Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>><<No it's still jealousy. These are comments by people that hate the concept of what America is, period.>><<< This is untrue. As an American living in Europe, I can honestly say this is not true. In fact there is so much that has been going wrong with the US for the last 8 years, people feel sorry for the US. I hate to admit it as a proud American, but the US is in decline in world power, just like the UK, Spain et al have endured. I live in a democracy with religous freedom, and in fact I feel I have far more civil liberties than america can offer. Along with medical, better roads, highly subsidised University education (was free when I went) etc. Our weather sucks though, and the houses are small. But I have decided to raise my children here as I think they will have a better life for it. It really saddens me, because I was all open to the idea of returning home, until I went back earlier this year and saw what has happened to it.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>I'd rather live in a country that isn't so polarized and that's tolerant of people with different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, sexual orientation ... and one where votes really count and not something called the electoral college.<<< Dude, learn to speak dutch and move to holland - they are awesome people.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo However, I must say I enjoy American Idol, but I prefer America's Greatest Inventor.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, a FWIW - teachers are about the secondary influence in a child's development, consisting to between 5-10% of a child's development. Now as a community leader however, it is the role to engage with all the stakeholders. Sadly too many teachers transfix themselves on just the one child. Then add the egoism in the classroom, it makes for an interesting professional to engage with. Whatever you do Nikki, please do not fall into that trap.
Originally Posted By jkayjs <<First of all, this lady just typifies everything that is wrong with humanity, especially in America.>> Wow dave for a minute I thought you were talking about me and my ignorance of all things AI. I was relieved to discovered you were just getting us back on topic. I haven't changed the opinion I have of this person from my post #7. It is sad that she even warrents discussion isn't it. Anyway glad you post wasn't about me.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo jkayjs, I have nothing but respect for you. I am sorry if a niggle of doubt appeared. I meant the person sueing Disney is a sick puppy, and I am not talking about her back problems.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> And until you get out and travel to other lands and other places, please don't just believe what is force fed to you by the media. << I have in the past. I am no longer capable of long distance travel. However I am capable of reading, and watching several opinions of both sides of the news. You are correct Spirit, I am not nearly as cosmopolitan as you. >> Some people ... well, many people, view religion as a bad thing. That doesn't make them bad people or ignorant people or people that need to be taught or converted or saved. That doesn't even mean they don't believe in a higher power. You can be spiritual and ethical ... and moral ... and have no use for any organized religion. And, no, it doesn't mean you're going to hell unless by hell you mean a WDW resort bus headed to Port Orleans from the MK at midnight on a July night! << I never said nor implied that non-religious people were anything at all. Where did you get that. I merely stated that the lack of freedom of speech, expression, religion, or the press along with TV, and radio, are not qualities in a country. How can you make a comparison of other people when you live in a totally state controlled atmosphere? >> I'd rather live in a country that isn't so polarized and that's tolerant of people with different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, sexual orientation ... and one where votes really count and not something called the electoral college. << So you consider China the bastion of freedom, and harmony? I'm not a fan of the electoral college either. >> It might be easier to name the names of those politicians who don't pander to the flock by using words like 'God' and 'faith' in speeches! << So it's rampid in both parties? >> They hate our 'leadership.' They hate George Bush. They don't understand how a great nation can look up to ignorance, arrogance and plain old stupidity as traits to be valued. << Sounds like a Hu Jintao pep rally. A truly gifted world leader. I wonder if he's obsessed with Bush also?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> This is untrue. As an American living in Europe, I can honestly say this is not true. In fact there is so much that has been going wrong with the US for the last 8 years, people feel sorry for the US. << What you mean is it's untrue to you. You're a liberal Dave, and I am sure the people you hang out with do feel that way. Simply because you think America needs to be the way you all want it to be doesn't make your opinions correct. We are such a horrible country people are leaving in droves, nobody wants to come live here anymore. If socialized medicine is so good, why do you have to pay for a supplemental plan. What happens to the people who can't afford that? Sorry Dave we are from different tribes. This kind of garbage talk belongs over in WE not in a WDW forum. In the future my only comments will be "take it to WE". This is a forum dedicated to something really important, WDW. I am sure most people don't come here to get mind or your or Spirits opinion on politcs, and religion.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo We don't have to pay supplemental plans. And yep, it's the large number of evil, selfish cons and rednecks that diminish my pleasure at WDW. Another reason why I much prefer liberal DL and DLP! ;-) To my mind, message boards are like parties. You have discussions, they go in different directions. If people want to change the subject or steer it back on course, it's up to the participants to do that. On that note, anyone know what the progress is with this woman?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> On that note, anyone know what the progress is with this woman? << Supposedly she posted over on WDWMagic. You might check over there, and decide for your self if it's for real. I think it's under News, and Rumor. >> We don't have to pay supplemental plans. And yep, it's the large number of evil, selfish cons and rednecks that diminish my pleasure at WDW. Another reason why I much prefer liberal DL and DLP! ;-) << Those RedNecks ruin it for everybody~
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Lol - the funny thing is when they tell the yungun's to lather up on Splash Mt.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Lol - at least they lather up, if we had splash at DLP, some of the demo would say they already had their annual bath.
