The Compact

Binomate

Kevin Byrne is rubish, and his views are shite. Who let him have a column in The Compact? I've never ready anything he's written in his in his column that hasn't made me want to punch him in the face. His latest train wreck of an article, about Socialists really brings out how much of a pompus twat he seems to be, and the picture of him does great justice for this image too.

Frankiestylee

Who is he?

I don't think a whole lot of vetting goes into the columnists... two of last years ones were in my class and they just did it because, well, they did.

Binomate

Frankiestylee wrote:

Who is he?

I don't think a whole lot of vetting goes into the columnists... two of last years ones were in my class and they just did it because, well, they did.

He's the pompus queer on the top of the student column spread on pages 10 and 11. Just read his tripe. You'd swear he just got a feather, rammed it down his throat, puked on to paper and then submited it to the editors.

strychnine

Binomate wrote:

He's the pompus queer on the top of the student column spread on pages 10 and 11. Just read his tripe. You'd swear he just got a feather, rammed it down his throat, puked on to paper and then submited it to the editors.

Isn't 'queer' an offensive term used to descibe gay people? And here i was thinking socialists were all about the peace and love. Once again you guys prove your inability to have a logical and respectable debate about something. Shame, you are your own worst enemy.

Binomate

strychnine wrote:

Isn't 'queer' an offensive term used to descibe gay people? And here i was thinking socialists were all about the peace and love. Once again you guys prove your inability to have a logical and respectable debate about something. Shame, you are your own worst enemy.

When did I say I was a socialst? I despise his ignorance, not his political views. There's not much logic you can bring in to a discussion you're having about personal taste.

strychnine

I think its fairly obvious to assume that if you despise his ignorance, you must also despise his political views. If you supported what he believes then you wouldn't be here whining about him.

Maybe you should join the debating society. Im sure your idea of punching someone in the face when they say something you dont like would go down really well.

Binomate

strychnine wrote:

I think its fairly obvious to assume that if you despise his ignorance, you must also despise his political views. If you supported what he believes then you wouldn't be here whining about him.

I don't despise his political views. This is where logic comes in to it. How is it logical that I'm a socialist, if I don't like the way he presents his point in his article? Even if I didn't agree with his political views, how would that make me a socialist? He is ignorant of quite a lot of things in his articles, and he presented his point in the same way in previous articles.

strchnine wrote:

Maybe you should join the debating society. Im sure your idea of punching someone in the face when they say something you dont like would go down really well.

Don't take my posts so literally. If I was going to punch him in the face, I'd have found him already and done it. What I said implies that I find his articles annyoing.

Frankiestylee

Possibility that "strychnine" = Kevin Byrne?

People can show their ignorance in so many ways, not just their political views... it could be the way they express them/dismiss others for example.

I haven't read the guy's column so I don't know what he's like, I was just wondering who he is... I mean, why has he got his own column?

strychnine

What exactly is he being ignorant of, and what is it about his way of presenting his views that you dont like? As in what pieces of the article show ignorance on his part.

I'm not Kevin Byrne btw, i dont know him nor have i ever met him. I do agree with his views though and i think its high time that views like those are allowed to be expressed in college environments. Its seems perfectly acceptable to promote far left ideas in college and plaster the place with socialist and left wing posters, but not acceptable to put forward opposing views.

Stench Blossoms

Bit over the top Biomate. You must have some personal grudge against him. His coloum isnt that bad. In fact, i thought it was quite good tbh.

Binomate

strychnine wrote:

What exactly is he being ignorant of, and what is it about his way of presenting his views that you dont like? He is completely ignorant of Socialism. I'm not a socialist, but there is a hell of a lot more to socialism than what he makes out in his article.

Socialism is an idology that works best in countries where you have low part of the population having a high percentage of the wealth in the country. Countries where there is a complete imbalance in wealth and as a result, the country suffers. Look at Russia in the early 20th century, before Stalin went nuts. Socialism helped Russia out of a 100 year technological latency. Even though there has never been a text book socialist regime implimented anywhere in the history of the world, the ones that have existed worked to an extent. Any that have existed have been corrupt in one way or another, leading to their downfall. His whole article implied that socialism is just some mickey mouse ideology that has and will never work. He even went as far as there is no policy with socialism as far as I can remember which is also complete bullshit. A tribute to his ignorance.

strychnine wrote:

I'm not Kevin Byrne btw, i dont know him nor have i ever met him. I do agree with his views though and i think its high time that views like those are allowed to be expressed in college environments. Its seems perfectly acceptable to promote far left ideas in college and plaster the place with socialist and left wing posters, but not acceptable to put forward opposing views.

