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I'm concerned that comments like this are rising up in Hacker News lately. I'm not going to downvote it because it got me to write this post so has some intrin
by zackmorris 10y ago
I'm concerned that comments like this are rising up in Hacker News lately. I'm not going to downvote it because it got me to write this post so has some intrinsic merit. But it strikes me as, to be blunt, unenlightened. Lots of facts but no deeper sentiment.
I would argue that the last sentence, the "may sound harsh" one, is most important - that as countries and populations reach certain levels of affluence and influence in the world, that it is very much their responsibility to be examples for others and provide a beacon towards what is still possible. The United States used to do this but I'm afraid we've turned inward due to seemingly prudent arguments that ignore the spiritual nature of our existence.
- MarkMc 10y agoI agree with you about education and immigration - I would love to see more OECD countries adopt Germany's position on university fees and foreign admission. But I would not say it's worrying to find the opposite view as the majority opinion on HN. I want to see a diverse range of opinions expressed frankly but respectfully - and that is the tone of sparkling's comment. When I disagree with the top comment on an HN story, below it will often be a great rebuttal.
- sufiyan 10y agoHaving seen many of my more affluent friends going abroad for Uni and just spending their time and parents money on booze and girls, there is a huge element of truth in what OP says. It is a subsidy for the rich and affluent.