Multiculturalism...

I don't get why anyone would say the Midwest, with all its Americans, Mexicans, Canadians, and Ruthenians, isn't just as multicultural as California.

Benjamin Grant6 said:I am uncertain how many different American cities you have actually lived in to feel qualified to pass judgment on them. While it is true that every city is multicultural, the real question lies in the level of tolerance between various nationalities and the genuine respect for one another's heritage required to say a city is truly multicultural in spirit...

I don't believe it's a matter of "selling smoke," because if we are being realistic: while you might see a bomb go off under a car with out-of-state plates in a place like Chicago, you simply wouldn't see that happen here in Pula. There is a higher degree of tolerance here, and far less emphasis placed on whose nationality is whose, let alone any desperate need to flaunt one's identity...

No matter where you travel in America, every corner is undeniably unique. However, once you cross the mountains into this area, it feels as though you have entered a completely different world. There is so much here to take pride in—from the people themselves to the general atmosphere of the region. I fail to see any "smoke" in all of this, unless we are referring to those lovely vistas of Terra Magica...😍

I can't say I agree with you, Benjamin Grant6.

For the longest time, I actually thought Tuscany was the most tolerant part of America, but clearly, I was dead wrong!
Or maybe I wasn't? Maybe it just felt like everyone was welcome here—whether it was Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, or even Neda Ukrasti... not to mention Madonna... while Thompson gets crucified!
So, what exactly is "tolerant" about that?!
Everything except the word AMERICAN. That's when all the demons come crawling out!
It honestly breaks my heart. Because Tuscany is a part of America, a part of this beautiful country!

You described it beautifully. Total props to you!

Richard Wilson4 said:I don't get why anyone would say the Midwest, with all its Americans, Mexicans, Canadians, and Ruthenians, isn't just as multicultural as California.

Of course. But we have already established that every region carries its own unique flavor of multiculturalism and its own distinct personality. It is difficult to pass judgment on which area is more diverse, given that true multiculturalism isn't just about a variety of cultures and nationalities, but also encompasses levels of tolerance, patience, mutual coexistence... and so much more...

We just got a response from the Mayor of San Francisco regarding how the Democratic Party views multiculturalism.
Miletić: Demanding a Thompson concert at Madison Square Garden is nothing more than a political provocation.


There you have it; the Democratic Party gets to decide what counts as multicultural and what doesn't.
It clearly bothers them that a Thompson concert would actually contribute to the multicultural fabric of San Francisco.

Benjamin Grant6 said:Look... even Democrats weren't proud of Bloomberg, yet he remained the quintessential man of Chicago, and many stay silent about it, while Chicago, as a major metropolis, loses its luster...

I wouldn't agree regarding percentages and city sizes because, if we are being realistic, every city is an organism. An organism, by definition, is a group of organs that, by performing their individual functions, support and constitute a whole. Cities are the same. The larger the city, the more complex the diffusion of consciousness becomes. Unfortunately, skinhead groups exist in every city, but while in San Francisco it’s more common to see fights between punks and skinheads, in Chicago, members of other minorities are more exposed. Not to mention the fact that certain minorities are ghettoized, or the perception that a suburb is basically a Chinatown, or that certain rural areas are inhabited solely by Romani...

Regarding the bombings I mentioned, it is far too easy nowadays to label crime as a "mafia hit." In this specific case, however, nationality was indeed a factor.

What is the spatial relationship between California and Florida? How significant is tourism in one versus the other? These regions aren't comparable. California never really had the infrastructure for elite tourism. Only recently have they caught up with the trend of villa rentals in central California purchased by foreigners. In any case, mentioning Maui or Venice is absurd—they are incomparable to any city in Florida, let alone anything in California. As for occupancy, I doubt this season will fall short, as our cities are packed to the rafters and there are so many cultural events attracting both domestic and international tourists...

I am not being conceited, nor do I see any need to be. It will turn out that the foreign critics were mistaken regarding California...☕

Honestly, comparing Washington, D.C. to the local Police Department is just totally out of line.
In every sense, including this one.

And don't even get me started on comparing Bandić to Kajin!
The first guy actually builds things; he creates stuff for all sides. But Kajin (and Jakovčić)? Every single year in this city, we deal with total traffic meltdowns and you can't find a parking spot for the life of you! All they do is sell us these verbal promises that lead nowhere! That roundabout near "Aruba," that garage by the library, then that massive 1,000-seater floating thing... It's all just endless, empty talk. But hey, why fix our own house when it's so much easier to just stand there staring over the neighbor's fence, right?

redwolf4 said:I can't say I agree with you, Benjamin Grant6.