I'm not saying he shouldn't have a column, I'm just saying I don't like his column.

projectmayhem

all i want to know is how anyone gets to read the compact when using it for it's desired purpose; collecting the newly excreted contents of my bowels...

Creamy Goodness

wait people read this thing?

Binomate

Cremo wrote:

wait people read this thing?

It beats listening to a certain OOP lecturer, but I may live to regret that.

projectmayhem

Binomate wrote:

It beats listening to a certain OOP lecturer, but I may live to regret that.

probably not, since "dropping it like it's hot" i've learned far more outside of college then in. granted learning it didn't involve reading the compact, but the compact probably teaches you more then some of the lecturers you have

Frankiestylee

Yeah well... socialism probably will never work. Or rather Communism won't work. Are communism and socialism interchangeable? I think you've got places like Sweden etc that are much more socialist in their ways, but that's just a big welfare state really.

al_g

sweden has lower taxes and and a better standard of living for its citizens so how can you say it is is a welfare state that is daft. The real welfare state is here where people do not want to work because of the exploitative wage rates given by employees?

Frankiestylee

Ok, so I don't study this stuff etc... but aren't Sweden's taxes higher? By welfare state I meant that the high taxes pay for a high quality of healthcare etc. Actually here, I never do research for forums but your post requires it...

"Sweden is now more similar to other European countries with comparatively high tax rates. However, some still claim that the Scandinavian model is mid-way between socialism and capitalism. The Swedish "welfare state" model of the 20th century is an example (some economists and socialists said) of effective use of national taxes, although others disagree about its continuing effectiveness. The Swedish welfare system remains extensive, but a recession in the 1990s forced an introduction of a number of reforms, such as education vouchers in 1992 and decentralization of some types of healthcare services to municipal control.[49]

While similar in form to other governments in Western Europe, the Swedish state is among the most generous in the scope of government services provided. These include tax-funded childcare, parental leave, a ceiling on health care costs, tax-funded education (all levels up to, and including university), retirement pensions, tax-funded dental care up to 20 years of age and sick leave (partly paid by the employer). Parents are entitled to a total of 480 days partly paid leave between birth and the child's eighth birthday, with 60 days reserved specifically for each parent, in effect providing the father with two so-called "daddy-months". The ceiling on health care costs makes it easier, relative to other nations, for Swedish workers to take time off for medical reasons.

Since the late 1960s, Sweden has had the highest tax quota (as percentage of GDP) in the industrialized world"

Hah, and to think I was about to apologize for my ignorance. Go check yourself buddy before you start waffling.

Oh and care to explain the exploitative wage rates people have to endure over here? Last I checked the minimum wage was pretty decent, alot better then some other places.

This is all totally off topic though... but needed to be said.

strychnine

Indeed not only is the minimum wage higher here than in other countries, but as the article pointed out, it was our most fiscally conservative party, the PDs, who helped bring that about, a pro capitalist party.

As for socialism, it works best when its in a textbook and never taken out of it. Like communism its an ideal that will never work. Socialists fail to understand that some people work harder than others, and poor people tend not to work as hard as rich people. Capitalism is all about choice and free will and giving you the absolute right to take your life in whatever direction you want.

Its like college. If you have two people, one who works hard, goes to every lecture, studies for exams and hands in assignments on time. And the other who doesn't give sh*it, skips classes, doesn't study and fails exams. Surely at the end of the four years the guy who has worked hard deserves the better degree and a better job. In socialist ideology, they are both equal. I just dont think thats very fair.

Frankiestylee

Is the compact online? I know that was the plan once upon a time, but did they do it this year? Oh, can't wait to be back in the loop next year, no more pondering, I'll be able to criticize like crazah.

strychnine

I dont think its online but you can pick it up in the college now, theres thousands of them everywhere

Baggly

Returning to where this debate began....the guy is a bit of a tool. I can only speak for myself, but its no coincidence that every time ive read his articles, he has pissed me off in some way. I am of the opinion that while he does believe in what he writes, he is doing what would be considered trolling here.

