I suppose we're all entitled to a meltdown now and then. I've been having one over all this blogging business. It's such an odd feeling: loving something, but at the same time being disheartened by it. I've written 121 blogs on every subject imaginable and believe me, I still have a few left in me. I dont know why, but lately, I've felt like I was pounding my head against a wall. It's not about blame, it's just that I used to LOVE getting comments from all of you and lately, there's rarely a response. I know, a newspaper rarely has comments, at least that they print in the opinion section, but I still had this overwhelming sense of futility.
Without some feedback, I wasnt sure if A- you were reading the stuff and 2- you liked what I said or had another opinion. So, due to your recent comments, I will continue posting as the mood and the news strikes me.
It would be unfair to say that I blog for you. That is a partial truth. I blog(as some of you are soooooo aware, I post it enough) because it is cathartic for me. I get a sense of satisfaction, spewing my own personal brand of opinion on the news-flavor of the day. We covered such base subjects in the beginning: Margaret Thatcher's ass, Smurf-killing, Car choices. Lately, I seem to be more melancholy: war, taxes, death, war, politicians, big business.... I'm sure we'll revisit a lot of them as we go on, the choice is yours and mine together.
I frequently ask for opinions and the recurring theme from those of you who respond is usually family, namely kids and their problems and occasionally people being pissed off at some service or another. I DO like berating business and industry, pharma, politicians, deadbeat dads and deficient garbage men, but I'd really like to find some new material. That was part of the problem too: I felt stale, like I didnt have many fresh ideas. Not to worry, I think revisiting can have its benefits. I will definitely keep on with the current events section from the idiot news channels. We may have to do one on cultural diversity to make up for the mosque rant. I will stand by my opinions, but when I make a mistake, I am man enough to admit it, so PLEASE, let me know if you suspect that I havent gotten my point across well enough and DEFINITELY let me know if I have the facts wrong.
Believe it or not, I DO try to check my "facts" as presented by whatever source I've gotten them from. Confused yet? Not half as much as I am. I'm having trouble concentrating on this sentence, as Reebok has decided to show trim, young girls asses in various boy-shorts and bikinis, while NOT focusing on their shoes that they're trying to peddle. Wow. Kinda makes a guy hungry, you know? Anywhoo--
I'd like to make sure that you guys all know that I REALLY do appreciate your readership. Roz thinks it's all about the ego, but it's MORE than that. While one's ego must be stroked once in awhile, I found out rather quickly that when I write on a regular basis, my brain doesnt feel like it's ready for a meltdown. I USED to talk a lot, they say. I dont remember it. :0 I found that weaseling my way into a social gathering, injecting myself in the middle of a large group, telling old stories and giving views on current events, I could avoid a brain-over. That would be a hangover of useless, backed up info that caused pressure in my cerebro-spinal fluid and produced a burning, disorienting pain.
I discovered blogging through my "adopted" daughter, Rachel. She set up this very blog and after a couple test-firings on facebook notes, I was off and running. After a few postings, I felt the euphoria. I can honestly say, I've NEVER tried drugs, but this was as close as I can imagine. The stroked ego, lighter by leaps and bounds, was again powerful and youthful. Brain emptied on an almost daily basis, I found myself thinking harder and longer, not muddied, not confused by ketchup and catsup. Colors were clearer and brighter, sounds being heard with tones clearer and nuances detected as easily as a mother hearing her baby cry in the night....well, maybe I'm embellishing just a little, but I felt a joy from writing that hadnt been experienced for a long time. I wrote, pencil in hand, many years ago, but hadnt pursued it for quite a while. Dont think that I havent been happy, quite the contrary, I've had many wonders and joys over the years. This was just....different.
I suppose one would say this was the fulfillment of a calling. I say it is but one of many. It just happens that I like writing as much as I like talking. Most of us have joys that come in and out of our lives and though this is a big one for me, there are many others that I have yet to seek out, both with my family and within myself.
I will continue blogging, asking for requests and stirring the pot as long as you'll have me. Again, I cannot thank you enough, dear readers, for making one of MY dreams happen. I will never be an Ayn Raynd or even a Stephen King for that matter, but I would settle for being a lesser version of, say...John Stewart. Not Colbert, I think he's a pompous ass, full of himself in a way that overshadows the sarcastic humor he tries to bring. No, I would fancy that as I get older, I may even aspire to be a bit of Lewis Black or Dennis Miller. Wow, talk about ego....
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
120 Mosque of the Red Death
Wow. Talk about a "hot-button" issue. Our President has paved the way for the $100 million dollar, Cordoba mosque. The City of NY still has to go through its motions, voting by council to decide if the Muslims will be allowed to proceed. By LAW, there is no real issue to whether the mosque can legally be built. If they have the money and the city approves it, they CAN build a mosque. The question, then, is SHOULD they build it?
Last night, Roz asked me if the American public would welcome a Japanese Shrine, built in Pearl Harbor. Not 5 minutes after she said it, we heard Michael Savage(asshole talk radio host) say the same, exact thing. This is really a profound question. SHOULD a group(culture,religion,race, etc) attempt to establish a self-culturally-significant(my idiotic wording)foothold within or near an area that was in some way devastated by a part or the whole of their group?
To put it another way- how would the citizens of Nagasaki or Hiroshima feel if we were to put a shrine to U.S. WWII pilots at their ground zero? How would the Chinese react to a Japanese memorial to all of their fallen soldiers from WWII?
