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Comment Re: The Republican party has been sabotaging educa (Score 1) 117

Public schools don't fail int he same way that private ones do. They can't, because they aren't businesses.

It's really sad to have to explain, over and over, that operating public services as for-profit businesses - or worse, replacing public services with for-profit businesses - is literally the whole reason shit is falling apart. The peak of American civilization also had the highest tax rates for the wealthy and the most extensive and functional public services. That was not a coincidence.
=Smidge=

Comment Re: As a proud American of Indian origin... (Score 1) 231

We tend to be centrist, and are used to a multiparty system. We also assimilate tend to assimilate well enough to do what (we think) is best for the country practically at the time, rather than be overly biased.

Case in point: I supported Obama back then. Postt Biden, I thought Trmp would be a better choice for the American economy.

Comment Re:The Republican party has been sabotaging educat (Score 3, Informative) 117

> I can tell that you have no idea what you're talking about because the vast majority of public K-12 school funding is through local taxes, not federal funding.

About 13% of public schools are funded federally. You say "the vast majority" as if to handwave 13% of their funding as unsubstantial. Most importantly, this funding goes to schools that do not have the local tax revenue to fully support them.

> The federal government has almost no control over it so they can't cut funding

The federal Dept. of Education plays a key role in ensuring equitable access to education. You know how they exert control over local schools? By creating and enforcing (or NOT enforcing) policies, because their job is ultimately to implement and enforce laws created by Congress that apply to public education.

> There are also many states that have charter schools that perform better for less money than the public schools, so it's not a money problem.

Charter schools have an abysmal reputation; approximately 1 in 4 charter schools end up out of business within 5 years, leaving their students in the lurch and those who paid for it with empty wallets.

It's just a scam to funnel public money into private hands and push indoctrination. Look at all the enshittification that's happened and is currently happening in the name of chasing profits - we cannot afford that in education, financially or culturally.
=Smidge=

Comment Re: Keep it plugged in (Score 1) 173

If they want it preconditioned? Yes, welcome to 2025, they can install the app on their phone. Or they use the 'remote climate start' option on the keyfob. Or they shoot you a quick text asking you to hit the button in your app.

You keep trying to paint these advancements in convenience and comfort as terrible burdens, and it's weird.

Comment Re: Hinduism starts with a question, not a dogma (Score 1) 153

https://www.perplexity.ai/sear...

explain in detail, Hinduism as the oldest living Dharmic tradition, with parallels to the "open source" software movement. The target auidence being a typical westener familiar only with organized proselytizing invasive Abrahamic religions such as Islam & Christianity spread by the sword. Deep Research and include detailed citations in report

explain in detail, Hinduism as the oldest living Dharmic tradition, with parallels to the "open source" software movement. The target auidence being a typical westener familiar only with organized proselytizing invasive Abrahamic religions such as Islam & Christianity spread by the sword. Deep Research and include detailed citations in report

**Hinduism is frequently recognized as the oldest living Dharmic tradition and stands apart from Abrahamic religions by emphasizing pluralism, flexibility, and decentralized spiritual practiceâ"an ethos strikingly similar to the âoeopen sourceâ software movement**[1][2][3][4][5].

## Hinduism: Oldest Living Dharmic Tradition

Hinduismâ(TM)s roots precede recorded history, tracing back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization and Vedic texts[1][2][5]. Unlike Abrahamic religionsâ"Judaism, Christianity, and Islamâ"which were founded by specific prophets, Hinduism lacks a single founder or central authority[6][3]. It is known by its adherents as *SanÄtana Dharma* (âoeeternal lawâ)â"a continuous philosophical tradition that integrates many beliefs, texts, and rituals across cultures[1][4]. Hindu teachings, preserved in a vast array of texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, encapsulate concepts of karma, reincarnation, dharma, and moksha[1][6][4].

