and the difficult aspect of being Canadian on an American website.
On several occasions I've been roped into political discussions at Joeuser, or I've ignored caution and rushed out an response because I've been so angered by an idiot who didn't know shit from Shinola. I realize that my own anger is counterproductive to debate. Just because I think they're an idiot doesn't mean that they actually are one. Which is my point.
I need time to formulate responses, because I'd rather think about things before uttering a sentiment that might insult someone unneccessarily. Kid yourself if you think that political debates can be held without hurting someone's feelings. I suppose good debaters can issue an arguement without making it personal; hell, it should be a requirement, in fact. By mygod, some of the most popular 'writers' here make it their business to insult the person as they counter the opinion made.
Yes, I was angered today, but this is just another example of what happens on a daily basis. I wrote an article about a year and a half ago about spreading illness in the workplace. It didn't start out to be an issue about poverty, but degenerated into it. Now, as posted by a writer in Sweden, there are various laws in place in his country that are apparently not in place in the US.
Like he stated, Canada, too, has laws concerning working hours, paid leave, and sick time. In my country, there really is NO excuse to come to work highly contagious, thereby spreading it around to everyone and anyone. In my country, we have poverty as well, but we also have programs that are similar to welfare in the States, but are definitely NOT THE SAME. In my country, responsible people should be able to handle a day or two absent from work without experiencing any disasterous affects to job security, home stability, or possible hunger issues. We have strong non-profit organizations in place to support those who are impoverished.
Does it happen, yes? To responsible people? Not often.
And what's the difference between responsible people, and those who aren't? Well, I used to hate reading articles written by Brad about those people who make stupid decisions and then blame others for their lack of funds. But, really, they do exist. With the programs and opportunities that we have in my country, a responsible person should be able to leave work for a couple of days and not have to worry. Why? Because they've built up good relations with their employer, (more on that in another article), have purchased ahead of time and have emergency supplies for situations like these, and consistently pay the rent on time so that a slight decrease in the amount needed to pay, and an explanation of the scenario is not going to get them evicted. I don't know what it is like in the States, but in my country, you cannot be evicted from your residence justlikethat. There is paperwork requiring a 20 day notice, file for hearing period, tribunal, and an appeal process. If you're responsible, you're already back at work, and your doctor's notes, records provided by employers and own money management skills are going to prevent eviction.
So, I've given my reasons why I tend to stay out of many debates on health issues, political opinion, and international affairs. For the most part, my country is different, what I know to be law and true is a lot different from what you know is. My opinion on certain issues while might be relevant, does tend to involve a whole lot of explanation, refererences and comparisions because I'm from a bloody different country, already.
Whew.
But, what's your excuse for the insult?