Johnnyskydive

I'm not opposed to gay marriage, as long as they don't plan on having children.*** Well, obviously not biological children . But why should they not be allowed to adopt? Especially with all the children out there that need a good home. I'd think as long as the child would go to a good home, it really doesn't matter whether its a married couple, a single parent, gay couple, etc.... Johnny Skydive!

It doesn't. Not to me. I just wanted to know why it bothers people to call it marriage? Johnny Skydive!

Thats fine, but I'm curious as to why? Johnny Skydive!

Okay, after a very heated debate with a friend. I really want to try and understand why people are SO against this. I've seen plenty of posts in the forums about this issue, but I'd like to see peoples unheated explanation of why they oppose gay marriage/civil unions. For me, I see it as discrimination. Denying people rights based on their sexual orientation. WHY shouldn't they be able to marry and have the same rights as hetro couples? Does it hurt you in some way? Is it a religious issue? If so, why do you think YOUR religious views should be forced upon someone else. And I couldn't really care less if it isn't what the majority of Americans want, I don't buy into that argument. The "majority" of Americans didn't support civil rights at first. Does that mean we should have kept things the way they were? Besides, IMO, I think the majority of people really don't care either way. Doesn't bother them if they do or don't have the right. And what we get are the loud mouthed religious zealots left to rant and rave against it. That probably comes across as a very angry post. And I guess, in a way, I am angry. I don't understand why people are so against it. The only argument that makes any sense is the one some Christians make. But, I don't think religious views make good laws. Seems not everyone is a Christian, Muslim, Jew, etc. There are many different religions, with many different values. If you want to live in a religious state...I dunno...move to the Vatican. Johnny Skydive!

I have a hard time believing that a sample of 1105 point of views is a large enough sample to know how a few million people feel. Quote You'd be VERY surprised at how accurate they really are. As long as they are done the RIGHT way. Most are +/- 3 % points. But all in all polling is very accurate. Gives you a pretty close "feel" to peoples opinions on certain issues. 1105 is actually a larger #. Some polls use less than 1000. But you really should take the +/- 3% up to 5% on anything done under 1000. The other catch, as Bill pointed out, it has to be completely done at random. Which is what most major firms comptuers do. Draw a list of 5000 + names and then you just look at the 1st # on the screen and start dialing. Which is why a call in poll or a internet poll isn't going to be very accurate. John

Demographic's....hmm. I am pretty sure most polls are done the same. Not all....but most. Here are a few #'s from an internal poll my firm did: "If the Congressional elections were held today, which party's candidate would you most likely vote for?" Republican 40 Democrat 54 Not sure 6 "Do you approve/disapprove of the way President Bush is currently handling our national security?" Approve 42% Disapprove 49% Neither/unsure 9% I was, in fact, surprised by those #'s. Not so much the Republican Party #'s....but the # who choose Democrat. I'd have figured the #'s for "not sure" would have been much higher. The way we do our polls..... Have a computer bank with 10's of thousands of phone numbers. We get a computer generated list of around 5000 phone numbers....sometimes less. We usually aim to get around 1000 responses.....most hang up or say no. Have people who are pretty much telemarketers call the numbers and ask the questions they have on the computer in front of them. When we get close to our target # of answers....we wrap it up. For the poll above we got the %'s from 1105 responses. I know Gallup does their polls this way, as I assume most firms do. Demographic's could come into play....but unlikely as the computer pretty much just selects the #'s at random. The bank comes from every congressional district in the U.S. John

.....I hope that's not the case. There are probably LOTS of questions out there that I'm not going to like the answers to. But I like a challenge....I just hope it doesn't end up being a nightmare!! But I'm stubborn and like to make stuff happen. I will now put the runway question next on the list of things to do. I think I will call the FAA and see what I need to look into. Thanks for that bit of advice. Johnny Skydive!

Quote I'm sure the rules may varry for state to state, but have you researched to see if its just as simple as "dragging & putting in a grass strip"? I don't know, but would be currious to know what you find out. Quote Thats what we are going to look into here in the next couple of days. I don't think it'll be an issue....but I've been wrong lots before . Also....we're planning on buying the plane(s)...but we should maybe look into leasing also. I haven't come to a conclusion on that issue just yet. But we have a good friend (non skydiver) who is a GREAT aircraft mechanic. Planning on sending all business his way....which he is quite happy with. Hopefully it'll stay that way! Johnny Skydive!

I'd say what state...but it could start a buzz. Thanks for the insight. I fly all the time out of the same county....but its out of the regional airport so who knows.... Johnny Skydive!

Grass strip....Just getting to that point. We've estimated the costs for the plane....gear....hanger....etc. We are getting into how much it'd cost to get a runway and driveway into the place. Plumbing, electricity, etc. Johnny Skydive!

