Once again a poorly written news story from the Sun Journal. Once again the Sun Journal is okay with not putting the responsibility of an adverse situation where it belongs, with a careless individual. How in the world can a candle "start a fire". This fire was not started by a candle, it was started by Terry Cady.
Terry Cady's poor judgement and careless placement of the candle was the reason for the fire that has unfortunately left her homeless and an insurance company to pay for her carelessness. It surely won't be long before insurance companies are allowed to void someone's coverage if a fire is determined to be the result of a porrly placed or watched candle.
Come on Sun Journal write the news. Put the blame where it belongs. Too often this paper finds a way to phrase a story allowing for candles, ice, rain, sun, alchohol, thin ice, speed and so on as the "cause" of an accident or death. The truth is poor judgement, a blatant disregard for safety precautions, inexperience and so on are the primary causes of most so called accidents and accidental deaths.
It’s time to take of the kid gloves. There is no doubt that a large number of Somali’s in this Country arrived as refugees. Those days are over. They are no longer refugees. They are members of the community and need to start acting like it. There seems to be a disconnect between respect for the community and law and a sense of entitlement. I have a great deal of empathy for the atrocities that brought many Somali’s to our shores. However, my empathy is fading and I am now expecting that they assimilate into THEIR new Country of choice.
Hold onto your Somali identity and religious beliefs but join the rest of us in a show of community. I see the words “racism” and “racist” being tossed around far too freely. This is no way appears to be “racist”. It feels more like a group of people have decided that the rules the rest of the neighborhood live by don’t apply to them. They do. They apply to all of us.
I love the idea of the infusion of culture and color into our communities. I love the idea of the expanding world exposure we get with each growth spurt of immigrants and non WASP residents to our area. It betters us all.
Part of the problem in my estimation is the unwillingness of the new arrivals to assimilate and adapt their culture into our existing culture and the overwhelming willingness for the natives to give up the existing culture as to pacify the new arrivals. Not allowing school kids to have a Halloween or Christmas party is obscene. I am not a practicing Christian but would not ever advocate the elimination of the grade school Christmas party. People who don’t know to shut their mouths when the National Anthem is playing or being performed is obscene. Referring to The President of The United States of America by his surname only, instead of as President Obama or President Bush is obscene.
It is not okay to be politically correct for the sake of being politically correct. We are America. We are Americans. This is how it is done here. If doing it the Somali way was superior it wouldn’t be a Country of tribes and tribal wars with a near complete lack of law and order and respect for the human condition. It is time for our Somali neighbors to start adapting their traditional lifestyles into the existing community. It is what our grandparents did, it is what their parents did, it is what some of our parents did and some of us had to do. We brought our baggage with us, we adapted what made sense to adapt and we adopted new ideals and practices and we left a lot behind. That’s life. That’s why we are successful as a Nation.
It’s not a mistake that we are the youngest Nation on the planet but yet the most powerful. Even now, as we muddle through high unemployment, financial adversity, housing busts, and so on is there a place on earth that any of us would rather be? It is the commitment to the idea of the USA that has made it possible. Even during these adverse times we are united as one.
We are one Nation acting in unison represented by a bevy of nationalities and religions. We cannot be a bevy of nationalities and religions all going in their own direction acting in their own interest and still expect to reach our common goal. It is time to start expecting the Somali members of our community to start acting like they are members of the community at large. Enough quarter has been given. It’s time for the rubber to hit the road and for the immigrants to adopt us as we have adopted them.
There is no surprise that that the gambling control board's role would increase and that new hire's would be necessary. It is common sense. At first I was thinking that $900,000 of additional expenses per year was high but it seems reasonable when considering the task at hand.
What I am most baffled about is why it's going to take 8 weeks to right the rules for a few gaming table games. If it were embarking on a new venture I would talk to a close friend or neighbor that had experience and get their input. That said, wouldn't it make sense to sit down with the folks from Atlantic City, or Connecticut with their rules and bang out our own using theirs as the foundation. I think in most cases regular folk could sit down with the Atlantic City or Connecticut rules and in about a day or two bang out what we would need. We are late comers to this and there are tried and true rules already in place in much larger establishments than we will be seeing that would work for Maine just fine.
