steve1

If you'd been a white kid growing up in Hawaii like me, that statement would NEVER come out of your keyboard. I know how you must feel. Few whites ever grow up in a terrible situation like that. And I'm sure you know how awful that feels. I don't blame you a bit for being angry, and I'm sure you have a great depth of understanding on this subject. I work at a Native American school as a counselor. I've been there 21 years. I feel prejudice of some sort almost every day, and I often feel very angry to be on the receiving end of it. In our school, we have about a 96% Native American Population. The kids are usually good to deal with, but there's often times a dysfunctional parent coming into the school screaming. Often times they shout about how all their kids problems are being caused by all the " damn White" people in the school. Interestingly enough they don't get along any better with the Indian teachers who are here. They often hate them more than us. In the tribal newspaper there is the same "Racist" garbage in many articles. I try to chalk all this up to understanding how Racism works. It's no fun to be on the receiving end of it, and it often comes from the "majority" race that lives in a place. And above all I think it stems from ignorance. Don't get me wrong, there are many great "Native American" parents living on our Reservation. It's the parents who are hurting their kids that I have an issue with......Steve1

AlexCrowley, Maybe I am doing something to be noticed. So far my opinion doesn't seem too popular here. So far I've pissed off the Klu Klux Klan, most of the Arian Nation, and half the posters on Drop Zone . Com., and all I had to do is say that I don't like the word "Nigger". It really makes a person feel powerful in a wierd kind of way. By the way Alex, could you please explain your picture next to your name. I find it to be offensive. Is it just another extension of the prejudice you have inside. If anyone is insecure I'd say it's you rather than me. Why do you feel so threatened by the Black race?......Steve1

Could this be because you are a "White" liberal? What if the name in that movie insulted you, your children, and all of your family? I'll bet you'd feel differently then. I doubt if any white person (in America) knows what it is like to be on the receiving end of racism. Oh, sure we've probably experienced some of that, somewhere, sometime, someplace, from members of another race. But hell, we're on top, we're members of the dominant race....right? So what if we trash another minorities rights. I'd like to think we have a better since of social consciousness than that in America. And I never said the U.S. is the center of the Universe. We've had tons of racism here, but I also think we're moving in a positive direction. And things have changed greatly even in the past 20 years. Most Blacks I know here, find the word very degrading, and insulting. That is why I'd like to hear a Black's perspective on all this. It's not going to hurt most White folks feelings whether or not a dog is called "Nigger" in an old movie. So far the only Black jumper who has spoken up on this issue is one person who said he would really rather not comment on what the word "Nigger" means to him. So what good is it for a bunch of white people to get together and haggle over the word "Nigger" and then say it doesn't hurt me any, so it must be okay. It's like having a bunch of crazy "Black" people get together and say I think we need to make a movie with a white dog, named "White Mother F-er". And then have them all agree, "there's nothing wrong with that!" I've never seen this movie. But it sounds to me like it'll never fly (in it's original format), in my country......Steve1

Sounds professional enough to me.....Steve1

Maybe now days....In the old days, very few jumpers ever made it to a 1,000. I remember when Fred Sands and Dave Tousey broke a 1,000 jumps in the latter 70's. I felt nothing but awe for those guys. They were the first that I knew personally to break that barrier. I think they may have been the first in Montana to do such a thing. Nowdays a 1,000 jumps may be achieveable in a very short time. It can be also done without a huge amount of risk involved. Try doing the same thing by jumping gutter gear, with unsafe rules, with unsafe aircraft, etc. That's a whole different ball game. I had one Pal who made a 1,000 jumps on a 7-TU (28ft. round) back in the latter 70's. Now that's an accomplishment in my book. And I don't think he even broke any bones doing it....Steve1

I recall on my hundreth jump was a demo into a University Oval surrounded by trees. Kind of a tight DZ for a "rookie". One of the old "salts", in our club, (Bob Murray) came over and tangled up my para-commander good, and then shook my hand. Ah, those were the days....Steve1

My old Mark I had a lot of burns on the side panels. I wonder if this could be someone's repair job on that canopy pictured. Not sure what was causing this. I usually did a neat factory pack. Isn't it nice that you don't have to worry about burns on the new zero-P material. I usually used rip stop tape to repair the small burns, but some people even used Duck tape back in the day....Steve1

I'm not on any crusade or trying to ride any white horse. I'm just saying what the word "Nigger" means to me. Several people are using the word in other contexts other than just in this movie. One person even went so far to say that "Sambo" would be a better name. I'd like to think that these forums are more than just a place for bigots to hang out. Maybe things are different in Britian. In what respect? Do you mean it's okay to be a racist in Britian? You know I've jumped with a lot of good people from Britian. I was proud to call them friends. I'd like to think that the majority of your country's people aren't as ignorant as you are. You can think as you like, but I've got better things to do than argue with you....Steve1