48 Johnny Skydive!

Good thing here is we own the land. 48 acres I am pretty sure (close to that if not). Its allready cleared too. Would have to grate a runway out.....but at least the land would be ours. No neighbors to contend with really either. It's gonna be very close to a military base and a college. So the location would be great! Johnny Skydive!

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I am researching like mad for now. Good point about not wanting to give numbers and what not on the net......might have to make a bit of a trip! Johnny Skydive!

Okay, I'm hesitant to post this.....am not even close to being sure if this is what I want or am going to do. Just had the opportunity present itself and was looking for input from others....namely DZOs or former DZOs. A friend is talking of starting up a DZ. There a no DZs even close by....nearest DZ is 50 miles up the road...and the city has a few skydivers that drive over 3 hrs to the nearest DZ with turbines. In fact the entire state is without a turbine DZ...and most people that jump in the state drive hours to the closest dz with turbines. We're looking into a porter. The DZ 50 miles away only has a 182. It'd be near a military base where the majority of students are coming from for the more distant DZs. He mentioned this idea to me, I told him "thats awesome....I'd love to have a dz that close!!!" He and another guy are looking into costs and all. I start thinking about it.....I have saved up a pretty good amount of money....was in the Military...qualify for a small business loan....would love to be a part of something like that. The other two people looking into it are more experienced skydiving wise.....but I have a pilots license. I don't expect to make all kinds of money...quit my job...move out to the dz or anything. Just help get something started up....help out....and learn some things in the process. Only thing I'd hope is to make enough to make payments on the loan. The land is already there and paid for. All the costs would be in planes, gear, etc (a huge cost I'm seeing quickly). My questions are....well I have so many...I'd actually just like peoples take on this all. What did you do when you started your DZ? How hard's it been...would you not have done it if you could go back in time...etc? I'm sure I've skipped tons of info....but will check often and update as needed. Any info from people with experience or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Johnny Skydive!

Another Johnny Skydive!

Yeah, probably would be scary. Johnny Skydive!

Well, I think you should post your pictures up here wearing a thong....then maybe you can talk . We have a son....so the "veins" are stretch marks there buddy. Bruises....thats prolly from being a mother. I don't know....sorry she doesn't look like Angelina Jolie or what not. But hey....like I said...lets see some thong pictures there bud. Johnny Skydive!

I would but......ah never mind. Johnny Skydive!

No its my sister .....jking! Yes, thats her. Johnny Skydive!

Here gets my vote...but I'm biased ! Johnny Skydive!

I do love her....probably should have put some more info in here. If I'd knew it was going to turn into a discussion...then I would have. We've been dating for almost 6 years now. Aww right, or some might ask why aren't you guys married?? Well, we've been dating since high school....I went to college...she is going through college. I've been wanting a good job, finally got a decent one. We are going to get married....after we can "settle" down. So I guess I should call her my fiancee...but I hear that too much. So I'll just stick with GF. She has a year and a half of school left. We want to have a house by the time she gets out...and maybe a little money saved up...I am of course making most of the money....she is still going to school and limited in jobs by that. She feels bad that she isn't "contributing". I tell her she shouldn't, she's cont. by going to school....but she talked to a friend of her's and decided, if I was okay with it, she'd start stripping a few nights a week to make some money. Which she (and I) thinks will help tremendously. I know she is getting into it for the right reasons...and she has a good head on her shoulders...so I know she'll be just fine. She isn't stupid, nor am I. She'll find a good club...not on of the "bump and grind" clubs everyone seems to be talking about. I also know that we are both committed to the relationship. I'm not worried about her "fulfilling" other guys fantasies and what not. She'll look at it the right way...it's a job....it's paying bills and helping us save money. Which she is anal about money anyway....don't think she'll go blowing it. In fact, I'll probably have to force her to do anything else with it but put it away!! Okay, this is getting long, so I'll wrap it up. Just thought I'd go into a little more detail since this has turned into a discussion....which is fine with me. I'm enjoying this thread quite a bit. I like seeing both sides. Thanks for the ladies that had/have had some experience....I appreciate you guys. Lets see where this goes...... Johnny Skydive!

I did say guys up there.....but I mean YOU GUYS...should have said guys and gals.....anyone who wants to reply is welcomed to. Of course I'd like to hear from the ladies too.....some of us men get freaked about the subject a little too easy. So any advice, or insight would be great....thanks everyone! Johnny Skydive!

99% Dixie...Is General Lee your Grandfather? Johnny Skydive!

I don't share well either. Johnny Skydive!

Well, if she were getting into it for the wrong reasons (in my opinion) I'd have told her that if she did....she'd do so without me. But she wants to help us make enough money to buy some land and a home. She's still in school....so this would be the easiest way (hope it doesn't make her lazy)...it doesn't really bother me. I can see why it would for lots of people. But hey, good for her if she has the looks, guts, etc to do it. As long as she doesn't think its easy money and just a means to go shopping more. Johnny Skydive!