The advantages and disadvantages of unions

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Collective bargaining power gives union workers more leverage in discussions about better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Unions often negotiate contracts that include provisions for job security, protecting workers from arbitrary dismissal, and promoting fairer treatment.

Unionized workers typically earn higher wages and have better benefits than non-unionized workers in similar roles. This is often a result of collective bargaining.

Unions often advocate for safer working conditions, reasonable hours, and other improvements that benefit workers’ well-being.

Unions provide a voice for workers, allowing them to express concerns and grievances collectively rather than individually.

Some unions offer training programs and educational opportunities to their members, helping them develop new skills and advance in their careers.

There are many more disadvantages to unions.

Union dues can be expensive, and not all workers may see the benefits of union representation as worth the cost.

Collective bargaining agreements negotiated by unions can sometimes limit flexibility for both employers and employees, particularly in industries that require rapid adaptation to changing market conditions such as tech and giga companies.

While strikes can be an effective tool for unions to negotiate with employers, they can also be disruptive to businesses, workers, and the economy as a whole.

Some unions have been criticized for corruption, including misuse of funds such as embezzlement, unethical practices such as bribery and kickbacks, or favoritism in hiring and promotions such as nepotism.

In some cases, unions may operate as closed shops, meaning workers are required to join the union to be employed in certain industries or workplaces, which can limit individual choice.

Unions often resist changes in technology or work practices that could improve efficiency but may also result in job losses or changes to traditional roles.

Individual employees may feel they have less bargaining power when negotiating terms of employment because unions negotiate on behalf of the collective.

Union rules and agreements may impose restrictions on the type of work employees can do, which could limit flexibility and career advancement opportunities.

Some unions prioritize promotions based on seniority rather than merit, which can lead to frustration among newer or high-performing employees.

Union demands may disproportionately affect small businesses with limited resources to negotiate or absorb increased costs.

Workers may become overly reliant on union leaders to represent their interests, potentially reducing individual engagement in workplace issues.

High labor costs resulting from union negotiations can make companies less competitive in global markets.

Union leadership may not always be accountable to the interests of all members, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement.

Government agencies responsible for labor relations may be burdened by disputes and arbitration cases involving unions.

Union structures can become bureaucratic, making decision-making slow and cumbersome.

Unions’ political activities may not align with the preferences of all members, leading to dissent.

Some argue that unions can create a dependency mindset among workers, discouraging self-reliance and initiative.

Some argue that union decision-making processes lack transparency, leading to distrust among members.

The size of unions or their monopolies is prone to corrupt practices such as the teacher unions which often prioritize benefits for teachers over the students who are being taught and this results in a lowering of educational standards every year.

While the short-term benefits of unions seem like advantages, in the long run, unions are a disadvantage to most businesses.

Why most big governments and big corporations often lead to corruption

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The relationship between big government and corruption is complex and multifaceted, but there are many reasons why big government often leads to corruption on a grand scale, especially if there is no transparency and moral or ethical failures exist.

Big government tends to centralize power in the hands of a few individuals or entities, increasing the temptation and opportunity for corruption among those in positions of authority.

Large government bureaucracies often involve numerous layers of administration and decision-making processes, which can create inefficiencies and loopholes which are exploited for corrupt practices.

With increased size comes a potentials decrease in accountability. In sprawling government organizations, it can be difficult to trace responsibility for corrupt actions back to specific individuals or departments.

Big government structures may involve complex decision-making processes that lack transparency, making it easier for corruption to thrive behind closed doors without public scrutiny.

Governments control significant resources, including budgets, contracts, and regulatory powers. The concentration of these resources in the hands of a few can create opportunities for corruption through favoritism, nepotism, and cronyism.

In industries heavily regulated by big government, there’s a risk of regulatory capture, where powerful interests influence government agencies to serve their own agendas rather than the public interest, leading to corruption.

Large government budgets and regulatory powers attract individuals and groups seeking to capture economic rents through corrupt means, such as lobbying for favorable legislation or securing government contracts through bribery.

Big government structures may have insufficient checks and balances to prevent or detect corruption effectively. This can result from a lack of independent oversight bodies, weak enforcement mechanisms, or inadequate whistleblower protections.

In some cases, the size and scope of government can foster a culture of entitlement among public officials and employees, where they come to view government resources as theirs to exploit for personal gain.

In sectors dominated by big government, such as public services and infrastructure projects, the absence of competition can reduce incentives for efficiency and innovation, while increasing opportunities for corruption and rent-seeking.

Big corporations are prone to corruption because corporations have all the rights of an individual with a corresponding right to privacy or secrecy which makes it easier to cover up corruption.

Large corporations often wield significant power, which can create an imbalance between them and other stakeholders such as governments, regulatory bodies, and even smaller businesses. This power dynamic can lead to abuse and corruption.

