Halls of Shrewd'm / US Policy
No. of Recommendations: 8
Before the fireworks fade into memory and the bunting is folded away, America should ask itself a simple question: what exactly are we celebrating?
It’s a stunning question to ask on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but it’s a necessary one because it reveals the depth of our civic amnesia. According to a Cato Institute poll, nearly half of Americans can’t identify what the nation’s 250th anniversary commemorates. That isn’t merely an embarrassing statistic. It’s a warning flare. It tells us that something foundational has slipped away. The inheritance has become detached from the heirs. The meaning of the day has become obscured by spectacle, commerce and politics.
Stephen Schmidt
No. of Recommendations: 4
This is nothing new.
I asked my troops when I was a young officer in the 90s to name the members of the Wu Tang clan. They could rattle them off. Then I would ask them to name the SCOTUS justices. Silence, stillness, blank stares.
What we value is often not valuable.
No. of Recommendations: 4
According to a Cato Institute poll, nearly half of Americans can’t identify what the nation’s 250th anniversary commemorates.
A frightening statistic indeed, but not totally surprising giving that nearly half the country voted for one of the most flawed and incompetent men on the planet.
Garbage in, garbage out.
No. of Recommendations: 8
Before the fireworks fade into memory and the bunting is folded away, America should ask itself a simple question: what exactly are we celebrating?We are celebrating the purification of the US, into the straight, white, Christian, theocracy the founders intended. and woe to anyone who doesn't fall in line. The project to purify the country by removal of non-white foreigners is well underway. The next enemy is USians who don't toe the line.
American identity under ‘renewed attack,’ Trump says
US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at what he called a fresh threat against the country’s identity, taking aim at domestic “radicals and extremists” on the eve of the US’ 250th birthday.
However, he added at the foot of the iconic monument: “As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack.”
The US president has cast the rise of the left ahead of November’s midterm elections that “communists” are on the rampage, posing a major “threat” to the country.
“In recent years there’s been an undeniable attempt to change this exceptional character, to beat the American spirit out of us, alienate us from our history,” he said on Friday. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/20...Just to be clear, he is talking about US citizens who vote and run for office.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 2
The survey:
https://www.cato.org/blog/new-poll-nearly-half-ame...All kids surely learn this at school if not from their parents. My kids all know a great deal more American history than I, a naturalized citizen.
My 18 year old thought kids his age would know the correct answer, but, the answer being so blindingly obvious, they might think it was a trick question and say not sure. That still leaves 30% giving the wrong answer.
I had to learn answers to the 100 questions for the citizenship test:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document...
No. of Recommendations: 2
I had to learn answers to the 100 questions for the citizenship test:
And you now probably know more than at least half of natural-born citizens.
When 1poorlady was getting ready for the test, we had a coworker who was very knowledgeable. We already ate lunch together almost every day anyway, so when he learned she was going to prep for the test, we started talking civics and history (US). Using smartphones to clear up any uncertainties. 1poorlady aced the test. We probably over-prepared her, since it was the better part of a year that we did this almost every day at lunchtime.
Back in those days we had to file all the paperwork by US Mail. There was very little online at INS (which is what it was called then, before changing to -IIRC- BCIS, and now USCIS). I remember having to go downtown to visit the INS office to pick up required forms (it was a half-day standing in line, most of which was outside in the AZ heat). If there was a sample test, it would have been paper mailed to us. It's been a long time, but I think they mailed a booklet with some basic knowledge. We prepped her far beyond that. :-)
No. of Recommendations: 1
I had to learn answers to the 100 questions for the citizenship test:This country could improve if all citizens, born or naturalized, had to pass this test - maybe with at least 70/100 correct answers - before being able to vote, and if voting were made into a requirement/duty with a $20 fine (like compulsory voting in Australia*!) for not voting in any presidential election year. Sadly, such a law probably wouldn't survive a first amendment lawsuit that rose to the SCOTUS, if it even managed to get that far.
(*)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx20gy2lz4go
No. of Recommendations: 2
This country could improve if all citizens, born or naturalized, had to pass this test -
How long before the Ministry of Truth revises the test to align with what comes out of Trump the Great's mouth? After all. He is calling everyone who does not see things his way, enemies of the state.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 2
“ 1poorlady aced the test. We probably over-prepared her, since it was the better part of a year that we did this almost every day at lunchtime.”
Me too. Over prepared and aced the test. My kids would quiz me at dinner and on long drives.
I did a presentation on becoming a citizen a few times at our local elementary school. The kids liked the “test” part. I gave them sample questions and had them shout the answers. Good times.
No. of Recommendations: 0
maybe with at least 70/100 correct answers
Great idea, but it runs afoul of the prohibition against “literacy tests”.
Lots of history there that suggests the real possibility of misuse.
No. of Recommendations: 0
There's more than 2 halves in America.
But, it's lovely to see that even 2 ----can't answer the question.
No. of Recommendations: 8
How long before the Ministry of Truth revises the test to align with what comes out of Trump the Great's mouth? After all. He is calling everyone who does not see things his way, enemies of the state.
Q1 - who won the 2020 presidential election?😊
No. of Recommendations: 0
Great idea, but it runs afoul of the prohibition against “literacy tests”.
Lots of history there that suggests the real possibility of misuse.
Couldn't it be handled the same way driver's license tests are handled?
No. of Recommendations: 0
Also, and more obviously, why would it have to be any different than the citizenship test? Is that unfair, or is it being abused to deny people citizenship?
No. of Recommendations: 0
Q1 - who won the 2020 presidential election?😊
The LAWYERS.
No. of Recommendations: 2
My sons, my wife and I were just outside watching the fireworks. I said “you know, we are lucky to live here in America”. Then I realized something, and said “no, actually you are all lucky. I had to work hard to get here, you all just won the ovarian lottery!”
They are all natural-born citizens. I’m naturalized.
No. of Recommendations: 5
They are all natural-born citizens. I’m naturalized.
And we’re proud to have you, sir! Happy Fourth.
No. of Recommendations: 1
I said “you know, we are lucky to live here in America”.
Depends on what you're comparing it to, I think. Some places are a slam-dunk (e.g. DPRK). Others, there are plusses and minuses to compare. 15 years ago I would have agreed almost entirely. Today, not so much.
Also, I am a white guy. Minority folks almost certainly have different experiences, and may have a different opinion.
In your case, you probably have an English accent. American women seem to LOVE an English accent (especially the non-cockney type of accent). Like Hugh Grant. :-)
No. of Recommendations: 0
American women seem to LOVE an English accent (especially the non-cockney type of accent).
After decades of watching "Upstairs, Downstairs", "The Forsyte Saga", and "Downton Abby", they probably think everyone with a particular sort of Brit accent is rich. I remember, back in the late 70s, how girls lit up, when I said "I'm a college graduate with a white collar job".
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 1
<<I said “you know, we are lucky to live here in America”.>>
Also, I am a white guy. Minority folks almost certainly have different experiences, and may have a different opinion.
In your case, you probably have an English accent. American women seem to LOVE an English accent (especially the non-cockney type of accent). Like Hugh Grant. :-)
Well, I'm a white guy too, but don't look or sound like Hugh Grant. I do like to remind my (American) wife that she should be grateful, she gets to live with THIS (point to self), this wonderful English accent. She says I don't have an accent and to get over myself. Ah, 25 years of wedded bliss.
I literally came to America, made my fortune and met and married the love of my life. I might be somewhat biased, but America, and life, has been good to me so far.
I can't complain, but sometimes I still do.
