jahsome

There was absolutely nothing backhanded about anything I said. I regret if it came across that way.

I wish you'd have elaborated on specifics and actually tried to understand, rather than telling me what I believe. I can see now you just want to be angry at someone, and I'm no longer interested in engaging with you. In any case, I'm genuinely sorry for whatever I've done to activate you, and I wish you well.

> Pretending that we are in full blown dictatorship is, in my view, still cynical.

Could you please point to what I said that implies I'm pretending a "full blown dictatorship?" I apologize if that's somehow what I indicated. It certainly wasn't my intent.

Can you explain how openly admiring someone's idealism is of "low quality"?

I envy the worldview it's possible someone can take money from another and still maintain independence.

What's up with the straw men?

I was being sincere, my friend. I genuinely envy that worldview. I long for it. I wish above nearly all else I could reset. I was being authentic and vulnerable. Why does that infuriate you?

Read your statement again and tell me who the pessimist is, and who is most in need of a break from the internet.

Fair enough, perhaps I could have said "normal is relative"

A behavior may be typical, or common maybe, but I think "normal" evokes certain connotations when describing human behavior.

You can childishly call me all the names you'd like, but you're distinctly wrong. Words have literal meanings whether you accept that fact or not.

The operative word you have repeatedly used is interpretation. Anything that requires interpretation is inherently and literally NOT obvious.

I guess it's time for a series rewatch!

*for anyone out of the loop this is a reference to Arrested Development -- incredible show!

I didn't say you are nuts, I said your statement is. The distinction should be "obvious" no?

Here's a hint though: normal is a myth.

"It's just a banana hackers, how much could it cost?! $5?"

Though that joke is in desperate need of an inflationary update.

It's not that "nuts" to take the literal meaning of people's own words. Calling it "obvious" someone meant something rather than what they actually typed with their own fingers is pretty nuts though. It might be common for folks to misspeak (mistype), but that by no stretch of the imagination makes their actual meaning obvious. It's quite literally the opposite...

Step into any Walmart and look at the carts in the customer service section full of just-returned merchandise, waiting to be returned to the shelves. You might be surprised with what you see.

> but would you drive to a store you've never heard of before /just/ for a bar

Some people have no choice. Checking other stores and planning multiple trips is exactly what they do, e.g. those on fixed income, coupon power-users, etc.

Outside our comfy bubble here, there are a LOT more folks in that camp than those buying luxury goods.