Let's stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Will Maine gambling be so unique that it needs to formulate a whole new system? Doubtful. Does the Maine legislature see the opportunity to be greedy, even as they protest something as vile as a casino? Probably. Hence, let's reinvent the wheel and skim as much cream off the top as possible.
The greedy suits in Augusta are no doubt plotting and scheming this very minute, behind closed doors and in clandestine meetings on how they are going to get their hands on the piles of cash the Casino will generate. The Casino has never been the problem. The problem has always been the greed of those for and against the Casino and of the parasites at the fringes of the process.
Though it is good to see the State finally on the offensive in this arena it seems to make more sense to (quoting that great American Barney Fife) "nip it in the bud". In my estimation it makes more fiscal sense for the State to spend a couple million dollars a year hiring the personnel it would take to ensure recipients of various programs are not only in need but are also using the funding as described and intended. If you are in receipt of State monies for housing, heating assistance, food stamps, TANF, ASPIRE, etc..., it should be completely expected that a State DHHS program funding enforcement agent will be visiting you, without prior notice, to ensure you are in compliance.
Those against such an assurance policy will certainly argue that it violates a person's right to privacy to just show up on their door and request entry. Hogwash, if you agree to accept money from the State you need to accept some conditions and among the first is you agree to allow the State DHHS funding agency entry to your home not just to ensure that monies aren't being misused but to also educate recipients in areas that they need education; areas like, meal planning, budgeting, parenting and so on.
While we are on the subject, wouldn’t it be nice to see a workfare project instituted? Parks need cleaning, pot holes need filling, culverts need cleaning, schools need painting and so much more and the State has a fully paid workforce collecting a paycheck while they sit at home. Not everyone but a good percentage sit at home collecting. Let’s put them to work. You want the money then do what the people paying into the system are doing, work. Not slave labor or endless hours, just something that gives a sense of earning instead of entitlement. Something that boosts one’s self worth and feels more like earning than taking.
I own some rental units and recently had a tenant who leave because she was going to (these are her words) "get my welfare". She quit college, quit work, moved in with her boyfriend who had just secured a section 8 voucher though a transfer from a parent that moved out of State, and she "got her welfare", like it was owed to her. A perfectly capable 23 year old woman quit bettering her life because it was work in favor of welfare.
Welfare is no bargain. I don't think for one minute people are living high on the hog while on welfare (assistance). But, there sure are a large percentage of recipients on assistance abusing the system and the programs to the detriment of individuals and families that are in actual need. There needs to be checks and balances. The State has to be proactive. Instead of chasing after spent money and hoping to get paid back make sure the money is going to the people who should be getting it in the first place.
There is a fantastic movie from the 70's that highlights this very situation. The movie is called Claudine, starring James Earl Jones and Diahann Carrol. You can watch it in section on youtube if you can't find it at the video store or through an online streaming service.
A week ago my wife and I had occasion to sample the atmosphere and the food at Pedro O'Hara's and both were bland. We stopped by for lunch on a Thursday afternoon. My wife had the taco salad that turned out to be a hodge podge of too finely chopped lettuce and other ingredients and under seasoned hamburg meat. The presentation was typical and boring. Any flavor that the salsa may have had was over shadowed by an over abundant spiciness making it too hot to enjoy. The guacamole had a gray/green color. It lacked any hints of lime, onion, garlic or salt flavors. I ordered an iced tea that again had no flavor. It barely had color. The waitress tried brought three different glasses of iced tea and each one carried just a tinge of color and no flavor. Maybe the drink mixer ratio was off. This is just my opinion but I think that if you are unfamiliar with what really great food tastes like or looks like it is easy to confuse a lot of what we are offered in many restaurants as high end cuisine. I will definitely try Pedro's again in hopes that my first disappointing visit was the result of new location jitters and an off day. Good Luck Pedro's I really do want to see you make it. Please remember that there is nothing on your menu that can't be made at home and for a lot less. What we or at least I look for when I visit a restaurant is great food made from fresh ingredients and good service. But the most important part of the equation is GREAT FOOD, not mediocre good but GREAT FOOD.
Top 10 possibilities that keep Mr. LaPage away from so many debates
10. Not as versed as other candidates with the task at hand and doesn't want to appear to be uninformed and ignorant to the state of the State.
