A self serving self portrait, and a gross mis-characterization of my views. Yes, Marlin, you are so right, I would offer them coffee. Moronic on its face. I think people are a wide mix of horrific and good, and sometimes at nearly the same time. What I try to do is avoid tinfoil hat conspiracy theories, gross assumptions about groups based upon anecdote and emotionally based confirmation bias, as well as the libertarian vice of assuming all government programs are evil, and equally evil. While maintaining skepticism about psychiatric medication, I reject your Tom Cruise endorsed views on the entire science of psychology and psychiatry. Go jump on an Oprah couch.
Quote Originally Posted by Marlin View Post


I think there are some fundamental differences between osteo and myself. I can only guess as to why.

I am critical, cynical, and assume the worst in people. I see conspiracy in everything. I assume that those who have the most to lose, will take the most extreme and unthinkable actions/lies to make sure they don't. Most of this is based on my experience in the real world, at home and abroad. I was never like this until I started moving around the country and meeting other than midwesterners. The predators in Norfolk and self-centered of So Cal kind of ruined me toward people in general. People in the world are not good, believe what you like, but the bad far outnumber the good, and the good will lose nine times out of ten. Furthermore, you can't lose assuming the worst, and you will never be disappointed. I also know that once you give someone power, it is virtually impossible to take it away. (government, CEOs, police and so on)

Disclaimer!!
These are just my thoughts based on our discussions here:
Osteo seems to see the best in people and assume everything is good unless proven otherwise. He seems to think that the systems work and there is no conspiracy in the upper echelons to make as much money as possible, or obtain as much power is possible.

If there was a stranger in my living room in the middle of the night, I would assume he is up to no good and he would get 3 shots in the chest. It seems that Osteo would assume it was a neighbor needing some sugar and offer him a cup of coffee.
I may be wrong about the intruder, but I would rather be wrong and alive then assume the best of the intruder and end up dead.