TequilaMockingbird

TequilaMockingbird , 30 days ago

Biden: "No line has been crossed" (turns to aide: "Quick, remove all lines in Rafah now!")

TequilaMockingbird , 2 months ago

Your overall point is valid - the top wealth holders are screwing everyone they can, regardless of what generation they're in. But the older generations have some insulation - they were able to establish themselves economically before the vice really gripped. However, they are also the ones that allowed this to happen & often cheered it on - by voting for leaders who would enact policies designed to benefit the elite class at the expense of everyone else. It's not a generation war per se, but it is partially their fault & the reason boomers are known as "The Selfish Generation". Ironic since their parents were members of "The Greatest Generation" who were willing to sacrifice everything including their lives to better the world. One would think their kids would have learned something other than "Gotta get mine" at the expense of future Americans (both economically and ecologically). So it is a LITTLE about the generation gap.

TequilaMockingbird , 2 months ago

Every recent flight delay I've experienced was due to mechanical issues or flight crew availability (scheduled crew was delayed on another flight, available crews had or would exceed mandatory hours limit, etc). As frustrating as these are, I'm not sure I want the decision-makers thinking "Gee, this delay will cost us thousands of dollars. Fuck it, send the flight!". These mechanical checks and crew hour limits are there for a reason. And let's be honest, regulations are only as good as the enforcement. This may not necessarily be a good change for consumers.

TequilaMockingbird , 2 months ago

Yea, you're probably right. I guess I was overestimating the Risk-Reward calculation they go through. Like, if it doesn't cost much to be compliant (schedule already accounts for inspections, crews are already on salary) then they would be less willing to risk regulatory consequences. But as soon as it starts to cost them more to do so, compliance becomes "nice to have" and not a standard. Recent incidents suggest they have already been skipping steps, so I concede.

TequilaMockingbird , 2 months ago

My oldest got a smart watch which could make calls only to preset numbers that we added (mom, dad, grandma, aunt, and one neighbor who had a son the same age) at 9. That's when he started getting dropped off at friends' houses without a parent sticking around (mind you - this was just coming off COVID lockdowns, so we may have done it sooner if there was a need to). I wanted him to always be able to reach us in any situation. He's a really responsible kid, so he got a full smartphone the summer after 5th grade (11) when he went on the class trip to Washington DC. Currently in middle school with a smartphone and no issues yet, plus it gives us something valuable to him to take away if we feel he's letting grades slip, etc.

My second does not seem to share the same level of responsibility, so he did not get his smart watch until 10. He may not get a smartphone anytime soon. It depends on the kid.

My youngest is 8. Time will tell about how responsible he is, but Lord - this is the child that WILL need to call us. Always getting into something 🤦🏻‍♀️.

TequilaMockingbird , 2 months ago

It is a weird take. There were stories after 9/11 about Sirius the K-9 patrol dog that died in the attacks, but no one was claiming this coverage meant that the dog's life was more important than the many human lives lost. After the initial reporting on the actual events, journalists very often turn to interest stories about very specific aspects and effects of the event. Like, almost every time a major catastrophe happens.