I've also heard the "stupid tax" or "dumb tax" as what you pay when learning or doing something new. There will be times that you look or feel like an idiot, but we've all been there, don't let it stop you. Learn from your mistakes and persevere. You're never too old to keep learning - knowledge, skills, compassion, empathy, shame, regret, success, failure. Life's a trip, appreciate it for all its aspects and keep at it.
It doesn't have to be Bernie himself - he's ancient, no argue about that. He's got solid, unwavering values that he's held for decades. He promotes and endorses liberal policies that are good for the nation. The takeaway is that liberal policies are popular and they excite people. Heading for the center bores everyone.
Unfortunately though, if you toggle the switch to "2024 Voters", the map gets less red (Red indicating underwater in approval rating, grey being positive - for anyone that didn't play with the map.) Those haters need to vote!
As a single tool, no, not a chance in hell of becoming fluent. It's definitely a good aide and introduction to branch out into more media and sources of another language though.
I will say, with Duolingo I do appreciate the manipulation to keep me going. I probably wouldn't have spent near as much time on another language if it weren't for keeping that streak going. I can definitely understand the harm in it being used for maligne purposes. With any tool, it's who wields it and for what intent.
Early 2000's I worked with a man that had moved from Iran to Missouri. He sounded like he was from Brooklyn because he learned so much of his English from movies.
Really? First thing I do after a power outage is turn off the sound on the microwave. I'm not putting stuff in for hours, I've not forgotten about it. If I'm not taking it out of the microwave immediately it's because I'm busy. Settle down, machine.
I've also heard the "stupid tax" or "dumb tax" as what you pay when learning or doing something new. There will be times that you look or feel like an idiot, but we've all been there, don't let it stop you. Learn from your mistakes and persevere. You're never too old to keep learning - knowledge, skills, compassion, empathy, shame, regret, success, failure. Life's a trip, appreciate it for all its aspects and keep at it.