Do you think things are changing for the better or for the worse?

1. 89

   cheryloneposted 8 years ago

   Do you think things are changing for the better or for the worse?
   
   War, depression, no jobs, hunger, prices skyrocketing, is this a good thing?  Are we heading for something that will be better; or are we heading for more of the same?

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2. 61

   Ryan Terry Bohlposted 8 years ago

   There is a line of thought going around about an impending event called the Third Industrial Revolution.  This is supposed to be a new golden age built on these pillars:
   
   - Robotics replacing low-quality work in shops, hospitality, etc.
   - The reformation of pension systems, freeing up huge amounts of money
   - An energy revolution underpinned by green tech, providing cheap and even free energy
   
   It's meant to coincide with Millennials hitting middle age, so somewhere in the mid-2020s and early 2030s, just as Baby Boomers grey enough to make pension reform possible and long enough to let robotics and green energy mature further as technologies.

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   1. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      When was society better? When we had morals, ethics and norms, respect, etc. When EVERYONE cared about everyone else because it was right; not because it was in legislation or a requirement. When being a citizen was valued and expected and desirous.

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3. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   This seems to be a recurring question of late.
   On average I suspect they are better. However with 24 hour world news cycles and social media (we are more informed) then we ever have been when it comes to "breaking news" around the globe.
   
   If one were to Google any time period in history they would find atrocities, World Wars, famine, genocide, health plague pandemics, slavery, discrimination, and a whole host of other issues.
   
   Being "unaware" of issues during a period doesn't make it better!
   
   We kid ourselves when we romanticize the past as being better than the present. The reality is we simply are more connected and know more now! Apparently "Ignorance is bliss" has a lot of merit to it.
   According to key performance indicators in the U.S. inflation is low and interest rates remain low which is good for home buyers. GDP and job growth has improved dramatically when compared to the "Great Recession" of 2008/9 and the stock market is at all time highs which is good for anyone with a 401k. Gas prices in most areas are still below $3 and unemployment is at 5.5%.
   Whether one thinks things are better or worse has to do with how they (feel) about their own circumstances.
   Right now someone is laying down under a hutch roof on the white sandy beaches of Cancun sipping on a mango daiquiri listening to music from their iPod, looking through sunglasses watching small waves of turquoise water caress the shore and their thinking to them self; "Life is good!"
   Perception is reality.

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   1. 89

      cheryloneposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I agree to a certain point, but what can we do to change our own perceptions? LOL

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   2. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yoleen Lucas, Are you serious in saying that things are better for man because technology imprroves? That's your only benchmark? There are other markers and what computers can do is only one. If you can't afford that computer b/c of lack of work,,,

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   3. 79

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      teamrn, Computers & technology are also used in hospitals, cars, trains, planes, and various things the average person comes across which has eased our lives. You'd be hard press to find someone who says 1915 was a better period than 2015.

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   4. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Dashing, yes, healthcare benefits from technology. When comparing to 1900; some things better, some not. Social values progressively worse; and not everything is meant to progress.

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   5. 79

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      teamrn, Social values are in the eye of the beholder. There are better career opportunities for women than any other time. The CEO of GM, Xerox, and IBM are women! There are more anti-discrimination laws and equality moves. That's major progress!

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   6. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Dashing, "There are more anti-discrimination laws..." ERA. More is better only if it has results. If I were black, I should be able to say: "I am better off."  Am I? With 20 % employment, I don't feel it! Laws don't GUARANTEE=rights.

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   7. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Teamrn - unemployed people can collect insurance.  That did not exist in 1915.  Other things that didn't exist then was Welfare and property insurance. Check out the book "Black Boy" - though a white person would have suffered just as much.

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   8. 66

      James King 32posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Perception is reality to one's own self. Because a man hears what he wants to hear.
      When you rewrite history you can gey many to believe things are good.
      This adm. Has changed the way you calculate in, unemployment, GDP, any speech they write has-

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   9. 48

      DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      l wish they were

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4. 73

   someonewhoknowsposted 8 years ago

   In all probability more of the same. Unless we change our culture to the point where we don't have Inflation or deflation due to, manipulation of,the world's currencies.Then there has to be love for our fellow man to the point of forgiving each other for the hurtful events of the past.   
   
   Personally think only those who contribute through their own work should be able to own stock in the stockmarket.

