[Spoilers] Discussion Topic: Season 9

[JE7]

 

Specifically, the foreign national is not subject to the regulations regarding export controls of precision guidance technology.  It is up to the university and the US citizens working on the technology to prevent the export.  Raj should not be allowed in the lab where the device is located, and Howard, Leonard, and Sheldon are not allowed to give him any documents regarding this device.  It is not Raj's fault if they allow him into the lab.  It is their responsibility to keep him out.

 

This is a very, very specialized area, and I just happen to know people who work in it.

Your assuming Raj had no intent (which admittedly he didn't) but any investigation will go forward in the assumption he was a potential threat to national  security until facts show otherwise. Would have go through prison in n the end no. Would he be subject to investigation to determine his motives absolutely. Would this investigation cause him problems untill he was Cleared most definetly. Is Raj a spy is question #1 they would want answered as that is the most serious possible charge to come from it

Edited April 27, 2016 by JE7

[stardustmelody]

 

Your assuming Raj had no intent (which admittedly he didn't) but any investigation will go forward in the assumption he was a potential threat to national  security until facts show otherwise. Would have go through prison in n the end no. Would he be subject to investigation to determine his motives absolutely. Would this investigation cause him problems untill he was Cleared most definitely

Do we know if Raj ever submitted to the naturalization process?  Perhaps he became a US citizen at some point.  Unclear but not completely out of the realm.

[hokie3457]

 

The bold part: I'm not sure I follow? Don't get me wrong, I agree that Sheldon, Penny and Leonard are using each other as crutches, and I-sadly-agree that they'll never realise that about themselves with enough force to do anything about it. Because the writers either don't realise, or they don't care. This is the same crew that thinks that a baby- a baby- is less disruptive to the show's dynamics than having Lenny move into 4B.

The main problem, I think, is the thought that the major portion of viewers (not us here on the forum) believe that one of the main attractions of TBBT is the friendship of Sheldon and Penny.  I thing TPTB feel that the best way to retain a large segment of viewership is by keeping Sheldon and Penny in close proximity.  Any thoughts???

[JE7]

 

Do we know if Raj ever submitted to the naturalization process?  Perhaps he became a US citizen at some point.  Unclear but not completely out of the realm.

As far as we know he didn't, the only thing ever mentioned about his status was he was here on a research/work visa in season 3

Edited April 27, 2016 by JE7

[stardustmelody]

 

As far as we know he didn't, the only thing ever mentioned about his status was he was here in a research/work visa application n season 3

Yes...I realize they have not shown or mentioned anything on the show....but the writers often slip stuff by later that we are like "when did that happen?"   So this could be one of those things.   Maybe Raj is already a naturalized citizen so him being in the lab with the boys is a non-issue.   But I can see why this discussion happened and it has been an interesting and informative discussion so assuming we are still with what we knew from S3, yes, the government could be very much on his case.  It will be interesting to see if they drop this story or continue it in S10.  Kind of would like to see it continue.

[djsurrey]

 

Do we know if Raj ever submitted to the naturalization process?  Perhaps he became a US citizen at some point.  Unclear but not completely out of the realm.

Since they have made a story about him being worried about being deported before I 'd think we would have been told if his status was changing. Of course these writers are not above writing stuff into history.

[Swedish Chef]

 

The main problem, I think, is the thought that the major portion of viewers (not us here on the forum) believe that one of the main attractions of TBBT is the friendship of Sheldon and Penny.  I thing TPTB feel that the best way to retain a large segment of viewership is by keeping Sheldon and Penny in close proximity.  Any thoughts???

I think Sheldon and Penny was much more fun in the early seasons, back then they didn´t have that friendship/closeness we have seen this season. One example is panty pinata

[mirs1]

 

The main problem, I think, is the thought that the major portion of viewers (not us here on the forum) believe that one of the main attractions of TBBT is the friendship of Sheldon and Penny.  I thing TPTB feel that the best way to retain a large segment of viewership is by keeping Sheldon and Penny in close proximity.  Any thoughts???

