Erik Salazar
5/10/2014 07:57:25 am
The book has definitely "picked up" in these last few chapters and the more I read the more economical side I see in this book. Sam's personality is not for the reader to take to heart everything that he says but to get the reader thinking. His speech about workers getting paid less and how it can be justified really got me thinking. The wages others make are living wages and though in western culture those wages seem harsh, they are the average wages paid in that area. It's not the company that is evil for paying those wages, its that countries screwed up economy, it would no help to raise wages when the economy in third world countries is already messed up. In the speech Sam gave about the thrill of trying for something and being rewarded, he was hinting towards declining marginal utility and how if you had everything at your fingertips, it wouldn't bring as much utility as the first time. His examples he uses make it easy to understand and when you understand all of the concepts seem to open up every time they are mentioned This is by far by favorite reads in my Junior year.
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Carly
5/10/2014 11:26:30 am
This book continues to pique my interest. I feel like its a easy way to learn the philosophy of economics in a way that's more playful than the standard lecture. While it is obviously biased towards the side of Sam, whose opponents in arguments either lose(Laura) or resort to childish insults(Andrew), it provides a good background of the thought process behind economics.
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Salina
5/11/2014 05:40:22 am
This section of the book made me think about our laws and what I would change. In the part when Amy is talking about how she would make everyone graduate from high school I think that's a great idea, but then Sam brings in the reality of all the other issues that come with such a law. Sam talks about how the parents will get jobs, and how the kids will eat if there are no programs to help them. This part made me think about how hard it is to change anything in the economic world since all benefits come with repercussions.
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Sophia C.
5/11/2014 06:39:08 am
These chapters certainly had a surprise when it turned out the Krauss Baldwin thing was a TV show. I definitely did not see that one coming. This entire book really shows just how hard it is to have a perfect system. I don't agree with pretty much all of the stuff Sam is saying, but I sort of see where he's coming from. On the other hand, I don't think that such programs as food stamps should be gotten rid of. I suppose I don't believe like Sam does that people are good enough to willingly give enough money to get these people on their feet. I think I am finally starting to enjoy the book (It can still be insanely frustrating at times) and I look forward to reading more!
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Jessica B
5/11/2014 07:15:29 am
I was blown away by the fact that Erica, Krauss, and the rest were only a tv show! I was totally not expecting that, and it makes me want to go back and re-read all of their sections of the book. It was sad because I got really attached to Erica only to find out that 1, she wasn't real, and 2, she's part of this economist-ideal-twisting tv show that, if you look at it from Sam's POV, is certainly not doing good. I had turned into the enticed viewer that had fallen in love with Erica's dedication to the greater good without even knowing what I was reading. I had never really disliked Krauss, he didn't seem as evil a guy as Sam said they were making him out to be. If what we as readers were seeing was what was on the tv show, then I believe it shows at least some sympathy and regret from Krauss.
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Gage Gamboa
5/11/2014 07:58:02 am
I found the television show side plot reveal to be very clever. The author used it to exemplify Sam's point. I am sure many of the readers when cheering for Erica to bust the vile Charles Krauss. It illustrates Sam's point of how we take the dramatized representations on television as factual portrayals. The book also presents potent life lessons of choosing one's battles. The reader is presented with Sam and his passionate ideals, we learn about his struggles to contain his vivid idealogical lectures. I think that a take-away for the reader is to realize that you don't have to constantly voice your opinions in life, and a choice between social conformity and involuntary enlightenment of one's peers has to be made.
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Paris Gramann
5/11/2014 09:43:24 am
It really surprised me that the other chapters were all just a TV show! It makes my point (from the last Regulator's post) an invalid argument. This shows how people take what they see on TV, many times not true and just created for high ratings, and use it to create opinions or back them up.
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Meilani
5/11/2014 10:03:16 am
The TV show twist was amazing but makes it easier to explain the easily categorized people. With the Erica and Krauss story, it was so easy to side with Erica because of the way Krauss was portrayed. While Laura and Sam were having dinner, he explained about his views on welfare. Something that popped out to me was his point about Maimonides. I agree that independence is the greatest gift to give. It is something that will always sustain a person and ultimately get them maximum utility because they will have the means to accomplish it. I also think that the only way a system without wellfare will work is if everyone had the kindest hearts, which isn't completely compatible in a capitalist society.
