he is the type of person who actually remembers little details of code he designed years ago, indicating a level of involvement that is characteristic of "artisans".

I cannot figure the central point of your post. Christians (and other religious folk) do give a lot of money to charities related to health-care and education. Is your point that they do not? That they should do more? Or, something else?

Many Christians -- in Europe and even in the US -- think that US should never have invaded Iraq. Many Hindus think the same. Many Muslims too. Many muslims would deride western values, yet they do not think Osama is right. Similary, many orthodox jews would deride western values, yet they do not think Osama is right.

Adding a new type of tax in the US is a bad idea. Any change to the tax system -- other than simply lowering *rates* -- is mostly a distraction. Forget simplification, just reduce the rates...slowly down to zero, and we won't have to worry.

It is not a legend. Have you seen his code? Gates is a superlative programmer.

Is this what you consider the philosophically correct position or is this what you would really feel? If the latter, are you saying that you enjoy life now, but would not take any medication that would extend it, because that would be anti-life, in a paradoxical way: i.e., in that you earnestness to live is driven by your knowledge of impending death?

Publius, Tell me that you're pulling our collective leg here.

When I've spoken to Japanese acquaintances about this, the impression I got is that even the post-world-war-II generation feels a bit of guilt about their role in WW-II. They went to great lengths to explain that their army is only a DEFENCE force, and that they want to keep it that way. When I've spoken to Chinese acquaintances about Japan, I have found that many of them still fear the Japanese from the stories their parents have told them about Japanese troops during WW-II.

Anyone here does model railroads for a hobby? What's the best place to start? Any advice for a beginner -- something you wish someone had told you before you started in earnest. Wouldn't it be fun to do a theme layout like "Galt's Gulch" or "The John Galt Line", or even "Taggart Transcontinental"?

Febod, I've always been curious about speed-reading but have never tried it. One question: if you were to read the same "Kerouac novel" in a more slow and conventional way, how would it be different (other than the boredom you mentioned). Would you absorb more? less? or what?

Whoa! If you are even beginning to suggest that Dr. Bernstein adopted a child as an act of charity, please at least provide us a quote from him that indicates this. If you are suggesting that while the adoption may not be an act of charity, the choice of a "third-world" child indicates a charitable aspect, then too you are probably wrong. Some people adopt from outside the US for charitable reasons, but many do it because it is more practical.

We could make such suicide punishable by death! (Just joking)

Indonesia is the enemy now?

Have you told your girlfriend how you feel?

The lives of so many hard-working human beings have been destroyed by this environmental disaster. It saddens me. I think an extra charitable donation is called for this year --- to ARI, ofcourse. That way, I will be doing my bit to help future generations with future disasters.

It convinces me completely. While "Free Capitalist" is shocked that anyone can be convinced about Scott's Petersen guilt, I'm shocked that anyone can have a reasonable doubt. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck... I cannot understand what more would be required to convince someone that Mr. Petersen was guilt.

The list of past winners of the Nobel PEace prize would be a good starting point. Sounds like this year's winner deserves a mention on our list, if I could think it worthwhile to look up her name. Guliani is the same, except he did it years ago to Milken. The recent news about Kerik symbolizes the type of person Gulinai hangs out with. These folks seem clueless only because they are the "Attilas" in the "Attila/Witchdoctor" nexus.

Add - Rudy Guliani - Spitzer

The good news for the week is that Mr. Kerik, proposed by Guliani's for the top post at Homeland Security has been rejected. As an aside, it is interesting how the Republicans, rather than the Democrats, are publicising the fact that Kerik once employed an illegal immigrant as a nanny. Since most people would view this as a minor offense, I suspect they're trying to distract people from realizing that there were some really substantial skeletons in the closet of their former nominee. I hope that powerful Republicans blame Guliani for this, and sideline him. Here's hoping Spitzer makes a similar slip.