9. Has nothing constructive to say
8. Has no concrete ideas for fixing what's broken and enhancing what's working in State government.
7. Views himself as above the process and above the average Maine resident.
6. It's below his pay grade to answer show up for a job interview.
5. It's too uncomfortable having to tell the truth so often.
4. Bates and MPBN are to Mr. Lepage as the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors were to Custer and the 7th Calvary.
3. Too busy making a deal for water damaged coolers and kitchen utensils from South Carolina.
2. Is working the late shift at the Lewiston Marden's location restocking shelves and checking the dates on the canned goods.
1. Are you kidding, miss 30 Rock and The Office, no way.
Just a bit of humor. It would be nice if Mr. LaPage would show up to some of these debates. I would like to be able to know more about what he thinks than just the rhetoric that is contained in his campaign commercials. I am still undecided and want to learn more about all the candidates and these debates help.
Personally I wish Barbar Merrill would have made another go at it and it would have been nice to see Rosa Scarcelli on the ballot.
Too many times we are greeted by the morning news report with the story of yet another young person dying in an auto accident. Each time, the newspaper and television and radio takes the time to report what good kids these were. There are quotes from neighbors, teachers, friends, relatives and other students. Without fail we hear about what good kids these were and how bright their future was. And, without fail we learn that the school system will do it's part with grief counselors.
Instead of grief counselors let's pack the kids into a bus with a few substance abuse counselors and take them to the scene. Instead of holding hands and drying tears let them see firsthand the truth about what has happened. We spend far too much time and money trying to make kids feel better about the bad decisions their peers and friends are making. Show them the ugly reality of what happens when you combine alcohol, drugs, speed or texting with driving.
We have to start treating young people and their decision making with some consistency. Either they are mature enough to be accountable for their actions or they are not. I don't think our children are being served very well when we dismiss drinking and driving, or speeding, or using a cell phone while driving as a mistake. Take away the keys.
The truth is most parents won't because they have put the parenting of their children into the hands of others and their children. How will their kids get to that part time job, or to the next school function, or to a friend’s house or to the football game? It used to be that parents got their kids to all of those activities. Let's get old school and start parenting again. Bring back the old drop off and pick up. Parents knew where their kids were, when they got there and when they were leaving. Kids weren't out at parties until midnight because parents wouldn't allow it.
Back in the day no 16 year old was hopping into the back seat of their parent’s car after drinking at a football game or a party or a dance. Today kids are getting behind the wheel of their parents car, under the influence. If we want kids to stop dying behind the wheel we need to stop putting them behind the wheel so easily and willingly. Parents are too willing to treat their kids like kids when they are within sight but yet expect them to be adults when they are out of sight. Kids are kids, all day long, not just when we can see them. Parents need to parent and stop leaving that job up to others and to the kids themselves.
Kids don't need an after school job. They already have a full time job. It's called school. They spend 6 or more hours a day in a classroom, 3 hours of homework, maybe an after school activity and a part time job. Are you kidding me with this? What are we expecting our kids to do? Our kids are working more hours a week than their parents. Sure, many parents will have a problem with that statement because they don't consider school a job, but it is. It is the most important job any person will ever have. It is the big equalizer. Wouldn't it be nice if the same parents we see screaming and yelling at their 15 year old at a football game put as much enthusiasm into encouraging their kid to crack a math book, to use correct grammar when they speak, to have good diction, to have manners.
Kids dying in car accidents by their own hand needs to stop. It starts with understanding that kids are kids. They are not adults. They are kids. They need supervision as much as they need trust. By the way, adult drunk drivers don’t suddenly become drunk drivers; they are just graduates that have dodged the odds. Eventually the dice will come up snake eyes.
Here is the the point...This young woman could very well be a teacher in a third grade classroom giving information to kids about her beloved Texas. Teaching kids that hardwood trees in Texas don't go through a fall change and that it doesn't get cold in Texas (now for the exaggeration) and gay people are an abomination and the sun revolves around the earth. The point is if you don't know what it is you are talking about then don't talk about it and if you do know what you're talking about educate the rest of us.
The point is a good portion of the people who read something or are told something like what this young woman said and the Sun Journal printed, believe it to be true. Then they pass it on and eventually you get a room full of fools who know nothing about everything and they pass it on.
