kbordson

No, if you 'LOVE' guns and argue that racist comments are not racist, then you are a likely contender for the KKK. But let me see if I can pull together the logic. Post 1 - Unfunny picture that should (IMO) get someone fired for emailing. Post 4 - you associated racism with firearms ownership (or just those that "love guns" - how do you "love" a gun though... do you mean like "biblical" love... cuz dude, that's just wrong), libertarianism (or just those that oppose socialism), like Palin and voted for President Bush. (and throw out the "c" word ... which just adds distraction from your argument - then further detract from your argument with the defense of that word usage in post 59 and post 119) Post 122 - it seems you try to say that it's ok to do some political satire but not others. (and you throw the "cunt" term again) Post 125 - anyone that doesn't agree with your definition of "cunt" is a "short sighted post whore" Post 126 - I arrive on the scene - suggest that maybe you should pick a different word, disagree with the "it's ok for some, but not for others" BUT ultimately agree with your opinion that the photo is not funny and should not be acceptable .... especially in her job field. Post 127 - You claim: I care, so have a right to say what I want even if some people are offended, but other people should lose their voting rights. banter, name calling, pissing contest ensues... Post 162 - You insinuate that I'm selfish, racist and violent. (oh... and that I'm amazing) Post 164 - I use your same logic to infer that you are lazy, violent and xenophobic. . . . but then point out the faulty logic of BOTH statements in post 162 and 164. (and I agree... I am amazing) Post 165 and 176- You are there to "enlighten" me... as I think you described it.... by telling me that in fact I am socialist and yet somehow still selfish?! And then you repeat the theme over again. Post 186 - you reveal that you actually plan on purchasing a firearm... but since you won't "love" it... it's ok. Only those that LOVE their guns and argue that racist comments are not racist are contenders for the KKK. Did I read that right? How exactly again does firearm ownership fit in with personal beliefs of race discrimination? Only if you "love" them? Check. And being "racist" - is it arguing that racist comments are not racist? or "condoning" racial comments by allowing freedom of speech (even when acknowledging that with that freedom comes with some responsibility... like that aide getting fired)? Or does it depend on whether someone killed the Big 5? (back to shooting and guns again) But... you're going to get a gun? Oh right. You won't be killing the Big 5. And you'll feel bad about it. Personally, I have my beliefs on MY biases. And I have thoughts on who might be "racist" or "sexist" or "insert comment"... but until I truly know that person, judging them is silly. (but pointing out flawed logic can be fun)

That is not the point I made. I too know smart people who have the knowledge to teach just about every HS subject. The point is that the overwhelming majority of adults are incapable of teaching the advanced subjects I mentioned. Are you disagreeing with this statement? No. But that doesn't mean that those that can, shouldn't be allowed to. Nor does it mean that it has to be ONE person teaching all the subjects. Many "home school" children aren't JUST taught by ONE person, rather a small community that share some of the teaching responsibilities. And whether we are using your n of 3 or the "overwhelming majority," neither point should limit parents rights. If I had children, would I home school? Probably not. But I wouldn't want that right revoked.

Congressman Wilson might have had some cajones heckling like that, but what he did was wrong. He did not give President Obamas position or even his position the respect that should accompany those elected ranks. I've often heard "respect is earned" and one could question whether Congressman Wilson feels that President Obama has worked to earn that respect, but even if the person isn't respected, the position should. Heckling the President on national television is in VERY POOR taste. HOW to address this breach of conduct though.... a fine? you know that some supporters will gladly cough up what ever amount; a suspension? would that be a punishment at all; suspension without pay? Congressmen are paid by salary. I don't think that would hurt him. Jail? First Amendment rights. America needs to stop encouraging such polarized attitudes.

If the government wants to grant certain "privileges" to CONSENTING ADULTS for being in a long term (relative term there... "long term" - what about marriages that only last 6mos) relationship, I don't think that they (the governing body) should be allowed to control between whom that relationship is made. The local, state or federal benefits should be the same across the board. Religions shouldn't either... but that's not likely to change.

No. The Earth is "mostly harmless" - I read it in a book once. (Nice book - I liked the words "DON'T PANIC" inscribed in large friendly letters on its cover)

Actually, I know the other end of the spectrum. One of my god-daughters is home schooled with her 2 sisters and her brother. My friend has a college degree (I forget in what major), her husband is an engineer, her sister is a linguist and a musician, they are involved in local Martial Arts (I forget if they changed from Karate to Akido) ... I think that between all of that, she has done a wonderful job and the children are well socialized. Granted - that is a VERY subjective statement. I'm not sure where they would really score on standardized test... but they seem more well adjusted than my god-son who went to public school. Now... is "public school" to "blame" - HELL NO. I'm not saying that. I went to public high school. I'm not a moron. But PARENTAL involvement and interest in the growth and development of the child is very important. You CAN NOT just sent the children to school and expect everything to be done there. How much is due to "education" on the part of the teacher/parent v. "inquisitiveness" of the child? How much is inspired/enforced by parents? I don't know the ultimate answers there. What does an "n" of 3 like you saw or an "n" of 1 (1 family, 4 children) mean? For some, it works. For others, not at all.

Yes and no. Yes, it is unpleasant and painful to look at. But I would not consider it as an attack or aggressive. It's not personally offensive, rather offensive on a view of humanity. If the picture is appropriate for the speech, use it. It is a powerful picture. But I would emphasize that it should be respectfully used. Those are children in anguish. It might be "art" and have won awards... but those are images of true and living young children.

so the cure to uneducated Americans is to teach them even less? Great. Do you really think that 6 year olds can understand or SHOULD be taught about politics?