The people that are planning this mosque are demonstrating a GROSS disregard for the wound that was created by extremists of their faith. Or is there another reason? Is this a slap in the face? A shoe in the face, as it were? I have Muslim friends and they are nice enough people. They may have some customs that seem odd, but they have never demonstrated this kind of insensitivity. One of the talk radio idiots that I love to listen to said that they will be "laughing and smirking behind our backs" or in our face?
People being what they are, I havent heard anyone address the possiblity that the mosque, if completed, would be subjected to vandalism, protests or worse. Can you not see some home-grown terrorists trying to destroy it? I dont think that we should discount the possibility of a faction here feeling like maybe we should have an "eye for an eye".
If we were all rational and non-biased, we wouldnt be feeling animosity towards these folks. Has anyone checked to see if these particular devotees have or had any ties to any of the terrorists responsible for the WTC bombing or any known terrorists here or abroad? A rational person wouldnt blame these people for something someone else did. The fact remains that we feel animosity towards Muslims and middle-easterners. How many decades did we harbor anger at anyone of Japanese descent?
The question still remains- Should we, or they for that matter, allow this mosque to be built? I have to say NO. The wounds, though almost 10 years old, are still tender. There were people of many races and religions that died within a stones throw of what could potentially be a "safe" place for Muslims both devoted and distorted. When(and that is a seemingly HUGE when) the Freedom Towers are completed, how would YOU like to have an office facing a CONSTANT reminder that we have sent brothers and sisters, sons and daughters for almost 10 years to die at the hands of extremists of the very religion that is purportedly wanting this mosque to promote understanding and unity?
I was wrong on MANY counts about the abilities and intentions of our current president. I cannot fathom why he would in any way, shape or form, approve this mosque. There have been questions about his Muslim heritage, indeed, his very citizenship. Did he not consider that this may only WORSEN the public perception of his potentially being a "closet muslim"? As the ultimate representative of the AMERICAN PEOPLE, he CANNOT allow this to take place. There will be NOTHING good to come of it. Our resentment will only fester and there will be nothing but trouble on one or both sides. How many MORE fights must we be in? How many people will be hurt in the months and years to come? This will only build MORE resentment, cause MORE anger.
If we allow this mosque to be built at THIS location, we are doing a dis-service to the ones that died and are dying still. We are making a mockery of what it is to be an American. There SHOULD always be freedom of religion, but this is NOT about freedom of religion. This is about RESPECT. Respect for the dead, respect for people who are NOT pushing you and your unfamiliar religion OUT the door. Do you think that if we tried to build a Christian church in a predominantly Muslim country(Iraq, Iran, Syria, etc.) that the poor guy who mentioned it out loud there would still have his fingers and toes attached? They would cane and stone him and all his followers. Oh, thats right, Christianity is not allowed over there. There WOULDNT be another religion "over there" because ITS NOT ALLOWED!
If you are going to one noble thing in your life, e-mail your congressman and the White House, right now. Message someone else, or a bunch of someones and tell them to do it too. I have hoped that there was something I was missing. I hope I am wrong, but I dont think so.
Last night, Roz asked me if the American public would welcome a Japanese Shrine, built in Pearl Harbor. Not 5 minutes after she said it, we heard Michael Savage(asshole talk radio host) say the same, exact thing. This is really a profound question. SHOULD a group(culture,religion,race, etc) attempt to establish a self-culturally-significant(my idiotic wording)foothold within or near an area that was in some way devastated by a part or the whole of their group?
To put it another way- how would the citizens of Nagasaki or Hiroshima feel if we were to put a shrine to U.S. WWII pilots at their ground zero? How would the Chinese react to a Japanese memorial to all of their fallen soldiers from WWII?
The people that are planning this mosque are demonstrating a GROSS disregard for the wound that was created by extremists of their faith. Or is there another reason? Is this a slap in the face? A shoe in the face, as it were? I have Muslim friends and they are nice enough people. They may have some customs that seem odd, but they have never demonstrated this kind of insensitivity. One of the talk radio idiots that I love to listen to said that they will be "laughing and smirking behind our backs" or in our face?
People being what they are, I havent heard anyone address the possiblity that the mosque, if completed, would be subjected to vandalism, protests or worse. Can you not see some home-grown terrorists trying to destroy it? I dont think that we should discount the possibility of a faction here feeling like maybe we should have an "eye for an eye".
If we were all rational and non-biased, we wouldnt be feeling animosity towards these folks. Has anyone checked to see if these particular devotees have or had any ties to any of the terrorists responsible for the WTC bombing or any known terrorists here or abroad? A rational person wouldnt blame these people for something someone else did. The fact remains that we feel animosity towards Muslims and middle-easterners. How many decades did we harbor anger at anyone of Japanese descent?
The question still remains- Should we, or they for that matter, allow this mosque to be built? I have to say NO. The wounds, though almost 10 years old, are still tender. There were people of many races and religions that died within a stones throw of what could potentially be a "safe" place for Muslims both devoted and distorted. When(and that is a seemingly HUGE when) the Freedom Towers are completed, how would YOU like to have an office facing a CONSTANT reminder that we have sent brothers and sisters, sons and daughters for almost 10 years to die at the hands of extremists of the very religion that is purportedly wanting this mosque to promote understanding and unity?