The point is, this is how newspapers, and television stations and radio stations pass on information that is incorrect but that the consumer believes. This is "weapons of mass destruction". This is what get's people hurt and killed. This is what makes people think that China is a third world Country when in fact they are a Country poised to become the worlds largest and most productive economy while the "I don't get the point" people don't get the point.
The point is we should all know our community, our State, our Country, our World a little better. The point is coy mocking adds nothing to the conversation and displays an air of ignorance that far surpasses the original statement by the young lady from Texas.
The point it's sad that so many people talk about the world and what is wrong with it and how to fix it when in truth they know little or nothing about their own backyard let alone the World.
Let's adopt a kid from Africa or China or Latvia because those poor kids are in such need. How about adopting a kid from Maine or Alabama or West Virginia, they are in need too. There are people who have no idea what the hills of West Virginia look like, or how Native American families live in poverty in New York State, Maine, Arizona and all over our Country.
The point is we are so unknowing that we are blind to the reality of our own citizens situations. I know this is a long way to travel from a comment about leaves in Texas but that is the point. It starts with an innocent small untruth and it becomes a muddled false reality that can change the lives of millions.
Where is the story? I have read the article 3 times and can't for the life of me figure out what the point of printing the article is. I was expecting a little substance. Maybe a thoughtful quip from a candidate instead a little cream filling. The most ink goes to a girl who has never seen a red leaf or snow because she's from Texas. I've been in Texas in the fall and the leaves change color and it snow's in Texas. It get's cold in Texas. Depending on geography the average low temp in December ranges from about 25 degrees in the North to 50 in parts of the South. Texas is huge and does have a wide range of weather but that is no excuse for being so unaware of your home State. Perhaps the "Young Professional" who has spent all of her 22 years in Texas should learn more about her home State.
I point this out because this is indicative of the larger problem of gum flappers who make pin point exacting comments about the world we live in without knowing much about the world at all. How do we expect this young lady or any person to know anything concrete about the world at large when they know so little or misrepresent so readily and sincerely the small little corner of the world that they live in and they do it without correction.
Candles don't "CAUSE" fires
Once again a poorly written news story from the Sun Journal. Once again the Sun Journal is okay with not putting the responsibility of an adverse situation where it belongs, with a careless individual. How in the world can a candle "start a fire". This fire was not started by a candle, it was started by Terry Cady.
Terry Cady's poor judgement and careless placement of the candle was the reason for the fire that has unfortunately left her homeless and an insurance company to pay for her carelessness. It surely won't be long before insurance companies are allowed to void someone's coverage if a fire is determined to be the result of a porrly placed or watched candle.
Come on Sun Journal write the news. Put the blame where it belongs. Too often this paper finds a way to phrase a story allowing for candles, ice, rain, sun, alchohol, thin ice, speed and so on as the "cause" of an accident or death. The truth is poor judgement, a blatant disregard for safety precautions, inexperience and so on are the primary causes of most so called accidents and accidental deaths.
It's time for the immigrants to adopt us as we have adopted them
It’s time to take of the kid gloves. There is no doubt that a large number of Somali’s in this Country arrived as refugees. Those days are over. They are no longer refugees. They are members of the community and need to start acting like it. There seems to be a disconnect between respect for the community and law and a sense of entitlement. I have a great deal of empathy for the atrocities that brought many Somali’s to our shores. However, my empathy is fading and I am now expecting that they assimilate into THEIR new Country of choice.
Hold onto your Somali identity and religious beliefs but join the rest of us in a show of community. I see the words “racism” and “racist” being tossed around far too freely. This is no way appears to be “racist”. It feels more like a group of people have decided that the rules the rest of the neighborhood live by don’t apply to them. They do. They apply to all of us.
I love the idea of the infusion of culture and color into our communities. I love the idea of the expanding world exposure we get with each growth spurt of immigrants and non WASP residents to our area. It betters us all.
Part of the problem in my estimation is the unwillingness of the new arrivals to assimilate and adapt their culture into our existing culture and the overwhelming willingness for the natives to give up the existing culture as to pacify the new arrivals. Not allowing school kids to have a Halloween or Christmas party is obscene. I am not a practicing Christian but would not ever advocate the elimination of the grade school Christmas party. People who don’t know to shut their mouths when the National Anthem is playing or being performed is obscene. Referring to The President of The United States of America by his surname only, instead of as President Obama or President Bush is obscene.
