Zipp0

Oh yeah, a story stating that Americans are generous really hurts! But also, I have read many stories citing other stats that say the opposite. What it comes down to is it's much easier to quantify government aid than private charity. For instance, is all that money getting to the recipient, or is a high percentage paying admin costs of the respective charities? Some charities have admin costs amounting to over 90% of their taken-in donations. And really, the thread was going in the direction of welfare/social programs paid for by taxes vs. paying for these kinds of things with charitable gifts. -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

0:1 Too long of a layoff (about 3 weeks) lead to a disappointing effort and missed PRC. Lesson learned as far as time between jumps. But I landed safely, so all is good.

Uh, hell no! I'd be inside with as much firepower as I could muster. To me, your home is sacred. I guess maybe it depends what you consider charitable. Would you consider welfare charitable? I have no problem with helping someone out in dire circumstances. What I do object to is when it becomes a way of life. When a person becomes so dependent on support, that they lose the motivation to become self-reliant. Why do you think someone in need of financial assistance won't walk down the street, knock on doors and for a hand-out, but is OK with the govt. doing it for them? edited to add. I'm still waiting for your proof of my "right wing" agenda. Agenda being defined as a myriad of agreements with the "right wing", whatever you think that is. I agree with you on welfare mostly, but for a few it is the only way they can survive. Those who can work and earn a livavle wage should do so. Maybe you aren't a total right-winger, but you seem to lean in that direction. I have no proof, and don't give a shit enough to read throughyour previous posts, but I just remember you responding like a right winger on several issues. So, I guess you're voting for Hillary? -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Uh, hell no! I'd be inside with as much firepower as I could muster. To me, your home is sacred. I guess maybe it depends what you consider charitable. Would you consider welfare charitable? -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

When I say 'your agenda' I mean the right wingers. As far as eminent domain goes, had you actually asked me, I would tell you that I detest the recent rulings respecting eminent domain. In all but the most extreme circumstances, I don' t like it. But as your post was about charitable giving, my brain did not make the leap somehow to eminent domain. As far as confiscation goes, I see a distinct differences between taxes used to cultivate a sustainable society and the taking of someone's home to make way for business interests. People the world over have understood for centuries that taxes are necessary, and if handled responsibly, help create a better society for all residents. If you don't want to pay taxes, don't expect roads, a military, education for your kids, police, or many other beneficial services. You can move to a desert island, pay no taxes, and be perfectly happy in your straw hut. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

On the rain/slipping/footwear tip, might I suggest a sticky rubber approach shoes made for climbers? Try this, or similar: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FE0EO8/qid=1150735348/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/002-0046453-6186479?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&v=glance&n=3375251 And no, I'm not a BASE jumper (yet?), but I have put my time in as a climber, so I know the value of good quality footwear. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Right. Better to have the government force people to give through confiscation of their hard earned assets. That's the way it was done in the old Soviet Union. Yeah, only those damn communist states have taxes and social programs. Your intended message was transparent to those who understand your agenda. -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Without wishing to denigrate Americas efforts in philantrophy, what the article is saying is that Americans are ALMOST giving more than they used to. I seem to remember that the level of American donations, both governmental and private were discussed at the time, with America's per-capita donations in both rerspects being less than those of other countries. More disturbingly... Why choose this particular article or area to proclaim that "America is BEST!" when it doesn't say that in any way? By all means be proud of your philanthrophy, but is the associated arrogance and accusation neccessary? Mike. Yes, per capita the USA gives less than many industrialized nations - that is true. This is just his way of saying "See, we don't need welfare, or any other social programs, people will donate all the money privately if you ask." -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Where's the "Pull an OJ" option? Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

So I'm cruising along the IAD proggression, and the road is a bit bumpy. I can't get my legs in the right position, or they kick, or I do something else that prevents me from having a completely successful jump. When did it click for you? When it clicked, did the sensory stuff chill a bit? -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

I think we should fly the Airborne Laser in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan. Blowing that missile out of the sky in its boost stage would send quite a message. If we miss, just fly the ABL home and act like they were never there. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

He's just over 2. Do they have doggie escort services? -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. I hope he answers that. Some things are patently obvious. Yeah, I've been working on coming off like more of a scumbag, but it's just not working...... -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

It's legal, but you might have to go to court to prove it. Why don't you file a claim in court for your $1000, plus court costs and lawyer fees? if they really forged something, you may have a claim. But if no offer was tendered, why did they have 1000 of your greenbacks? I am not a lawyer!! Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

