You remind me of an old aunt who used always look at us kids as we romped around having a good time and say in sepulchral tones to my mother, 'This is going to end in tears, you know.'

Sepulchral is one of those words that look interesting but sound terrible. I have no idea what it means. Keep on with your fun times if that's what you think you're having. Time And Time Again

It was the talk of maths/percentages - it scared everyone off

Personally, I think the conversation has been pleasant all the way through. No name-calling or anything of the like - I call that a plus! It's definitely been an interesting discussion. I, myself, am always eager to gain insight into how other people work. I blame the psychologist in me.

I think that could be said of many a conversation - needing tact that is. It was certainly handled better than what is often seen in parliment! Now they really do behave like children. And damn, before I accidentally change the subject to politics, now must think of another topic.. err... erm... nice weather we're having lately, right?

I'll talk about the weather later but first I'll discuss the earlier part of what you said:

So true, I can't even begin to imagine how many problems would be solved, not to mention prevented, if people would just engage in honest, tactful communication. But to do that people have to first gain the experience to think clearly with reason and that is probably the hardest part of all. But our ancestors fought for understanding to reach where it is today and in time, I think we'll all learn to use it. Which coincidentally brings to mind another similar issue because of a letter I'm reading.

Having the understanding to use it also means knowing how to use good communication constructively for good. I'm just reading this junk letter I received supposedly from an author and CEO of a global investment firm (you were talking about politicians, well this is similar). He oozes congratulations and charm to convince me to order a book of his, which coincidentally, happens to be free if I order now. He tries to make me feel like if I'd just won the lottery. The catch of course is he wants me to fill out an info sheet so he can send more junk mail. And what's in the book? According to him it shows:

Why investment losses should be renamed investment gains.
Why high unemployment is not bad.
Why massive trade deficits can be great for stocks.
Why I shouldn't worry about government debt. (Who's worrying? It's their debt. I'm just a concerned observer.)
How if I already have lots of money, with his investment company, I could make lots more.

More? I remember when interest rates on deposits were well over 5% compared to their current less than 0.5% and this guy has the nerve to say all the wrong things in business and government are actually good for people. For him maybe, not so for ordinary people and of that I'm 100% positive. No matter how slick he sells his idea, it won't make it right. But the good communication will probably hook some ordinary people whose powers of baloney detection are not as developed, just enough for him to afford another private Cessna at the expense of some family's mortgage payment. What a sad use of communicative skills.

About the weather, it rained today, giving a well needed relief from the heat. Perfect for my newly planted rose stems, not so perfect for the rose bushes who are not fond of humidity on their leaves. Makes them spotty and yellow.

Quest to illume true bliss, part of and beyond the self.