Penny and Sheldon have lived in two different apartments for 8 years, so if they return to live in different apartments people could still enjoy their friendship. For me, the main problem is that for the major part of the viewers the living arrangements, as they are, are not a problem at all, and they enjoy them. 

[Lady in Red]

 

Your assuming Raj had no intent (which admittedly he didn't) but any investigation will go forward in the assumption he was a potential threat to national  security until facts show otherwise. Would have go through prison in n the end no. Would he be subject to investigation to determine his motives absolutely. Would this investigation cause him problems untill he was Cleared most definitely

No, this is not espionage, it is export.  It is sufficient to have a piece of paper about a protected technology on your desk visible to a foreign national for you to be accused of violation of export controls.  Raj has no problems, in fact, he would be an importer of the technology.  It is the exporters that are in trouble.

I found this page on the University of Massachusetts Boston web site about this topic.

https://www.umb.edu/research/policies_procedures/research_compliance/overview_of_export_control_laws

Export control laws (ECLs) represent a comprehensive set of federal regulations that control and restrict the release of critical technologies, technical data, software code, equipment, chemical and biological materials, and other materials, information, and services to foreign nationals or foreign countries for reasons of foreign policy and national security. Any transfer to a citizen or permanent resident of a foreign country, irregardless of where the transfer occurs, is deemed by the United States government to be an export to that country.

Some of the work conducted by University faculty, staff and students falls under U.S. export controls.  It is therefore each employee's responsibility to understand any export control requirements related to his or her work and to ensure that no exports are made contrary to any of these laws and regulations.  This means making sure that any required licenses or approvals are in place prior to exporting anything that is export controlled. Program and project managers are responsible for taking export controls into consideration during the planning and implementation of their programs or projects, as well as whenever those activities change in scope or direction.

 

[hokie3457]

 

I think Sheldon and Penny was much more fun in the early seasons, back then they didn´t have that friendship/closeness we have seen this season. One example is panty pinata

Frankly, that is probably what drew a lot of attention to them---their battles back and forth and Leonard acting as a referee.

[JE7]

 

Yes...I realize they have not shown or mentioned anything on the show....but the writers often slip stuff by later that we are like "when did that happen?"   So this could be one of those things.   Maybe Raj is already a naturalized citizen so him being in the lab with the boys is a non-issue.   But I can see why this discussion happened and it has been an interesting and informative discussion so assuming we are still with what we knew from S3, yes, the government could be very much on his case.  It will be interesting to see if they drop this story or continue it in S10.  Kind of would like to see it continue.

I think his parents would be very opposed to him leaving India permenetly and without thier support his accustomed lifestyle would no longer be possible. And Raj ain't given up being rich and pampered

Edited April 27, 2016 by JE7

[djsurrey]

 

The main problem, I think, is the thought that the major portion of viewers (not us here on the forum) believe that one of the main attractions of TBBT is the friendship of Sheldon and Penny.  I thing TPTB feel that the best way to retain a large segment of viewership is by keeping Sheldon and Penny in close proximity.  Any thoughts???

I think the primary issue is keeping Leonard with Sheldon. Without Leonard Sheldon is alone with Amy and he might not hold on to her either. Leonard is the bridge between Sheldon and the rest of the gang. That could be changed but who can say if it will work.

Edited April 27, 2016 by djsurrey

[JE7]

 

No, this is not espionage, it is export.  It is sufficient to have a piece of paper about a protected technology on your desk visible to a foreign national for you to be accused of violation of export controls.  Raj has no problems, in fact, he would be an importer of the technology.  It is the exporters that are in trouble.

I found this page on the University of Massachusetts Boston web site about this topic.

https://www.umb.edu/research/policies_procedures/research_compliance/overview_of_export_control_laws

Export control laws (ECLs) represent a comprehensive set of federal regulations that control and restrict the release of critical technologies, technical data, software code, equipment, chemical and biological materials, and other materials, information, and services to foreign nationals or foreign countries for reasons of foreign policy and national security. Any transfer to a citizen or permanent resident of a foreign country, irregardless of where the transfer occurs, is deemed by the United States government to be an export to that country.