And also, socialism would look at the motivations why the person is lazy and works less....ie, if they had been treated equal and given the same motivations as the person who worked hard......im not saying this is right, but its a theory. And for christ sake, will people stop assuming socialism has to do solely with economic policy.

I know that makes me sound like a big socialist, but im not. i dispise the posters and marches and sh!te like that as much as the author of the article that inspired this thread, but tbh, his arguements are always one sided, and the opposite view needs to be presented.

strychnine

LOTP wrote:

Returning to where this debate began....the guy is a bit of a tool. I can only speak for myself, but its no coincidence that every time ive read his articles, he has pissed me off in some way. I am of the opinion that while he does believe in what he writes, he is doing what would be considered trolling here.

And also, socialism would look at the motivations why the person is lazy and works less....ie, if they had been treated equal and given the same motivations as the person who worked hard......im not saying this is right, but its a theory. And for christ sake, will people stop assuming socialism has to do solely with economic policy.

I know that makes me sound like a big socialist, but im not. i dispise the posters and marches and sh!te like that as much as the author of the article that inspired this thread, but tbh, his arguements are always one sided, and the opposite view needs to be presented.

Capitalism is the most equal and non discriminatory system there is. Under capitalism it is irrelevant what background a person comes from, what matters solely is the ability of the person to work hard and perform at what they do. Again, ill go back to the college analogy. The free third level education system we have in this country allows someone from any socio-economic background to enter college and be treated as a complete equal. The only barrier to entry is ability.

As for his articles being one sided, they are not, especially when he talks about raising the minimum wage, something that traditionally right leaning people would oppose.

What has really sparked off this debate is that we have become so used to left wing propaganda in college environments that when an opposing view is put forward, it takes people by surprise. I would congratulate editors of the compact for more balanced journalism than we usually see in college stuff.

Baggly

And your arguement would be a good one except that he isnt always complaining about socialism... and also due to the fact that he summarily dismisses socio economic groups with a candor i would expect of a bigot, not of a published 'journalist'.

im not pro or anti capitalism, i think no system is perfect, and describing something as the 'most fair' is pointless, since there are always circumstances when fairness gives way to blind luck, thereby negating your fairest system.

Also, and not in an effort to troll, how would you explain the prevalence of 'its not what you know, but who you know' in capitalism. you cannot deny that an incredible amount of how people get ahead is down to this, and not hard work.

In summary, the guy is entitled to his views, but i dont think someone as biased towards their own side should be allowed on the Compact without an opposite view being put forward by another party. at the same time, keep the socialists out - just get rid of him and replace his piece with some embarrassing photo's of idiots on a night out.

strychnine

LOTP wrote:

And your arguement would be a good one except that he isnt always complaining about socialism... and also due to the fact that he summarily dismisses socio economic groups with a candor i would expect of a bigot, not of a published 'journalist'.

im not pro or anti capitalism, i think no system is perfect, and describing something as the 'most fair' is pointless, since there are always circumstances when fairness gives way to blind luck, thereby negating your fairest system.

Also, and not in an effort to troll, how would you explain the prevalence of 'its not what you know, but who you know' in capitalism. you cannot deny that an incredible amount of how people get ahead is down to this, and not hard work.

In summary, the guy is entitled to his views, but i dont think someone as biased towards their own side should be allowed on the Compact without an opposite view being put forward by another party. at the same time, keep the socialists out - just get rid of him and replace his piece with some embarrassing photo's of idiots on a night out.

I never read anywhere that he was a 'published journalist'. Hes a contributor to a publication, theres a vast difference.

He complains about the policies they put forward. The bin charges example is great. The official socialist party opposes them vigourously and seeks to protect the environment. Yet you cant deny that people put out their bins less often now, thinking about what they can re-use and recycle. Plastic bag charges, again another example.

I agree a lot of people get to the top by who they know. My answer to that is simply "TOUGH SH*IT"!!! Unlike socialism, capitalism doesn't wear its heart on its sleeve, (or whatever that saying is). We dont deny its lack of morality, its a take it or leave it ideology. Capitalists live in the real world, socialists tend to see the world through a purple haze of smoke rings.