I was wrong on MANY counts about the abilities and intentions of our current president. I cannot fathom why he would in any way, shape or form, approve this mosque. There have been questions about his Muslim heritage, indeed, his very citizenship. Did he not consider that this may only WORSEN the public perception of his potentially being a "closet muslim"? As the ultimate representative of the AMERICAN PEOPLE, he CANNOT allow this to take place. There will be NOTHING good to come of it. Our resentment will only fester and there will be nothing but trouble on one or both sides. How many MORE fights must we be in? How many people will be hurt in the months and years to come? This will only build MORE resentment, cause MORE anger.
If we allow this mosque to be built at THIS location, we are doing a dis-service to the ones that died and are dying still. We are making a mockery of what it is to be an American. There SHOULD always be freedom of religion, but this is NOT about freedom of religion. This is about RESPECT. Respect for the dead, respect for people who are NOT pushing you and your unfamiliar religion OUT the door. Do you think that if we tried to build a Christian church in a predominantly Muslim country(Iraq, Iran, Syria, etc.) that the poor guy who mentioned it out loud there would still have his fingers and toes attached? They would cane and stone him and all his followers. Oh, thats right, Christianity is not allowed over there. There WOULDNT be another religion "over there" because ITS NOT ALLOWED!
If you are going to one noble thing in your life, e-mail your congressman and the White House, right now. Message someone else, or a bunch of someones and tell them to do it too. I have hoped that there was something I was missing. I hope I am wrong, but I dont think so.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
119 Me, Me MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
How did you turn out? For that matter, how do you look at it? I feel like I'm a work in progress. Sometimes I get down, wondering why I wasnt a presidential candidate(work in progress w.i.p) or some famous writer or a lawyer or some such thing. How do we judge ourselves and by what standard?
Did your parents push you? Too hard? Too little? Did you want to be a stripper and wound up doing something you hate, like registered nurse? Did you want to be an architect or an engineer and instead you work in a factory making widgets? What's in a job, anyway? I wanted to be a soldier and a fireman and half a dozen other things when I was small. I managed to do both and a couple more for good measure. I've supervised people on several different levels in several different occupations and yet, deep down, I always wanted to be a writer.(for a paper or magazine) Small, local articles when I was in college, but alas, I had to wait 20 years and settle for facebook. Dont get me wrong, I like writing here. I can go at my own pace, post or not depending on whether I'm busy and the instant interaction is great.
I remember being encouraged to do whatever I wanted growing up. If I wanted to try taking a clock apart, fine. If I wanted to collect stamps, no problem. If I wanted to trade my infant sister for a tractor, well, that one didnt work out. True story, by the way. I've made it a habit to encourage our boys to excel at the things they want to try. It doesnt matter to me if they try a hundred things, I want them to get the experience for each endeavour and hopefully they'll take something away from them to be used somewhere down the road. Some parents urge their child to settle on one thing, master it and then apply it to the rest of their life. Nothing wrong with that, but I'm just not the kind of person that has the attention span for a lifetime of one thing. I DO tend to retain a lot of this and that, and it HAS come in handy over the years. Jack of all trades, master of none?
There is something to be said for a child picking up a vocation or a sport, mastering it and becoming Tiger Woods or Gloria Allred or to a lesser extent, Sarah Palin. The thing you have to keep in mind is that there are so many levels of society (professionals in sports/industry/teaching/etc, laborers, service, politics, you name it) that not everyone can be the best. We cant all be a PRO. There has to be people there to support the top and there are people behind them in one form or another supporting them and so on. I've told our boys that if they want to be (for example) a street sweeper, then do it right. All I ask of them beyond that is that they LIKE what they're doing. We've all seen parents who dont give their kids ANY kind of direction. There are the ones that will always drain our society, as well. I'm not going to apologize, we ALL know them. We see them feigning illness and injury to collect a check. We have seen the ones brought up in a welfare family and wind up being 2nd, 3d or fourth generation "reliefers". Unfortunately, there will always be that aspect of the bottom rungs, to include criminals of all levels. If they had had even half the parenting you did, how would they have turned out? If they would have had a mentor, even briefly, how would they be now?
I'll say it again: be happy with what you do. It all comes down to whether you like what you're doing and whether you can work with those around you. I dont think our kids making a vocation out of texting, messaging, or gaming qualifies. They cant(for the vast majority) rise to greatness or even self-fulfillment by perfecting texting.
I find myself being pridefull and harboring a secret hope that when Nick does well at football, he'll get a free ride to college, maybe go pro for a few years and then retire his parents. Yeah. Niiiicce. What? Oh, sorry. I was caught up there for a minute. It doesnt matter to me if it ever really happens, I'm allowed to hope. As long as he's doing good in school, playing well and enjoying himself, I feel we've done our job. Do you do that with the things your kids like? Have you maybe given a hint of direction or encouragement to a child not your own, one who you KNOW needed it?
As long as I dont guide another O.J. or Dick Cheney, I've done my job. If they live in a meager house, a modest one or a mansion, we've succeeded. If they raise a happy, healthy family, we were right. Dont judge your child by your accomplishments or accolades, let them get their own in their own way.
If they get rich, famous and still like you, you've REALLY won. Grandkids, cookouts and holidays that are happy and joyous are the rewards for what we sow now. We dont have to be the best at anything, we just need to bring that warm, fuzzy feeling that sounds cliche' as I write it, but when you get it, you know what you're doing is right. That may be the raspberry wine I'm sipping, but then again, maybe it's the keystrokes. meh... What's the difference? They both feel good.