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   1. 73

      someonewhoknowsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gIUHm19HqM

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   2. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Austin, you know quite well whom I mean, but the bigger picture that needs representation is that EVERY person we elect to any office needs to be able to LEAD, command respect;  some more than others.

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   3. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Ok, I'll ask you again, even though you are commenting on someone else's comment and not mine. Who do YOU think is going to LEAD and command respect? Obviously, you do not respect the POTUS.

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   4. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Austin, my post appeared there. The post says that the POTUS should be someone who commands respect, It DOESN'T say I don't respect him. He can be feckless as well. Not everyone has the chops to be POTUS.

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   5. 73

      someonewhoknowsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Whccunka4
      
      Crisis and Openings:
      
      Introduction to Marxism -
      
      Richard D Wolff

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   6. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I think that time has come, someonewhoknows. Time to stop proving each other wrong, don't have to sing "kumbaya" 24/7, but a 'spoonful of sugar'/fake-it-til-you-make-it come to mind

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5. 69

   connorjposted 8 years ago

   
   
   I personally am changing for the worse as I age beyond 18 for the third go-around; yet, I am accepting of it. I do think if our trajectory is moving away from being close to God then indeed it will be for the worse.
   As far as war, depression, lack of jobs, hunger, prices moving up; those so-called  "variables" are in fact, constants and occur repeatedly throughout our history... One could argue with regards to those constants things are indeed changing for the better...

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   1. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You know what I wonder? Why your god is moving so far away from US??? We are not able to move away from him, right? Where could we move to if god is everywhere?

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   2. 69

      connorjposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Austinstar,
      Perhaps you have denied Him? I apologize, I can only speculate yet your "amygda-like" response seems to suggest frustration and anger... I indeed think one can move away from Him. Your trajectory suggests that...

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   3. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I thought you knew I am an atheist. I truly do not believe In gods. They are pure fiction.

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   4. 69

      connorjposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Ahhh then, I suggest you stop "digging;" there is nothing you can find where you are...

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   5. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not the one in the hole.

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   6. 69

      connorjposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Psychologists have a term for this...

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   7. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Psychologists have a term for every known "difference". Yours is thinking that you were born a "sinner" and you need someone or something to "save" you from the hole you are in. I do not need to be saved from anything.

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   8. 69

      connorjposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      On the contrare, I understand that you think that. I apologize once again I should have spelled it out for you. The word I was thinking of was "denial."

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   9. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Do you "deny" leprechauns? or unicorns? of Thor? or Quetzalcoatl? No, you simply don't believe in these things. What is there to deny?

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   10. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Austin, isn't your God, MY God, too? We all worship the same divine power. There are different forms, but I believe as do most, that this is the same God.

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   11. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       @teamrn - I am an atheist and do not believe in, nor worship ANY god or gods. And no, I don't think that the gods of India, for instance, resemble the Christian god in any way, shape, or form. There is no such thing as a "divine power".

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6. 82

   peachpurpleposted 8 years ago

   for worst， people are fighting each other， people are selfish leading to global warming， the whole world is in a big mess

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   1. 79

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      peachy, Can you name a period in history where there were no people fighting each other or no selfishness? Evil atrocities have taken place on this planet since the dawn of mankind. We simply weren't as connected to know about them.

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   2. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Always has been a big mess, and always will be. Film at Eleven.

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   3. 89

      cheryloneposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Messy, yes, but are we going anywhere with it?  Maybe more mess and no one to clean it up?

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7. 60

   BumblelyBeeposted 8 years ago

   If you mean are we going to be worse off than we are today then I think the answer is yes. Capitalism rely's on unlimited growth however while we are stuck on this planet we have a limited amount of resources, as people get richer and collect more things they have to take it from someone else. When people don't care how they accumulate wealth and so destroy the planet to get it then there are even less available resources to share around. Capitalism is kinda like a belief system in way, we all believe numbers have value when really they are valueless, some people think they control the system but in reality no one seems to really have control over it, it is like it has its own life to it as long as people believe they need it then they are slaves to it. People believe in the value of that valueless thing so much that they are willing to ignore the suffering of others in order to have money or allow greedy people to tell us that poor people who have little money are the reason why money is suffering and so to feed the spiritual demon that is Capitalism we must make the poor suffer so that they can give what little they have to people far better off than they who don't know how to share. As long as greedy people are in power we will always have suffering because they will always strive to better their own and their friends power and wealth and value theoretical money over human life and the very things we all need to survive.     
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOP2V_np2c0 (video watched in a geography lecture, last year, which kinda describes the whole failure of capitalism)

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   1. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "we must make the poor suffer so that they can give what little they have to people far..." The solution isn't wealth redistribution' and socialism: Margaret Thatcher: 'The problem with socialism is that some day you run out of other people's money.