## Parallel to âoeOpen Sourceâ Movement

Hinduismâ(TM)s evolution mirrors open source principles. Just as open source software welcomes collaborative modification and adaptation, Hinduism encourages personal spiritual exploration and reinterpretation[7][8][9][10]. There is no âoeone-size-fits-allâ doctrinal pathâ"diverse practices (bhakti, karma, jnana, meditation, ritual) are all accepted as valid[7][8]. Communities throughout India and beyond follow different customs, and philosophies develop organically through dialogue and debate, much like open source code forks and merges[7][8][10]. Throughout its history, Hinduism has absorbed influences from other traditions (Buddhism, Jainism, even elements of Islam and Christianity) without losing its inherent pluralism[11][7][8].

## Contrasts with Abrahamic Religions

Abrahamic religions are characterized by exclusive monotheism, defined canon, and strong institutional authorityâ"often coupled historically with organized proselytization, conversion efforts, and sometimes force (âoespread by the swordâ)[12][13][6]. Salvation hinges on faith in a specific god, following strict commandments, and aligning with fixed creeds. In contrast, **Hinduism is non-proselytizing and inclusive**, accepting atheists, polytheists, and diverse sectsâ"viewing all sincere seekersâ(TM) paths as valid[12][14][4][8]. Its complex pantheon and philosophical schools allow vibrant cross-pollination, defending spiritual freedom and individual choice above blind obedience and exclusivity[8][7][12].

## Key Insights for a Western Audience

- Hinduism thrives as **âoeopen-source spirituality,â** encouraging personal customization and growthâ"unlike religions defined by exclusive, institutional creeds[7][8][9][10].
- Its system honors **plural ways to the divine, philosophical freedom, and ongoing evolutionâ"akin to collaborative development in open source software**[7][8].
- Abrahamic faiths historically spread through evangelism and sometimes force, but Hinduism remains organic and integrative, rarely aiming to convert or replace other traditions[12][13][14].
- For seekers from structured Western backgrounds, Hinduism offers a paradigm where spiritual truth emerges from dialogue, experimentation, and respectful coexistenceâ"just as open-source software relies on community participation rather than imposition[7][8][10].

Citations:
[1] Hinduism - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
[2] Hinduism | Origin, History, Beliefs, Gods, & Facts - Britannica https://www.britannica.com/top...
[3] Religions - Hinduism: At a Glance - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion...
[4] 5 things Dharmic faiths have in common - Hindu American Foundation https://www.hinduamerican.org/...
[5] [PDF] Origins of Hinduism https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/...
[6] Hinduism: What Do You Know About the World's Oldest Religion? https://www.smp.org/resourcece...
[7] The World's First Open-Source LLM: Hinduism - The àà¾àà¾àà of URVA https://www.urva.site/p/world-...
[8] Open-source Hinduism - Irénées - Irenees.net https://www.irenees.net/bdf_fi...
[9] The God Project: Hinduism as Open-Source Faith | HuffPost Religion https://www.huffpost.com/entry...
[10] The God Project: Hinduism as Open-Source Faithâ"by Josh Schrei https://savitri.in/blogs/light...
[11] History of Hinduism - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
[12] Hinduism vs. Abrahamic Religions: Why Are They So Different? https://timeslife.com/life-hac...
[13] Why do Abrahamic Religion dislike Hinduism? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/hindu...
[14] "Abrahamizing" Hinduism (NOT about Conversion) https://www.ihsanishan.com/ihs...
[15] Hinduism is akin to Open Source, while Abrahamic faiths are closed ... https://www.reddit.com/r/hindu...
[16] 12.4 Hinduism and Abrahamic religions: Interactions and dialogues https://library.fiveable.me/in...
[17] Is Hinduism actually the oldest religion in the world? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/relig...
[18] FOSS is Necessary but Not Sufficient: Lessons from the History and ... https://www.digitalfutureslab....
[19] Neo-Vedanta - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
[20] Hindutva - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

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