Did your parents push you? Too hard? Too little? Did you want to be a stripper and wound up doing something you hate, like registered nurse? Did you want to be an architect or an engineer and instead you work in a factory making widgets? What's in a job, anyway? I wanted to be a soldier and a fireman and half a dozen other things when I was small. I managed to do both and a couple more for good measure. I've supervised people on several different levels in several different occupations and yet, deep down, I always wanted to be a writer.(for a paper or magazine) Small, local articles when I was in college, but alas, I had to wait 20 years and settle for facebook. Dont get me wrong, I like writing here. I can go at my own pace, post or not depending on whether I'm busy and the instant interaction is great.
I remember being encouraged to do whatever I wanted growing up. If I wanted to try taking a clock apart, fine. If I wanted to collect stamps, no problem. If I wanted to trade my infant sister for a tractor, well, that one didnt work out. True story, by the way. I've made it a habit to encourage our boys to excel at the things they want to try. It doesnt matter to me if they try a hundred things, I want them to get the experience for each endeavour and hopefully they'll take something away from them to be used somewhere down the road. Some parents urge their child to settle on one thing, master it and then apply it to the rest of their life. Nothing wrong with that, but I'm just not the kind of person that has the attention span for a lifetime of one thing. I DO tend to retain a lot of this and that, and it HAS come in handy over the years. Jack of all trades, master of none?
There is something to be said for a child picking up a vocation or a sport, mastering it and becoming Tiger Woods or Gloria Allred or to a lesser extent, Sarah Palin. The thing you have to keep in mind is that there are so many levels of society (professionals in sports/industry/teaching/etc, laborers, service, politics, you name it) that not everyone can be the best. We cant all be a PRO. There has to be people there to support the top and there are people behind them in one form or another supporting them and so on. I've told our boys that if they want to be (for example) a street sweeper, then do it right. All I ask of them beyond that is that they LIKE what they're doing. We've all seen parents who dont give their kids ANY kind of direction. There are the ones that will always drain our society, as well. I'm not going to apologize, we ALL know them. We see them feigning illness and injury to collect a check. We have seen the ones brought up in a welfare family and wind up being 2nd, 3d or fourth generation "reliefers". Unfortunately, there will always be that aspect of the bottom rungs, to include criminals of all levels. If they had had even half the parenting you did, how would they have turned out? If they would have had a mentor, even briefly, how would they be now?
I'll say it again: be happy with what you do. It all comes down to whether you like what you're doing and whether you can work with those around you. I dont think our kids making a vocation out of texting, messaging, or gaming qualifies. They cant(for the vast majority) rise to greatness or even self-fulfillment by perfecting texting.
I find myself being pridefull and harboring a secret hope that when Nick does well at football, he'll get a free ride to college, maybe go pro for a few years and then retire his parents. Yeah. Niiiicce. What? Oh, sorry. I was caught up there for a minute. It doesnt matter to me if it ever really happens, I'm allowed to hope. As long as he's doing good in school, playing well and enjoying himself, I feel we've done our job. Do you do that with the things your kids like? Have you maybe given a hint of direction or encouragement to a child not your own, one who you KNOW needed it?
As long as I dont guide another O.J. or Dick Cheney, I've done my job. If they live in a meager house, a modest one or a mansion, we've succeeded. If they raise a happy, healthy family, we were right. Dont judge your child by your accomplishments or accolades, let them get their own in their own way.
If they get rich, famous and still like you, you've REALLY won. Grandkids, cookouts and holidays that are happy and joyous are the rewards for what we sow now. We dont have to be the best at anything, we just need to bring that warm, fuzzy feeling that sounds cliche' as I write it, but when you get it, you know what you're doing is right. That may be the raspberry wine I'm sipping, but then again, maybe it's the keystrokes. meh... What's the difference? They both feel good.
Monday, August 9, 2010
118 Smokin In the Boyz Room
As Status-ville is about to start again, I mean, school, I feel I should say a few words about the things that most of us are feeling pain about right now...that and maybe a few other choice words.
Lets start with the obvious: school supplies. We used to buy into the notion that the kids had to have NEW everything. You had to have a new backpack, new writing stuff, new clothes and new shoes. NOW, we're of the mind, that if it's still ok, use it. We understand that small kids outgrow just about everything, seemingly, between the end of school one year and the start of the fall session.
With one child graduated, even though he's going to school in the fall, we basically have one left to buy for. We spent the summer scouring yard sales and flea markets and found a LOT of big-name, expensive clothes for pennies on the dollar. Mom traditionally let's them buy a pair of shoes that they want, so that takes care of a couple hundred bucks right there. If the backpack from last year isnt worn out, they use it. They have an aunt that buys them pencils, pens and paper, so we generally dont have to buy that stuff until mid-term. Why spend crazy amounts of money on clothes? I know, I dont have girls. Still, that's no excuse. Most of the ones that we know would be tickled to come across something cute and cheap at a yard sale or something and wouldnt mind at ALL if it's big-name, high-dollar stuff. Yes, there are a few picky ones who wont wear "used". That's the parents' fault. You spoiled 'em, you suffer with it or put your foot down.
Why spend money that most of the average population could use on other, frivolous things like electric, cable, heat, food or that holy-of-holies-that-no-one-can-live-without: cell phone bills? It's one thing to want your family to have nice things, it's quite another to have enough sense to live within your means.