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8. 69

   aguasilverposted 8 years ago

   Whilst it is true that historically all these things have happened, previously they have not ALL happened at the same time, which is a key indicator of what I refer to as 'the weather forecast' (Matthew 24).
   
   There are significant signs and events combining that would indicate to anyone who has 'eyes to see' that we could experience a major series of events in mid September 2015.
   
   Are things improving? well I will await judgement on that until October! 
   
   But as a believer in scriptural Kingdom authority, I think we are heading down the sewer fasted than most folk can imagine, but equally I welcome that, for it indicates that this present aeon will end and God will clean house, restoring truth and righteousness to His people.
   
   So..... lets see what September brings, then ask or answer again.

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   1. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I don't supposed that you have noticed that when your God "cleaned house" once before, it didn't help. Mankind went right back to its "wicked ways" just like before your fantasy flood and god's genocidal rage.

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   2. 69

      aguasilverposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      This time is final..... all the dissenters don't get to stay around and the demons will be imprisoned, but then you know that already!
      
      Guessed you would need to chip into this dialogue once I appeared!

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   3. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You mean that your god is finally going to get it right? Seriously, you really believe that? Well, guess it's time to put up or shut up. But I'll bet you're still around in Oct. To make excuses.

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   4. 60

      BumblelyBeeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Because killing all life is such a great way to make everything better what happened to an eye for an eye? If I was a god I'd just turn all the top capitalists (who don't help people), people who want war and general nasties into pink fluffy bunnies.

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   5. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Lol, bumblebee, I would turn them into toilet paper!

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   6. 69

      aguasilverposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Not killing ALL life, think of it as rather dealing with a cancerous tumour, or do you think cancer should just be left to run it's course and kill the body it affects?

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   7. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Again, your god's attempt to "remove the cancerous tumor of his attempt at creation" failed miserably. His 2nd attempt at "saving" humanity failed also. Jesus was crucified for his efforts. Why do you think a third attempt is coming? Or will work?

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   8. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Regarding your October date - Harold Camping will be 4 years overdue.

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   9. 69

      aguasilverposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Not date making, just saying that many events and aspects, New Age, NWO and Biblical bisect in September.
      
      Make of it what you will.

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   10. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Oh, all of the planets are going to align just right, eh?

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   11. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       @austin. "your God..." For someone who knows that thee IS NO God, you have beco/Gome very authoritative on God/Power/Force. His 'cancerous tumor' didn't fail. You're here, right?

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9. 85

   Austinstarposted 8 years ago

   Overpopulation and greed will be the death of humanity. Eventually, this earth will run out of resources and if we have not figured out how to control ourselves, mankind will die out. There is no "god" or "alien" savior coming to save us, we must learn to do it ourselves.
   So, to answer your question, we are changing for the better. I believe there is an enlightened movement to study our world and our universe and learn to control our animal instincts, like kill or be killed.
   Education and science are the only two ways that humans can use to overcome our environment and psychological issues.
   In the last 100 years, we have progressed far faster and more logically than in the previous 1,000 years before that. The trend will continue.

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   1. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Austinstar, Can you comment on a God or savior
      to  'save' humanity; because you don't believe in a God? Education and science help to an extent. But US acting alone will do no good w/o the help of ALL countries. NK? Canada? UK? Cuba?

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   2. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      There isn't one. We have to learn to "save" ourselves. This is going to be a decisive shift in our thinking. We can't keep expecting some guy in the sky to come down to earth with a magic hand, wand, ray gun, flood, whatever. Ther is no magic guy.

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   3. 59

      teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Certain progress is good, but other progress just for 'the sake of it?'. What's right is right and wrong is wrong and certain wrong will NEVER be right? Do we reinvent the wheel which is good-just because it's been 100 years?

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10. 67

    claptonaposted 8 years ago

    For the worse.
    Watch the fall of the U.S.A.
    At one time, the economic powerhouse of the world.
    The American government and American conglomerates blew it!

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    1. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Do you seriously believe that the USA is weak? And falling? Why don't you move to another country that lives up to your dismal expectations? Believe it or not , our nukes do, in fact, work very well. So does our culture. Ba-bye.