With sprawling organizational structures and complex decision-making processes, accountability can become diluted. This lack of clear accountability can provide cover for corrupt practices to flourish.

The primary goal of most corporations is to maximize profits for shareholders. This relentless pursuit of profit can sometimes lead to unethical or illegal behavior, such as cutting corners on safety or exploiting workers.

Multinational corporations often operate across multiple jurisdictions, making it difficult for regulators to monitor their activities effectively. This opacity can be exploited to engage in corrupt practices such as tax evasion or money laundering.

Big corporations often engage in extensive lobbying efforts to influence government policies and regulations in their favor. This can lead to the enactment of laws that serve the interest of corporations over those of the public, fostering an environment ripe for corruption.

There is often a revolving door between corporations and government agencies, with executives moving back and forth between the two. This can lead to regulatory capture, where government officials prioritize the interests of corporations they are supposed to regulate, fostering an environment conducive to corruption.

In some corporate cultures, there is an emphasis on aggressive competition and the accumulation of wealth at all costs. This can foster a mindset where unethical behavior is tolerated or even encouraged in pursuit of financial gain.

Large corporations typically have complex supply chains that span multiple countries and involve numerous suppliers and subcontractors. This complexity can make it a challenging to monitor and enforce ethical standards throughout the supply chain, leading to issues such as labor exploitation or environmental degradation.

Regulatory agencies tasked with overseeing corporations may lack the resources, expertise, or political will to effectively curb corruption. This can create a regulatory vacuum that allows corrupt practices to thrive unchecked.

Large corporation often have significant influence over media outlets through advertising dollars and corporate partnerships. This influence can be used to shape public opinion, suppress negative coverage, and maintain a positive image, even in the face of corrupt practices.

The above factors, individually or in combination, can contribute to an environment where corruption can take root and thrive within big government and big corporations.

The antidote to bigness is a smaller and less complex federal government and more laws promoting small businesses. With money, help politicians, media, and organizations which promote these views.

The problems caused by information overload

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The internet is one of the prime reasons why information overload is threatening to disrupt every culture that it comes into contact with and is a serious drawback to social cohesion. Information overload is really an overabundance of beliefs, opinions, biases, truths or facts, and untruths or falsehoods which more and more of us are being exposed to.

Confusion is what this can lead to unless you are judiciously able to tell the difference between a reputable source of information and one that is not. Too few of us have the ability to tell what a reputable source of information is today which can be trusted. An overload of information does not help in determining who or what to trust. So, to minimize confusion some are even tuning out to different opinions and different facts which do not fit what they have been taught already or believe to be true. Thus, the problem of social polarization and tribal or group thinking which is evident in present day politics.

Information overload sometimes leads to confusion but some further problems arise on the job which may not all be so obvious.

Too much information can overwhelm individuals, leading to decreased efficiency and productivity.

Excessive information can make it challenging to sift through and analyze data, leading to decision paralysis or poor decision-making.

Constant exposure to overwhelming amounts of information on the job can lead to burnout, impacting mental and physical health.

Amidst the deluge of information, important opportunities or insights may be overlooked or drowned out.

With the proliferation of unverified or biased information online, individuals may have difficulty discerning accurate information from misinformation, leading to misunderstandings or false beliefs.

Excessive consumption of online information, especially negative or distressing content, can have a detrimental effect on mental health, contributing to feelings of overwhelm, isolation, or depression.

Spending excessive time online consuming information can detract from real-life social interactions and relationships, leading to feelings of isolation or disconnection from others and poor vocal skills.

Extended periods of time spent in front of screens consuming information can lead to physical health problems such as eye strain, headaches, and poor posture.

Overloaded individuals may succumb to confirmation bias or rely on superficial information, leading to skewed perspectives.

Coping with information overload may lead to a decline in critical thinking skills as individuals prioritize quick judgments over thorough analysis.

Amidst the deluge of information, important opportunities or insights may be overlooked or drowned out.

Overwhelmed by information, individuals may lose sight of broader perspectives or long-term goals.

Information overload can contribute to societal polarization by reinforcing echo chambers and filter bubbles, where individuals are exposed only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, leading to divisions and conflicts.

The total released published books annually is about 4 million, up to a million of these new titles are traditional publishers. At least 1.7 million self-published titles each year are considered to be produced. Thus, a question of quantity vs quality arises and it is very hard to find relevant quality books on a desired topic. This too is an example of search engine misinformation. Did you notice that 1 million and 1.7 million does not add up to 4 million books?

Big tech has tried to deal with this onslaught of generated information with biased algorithms which unfortunately automatically censor minority opinions and views or place them at the end of search engine lists.

