billvon 3,111 #1 July 1, 2002 We've really become a nation of wimps. Take the pledge thing. A district court decides that we can't put a reference to a type of religion (monotheism) in what is essentially a declaration of US citizenship. Fine; that makes sense, since such alliances between one type of religion and the government are expressly forbidden. The next time we write a national anthem, or a pledge of allegiance, leave out the god part. But, of course, that's not enough. A huge stink develops - we have to take the words out, rewrite the lyrics, eradicate that old offensive song. We have to change our money, signage on buildings, and oaths in court. We have to censor the President, change the words to "America the Beautiful" and "Star Spangled Banner." And we have to do all this because if we don't - God forbid! - someone might get offended. Come on. The pledge is part of our history now, even with the errors it contains. Heck, there are parts of the _constitution_ that are unconstitutional! If the words of the present pledge bug you, don't say them. Leave those two words out. Or leave them in if you like them. Or leave them in and say a prayer afterwards. No one's going to throw you in jail. I was reminded of this issue recently. A school in Santa Barbara outlawed tag because, in their words "in this game, there is a 'victim' or 'It,' which creates a self-esteem issue. The oldest or biggest child usually dominates." Come on! Having your turn in the barrel is something you _have_ to learn. It's essential to any child's development to sometimes be good at something, sometimes be bad. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. There is no law that says children must never lose or be exposed to failure, or that they should be protected from doing something they're not fond of doing. In fact, it's somewhat vital that they _do_ get exposed to both success and failure, so they know how to deal with both. We've gotten way too sensitive to this stuff. If you don't want to play tag, don't play - you don't need a rule. If you don't want to say "under god" in the pledge, don't say it - we don't need to spend millions printing all new inoffensive pledges. Tolerance works both ways, and sometimes you have to tolerate that which bugs you or even makes you feel bad. We could use a little more of that kind of tolerance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 July 1, 2002 Gig'em! Bill, I'm with you here!--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #3 July 1, 2002 Yep........once again Bill my friend you rock the mutha livin hay house.!!! Oh and if ya'll notice the pic under my name that is Billv,me and Skybytch following our own yellow brick road Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #4 July 1, 2002 I have to agree!!!! J Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #5 July 1, 2002 QuoteYep........once again Bill my friend you rock the mutha livin hay house.!!! Oh and if ya'll notice the pic under my name that is Billv,me and Skybytch following our own yellow brick road yellow...brick...road...YOU GUYS DIDN'T PISS ON THE RUNWAY DID YOU!!??I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #6 July 1, 2002 Bill, You mean to tell me that the survival of the fitest law shouldn't have to be re-written? I agree with you 100%. People would start taking responsibiliy for themselves and their own actions i dont think we would need a different set of rules for every human in this country(make believe I'm back in the states) my child is weak lets make a law against being strong. my child is dumb lets make a law against being smart. my child is always losing lets make a law against winning. my child killed him/herself lets blame the music! maybe the parents should take some fukn time to talk to their kids rather then try to protect them from every thing! I grew up in a VERY diverse area. I believ I am a better person for it. sure there were trial and tribulation and it was fukn tough growing up but if my parents had the stupidity to protect me from those experiences I would be fighting against you, BIll, not with you! pretty fukn pathetic society we are developing!(but let me tell you what I really think)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fasterfaller 0 #7 July 1, 2002 I could not agree more.It seems we are becoming a society of criers,to those who cry I say "toughen up crier" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #8 July 1, 2002 when did "proaction" become "reaction" when I was a kid(OMG did i just become my father) my parents knew that my life would suck so they prepared me for disappiontments. I found ways to overcome them and find a descent life. when did "preparation" become "protection?" I was prepared to have a shitty life but hell I did pretty damn good for myself so far! protecting me from failures and defeat would have only made me WEAKER! now-a-days ppl wait til something happens then complian til someone fixes it for them rather then preparing for uncertainties and learning from them! grrr! it is frustration to see a society of old childminded people. they sure as hell arent adults!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #9 July 1, 2002 The following is what I wish Dan Aykroyd would say. So read it really fast like he would Quote Jane you ignorant slut. Don't you realize that by making this sort of statement you're giving in to the Falwells, Buchanans, Limbaugh's and other right-wing wackos that have been having a field day since GW Bush stole this election from the Godless, tree-hugging, commie bastards known as the liberals? This country isn't red, white and blue. It has to be black and white you grey-haired old hag and it's about time you find out that we like our issues and answers as simple as as we are. We Americans like the idea of freedom of religion as long as we don't have to actually think about what that means in a nation composed of 56% Protestant, 28% Roman Catholic, 2% Jewish, 4% other religions and 10% of the people claiming no religion whatsoever. (ref. CIA Factbook) So what if we trample the rights of perhaps 16% of the country as long we get a simple answer that our simple minds can focus on and not pay attention to any of the real issues our nation (not particularly under one God) faces. After all, as long as the majority of the people in this country want something, we'll get it. Isn't that right Mr. President -- Gore? But I guess, Jane, you wouldn't know anything about that while you and your friends hold the U.S. Constitution in one hand, the Bible in another, the Pledge of Allegiance in another hand and in a couple of other hands hold the