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    2. 73

       someonewhoknowsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       https://www.youtube.com/watch?
       
       v=FhzUGiYeZA4

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    3. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       US moral character declines, and their LEADER is feckless and commands ? respect. American people have tremendous resolve, but that resolve needs to be channeled by the right leader; one who will bring out best in them. A leader who respects them.

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    4. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       And who would that leader be, in your opinion, teamrn?

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    5. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Austin, I'm sure you know to whom I am referring.

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    6. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I have no clue as to whom you are talking about or to. You are very unclear. HTH could I know who you think is trustworthy?

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    7. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       @Austin, :"You are so unclear.." Why? I have 250 characters to say what I want to say; not many. You know darn well who I think is feckless, why

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    8. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       No I don't, and my questionn was, who do you think would make a good leader?

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    9. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Austinstar, Not a good leader at all: Barack Obama. Who would make a good leader: Carly Fiorina, but politics is not the scope of this hub.

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11. 80

    Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years ago

    Things are DEFINITELY getting better! Every day I encounter technologies I couldn't have dreamed of 25 years ago.  I'm typing this on an ipad while sitting in my car waiting to pick up someone.  I don't even have to go home to my computer.  Twenty-five years ago, the internet didn't even exist.
    Sure we have Ebola, but at least we know it is caused by a virus.  In the Dark Ages, when the Bubonic Plague ravaged Europe, people didn't even know what a virus was.
    One thing that had gotten worse is war.  In spite of all our advances, it could annihilate us.  But even there is hope; it has been 3 quarters of a century since World War II.
    It is up to us to build our own Utopia - let us learn from the past and appreciate our knowledge!

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    1. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       People just don't appreciate the good stuff. Have you ever used an out house? Just the invention of flush toilets is a technological miracle:-)

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    2. 80

       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I have used an outhouse. I have also camped in the open. In those days you could drink from rivers. Think of people in the past who had limited access to water, clean or otherwise.

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    3. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       From a purely techological viewpoint, things possibly are better. THAT SAID, with every improvement, come tradeoffs. There are internet scams, cybersecurity issues (not just local yocals, but geo-political, scams, check scams-to name a few.

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    4. 80

       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, there are tradeoffs. But I'll take internet scams over old-fashioned poverty any old day.

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12. 59

    teamrnposted 8 years ago

    I think they're worsening, Not only are there more negative benchmarks (increased joblessness, increasing numbers of people who live in the poverty level, salaries aren't increasing to keep up with COL, greater debt, healthcare costs MUCHO higher (at least mine are. because of pre-existing conditions.) There is also change to societal norms which don't bode well. Social Security Trust Fund isn't expected to last w/out a major overhaul, ACA isn't producing the way it was presented to us, so still needs major tweaking.
    
    I'm not advocating a return to Pleasantville, or June and Ward Cleaver; but we must not settle for a child's being able to get sex-change surgery or an abortion w/out parental consent.
    
    Unemployment is NOT 5.5 %. Try telling that to the inner-city kid with no propects, the person who is no longer counted as unemployed (but still is-but he's no counted as unemployed b/c his unemployment bennies have worn out), the person who can't get full-time work so strings together a bunch of part-time jobs without any benefits).
    
    "Shovel-ready wasn't as...shovel ready as we thought...." HaHaHaHa. What a goofus. A clown, A stunad.

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    1. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Unemployment rate is hardly 5.5%-more like 11%. Labor participation rate is much higher with people wanting full-time work and many only able to find part-time work, good article:
       http://useconomy.about.com/od/suppl1/f/ … t_rate.htm

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    2. 79

       dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       According to that stat then maybe the "Great Recession" had 22% unemployment! As per traditional measurements it was stated 10%. If someone is saying 2015 is at 11% than 2009 must have been worse than reported! The economy is better today.

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    3. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Dashing, 2009 WAS worse than reported. BLS reports U3 (the 5.5%) and the U6 (REAL) rate. U3 doesn't account for those who must work 2-3 p-t jobs to make ends meet. http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2015/unempl … y-2015.htm

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13. 69

    choneycuttposted 8 years ago

    Well, here is what certain types of people would say:
    
    Environmentalist: Things are always getting worse.  If we keep destroying the environment the way we are, then things will become disastrous.
    