Overall, while the internet provides access to a wealth of information and resources, managing the volume of information can be challenging and can lead to various negative consequences if not handled effectively.

One could rightly conclude that information overload is a very daunting task for mere mortals.

Ukraine: Status after 2 years of war

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February 24^th, 2024 marks two years of the war in Ukraine.

The real reason why there was and is a stalemate in Ukraine is because of poor planning, not enough trained troops, and an inability to mount competent air and land coordinated strategic attacks which make long lightning victory assaults on the enemy possible.

In 2014 Russia easily annexed part of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine along with Crimea. There were no serious sanctions placed on Russia and the west barely reacted. So, Putin and his generals thought invading Ukraine would be a cake walk too with little resistance and in fact deluded themselves into thinking that the Ukrainians would welcome them with open arms as liberators and they would easily install a puppet regime soon thereafter.

Russia at the beginning of the war showed its military incompetence with poorly trained and untrained soldiers and a failed logistics network supplying food, fuel, and ammunition in a highly inefficient way. It was a snowy winter and the military could only use existing roads to maneuver since their supply trucks with tires would get stuck in the snow if they went off road.

The inefficient logistics supply lines and inadequate troops were the reason why the Russians only penetrated and annexed parts of eastern and southern Ukraine but didn’t have enough military to cover and travel to all of Ukraine. What happened was that along the annexed territory border it soon developed into a trench warfare style of fighting like in World War 1 where neither side was able to make a breakthrough with strategic, bold, costly strikes with air and ground superiority.

As unprepared for a long war was Russia so was Ukraine and it was only until this year that there was even a talk about a Ukraine counteroffensive which yielded minimal results so far. With a paucity of western aid Ukraine still has no air and land superiority militarily and is unable like Russia to make bold strategic and costly attacks. An inadequate supply of trained troops, especially in strategic assaults, and inadequate air and land military equipment is what ensures that the stalemate will last for a very long time. The war of attrition only theoretically gives Russia an advantage in the long run unless Putin is deposed and a less aggressive leader replaces him.

I won’t bore you with details but basically the war has morphed into the use of mostly short and long distance drones, artillery, precision rockets, and handheld anti tank weapons. Russia is still being the most aggressive and occasionally attacks with tanks and human clusters of troops which mostly become cannon fodder with Ukrainian defensive actions. So far, the Russians have lost about 400,000 troops and Ukraine about a third that number. Russia will soon need a third mobilization and Ukraine a second mobilization even though both will not be popular in the home country and may lead to political instability.

If Ukraine is to succeed in taking back more of the annexed territory then they will need to have enough troops with strategic training and land and air superiority which they don’t have now and will not have in the foreseeable future. Sadly, all that I see is a seemingly endless war with border skirmishes here and there but without any real tangible results in the long run. If the west tires of supporting Ukraine economically and militarily then Ukraine will become a basket case with very dim prospects and may be forced into an unfavorable negotiated settlement.

What does Ukraine need to take back the annexed territory and win the war? It needs a large supply of relatively cheap precision short range drones like FPV drones to take out military vehicles, artillery, troops, and tanks. Ukraine needs long range precision drones, rockets, and missiles to take out logistic command centers, anti aircraft installations, ammo dumps, bridges, railroads, infrastructure, ships and oil and military plants in Russia itself. Just as important are air defense systems to take out Russian short and long range drones, rockets, and missiles. If Ukraine succeeds in destroying most of the logistics in the occupied territories leaving Russia rather helpless then Ukraine may more easily retake lost territory and eventually win with ongoing western aid and a second mobilization for more troops.

Whatever happens, the war will end someday or be put on hold until it continues again at some point in the future. If by a long shot Russia eventually takes over all of Ukraine then the Baltic States and Poland may be next even though they are a part of NATO. With Putin in power and some Republicans reluctant to support Ukraine economically and militarily, Ukraine’s future is debatable for now.

Bad censorship

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Overall, bad censorship can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the suppression of specific content, impacting fundamental human rights, democratic principles, the overall health of society, and undermining trust in institutions and individuals. Here are some examples of bad censorship:

Bad political censorship is when governments censor information to control public opinion or suppress dissenting voices. This can lead to citizens being misinformed or deprived of their right to access diverse viewpoints.

Censorship aimed at altering or erasing historical facts or events to fit particular narrative. This distorts collective memory and undermines understanding of past events.

Companies or platforms restricting or removing content based on their own interests or to comply with government regulations. This can limit access to information and impede free expression, mislead consumers, and undermine transparency.

When religious institutions or groups censor information or expression that contradicts their beliefs. This can hinder intellectual inquiry and restrict freedom of conscience.

Suppressing scientific research or information that goes against certain ideologies or economic interests. This can impede progress and lead to the spread of misinformation.