My opinion - no. Especially considering there are children of multiple countries/nationalities, such as exchange students or even "illegal" children (NOTE: I don't consider children to be "illegal" at all. They are not responsible for their parents decisions and I feel that regardless of nationality, they still should be able to get an education... but I do hope that their parents, in time, would become American citizens and contribute to the tax base.) This is ok. It is a "government" facility, like the post office or the court house. If the government wants a flag, that's fine. They do. But, the parents should be involved in that educations and I think that if the parent doesn't agree with a topic, that they should talk with lil susie or lil johnie and be allowed to pull them from "controversial" topics and that they should be allowed to home school as well. I don't think that elected government officials should be making addresses to children. Is there a difference between the President v. the Chief of Police? Of course there is a difference. But neither should be in front of the children. I honestly even have a hard time accepting Police Departments that send K-9 units to visit schools - whether to talk with classes or to have the dogs sniff out lockers. Even though I know it's a "good thing." I still don't think that is the proper use of that position. -lots of thoughts and opinions for someone without a lil one....

ummmmm. did you miss that I don't TRULY believe that you are [insert random insulting term]? I was just using YOUR faulty logic. If you don't like that logic, then don't use it.

My opinion on "the real topic" is whether government officials should be giving speeches to children. Not about how the United States is falling apart or how the democrats react or how the GOP reacts, because this isn't something that will tear the US apart, nor is this really a problem with one party or the other. I believe that it wasn't right in 1991 and it's not right now.

Yes, I've given several comments in one of the (what is it.... now three) other threads on the same topic. This thread was just added on to further distract from the real topic.

It 'is' amazing that someone that wishes not to share (opposes socialism), is racist (condones racist behavior) and is violent (enjoys firing guns designed to kill humans), can sit here and qualify themselves as a higher souce of information. Now, rhys... your personal bias is showing again. And, using your logic, just because you don't want to have to work for your dinner (opposes capitalism), support "violent" acts (to those that oppose abortion) and express xenophobic attitudes (as shown by many of your posts about your feelings toward Americans) doesn't mean that you're better than me. And just for the record - yes, I do oppose socialism. Correct - With the rights of the First Amendment, I can not control others thoughts or deeds and so I "condone" racist behavoir. And I do greatly enjoy shooting guns. Especially my Thompson. But, that is using faulty logic to say that I don't share, that I am racist or that I am violent. Thank you. I've agreed with you often in this thread.

[replyOr you can just snipe. Up to you. ohhhh. Touched a nerve? I even specifically mentioned that that comment was not just meant as a direct "snipe" at you, rather a comment on either side that just tries to post for the sake of discrediting and not to discuss or debate.

Happy Birthday!! Sounds like you're having a good one.

Or that's the story that likes to be spread because it allows you to discredit the beliefs of those that might not agree with yours. (and by "you" and "yours," I'm not just meaning you specifically... rather any that blindly support and will hold on to any reason not to listen to any negative discourse about "their" side)

Getting back on topic. Actually... I kinda respect those that have more of a "family" belief with other creatures. Similar to several American Indian / Native American thoughts with respect to "Brother Bear" or "Grandfather Turtle" or reincarnation beliefs that feel that the fly might be a version of your great-grandmother. I think that it shows more "compassion" to animals than a religion that acts as if we are superior and that they are put here for our purposes. And... since I do "believe" in evolution (meaning I have studied and find genetics and mutations to be very "real"), I wouldn't really be too insulted by someone referring to my ancestors as "monkeys or gorillas." As noted above, it wouldn't be technically "correct". . . but I wouldn't be insulted. -Now... if you start talking bad about my GGGGGGGGreat Grandmother that was hanged as a "witch" on Gallow Hill in Salem, now that's some fightin words.

Thoughts. First, I think that it's rather mature of you to say "yes, my initial reaction was... but my thoughts are now..." My initial reaction wasn't as much about the content of the speech nor really about the cost of the speech. Rather, I didn't think it appropriate for an elected government official to be giving "required" speeches to children. Whether they are democrat or republican, whether they are the President or a city Mayor. School should teach about government and politics... but probalby not until middle school. AND... I really don't think that parents should push children to become a "Young Republican" or a "Good Democrat." I think that once the child has both sides and an appropriate understanding of the topics, then he/she should be allowed to decide on where their beliefs lie. I was once brought along on a union strike line.... I was rather young, maybe 6 or so. I remember that it was raining, lots of people yelling. It made good pictures for the emotional story.... but it wasn't really the right thing to do for a child. Again though... since I don't have any children of my own, this is all an intellectual point for me. Not an emotional one.

HEY!! I resemble that remark. And I did correct the spelling error in the other thread... in THIS thread, it was kinda intentional.

A wise reminder. Probably wouldn't hurt to be a sticky... but probably should be a stickly on ANY website on the internet. Lots of comments out there that people make feeling "protected" by being behind a screen.

In the defense of Lisa, I think she meant that she can write her name using her own ink. She doesn't need to use someone elses pen. But it's kind of sad that in a court case about a broken leg, an act of a different person performed a year earlier with a person unrelated to the broken leg even was brought up in the court room to insult and discredit the DZO.

A lovely friend of mine used to hear comments about not having a "job" while she spent time at home raising her children. I always told her that it was a "job" - just not one that is typically put on a resume. Also... some don't like it referred to as a "job" because it's not really the "typical" 9-5, 40hrs week and 2w vacation type "job." Like owning a farm is not a "job." It's a lifestyle.

Again. We are in agreement.

Sorry... but I had to copy the typo in the thread complaining about typos. Especially posted bye someone who lives buy that country where English is the primary language. by by

Nope. Just wondering the general opinion of this population.