    Marxist: The fact that things are getting worse is an overall good thing.  If society declines extremely, the people will be pushed to overthrow the ruling class and take their rightful place on top.  After, the people take power, equality will slowly emerge and things will be for the better.
    
    Philosopher: Define what better or worse means.
    
    Psychiatrist: I hope things are getting worse because that ensures that I will have my job.
    
    Economist: Things will get better as long as the government loosens its control on the free market.
    
    Politician: Things will get better if you elect me.
    
    Feminist: Things will only get worse if we do not rise against the patriarchy!
    
    Lawyer: Who cares!?  I'm making bank!
    
    Christian: Things are getting worse.  The end of our days is near and you need to be ready for the Second Coming.
    
    Emo/Goth: Things are always getting worse...

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    1. 80

       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Lol!

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    2. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Austin, So,the only choice is between an inquistion and  gray ? Never allowing for shades of gray? So much room in between the lines.Our current POTUS sees the black/white; the gray is in the mirror.

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    3. 80

       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       teamrn - I can't resist. Why is "Fifty Shades of Grey" more controversial than the kidnapping of those girls in Nigeria?

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    4. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Yoleen, I don't know what you mean by 50 shades of gray. I commented on SHADES of gray, not just BLACK/WHITE and no inbetween.

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    5. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Who were you commenting to? SayYes or Me? You speak of good vs evil like it is black and white, then you ask if I believe in shades of grey? Please clarify your question. And to whom you want to ask it of.

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    6. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       @BumblyB CAPITALISM "We must make the poor suffer" WHY? What is it about making us spend more for pre-existing condition co that is appealing?SOCIALISM "the problem with Socialism is that some day you run out of other people's money." BETTER SOLUTION

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    7. 66

       James King 32posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Einstein said that all matter is in a state of corruption. Could that be because the world is in the same state (of corruption )?  Christians would say "yes". The "Original Sin has caused it. It was the Knowledge of Good and Evil. John 3:3 is enlight

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    8. 48

       DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Indeed they are

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14. 0

    TheBizWhizposted 8 years ago

    Although technology is getting better, society as a whole is getting worse, at least from my view in the U.S. I don't think that it is a coincidence that in this country we are also becoming less involved with God. Now people subscribe to the church of materialism, which is what big business wants. They would rather you give your money to them than to help the poor. I think some people call that secularism.

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    1. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Would it be be better to go back to the days of the inquisition when people were froced into Christianity? Or better to go back to the days of slavery and withch burning? Or better to go back to hiring only white people? Or when was it better?

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    2. 0

       TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       No, I would not. I don't see what that has to do with believing in God.
       
       Btw, I see you are consistent with your making condescending comments to anyone who mention God. Why does that make you so angry for someone to believe in God?

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    3. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       It doesn't make me angry. Apparently it makes you angry for me to mention god. And that makes me laugh. I di happen to mention a few other things besides, "god" BTW, but you probably didn't even notice.

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    4. 0

       TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I did notice the other things, but most notably when any1 mentioned God, u had 2 make a condescending remark. I am not angry of your mention of God, thus the reason I did not go to your answer or any other comments.I just replied 2 ur comment on mine

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    5. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Why won't you answer my question to you? When was society as a whole better than it is now?

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    6. 0

       TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       What year were you born? lol

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    7. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Again, not answering the question.

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    8. 0

       TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I learned a long time ago that it does no good to have a discussion w/ some1 who is angry and full of hate. Plus, didn't u say u would never speak 2 me again?

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    9. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Still not answering the question. I shall try not to bother you again. Sometimes you seem intelligent, my bad.

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    10. 0

        TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

        The reality is that any year/time I say, there will b something u can nitpick because there is always turbulence in the world. It is a no win situation 4 me, yet u have everything 2 gain.

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        teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

        Certain progress is good. Mainly technical; however, that leads to slippery slop 'progress.' Just cause we CAN close a sheep, SHOULD WE?

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15. 62

    Evaneposted 8 years ago

    I think things are changing for the worse today because of technological innovations. We are nearing dooms day.

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       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I don't think so. Technology is making our lives better! How else could you type on a computer? Or carry a phone that gives you access to the world? And Medical technology is probably extending your life span. No, we are not nearing "doomsday".

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       choneycuttposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Technology makes our lives better, most assuredly.  However, it is how we use this technology that destroys the world.  We can now produce mass destruction due to advancements in weaponry.  We ignore the impact on the environment too.