Individuals or groups voluntarily refraining from expressing certain opinions or ideas due to fear of backlash or reprisal. This can inhibit open discourse and lead to a chilling effect on free speech.

Governments or internet service providers blocking or filtering online content, restricting access to information, and limiting freedom of expression. This can hinder communication and innovation in the digital age.

When a government censors criticism or opposition to its policies, it suppresses freedom of expression and undermines democracy.

Blocking the coverage of important events or news stories prevents the public from being informed and can lead to ignorance and misinformation.

Blocking or filtering internet online content restricts access to information and hampers free expression.

Threatening or harassing journalists who report on sensitive issues can lead to self-censorship and undermine investigative journalism.

Restricting academic research or teaching materials inhibit intellectual inquiry and stifles academic freedom.

Altering or censoring historical records distorts the truth and can be used to manipulate public perception.

Social media platforms censoring user-generated content based on arbitrary rules or faulty algorithms can suppress free speech and limit the exchange of ideas.

Banning or censoring satirical content undermines the role of satire in social commentary and stifles political discourse.

Linguistic censorship such as changing the meaning of words or inventing new words to replace old ones with different meanings restricts communication and can perpetuate discrimination or undesirable hidden ideological ramifications.

Restricting access to certain ideas or viewpoints in educational settings limits critical thinking and intellectual development.

Silencing whistleblower individuals who expose wrongdoing or corruption prevents accountability and undermines democracy.

Suppressing the voices of moral or ethical minority groups perpetuates inequality and marginalization.

Suppressing access to accurate medical information can endanger public health and safety.

Suppressing information about environmental degradation inhibits public awareness and hampers efforts to address these issues which have long term detrimental health and wilderness destruction concerns.

Denying or censoring information about past atrocities prevents reconciliation and perpetuates injustice.

Banning or censoring adult comedic content restricts freedom of expression and limits cultural exchange.

Suppressing protests or demonstrations restricts the right to peaceful assembly and undermines democracy.

In all these cases, censorship can have detrimental effects on society, including hindering freedom of expression, limiting access to information, distorting public discourse, and undermining democratic principles. In an era of increasing bad censorship it is getting increasingly hard to separate fact from fiction and who to trust and who to be wary of.

Most bad censorship originates from flawed moral or ethical humans who lie about information or try to steal or deny you useful and sometimes necessary information and it is generally a descent into lawlessness.

Privacy

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Certain human rights are important but not explicitly stated in the Constitution. Let’s review privacy to see if legislation or stricter laws are necessary to ensure that an acceptable level of privacy can and should survive as a human right.

The right to privacy is not guaranteed although the 4th Amendment to the Constitution implies this to some extent-

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

One could argue that if you are obeying the law then you have nothing to hide and therefore should not be afraid of losing your privacy. However, in the real world there are powerful humans who may want to financially ruin or frame you for political reasons or to remove you as an obstacle to their progress. Some humans may simply want to ruin you for revenge for some imagined insult or subjective transgression. If you have no privacy then an attack on you or a frameup is much easier to achieve.

Financial information such as bank accounts are perhaps at the top of the list on things that you would want to be private. This gives banks tremendous power, especially if they decide to terminate your accounts for political or other secret reasons. This is why it is perhaps smart to have more than one bank where your money is stored in case of an emergency where you can no longer get access to a bank’s accounts over the internet or in person.

Some websites on the internet, especially the big ones like Google, Microsoft, banks, etc. are getting very serious about two level verifications and verifications that you are a human and not a bot or an impersonator. So, information such as a phone number, street address, email, and social security number may be requested which is information which many would like to keep private. Getting or trying to get this personal information is the reason there are so many scams on the internet and on your cellphone.

Legal issues such as criminal records, lawsuits, or ongoing legal disputes are often kept private to protect one’s reputation and legal rights.

Due largely to the cancel culture mindset in the public arena political affiliations, religious beliefs, and other personal opinions may be kept private to avoid conflicts or unwanted attention.

Many humans choose to keep certain aspects of their social media profiles private, such as their posts, photos, and personal messages, to control their online presence and protect their privacy.

Medical conditions, treatments, and other health-related matters are often kept private to maintain confidentiality and avoid potential stigma or discrimination, especially by insurance agencies.

Some individuals prefer to keep the details of their romantic relationships, sexual orientation, and family dynamics private to maintain boundaries and protect their personal lives.

Some individuals may choose to keep details about their job performance, salary, or career aspirations private to maintain professional boundaries and avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Past experiences such as traumatic events, past mistakes, or other sensitive experiences may be kept private to avoid judgment or emotional distress.

Many may want to keep private mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions which are becoming more numerous with each passing year.

Personal habits such as substance use, diet, or other personal habits may prompt privacy.

Personal possessions such as valuables, collections, or possessions can also be privacy issues.