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Xochitl Aguinaga
5/11/2014 10:35:37 am
I agree just as everyone here has mentioned that I was surprised when the Erica and Charles Krauss story line happened to be a tv-show! On another note I feel as the story continues that I still don't understand Sam very well, or at least I don't find many of his qualities likable or redeeming. I t seems every time someone expresses an opinion, albeit shallow opinions, Sam has to swoop in and disagree with them--and it's not always because he disagrees, but because he believes "in showing both sides of the story". I think what I'm really looking for as the story progresses is some character development from Sam, something that shows him as more of a human than an annoying debate-seeker.
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Vivian Mason
5/11/2014 10:57:20 am
These chapters made me start to think about laws, and creating/changing them. Mainly what the after effects would look like. For example when Amy is talking about making it a law for kids to finish high school, I disagree. When we look back on history, just a couple years ago having just a college degree could almost guarantee you a job. Even before that graduating high school could land you a good career. Now days you need a college degree just to manage a McDonalds. Think about if everyone graduated high school, what would happen to the job market? What would be invented to make some people look better than others? Thinking about the consciousness of new laws and in terms of the long run, I wonder if Amy would have changed her mind about everyone graduating high school.
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Crystal Delgado
5/11/2014 12:53:39 pm
This book still continues to spark my interest with every chapter and every conversation. The TV show twist was something I never expected! It was a huge surprise and really changed my perspective on things. When I read this, I thought of how TV effects peoples opinions and ways of thinking as well.
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Sarah Olson
5/11/2014 01:14:26 pm
Although I find the author's points very interesting and agree with some of them, I'm a little frustrated by Sam. He is the type of character I adore in books; eccentric, quirky, independent and outspoken. His actions are entertaining. But he stands out because the other characters are rather flat and uninteresting - mostly because they're always shown as wrong and uneducated. I understand the author is trying to help the reader understand economics and his opinion, but it leaves me confused when Sam contradicts himself and his own opinions with his actions. I do appreciate that the author is helping me understand economics, but as a lover of stories, this one has so much potential the author threw away so he could focus on making his opinion evident.
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Brianna Barboza
5/11/2014 01:40:39 pm
Another example of the real world! Once again, Sam saves the day by bringing Amy back to reality, what will she do now? Alright, these next few chapters were worth reading, mostly because of the plot twist we came across: surprise! Erica and Krauss are actually from a TV show! A rather interesting thing to incorporate in this story. Without directly mentioning it, the author showed us that most of our opinions are shaped by others - something very clever indeed. I think it's finally starting to pick up the pace, making it a lot more enjoyable to read. Although, something is quite bothering me: Sam.
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Hannah OConnell
5/11/2014 02:07:58 pm
Oh my goodness. This book has had me rolling around on the floor squealing and kya-ing at their relationship as it grows, but I have also been stony faced, thinking quizzically about what Sam says about economics and politics and his lesson. It is so interesting reading about him teaching. It gets me thinking about what it would look like to be a student in the audience. All of them sound engaged. Some mock and are laughing at him dismissively, yet some are on their toes answering his buzzard scenarios and trying to get to the approved or 'correct' answer. It is fascinating. I was not expecting the plot twist of the entire arc of Krauss being a television show. That baffled me! It was incredible how played up the situation was, I noticed that after Heather Hathaway got hit by the car. I hadn't been ready for such a big twist. It led into a great discussion between Sam and Laura though. (Then they got all adorable.)
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Rachel Deaton
5/11/2014 02:12:58 pm
I thought the Tv show was a twist! I love the characters but Sam can be annoying sometimes. But he is a intriguing character! I love all the examples that the author gives to describe economics. It helps me visualize what it really is like in that career field. Just like the video we watched in class, entitled "Freakonomics", I thought that the examples were wonderful. They opened my mind up about the idea of economics and how I can explain it to others.
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Rachel Deaton
5/11/2014 02:17:53 pm
Forgot to include my opinion on Sam and Laura's classes. They teach so well! I am surprised that not all of Sam's class are into his discussions because I totally would! His humor and examples would intrigue me so much. Laura has a great connection with her class. She seems to always have a positive attitude. Moreover, the relationship between Sam and Laura continues to grow stronger and stronger!
