can someone cheer me up?

[detbuch]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

I guess this is not politcal but I figuered id bring up here.
I have to admit Im a pretty depressed american. I just dont see the things I want to see for my children in this country. My kids both have holiday parties at school today. We received a multi-paragraphed email detailing the procedures for us to come into the class, all kinds of security I need to go through just to go to my kids party. Part of me is glad they are doing this, it helps ensure my kids safety, but mostly I cant believe this is the world I live in. I feel the same way when I am at the airport. Watching my kids remove their shoes and go through the detectors. We are not Isreal, France, Lebanon, etc. I feel less free than ever. Cameras at every stop light, security at schools. This really sucks. I cant stand when people say "vote, people died for your right". Thats horsechit. people died for our right to live safely and freely. And we've lost that. Its gone. We've lost. People think this is political BS and none of this stuff matters, but it truly bothers me that Mansfield MA schools banned cupcakes, banned the holiday concert. More and more is taken away from us. My dad grew up in the 40s-50s. If you compared my childhood in the 70-80s. we pretty much did the same things with the exception of telvision. We played outside, rode bikes, built forts, football, etc. Now its all prearranged, play dates, activitites. All freedom lost. Most of my life I didnt give a crap, never followed politics, now i feel my view of american is under constant assault. Its rapidly going. Can someone cheer me up? Am I wrong here? How is this not going to get worse?

Hey, Jimmy, buck up! You have all that you need to be happy. Your family and the ability to provide for it and the fortune to be nurtured by it. From your posts that I've read, it seems your head is screwed on right.

I understand your concerns about what is happening to our country, and agree that much of what America was is under assault. But that was always so and will be. That assault has been growing more successful over the past generation or two. But we cannot escape from that "eternal war in nature." The only hopeful response is to fight back. Teach your kids principles (which I'm sure you do) and live by those principles. Prepare them to make their own life rather than to expect that good life will be given to them. I believe the deepest and most persistent happiness is that derived from your own effort, not from the fleeting little toys given to you for momentary pleasure (but keep giving the toys as well). Those spoiled by easy comfort and lack of effort constantly seek "good times" to fill lives empty of personal satisfaction, lasting love, and a solid connection to society or to life itself. From the things you've said here, I'm sure you don't spoil your children and do instill good values--just trying to lift your spirits by reminding you that you are doing what will make you happy. Sometimes we get down on ourselves when we feel we aren't doing enough, or are helpless to, for those we love.

I understand your concerns with the direction our country is taking and have the same concerns myself. Past American societies were lived more based on principles. Our current "mainstream" culture has evolved from a trend to lift anchors and to abandon meaning, or absolutes, in a landless sea of relativity. That might be good for some scientific inquiry, but it wreaks havoc on the common psyche, or dare I say soul. The loss of freedom, the lurking and ever present dangers that shouldn't exist in an advanced society, I believe, are results of that disconnection. And the societal and political responses compound the loss of freedom by a growing micromanagement of our lives for our welfare and security. The result is an opposite feeling of dependence and lack of power or control of our own lives.

Don't let it get you down. You do have the power to provide for your family and to teach your children fundamentals that will give them the power to do the same. I can't think of anything more gratifying than that.

[The Dad Fisherman]

RIJ...Hopefully this cheers you up....

[The Dad Fisherman]

And if that didn't...this has to....

[Sea Dangles]

I think you should have put up some clips from Leave it to Beaver or Father Knows Best. It is fun to play games and pretend which portal of the time machine we would step out of.But in real life that is not the case. I know the winter hill gang enjoyed the prosperity of the last generation but even Whitey knew it would not last forever.This is a thread of candy canes and lollipops but real life dictates that the big boy pants be secured and progressive thinking caps adorn our domes.Please stop whining about something we can't control and use your time for something more constructive.

Hey Jimmy,I saw that teachers in Texas are packing heat,things are looking up....

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

I think you should have put up some clips from Leave it to Beaver or Father Knows Best. It is fun to play games and pretend which portal of the time machine we would step out of.But in real life that is not the case. I know the winter hill gang enjoyed the prosperity of the last generation but even Whitey knew it would not last forever.This is a thread of candy canes and lollipops but real life dictates that the big boy pants be secured and progressive thinking caps adorn our domes.Please stop whining about something we can't control and use your time for something more constructive.

Hey Jimmy,I saw that teachers in Texas are packing heat,things are looking up....