Originally Posted By jkayjs Oh dave I was just kiddin' you. And after being in Medicine for so many years I wish I could forget how many folks exactly like this I have encountered. Unfortunately this behavior spills over in to every walk of life. I've seen people try to get comped @ WDW many times with no good reason. I know there certainly are times when it's warrented but all to often it isn't and that makes it even harder for the folks that do deserve it. Anyway I wanted you to know I was just goshin' you.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<Nikki, I hate to do this to you, but YOU DON'T KNOW IT ALL. In fact, your attitude as a pedagogue scares me at times.>> Uhhh, DUH! I've never been so presumptuous to say, or even THINK, that I know it all. It's fairly funny to read that from someone who has referred to people who disagreed with him about WDW as "rubes." As far your concern about my "attitude" as a teacher, my students are my first and foremost concern. If thinking it's crazy that a parent wants to physically harm another child for a basic, everyday childhood dust-up (it's not even a FIGHT, just words exchanged) makes my attitude frightening, then so be it. I'm not going to apologize for thinking that an adult physically threatening to harm another child is crazy and immature. I think a parent, especially a parent of a 10 year old, should have more self-control. The parent is supposed to be the mature party in this situation. How is it mature to deal with childhood disagreements and violence by threatening to HARM another child? Part of the reason we have the problems we have is because no one wants to take responsibility for anything. I'm in the wrong for expecting a parent to be mature and responsible instead of teaching his/her kids to respond to "violence" (again, these are words exchanged between children) with violence. If you'd go back and read my post, Dave, I said I DISAGREED with Carolina. I didn't say I knew everything, I didn't say I was 100% right and he 100% wrong, I said I DISAGREED, and I laid out my reasoning. Your claims that I think I "know everything" are baseless. If I were asked to list people with a know-it-all attitude on this board, you'd certainly be at the top of my list.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<And yep, it's the large number of evil, selfish cons and rednecks that diminish my pleasure at WDW.>> I'm supposedly the selfish, frightening know-it-all, but I don't claim myself to be so above everyone that I can classify people into little boxes and claim they're a source of trouble for me on vacation. You're liberal and supposedly tolerant, yet this statement makes you seem the least tolerant of all. As far as my focusing on one child, this is not about one child; this is about several children whose parents have threatened other kids. I care about all of my kids, even the ones that cause me grief day after day. My job is to provide them with the best education I possibly can, and I am the first to admit that as a second year teacher I'm probably mediocre at best, because I'm still learning. It's why I go to workshops, it's why I talk to more experienced teachers and ask questions, and it's why I work my butt off to do my very best for my students. You've never stepped foot in my classroom and you've never even met me, yet you have the nerve to cast doubt on my abilities by calling me frightening. I take my job VERY seriously - it's probably the most important thing I will ever do. I find it presumptuous and pompous that you can doubt my abilities when you don't even KNOW me - but I'M the know-it-all.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I have to admit that this was a side of Dave that I had never noticed before. I'm not sure what brought that tirade on but it sure seemed steeped with anger, basically toward everything. For the record...I don't think I know it all, I know I know it all. (for those with limited humor sensors, that was a joke) One of the reasons is that I'm older than dirt. Enough about me. This thread sure did take a nasty turn and I am not sure why.
Originally Posted By dshyates I have also gained a new respect for Nikki. I remember when she was an wide eyed pollyanna. Not so much anymore. And all the better for it. While I don't understand her politics, I respect the gumption. And I don't doubt for a second that she is a great teacher, and will be a great mom if she chooses.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I don't know everything but I do know a fair few things, including teaching and systemi development as someone who has spent 14 years in strategic roles in children services. Working towards the integration of social care, education, health, and youth offerings. I have worked with 97 school districts, and have witnessed good and bad pratice, so my concerns are based on those experiences. I too started as a teacher then a social worker, so I do know more than many on these issues. I do not condone violent behaviour, but my assertion was behind the view that parents are learning and the role of good teacher as a community leader is to work with all the stakeholders to support the child. So yes, you annoy me immensly, and I know the feelings are mutual. As for the redneck and rbes comments, well I call them as I see them. Like it or not, it is how I feel even though you don't like it. I'm not perfect, far from. But yep, the value base and behaviours irritate me, as I know I irritate many. That's life I am afraid.