Some of the work conducted by University faculty, staff and students falls under U.S. export controls.  It is therefore each employee's responsibility to understand any export control requirements related to his or her work and to ensure that no exports are made contrary to any of these laws and regulations.  This means making sure that any required licenses or approvals are in place prior to exporting anything that is export controlled. Program and project managers are responsible for taking export controls into consideration during the planning and implementation of their programs or projects, as well as whenever those activities change in scope or direction.

 

Thevguys "crime" wiuld be violating export regs, Raj's "crime" would be espionage. A foreign national possibly Seeking information about a technology classed as vital to national security would be investigated to determine his motives and alligences 

The question would be is Raj a hapless bystander or is he Joyce Kim using the guys to get information usefull for his home country? The gov would not simply assume the guys are clueless and move on they WOULD want to determine Raj's motives and intentions 

Edited April 27, 2016 by JE7

[Lady in Red]

 

Yes...I realize they have not shown or mentioned anything on the show....but the writers often slip stuff by later that we are like "when did that happen?"   So this could be one of those things.   Maybe Raj is already a naturalized citizen so him being in the lab with the boys is a non-issue.   But I can see why this discussion happened and it has been an interesting and informative discussion so assuming we are still with what we knew from S3, yes, the government could be very much on his case.  It will be interesting to see if they drop this story or continue it in S10.  Kind of would like to see it continue.

It's quite possible that the show's writers and science experts wandered into this area by accident.  It started off being about super-cooled fluids and only recently became a guidance system.  We will have to see exactly what Howard is worried about first.  As the lead researcher on this project (or perhaps this would be Leonard), he should be well aware of export controls, and that his technology is covered by these rules.  The university has a responsibility for training all of the researchers working there on this subject.  Yes, if Raj has obtained some sort of exemption, that would help.  Then, of course, no one would be following Howard's car in the first place, and he would not be in a panic.

Edited April 27, 2016 by Lady in Red

[BigBang15]

IIRC, no one was following Howard's car but Leonard.

 

[JE7]

I can't fantasize about Ugh Raj gong to prison, I can't fantasize about Ugh Raj being deported, I can't fantasize about Emily going all SAW on ugh Raj.....

You guys are mean

 

(Ugh Raj (TM) is the property of Wowbagger industries)

 

 

Edited April 27, 2016 by JE7
-@$#(! phone keyboard

[Lady in Red]

 

I can't fantasize about Ugh Raj hi ng to prison, I can't fantasize about Ugh Raj being deported, I can't fantasize vabout Emily going all SAW on ugh Raj.....

You guys are mean

 

LOL.  Sorry, JE7.  We will need more than export controls to deport Raj.

[JE7]

 

LOL.  Sorry, JE7.  We will need more than export controls to deport Raj.

I know.... Sigh

 

IIRC, no one was following Howard's car but Leonard.

 

We know but that's not really the point this is actually based on Howard and Ugh Raj's (TM) reaction and is simply an interesting thought exercise and speculation of possible future plot lines. We do that here 

Edited April 27, 2016 by JE7
I need a bigger phone

[wowbagger]

 

The main problem, I think, is the thought that the major portion of viewers (not us here on the forum) believe that one of the main attractions of TBBT is the friendship of Sheldon and Penny.  I thing TPTB feel that the best way to retain a large segment of viewership is by keeping Sheldon and Penny in close proximity.  Any thoughts???

Well, I used to be a big fan of the friendship before it became sort of...toothless. I used to enjoy the fact that Sheldon and Penny were opposites who pulled each other out of their comfort zones, but whose perspectives had value for each other. But that relied on a sharp, clear sense of who these characters were. And this season in particular the show's characterisation for the Big Three (plus Amy) has wandered into some sort of swamp where nobody (save Sheldon) is a) recognisable, or b ) distinct from each other.

