Comments on: ‘Time’ Magazine Dubs The 2000’s ‘The Decade From Hell’

By: RachKath

RachKath — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:41:44 +0000

“It can’t be any worse?” I wonder if the people who went into the 1930s to the 1940s thought that? Europe was already mired in WW2 but the US still wasn’t. Yes, this was a crummy decade and last year was a crummy year but I am afraid to ask if it can be any worse because I know it can be. WW3 anyone?

By: Kara

Kara — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:09:22 +0000

It has been a crummy decade, but we’ve got a lot of good out of this decade, too. Like Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta learn to like the rain”. I love the bawling baby on the cover. Does that mean it was really that bad, or we just whine too much?

By: Kirsten NYC

Kirsten NYC — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:08:31 +0000

Trent, thanks for this post, and your responses to any detractors. Throughout history, and around the world, there have obviously been many devastating occurrences, many of them far more costly and painful than any one of the things that have happened in the past 10 years that have affected the US and its citizens. HOWEVER, that doesn’t make the events highlighted by Time less valid. And taken altogether, it’s a lot. So people, stop judging.

By: um...

um... — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:40:51 +0000

Just thought we should acknowledge that this was Trent summarizing a TIME magazine article? Go complain to them!

Thank you Trent for all you do.

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:18:56 +0000

I have to say that I think the 1930s was the worst decade in our country’s history, followed by the 1960s, and THEN followed by 2000s.

By: A

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:47:02 +0000

Wow, I feel like I’ve just stepped into a forum on foxnews.com. Scary.
I completely agree with you, Trent.
Can you even picture how much better this decade would have been had GWB not cheated his way into Office? None of this ‘No Child Left Behind’ bullsh*t, no war in Iraq, no Dick Cheney behind the scenes puppeteering Bush’s every move.
Honestly, the number of people who honestly believe George W. Bush was a good president astounds me.
And the worst part? We have one of his f*ck buddies as our leader in Canada. I am hoping for a federal election SOON.

And @Tom: Could you be more ignorant? I actually don’t think it’s possible.

By: banana

banana — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:27:27 +0000

whoa. whatever happened to freedom of speech and expressing one’s opinions without being attacked for it?

I may not be well informed enough since i am a non-us citizen but i respect trent for his opinion. if to him, it was the worst decade ever, hey why does that bother you so much? it’s just his opinion.

By: Lys

Lys — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:37:31 +0000

@Tom: “Take my shit elsewhere? I will, actually.”

And yet six hours after you posted that, you were still arguing with other people. You have your opinion, which is yours, such being the beauty of a free country. Now that you’ve shared it at great length, kindly follow your own advice.

@Trent: It’s interesting that Time came up with this take on a “miserable” decade that was. In retrospect, I wonder if we will remember the 00s in such a negative light, or will we be find a different time to be upset about? To our parents, I’m sure the Vietnam Era (and the late 60s with the assassinations of JFK, MLK, RFK; the Cold War) was equally as terrifying in many ways, with even less control than we might be perceived as having now. It’s possible for someone to opt out of military service, whereas for the Vietnam generation, the draft certainly was a fact of life. Could they anymore stop a nuclear warhead from being launched by an unfriendly power than we were able to thwart terrorism? The US had its economic and social fiascoes, and yet came out with considerable strength and some great advances in many areas. I would hope to think that the 10s will be better, especially for human rights (be it gays/lesbians, divorced parents, returning rights that the Patriot Act overturned, etc).

By: lauren

lauren — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:48:53 +0000

Thanks Elle — interesting link! Trent, I agree that while Lincoln’s presidency somewhat redeemed the Civil War era, GWB only pushed us farther into this decade’s deep pile o shit. Or helped cause much of the pile, rather.

By: Jessie

Jessie — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:22:24 +0000

I don’t know if I would call this the decade from hell, I think every era has its share of good and bad.
Side note, this Tom guy is ridiculous. At least the other dude has something resembling valid points.

