I had never heard of this until today. It's an interesting idea. Has anyone ever sampled their courses? How Dennis Prager https://www.prageru.com/
I've no objection to its existence - free speech and all, but as I see it, it's no more a university than Trump "University" was. IIRC, New York imposed a compulsory name-change on Trump U. Still, OK by me as long as Prager "U." is not awarding degrees. It confines its awards to badges at present, per the web-page. The first lecture I saw advocates a minimum wage of $0.00. Yeah, I know how that would work - but I thought the U.S. abolished that idea - slavery - in 1865, with the 13th Amendment. :sad: Not a fan. J.
The second lecture I viewed was basically a diatribe against Modern Art - my favourite kind of art ever since I learned of its existence, as a boy 60-odd years ago. Any wonder I'm not a Prager U. fan? They'll probably take on R&B next - if they've heard of it. I can hardly wait... :sad: J.
Come on, you really don't understand the difference between not having a minimum wage and chattel slavery? (Note that you don't have to agree with not having a minimum wage to say yes....)
Yes - here's the small but significant difference - it's legal. Plus, you don't have to assume the burden of ownership (and feeding) if people are not declared slaves. With no "floor" You can compel them (in absence of alternative) to work for (almost) nothing and gain (almost) equivalent profitability and benefits to those of slavery. I think that's how it works in North Korea, isn't it? :sad: Another near-slavery economic institution that certainly exists - in your country and mine - is "debt slavery" - the massive proliferation of consumer debt. It serves to minimize industrial unrest and keeps noses to the grindstone, for the benefit of business owners. People are reluctant to jump ship or go on strike if they're loaded up with debt. They'll suffer adverse employment conditions in silence. Ain't credit cards and HELOCs wonderful things? J.
hmm ... this sounds like it has about as much substance as the Rush Limbaugh Institute for Advanced Conservative Studies
I had a look at a few of the courses. All I'm going to say is that I'm Jewish, and I disagree. But I also kind of like the idea of free speech.
I'm uncomfortable comparing this to Trump University. About the only similarity is the clever use of the word "University" despite not being a degree granting institution. Trump University was trying to impart its namesake's "invaluable" business lessons for you to directly apply to your career or entrepreneurial ventures. Prager University is a conservative leaning online video collection. They are incredibly clear about the fact that they are not an actual "university" and, unlike Trump University, are a non-profit. That aside, I highlight against that the courses are conservative. Anyone who has ever listened to Dennis Prager (or read any of his books) should not be surprised by this fact. I sampled a few of their videos, including those Johann takes issue with, and while I disagree with their conclusions they are still very well produced, based upon sound reasoning (though I disagree with their conclusion) and offered by presenters who appear to have unassailable credentials. Most importantly, the videos are free. So if you like them, awesome! You just got a free lecture by people like Alan Dershowitz. If you don't like them the only thing you spent on them was your time. If you want a good video, by a qualified presenter making a point that people of any political affiliation can agree with, I recommend this video about how the Civil War was absolutely about slavery.
His name came to my mind. too, Ted. But I quickly chased the horrid thought away! OK - I understand that. The only comparison I was making was the improper use of the word "University" in both cases. As you say, Neuhaus , there are very significant differences - and only this one egregious similarity. BTW - I once got a nice freebie which I still have, from Trump U. Not expecting one from Prager! Wrong again, Johann! (No surprise.) In haste (computer lab closing) I misspoke. Of course having no minimum wage isn't legal in the US, even if Prager U. would like it to be. I'll let my other statements stand. No minimum? No need to invest in slaves - it's illegal anyway. Why buy when the rent is so cheap? No maintenance either. No minimum is legal in quite a few countries, though. I'm not arguing that a minimum wage is a panacea for socio-economic ills - but I have read that in most cases, countries that have a minimum wage have less incidence of dire poverty than countries that do not. J. "Hard times in the Land of Plenty The rich got it all And the poor... they ain't got any." (Omar Dykes - Omar and the Howlers - 1987)