There's another thing: if you cant afford it, dont give in. How dumb do you have to be? We've been fortunate enough to be able to give the boys phones and we have a pretty good plan, but I know some parents that really cant afford it, but they do it anyway. DUH. Anyone that would look down on you or your kids for not having something like that wasnt really much of a friend anyway. Common sense people!
So, now that we've outfitted the kiddies with all the stuff they need, we need to wonder what example we set for them. Oh. Right. Doesnt matter. They're all individuals and they get their life examples from the kids around them and the teachers. (mostly) So when they see people playing favorites and hanging in their little "cliques", they will be sure to carry it on into their adult lives. People playing favorites in class, clubs, sports and friendships: it just goes on and on and on. It never changes. How many times have you seen a kid get to participate in whatever and he/she really had no business being in the lead, being in charge or some such? Get mad at me if you want, it happens all the time. It happened when we were in school and it happens now.
Some talented children get shoved aside, literally and figuratively, over the years and their talent is either squandered or doesnt get utilized until they leave the area. I KNOW you have all seen it, many of us have been there. My leading example when talking among friends is usually the "kid whose parent(s) are so-and-so and why the heck is he/she the star/captain/whatever when "that kid" has much more talent? I'm trying to be vague so as not to totally piss off so-and-so, but I am CONFIDENT that you've all experienced this either in your high school life or your kids.
So, they learn that good looks, the right pocketbook and the right friends will usually get you farther than talent and hard work. Yes, maybe I'm exaggerating the ratio a bit, but it's just to drive home the point.
There's always hope. They will someday face the real world of bills, bills, bills and more bills, kids, bosses and deciding between catsup and ketchup. They will look back and wonder "what was I thinking?". For some, it will be too late, others will succeed. That's just the way of the world. I REALLY, REALLY hate that phrase. I usually find a way to make the world fit me, not the other way around. I despise the attitude that we cant change it, so why fight it.
You have to walk a fine line when taking a child to task. On one hand, a little bit of positive attitude will help them along through life, but on the other, they may wind up being that rude child that you'd like to punch in the face. You know the one: they speak to their parents in public in ways that would have gotten my teeth knocked out, or they become vindictive little bitches that cause some mousey, introverted girl's life to be a living hell. Worse, they become the slacker, backwards-hat-wearing punk that will have about as much use in society as a beta tape player. You decide what you want: well-rounded with a little humility or pants-around-the-knees, cigarrette-in-their-mouth little punk that I'd like to hit in the face with a shovel.
The vast majority of you have raised wonderful children and should all be commended. Those of you that we know have great kids that know right from wrong and have some compassion for their fellow man. I dont mean to make the future sound so bleak for the kids, but even one instance of these behaviours drives me up the wall. I know the world's not perfect, but it could be a pretty decent place to live if we'd start with kids learning better habits, not allowing them free reign because you dont feel like dealing with it.
So, let's just clarify this before I go: I did NOT give you permission to back-hand every smart-mouthed punk you see. You CAN, however, bitch slap their parents if they've become lazy and complacent in their child-rearing and truly deserve it. On second thought, maybe the little punks need back-handed too. Nah, better not, it's not worth going to jail over. Just remind them where they're headed and that you know what their PARENTS did when THEY were in high school. That might backfire a little if YOU werent on your A-game, but it might make you feel a little better. It feels like a no-win situation and it probably is. That doesnt mean we have to abide by it.
Talking to parents leads to the I'm-wrong-but-I'm-going-to-be-loud-and-defensive stance or outright physical violence. Ostracizing the child will just reinforce a negative and they dont need that. They need a wake up call that doesnt involve drugs, booze, an unexpected child or a much-deserved ass beating. Oh wait, that comes from good parenting, doesnt it? Sorry junior, you're out of luck. Mom and Dad dont intrude in your life by asking who, what, when, where and how every time they see you. (trust me, Roz does it enough for both of us and I'm sure many of you readers do as well).
Whether you're willing to admit it or not, if your child act like a priveledged, spoiled little brat, you should look to yourself for answers. Dont blame everyone else, YOU did it(more often than not) and YOU have to find a way into their hearts and minds to ensure they dont go through life causing misery and mayhem.
As for the favoritism that is found in so many aspects of high school, stop it. Currying favor with the rich parents by putting their child first? For shame. You have given in to your baser emotions. Let's clarify one more time: I'm not talking about a child with real talent. I'm talking about the kids that get preference when they dont have enough talent to fry eggs, yet there they are, playing in a position of importance in a sport or getting some perk of a club or class. Any child with talent in ANY area should be encouraged to use it.
If you catch one of my boys behaving inappropriately, let me or Roz know. Then I'LL let THEM know. We have tried to tell them to play/study their hardest and offer a hand to those who are down. NONE of us do this ALL the time, but we know we SHOULD. Is it really too hard for all parents to show this to their kids? How about showing it to other kids that dont have a caring family member/friend? You can instill something great in a child not your own, through tact and genuinely caring attitudes. You dont have to be specific, just give helpful hints, be brief, make yourself available if they need it and above all, be genuine. You'd be surprised what five minutes would do for a kid that only knows directing anger and frustration through "lesser" means.
OH, this doesnt give you permission to punch certain parents/teachers/coaches in the mouth, but if you DO, call me in enough time for me to get there so I can watch...