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    3. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       ICBMs don't kill people, PEOPLE kill people! Yes, it is true. One Navy destroyer can now eliminate all life on earth four or five times over. But we are still taking baby steps on learning to get along.

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       DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       l agree

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16. 58

    Naetan Aviposted 8 years ago

    When you actually take a second to stop and look at the state of the entire world, even a single country over the course of human history, there is more hope alive today than has ever existed otherwise. I'd argue that simply because of the internet, there is more of an ability to glimpse the wonders of the world, compared to the evils of the world. Medical knowledge is getting ever better, our understandings of ourselves and our places in this swirling cosmos, the ever increasing acceptance of provable ideals, most everything is going through some form of improvement.
    Throughout time, every negative thing we know about people has existed; we simply have more power and larger consequences than before. War, depression, unemployment, hunger, high prices, these are things that have always existed. As we speed through development, these things decline proportionally. Things are definitely changing to be better, but we'll never have to stop fighting back those things that are changing to be worse.

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    1. 85

       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That's an excellent way to live your life! Yes, things are definitely better for humans than at any other time period in history. Only the truly intelligent people can see it. Enjoy!

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    2. 48

       DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That is The truth

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17. 80

    the rawspiritposted 8 years ago

    I have to believe that thing are getting better, getting better all the time. Why else would I want to stay on the planet... Blessings, Bobby

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    1. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       But, raw, we would all like to believe that! What makes you think it, though? What makes you feel that it HAS to be, and the reason  you'd want to stay on the planet?

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    2. 48

       DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       No there is no Pleasant On this Earth we need people like us to stand up not down

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18. 61

    old albionposted 8 years ago

    I fear we are heading for more of the same. It seems to me that the fabric of society is being ripped apart in many ways. The gap between rich and poor is widening. Here in the uk the difference between the almighty London and the north of the uk is incredible.
    We see the horrors of the middle east daily on our tv screens, beheading people is abhorrent to westerners, stoning people to death is also abhorrent yet is seems to be the accepted norm elsewhere in the world.
    A massive financial crisis is looming and seems unavoidable as I understand it. What can be done ? Only the people with power can manipulate what happens.
    I am 71 years old and I wish I could see a prosperous well ordered world for the younger people and generations to come but I cannot.
    We must press on with what we have and do our best to help Africa before it is to late.
    Graham.

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19. 44

    thomasczechposted 8 years ago

    Things are bad and are getting worse. With the world wide resection and now with the problems in the environment such as drought in some places, flooding in others, prices of food will go up and will add to the financial stress of us all.

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20. 0

    Jonas Rodrigoposted 8 years ago

    Depends on how you look at it. In general, I think we are better. But if we take into account "happiness" I think we are worse.

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       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Jonas, what is your barometer for doing "better?"

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21. 60

    MichalWrotterposted 8 years ago

    Always change for better. Being positive makes less mess than being negative.

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       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Always having a bright outlook is admirable, hardly realistic. No smart to put your head in the sand and pretend problems don't exisist.

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22. 74

    factsknowingposted 8 years ago

    Of course things are not getting any better.

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23. 0

    Kevin Goodwinposted 8 years ago

    I believe you have to look at things in a way that you see the benefits of change rather than worse. Positive changes means positive thoughts.

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24. 66

    James King 32posted 8 years ago

    It would depend on the "eye of the beholder." Better & Worse are subjective terms. Better than what? worse than what? As a man believes what he wants to believe he also creates his own idea of what these terms mean.
    You may be dying  of cancer and yet have a beauty inside that only sees the good in all things. Then again you could have all their is to have and still not be satisfied.
    Do you see the Morale of the story? How open are you to expanding your universe? Until the door is locked and life is no more "It is what you make it".

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       Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Great answer! We all need to make our own lives the best that thay can be.

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       James King 32posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Having said that (above);
       There will never be piece in a fallen world. Adam handed his authority God gave him to Satan in the garden. Satan rules this world until God comes back. Until then, man lives subservient to this world's order.

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       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, there are tradeoffs. But I'll take dealing with internet scams over old-fashioned poverty any old day.

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       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Austinstar, that statement asks me to  accept  things that I find repugnant. Do I not have a right to prevent eventual decline if I can?  There is a time for accepting, a time for expanding and there is a time for standing firmly for your beliefs.

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25. 0

    AlexTomczukposted 8 years ago

    Chase Honeycutt answers this in an appropriate manner because an individual's background reveals their attitude.
    
