Friday, July 27, 2018

Scandinavia, Socialism and Research


Research is an intense form of thinking which takes up quite a lot of time, not only in simply finding the information on a given subject but also in evaluating the source.  I have noticed how easy it is to accept an article based on a blog website that appears to be an official media site (i.e. “main stream media” such as the Washington Post or other credible newspaper).  I will admit to falling into the trap myself but I seldom base my opinion on just one source (university research training both in history and English).

Curiously enough, and moving away from the political, I picked up a book I had on my history shelf for quite a long time and started reading about Robert E. Lee.  The book is called Lee Considered by Alan B. Nolan and I found myself simply amazed at the revelation that until his book there had been almost NO proper biography on Lee that documented his true beliefs about slavery, emancipation, secession and the Civil War.  Most of what has been written has been taken at his own word, his after the war letters and evidence at the investigations by the USA congressional hearings.  He was elevated by his own men, relatives and the South in general as a Jesus-like icon and it has rarely been questioned in the 170 years since the end of the Civil War.  Amazing.

This again puts a very different perspective to my feelings about Lee and I realize more than ever that I was very wrong in not seeing the whole statue removing issue in a more reasonable (non artistic light).  I humbly apologize to all those who may have been offended or confused about my obstinacy!

Thinking about research and research about thinking – this is something I certainly need to develop a little more because sometimes the truth is buried so deep it’s hard to know that there is “something there”.  I feel certain that one of my sisters is going to ask me to dig deeper into aliens.  Well, I knew it was coming before I even started this article.  J  Aliens look out – I am watching for you!

Below are some of the official sites of some countries with social programs; as well the statistics on taxation in the countries.  (And you knew I wouldn’t give up on this agenda.  Curiously (side bar note) I noticed that English as the second official language of all 3 Scandinavian countries is not longer listed and I am curious as to why that is – I will be asking my cousins about this and will update you.  It was definitely on their sites some years ago).






TAXATION RATES





 

1 comment:

  1. In 2006 we had quite a debate in Denmark about officially naming English as a second main language. Many Europe-oriented parties advocated for the "official adoption" of English, while the Conservatives were vehemently against it. So after the debate faded, the issue was not really resolved. In praxis almost all younger Danes speak relatively good English, at least enough to have a normal conversation. Higher levels of English are found among people with long educations, often having had to learn from English textbooks and in multinational environments. Most Danes over the age of 70 have not had adequate training in English. Some may have acquired English through their jobs, but few actually speak, read or write English. People younger than 70 were educated following a reform of the school system in the early sixties, which emphasized foreign languages. For all practical purposes my children, my wives and I consider English one of our most important tools in our everyday life.

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