Dangles, must be difficult going through life as a victim, powerless to change the world. I am an idealist, I look for change and I look to bring change. Im glad you can sit back and say "well, #^&#^&#^&#^& happens, live with it". Thats what cowards do. Bunch of folks like you 300+ yrs ago said,"well, if the king wants us to pay the stamp tax, I guess we have to, no sense fighting it" Other guys with balls, cried bullshat, took up arms and guess what happened? I'll continue to move forward and change what I can. i see America quickly going down the crapper. I have an obligation to fight it. Its people that are forcing us downhill, nothing else. Im tired of fear dictating how I live.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

Dangles, must be difficult going through life as a victim, powerless to change the world. I am an idealist, I look for change and I look to bring change. Im glad you can sit back and say "well, #^&#^&#^&#^& happens, live with it". Thats what cowards do. Bunch of folks like you 300+ yrs ago said,"well, if the king wants us to pay the stamp tax, I guess we have to, no sense fighting it" Other guys with balls, cried bullshat, took up arms and guess what happened? I'll continue to move forward and change what I can. i see America quickly going down the crapper. I have an obligation to fight it. Its people that are forcing us downhill, nothing else. Im tired of fear dictating how I live.

What he said...

[Sea Dangles]

Jimmy,get some coffee and then read the post.Who is the victim crying pity me?
I love the country and I am optomistic for my childrens future,where do I paint myself as a victim?You can use your time shoveling sand against the tide if you think it will make a difference.
Last week I took my boys to DC for my first ever trip to the nations capital as well as theirs. My first trip simply because as a kid we lacked the resouces to go.I was fortunate to happen into the Pearl Harbor ceremony at the WW2 memorial,I would hate to tarnish their sacrifices by poopooing the current stste of affairs and lack of opportunity. Of all the people to whine about the economy it seems ironic that it would be two guys who just bought new boats.I feel bad for your kids if this is the message they are faced with on a daily basis. You embrace change so much that when things went the wrong way for you in Cupcakeland you decided to move rather than stay and make a difference.That is fortitude in the 21st century.

[spence]

This should cheer Jimmy up

-spence

[Sea Dangles]

Jimmy,can you tell me what you have done to revers the trends you seem so concerned with.I think if I were to be enlightened as the extent of your looking for change and looking to bring change that I may be inspired to do the same.Please list these changes and display your bravery for those interested in your causes.If the change you pride yourself on is threads in the political forum of a fishing website that is a great start.Our president also speaks of change....good company

Nobody WANTS schools to need this type of security but what is the real option?NO protection?Hope it doesn't happen again?Oh,I know.We will stop the sale of guns? or just deal with it the best way you can?

[spence]

If it makes you happy the local HS had a bomb threat today.

You're not alone.

-spence

[detbuch]

Originally Posted by spence

If it makes you happy the local HS had a bomb threat today.

You're not alone.

-spence

Oh--Oh! Obama better tell Biden to add bomb control to the gun control thing he's working on.

[spence]

Originally Posted by detbuch

Oh--Oh! Obama better tell Biden to add bomb control to the gun control thing he's working on.

You're right...we should do nothing and just let natural order take over...

-spence

[detbuch]

Originally Posted by spence

You're right...we should do nothing and just let natural order take over...

-spence

Whoa . . . wasssup? I try to agree withyall about "doing something" about bombs and you get all sarcastic on me. All right, all right, so I was being a little sarc myself, but I thought it was funny. Bomb control? C'mon . . . not even a smile?

Oh yeah, the natural order. I wasn't aware that nature had lost control yet. I believe that it is "natural" to want to "do something" about random violence, even though, according to the most progressive among us, it was supposed to be various random violent events that created us. Fear is natural and wanting to prevent that which scares us is natural. That all does seem to be within the realm of the "natural order" so doing something, rather than nothing as you imply, IS a part of the natural order.

Now, if you're trying to poke fun at human nature being the Founder's basis for their creation of government, then I don't know what other basis there would be for government. I assume we mean by government, that method with which humans cooperate. I also assume that cooperation is part of the natural order. But so is violence against that cooperation, as is selfishness, as is evil, as are all things human, human nature being a part of the natural order.

The Founder's understood the conflicting natural tendencies in humans. They understood the tendency to give up freedom for security. They understood the tendency of majority suppression of minorities because of various "natural" fears and desires.