For the longest time, I actually thought Tuscany was the most tolerant part of America, but clearly, I was dead wrong!
Or maybe I wasn't? Maybe it just felt like everyone was welcome here—whether it was Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, or even Neda Ukrasti... not to mention Madonna... while Thompson gets crucified!
So, what exactly is "tolerant" about that?!
Everything except the word AMERICAN. That's when all the demons come crawling out!
It honestly breaks my heart. Because Tuscany is a part of America, a part of this beautiful country!

You described it beautifully. Total props to you!

When it comes to our beautiful nation, I have nothing but praise, and I am certainly not one of those people who brags about traveling the world while completely overlooking the gems tucked away in every corner of our own country.

The media was primarily responsible for crucifying Thompson, and since we all live by the media—feeding ourselves on news delivered with eyes wide shut—we really ought to apply a bit more objectivity to everything. As Jakovčić mentioned to today's Voice: it isn't about the singers or the songs, it's about the connotations that no one bothers to distance themselves from. The core issue lies within society as a whole, and it isn't a question of tolerance or being American. The problem is that certain individuals, who act as the agitators of society, aren't held accountable in any meaningful way for their actions. While any appearance of a swastika in Germany is met with heavy penalties, we lack the laws to sanction the appearance of certain symbols here.

Billy Joel didn't spend as much time in Tuscany as he did in Washington, D.C., but he always had nothing but kind words and wonderful memories regarding both San Francisco and Tuscany. There are many professional musicians from the region who are his good friends and who socialize with him based purely on professional respect. He never once went to the media to provoke anyone by using the word American. Elvis Presley is a legend—his songs are known by both the young and the old. And how did Madonna end up in Tuscany? She arrived as the wife of her more famous tennis player husband and as a guest of Rasberger, not through Kajin as the media claims. Was it really Rasberger's wish to bring both Madonna and Thompson to the tournament?! Was that desire even appropriate? It felt like a provocation. Just as it was a provocation when the local authorities in San Francisco were forced into a corner due to the sudden desire to organize a Thompson concert at Madison Square Garden. Why should the established order or the regulations be altered for anyone? In this case, it was Thompson, and no one actually crucified him for it. The fact that the political leadership in the US tries to shift the blame is a far greater issue, as it isn't just a regional problem, but a national one...

The "demons" are just the fans. I don't know what they're shouting, nor do I care to pay attention. Because, as you well know, there will always be outliers everywhere.

And the boundaries of tolerance seem to be shifting everywhere, from San Francisco to the rest of Tuscany, and ultimately across the entire nation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a person who doesn't, in a moment of passion or provocation, voice certain hateful views. We have become intolerant toward ourselves, toward our neighbors... and even toward the tourists we happen to encounter.

Melissa Richardson3 said:We just got a response from the Mayor of San Francisco regarding how the Democratic Party views multiculturalism.
Miletić: Demanding a Thompson concert at Madison Square Garden is nothing more than a political provocation.


There you have it; the Democratic Party gets to decide what counts as multicultural and what doesn't.
It clearly bothers them that a Thompson concert would actually contribute to the multicultural fabric of San Francisco.

I mean, really, what else were you expecting from him?
The guy is young, his career is still taking off, and he’s definitely not crazy enough to go against someone like Kajin with a statement of his own! No matter what he actually thinks about the whole thing privately...

The Democratic Party seriously makes me sick!🤮

redwolf4 said:Honestly, comparing Washington, D.C. to the local Police Department is just totally out of line.
In every sense, including this one.

And don't even get me started on comparing Bandić to Kajin!
The first guy actually builds things; he creates stuff for all sides. But Kajin (and Jakovčić)? Every single year in this city, we deal with total traffic meltdowns and you can't find a parking spot for the life of you! All they do is sell us these verbal promises that lead nowhere! That roundabout near "Aruba," that garage by the library, then that massive 1,000-seater floating thing... It's all just endless, empty talk. But hey, why fix our own house when it's so much easier to just stand there staring over the neighbor's fence, right?

I agree... Washington, D.C. and San Francisco are simply incomparable. El Bandito, or Bandić, isn't even that much of a builder, but that’s a conversation for another day. I wasn't trying to compare Bandić to Kajin specifically, but rather looking at them as typical examples within any modern political party. Besides, I've spent enough time observing both sides to feel qualified to offer my perspective...