    Overall, the latest rulings in the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrate a nation that is "progressing" towards policies that reflect the attitudes of Millennials. The evolution of the US has been slow, but significant as we find ourselves in the 21st century.  Unfortunately, U.S. policies have been flawed in regards to international relations (Middle East) and I attribute this to the overwhelming influence of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) in politics.
    
    Support for the invasion of Iraq following the 9/11 attacks can be associated with AIPAC's influence in Congress and various forms of propaganda loosely associating Saddam Hussein with Al-Qaeda. Today, we see the failures of the intervention and the poor attempts to rebuild the country with a team that was under-qualified (THIS VIDEO DETAILS MY BELIEFS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/losing-iraq/).
    
    I fear the future of the US as it continues to embrace a foreign policy that is both outdated and overly-concerned with economic interests. The rebuilding of relations in the Middle East begins with a dramatic overhaul of the ties that politicians have to lobbyists. Morality ought to be the guiding principle in the way that the US conducts its international affairs and allies must unite around the world to eliminate oppression that persists.
    
    Now, I understand that this is a lofty goal and cannot be easily achieved, but complete turmoil in a region roughly equivalent to 90% of the contiguous 48 states is no matter to procrastinate. Basic human rights are being violated and the United Nations is an international body demanding reform because the interests of the Five Permanent Members of the Security Council hinder progress. Mankind will not prosper while others struggle to simply survive.
    
    So, no..."things are not changing for the better" despite all of the recent advances. War will thrive and lives will be lost as new conflicts emerge in the name of "freedom." Party lines must be ignored and an intellectual debate is the best way to unveil truth. The US can lead a new approach to repairing the Middle East and "ballot power" is among the best options for directing the future of this country and the world. Please vote in the 2016 elections & pay special attention to the foreign policy stance of candidates.

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       James King 32posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       It is unfortunate people blieve there is a solution for this problem. The world is in a constant fight good vs evil. Man is in this world to understand how futile his attempts to find piece is. The only piece he has is that given to him by his maker.

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    2. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       James Trentda, people are not so naïve that they believe that there is a solution for the problem in the Middle East; but they Believe that there are humanitarian needs that must be addressed. We can help without going to extreme of problem-solving.

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26. 59

    Jean GJposted 8 years ago

    Change is the name of the game of life. There is hardly anything that is static. Whether it is good or bad? Well, good or bad is how you perceive.  It is as it is. It is in fact how you react to the change that makes you feel good or bad. Try looking at things as they are. The can't be different than what they are at this moment. The more you resist them, more your will suffer.  To accept change and move on is an intelligent way of handling life. Have you read " who moved my cheese".

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    1. 66

       James King 32posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about!?!

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       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       LOL!!!

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    3. 59

       teamrnposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       "Change is the name of the game of life. " NOT ALL CHANGE IS GOOD. Change for the good of ALL is good. Progress just for the sake of progressing...towards what? Not necessarily good. Like it or not, we're all in this, together.

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27. 84

    Dakkposted 8 years ago

    While there is a considerable pessimistic tendency in the mind of most people currently, I believe that we are, ultimately, heading for some quite interesting and possibly great times in this century. We'll are reaching some interesting technological breakthroughs during the lifetime of our current generation (I even wrote a hub about it), and now people are more aware than ever about the problems of the world, thanks in no small part to the internet.
    
    Also, historically, people from almost any point in time always thought theiy were living in a time of decay, be it moral, economical or social.
    
    I'm not saying there's no reason for concern, of course. We need to acknowledge we are living through hardships which we'll have to somehow overcome, but I believe that, in the grand scheme of things, we're slowly heading for better times.

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28. 84

    Dakkposted 8 years ago

    Or: How human life has significantly improved in the last two centuries, and your personal responsibility in keeping this trend read more

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29. 49

    padmendraposted 8 years ago

    Hi Cheryl, I think it's just the two sides of the coin. If there is good then there is always the worse side of the same. For example, if we have no pain then who would understand the importance of happiness in life....
    But every individual can bring difference with good and positive thoughts. Thus we as an individual should never lose hope and keep on doing better even if it is a pinch. Because every pinch will surely turn into huge number.

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       cheryloneposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for that.  I do believe that there are two sides of the coin and that we have to have the good with the bad; however, I have been hoping that the bad would give up for a while and let good give us a little more hope.  Thanks for that.

