tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post5567075538248323124..comments2024-03-07T14:43:21.888-08:00Comments on Whatever I want to write about: All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than othersSriram Khéhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06907731254833435446noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-75902553293956648692016-11-07T20:52:51.214-08:002016-11-07T20:52:51.214-08:00I read an article in National Geographic not too l...I read an article in National Geographic not too long ago about the changes in life in rural India when solar allows for storage of energy for use later in the day. Significantly, businesses are open later so residents have more income, which, in turn, leads to a bit of economic stimulation. It was quite fascinating.<br /><br />There seemed to be a trend not too long ago for famous people to try to live on a food stamp budget. Most gave up because they were unable to sacrifice their organic produce or their kindly-raised meat in order to stay in budget. Perhaps that inspired a bit of empathy - and perhaps inspired their children as well.Anne in Salemnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-13236536195156221532016-11-06T22:23:30.832-08:002016-11-06T22:23:30.832-08:00The point of the post was not about what these tec...The point of the post was not about what these technologies can do, or about what the gazillionaires can do. But to remind ourselves about the phenomenally different worlds, almost different planets, that the excitement over driverless beer trucks, and the lack of even a simple light bulb, represent. This gap is not really narrowing, but in relating to my growing up experiences, I believe/worry that the gap is getting wider and wider. With the serious talk of Mars exploration, we are all the more seemingly on the path towards the dystopia that Hollywood fictionalized in Elysium.<br /><br />Yes, "so privileged a nation is full of people who cannot comprehend real poverty." Romney spoke about the 47 percent, or whatever that number was that he said. But, I am confident that Romney understands poverty, just as much as Obama does. To understand poverty requires empathy. And Trump has no clue about empathy, as he has demonstrated over and over and over again.Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-53083402891982848572016-11-06T16:59:49.183-08:002016-11-06T16:59:49.183-08:00I, for one, hate that cars have so many computers ...I, for one, hate that cars have so many computers in them now. My vehicle is going to last as long as I can keep it running, with its crank windows and *gasp* doors that need to be locked by hand. Most people who ride in that car must be reminded to lock their doors, because cars that lock themselves behind you are mundane. We're far past simple electric lights being mundane, my friend!<br /><br />It seems almost unfair that so privileged a nation is full of people who cannot comprehend real poverty. It's quite likely that we will soon elect a president who wants to "help the poor" without even a basic understanding of what poor people look like. Many of our "poor" people have indoor plumbing, 24/7 electricity, and internet access.<br /><br />Of course, it's also quite likely that we'll elect Donald Trump instead, who doesn't understand poverty any better. Perhaps then you will wish to move back to your grandmother's village!Mike Hothnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-60618232722384392532016-11-06T16:55:09.951-08:002016-11-06T16:55:09.951-08:00At the risk of repeating myself for the nth time, ...At the risk of repeating myself for the nth time, this is another area where the greatness of Bill Gates manifests itself. Technologies like the solar example you have quoted, or cheap toilets or effective ways of preventing malaria are being pioneered by the Gates Foundation. That technology can make a vast difference to the quality of life of the people is an idea that has been embraced wholeheartedly both by the Gates and the Dell Foundation. Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.com