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
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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