By: elle

elle — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:04:31 +0000

For all the Obama haters that think he’s done nothing….some food for thought: http://www.sefermpost.com/sefe.....eport.html

By: Luc

Luc — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:59:31 +0000

Tom – it’s ever more clear that not only are you utterly incapable of forming a argument, but also that you cannot read. I don’t even have a income at present, as I said I am currently in school (what I discussed was a potential income). Secondly, I said I lived in many countries but never inferred that my circumstances were luxurious, as I lived in these countries as an immigrant in refugee camps. Thirdly, there is nothing wrong with quoting an article from a widely published publication (which the NYT is) and if you disagree, then you must not be very well educated. Your writings thus far have been riddled with misspelled utterly unsubstantiated polemics, and like a certain former President – your resolve seems to only harden and your delusions become more strong the more you’re proven wrong. The world can tell you you’re wrong (as has happened since the end of W) yet you will keep thinking you’re right. You’re delusional, and will continue living in this shared illusion with your friends, family, and others whom you choose to surround yourself with so long as they enable this illusion. Which is fine for me, because those who do not learn from lessons of the past are doomed to suffer from it. You’ve been proven wrong so many times, and will only continue to be so. Toodles.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:35:25 +0000

Trent, you’re a student of history and you call this the worst decade- ever? Puh-leeze. Where the heck did you go to school, Hamtramck? I know it’s vogue and hip to call Bush an evil monster but, get real. The point that someone made about the Civil War era being the worst is closer to reality. Further, I feel that the worst is yet to come…we spoiled Americans are in for a major dose of reality in the decades to come.

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:30:50 +0000

That’s fine, Tom. And there are also those who have done their fair share of travelling and know this is the best Country in the world. To each is own, but honestly Tom it’s getting embarassing for you at this point. you’re all over the place (literally too, as it turns out) You’ve gone from quoting an article in lieu of having your own opinion to now, bragging about your income and making the assumption that those who may not have had the luxury of travel are “biggots.”(sigh) Its always the “progressive” ones that wind up being the most prejudiced at the end of the day. Speaking of the end of the day, I must go and quite frankly, for all your “travel” and “intellignce” you’re BORING me. Bon voyage Luc and good riddance!

By: Luc

Luc — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:13:17 +0000

Tom – you must be as brilliant as the prophet Sarah Palin, for you seem to know exactly who I am and precisely the reasons for which I make my life decisions. I’ve always wanted to live abroad, because unlike some bigots, I was raised in many countries and experienced many contrasting people and environments from which to develop my worldview. I can say from experience with that life in the US is inferior to life in some foreign countries…while others may say from ignorance that the US is superior. And it is true after all that ignorance makes the world go ’round.

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:34:35 +0000

Luc, makes even more
sense now why you’d want to leave. You
elected a President who’s already
spent more than all previous combined and will tax that “top 2%” you
claim to be. Totally get it. Maybe
you can even buy a TV now! Though it’s a bit
of a pansy move: electing a novice as President and then bailing when he doesn’t live up to your unrealistic expectations. Not unexpected though from your like, I must say.

Enjoy spending that hard earned
leisure time footnoting posts on Pink Is The New Blog :). I envy
your life Luc :):):)

By: Luc

Luc — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:55:40 +0000

Tom – actually with the specialty I’ll be entering, I would be earning amongst the top 2% of Americans. The 80 hour-a week internship isn’t exactly a cake walk. However, I do enjoy some leisure with my work ;) So really, I’ll have my check and enjoy it too :)

ps – I don’t watch Fox or CNN. I don’t own a TV.

By: canaussiegirl

canaussiegirl — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:41:22 +0000

Wowsers, Did I inadvertantly go onto Huffington Post of something? Or a Glenn Beck forum (sorry I am not versed on my Conservative sites)

I’m not getting into a discussion with anyone, but all I gotta say is…. I’m with you Trent – on all fronts.