Lets start with the obvious: school supplies. We used to buy into the notion that the kids had to have NEW everything. You had to have a new backpack, new writing stuff, new clothes and new shoes. NOW, we're of the mind, that if it's still ok, use it. We understand that small kids outgrow just about everything, seemingly, between the end of school one year and the start of the fall session.
With one child graduated, even though he's going to school in the fall, we basically have one left to buy for. We spent the summer scouring yard sales and flea markets and found a LOT of big-name, expensive clothes for pennies on the dollar. Mom traditionally let's them buy a pair of shoes that they want, so that takes care of a couple hundred bucks right there. If the backpack from last year isnt worn out, they use it. They have an aunt that buys them pencils, pens and paper, so we generally dont have to buy that stuff until mid-term. Why spend crazy amounts of money on clothes? I know, I dont have girls. Still, that's no excuse. Most of the ones that we know would be tickled to come across something cute and cheap at a yard sale or something and wouldnt mind at ALL if it's big-name, high-dollar stuff. Yes, there are a few picky ones who wont wear "used". That's the parents' fault. You spoiled 'em, you suffer with it or put your foot down.
Why spend money that most of the average population could use on other, frivolous things like electric, cable, heat, food or that holy-of-holies-that-no-one-can-live-without: cell phone bills? It's one thing to want your family to have nice things, it's quite another to have enough sense to live within your means.
There's another thing: if you cant afford it, dont give in. How dumb do you have to be? We've been fortunate enough to be able to give the boys phones and we have a pretty good plan, but I know some parents that really cant afford it, but they do it anyway. DUH. Anyone that would look down on you or your kids for not having something like that wasnt really much of a friend anyway. Common sense people!
So, now that we've outfitted the kiddies with all the stuff they need, we need to wonder what example we set for them. Oh. Right. Doesnt matter. They're all individuals and they get their life examples from the kids around them and the teachers. (mostly) So when they see people playing favorites and hanging in their little "cliques", they will be sure to carry it on into their adult lives. People playing favorites in class, clubs, sports and friendships: it just goes on and on and on. It never changes. How many times have you seen a kid get to participate in whatever and he/she really had no business being in the lead, being in charge or some such? Get mad at me if you want, it happens all the time. It happened when we were in school and it happens now.
Some talented children get shoved aside, literally and figuratively, over the years and their talent is either squandered or doesnt get utilized until they leave the area. I KNOW you have all seen it, many of us have been there. My leading example when talking among friends is usually the "kid whose parent(s) are so-and-so and why the heck is he/she the star/captain/whatever when "that kid" has much more talent? I'm trying to be vague so as not to totally piss off so-and-so, but I am CONFIDENT that you've all experienced this either in your high school life or your kids.
So, they learn that good looks, the right pocketbook and the right friends will usually get you farther than talent and hard work. Yes, maybe I'm exaggerating the ratio a bit, but it's just to drive home the point.
There's always hope. They will someday face the real world of bills, bills, bills and more bills, kids, bosses and deciding between catsup and ketchup. They will look back and wonder "what was I thinking?". For some, it will be too late, others will succeed. That's just the way of the world. I REALLY, REALLY hate that phrase. I usually find a way to make the world fit me, not the other way around. I despise the attitude that we cant change it, so why fight it.
You have to walk a fine line when taking a child to task. On one hand, a little bit of positive attitude will help them along through life, but on the other, they may wind up being that rude child that you'd like to punch in the face. You know the one: they speak to their parents in public in ways that would have gotten my teeth knocked out, or they become vindictive little bitches that cause some mousey, introverted girl's life to be a living hell. Worse, they become the slacker, backwards-hat-wearing punk that will have about as much use in society as a beta tape player. You decide what you want: well-rounded with a little humility or pants-around-the-knees, cigarrette-in-their-mouth little punk that I'd like to hit in the face with a shovel.
The vast majority of you have raised wonderful children and should all be commended. Those of you that we know have great kids that know right from wrong and have some compassion for their fellow man. I dont mean to make the future sound so bleak for the kids, but even one instance of these behaviours drives me up the wall. I know the world's not perfect, but it could be a pretty decent place to live if we'd start with kids learning better habits, not allowing them free reign because you dont feel like dealing with it.
So, let's just clarify this before I go: I did NOT give you permission to back-hand every smart-mouthed punk you see. You CAN, however, bitch slap their parents if they've become lazy and complacent in their child-rearing and truly deserve it. On second thought, maybe the little punks need back-handed too. Nah, better not, it's not worth going to jail over. Just remind them where they're headed and that you know what their PARENTS did when THEY were in high school. That might backfire a little if YOU werent on your A-game, but it might make you feel a little better. It feels like a no-win situation and it probably is. That doesnt mean we have to abide by it.
Talking to parents leads to the I'm-wrong-but-I'm-going-to-be-loud-and-defensive stance or outright physical violence. Ostracizing the child will just reinforce a negative and they dont need that. They need a wake up call that doesnt involve drugs, booze, an unexpected child or a much-deserved ass beating. Oh wait, that comes from good parenting, doesnt it? Sorry junior, you're out of luck. Mom and Dad dont intrude in your life by asking who, what, when, where and how every time they see you. (trust me, Roz does it enough for both of us and I'm sure many of you readers do as well).
Whether you're willing to admit it or not, if your child act like a priveledged, spoiled little brat, you should look to yourself for answers. Dont blame everyone else, YOU did it(more often than not) and YOU have to find a way into their hearts and minds to ensure they dont go through life causing misery and mayhem.
