Will, your current video "Quick Morning Rant: Chinese VS American Solar Products"

[houseofancients]

Capitalism is supposed to be “unchecked.”
Anything “checked” is by default an area ripe for corruption by the ‘predatives’ you oppose (and should) oppose

so ask yourself this...

look at scandinavia, or europe as whole..
they have a capitalist system, however checked and balanced...
it has it's flaws, true, yet somehow it seems to work for most folks..
aint that strange ?

 

[CaseyB]

so ask yourself this...

look at scandinavia, or europe as whole..
they have a capitalist system, however checked and balanced...
it has it's flaws, true, yet somehow it seems to work for most folks..
aint that strange ?

It’s not strange at all when you consider that the Scandinavia countries.. Denmark, Finland, Norway Et Al.. each are about equal in size to a single State in the US with a very homogeneous population with shared values and history. Being small and of like mind a socialist/capitalist hybrid can work.. it’s all in the family so to speak.
One size does not fit all, which is why our founders in the US formed a federalist system of semi-autonomous states. Some of these States are more socialist than capitalist, others are more capitalist than socialist. Compare Texas to California for example. I’ll leave it to the reader to decide which has a brighter future.

 

[Gazoo]

You literally quoted him in the post above:

"I said you won't find hard working competent fat people. You can call it a label... some of us call it reality."

Don't mistake it for defensiveness. I simply wanted to provide a different perspective to this "reality" and provide hope for my fellow porkers.

I wanted to post something about that statement and I am glad you did and thank you for sharing.

I have known many obese people throughout my life time and most are productive and compentent members of society. I also see obese people all the time especially at fast food places, and while they don't have degrees at least they are trying as far as I am concerned. I am not the one to judge these people. I don't know them, I don't know anything about their background, their mental state or anything about their circumstances. I have watched the TV show My 600 Pound Life and this has given me a better understanding regarding obesity. I can't help but feel sorry for these people and hope for the best for them.

I had a terrible addiction to alcohol and drugs many years ago so I understand how difficult it can be to kick any type of addiction. I kicked it with a lot of help and support back in 1985, fortunately when I was 31 years old, and have not drank or used drugs since unless prescribed by a doctor. The only exception was I have taken non prescribed vicodin for a toothache a couple of times a few years ago.

Anyways I finally sobered up after a couple of treatment programs costing thousands of dollars which my parents paid for and those programs didn't work and I wasn't ready. I finally landed in a place that had genuine and supportive counselors and some were volunteers and the ones that weren't worked for minimum wage. They were all dedicated. It took a good 6 months for the worst of the cravings to go away.

My point is no one has the right to judge anyone. We are all made of the same blood. Some have a rough life no matter how hard they try and my life since getting sober hasn't been the best but it would have been a lot worse had I not stopped drinking and drugging. I have no doubt had I continued along that path I would have died.

Hopefully people will put a little more thought into sensitive subjects and think about others before they post.

 

[wattmatters]

One size does not fit all, which is why our founders in the US formed a federalist system of semi-autonomous states. Some of these States are more socialist than capitalist, others are more capitalist than socialist.

What much of the US considers to be politically/economically/socially left is actually considered to be strongly right in most of the rest of the democratic world.

Hopefully people will put a little more thought into sensitive subjects and think about others before they post.

Well said.

 

[circus]

Capitalism is supposed to be “unchecked.”
Anything “checked” is by default an area ripe for corruption by the ‘predatives’ you oppose (and should) oppose.

Your confusing capitalism and free market. Understandable mistake considering all media is corporate owned. Capitalists are fine with monopolies, slavery and forbidding free trade.

 

[CaseyB]

What much of the US considers to be politically/economically/socially left is actually considered to be strongly right in most of the rest of the democratic world.


Well said.

What other countries “consider” is irrelevant..my points on size and homogenous population still stand.

 

[wattmatters]

What other countries “consider” is irrelevant..my points on size and homogenous population still stand.

But does it? That seems a rather over-generalised characterisation of other countries.

 

[CaseyB]

But does it? That seems a rather over-generalised characterisation of other countries.

I’m quite sure that when a parliamentarian, in say Norway, is developing policy that best serves his populace that he could care less what a congress critter in the US thinks about it..that would be irrelevant. And yes individuals are just that.. individuals. That doesn’t negate the fact that Norway has a very Homogeneous population.. at least it did when I was there. Absolutely beautiful country by the way.

 

[NwCali]

"Government should only be big enough to use humankinds inherent greed for the betterment of humanity".

Anything less, people's greed (via it being unchecked) is the problem. Anything more, and again people's greed (Via abuse of people use of said Government) is the problem.

If you actually believe we live in a "capitalist" society atm your crazy. No capitalist society gets $30 Trillion in debt. Nor are we socialist, or, communist.