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Trevin Kraus
5/11/2014 02:50:20 pm
I have really taken a liking to the story. It has picked up and become more engaging and exciting to read. Toward the beginning of this book I made a note in one of my posts about how Sam had a teaching style that would reassemble that of a teacher at High Tech. As I have continued to read my views have strengthened, specifically as a result of one of the conversations has with his class about laws and what makes a law or policy a good one or not. The conversation reminded me of socratic seminars that we've had in Mrs.Clarks class. Everyone is engaged in the conversion and is eager to speak next and state their opinion on the matter at hand. Like Laura I was also surprised by Sam's law of banning television and would have suspected a more complex economic or political themed law. It just shows that no matter how complex you may think something needs to be in actuality the answer is simpler or easier then it may appear.
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Meranda
5/11/2014 02:55:45 pm
I know a lot of people are commenting on this already, but it was a TV show! I don't know if I was upset by this or just surprised. I'm really curious if there will have more chapters that include Erica and Krauss now that we know its just a TV show. I hope there is. I really enjoyed those chapters and trying to solve the mystery with Erica. I was really rooting for her, but now that it's just a TV show it seems kind of lame to root for her. I don't know just now that she isn't a real person I don't admire her as much for doing what she is doing. Besides this twist I love the conversations between Laura and Sam. The dialogue and witty arguments between them is extremely interesting and fun to read.
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Ryan Novak
5/11/2014 03:02:18 pm
Up until this point in the book I was trying so hard to figure out when the story of Krauss the evil buisness man and Sam and Laura's love story were going to intersect but it never crossed my mind for even a second that it would be as a tv show watched by Sam and Laura at a dinner party. It was a super creative way to integrate even more economics in addition to making a real statement that I can see the author making. The whole idea of an invisible heart in the ecnonomy in addition to the classic invisible hand as the driving force behind the economy seems to be a strong held idea by the author of the book and he is exposing the general public to it through the book. I think many ecnomist and other participants in the financial and buisness industries feel similar to Sam in that the world of buisness isn't one of heartless, immoral beasts that savagley take advantage of the miniscule consumer to make an extra buck. Russel Roberts shows the most evil side of buisness through Krauss so Sam could deliver one of his most powerful messages of the novel, that buisness is full of people like you and me that just want to be sucessful and also have morals. As I kept reading this book I started to enjoy it more and more and can't wait to see where Sam and Laura's relationship goes.
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Abby Thompson
5/11/2014 03:03:51 pm
Aauuugh the TV plot twist killed me! When I read that sentence, I was like "Oh, okay... WAIT, WHAAT." I was really not expecting that, but I'm sort of sad because I was hoping we'd figure out what happened afterwards with the whole Krauss situation or maybe that somehow that plot would get involved with Sam/Laura's. I really liked the lesson Sam gave his class about the TVs/laws and the conversation they had over dinner because they really got me thinking. I'm wondering though, why Sam is getting fired?
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Rachel Maristela
5/11/2014 03:35:48 pm
It was a total shock to me that the whole Krauss situation was just a t.v show, rather than something that was actually part of the story. In the beginning when I first read this book, I thought there are two situations that explain the economics in this book romantically and professionally. Or, that Sam might have to do something with Krauss since he has that appeal thing going on, the receipts and memo that he received, and I am still trying to understand that as well. Another thing that surprised me was just the realization of Sam and Laura's relationship that they have with each other. They seem to be talking about a lot of economics and they both have different views on certain topics, in other words, they are always against each other. In my opinion, I think Sam and Laura cannot pursue a romantic relationship because of their countless arguments and the differences that they have between each other, but who knows? Sometimes, two different people can fall in love.
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Trey Lewis
5/11/2014 03:56:51 pm
During these chapters I thought a lot about the laws that were being talked of and the debates we have as a class. We were talking about having seatbelts in class. With that, seat belts was a hard decision by the government. These different laws made me think about different debates we have in class and different debates I will probably have in the future. Both sides make great points on all these great arguments.