As for the favoritism that is found in so many aspects of high school, stop it. Currying favor with the rich parents by putting their child first? For shame. You have given in to your baser emotions. Let's clarify one more time: I'm not talking about a child with real talent. I'm talking about the kids that get preference when they dont have enough talent to fry eggs, yet there they are, playing in a position of importance in a sport or getting some perk of a club or class. Any child with talent in ANY area should be encouraged to use it.
If you catch one of my boys behaving inappropriately, let me or Roz know. Then I'LL let THEM know. We have tried to tell them to play/study their hardest and offer a hand to those who are down. NONE of us do this ALL the time, but we know we SHOULD. Is it really too hard for all parents to show this to their kids? How about showing it to other kids that dont have a caring family member/friend? You can instill something great in a child not your own, through tact and genuinely caring attitudes. You dont have to be specific, just give helpful hints, be brief, make yourself available if they need it and above all, be genuine. You'd be surprised what five minutes would do for a kid that only knows directing anger and frustration through "lesser" means.
OH, this doesnt give you permission to punch certain parents/teachers/coaches in the mouth, but if you DO, call me in enough time for me to get there so I can watch...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
117 President DeWitt
My fellow Americans: I would like to announce my intention to run for the previously exhalted and formerly respected office of President of the United States. In the following paragraphs, I will outline my plan for reformation of the Grand Republic.
First, we will start with a total overhaul of all public schools. Those that are of sound academics and finance will be given the options of the rest of the schools, but we will not meddle where it is not needed. The rest will receive priority funding for academic programs and maintainance/construction to bring them up to par. There can be no greater priority than educating the next generation.
Second, we will enforce existing laws in all sectors. Immediate priority will be given to drugs and illegal immigration. I for one, cannot fathom why, when I pass by a construction or road crew, my immediate suspicion is that the majority of the workers are probably illegal immigrants working for substandard wages. Americans need work, companies will NOT profit from cheap, illegal labor while I am in office.
Approximately 10 percent of all U.S. troops stationed in Non-Critical bases around the world will be recalled. A new unit designated as border control will be stationed along our southern border to ensure to the utmost that drugs and illegal immigration are stopped. The so-called "war on drugs" has failed miserably. We have spent billions over the last 25 years and have not stemmed the tide. Marijuana and some other drugs should be legalized and imbued with the same standards of enforcement as alcohol. Some European countries have already done this and are utilizing "free centers" for users. While this may sound extreme, they have all but eliminated the ellicit trade. Countless people in third world countries suffer because of the production and trade of illicit drugs. Legalization has been proven to ease the suffering and would also open marijuana to taxation, just the same as tobacco. Much of the illegal entry along the Mexican border would cease as there would be no need for drug "mules". The United States will welcome all those who wish to legally enter our country, providing that they learn English and pass the traditional test that used to be part of becoming an American. After all, America was made great in no small part by immigrants from throughout the world.
Third, we will inact term limits as I have previously discussed(prior campaign "blogs"). Corruption will not be tolerated during my administration. If an elected official is caught accepting money for illicit reasons, he or she will be banned from all political life and function. Political corruption is as old as politics itself, but that is no excuse. We have to draw a line somewhere.
Fourth, I believe a change in our foreign aid policy is in order. The phrase "Charity begins at home." should be our mantra. We spend entirely too much money to bolster "goodwill" elsewhere. We send hundreds of millions elsewhere and our own homeless and lower income suffer. There is an aspect of this that benefits corporations: they profit from the government buying over-priced goods. People are thereby working, true, but by that same token, the food and supplies that are sent away could be distributed here at home.
Fifth, our soldiers will be withdrawn immediately from both war fronts. These men and women will no longer suffer in lands that have fought for longer than there has been written history. Our original goal should have been to find and capture Bin Laden and yes, quelch terrorist training. We have done neither. We will no longer cower in fear when taunted or threatened by madmen. If we have true and faithful knowledge of a training camp, it will be obliterated. Surgical strikes by air, land and sea will be the tip of our sword. If our sons and daughters are to be sent to their deaths, then let it be for something truly just. We will no longer send billions to lands that waste it on bogus projects or just outright steal it from where it is needed. Our enemies have no fear of striking while cowering in the corners, we will seek our retribution with impunity. Terror will be our weapon against those who so readily seek to use it out of jealousy and unfounded hatred. We must strike terror and fear in those who seek to oppress others or harm the innocent.
Next, there has to be a standard for punishment, but there also has to be a reasonable solution to over-crowding. I will mandate the death penalty for "life without the possibility of parole" inmates, to be carried out immediately. Child molesters, not to include cases such as an 18 year old that had consensual sex with a minor and things of that nature, will be subject to the same. The savings from supporting tens of thousands of people that will NEVER be contributing members of society can be put to better use in some of my other areas of interest. All other inmates will be put to immediate use in supervised chain gangs. We will be able to use some of the savings to hire new corrections officers and finance the work crews.
Lastly, at least for this speech, we will put in place standards for lessening the presence of government while enforcing existing laws in all other sectors. Many aspects of our lives are over-legislated and under-enforced. Again, we must start somewhere. Money that will be saved from not supporting unneeded wars, overseas bases, foreign aid and functionless inmates can be used to finance growth and industry for jobs on AMERICAN soil to be given to AMERICANS, whether natural born or naturalized. Companies will be encouraged to bring jobs back home and produce quality, durable goods here. Any illegal immigrants will be deported and not given job opportunities. Any company that violates this will face stiff fines and sanctions.