Money is the belief your time is worth so much of another persons time. This is again why the $30 Trillion of debt is horrible for humanity (and Mother Earth).

I worked in a mill and made what I thought was decent money. Went on a date with a lady working at the gas station, and it was clear, she just wanted me for the money I made. But come to find out she had just as good "health insurance" (via the Government). Her rent was near free (via the Government) as was most of her food, and she got $1,200 a month is child support, plus her wage. Add it all up? She "made" more than me by a good bit.

As the debt keeps growing (has no choice at this point) the imbalance will become more and more. One side will demand it for "free" cause they will have enough numbers (people). They will also vote.

All politicians are looking for is kick back $. Its why "he who shall not be named" (or else my post will be deleted) voted for DOMA, the 1994 crime bill (he wrote it), the Iraq War (making him a <trolling label deleted>).

The mass is a rolling now. I know of many people who want work now.

So, when those of us who would, did, does, realizes that we make the same (or less) than those who don't will we just be happy working while the "takers" don't?

This is why money was so important (from a society standpoint). And why the $30 Trillion in debt will be our downfall. Our Government is simply unable to control its greed (hence the debt).

All the other things I've read on here are "moot". Raise "good" kids, or not? Work, or not? Made in China, or not? Solar or coal?

I've seen war. I've seen death. I've almost been dead a few times (via work). I can erect power plants. Man a Crane. Fly a helicopter. Move mountains via equipment. I've even burnt shit as part of the job (Iraq). And cut up chicken on a processing line.

I'm here to tell you, I am going "off" grid as best as I can cause of either side riots enough (for whatever reason) to disrupt the food chain long enough all you'll have for a little while is your past planning (and hopefully some luck).

That is the only thing that will right the $30+ Trillion we've spent (that we don't have). At the rate we are going/went it'll have to double every year before we hit 2045. Let that sink in.

Only idiot would work the hardest of jobs and nearly die and think someone who's just as capable should make as much to sit at home...

 

[CaseyB]

"Government should only be big enough to use humankinds inherent greed for the betterment of humanity".

Anything less, people's greed (via it being unchecked) is the problem. Anything more, and again people's greed (Via abuse of people use of said Government) is the problem.

If you actually believe we live in a "capitalist" society atm your crazy. No capitalist society gets $30 Trillion in debt. Nor are we socialist, or, communist.

Money is the belief your time is worth so much of another persons time. This is again why the $30 Trillion of debt is horrible for humanity (and Mother Earth).

I worked in a mill and made what I thought was decent money. Went on a date with a lady working at the gas station, and it was clear, she just wanted me for the money I made. But come to find out she had just as good "health insurance" (via the Government). Her rent was near free (via the Government) as was most of her food, and she got $1,200 a month is child support, plus her wage. Add it all up? She "made" more than me by a good bit.

As the debt keeps growing (has no choice at this point) the imbalance will become more and more. One side will demand it for "free" cause they will have enough numbers (people). They will also vote.

All politicians are looking for is kick back $. Its why "he who shall not be named" (or else my post will be deleted) voted for DOMA, the 1994 crime bill (he wrote it), the Iraq War (making him a <trolling label deleted>).

The mass is a rolling now. I know of many people who want work now.

So, when those of us who would, did, does, realizes that we make the same (or less) than those who don't will we just be happy working while the "takers" don't?

This is why money was so important (from a society standpoint). And why the $30 Trillion in debt will be our downfall. Our Government is simply unable to control its greed (hence the debt).

All the other things I've read on here are "moot". Raise "good" kids, or not? Work, or not? Made in China, or not? Solar or coal?

I've seen war. I've seen death. I've almost been dead a few times (via work). I can erect power plants. Man a Crane. Fly a helicopter. Move mountains via equipment. I've even burnt shit as part of the job (Iraq). And cut up chicken on a processing line.

I'm here to tell you, I am going "off" grid as best as I can cause of either side riots enough (for whatever reason) to disrupt the food chain long enough all you'll have for a little while is your past planning (and hopefully some luck).

That is the only thing that will right the $30+ Trillion we've spent (that we don't have). At the rate we are going/went it'll have to double every year before we hit 2045. Let that sink in.

Only idiot would work the hardest of jobs and nearly die and think someone who's just as capable should make as much to sit at home...

I’m afraid your analysis is 100% correct.
We purchased 37 acres in the Sierras in AZ last year, going back this fall to get a road cut in. Plan to be off grid within a few years.
This is why I am here, best repository of diy solar knowledge out there.

 

[CaseyB]

I think the point the OP @Will Prowse was succinctly summarized by Tocqueville long ago

“The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.”

Alexis de Tocqueville

 

[wattmatters]

I’m quite sure that when a parliamentarian, in say Norway, is developing policy that best serves his populace that he could care less what a congress critter in the US thinks about it..that would be irrelevant.