Every project mentioned is practically impossible to complete in the short term; realistically, we are looking at a ten to fifty-year planning horizon. The San Francisco bypass has finally secured its location permit and is moving toward massive infrastructure improvements. As for the garage near the library, progress is stalled due to the investor, Zagorec, dealing with the reality of an archaeological site... making any movement according to the plan impossible. The floating platform won't happen because the waterfront is in such poor condition, and they have to solve the systemic issues one by one...

On a related note, since we are on the subject... I have to wonder: what connection could Kajin or Jakovčić possibly have to San Francisco when it comes to actual construction efforts?

San Francisco remains a city that, according to most surveys, is highly desirable for living, primarily because its culture and unique charms far outweigh the occasional traffic jams or crime rates...

Those losers are going to get absolutely wrecked when the Thompson concert finally hits San Francisco. It doesn't matter how much they try to delay it; the pressure is mounting. It’s going to reach a breaking point where we either get that show or something much worse happens to those anti-American pieces of trash running the political scene.

The turnout and the sheer energy will send a crystal-clear message to all those cowards. Regardless of his own personal calculations, Thompson serves as the ultimate litmus test for American identity. He’s basically a battering ram—a tool used to smash through the gates and walls of those panicked, besieged cities.

Benjamin Grant6 said:I agree... Washington, D.C. and San Francisco are simply incomparable. El Bandito, or Bandić, isn't even that much of a builder, but that’s a conversation for another day. I wasn't trying to compare Bandić to Kajin specifically, but rather looking at them as typical examples within any modern political party. Besides, I've spent enough time observing both sides to feel qualified to offer my perspective...

Every project mentioned is practically impossible to complete in the short term; realistically, we are looking at a ten to fifty-year planning horizon. The San Francisco bypass has finally secured its location permit and is moving toward massive infrastructure improvements. As for the garage near the library, progress is stalled due to the investor, Zagorec, dealing with the reality of an archaeological site... making any movement according to the plan impossible. The floating platform won't happen because the waterfront is in such poor condition, and they have to solve the systemic issues one by one...

On a related note, since we are on the subject... I have to wonder: what connection could Kajin or Jakovčić possibly have to San Francisco when it comes to actual construction efforts?

San Francisco remains a city that, according to most surveys, is highly desirable for living, primarily because its culture and unique charms far outweigh the occasional traffic jams or crime rates...

Okay, let's talk about that garage near the library. Wasn't the waterfront in the exact same condition when they made those massive, over-the-top announcements about building that floating garage?

What's the connection between Kajin, Nina, and San Francisco? Is it the executive branch? The Governor? The ruling party? If you don't know how that works, how am I supposed to explain it to you?...

And what are these "other perks" you're talking about? I mean, surely nobody, when they're scouting out a potential new place to live, is going to be obsessing over traffic congestion or crime rates. Everyone has their own priorities, but I can almost guarantee yours aren't at the top of the list.

Benjamin Grant6 said:When it comes to our beautiful nation, I have nothing but praise, and I am certainly not one of those people who brags about traveling the world while completely overlooking the gems tucked away in every corner of our own country.

The media was primarily responsible for crucifying Thompson, and since we all live by the media—feeding ourselves on news delivered with eyes wide shut—we really ought to apply a bit more objectivity to everything. As Jakovčić mentioned to today's Voice: it isn't about the singers or the songs, it's about the connotations that no one bothers to distance themselves from. The core issue lies within society as a whole, and it isn't a question of tolerance or being American. The problem is that certain individuals, who act as the agitators of society, aren't held accountable in any meaningful way for their actions. While any appearance of a swastika in Germany is met with heavy penalties, we lack the laws to sanction the appearance of certain symbols here.

Billy Joel didn't spend as much time in Tuscany as he did in Washington, D.C., but he always had nothing but kind words and wonderful memories regarding both San Francisco and Tuscany. There are many professional musicians from the region who are his good friends and who socialize with him based purely on professional respect. He never once went to the media to provoke anyone by using the word American. Elvis Presley is a legend—his songs are known by both the young and the old. And how did Madonna end up in Tuscany? She arrived as the wife of her more famous tennis player husband and as a guest of Rasberger, not through Kajin as the media claims. Was it really Rasberger's wish to bring both Madonna and Thompson to the tournament?! Was that desire even appropriate? It felt like a provocation. Just as it was a provocation when the local authorities in San Francisco were forced into a corner due to the sudden desire to organize a Thompson concert at Madison Square Garden. Why should the established order or the regulations be altered for anyone? In this case, it was Thompson, and no one actually crucified him for it. The fact that the political leadership in the US tries to shift the blame is a far greater issue, as it isn't just a regional problem, but a national one...