I must further add that I feel that "too big to fail" is a ridiculous statement. If that company or bank is not fiscally sound, they were not meant to succeed. Other companies will fill in the gaps left when a giant corporation that has shoddy business practices or downright illegal ones, fails.
So there it is. This is the rough outline of the platform that I will run on. Congress may not want to cooperate, but with your involvement, they will be gently "reminded" that their political life is in your voting hands. Take back your power America. We attained the "Greatest Nation" status for a reason, the wonderful feelings of security and righteous might that came with it can and will be ours again. God Bless America and God save us all.
First, we will start with a total overhaul of all public schools. Those that are of sound academics and finance will be given the options of the rest of the schools, but we will not meddle where it is not needed. The rest will receive priority funding for academic programs and maintainance/construction to bring them up to par. There can be no greater priority than educating the next generation.
Second, we will enforce existing laws in all sectors. Immediate priority will be given to drugs and illegal immigration. I for one, cannot fathom why, when I pass by a construction or road crew, my immediate suspicion is that the majority of the workers are probably illegal immigrants working for substandard wages. Americans need work, companies will NOT profit from cheap, illegal labor while I am in office.
Approximately 10 percent of all U.S. troops stationed in Non-Critical bases around the world will be recalled. A new unit designated as border control will be stationed along our southern border to ensure to the utmost that drugs and illegal immigration are stopped. The so-called "war on drugs" has failed miserably. We have spent billions over the last 25 years and have not stemmed the tide. Marijuana and some other drugs should be legalized and imbued with the same standards of enforcement as alcohol. Some European countries have already done this and are utilizing "free centers" for users. While this may sound extreme, they have all but eliminated the ellicit trade. Countless people in third world countries suffer because of the production and trade of illicit drugs. Legalization has been proven to ease the suffering and would also open marijuana to taxation, just the same as tobacco. Much of the illegal entry along the Mexican border would cease as there would be no need for drug "mules". The United States will welcome all those who wish to legally enter our country, providing that they learn English and pass the traditional test that used to be part of becoming an American. After all, America was made great in no small part by immigrants from throughout the world.
Third, we will inact term limits as I have previously discussed(prior campaign "blogs"). Corruption will not be tolerated during my administration. If an elected official is caught accepting money for illicit reasons, he or she will be banned from all political life and function. Political corruption is as old as politics itself, but that is no excuse. We have to draw a line somewhere.
Fourth, I believe a change in our foreign aid policy is in order. The phrase "Charity begins at home." should be our mantra. We spend entirely too much money to bolster "goodwill" elsewhere. We send hundreds of millions elsewhere and our own homeless and lower income suffer. There is an aspect of this that benefits corporations: they profit from the government buying over-priced goods. People are thereby working, true, but by that same token, the food and supplies that are sent away could be distributed here at home.
Fifth, our soldiers will be withdrawn immediately from both war fronts. These men and women will no longer suffer in lands that have fought for longer than there has been written history. Our original goal should have been to find and capture Bin Laden and yes, quelch terrorist training. We have done neither. We will no longer cower in fear when taunted or threatened by madmen. If we have true and faithful knowledge of a training camp, it will be obliterated. Surgical strikes by air, land and sea will be the tip of our sword. If our sons and daughters are to be sent to their deaths, then let it be for something truly just. We will no longer send billions to lands that waste it on bogus projects or just outright steal it from where it is needed. Our enemies have no fear of striking while cowering in the corners, we will seek our retribution with impunity. Terror will be our weapon against those who so readily seek to use it out of jealousy and unfounded hatred. We must strike terror and fear in those who seek to oppress others or harm the innocent.
Next, there has to be a standard for punishment, but there also has to be a reasonable solution to over-crowding. I will mandate the death penalty for "life without the possibility of parole" inmates, to be carried out immediately. Child molesters, not to include cases such as an 18 year old that had consensual sex with a minor and things of that nature, will be subject to the same. The savings from supporting tens of thousands of people that will NEVER be contributing members of society can be put to better use in some of my other areas of interest. All other inmates will be put to immediate use in supervised chain gangs. We will be able to use some of the savings to hire new corrections officers and finance the work crews.
Lastly, at least for this speech, we will put in place standards for lessening the presence of government while enforcing existing laws in all other sectors. Many aspects of our lives are over-legislated and under-enforced. Again, we must start somewhere. Money that will be saved from not supporting unneeded wars, overseas bases, foreign aid and functionless inmates can be used to finance growth and industry for jobs on AMERICAN soil to be given to AMERICANS, whether natural born or naturalized. Companies will be encouraged to bring jobs back home and produce quality, durable goods here. Any illegal immigrants will be deported and not given job opportunities. Any company that violates this will face stiff fines and sanctions.
I must further add that I feel that "too big to fail" is a ridiculous statement. If that company or bank is not fiscally sound, they were not meant to succeed. Other companies will fill in the gaps left when a giant corporation that has shoddy business practices or downright illegal ones, fails.
So there it is. This is the rough outline of the platform that I will run on. Congress may not want to cooperate, but with your involvement, they will be gently "reminded" that their political life is in your voting hands. Take back your power America. We attained the "Greatest Nation" status for a reason, the wonderful feelings of security and righteous might that came with it can and will be ours again. God Bless America and God save us all.
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