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Karen Barragan
5/11/2014 04:13:54 pm
The TV show was exciting, but something that stood out to me was when they said "I believe in being generous in the face of suffering, but I've got my limits." I know that sometimes we want the best for everybody, but it is difficult to make everybody happy. The fact they mentioned they want a different kind of help for people depending on their situation really stood out. Many times, when people help others, they expect something in return, or expect to be recognized. I think it is important to do kind things without expecting anything in return, although it may be very difficult and temping. I was really touched to see that he was willing to give money with no strings attached, but just do it out of the kindness of his heart.
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Ysabella Dawson
5/11/2014 04:32:33 pm
I think I should just start off by saying that I gasped loudly in the middle of my living room and everyone in my family looked at me funny because I was so shocked about the TV plot twist. I really did not see it coming at all, because the entirety of the book is written in the same sort of TV-drama style, where each chapter ends in a cliffhanger and then switches perspectives, leaving you quietly screaming inside wondering what will happen next. Looking back on it though, it makes a lot of sense that it is a TV show in the way that the characters act and the story flows. I thought that the lesson that Sam taught was very interesting, and I agree with his perspective on what living your life and being human is all about. Throughout my life I’ve thought about trying to not watch TV and see what my life is like without it, but considering how much of my time has gone into watching shows so far, I don’t know how that would be. I thought it was interesting how Sam said that TV was a distraction for people to help remove their focus off of their lives, which, when you think about it, seems a bit weak or cowardly. Yet here we all are on a daily basis, staring with rapt attention at a screen with moving pictures on it to take us into a faraway place for a short while.
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Andrew Ledezma
5/11/2014 04:53:49 pm
This book throws a unique twist into the mix, that shows how perspective can change your view. Chapter 13 also shows us how an engaging teacher, and students can feed off each other in unimaginable ways. The wondrous dream machine, and law lessons were both extremely and sought to teach the reader two important ideas about life, and freedom. The lesson on life is that you need valleys to appreciate the peaks. Sam portrays this to his class brilliantly with a dream machine that can fulfill any wish without fail. The other lesson learned is that there will always be upsides and downsides to anything that you do, whether it be law or any choice in life. I believe that both the T.V twist and the Dream Machine are both a perfect metaphor for The Invisible Heart. They show us that without trial and perspective, everything in life, including romance, is all just invisible. I might be reading too deep into it, but I saw some personal correlation with Sam's teachings and the title of the book.
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Jordan Garcia
5/11/2014 05:34:29 pm
The discussion Laura was having about charities was one of my favorite ones. Laura made it clear that she does not want people to starve, or go without any care. I thought this was very courageous of her to say, because many people say things like this, but do not act on it. She said if she had the money, she would give it to charities so children didnt starve, and that is something I can relate to. There are not many people who think the way she does, and I thought that was a very meaningful conversation that they were having. The beleif in softening misery was something that will stay with me for a while.
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Jordan Garcia
5/12/2014 03:34:19 am
I also agree with Sam when he says talks about how the majority of people who donate are doing it for personal benefits. If you think about it is true. Many people at churches give tithes & offerings which mainly benefit the individual and the church you attend but how does that help many people in the streets that are in need? They both make valid points.
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Chelsea
5/11/2014 06:04:45 pm
The talk Sam brought up about banding television was interesting, along with his points. Many individuals would agree with his thoughts. The reason being that many shows that are shown today aren’t ideal in the minds of some individuals. It’d be interesting to see if a law somewhat related to this passes in the future, because the discussion of banning television is current, and one that many could agree or disagree with. Sam asked his students how many of them had read a book he read, he later mentioned that probably none of them because they are too busy watching television. But when you think about it, banning television is not necessarily going to led someone to grab a book and read. By banding television one has to consider all the technology that surrounds us. If you band television, there’s still YouTube, iPads, laptops, etc… To end something like this might be impossible because of how advanced we are with technology, but still something interesting to question.
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John E.