It is not okay to be politically correct for the sake of being politically correct. We are America. We are Americans. This is how it is done here. If doing it the Somali way was superior it wouldn’t be a Country of tribes and tribal wars with a near complete lack of law and order and respect for the human condition. It is time for our Somali neighbors to start adapting their traditional lifestyles into the existing community. It is what our grandparents did, it is what their parents did, it is what some of our parents did and some of us had to do. We brought our baggage with us, we adapted what made sense to adapt and we adopted new ideals and practices and we left a lot behind. That’s life. That’s why we are successful as a Nation.
It’s not a mistake that we are the youngest Nation on the planet but yet the most powerful. Even now, as we muddle through high unemployment, financial adversity, housing busts, and so on is there a place on earth that any of us would rather be? It is the commitment to the idea of the USA that has made it possible. Even during these adverse times we are united as one.
We are one Nation acting in unison represented by a bevy of nationalities and religions. We cannot be a bevy of nationalities and religions all going in their own direction acting in their own interest and still expect to reach our common goal. It is time to start expecting the Somali members of our community to start acting like they are members of the community at large. Enough quarter has been given. It’s time for the rubber to hit the road and for the immigrants to adopt us as we have adopted them.
Paris Town Curfew
Well in the words of Jack Nicholson as "The Joker"..."This town could use an enema”. How ridiculous, a curfew.
Leave it to Maine to re-invent the wheel
There is no surprise that that the gambling control board's role would increase and that new hire's would be necessary. It is common sense. At first I was thinking that $900,000 of additional expenses per year was high but it seems reasonable when considering the task at hand.
What I am most baffled about is why it's going to take 8 weeks to right the rules for a few gaming table games. If it were embarking on a new venture I would talk to a close friend or neighbor that had experience and get their input. That said, wouldn't it make sense to sit down with the folks from Atlantic City, or Connecticut with their rules and bang out our own using theirs as the foundation. I think in most cases regular folk could sit down with the Atlantic City or Connecticut rules and in about a day or two bang out what we would need. We are late comers to this and there are tried and true rules already in place in much larger establishments than we will be seeing that would work for Maine just fine.
Let's stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Will Maine gambling be so unique that it needs to formulate a whole new system? Doubtful. Does the Maine legislature see the opportunity to be greedy, even as they protest something as vile as a casino? Probably. Hence, let's reinvent the wheel and skim as much cream off the top as possible.
The greedy suits in Augusta are no doubt plotting and scheming this very minute, behind closed doors and in clandestine meetings on how they are going to get their hands on the piles of cash the Casino will generate. The Casino has never been the problem. The problem has always been the greed of those for and against the Casino and of the parasites at the fringes of the process.
Be proactive...
Though it is good to see the State finally on the offensive in this arena it seems to make more sense to (quoting that great American Barney Fife) "nip it in the bud". In my estimation it makes more fiscal sense for the State to spend a couple million dollars a year hiring the personnel it would take to ensure recipients of various programs are not only in need but are also using the funding as described and intended. If you are in receipt of State monies for housing, heating assistance, food stamps, TANF, ASPIRE, etc..., it should be completely expected that a State DHHS program funding enforcement agent will be visiting you, without prior notice, to ensure you are in compliance.
Those against such an assurance policy will certainly argue that it violates a person's right to privacy to just show up on their door and request entry. Hogwash, if you agree to accept money from the State you need to accept some conditions and among the first is you agree to allow the State DHHS funding agency entry to your home not just to ensure that monies aren't being misused but to also educate recipients in areas that they need education; areas like, meal planning, budgeting, parenting and so on.
While we are on the subject, wouldn’t it be nice to see a workfare project instituted? Parks need cleaning, pot holes need filling, culverts need cleaning, schools need painting and so much more and the State has a fully paid workforce collecting a paycheck while they sit at home. Not everyone but a good percentage sit at home collecting. Let’s put them to work. You want the money then do what the people paying into the system are doing, work. Not slave labor or endless hours, just something that gives a sense of earning instead of entitlement. Something that boosts one’s self worth and feels more like earning than taking.
I own some rental units and recently had a tenant who leave because she was going to (these are her words) "get my welfare". She quit college, quit work, moved in with her boyfriend who had just secured a section 8 voucher though a transfer from a parent that moved out of State, and she "got her welfare", like it was owed to her. A perfectly capable 23 year old woman quit bettering her life because it was work in favor of welfare.