That Constitution was not a prescription for doing nothing and letting "the natural order to take over." It was, rather, a recognition of our nature and a governance of it so as to allow individuals their optimum power to realize their personal natural desires. It was "doing something" about the human condition to reign in the destructive portions of our nature, not to loose them upon society. And part of that doing something was not to institute despotic or dictatorial rules that violate our natural and constitutional rights. It was not meant that we should react to fear or momentary emotions to create such rules.

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by detbuch

That Constitution was not a prescription for doing nothing and letting "the natural order to take over." It was, rather, a recognition of our nature and a governance of it so as to allow individuals their optimum power to realize their personal natural desires. It was "doing something" about the human condition to reign in the destructive portions of our nature, not to loose them upon society. And part of that doing something was not to institute despotic or dictatorial rules that violate our natural and constitutional rights. It was not meant that we should react to fear or momentary emotions to create such rules.

Bingo. The Founding Fathers knew human nature through and through, it's
selfcenterness and quest for power. Having lived under tyrany they knew it
firsthand and were wise enough to write the Constitution in a way to safeguard aganist it.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by spence

You're right...we should do nothing and just let natural order take over...

-spence

I see, Spence. So according to you, there are 2 kinds of people.

(1) those who agree that Biden is the man for the job, and

(2) those who don't care about dead kids.

Spence, you are really coming un-glued, and you are really coming across as a horse's ass. I don't want Biden in charge of this, because he's not qualified to handle something this important. He's an un-serious, thoughtless, tired old party hack who will focus all the energy on guns (because his party hates the NRA) and he will do nothing to regulate violence in the entertainment industry (because his party gets huge $$ from Hollywood).

Biden is a joke, a punch-line. If we are serious about taking the reasonable steps to try to reduce the risk of future school massacres, we need someone in charge who won't be limited by what he currently believes, but someone who will be guided by facts and common sense. That ain't Joe Biden.

But congrats on assuming that those who don't think Biden is qualified, don't care about dead little kids.

The wheels are coming off the bus, Spence, you really sound un-hinged.

And for my $0.02, gun control that is forward-looking (meaning, laws that don't confiscate the guns currently out there) can not possibly have a significant impact. Yet 99% of what I hear from Democrats is gun control. I want someone who recognizes that we ned to take a long hard look at the crap our kids get bombarded with.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by detbuch

Oh--Oh! Obama better tell Biden to add bomb control to the gun control thing he's working on.

I guess he's so serious about this issue that he put Biden in charge????....good grief????...I know, I know...."hater"...."Biden is brilliant and well dressed so suck on it".....blah...blah...blah....hilarious...oh... he has, of course , "a very impressive resume"....why, Biden was also named to head the White House Task Force on Working Families, an initiative aimed at improving the economic well being of the middle class.

[JohnR]

Jimmah - this'll cheer you up

http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...s-breasts.html

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Jimmah - this'll cheer you up

http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...s-breasts.html

I threw Salma Hayek out there for him and it didn't work....don't think Giada is going to do it

[Redsoxticket]

Dog spelled backwards is God.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[justplugit]

Great, Jim.

[Slipknot]

is it me or did spence and sea dangles swap computers?
or are you just trying to write like spence, Chris?

[RIJIMMY]

Folks, I am not bummed about my life, my kids, my situation. I live an extremely fortunate life. I am bummed about my freedoms constantly detriorating. In life you slowly make concessions and then stop for a minute and look around you. I've done that and had a holyshat moment. I listed them in my initial post - airport security, cameras at every stop light, constant security at events and now the talk of armed guards at schools. Enough is enough. While third world countries have moved more towards our economic standards, we've moved more towards their police state rule. I cant see it getting better. Then there is the constant war on childhood - christmas, junk food, playing outside, etc. This is not me saying "those crazy kids and their rock and roll are gonna be the death of us" its noting the major changes in society and what we live with every day. The last 10 yrs have brought on more negative change than the last 50.
Dangles - good question, what do I do? Here is a list
I write emails to my politicians, frequently
I have written editorials to local papers
May not seem like much but its more that 99% of most americans
As an individual, I kick my kids in the arse to play outside. I let them ride their bikes outside of my constant supervision. I watch Its a wonderful life and the grinch with them and explain the message. On 12/7 I sat there with my ipad at the breakfast table and showed them video of pearl harbor so at least they'd have a clue. I save $$ as much as possible to protect my family from financial downturn. Frequently sacrifice to make sure we're covered no matter what. The day my kids were born they had a 529 account.
I have no clue what the hell I am doing or if its right. I can tell I dont like where this country is going and if enough good people dont stand up, our govt will continue to force more and more regulation of our lives to drive to THEIR ideal. Not mine. Your take seems to be there is nothing you can do about it and need to man up and deal with it. I choose to fight back, I dont know how, but I will.