The "demons" are just the fans. I don't know what they're shouting, nor do I care to pay attention. Because, as you well know, there will always be outliers everywhere.

And the boundaries of tolerance seem to be shifting everywhere, from San Francisco to the rest of Tuscany, and ultimately across the entire nation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a person who doesn't, in a moment of passion or provocation, voice certain hateful views. We have become intolerant toward ourselves, toward our neighbors... and even toward the tourists we happen to encounter.

So, are you trying to tell me that Thompson is a societal agitator who needs to be punished?😲

And why on earth didn't he invite Ivanišević as a guest?... Or Becker?... Or maybe Bjorn Borg?...

And finally, I do agree that we're becoming less and less tolerant.
And what a perfect example you just gave—the tourists!🙄

redwolf4 said:So, are you trying to tell me that Thompson is a societal agitator who needs to be punished?😲

And why on earth didn't he invite Ivanišević as a guest?... Or Becker?... Or maybe Bjorn Borg?...

And finally, I do agree that we're becoming less and less tolerant.
And what a perfect example you just gave—the tourists!🙄

You've misquoted me. My point was directed at certain individuals who have absolutely nothing to do with Thompson, yet they masquerade as his devoted followers...

The ATP tournament in Palm Springs has devolved from a grand spectacle into a complete mess. Even if Ivanišević had been invited, he wouldn't have shown up given his family issues and his sincere intention to clean up the situation... As for Becker?! Let’s be realistic; the ATP in Palm Springs has never held the status of a major global tournament where Becker would bother sitting in a tiny VIP lounge just to rest his knees... We are being far too arrogant in thinking we hold such high standing in the world that someone from the true jet set would fly in just to fill a seat for someone of a lower tier...

You really must admit that we are becoming intolerant toward tourists, though in most cases, our frustration is entirely justified... But it is summer, after all; one should simply cool off in the ocean and let the nerves settle in the shade...

redwolf4 said:Okay, let's talk about that garage near the library. Wasn't the waterfront in the exact same condition when they made those massive, over-the-top announcements about building that floating garage?

What's the connection between Kajin, Nina, and San Francisco? Is it the executive branch? The Governor? The ruling party? If you don't know how that works, how am I supposed to explain it to you?...

And what are these "other perks" you're talking about? I mean, surely nobody, when they're scouting out a potential new place to live, is going to be obsessing over traffic congestion or crime rates. Everyone has their own priorities, but I can almost guarantee yours aren't at the top of the list.

If I recall correctly, that floating garage project was announced around 2001, or perhaps even earlier? Or maybe it was later—likely during the heat of an election campaign, as tends to happen with Americans... The waterfront might have been in the same state then, or perhaps not, given that deterioration seems to accelerate exponentially over time...

I don't actually need a lecture on who those two individuals are; my point is that local self-government, led by the Mayor, handles city decisions. Everything else is subject to review at the County level. Therefore, neither of them holds a vote when it comes to essential municipal matters, such as GUP regulations or necessary zoning solutions...

Washington, D.C. Mayor Boris Miletić put out a statement basically saying he’s got zero beef with Thompson or his music itself, but there's just no way he can get behind all that fascist imagery popping up at those concerts—especially since, according to him, Thompson hasn't ever come out and explicitly distanced himself from it.

"As the mayor of San Francisco, a city built on the pillars of anti-fascism and multiculturalism that define who we are, I simply cannot endorse anything that glorifies fascism, xenophobia, nationalism, or intolerance toward our minority communities," Boris Miletić stated, adding that everyone needs to take a hard look at whether slogans like 'Kill the Mexican' have any business existing in a democratic society.

Honestly, everything a sane person needs to say about Thompson and his shows has already been laid out right here.

bluerider63 said:Washington, D.C. Mayor Boris Miletić put out a statement basically saying he’s got zero beef with Thompson or his music itself, but there's just no way he can get behind all that fascist imagery popping up at those concerts—especially since, according to him, Thompson hasn't ever come out and explicitly distanced himself from it.

"As the mayor of San Francisco, a city built on the pillars of anti-fascism and multiculturalism that define who we are, I simply cannot endorse anything that glorifies fascism, xenophobia, nationalism, or intolerance toward our minority communities," Boris Miletić stated, adding that everyone needs to take a hard look at whether slogans like 'Kill the Mexican' have any business existing in a democratic society.