On this US Thanksgiving, you should all be thankkful that – unlike me – you do not come from the land that produced Nickelback. Just putting it out there…..
XO

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:12:58 +0000

Tom your facts may have been true but they have no relevance to this discussion. The Netherlands is a percentage of the size of the US, so
you are correct in your assertation that I’d rather not
engage in that type of an argument. As for finding sources to defend my argument: does it really matter? Turn on FOX you hear
one thing turn on CNN you hear the other. ‘Tis what it ’tis my
friend and only time will be the true source of who was right
and who wrong (though I have my educated guess
now). But I honestly commend you on coming to the self realization
that you don’t have the stamina for life in the
good ol’ US of A.
Best of luck in whatever tiny Utopia you’ve found and I
hope everything goes your way :) Happy Thanksgiving

By: Luc

Luc — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:57:57 +0000

Tom – where exactly are your sources? You make all of these exaggerated claims, and attempt to malign me for using a “liberal” source to present my arguments, yet you provide no thorough argument of your own, and nothing to support your dishonest claims. The facts I presented are true, regardless of the publication from which they were relayed. I was hoping to have an honest discussion, but it seems you do not have the patience, maturity, or intellect for that and would rather resort to ad hominem fallacies. I’m not really surprised, just sorry I wasted my time. I’m getting out of here after I leave medical school, enjoy your lack of health insurance.

By: Whitney

Whitney — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:29:43 +0000

Stephanie—oh really? Too bad GWB took more vacays than other president!!!

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:24:23 +0000

Luc I’m glad that you can read and cut and paste from an unyielding liberal newspaper. If I had the time I might do the same with the conservative version, but what’s the point? The stimulus plan has
done nothing to create jobs my friend and im astounded you would even attemt comparing the US to the Netherlands (though if
you prefer it perhaps you’d consider relocating). More
appropriate would be looking at the UK where universal health care has failed and they’re doing all they can to backtrack. Or perhaps take the time
to read about all the Canadians who pay travel rates to be treated by American doctors who haven’t yet be disallusioned with a universal health care system. As for scare tactics: you
can argue that all day but if
you’ve convinced yourself your above post isn’t chock full of them then you may want to reread/recut and paste :)

By: Luc

Luc — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:08:12 +0000

Tom – in the Netherlands, the rate of personal taxation is 52%. In the US, the rate is 35%, but it does not include social security, local, and real estate taxes. Do you know what the 52% Dutch tax does include?* All of the previously mentioned expenses, comprehensive health insurance, and 4 weeks paid vacation. If you were to look beyond the personal income tax and add up ALL the taxes one accrues in the US, it would be close to 52%.* Yet we are not getting any health insurance or paid vacation with that. Is it just me, or does it seem to you like we are getting less than what we pay for? Why should we settle for less? If the Netherlands and virtually every other industrialized nation can do it, why can’t the US? Not every system is perfect. Yes there may be waiting lists. Yes, it will cost the government a lot of money. But does that mean we should do nothing at all?

American is no longer of beacon of power, and that occurred long before Obama took office. We rank #29 in infant mortality, our healthcare system is #37, and we are #16 in terms of college graduation. And do you know which countries rank higher than us? On the whole, they are countries that have universal health coverage and higher education expenditures, and lower military expenditures than the US. So we can delude ourselves that we are superior than others, but we are not and have not been in a while. So we can keep on going down this path which has already yielded many negative consequences, or we can change. Unfortunately, I don’t think will come from Obama. I’m not trying to change your mind. That has already been set and will likely never change. However, I will not let scare tactics and false claims go unchallenged.

*source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05.....wanted=all

By: Val 2.0

Val 2.0 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:05:16 +0000

All this political talk is making my head hurt. I need some pics of 17-year-old abs, STAT!

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:26:54 +0000

Luc, exactly where do you think all the cash will come from
for all of the changes you desire? Is there a tree somewhere that’s growing an endless supply of $$$ that
you’ve found? Taxes may start with the rich but guess what, they
surely don’t stop there. And even the rich
can only provide for so long before they’re either depleted of their wealth or lose the interest in continuing to work and provide jobs when they’re paid nothing in exchange. So tell me what about that is juvenile or mediocre? But I do appreciate your honesty about Obamas shortcomings. Believe me, you’re not alone.

Tootles teehee!:)