Welfare is no bargain. I don't think for one minute people are living high on the hog while on welfare (assistance). But, there sure are a large percentage of recipients on assistance abusing the system and the programs to the detriment of individuals and families that are in actual need. There needs to be checks and balances. The State has to be proactive. Instead of chasing after spent money and hoping to get paid back make sure the money is going to the people who should be getting it in the first place.
There is a fantastic movie from the 70's that highlights this very situation. The movie is called Claudine, starring James Earl Jones and Diahann Carrol. You can watch it in section on youtube if you can't find it at the video store or through an online streaming service.
Fun..huh?
A week ago my wife and I had occasion to sample the atmosphere and the food at Pedro O'Hara's and both were bland. We stopped by for lunch on a Thursday afternoon. My wife had the taco salad that turned out to be a hodge podge of too finely chopped lettuce and other ingredients and under seasoned hamburg meat. The presentation was typical and boring. Any flavor that the salsa may have had was over shadowed by an over abundant spiciness making it too hot to enjoy. The guacamole had a gray/green color. It lacked any hints of lime, onion, garlic or salt flavors. I ordered an iced tea that again had no flavor. It barely had color. The waitress tried brought three different glasses of iced tea and each one carried just a tinge of color and no flavor. Maybe the drink mixer ratio was off. This is just my opinion but I think that if you are unfamiliar with what really great food tastes like or looks like it is easy to confuse a lot of what we are offered in many restaurants as high end cuisine. I will definitely try Pedro's again in hopes that my first disappointing visit was the result of new location jitters and an off day. Good Luck Pedro's I really do want to see you make it. Please remember that there is nothing on your menu that can't be made at home and for a lot less. What we or at least I look for when I visit a restaurant is great food made from fresh ingredients and good service. But the most important part of the equation is GREAT FOOD, not mediocre good but GREAT FOOD.
What is it that keeps Mr. LaPage away
Top 10 possibilities that keep Mr. LaPage away from so many debates
10. Not as versed as other candidates with the task at hand and doesn't want to appear to be uninformed and ignorant to the state of the State.
9. Has nothing constructive to say
8. Has no concrete ideas for fixing what's broken and enhancing what's working in State government.
7. Views himself as above the process and above the average Maine resident.
6. It's below his pay grade to answer show up for a job interview.
5. It's too uncomfortable having to tell the truth so often.
4. Bates and MPBN are to Mr. Lepage as the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors were to Custer and the 7th Calvary.
3. Too busy making a deal for water damaged coolers and kitchen utensils from South Carolina.
2. Is working the late shift at the Lewiston Marden's location restocking shelves and checking the dates on the canned goods.
1. Are you kidding, miss 30 Rock and The Office, no way.
Just a bit of humor. It would be nice if Mr. LaPage would show up to some of these debates. I would like to be able to know more about what he thinks than just the rhetoric that is contained in his campaign commercials. I am still undecided and want to learn more about all the candidates and these debates help.
Personally I wish Barbar Merrill would have made another go at it and it would have been nice to see Rosa Scarcelli on the ballot.
Teach a lesson
Too many times we are greeted by the morning news report with the story of yet another young person dying in an auto accident. Each time, the newspaper and television and radio takes the time to report what good kids these were. There are quotes from neighbors, teachers, friends, relatives and other students. Without fail we hear about what good kids these were and how bright their future was. And, without fail we learn that the school system will do it's part with grief counselors.
Instead of grief counselors let's pack the kids into a bus with a few substance abuse counselors and take them to the scene. Instead of holding hands and drying tears let them see firsthand the truth about what has happened. We spend far too much time and money trying to make kids feel better about the bad decisions their peers and friends are making. Show them the ugly reality of what happens when you combine alcohol, drugs, speed or texting with driving.
We have to start treating young people and their decision making with some consistency. Either they are mature enough to be accountable for their actions or they are not. I don't think our children are being served very well when we dismiss drinking and driving, or speeding, or using a cell phone while driving as a mistake. Take away the keys.