[Sea Dangles]

So Jimmy,it seems you parent the same way I do...my 3rd grader walks home from school (supervised at first and with a buddy).All three have had college accounts since birth and will incur minimal debt (a little teaches them nothing is free).I have not however written the EastonJournal to demonstrate my bravery which you seem so proud of.Do I consider myself a lemming?Not in the least,but I choose to make a positive impact in other ways.I won't hesitate to say I resent being called a coward for my lack of civil disobedience,I would probably refer to myself as a realist.NRA just made recommendations for our childrens safety;they seem to be on my page and not yours.I would rather have my kids safe and try a little prevention while you seek a cure.Yup I am going mainstream again.Now I will go wrap gifts with the kids at My Brothers Keeper.A Holiday tradition of helping those less fortunate enjoy Christmas.Each gift is delivered with a cross to let the recipients know where the gifts come from.I am not religious but it makes me feel good.I guess that makes me a selfish coward.

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

So Jimmy,it seems you parent the same way I do...my 3rd grader walks home from school (supervised at first and with a buddy).All three have had college accounts since birth and will incur minimal debt (a little teaches them nothing is free).I have not however written the EastonJournal to demonstrate my bravery which you seem so proud of.Do I consider myself a lemming?Not in the least,but I choose to make a positive impact in other ways.I won't hesitate to say I resent being called a coward for my lack of civil disobedience,I would probably refer to myself as a realist.NRA just made recommendations for our childrens safety;they seem to be on my page and not yours.I would rather have my kids safe and try a little prevention while you seek a cure.Yup I am going mainstream again.Now I will go wrap gifts with the kids at My Brothers Keeper.A Holiday tradition of helping those less fortunate enjoy Christmas.Each gift is delivered with a cross to let the recipients know where the gifts come from.I am not religious but it makes me feel good.I guess that makes me a selfish coward.

you should read your posts, I responded to your acqusations. the coward comment was on your point (read you post) that things suck but deal with it. I never said you dont do anything good, I dont even know you but you attacked me for questioning the dramatic change in our culture which in IMHO undermines our society. And I believe you just made my point - "a little prevention" now equals armed guards at school. Wow, just wow. Whats next?

[Sea Dangles]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

you should read your posts, I responded to your acqusations. the coward comment was on your point (read you post) that things suck but deal with it. I never said you dont do anything good, I dont even know you but you attacked me for questioning the dramatic change in our culture which in IMHO undermines our society. And I believe you just made my point - "a little prevention" now equals armed guards at school. Wow, just wow. Whats next?

With guards at school I can tell you what is NOT next and that is known as death of children.Still waiting for your suggestion.Do youthink McVeigh didn't get outside enough?What about Kaczinski our homegrown unabomber;too much spongebob?While you are writing op eds kids are dying at school but you think we should stand down while I prefer to deal with it?That is real courage and conviction,the country is indebted to your service indeed.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

you should read your posts, I responded to your acqusations. the coward comment was on your point (read you post) that things suck but deal with it. I never said you dont do anything good, I dont even know you but you attacked me for questioning the dramatic change in our culture which in IMHO undermines our society. And I believe you just made my point - "a little prevention" now equals armed guards at school. Wow, just wow. Whats next?

Jimmy, just wait until he starts threatening to smack you because you disagree with him.

I declared a new mantra for myself last month that I plan on carrying through 2013... "You cannot reason with the unreasonable."

It works well to remind me not to try to understand women's emotions, hyper-liberals, mega-conservatives and people like Sea Dangles that coast around fishing websites calling random people he disagrees idiots and claiming he'd smack you if you were in the room.

[spence]

Did you really just say "police state"?



-spence

[spence]

I assure you I'm quite lucid.

As for your 99% remark, you're clearly not listening very well then.

-spence

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by spence

I assure you I'm quite lucid.

As for your 99% remark, you're clearly not listening very well then.

-spence

You stated that detbuch doesn't want to protect little kids, despite the fact that he never said anything of the kind.

The fact that you can mindlessly regurguitate one-sided talking points does not make you lucid. Anytime anyone offered another opinion, your response was "suck it up haters".

Lucid? Hardly.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by spence

I assure you I'm quite lucid.

-spence

that's what every nut-job says right before they lose it