I still haven't heard a black person's perspective on this. I met a black golden knight (at Lost Prairie), who I'd like to hear you call "emotional", "retarded", or "whiny". I'd particularly like to hear you call him "Nigger" and then watch what happens next. This might be quite entertaining. I mean it's easy to talk tough on the internet. The fellow I have in mind has close to 20 inch arms, and isn't afraid of much. I doubt if he'd think any of these names were okay in his book....But then again he's not from Britian. Maybe things are different there, but I still have my doubts....Steve1

Of course I can see the difference. All I'm saying is that it's interesting to read an old novel and pick up on that author's prejudice toward other races. It's very evident and probably in good taste for the majority of people, during that time period. You see the same thing in old movies. Ever watch an old cowboy movie where the indians are portrayed as evil savages that need to be wiped out, so the good "White" guys in white hats can have their land. Or possibly an indian being portrayed as a drunken, no good. Maybe it's not the best way to learn history, but it is interesting and it gives insight into what racism is all about......Steve1

I'm sure there aren't many black skydivers out there reading all this. I'm sure none of them would accept the name "Nigger" in such a jovial manner as some of these posts reflect. Is there a more degrading name to call a black person than Nigger? It's not only offensive to that person, but to that person's heritage. At least that's how I'd feel if I were black. If there's any black skydivers reading this I'd like to hear your perspective......Steve1

Oh, I'm no lefty. At least I've never thought of myself as one. I never said anything about burning anything. I'm just wondering what good is going to come out of slandering another race of people by listening to the word "Nigger over and over again". Or even reading the word again and again in a hurtful manner. Maybe it doesn't hurt the average "White" guy much, but I wouldn't want my kids reading garbage like that in elementary school for example. I'm not in favor of Government Censorship. But I'm also not in favor of anything goes, anywhere, or anytime. I know we have a constitution, but there are still limits. I'd like to hear your opinion.....Steve1

It's amazing how many rounds are often fired in an actual fire-fight, particularly using pistols. I'd like to think I could get the bad guy with one shot. It would be really tough to take your time and make that shot count when bullets were flying back at you.....Steve1

Watching an old movie or even reading an old book often reflects predjudice that people had during that time period. Reading many of Mark Twaine's stories the word "nigger" is often used. Maybe they should change the name. It's really offensive to a lot of people.....Steve1

I was in the first Montana 15-way back in the summer of 75. I wish I had some pictures, but maybe someone recalls this happening. This is small doings by todays standards, but kind of a big deal (back then). We rented a DC-3 from the smoke-jumpers in Missoula. A couple of Jerry Bird's team-mates were traveling through and one of them organized our load. I can't recall their names, but they were on Jerry Bird's All Stars. B.J. Worth was also on the load, but this was long before he became the famous organizer he is today. Anyhow John Andrus and I closed 14 and 15th, which was the state record at the time. Heck, I can't even recall who "all" was on that load. There was Larry Mason, Tom Kaiser, Billy Blair, I think Jim Maxson and John Ward. Oh shit, I wish I had taken the time to at least write the names down and take a picture. I guess, no picture....It never happened right? I'm sure B.J. remembers this load though. He's one of the very few of us old Montanians who still jumps. And he really doesn't look like a fat old fart either, (like the rest of us do!) I wonder how he keeps so young looking? Maybe he eats fewer twinkies and drinks less beer, and even exercises?.....Steve1

um, so, did this guy choose to name his dog "Nigger" before or after he got brain damage? Well, he probably was pretty retarded to name a dog something like that. I guess "stupid is as stupid does" really fits in this case.....Steve1

Naming a dog "Nigger" in this day and age might be a dangerous thing to do. A friend of mine works in a pulp mill. He said one guy who works there has had severe brain damage and just isn't all there. Come to find out....One day he was out calling his black dog named, "Nigger".....When an angry black man took offense to this, came over, and hit him in the head with a hammer. So now you know the rest of the story. (I should go to work for Paul Harvey!) I have an old Black Lab that's been with us for years and is part of the family. I named him "Bro". Maybe I did the wrong thing here. I don't mean to offend anyone who is black, and maybe this wasn't too smart on my part. At any rate old Bro was on national TV recently. A friend of mine guides bird hunters. One day he needed an extra dog so I loaned him Bro. He was guiding a guy who films outdoor movies that day. So recently on the Outdoor Channel here was old Bro running around out of control, flushing and fetching pheasants, with the hunters hollaring, "Here Bro! Here Bro!" I hope noone with a hammer comes looking for me......Steve1