Baggly

strychnine wrote:

I never read anywhere that he was a 'published journalist'. Hes a contributor to a publication, theres a vast difference.

A vast difference you are not going to go into because we all know it would be pure semantics

strychnine wrote:

He complains about the policies they put forward. The bin charges example is great. The official socialist party opposes them vigourously and seeks to protect the environment. Yet you cant deny that people put out their bins less often now, thinking about what they can re-use and recycle. Plastic bag charges, again another example.

Look, you can actually read my posts and realise i dont like his tone and way of saying things, not what he is saying, or you can continue to say the same thing in a different way each time

strychnine wrote:

I agree a lot of people get to the top by who they know. My answer to that is simply "TOUGH SH*IT"!!! Unlike socialism, capitalism doesn't wear its heart on its sleeve, (or whatever that saying is). We dont deny its lack of morality, its a take it or leave it ideology. Capitalists live in the real world, socialists tend to see the world through a purple haze of smoke rings.

The 'real' world is the one we make it, so if we live in a world where its kill or be killed, then your reasoning is bang on, but i have to believe that we could, and i emphasise COULD, put aside our baser instincts like greed and jealousy and be better people, not better earners....says the marketing student.

strychnine

A journalist reports events and gives opinions on subjects that are in line with what the overall opinion of the publication is. A contributor can say what he/she wants, they are not tied to the opinion of the publication.
Anyway, its the compact, not a national broadsheet! I dont think what the compact says is likely to shape public opinion or cause outcry!

Ill go back to what i said before. Not one person on this thread has quoted the article or said specifically what words or phrases he uses that tick them off. Its like people are arguing for the sake of it!

Baggly

Its like that all right, isn't it...

I make a point of not taking the compact home.

Frankiestylee

Buddy you've no idea how broad the term journalist is, don't try and pidgeon hole it with your assumptions.

The Compact is DITs only freely available publication and so should be even more balanced then most other publications, it's got a niche market all to itself and shouldn't be allowed to force one view down people's throats without a come back. Does it have a letters section where people can respond? DIT has the oldest journalism course in the country, its publication should be of a certain standard (though the compact no longer has any ties to the journalism course as the DIT independant once had). I haven't been around much this year to comment on this particular edition, but the first year of the magazine was painful beyond belief.

strychnine you should really read what people are saying. I know the thread took a brief detour into politics but it's about one person's dodgey writing and the one-sidedness of the Compact, stop with all the political waffle, it's not the politics forum.

Baggly

strychnine wrote:

I dont think what the compact says is likely to shape public opinion or cause outcry!

I missed this little nugget first time around....tell me, how big an audience does there have to be before it is wrong?

strychnine

Frankiestylee wrote:

Buddy you've no idea how broad the term journalist is, don't try and pidgeon hole it with your assumptions.

The Compact is DITs only freely available publication and so should be even more balanced then most other publications, it's got a niche market all to itself and shouldn't be allowed to force one view down people's throats without a come back. Does it have a letters section where people can respond? DIT has the oldest journalism course in the country, its publication should be of a certain standard (though the compact no longer has any ties to the journalism course as the DIT independant once had). I haven't been around much this year to comment on this particular edition, but the first year of the magazine was painful beyond belief.

strychnine you should really read what people are saying. I know the thread took a brief detour into politics but it's about one person's dodgey writing and the one-sidedness of the Compact, stop with all the political waffle, it's not the politics forum.

Its a pity i havent got the edition of it to hand, but there was one issue where Kevin Byrnes column did not appear and in place of it there was a guy from some socialist movement who responded to byrnes article from the previous issue. If you care enough you should request it from DITSU. It was sometime before chrstmas, probably october or november, i have the december one and its not in that.

compact@ditsu.ie

Im not saying the compact is a marvellous publication, the number of grammatical and spelling errors in it is appalling. The point im making is that this guy has every right to have his opinion and voice it. If you agree with him but think his writing is appalling then get involved with the magazine and suggest that you can do better. If you disagree with him then get involved and ask for your own column. Its very easy to sit back and criticise, if you dont like it get up off your ass and change it.