Speak Up!! Stand United!!Let's make it a better planet!!

Roxette,

Your posting is very inspiring! I think it will reach those that are afraid to say anything as well as reaching those to tell others to speak up. Well done!!!

I really think your post is great!And many more should come and speak up its very good that you thought of that and I admire you for that!Good Going Girl Keep Up The Nice Work!

Rhonda, Ch, I need you to speak up. Things that you won't tolerate in front of you. I go out of my house and find girls carrying sprays along with them to prevent from some teasers. Why is the security of girls on the edge?

Rhonda, Ch, what do you feel? I am waiting to hear from your side.

As a mother of three young girls, I am somewhat familiar of this type of situation. I think it has to do with these girls afraid of speaking up to their parents. They maybe embarassed to have their parents involved in this type of thing. Carrying the spray may provide these girls with a false sense of security and may even get these teasers to back off a lit bit.

My oldest who is 9, has been in karate since the age of 4. She tells me everything. And she has had her share of bullies. There was a time when she would fight them, until she was told that she should not do that.
Another thing that I may think is putting the security on the edge, is the fact that they hear of other kids being killed and kidnapped almost everyday.

Roxette,

What is your take on the question? It would be interesting as well to hear your side.

Well, I do understand how much responsibility it involves to be the parent of young girls. And moreover, the fact is that they are just growing each day. I have a son (14 yrs) and a daughter(13 yrs). My son is very polite and descent and very less with his words. But my girl is very talkative and sporty. She loves to go out and stay with her friends participating in co-curricular activities most of the time. This puts me to a thought about our responsibility we have towards our child. My son shares everything with me and during discussions, I feel his concern towards his sister. My children are very friendly related to each other. Thus, my daughter shares everything with my son, so that he can take my advice on certain issues and pass on the message indirectly. It's like the things that she won't tell me is told to her brother and my boy gets good advice from me and makes her feel secure.

Slowly and slowly, they are growing each day and we are getting older. Let them get matured in their own ways and be a support to each other in every sphere of life.

Dear Rhonda, let everything in personal fronts be like that. I prey for yours and mine's kids all time welfare.

Regards
Roxette

Roxette,

It is interesting to see what I have to look forward to. My two younger ones (4,2) I have yet to see what their outlook on this will be. All though I can say that I am not looking forward to the kids reaching the teenage years.

well, what else will you like to raise your voice against? Rhonda, we are the voice of America...right??

I would like to speak up regarding education in america today. Why are teachers underpaid and the students overworked? What are your thoughts on this Roxette?

Roxette,
I am a mother of only one daughter and three sons and if anything ever were to happen to any of my kids i don't know what i would do but like Rhonda said it is a since of security they think they should carry that around just to feel safe even though they should be able to handle it another way,some think thats the best but my philosophy if someone is teasing or fighting or trying to bully my kids,I think it should be handled in the right way maybe a sit down with the parent to find out why is their child teasing my kid or kids and is their a way they can possibly stop the teasing!I don't recommend a child carry spray for their teasers but then again the parent may not be around at all times to protect them or help them in that kind of situation.My daughter is 4 going on 5 and my oldest son is 3 then comes my second youngest is 2 and finally my youngest is 7 months.But My oldest son got into a fight at his school before over a toy and the little boy hit him in the face with a toy and left a scar on him my son is not a fighter.And the school didnt do too much but make an incident report I feel that the child who hit my son shouldv'e been disiplined in the right way because he couldv'e took my sons eye out where he hit him was close to his eye if it was any closer he probaly wouldv'e took his eye out!The boy shouldv'e been disaplined but he didn't and no apologies came from that parent either and it was their child who started it!

Ch,

I am apalled that the parent didnt even offer any apologies.The school should have at least put the child in time out. In a situation like that a sit down between both parents is the appropriate thing to do.

My biggest problem with schools today is all the homework they give.There are more single parent families today and its very hard to spend fun time with your kids when they have so much homework to do.
The schools in my area start at 720am for the high school kids.That means bedtime at 10pm if they want a good 8 hour sleep.Alot of these kids must have jobs to pay for all the things the school require them to buy for each class(the list gets bigger and bigger every year)so they are not getting enough sleep.One year my daughter came home with hours worth of homework to do and when I asked what they did in class,she said they watched a movie.Dont get me wrong there are alot of good teachers out there but they are not allowed to always teach what they want because of the Sol test required by the state.They must prepare them for that in class,so the rest they must do at home.I say get rid of the SOL test and let the teachers run the class not the state.I have not met a teacher yet that thought these test were a good thing.And lastly let the younger students go the school early,since they normally go to bed early and are up at the crack of dawn anyway,and let the older children go a little bit later.Sleep is important to learning.Many are going on to little sleep,and I think this has become a big problem with our high school kids today.

I think a big movement that needs to be made is people standing up for what is right. I know this sounds a bit "easy" but I think we all know how hard it is.

For example, I used to work for the DoD (I'll spare you the details so I don't get myself in trouble, lol) --but let's just say that it is one of the "larger entities". While working there I met my current fiance. One day at work she was being ****ually harassed at work and no one did anything about it. When I convinced her to have "the balls" to take action herself and be persistant, the guy ended up kicking the back of her chair really hard in an attempt to intimidate her.

Now who the hell does that to a woman? What kind of a man hits a woman? And what kind of tasteless ninny would take such a cheapshot?

