Lexi,

Houellebecq who?

: )

Dear Poirot,

Good question. ;-)

Now back to the topic.

Here's another website that may be of interest:

http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/2011/07/31/somalis-in-arduous-death-march

I think your take on Houellebecq and one or two others is spot on, Poirot; nothing but empty fatalism (it's not even worthy of the label cynicism--too generous Lexi). On the other hand, Houellebecq, your take on poirot, which I presume I can impute to myself, is nonsense.
I've said above that there's nothing anyone can do about the situation, the system, but at least some of us are capable of seeing the big picture, and casting a critical eye on all sides, including our own. Unfortunately, we are a tiny minority and as long as the likes of yourself and others here are in the majority, nothing will change and we will continue to be ridiculed.
Fine by me, when the Panglosses of OLO start agreeing with me, I'll know I must be wrong.

It's even more entertaining when the regurgitators of lefty cliche like MIC an SCoA bang on like this....

'at least some of us are capable of seeing the big picture, and casting a critical eye on all sides, including our own. Unfortunately, we are a tiny minority'

Oh yessssss, you're all wowing me with your profound critical eyes! Hahaha. This is central to the point. As I said, university bar stuff here.

The majority can see the problems, the minority think they are special, altruistic, and the only ones that 'care'.

'as long as the likes of yourself and others here are in the majority, nothing will change and we will continue to be ridiculed.'

Well! Tell you what, come up with something worthwhile. Original even. Wow me. Then my reflex to laugh at this stuff may be deadened. I had no idea my teasing was holding you back from implimenting your plans to save the world.

Man you lot treat yourselves so seriously. I will leave you to solve the worlds problems. Just remember to alert the UN about your solutions.

BTW: 'including our own'? Hahaha. if that were the case, i wouldn't have riled you lot up. As I said, 'self' flagellators is a misnomer. You're the 'critcial eye' club, the 'other's are the blind ones causing the world's problems. Not you virtuous lot!

Dear Squeers,

Thanks for that (and to Poirot also). All I ever wanted was to
bring people's attention to the issue - and as you say -
have a discussion on the topic, looking at the bigger picture.
BTW: Most of us know who we are - we don't need anyone's approval.

*but at least some of us are capable of seeing the big picture, and casting a critical eye on all sides *

Oh come on Squeers, with the "Woe is Capitalism" as you live within
its cushy benefits and take full advantage of the system.

I judge people by what they do, not what they say. Nobody here
has given it all up for the starving kiddies. That is the reality.

Hypocrites are common. Even Poirot tunes in to capitalist pay tv,
made by the corporations which she seemingly hates. So you are not
alone