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    2. 59

       Jean GJposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       waiting in hope of things changing for better will rob you of your precious present moments. Live life every moment, whether good or bad. Present  moment can't be different than what it is now. Just accept it and go ahead. You will find things better

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    bradmasterOCcalposted 8 years ago

    We have been declining since the 1970s, and it will continue because there is no positive change in our system.

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       DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That fat chance

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    2. 0

       sandrawelchposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       We have lost an entire generation to drugs, sitting idle, and an entitlement ideal.  We can bring America back, but it will cost.

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31. 0

    sandrawelchposted 8 years ago

    Every era and generation has waited on some form of Dooms Day.  Religion is seeping with warnings, governments use it to control the masses.  From Moses to the Mayan calendar to modern day Preppers, some where, some one in every part of written history has waited for the end.  What makes the difference is how we behave until then.

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32. 48

    DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years ago

    
    
    Overall way l see it ,things looks like it's getting better but not ,the way they polluting our air just destroying it with their chemicals ,Why care as l see it losing jobs left and right they do say we will be it's in the crisis soon ,even the younger generation is getting pregnant now e.c.t how things getting !!!'

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    1. 48

       DEBBIELeah 48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Today you see kids smoking getting pregnant doing drugs getting in to trouble trying to make a living to make some money people living the street the Government only gives you so much to live. L no the Government hides a lot of things from as all...

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       Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Relax! People have complained about the younger generation since the first younger generation, and this old world is still turning. We haven't killed ourselves off yet!

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33. 58

    syed harisposted 8 years ago

    yes things are going changing for better we have much advanced technology much advanced diagnoses for deadly diseases but what we have here Wars,hunger,infact we are becoming danger for our own climate.

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34. 0

    Katrina Bourkeposted 8 years ago

    I think since time began there have been conflicting forces on this planet.  This is most likely to continue.  I think we have reached a point where people are becoming far more conscious of what is going on beyond their villages, towns, countries and that has to be a good thing.  I think personal religious beliefs aside, people generally are waking up to the reality that we need to do something to help our fellow people in other places.  While it is true that people in the 'first' world broadly speaking have life very good, we know that is not the case for more than half our planet.  That doesn't mean things are getting worse, for I think times have often been bad for most of humanity on this planet through the ages.  What's different now and why I think things are getting better is that man for the fist time in history has the ability and a growing will to make things better for everybody.  I do appreciate we have a ways to go and that part of the battle is our differing ideas of how to go about change for better.....

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35. 52

    ankit1996posted 8 years ago

    Overpopulation and greed is becoming very bad thing for us . Actually, this earth has limited amount  of important resources and if we have not solve this problem then we will be in danger. And the important thing is Technological because now a days we are destroying our future by misusing the resources. We can consider that education and science are only two ways by which we can surpass our problem.

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36. 0

    ahorsebackposted 8 years ago

    I don't believe that the changes  in mankind are reversible , although they can simply  get better or worse, humanity  lives and evolves in cycles  .     Whatever happens ,happens  and all one can do is  control from  our home , love our family , friends  , love yourself  and begin to protect yourself and yours from there , from that point on ,  and simply hope for the better in our own  lifetime and  by doing this .......we do our part.

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37. 58

    K Johnny Vargheseposted 8 years ago

    Everything starts with one single word. Then it's a talk, next the talk of the town. And it all ends in a word, Silence. The present circumstances are not leading us to doom. Still it will sure evolve into a storm, a revolution, and then a single word re-creates an evolved universe. Till then we just watch and believe in the best.

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38. 81

    sriparnaposted 8 years ago

    Things are changing for the better - evolution in a period of time is always to make us better equipped. Though we see not so happy things around us, I strongly believe that for one bad thing, there are many good things and good people and good work being done somewhere in the world. We just have to count our blessings, be a wee bit of the positive change we would like to see instead of cribbing and complaining and seeing everything through a pessimistic lens.

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39. 60

    Hui (蕙)posted 8 years ago

    Depends on people.
    People are different, lives are different. Some have strong ability to recover from restlessness, while others would be unable to stand up from a fall.

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    Dramaromanceposted 8 years ago

    Well its always said that thing change for some reason but it never show's for which reason.
    Things usually never let u make something out it need to be taken out.
    
    People love to make things easier but for that they only need to work hard otherwise thigs usually will change for worse, but if putting aome effort make things better.

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