1) Penny likes a fantasy show set in a mediaeval-esque realm, and not Amy? Oo-kay...

2) Penny chuckles at Sheldon's contract-based puns, and not Amy? Ooo...kay....

3) Amy mocks Sheldon's almost-sexual love of contractual/parliamentary procedure, and not Penny? Ooo..kay...

4) Leonard bickers with Amy over whose relationship with Sheldon is intimate enough to have the privilege of dealing with his freakouts, and not-I mean, who even does that? Ooo..kay...

As to whether Penny and Sheldon need to be in proximity to bring in the bums on seats: TPTB may be thinking that, but lots (in fact, the majority) of great Sheldon/Penny moments occurred when Penny lived across the hall from Sheldon and Leonard. And where is it that Lenny would be moving, if they were ever, ever allowed to? Why, across the hall from Sheldon. The same hall, even. 

So I don't know. I agree with you that the writers are freaking out about resolving the living arrangements, and it might indeed be for the reason you mention, but intellectually, that really seems like nonsense. 

Edited April 27, 2016 by wowbagger

[joyceraye]

1 hour ago, JE7 said:

I think his parents would be very opposed to him leaving India permenetly and without thier support his accustomed lifestyle would no longer be possible. And Raj ain't given up being rich and pampered

Not just his parents. India does not allow dual nationality so he'd become a foreigner unable to own property there if he was naturalised anywhere else. Raj's heart is where his money is.

[wowbagger]

6 minutes ago, joyceraye said:

Not just his parents. India does not allow dual nationality so he'd become a foreigner unable to own property there if he was naturalised anywhere else. Raj's heart is where his money is.

I think that's just agricultural property- at least now. India's loosened restrictions on foreign capital in lots of ways.

[JE7]

1 minute ago, wowbagger said:

I think that's just agricultural property- at least now. India's loosened restrictions on foreign capital in lots of ways.

Not as much as you might think, many company's setting up in India are having problems due to the requirement to buy supplies/parts in country and the local quality is not up to snuff it's still a struggle to successfully expand into the country

[joyceraye]

1 hour ago, JE7 said:

The question would be is Raj a hapless bystander or is he Joyce Kim using the guys to get information usefull for his home country? The gov would not simply assume the guys are clueless and move on they WOULD want to determine Raj's motives and intentions 

Raj is a Cambridge man. That place has been a hotbed of espionage in the past and may well still be so. I bet MI5,MI6 and the CIA like to keep an eye on certain scientists. For all we know he's under surveillance anyway.

He says he doesn't like India where it's crowded and smelly, with food he doesn't like, but why is he really living in a poky little apartment with only a thrice-weekly cleaning lady when he could have a huge place with servants ? After all, the sky is still the sky. If they're suspicious one could see why.  Hmmmmm.

[wowbagger]

13 minutes ago, JE7 said:

Not as much as you might think, many company's setting up in India are having problems due to the requirement to buy supplies/parts in country and the local quality is not up to snuff it's still a struggle to successfully expand into the country

Well, there might be protectionism in industries. I can't speak to that, but I think private household investment (such as Raj would likely engage in) is a different matter? And he'd be what they call an Overseas Citizen of India, and they're allowed almost all the privileges of Indian citizens except this thing about agricultural land- and of course they wouldn't be able to run for political office. Raj might want to run for Prime Minister one day, but I do not see him on a farm!

[joyceraye]

15 minutes ago, wowbagger said:

I think that's just agricultural property- at least now. India's loosened restrictions on foreign capital in lots of ways.

You can't even buy a home for yourself in India if you're not Indian. So, the rental market produces a good return in certain cities. Any of Raj's investments that were in  that sort of real estate would have to go if he gave up his Indian nationality. I'm told by Indian friends it's also more complicated to travel to India when you become a foreigner. People with family there hold on to their Indian nationality even if they've lived in UK for 50 years so they can go and see to problems with parents very quickly in an emergency without having to faff about with visas and stuff.