If you are a minor unconcerned with privacy on social media then you may as an adult regret that you posted damaging evidence which may hurt your career opportunities later on in life.

If you are rather wealthy, unless you are flaunting your wealth to impress others, privacy becomes a major concern and you may choose to live in a gated community or provide extreme security measures for your residence since you have a lot to potentially lose. If you are an average human with average income then privacy may not be as important but you will still have to be on guard for scams of all kinds if you are naïve or too trusting an individual.

Privacy in the age of the internet, GPS, deep fakes, AI, and technological advancements is very hard to maintain. New laws will probably have to be made to ensure a tolerable level of privacy for the average human in the modern era where it seems that the power-hungry government and rich organizations can gain access to any private information which they may want to use against you.

How AI is changing education

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Here are many ways that AI is likely to influence education:

AI can analyze individual student’s learning styles, preferences, and pace to tailor educational materials and experiences. This personalized approach helps students learn at their own speed, filling gaps in their understanding and focusing on areas that need improvement.

AI-powered adaptive learning platforms can adjust content and difficulty in real-time based on a student’s performance. This ensures that students receive the right level of challenge, preventing boredom or frustration and promoting a more engaging learning experience.

AI can automate the grading process for assignments, quizzes, and exams. This not only saves time for educators but also provides students with instant feedback, allowing them to understand and learn from their mistakes more quickly.

AI can enhance virtual and augmented reality experiences, creating immersive learning environments. This technology can be particularly beneficial for subjects that require hands-on experience, such as science or medical education.

AI-powered language learning applications can provide personalized language instruction, adapting to the learner’s proficiency level and focusing on areas that need improvement. Chatbots and language processing AI can also facilitate language practice and communication.

AI tools can help identify learning disabilities or challenges early on by analyzing student’s behavior and performance patterns. Early detection allows for timely intervention and support.

AI can streamline administrative tasks, such as scheduling, grading, and attendance tracking. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and mentoring students.

AI can facilitate remote and online learning, providing students from around the world with access to quality education. This is particularly important for those in remote or underserved areas.

AI can analyze large sets of data to provide insights into student performance and engagement. Educators can use this information to refine their teaching methods and identify areas where additional support is needed.

AI tools can assist in generating educational content, ranging from lesson plans to interactive learning materials. This can help educators save time and ensure that materials are up-to-date and relevant.

AI can introduce elements of gamification into education, making learning more engaging and enjoyable for students through interactive and rewarding experiences.

By analyzing various factors, including academic performance and attendance, AI can help predict students at risk of dropping out, allowing schools to implement targeted interventions.

AI-powered tools can assist students in making informed decisions about their career paths by analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and interests, aligning them with potential career options.

AI tools can be designed to detect signs of emotional distress or disengagement in students, enabling timely interventions or counseling support.

It has been shown that interactive audio-visual teaching software can increase learning retention of information on average about 70%, especially with the inclusion of audio interaction. This brings us one step closer to the concept of a talking interactive educational experience.

It is highly unlikely that a humanoid AI teaching robot will be able to teach a class of about 25 to 30 students and still maintain discipline. However, one-on-one tutoring by an interactive humanoid robot is a distinct desirable possibility although the cost currently would be prohibitively expensive.

Despite these potential benefits, it’s crucial to consider ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and the need for a balanced approach that incorporates the human touch in education. Successful integration of AI in education will likely involve collaboration between educators, technologists, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

The educational status quo will be challenged and perhaps teacher’s unions will be the major objectors to improvements in teaching methods facilitated by AI. If AI is accepted then it will be a welcome change from the present, flawed, and failing mass education system to a system of more personalized efficient education.

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What should be taught in public schools

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The purpose of education is twofold-to teach students useful skills needed in life but just as important is to teach students how to live which is what good character is all about. Public education is failing miserably on both counts. Too many graduate without basic reading and math skills and far too many graduate without knowing the value of punctuality, dependability, orderliness, truthfulness, competence, curiosity, sharing, compromise, hard smart work, and family values in general. Critical race theory and sexual education which encourages promiscuity is definitely not something which should be taught in elementary public school.

How to read and do basic math is important but just as important is what you read and what you use those basic math skills for. In reading the emphasis should be on reading about the trials, tribulations, joys, and rewards of daily life and introducing technological and basic science topics which give real life examples using the scientific method, problem solving skills, and the concept of experimentation such as experimentation with the taste of different foods.

When it comes to basic math skills, these should be coupled with applied math as soon as possible with examples of budgeting money for expenses using calculators and introducing percentages or fractions with the aid of calculators so that students can understand percentages which appear on product labels. Financial literacy like budgeting is just not taught in most public schools nor are basic shopping skills such as knowing what a unit price is compared to the total cost of a product. Few graduate knowing how to calculate the price per pound, per ounce or per kilogram, per gram of a product and then being able to compare that with the price of similar and different products.

Far too many graduate without understanding what interest rates on credit cards and on mortgages really mean and how to calculate them for a purchase.

With religious teaching rapidly declining in many families, many public students don’t have a complete understanding of morals or ethical principles and how they relate to everyday life. An indoctrinated religious moral code of behavior is not being replaced with a secular moral or ethical code which covers the same territory of human behavior, especially in elementary school and preferably before the age of about 13.

Not having strict ethical principles to guide your life means for many a hedonistic like lifestyle which can’t distinguish which behavior is good or bad and what addictions to avoid as much as possible. The do your own thing or do what feels good philosophy often results in mental illness caused by addictions to lying, laziness, selfish behavior, promiscuity, pornography, alcohol, drugs, gambling, video games, social media, excessive shopping, and even criminal behavior. The net result is a disorganized dysfunctional brain and lifestyle filled with misery, stress, confusion, and yes, mental illness for many.

Some education like hands on lab experiments, vocational skills such as carpentry, plumbing, and auto repair, participatory sports and music, and in person social behavior skills can’t be totally done on the internet but the vast majority of subjects can be taught via the internet. So, the question arises. Other than for elementary school, is going to a physical school to learn really necessary in many cases? Interactive audio visual computer learning is a distinct and desirable alternative.

Many may not need a college education for many things unless you are going into law, medicine, or a PHD status career. Kids are learning on their own through Zoom which is online audio video conferencing. This conferencing can be led by a competent motivating teacher who can be the best math or English teacher in the community or world.

The education can be gamified so that it is not just hard to grasp memorization and regurgitation of information only. Gamification is the integration of game elements like point systems, leaderboards, badges, or other elements related to games into “conventional” learning activities in order to increase engagement and motivation. This gaming approach can make the learning experience less boring and tedious. So, internet learning can almost become a delightful fun learning experience

The new generation is almost a lost generation searching for meaning with community input and not just input from family and few friends. So, students join communities to give them a sense of belonging and sharing their spiritual views and lifestyle with others, since religion is on the decline and humans still yearn for moral or ethical principles which they can share and live by.

What should not be part of the educational experience is the promotion of critical race theory, promiscuity, political correctness, totalitarianism, intolerance of moral or ethical opposing views which are not criminal, blurring of gender identity or trying to obliterate the genetic difference between men and women, and Muslim Sharia law which oppresses women unjustly.

What society really needs more of is good, trustworthy, ethical role models in leadership positions. Not needed are untrustworthy woke role models who are graduating from a failing, increasingly dogmatic, ideological, and misguided public educational system which now includes public colleges and universities.

A federal or state gun law which may work

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A federal or state gun law which may work

One of the major flaws in gun laws is that the law states what guns are legal to use and which ones are not. Technology is so advanced that humans can make their own guns with plastic or synthetic materials which are not metal and have no registration numbers on them. So, it is absurd to demand that you register such a homemade gun because it can be made in a thousand and one ways which would each have to be identified with a name and registration number.

Let’s face it, humans are the ones pulling the trigger and not the guns so the law should emphasize penalties for the use of guns by a human. “Guns don’t kill people, people do” People are the primary cause and guns only a proximate cause since weapons like knives, arrows, martial arts weapons, and objects like hammers, syringes, and chain saws are also proximate causes for death.

The federal or state law could read as follows:

Anyone convicted in the use of a lethal firearm in a crime shall be considered to be an F1 felon. If the F1 felon is found to be in possession of a lethal firearm and convicted then he or she will serve a mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison. On a second conviction for possession of a lethal firearm the F1 felon will serve a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison. On a third conviction for possession of a lethal firearm the F1 felon shall serve a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

I use an analogy from baseball to make my point. Three strikes and your out. If the F1 felon is stupid enough to be convicted of possession of a lethal firearm three times then there should be no mercy in his prosecution and conviction. Three strikes for the same crime and your permanently in prison worked out pretty well in Florida so severe prosecution has been found to work in many cases.

The goal here is to get all convicted violent lethal firearm users off the streets and to make the law so severe that even gang members will fear the police and shy away from using lethal firearms in criminal activities because the fear of punishment will override all other considerations. Yes, poor, fear ridden neighborhoods with high crime, bad education, high drug and alcohol use, and dysfunctional families will always breed violent felons but with strict enforcement the incidence of violent crime should decrease considerably, especially if officers are permitted to frisk and search gang members for guns.

Of course, enforcement is the key. You will need to have tough honest police and tough honest judicial prosecutors who will enforce this law and not let the offenders plea bargain to a lesser charge or offense. If you can’t trust the police and judges then who can you trust? Yes, there will be exceptions to this fundamental rule of honesty but statistically they should be few and far between. Otherwise, our whole legal system is a fraud and will eventually decay into chaos.