I was referring to your generalisation about the homogenous nature of other countries. Move around a bit and you'll find quite considerable cultural and political differences within nations. Federation and variability is not a trait unique to the USA.

 

[wattmatters]

I think the point the OP @Will Prowse was succinctly summarized by Tocqueville long ago

“The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.”

Alexis de Tocqueville

A healthy nation is one where the wealthy choose to use public transport, public hospitals and send their children to public (state) schools.

 

[CaseyB]

I was referring to your generalisation about the homogenous nature of other countries. Move around a bit and you'll find quite considerable cultural and political differences within nations. Federation and variability is not a trait unique to the USA.

I guess I wasn’t clear enough. I agree on this point, each country is unique with there own culture and needs. By homogeneous I meant that the individual countries have cultures, and blood lines, that go back centuries and aren’t in a constant state of flux.
As an aside, I have been to Norway, Holland, Germany, France, and Spain. So ya, I’ve traveled around a bit.

 

[CaseyB]

A healthy nation is one where the wealthy choose to use public transport, public hospitals and send their children to public (state) schools.

Ya…N0!!
A heathy nation has an administrative class that uses its resources responsibly by not printing money for the “cause” of the week and uses the money it has (from us) to provide the things you listed.. no evil wealthy people needed.

 

[TJ King]

Not really dismissing your accomplishments, but you're mostly reselling China sourced items. Of the batteries, cells, etc you sell, what fraction are US sourced? I made the 'mistake' of contacting a while back some suppliers in China on the 'Made in China' website. I still get 30-40 emails a day from so many chinese suppliers wanting me to carry their products. The point I'm making is that, reselling China sourced items in US/EU is not very difficult.

When you see the label "Made in America" that designation only requires a certain portion is made in America. The converse is true as well, that many Toyotas and European cars are mostly made in America and even more within the auspice of the North American USMCA. This 22 year old is describing a value added American business that serves other Americans. American households receiving the productivity of an American worker in an American company. There are no solar companies that can honestly say they have zero connections to foreign products or labor. Will is right. If we want to strengthen nation's competitiveness there are many ways to do it. This young man is doing all the types of positive things Will recommends. Hats off to him

 

[wattmatters]

I have been to Norway, Holland, Germany, France, and Spain. So ya, I’ve traveled around a bit.

Tremendous variances within Germany, France and Spain. Heck Spain is still dealing with large separatist groups (Catalan, Basque), internal separatist terrorism (e.g. the ETA) and is less than a century since its civil war. They also have multiple languages. Large chunks of the population don't identify as Spanish.

 

[CaseyB]

Tremendous variances within Germany, France and Spain. Heck Spain is still dealing with large separatist groups (Catalan, Basque), internal separatist terrorism (e.g. the ETA) and is less than a century since its civil war. They also have multiple languages. Large chunks of the population don't identify as Spanish.

Yes, there are exceptions like in anything. Spain is a mess exactly because the Basques don’t consider themselves Spanish.. 2 distinct homogeneous cultures.

 

[curiouscarbon]

The sentiment of self reliance espoused in the video is greatly appreciated. ???

I will say though, the practice discussed of asking someone to build something for you, and then also asking to own their experience learned from laboring for you….. is a very specific headspace that I cannot bring myself to abide. Yet it is popular… ? different strokes..

Nobody owns anyone and nobody owns anyone’s experiences… with mutual respect.

People benefit immensely from the collaborative knowledge sharing and brainstorming and discussion on this site.

Just a few years ago, I felt very disenchanted about the possibility of USA meaningfully transitioning away from fossil fuels, both to prevent harm from temperature shifts and from direct harm from exposure to pollution. Felt the weakness of the nation and lack of home grown options.

Felt like my only realistic option was to “Buy American” and save up and get a Tesla Powerwall assembled in usa. Proprietary lock in and stuff. One step better than a home battery made by John Deere, I suppose..

Having been reading this site and other resources intensely for the past few years, now building a custom solution seems as obvious as needing eggs and milk for an omelet. (haha or a milk crate)

Gratitude to all the people who log onto this site unpaid and spend their finite time reading about other people’s problems and curiosities and making attempt after attempt to educate and reveal truths.

This forum makes me really hopeful for the future, because it actively reminds me that there are still healthy communities building people up from the foundation ?

Spreading knowledge about how to build safe and affordable battery systems feels like a global human survival imperative at this point, maybe. Self reliance starts with me, I guess…

Cheers to all who are building up people here. ?

 

[Supervstech]

The message I got from the video was we should not be complaining about where something is made if we don’t like it… we should be gathering our forces and doing something different about it.
fat, communist,socialist,facist,corporate,republican,democratic,capitalist,whatever…
Ya want a made in America product 100% made in America? Build it, use it, or sell it. Don’t sit around griping that you can’t find it.