Is the world getting better, getting worse, staying the same, or indeterminate?

[loinburger]

Wait for the poll. Don't bother asking something like "define 'better' and 'worse'" or whatever, instead you should just **** off.

[rah]

I guess I chose the ****off option in the poll.

[N35t0r]

World - better, nation - worse, locale - better. With no claims as to how long it will be like this.

i do have the opinion that there are several chains of events which can lead the world to become much much worse, but that there's still time to stop it.

[loinburger]

I guess I chose the ****off option in the poll.

Nah, saying that something is indeterminate is pretty much always a valid option - there's a huge difference between saying "that question is too complex to warrant a simple answer" and saying "I'm rejecting the question because I'm a postmodernist ****" or whatever

[Jon Miller]

Certain things in the world are getting better, certain things worse.

JM

[MRT144]

I think in 50 years the world is going to be in a tight spot, luckily i'll either be dead or half dead by that time. I think the developed world is going to have a reckoning but underdeveloped nations won't be any better or worse for the wear.

The United States is ****ed - Too many ben kenobis to right the ship.
Washington State - things look okay. same ole same ole.

[giblets]

Most of the ben kenobis are old and dying off, and I think things have already been improving in spite of them.

[MRT144]

Most of the ben kenobis are old and dying off, and I think things have already been improving in spite of them.

The fact that ben kenobi has no prospects of reproducing heartens me.

[Elok]

Define "just **** off".

[rah]

Does it really require any imagination for that?

[Elok]

(it was dumb joke, n/m)

[loinburger]

Sorry, your dumb joke is going in my signature to immortalize it

[Ben Kenobi]

Most of the ben kenobis are old and dying off, and I think things have already been improving in spite of them.

How many kids do you have Gribbler?

[Donegeal]

World - Better. Despite media coverage depicting massive violence, death and the various -isms, this is the most peaceful time in recorded history.
USA - Better. Overall, the US is probably declining, but for the short term (ie: last decade), we're doing better than before.
Wisconsin - Worse. Walker is absolutely destroying my state. Not only has he improved nothing, he has destroyed everything he touches. I weep for the world should he win the US election.

[PLATO]

It is hard to say that the World is getting better overall. Certainly there are many amazing things happening that improve both quality of life and longevity. Millions are being raised out of abject poverty and millions more are gaining access to basic things like clean water. But...I can't say it is getting better overall. Violence in many parts of the world is becoming almost institutionalized. Religious intolerance is so much higher than it was when I was young that it is almost unfathomable. Real income gains across most of the developed world are practically non-existent. East-West tension is higher than it has been in decades. Disputed boarders that have lay fallow in the South China sea are just a miscalculation or two away from turning into a bloodbath. So...overall the world seems to be getting a little worse to me.

My country has massive debt. Millions have given up on even trying to get work. Personal freedoms are being sacrificed in the name of security. The government is giving MILITARY hardware to the police. Racial tensions are rising everywhere...and sadly, with good reason. National politics has become dominated by two powerful families. Compromise in the legislature is practically non-existent. "Political Correctness" has trumped honest discussion on issues. War seems constant. So...I have to say that my nation is worse.

Locally, I see crime becoming so common that people hardly take notice. Local government spends on ridiculous things. The people are out of touch with those that represent them. Police first reaction when you try to talk to them is to put their hand on their gun. Poor communities are giving up hope of ever being able to participate in the American Dream. People don't thoughtfully discuss ideas anymore...they only shout their own positions over and over. No one thinks anymore. Schools are a joke and many teachers are just punching a clock...unless, of course, you live on the "right" side of town. So...I have to say that the local situation is getting worse.

Sad to say. I fear for my kids future and my kid's kids future. This is not the land of hope I grew up in anymore.