A university president makes a case against cowardice

Post by ty6853 » Thu, Apr 03, 2025, 3:36 PM UTC

rimunroe wrote: post #106

ty6853 wrote: post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The evidence being peddled by our state health director at the time to justify lock downs was largely computerized projections that were not based on overwhelming evidence and were ultimately wildly wrong even without vaccines.

Sorry, I’m not an expert in the field, but are computerized projections not the norm in disease spread modeling? I don’t really feel like continuing this argument, so the last thing I’ll say is that I don’t know how else experts are supposed to have made decisions at the time. Makeshift morgues were opening to handle the overflow of bodies. They acted on the evidence they had at the time, and readjusted recommendatio…

Post by TimorousBestie » Thu, Apr 03, 2025, 3:43 PM UTC

westurner wrote: post #105

TimorousBestie wrote: post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because a lot of people, including many economists, believe capital accumulating endlessly to the same class of thousand-ish people is bad. A flat income tax exacerbates wealth inequality considerably.

I don't want to work for a business created by, uh, upper class folks that wouldn't have done it if not for temporary tax breaks by a pandering grifter executive. I believe in a strong middle class and upward mobility for all. I don't think we want businesses that are dependent on war, hate, fear, and division for continued profitability. I don't know whether a flat or a regressive or a progressive tax system is more…

Post by ty6853 » Thu, Apr 03, 2025, 3:55 PM UTC

TimorousBestie wrote: post #110

ty6853 wrote: post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Our tax now is worse than flat. Warren buffet brags about paying less % than his secretary.

Either compare ideal tax structures with “no loopholes” (none of these exist in the real world) or compare actually-existing tax structures. Comparing your ideal flat income tax with the current system is apples to oranges.

Post by LatteLazy » Thu, Apr 03, 2025, 3:56 PM UTC

pjc50 wrote: post #61

sequoia wrote: post #49

A lot of Americans support these attacks on universities. Why do people harbour this much animosity towards these institutions? Is there anything they could have done differently in the past decade or two to have broader sympathy now, or is people's ambivalence towards elite universities 100% irrational?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings was arguably a worse time for universities. Protesting attracts reprisals. Universities taught people, both explicitly and by example, to stand up for what they believed in, but have undersold students on how dangerous that is. Universities could have done a better job explaining that certain injustices are load-bearing, and that calling them out will make half the c…

Post by carbocation » Thu, Apr 03, 2025, 4:01 PM UTC

dekhn wrote: post #112

carbocation wrote: post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m not familiar with the NSF funding mechanisms or how people track NSF funding. Not saying NSF is not relevant, just that I’m not using it for my personal heuristic right now.

https://dellweb.bfa.nsf.gov/awdlst2/default.asp shows the NSF funding for Wesleyan. You can drill down and infer some of the details about the funding programs.