The Future

[spacesailor]

Jerry-A

 

". Jeez, even shoe-shiners are about now."

 

I saw today!

 

Older people checking vending machines for any coins they could get!, Not ONE but two, only an hour apart.

 

So it must be already stated.

 

spacesailor

 

 

[nomadpete]

Yes, Jerry, the trend is clear. However I was pointing out that I was aware of This trend in1968. So far we have observed higher real unemployment (you mentioned that you are currently unemployed), and we collectively have grown to accept that most folks (regardless of vocation) will spend their working life constantly seeking re-employment. Yes, the 'developed' world has seen rapid growth of cottage industries. It looks a lot like we will soon be a nation of peasants.

 

However I don't share your optimistic view that we will have all that leisure time (previously called unemployment) subsidised by a benevolent government, in order that we will become big spenders and make our economy bloom.

 

Not Likely!

 

 

[Jerry_Atrick]

@nomadpete, a sufficiently liberal (not socialist - there is a difference) approach will tend towards a balanced; extreme government either left or right will be a momumental disaster of Polpot proportions...

 

Of course, it may be that the concept of wealth, as we know it today, will be obsolete in the future. We could go on for hours and hours. and I have to get my CV, which has accumulated 10 years of dust, dusted down.

 

Given I can be identified by my avatar and handle by work colleagues and I am under a settlement agreement not to disclose the circumstances of my termination, I can say I am not unhappy about the termination and while I lack some of the qualifications of my competitors on the scrap-heap, I hope to be recycled soon.

 

(and now, it isn't a golden handshake, either).

 

 

[nomadpete]

I wish you good luck in this changing world.

 

 

[willedoo]

Hey Jerry, not trying to criticize but you do seem to have a somewhat bleak view of our future.

Your comments about automation and computerisation taking jobs, and the resulting 40hour leisure week, have been promised since I was a wide eyed apprentice (back before Noah made landfall)

nomadepete, personally I don't see Jerry's view of the future as bleak, just realistic. Hold on to your hat, the future is just around the corner. What you experienced in your life up till now will not have much bearing in about 15 to 20 years time. It's happening.

 

 

[willedoo]

Jerry, there's one roadblock in the way of the scenario of a rosy future. There is an all powerful country in this world that will stop at nothing to achieve their goal of world dominance. World dominance in the context of screwing everybody else to to gain the most shekels.

 

There will never be some sort of world utopia while these people are in power. The only way the future for mankind has even the slightest chance to improve is if the current unilateral power becomes obsolete for whatever reason, and a new multi polar world order takes it place.

 

Apologies for getting a bit political, but it is the elephant in the room in the context of this discussion. Without that outcome, none of what you have talked about in regard to the social and human side of things has any chance of happening.

 

 

[Jerry_Atrick]

I wish you good luck in this changing world.

Many thanks!

 

 

[spacesailor]

"should get a universal basic living wage"

 

I have met a number of individuals who are unemployed & Don't get a miserable Cent from centrelink. Couldn't get enough job interviews/ couldn't fill in their forms (illiterate from Australian schools), Not dressed appropriately (Homeless).

 

Australia the land of BEGGARS.

 

I never thought it possibly.

 

spacesailor

 

 

[Jerry_Atrick]

I have to admit, when I was a teenager and yound twenty-something, I rarely, if ever saw a vagrant in the steets of Melbourne. In my mid-twenties a teenage girl of around 17-18 was sat on a beng and held her hand out as I walked past asking for 10c. I felt guilty so handed it to her. Apparently worst thing you can do (generally). Late 95 moved to the UK; came back in late 96 for Chrissie and there were swarms of vagrants selling The Big Issue (this was already a well established practice on the streets of London).

 

Like you @spacesailor, I never thought it would be possible. I guess pollies rides in helicopters and foreign aid are far more important.

 

 

[facthunter]

Turnbull recently let slip that being PM he got to "rule over all the people' . The next question was addressed to "His Royal Highness". which crapped off the speaker, having no sense of humour whatever in that area. he carried on somewhat.. They take themselves far too seriously these "born to rule" types.. WE elect THEM to SERVE us. not to rule over US.. Nev

 

 

[spacesailor]

F,H

 

Wrong. A pollie (Gillard) said so!.

 

She was not elected at all & couldn't say two words together truthfully.

 

How many pollies have told blatant lies to get what They want.

 

Who Elected TURNBULL I didn't vote for him, didn't see His name on an electoral roll.

 

Some even brake law's & get away with it.

 

spacesailor

 

 

[spacesailor]

"Maybe one good thing about the future is that a moron won't be elected to the most powerful position in the world. A computer programme will govern the world politics as we know it."

 

The European (EEC) governors, are NOT elected by anyone.

 

It will quickly catch on, for All pollies Not to be elected, just like Turnbull.

 

spacesailor