A vet visit will happen if no change this weekend. He's a young, healthy dog, so it's probably hormones or something simple. He may due to lose the family jewels.... See attached for a photo I just took tonight of Buddy the beagle, with his victim Leo in the background. Mamiya 645 Super with polaroid film back, for those who care about such things. -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Nah. I can put him out with no leash and he comes right back in. And this behavior is new. -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

My normally sorta calm beagle is acting crazy. He seems anxious, will not sit down, is licking the hind end of our other male dog more than usual, whine, and barks when it is time to sleep. He is a male. Could a neighbor's female dog be in heat, and driving his sensative nose nuts? (or his nuts nuts...whatever) Help! -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

LOL. Only one of these articles that you state is related to the article the thread is about. Two articles are about the al-Zarqawi documents indicating the Al Qaeda plot to start a US/Iran war. One is about the possibility Russia gave Iraq our war plans prior to the invasion. Only the weekly standard piece deals with the article that this thread pertains to. Do you always do such rigorous research? Laughs on you as these are the same documents. didn't read them huh.... Full content link posted to Quade in this thread if you care to read it Fuck no, they sure aren't. I guess I have to cite each link individually and explain it to you, to help you understand your misperceptions. Here we go: http://abcnews.go.com/International/IraqCoverage/story?id=1734490&page=1 This article deals with documents from the Iraqi Intelligence archive. There is one article that talks about the possibility of some thin connection with Saddam-AlQueda. There is nothing here about a connection between Saddam and the Taliban, as stated in the Fox article. http://www.weeklystandard.com/Utilities/printer_preview.asp?idArticle=4152&R=ECBB75F8 This article from 2004 pertains to a possible Saddam/Al Qaeda meeting. This has NOTHING to do with a Saddam/Taliban alliance. http://www.almanar.com.lb/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=651276 There is ZERO in this story about a Taliban/Saddam connection. NADA. Here's a quote: Citing one of the documents, Zarqawi aimed to widen the rift between the United States and Iran with kidnappings and assassinations against US interests falsely attributed to Iran. Rubaie added Zarqawi and his group did not anticipate how powerful the Iraqi security forces are" and said the Iraqi government is now on the attack against al-Qaida. NOTHING about the Taliban/Saddam connection, sorry. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2006-06/15/content_618195.htm This article is also about Al Qaeda seking a US/Iran war. NOTHING about a Saddam/Taliban alliance, which is what the Fox article is about. These are NOT the same documents noted in the Fox article. Before you tell me to read something again, maybe you should read it for the first time. Oh, and reading comprehension is key.... Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Screw that. No, I just caught him trying to pull a 'Fox News' on us...... ie. My proof is right here - and point to a source that proves absolutely nothing. My Rumsfeld/Saddam pic was more proof that Rumsfeld is a terrorist than his articles were proof for his story. See.... I'll post it again: -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

LOL. Only one of these articles that you state is related to the article the thread is about. Two articles are about the al-Zarqawi documents indicating the Al Qaeda plot to start a US/Iran war. One is about the possibility Russia gave Iraq our war plans prior to the invasion. Only the weekly standard piece deals with the article that this thread pertains to. Do you always do such rigorous research? -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

I have proof Rumsfeld is a terrorist. He associated with the Taliban supporting, gas-his-own-people scumbag, Saddam Hussein. See attached. -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

You bring the shovels, I'll bring the pitchforks, axes and torches -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

it's a very snide comment - you're better than that (I'm not, but that's a different subject). Hoping to generate rational dialogue? very easy - if we all paid a percentage of our income, those that make the most pay the most you aren't talking about parity, you are talking about something completely different do you think that even living here gives some measure of benefit? If yes, then why is it right that there a single citizen that pays 0% taxes or less? if you bankrupt every rich guy you don't like with your taxes, how much of the problem are you fixing? How much worse might you make it? OK, it was a snide comment. Apologies. I don't want to bankrupt the wealthy, or even close to it. I do think that a fair share of tax burden is higher for a millioaire than for someone making $20,000 a year. And I like rich people, and have many well off friends, so that's not it. It's just crazy to think we can reduce taxes when we are spending like crazy and never have to suffer for it. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

Collect some dog shit in a paper bag and put it under your car seat. When he asks "What smells like shit?" just say "Oh, I always assumed that was you." Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

you can stereotype all you want, but the typical profile of a millionaire is exactly that guy in your first sentence Show me proof. And really, how the money was gotten makes no difference. Those who have benefitted the most from our system owe it the most in return. Is that a hard concept to understand? Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.