The truth is most parents won't because they have put the parenting of their children into the hands of others and their children. How will their kids get to that part time job, or to the next school function, or to a friend’s house or to the football game? It used to be that parents got their kids to all of those activities. Let's get old school and start parenting again. Bring back the old drop off and pick up. Parents knew where their kids were, when they got there and when they were leaving. Kids weren't out at parties until midnight because parents wouldn't allow it.
Back in the day no 16 year old was hopping into the back seat of their parent’s car after drinking at a football game or a party or a dance. Today kids are getting behind the wheel of their parents car, under the influence. If we want kids to stop dying behind the wheel we need to stop putting them behind the wheel so easily and willingly. Parents are too willing to treat their kids like kids when they are within sight but yet expect them to be adults when they are out of sight. Kids are kids, all day long, not just when we can see them. Parents need to parent and stop leaving that job up to others and to the kids themselves.
Kids don't need an after school job. They already have a full time job. It's called school. They spend 6 or more hours a day in a classroom, 3 hours of homework, maybe an after school activity and a part time job. Are you kidding me with this? What are we expecting our kids to do? Our kids are working more hours a week than their parents. Sure, many parents will have a problem with that statement because they don't consider school a job, but it is. It is the most important job any person will ever have. It is the big equalizer. Wouldn't it be nice if the same parents we see screaming and yelling at their 15 year old at a football game put as much enthusiasm into encouraging their kid to crack a math book, to use correct grammar when they speak, to have good diction, to have manners.
Kids dying in car accidents by their own hand needs to stop. It starts with understanding that kids are kids. They are not adults. They are kids. They need supervision as much as they need trust. By the way, adult drunk drivers don’t suddenly become drunk drivers; they are just graduates that have dodged the odds. Eventually the dice will come up snake eyes.
The Point is...
Here is the the point...This young woman could very well be a teacher in a third grade classroom giving information to kids about her beloved Texas. Teaching kids that hardwood trees in Texas don't go through a fall change and that it doesn't get cold in Texas (now for the exaggeration) and gay people are an abomination and the sun revolves around the earth. The point is if you don't know what it is you are talking about then don't talk about it and if you do know what you're talking about educate the rest of us.
The point is a good portion of the people who read something or are told something like what this young woman said and the Sun Journal printed, believe it to be true. Then they pass it on and eventually you get a room full of fools who know nothing about everything and they pass it on.
The point is, this is how newspapers, and television stations and radio stations pass on information that is incorrect but that the consumer believes. This is "weapons of mass destruction". This is what get's people hurt and killed. This is what makes people think that China is a third world Country when in fact they are a Country poised to become the worlds largest and most productive economy while the "I don't get the point" people don't get the point.
The point is we should all know our community, our State, our Country, our World a little better. The point is coy mocking adds nothing to the conversation and displays an air of ignorance that far surpasses the original statement by the young lady from Texas.
The point it's sad that so many people talk about the world and what is wrong with it and how to fix it when in truth they know little or nothing about their own backyard let alone the World.
Let's adopt a kid from Africa or China or Latvia because those poor kids are in such need. How about adopting a kid from Maine or Alabama or West Virginia, they are in need too. There are people who have no idea what the hills of West Virginia look like, or how Native American families live in poverty in New York State, Maine, Arizona and all over our Country.
The point is we are so unknowing that we are blind to the reality of our own citizens situations. I know this is a long way to travel from a comment about leaves in Texas but that is the point. It starts with an innocent small untruth and it becomes a muddled false reality that can change the lives of millions.
Where's the Story
Where is the story? I have read the article 3 times and can't for the life of me figure out what the point of printing the article is. I was expecting a little substance. Maybe a thoughtful quip from a candidate instead a little cream filling. The most ink goes to a girl who has never seen a red leaf or snow because she's from Texas. I've been in Texas in the fall and the leaves change color and it snow's in Texas. It get's cold in Texas. Depending on geography the average low temp in December ranges from about 25 degrees in the North to 50 in parts of the South. Texas is huge and does have a wide range of weather but that is no excuse for being so unaware of your home State. Perhaps the "Young Professional" who has spent all of her 22 years in Texas should learn more about her home State.
I point this out because this is indicative of the larger problem of gum flappers who make pin point exacting comments about the world we live in without knowing much about the world at all. How do we expect this young lady or any person to know anything concrete about the world at large when they know so little or misrepresent so readily and sincerely the small little corner of the world that they live in and they do it without correction.