5/11/2014 06:22:37 pm
These chapters really were surprising when the author through in the twist of TV show. My views have changed knowing this about the book and this made me reflect on what happened in the chapters with Erica and Krauss. On thing that I thought that was a cool argument by Sam was when he said if everyone had to graduate high school there would be know government help such as food stamps. All the parents would have jobs so why would the government need to help parents if they were making some source of income. Most of the people that are receiving some sort of governmental help unusually need the extra money in order to support their children due to their little source of income or no income at all. This book is a very good read and I cant wait to continue reading in the future.
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Justin
5/11/2014 09:09:36 pm
The part in chapter 13 about how having an infinite supply of money would make you bored reminded me somewhat of the supply and demand video we had to watch. Our initial supply of extravagances like caviar or expensive cars and whatnot are initially in extremely high demand due to low supply and high costs; it's unlikely that we often (or ever) will come into possession of such things. However, when we are able to meet the costs and bypass the low supply amounts due to having lots of money, demand drops with it. If the author intended to convey this message about economics with this chapter, then he deserves a few smug grins for cleverness; otherwise, I may as well adjust my tinfoil hat for reading between the lines.
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Sabrina
5/12/2014 12:34:57 am
I too did not realize the connection the too stories had to each other until Laura sat down to watch TV with Sam and her friends. I find it in a way poetic that Laura would fine the show enjoyable seeing as how she gets frustrated at times with Sam and his economic views. Laura is in a way against "mean, big business" ; exactly what is shown by Krauss is the TV show. I wonder why she thought Sam would like what he saw, because I would take it as Laura mocking me. Perhaps when watching the show, Laura relates herself to Erica and Krauss to Sam.
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Julz Valencia
5/12/2014 01:14:49 am
At the beginning of these chapters really made me think. The activity that sam was doing with his class was really interesting and it made me wonder what I thought could be the perfect law. I honestly don't know what law could be "perfect". I thought the idea of students not being allowed to drop out of school was a good idea, but then as you read further Sam pointed out flaws with that law and why it wouldn't work. Then Sam's proposal for a law that would not allow television also appeared to be a great idea to me. I myself would say that people shouldn't watch tv, but then of course I would be a hypocrite. I don't watch tv during the week but on the weekends I most certainly do and it takes up a lot of time. If I didn't I could be doing so many other things. Of course sam goes off and explains why even he wouldn't pass that law. So I am just curious as to what could be the "perfect" law.
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Jessica Pollock
5/12/2014 03:07:43 am
I can't believe that Erica and Krauss all turned out to be a tv show! I feel like it was a great plot twist in the book and gave everything a new perspective. A part that struck me in these chapters is where Sam talks about everyone graduating high school. If everyone graduated high school all parents would have jobs and therefore no food stamps would exist. But this makes me think, would everyone have a job? If everyone had the same amount of education and no one had more or less than anyone else wouldn't there be much more competition for jobs. I feel like there would not be enough jobs to distribute to everyone therefore making more competition and not everyone would have a job. This book still has me amazed at how much I enjoy reading about economics.
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Shannon Carlson
5/12/2014 03:09:59 am
It was such a plot twister when it turned out that the Krauss situation was just a television show. I wonder if there will be more chapters that include Erica and Krauss now that we all know its just a television show. I hope it does continue because I loved thinking about the mystery behind Erica. I also enjoyed to hear the points Sam brought up about banning television. Its interesting to hear that if you ban television then everyone is going to pick up a book. This isn't the case though there are different forms of media that people have access too.
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Alex Demos
5/12/2014 03:23:29 am
Sam made a very argumentative suggestion during his economics class in chapter 13. He stated that if he were a dictator for a day, he would create a law that restricts everyone from watching TV. This struck me because it was something I have personally experienced before. That "cold turkey" feeling, leaving all technology for a designated (preferably extended) amount of time, is something that most are not familiar with, mainly because we are constantly surrounded with technology everyday. But leaving technology all together is completely different than just TV. While reading this section of the chapter I started to wonder what kind of issues would arise if TV were eliminated in the US. Many people use the TV for not only entertainment, but to keep up with world issues by watching the news, along with those who make a living acting for TV show audiences. Yes, it may help "children explore the world rather than sitting stupefied in front of a box," but it has a much greater importance over that.