I like M-1 garands. Too bad they are so heavy, but they shoot well. I wouldn't mind owning one. My step-father has a M-1 carbine that he plans to leave me when he passes on. I've never shot one, but it might be a nice weapon for target shooting. I doubt if I'd hunt with it though. I've fired thompson machine guns, grease guns, etc. but never cared for them much. I've fired a 1911 45 cal. pistol in the military. The ones we used were all shot out and you had trouble even hitting the target at five meters. I know lot's of people are fans of 1911 45's so I won't say they are a piece of crap. I think I need to shoot one that has been reworked.... I guess I'm not a real big fan of WWII weapons because I don't own any. But give me a Remington 700... in a laminated stock, with a 3X9 Leupold.....then float the barrel, adjust the trigger, glass bed the action, work up the right hand load, and I'd be a happy shooter. But then again that set up isn't good for home defense. Give me a short-barrelled-pump, 12 -guage shotgun for that. Or maybe the right revolver. But I do like auto pistols too. But that's no good for birds. I'd like to have a couple other shotguns for that. Oh hell, I need a long list of guns to make me happy.....Steve1

Hey, I think I might want to be a Budhist too. I've already got a bald head....Steve1

Never jumped at Casa Grande, but heard plenty of wild tales about the place from friends who were there. Your story does remind me of Kalispell, Mt. back in the early 70's. On Friday after work, we'd make as many jumps as we could till dark hit. Then down to Moose's Saloon we'd go, till it shut down for the night. Dave Tousey, Nick Tousey, Fred Sands, Pug, Gordy Listor, Jock, and others were our mentors during this time period. Most of us would crash at the club's hangar. At sun-rise there was usually a formation load with a couple of Cessna's. It was a struggle trying to get up, find your motorcycle helmet, frenchies, main, jump suit, and belly reserve, and then crawl in the back of the plane for a few more winks. Then a few thousand feet up, there was usually this god-awful beer fart from some sick-annominous-bastard that would really help to sober up everyone on board. After the jump we'd all go to down to some Ma and Pop's restauraunt and eat breakfast. Awe, this was just like Thanksgiving at Grandma's house. After all we were all kind of like family. Then back to the airport for more jumps. Then down to Mooses for more Celebration time. Then up early the next morning for another formation load. Until finally the weekend ended and we all stumbled back to work on Monday. You had to be tough to survive all that. Most of us had gutter gear, and the rules were sometimes broken... but you know, nobody ever bounced in the Osprey Parachute Club that I knew. There was definitely some scary times. Like the time Fred went through the power lines under a 24 foot reserve, and shut the power off on that side of Kalispell. But to tell you the truth, I can't recall many happier times than jumping with that group during the 70's.....Steve1

uote] Yeah....Sure....you guy come back NOW... After all the HARD work is done!! I always was a lazy bastard....but aren't you glad I'm back??? Who knows, maybe one of us old geezers from the past will do something marvelous to change the sport forever more. If nothing else, some of us are good for entertainment purposes. I know I wowed everyone at Lost Prairie two years ago with a low pull. Everything is so confusing now days with all these new fangled dytters, lace up chest straps, automatic openners,. What will they think up next?....Steve1 (The "Slacker")

Welcome back.....I took a 25 year break, and started up about five years ago. We need more old farts back jumping again.....Steve1

I used to climb a little about 30 years ago. I learned how to rappell in the military and this led to some misadventures climbing. There's plenty of cliffs in Western Montana with good granite. Maybe I should get back into it. I wonder if this sport isn't more dangerous than skydiving though. I had a friend who climbed a lot. He was also a photography nut. One day he was messing around to get a better picture. He planned to jump down to ledge below him without being tied in. His feet hit some loose gravel and over the edge he went. He fell 150 ft. straight down, hit the only tree in a boulder field, then hit some soft dirt. He was unconscious for a long time and he still has pins in his hip. The nice thing about it is he can't recall a thing of what happened, and he still climbs on occaision. Prior to that he was wounded in Vietnam. He was a good swimmer and swam across a river pulling a rope. The plan was to tie it off on the other side, so that the rest of his company, of grunts, could cross. When he got to the other side a RPG round exploded and he was hit by shratnel. One piece went through his eye. I've been trying to get him to start skydiving, but I imagine he's done enough dangerous stuff for one lifetime. He's a lucky guy who now has a large family....Steve1

Having a manual might be a good idea. I've made hundreds of jumps on a PC, but after all those years you'd be surprised how much you forget. The summer before last, three of us old farts packed up an old para-commander. We stopped several times in the process and tried to remember exactly what to do next.... It was tangled to start with so this introduced a lot of problems. We remembered how to do a four line check, but we still weren't sure everything was clear, so we let the wind inflate the canopy, just to make sure everything was straight. This was quite intertaining for the younger jumpers at the boogie. Lot's of them came up and asked, "What in the hell are you old Farts doing?" One of my pals said,"Oh we're just trying to feel young again." It seems there are several ways to fold the stabilizer panels. Most of the old jumpers I knew, Used to just flake and sleeve para-commanders, without ever laying it down as the manual suggests. I always layed mine out though, and folded it according to the manual. I still ended up with a lot of burns on the canopy, and had plenty of slammer openings.....Steve1

Gee Whiz! Who would have thought that an old PC manual would sell for that kind of money. I have several boxes of old skydiving stuff from the early 70's that may now be antiques. Being a pack-rat may not be all bad!.....Steve1