Lax laws with little or no bail, no prosecution for theft under $950, releasing murderers on parole, and similar stupid laws without strict enforcement just encourages criminals in repeated crimes and encourage more to become criminals. Without the fear of punishment and lax enforcement of laws on the books, law and order is not possible in the long run. Obviously with lax laws and lax enforcement the public becomes the victim of all kinds of criminal activity and social order gradually disintegrates. Then it is entirely possible that the only way to restore some semblance of order will be to shoot thieves and criminals to death vigilante style.

Initially, more prison space will have to be built to house those violent offenders so it will cost more money in taxes. When enforcement of illegal drug offenders clogs the prisons then it seems logical to not prosecute as many of them but then we have a further problem of homelessness with many mentally ill and drug addicted humans roaming city streets. When Portugal decriminalized all illegal drugs in 2000, officials hoped to reduce addiction rates and drug-related violence. Today, more users are in rehab, but drug use is on the rise, and reporter Keith O’Brien says the policy has made the problem worse. The percentage of humans using illegal drugs was about 12% in 2011 and is rising in Portugal.

So, the lesson to be learned is that not punishing criminals sufficiently for criminal activity will just encourage more criminal activity in the future. The same principle applies to violent gun use. Violent gun offenders must be sufficiently punished to reduce gun violence to an acceptable minimum since gun violence can’t be totally eliminated in America, since we have the second amendment to the constitution and criminals will always find a way to get guns even without the right to bear arms for self-defense.

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Changes going on and coming in the future

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Changes going on and coming in the near future

A modern truism is that almost everyone is moving to or on the internet. Technologically the major problem is whether the internet will have enough bandwidth or space to handle this tsunami of communications worldwide. Assuming that the internet will not suffer from chronic congestion, here is what is happening now and into the foreseeable future.

Education:

Some education like hands on lab experiments, vocational skills such as carpentry, plumbing and auto repair, participatory sports and music, and in person social behavior skills can’t be totally done on the internet but the vast majority of subjects can be taught via the internet. So, the question arises. Is going to a physical school to learn really necessary in many cases? Interactive audio visual computer learning is a distinct and desirable alternative.

Many may not need a college education for many things unless you are going into law, medicine, or a PHD status career. Kids are learning on their own through Zoom which is online audio video conferencing. This conferencing can be led by a teacher which can be the best math or English teacher in the community or world.

The education can be gamified so that it is not just hard to grasp memorization and regurgitation only. Gamification is the integration of game elements like point systems, leaderboards, badges, or other elements related to games into “conventional” learning activities in order to increase engagement and motivation. This gaming approach can make the learning experience less boring and tedious. So, internet learning can almost become a delightful fun learning experience.

Jobs:

Internet jobs can also be improved. Payment by the service rendered and not an hourly wage could be a better way of earning money. As long as you get the job done it doesn’t matter how quickly you do it in many cases.

Pay by the second or minute for the things which you consume online so you aren’t stuck with paying for a package of info. You may not use some internet services totally such as for entertainment, counselling or tutoring. Premium content consumption can be paid minute by minute for the amount of content consumed. Buy the exact content that you want and not an all inclusive package.

Real Estate and Business:

Largely due to the pandemic which accelerated the trend there is a decline in commercial office real estate. In a last ditch effort to save office space due to work from home competition many are converting office space into apartments.

Pretty soon you will be able to run your business from a laptop no matter where you are physically and this will extend across some international borders. Softwarization of the marketplace is inevitable which means that most marketplace transactions will be conducted online and many goods and services will be delivered at home.

Communities:

Communities are the center stage of the world and not national governments who the people no longer trust because they are monopolized by big money interests and a corrupt government. It is hard to push national patriotism when the government is so inefficient and corrupt but unfortunately this will eventually lead to tyranny since the constitution will no longer be enforced with all of its human rights as specified in the bill of rights.

Platforms are stronger than governments and can even censure ex-presidents. If you can silence a king then you are the king. A platform like Twitter or Facebook have the ability to mute the leader of a powerful military and economic nation. So, most of us don’t think that platforms should control the doors and hallways of the world. Internet communities may be able to make or break platforms as witnessed by the decrease in the popularity of Facebook and Twitter.

The internet is the largest marketplace. Fractional investment or toconizing real estate assets can be done with rent being distributed to online owners. With the proof of digital ownership in digital ledgers, personal property can be traded from anywhere in the world and bureaucratic documentation no longer becomes necessary.

The new generation is almost a lost generation searching for meaning with community input and not just family and few friends. So, they join communities to give them a sense of belonging and sharing their spiritual views and lifestyle with others since religion is on the decline and people yearn for moral or ethical principles which they can share.