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Tess Herzog
5/12/2014 05:59:35 am
At one point Sam talks about if you are a dictator, what law would you make? As the students respond, he keeps pointing out flaws within these laws. I tried thinking to myself what law I could make that wouldn't have a flaw, but no matter how hard I try I cannot. It makes it almost impossible to create a perfect system. Even though we try so hard to reach perfection, we can never really know what perfection is. Humans have flaws, and perfection is not necessarily achievable. We can try to come close but if we ever reached perfection, would we even know?
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Karye
5/13/2014 02:58:53 pm
This was interesting for me too! I try to focus on progress rather than perfection, its easier on the brain that way. Cool topic to think about.
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Sophia Kormanik
5/12/2014 06:15:35 am
This book has really talks about really interesting topics and the main two characters have wonderful discussions. The economics they talk about I can really connect with now because of the economics we have talked about in class. The discussion that Sam has about if he could be a dictator for a day, he said that he would cancel tv for a day. This interested me because I agree with him on some points but I don't agree with all his points because you can learn important information about our would from tv.
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Anthony W.
5/12/2014 11:26:59 am
This book continues to amaze me how the writer could put all the economic lessons that he does into a love story. It also interests me how the author can make the lessons interesting and applicable to a situation that the reader may even experience. This book has given me an interest in economics in general and how it could be applied to the many situations that we may face day to day.
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Grady Gumner
5/12/2014 11:37:47 am
I really enjoyed Sam's discussion with his students about creating any law they wanted to as "dictator". Amy's suggestion of a law to require all students to graduate high school was shot down due to huge underlying issues about its effectiveness. Amy then moved to try to address the root of the issue - welfare. She thought that by threatening to starve parents' children they would have a strong incentive to find work. I found this claim by Amy to be all too relevant in today's society. People have this preconceived idea that all people receiving welfare are lazy moochers when in fact they are mainly average citizens trying to get back on their feet. I was happy to see Sam shoot down Amy's ignorant idea and rebut it with valid concerns. While I have mostly disagreed with the points Sam has brought up throughout the book, I highly commend his defense of rational thinking.
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Jackson Walker
5/12/2014 01:17:28 pm
As you can tell from my last reflections, I talk about the book in a positive manner. Now, I'm not sure if I feel like doing that. It's not that anything has changed about the book that upsets me or that I disagree with, but rather the opposite. It is still the same things happening. Seriously Sam, I get that you are a cool cat economist who is all mysterious and literally does not talk about anything other than your own enlightened point of view, or how hard your life is having those point of views. Yes, I agree with many of the economic elements the book brings up and discusses, the different perspectives it give you, but it is just to repetitive.
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rebecca
5/12/2014 03:01:18 pm
The book Is continuing on as it has. Sam Is still only mildly annoying, and i still enjoy it. But it's got me thinking about laws and perfection, and why things are the ay they are. I'm getting mildly annoyed at sams need to debate everything though, i mean, Its like my group of class friends.. and it doesn't stop. ever. I just. FOr now,I don't know if i can continue to deal with it much longer, atleast the books close to being over.. right?
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5/13/2014 02:15:41 pm
*absent
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Karye
5/13/2014 02:57:23 pm
This whole book was very interesting to me and I loved how you could connect what Sam was expressing in his conversations with Laura to what we were learning about economics in class. It was a clever way to twist around the plot when we find out that it was a TV show. I was not expecting that. I wonder what the author's intentions were around that and the thought process to get there. In one topic Sam was talking about cancelling TV for a day. Sam continues to make legit points in all of his arguments. I notice how my mom watches the news every single day, if not twice, and if it was cancelled for a day it would be a significant difference. The news is very important to see the world around us. Sam also intrigued me with the point about being a dictator and trying to make the perfect laws. This book always brings up topics that really get me thinking.
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Malia M
5/16/2014 04:12:32 pm
I was disappointed in the big TV plot twist. I got Sam's point about CEO's and business. They aren't all bad and their freedom is necessary for progress and diversity. However, making it all TV show seemed a cheap way to get rid of the other argument. Sam reiterated all the same points for his argument. Then, the other side of fabulously corrupt CEO's who outsource their labor and mistreat Mexican children, disappears in a hollywood poof. This is just to add to Sam's idea that in real life, in our current American economy, competition is good and powerful. I might agree, but the other side is never properly readdressed.
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