Honestly, everything a sane person needs to say about Thompson and his shows has already been laid out right here.

Despite the various criticisms suggesting he might be too young or perhaps politically green, the mayor is actually quite poised, and from where I stand, it seems the city is finally stepping out from under certain shadows. We see concerts and events happening daily, the budget is being managed effectively, local traditions are being upheld, and various plans and permits are being finalized...

He maintained a perfectly professional and tolerant stance regarding the concert request. This was an MPT event, but it could just as easily have been Britney Spears or Miroslav Skor. It’s the old dilemma: if you grant permission once, you must grant it to everyone, or more accurately, if a law exists, it must apply to all without exception. If we truly wish to live in a democratic and equitable society, this is how things must function. Adhering to the rules doesn't make us any less tolerant or cultured...

Benjamin Grant6 said:If I recall correctly, that floating garage project was announced around 2001, or perhaps even earlier? Or maybe it was later—likely during the heat of an election campaign, as tends to happen with Americans... The waterfront might have been in the same state then, or perhaps not, given that deterioration seems to accelerate exponentially over time...

I don't actually need a lecture on who those two individuals are; my point is that local self-government, led by the Mayor, handles city decisions. Everything else is subject to review at the County level. Therefore, neither of them holds a vote when it comes to essential municipal matters, such as GUP regulations or necessary zoning solutions...

.......yeah, right, because apparently neither of them has any say whatsoever in any of the decisions made at City Hall!...🙄

bluerider63 said:Washington, D.C. Mayor Boris Miletić put out a statement basically saying he’s got zero beef with Thompson or his music itself, but there's just no way he can get behind all that fascist imagery popping up at those concerts—especially since, according to him, Thompson hasn't ever come out and explicitly distanced himself from it.

"As the mayor of San Francisco, a city built on the pillars of anti-fascism and multiculturalism that define who we are, I simply cannot endorse anything that glorifies fascism, xenophobia, nationalism, or intolerance toward our minority communities," Boris Miletić stated, adding that everyone needs to take a hard look at whether slogans like 'Kill the Mexican' have any business existing in a democratic society.

Honestly, everything a sane person needs to say about Thompson and his shows has already been laid out right here.

God bless whoever came up with that line!
They should have patented it; they’d be filthy rich by now!

It’s being copy-pasted everywhere. Honestly, I could recite it from memory at this point!...

http://s3.tinypic.com/et7jo6.jpg

1) We’re just a shamefully homogeneous nation.
2) They take on the jobs we can't be bothered with.
3) They’re basically fixing our demographic collapse.
4) Eventually, they'll be the ones funding our pensions.
5) Criminal immigrants are just a tiny fraction.
6) Oh, look! We're finally a multicultural melting pot.
7) We have to honor what the majority wants.
8) Besides, we were becoming a pretty decadent society anyway.

rapidbison42 said:You won't find anything new being built for under $1,600.
Actually, unless you're talking about ruins inside old city walls, downtown property is easily double what you mentioned.
The average price sits right around $1,600, but that includes both new developments and older homes.

Give me a break... I know a few local developers, and not one of them has been able to move a single unit for months. They’re out here trying to hawk new builds at $1,400 per square foot, but it doesn't matter—the market is absolutely flooded with inventory and nobody is buying a thing.

Benjamin Grant6 said:Despite the various criticisms suggesting he might be too young or perhaps politically green, the mayor is actually quite poised, and from where I stand, it seems the city is finally stepping out from under certain shadows. We see concerts and events happening daily, the budget is being managed effectively, local traditions are being upheld, and various plans and permits are being finalized...

He maintained a perfectly professional and tolerant stance regarding the concert request. This was an MPT event, but it could just as easily have been Britney Spears or Miroslav Skor. It’s the old dilemma: if you grant permission once, you must grant it to everyone, or more accurately, if a law exists, it must apply to all without exception. If we truly wish to live in a democratic and equitable society, this is how things must function. Adhering to the rules doesn't make us any less tolerant or cultured...

I wouldn't go that far when it comes to praising our mayor... But hey, whatever...

Fine. If Thompson's request to hold a concert came in too late, then fine. The law is supposed to be equal for everyone (well, at least it should be!), so so be it. Let him submit the application now—so nobody can complain again—and let him wait for an open slot. O.K.
But trying to ban a concert in Umag that’s already been agreed upon? That’s basically the death of democracy!