War is old fashioned but valid as long as there are tyrant nations with weapons. However, drones, unmanned planes, cyberwarfare, economic trade, and innovation wars will replace brute force wars such as in Ukraine. How competition with China, with an absence of individual rights and human rights, will pan out in the future is debatable but only time will tell.

Many of the new rich aren’t interested that much in massive public displays of wealth and the massive consumption of resources. Many of the new rich want to be happy and fulfilled and live in smart homes not mansions.

Internet related business and professional jobs:

Old people can no longer offer advice on jobs but can give advice on human nature and moral or ethical behavior. We are now beginning to live in a period of non linearity with many jumps where you move from one tile to the next in the hopes that jump after jump you will eventually be closer and closer to a fulfilling job. Working hard no longer builds wealth because the currency is devaluing faster than you can produce it which means that inflation is making a set wage job less and less attractive. You need a mix of builder and sales mentality to succeed at many businesses today. You can no longer spend 10 years getting good at one thing because the entire market may change 4 or 5 times.

Privacy:

Our privacy will be less secure but we will remain rather free. In the old world our privacy was secured and controlled by internal and external factors. Today the trend is infringing on individual rights with continuous monitoring of what you watch, what you buy, and who you associate with. You can make this in vogue data mining a thing of the past if you want. Use VPN for online privacy and your online activity is anonymized and not subject to data mining.

A more direct democracy:

Power needs to be decentralized with block chains and digital passports which can lead to direct democracies. You could practically handpick where your taxes go like for potholes and parks but on a national level you probably couldn’t handpick if you wanted your money to go to the military or social welfare. Power to choose where your money goes is coming back to the people. In the past we have delegated responsibility to local bureaucrats and politicians who have mismanaged our money, especially on the local level. Money mismanagement is even true on the national level over which we have and will continue to have little personal control.

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A realistic view of electric cars

Obviously if everyone bought an electric car today we would have major problems. Not enough charging stations for long trips, expensive car rechargeable battery replacements, not enough power in the electrical grids, and severe transportation problems during grid blackouts during a major snowstorm or hurricane.

But a gradual transition to electric cars is entirely feasible and almost a necessity for future generations when electricity will be powering more and more mechanical devices. One solution is to own two cars, one an electric vehicle and the other a gasoline powered one for emergency usage and long trips. During a power outage you could have a gasoline powered electrical generator at home to charge up the electric vehicle as long as you have some stored gasoline.

If you were stuck on the highway in freezing temperatures during a snowstorm which halts traffic it seemingly would be a disaster with an electric car. Of course, you could conceivably bring along a gasoline powered electrical generator with high output for such emergency situations so you could charge up your car on the interstate.

The major drawback today is an expensive electric car battery to replace but with technology forging ahead the type of battery may change and with mass production the cost of the battery will eventually come down dramatically, especially with a new type of Tesla battery which charges faster, lasts longer, and is not made from toxic components.

Wind and solar energy are still unreliable when there is no wind or no sun shining. Once again better and cheaper high-volume storage batteries will be the answer when they are invented or developed. Also, in the future is efficient, relatively safe, if not in an earthquake zone, modern thorium nuclear electrical generation plants to supply power if we don’t want to only depend on non-renewable gas and gasoline to power the grid.

It is nice to dream of a day when humans will be independent of the power grid and have their own “free” electricity from the sun. Unfortunately, solar panels are still very inefficient, expensive, unreliable generators of power and storage batteries are prohibitively expensive too. Until solar cells and batteries are more competitive price wise, I am afraid that power grid independence is just a dream today unless you are willing to pay much more for your electrical power than that offered by the grid.

Today electric cars are not the answer to clean energy generation as long as the grid is powered by non-renewable sources such as gas and gasoline. Yes, city pollution will be highly reduced but non-renewable power sources still have to be used for the grid and non-renewability will not be addressed or solved successfully any time soon.

Electric cars are here today but will only be economically cheaper in the future with more technological development and innovation in batteries. The relatively large recharging time for car batteries is another unsolved technological problem which may not be solved any time soon.

So, in the short-term electric cars with current technology are more expensive to maintain because of a high-cost rechargeable car battery. In the long run electric cars will be more efficient with fewer moving parts and will be a plus with no polluting fumes, especially in city environments. I will not be one of the first to buy an electric car until all the drawbacks have been addressed but my offspring will probably be driving an electric powered vehicle and be content with it sometime in the near future.

For a complete readily accessible list of blogs and titles go to twitter.com/uldissprogis.

Enjoy!!!!!!

If you enjoyed this blog then here is a list of my most popular ones which you may also enjoy!!!

Z***LIST OF MY MOST POPULAR BLOGS!!!!!!