Torah, a deck of Tarot cards, The Qur'an, The Tao te Ching and Mao's little red book like some multi-armed Vishnu and say that we the American people can all somehow get along if we simply add or subtract what we want as the situation and our fancies strike us. Well, that would be fine if we lived in a perfect world and people actually could do that, but I have a feeling that the other 84 percent of the people in this world that think they've won this round will be emboldened to go on to other issues where the minority rights will simply be trampled yet again. Money isn't the issue here and neither is the historical significance of some local Shiner-wannabees lobbying efforts with Congress during a time when we were all just a little too weak and Orwellian. No, the issue is . . . are we a country that lives up to it's contract. The contract that created this nation. The U.S. Constitution. Either the words "under God" belong or they don't. The U.S. Constitution, Amendment 1 says they don't. Jane? Whoops! I've been told I left out the . I thought it was kinda obvious by the SNL references, but . . . maybe I'm just way too old. Yes folks, this was all in jest.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gravitysurf808 0 #10 July 1, 2002 psssst!... Did you hear? 'Moderator' fight afterschool!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #11 July 1, 2002 meetcha at the swingset at 3 o'clock! Ive got $5 says the big one wins!...unless the smart one shows up!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,146 #12 July 1, 2002 The President criticizes the court for its decision on the Pledge, while condoning the detention without charge and without access to lawyers of US citizens because someone in the government claims they have links to a terrorist organization. Maybe another change is in order: "... with liberty and justice for all but those the government doesn't like".... 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
freeflir29 0 #14 July 1, 2002 Yes...it seems the disease known as "Southern Califonianism" has spread across the country. Now we have people whining from sea to shining sea..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #15 July 1, 2002 OK, What happened to the real BillVon? He must be missing. I totally agree with his statement. Or, maybe I am missing...hmm. _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #16 July 1, 2002 Just a quick note. I've been told I didn't add the , so it confused some people. Anyway, it was all in jest. Well, maybe not ALL, but certainly for the most part. quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebazz1 2 #17 July 1, 2002 This thread really might offend some people people so from now on we should not post these possibly volatile posts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gravitysurf808 0 #18 July 1, 2002 Was totally joking around. I loved the SNL reference. I can't get enough of watching the SNL reruns from that era on the E! channel. and as my wife will surely attest I am perpetually confused Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites billvon 3,111 #19 July 2, 2002 >yellow...brick...road...YOU GUYS DIDN'T PISS ON THE RUNWAY DID > YOU!!?? It was the driveway, not the runway. Geez. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #20 July 2, 2002 Wow. Didn't I just say, ". . . emboldened to go on to other issues where the minority rights will simply be trampled yet again"? Check THIS out.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhillyKev 0 #21 July 2, 2002 QuoteLet's worry more about results and less about process," Bush said in one of the church's community rooms. Translation...the ends justify the means. I will be starting the Church of Satan Soup Kitchen. Where do I sign up for my federal subsidy, Mr. Bush? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Iflyme 0 #22 July 2, 2002 QuoteThe following is what I wish Dan Aykroyd would sayJust one small point ... Dan is from Ottawa, Ontario, born on Canada Day in 1952 ... He's about as American as apple pie, basevball, and basketball ... I bet he doesn't give a rat's ass about it all! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #23 July 2, 2002 QuoteDan is from Ottawa, Ontario, born on Canada Day in 1952 I always knew there was something shifty about that guy...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #24 July 2, 2002 So . . . do you remember when Dan and Jane did the Point Counter-point segments on the old Saturday Night Live show? When I wrote the piece, that was what was going through my mind.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #25 July 2, 2002 Quotedo you remember when Dan and Jane did the Point Counter-point segments on the old Saturday Night Live "Jane you ignorant slut!!!" That was some funny shit...often imitated but never duplicated!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
billvon 3,111 #19 July 2, 2002 >yellow...brick...road...YOU GUYS DIDN'T PISS ON THE RUNWAY DID > YOU!!?? It was the driveway, not the runway. Geez. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #20 July 2, 2002 Wow. Didn't I just say, ". . . emboldened to go on to other issues where the minority rights will simply be trampled yet again"? Check THIS out.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #21 July 2, 2002 QuoteLet's worry more about results and less about process," Bush said in one of the church's community rooms. Translation...the ends justify the means. I will be starting the Church of Satan Soup Kitchen. Where do I sign up for my federal subsidy, Mr. Bush? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #22 July 2, 2002 QuoteThe following is what I wish Dan Aykroyd would sayJust one small point ... Dan is from Ottawa, Ontario, born on Canada Day in 1952 ... He's about as American as apple pie, basevball, and basketball ... I bet he doesn't give a rat's ass about it all! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #23 July 2, 2002 QuoteDan is from Ottawa, Ontario, born on Canada Day in 1952 I always knew there was something shifty about that guy...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #24 July 2, 2002 So . . . do you remember when Dan and Jane did the Point Counter-point segments on the old Saturday Night Live show? When I wrote the piece, that was what was going through my mind.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #25 July 2, 2002 Quotedo you remember when Dan and Jane did the Point Counter-point segments on the old Saturday Night Live "Jane you ignorant slut!!!" That was some funny shit...often imitated but never duplicated!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites