novacaine 0 #1 February 13, 2003 Too begin things off I'd say I'm not a "regular" here at dz.com. I usually just read the forums since they used to be a gathering place of great minds and ideas. Lately though I've noticed that these forums are now becoming tools to drive hate and anger towards others countries and beliefs. What is written in some forums discuss me. Such topic headings as "Anti-Americnism" inwhich many people here thought was uncanning. But in other forums such as "News on CNN" some wrote jokes about the French. What is wrong with this picture? If someone from France wrote something like that about Americians all hell would break lose. Then there is the forum "Dear Sunshine" inwhich a joke was written about deporting Canadians. Yes I know that these were written as a joke but lets remember that if you don't like other nations seeking harshly about Americians THEN DON'T SPEAK ILL OF OTHERS! It's just common sence people. What has happened to this place. Skydiving from what I know, is not only about flying and being free; its also about the social aspect of the sport. A "family-hood" as many of you have put it. The last thing I want to do after a tough day at work, is coming here to see many people knocking on each other. I used to find DZ.com as a place where I came to relax. But lately I've realized that doesn't exist here anymore. Yes the world is going to shit, but does DZ.com need to go with it? I don't think so, we're a group that has choosen to be different then the world. So lets start acting different and become friendly. Goodnight! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nws01 0 #2 February 13, 2003 Why did the Canadian lose a spelling be? Because they were asked it spell Canada and the person spelled it C-a-n-a-d-a...A.Get it. You all usually put an A at the end of a sentence. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #3 February 13, 2003 Canada, duh! Seriously though, unfortunately, I have contributed to the whole mud-slinging thing with a post, for which I apologize. I didn't mean it, and I won't repeat it. I was braindead tired after 12 hours of non stop school, wasn't thinking straight. I guess that people just don't like to hear bad things said about their countries. Seems that, at a time like this, these things will surface. The question is, will we look past the differences in thinking? I hope yes. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #4 February 13, 2003 It's the weather. It's gotta be. All these skydivers unable to skydive, so what do they do? They turn on each other. Many people are avoiding much of the contention by staying out of the TalkBack forum. There's still arguments going on in the topical forums, but there seems to be a bit less passion and general bad feelings than there is in the many "political" threads going in TalkBack lately. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #5 February 13, 2003 QuoteIt's the weather. It's gotta be. All these skydivers unable to skydive, so what do they do? They turn on each other. They also bitch about the wffc video...----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
novacaine 0 #6 February 13, 2003 Actually that happened to me once! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
novacaine 0 #7 February 13, 2003 I guess that people just don't like to hear bad things said about their countries. I don't know about that. I usually joke about my country with friends. But I try not to speak ill of other countries. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
novacaine 0 #8 February 13, 2003 Amen to that!!! I haven't been out skydiving since October. Winter in Canada sucks!...but on the otherside of things scuba diving under ice is what gets me through until skydiving starts up in May Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #9 February 13, 2003 True, but if there's a discussion, and you present constructive criticism based on facts, I'd imagine it should be at least taken on the basis of those facts. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep my mouth shut from now on -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dterrick 0 #10 February 13, 2003 Quote ...lose a spelling be Dare I point out the irony...? ...or perhaps was the Canadian not an existentialist? (sorry, "that" would be "Be", not be) Dave from Manitoba, a place not much different from North Dakota PS: The correct spelling is c-EH-n-EH-d-i-EH-n Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
novacaine 0 #11 February 13, 2003 Quote True, but if there's a discussion, and you present constructive criticism based on facts, I'd imagine it should be at least taken on the basis of those facts. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep my mouth shut from now on Don't keep your mouth shut. We each have to right to voice our concerns. If there is facts by all means share the facts. But if it is a conversation without facts no sides wins. and thats what I'm trying to voice. I'm just trying to bring awareness to the two sides of the coin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #12 February 13, 2003 Quote Quote ...lose a spelling be Dare I point out the irony...? ...or perhaps was the Canadian not an existentialist? (sorry, "that" would be "Be", not be) Dave from Manitoba, a place not much different from North Dakota PS: The correct spelling is c-EH-n-EH-d-i-EH-n Dang it boy....spell it right Nort DakOdaFly it like you stole it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #13 February 13, 2003 QuoteI guess that people just don't like to hear bad things said about their countries. I don't know about that. I usually joke about my country with friends. But I try not to speak ill of other countries. There are many people that subscribe to the "love it, or leave it" mentality. Then there are those who are very outspoken about their government and its leadership. Are they more patriotic? You could argue that. Then again, I do not know of many countries that one would be allowed to be critical about its national leadership. Only in the USA. And that is one of the freedoms that those in the armed services, both current and former, have taken an oath to defend. Do you think there are many demonstrations against the Iraqi regime in Bahgdad? I doubt it. I also doubt that the citizens there will protest any issue. Iraq may be a bad example, but I hope you see the point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflyz 0 #14 February 13, 2003 I can see the video now "When Skydivers Attack"!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #15 February 13, 2003 Quote I can see the video now "When Skydivers Attack"!!! Can we order it at SQ1? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mujie96 0 #16 February 13, 2003 How do you sell a deaf man a duck? Just keep swimming...just keep swimming.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #17 February 13, 2003 No !!!!! Not the dreaded duck joke! God help us all!!!!! Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
novacaine 0 #18 February 13, 2003 Then again, I do not know of many countries that one would be allowed to be critical about its national leadership. Only in the USA. i agree with the point you made. But lets be careful about the words one chooses to say. All democratic countries have right to question the leadership skills. Its all part of the checks and balance of power. Since this is a worldwide forum I would add that countries such as Britian, German and Canada have these freedoms not just the States. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,118 #19 February 13, 2003 Quote Then again, I do not know of many countries that one would be allowed to be critical about its national leadership. Only in the USA. i agree with the point you made. But lets be careful about the words one chooses to say. All democratic countries have right to question the leadership skills. Its all part of the checks and balance of power. Since this is a worldwide forum I would add that countries such as Britian, German and Canada have these freedoms not just the States. I think your second paragraph contradicts your first paragraph.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kmcguffee 0 #20 February 13, 2003 It was Shark's statement not his. "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallingMarc 0 #21 February 13, 2003 As for the making jokes about other countries--there is somewhat of a familial bond between skydivers... and along with that, we make fun, argue, and fight just like brothers and sisters. But it's ok, because we all know in the end, we'll all still jump together, and we can make jokes and still be family. Ok, got the smarminess out for the day. I feel better now. M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #22 February 13, 2003 Before 9/11/2001, the entire world was a different place. I think the change in some of the forum threads that reflect more of a political nature are just a sign of the times. Plus, the community has grown by leaps and bounds. It would be impossible to be as tight-knight as we were 2 or more years ago. Change is inevitable, but it's not necessarily such a bad thing. You just have to look at it with a positive attitude as a way to meet more people and learn more about the world and the views and beliefs of the people that inhabit it. Then make plans to meet up with one of those people and go skydive....it's all good. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slink2 0 #23 February 13, 2003 I agree, perhaps politics should be banned on this site. You would think that people would notice that this is a international forum, respect other skydivers' countries as they all have individual opinions and can't be held accountable for their government's actions just as I have no say over what America does. (all that freedom voting bullshit aside). I'm not a liberal and my solution to fighting terrorism would probably get me banned from this site but I'll keep that to myself. Have respect for other skydivers and their homeland! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #24 February 13, 2003 Quote Quote I can see the video now "When Skydivers Attack"!!! Can we order it at SQ1? Well we're not quite sure when it will arrive since it's being made by skydivers and you all know how THEY are about getting things like videos out when they say they will. *runs and hides under nearest table to avoid injury from the numerous camera batteries, VHS tapes, film containers and other stuff being hurled at me with great violence by various camera fliers* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mad47 0 #25 February 13, 2003 I'm afraid that if I raise voice I'll be beaten up here ... Never trust damn Russians Seriously, lets remember that we are all big community no matter where do we live and what language we speak. Here is one of the greatest lessons I have learned skydiving: After graduation at SD Texas me and couple of my buddies with fresh ink on A licenses started to check each others gear before loading to airplane. After may be 20 of such gear checks it clicked in by brain that I, former Russian military, completely and without any doubt TRUST MY LIFE to former US infantry and marines. Soon afterwards I realize that they feel the same and it was one of the most amazing feelings! People will never stop hating each other (well, at least in nearest future) but I believe that skydivers can do better than the rest of the world. Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
