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Politics : The Trump Presidency -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: koan who wrote (1731)	12/11/2016 3:14:52 PM
From: Lane3	2 Recommendations Recommended By Katelew one_less Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 361646

The science of sociology says you're wrong about income inequality as far as the health of a society goes. Sociologists should know that correlation does not equal causation. Maybe they need more education. <g> Or less ideology. More important than the gap is whether those at the bottom have enough and whether mobility is possible. Singapore is number one in pretty much everything. And they have very little income inequality... Singapore is number one [in education], Japan is number two, South Korea's is seventh.If you look at the countries, they are all vibrant democracies with very little income inequality... Yes, Singapore is number one in income inequality, saving the US from that dreaded spot. Japan is number one in income equality. businessinsider.com So much even for correlation. We rank 39th in math, so far down educationally and intellectually... If your point is that the US education system sucks, I couldn't agree more. We have hoards of innumerate and scientifically illiterate and critical thinking has become a lost art. I think you've captured part of the reason but only part.

To: koan who wrote (1731)	12/12/2016 7:28:33 AM
From: Bridge Player	2 Recommendations Recommended By Katelew one_less Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 361646

I did read both of the links that you provided in your post. I am duly impressed with the improvements in education in so many countries of the world. More power to them. And I certainly wish that the United States were more competitive with more other advanced countries, particularly in STEM courses. One statement that you made intrigued me: Singapore is number one in pretty much everything. And they have very little income inequality There is undeniably a significant income disparity between the wealthiest and the poorest Americans. I believe it could be improved in a number of ways, including one (possibly small way) by removing thousands of regulations on small businesses and thus providing incentives for them to be formed, grow, prosper, and create jobs. I found little in your links about income inequality, however. I don't know much about relative income inequality among nations. I did find a chart by Wikipedia that purports to list countries by income equality. en.wikipedia.org It lists 2 columns showing the following data: R/P 10%: The ratio of the average income of the richest 10% to the poorest 10% R/P 20%: The ratio of the average income of the richest 20% to the poorest 20% If we accept that criteria as representative of income inequality, and also accept that the data presented is accurate, what it shows for Singapore in relation to the U.S., is as follows: Richest 20% to poorest 20%: Singapore 9.7 to U.S. 8.2 Richest 10% to poorest 10%: Singapore 17.7 to U.S. 15.9 According to this data there exists slightly more income inequality in Singapore than in the U.S. This would seem contrary to your expressed view. Do you happen to have a link to support your view as shown in the italicized statement?

To: koan who wrote (1731)	12/21/2016 4:10:39 PM
From: Cogito Ergo Sum	1 Recommendation Recommended By one_less Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 361646

We may diverge on this one friend.. equal and fair are not the same.. anyone that raises more than one child well fully understands this concept. We as a society have a duty (not for altruism even but for the benefit of our survival and prosperity as a species) to ensure a fairly level launch pad.. I want a leader that is smart.. not one that attained status through privilege. So we need to ensure that good education and healthcare are universal .. Humans are competitive.. that is why we are on top.. we out compete ... You do not want the best and brightest falling through the cracks due to social standing of parents.. nor do you want folks attaining high positions due to same (which happens now) .. This is like the hand up vs handout argument.. It is in humankinds' best interests to offer hand ups.. but handouts should be restricted..