I marched myself right over there and gave him a few words of my own. Keep in mind this is *AT* one of the most prestigious places to work in the US ... where everyone carries a fake face and never has the courage to speak their mind.

When he started lipping off to me and giving off this feeling that he couldn't be touched because of our location, I grabbed him by the shirt (up high) and started yelling at him telling him to leave her alone. He asked me if I was going to let him go in front of a group of white collars and military and I said "No.". Shortly after I was asked to unhand him by a fellow military co-worker - so I kept my honor and let it go with that. I walked out, only to find the horror that lay before me.

The military ended up trying to kick me out with an "Other Than Honorable" discharge for "Assault Consumatted by a Battery". They reduced me in rank, took half of my pay for 2 months, and put me in confinment for 45 days. The "kick" didn't end up happening, though, because my record was clean and they didn't have the grounds to kick me out. It was at that point that I realized how corrupt the military was becoming and how lost our nation was in regards to morality and "standing up for the right thing". I requested to be let out early (I completed a little over 5 years of my 6 year contract). The request was approved suddenly when I made an appeal and tried to have the command investigated. I was honorably discharged. :D

I know all about this topic, and quite frankly I'm sickened by the backbone this country has developed. We're so quick to send troops into countries because "its the right thing to do" but we can't manage our own civil affairs in a moral way.

I'll be interested to see where this thread (and others that are simliar to it) go. Thanks for the startup, Roxette.

[color=Red]****Adult term removed - Jason[/color]

Twokidtwocat,

I do agree with you about the homework overload. However, it is not just a high school problem. My 9 year old faces the same sleep deprivation dilemma as well. She has already began studying algebra and geometry. By the time she is in high school, what is going to be left to learn? She does go to school early. Her school starts at 800 so she is gone by 715. Here in Florida, there is the FCAT test, which determines whether you pass or fail. Most of the school day is spent studying for this test which is taken twice a year. Therefore she is left with more homework. That is a lot of pressure to put on any kid no matter what the age. Then I have my 4 year old who is to start kindergarten next year(as long as she passes the entrance test). Kids these days are expected to know and do so much more with so little time. :cry:

And that too another point if your child is born after a certain time of the year when school starts they are not able to attend till the following school year,take my daughter for example she was born in November last year when my parents were trying to put her in school they said she had to wait because of her birthday was late I think when a child is having the ability to start learning and their developmental skills are there to learn and stuff they should be priviliged to be able to go to school.But the system is so messed up now a days they have to be a certain age to go to school and that their birthday has to fall in a certain month just to attend!Now don't get me wrong now there are places that have and or help them prepare for school but I think it should'nt have to be that they have to have their birthday fall in a certain month while other kids are ahead of them in grades while the others who were born late are held back because of the birhdays sometimes that can delay a child!

Ditto, Crypto. This nation is becoming immoral and its weaknesses are just now coming to light, as seen with 9/11 and Katrina. I seriously would like to move sometimes. We need a Prez with more gut and morality. We need to turn things around and quick...before WE'RE nuked.

Lindsey and Crypto,
I know what you guys mean about that becauseit is too much things going wrong that the pres. needs to fix if for once he can just stand up and show em who is boss he lets too much things slide!Till everything falls down then he will really know!

Asian, European and other continents make this impression that we are the strongest of all. But if, problems that have been stated here persist like this, especially in military as said by cryptowizard, no doubt, we will be making a downturn in front of the whole world.

I know I just want this place to be better for all of us so we can all stand proud!I love living and I know I am not gonna be around forever but I am gonna try to live my life to the fullest and pray that this world only gets better!

There is a lot of confusion in my eyes about where this country (and world) are going. I know we're kinda stretching a bit off topic by this point, but we have an evolved conversation going that I think should be kept alive.

Another thing that concerns me is the level of racism that is growing. Everyone knows that every country has their ethnic differences and the USA is nothing different. Obviously our battles are a little more "fresh" on the scene, but through the 80's and 90's things seemed to be pretty "stable". Now it is to a point where the minorities are starting to take advantage of some of the programs that were created for them to re-establish themselves in society -- and its getting so bad that they're actually discriminating others to do it.

For example, now you have fully qualified "white" kids trying to get into a college and they can't because they can't take "a slot that has to be filled by a black". That to mean sounds like discrimination. Or how about the NAACP? The concept is absolutely fine. I have no problems with its INTENTIONS. But I think many will agree that they're starting to get a bit out of hand by sticking their nose into every legal battle and news event screaming "Racism!" (like Katrina).

I just want things to be at a point to where even if people aren't getting along, they can go about their business and tolerate eachother enough to enjoy their life. Regardless of race, you should have enough respect for each other to be an honest, intelligent, efforted person and not try to **** the other for benefits/preference, scream that everything is racist, argue that "English shouldnt be the primary language", etc.

I'll see where this post goes before I continue.

[color=Red]****Adult term removed - Jason[/color]

I think it's time to start populating another planet...you know, start over. Because at the rate EARTH is going, I don't see a SHOT in H3LL of things making a complete 180. The environment? Destroyed. The world? WAY TOO overpopulated. the People? Most immoral.
Might as well see what Mars is up to....

Cryptowizard,

I would have to disagree here:
Quote:

Good justification, Rhonda

I think that before we start working on the problem, we need to identify the origin of the problem. It's the most important factor.

That is exactly what I teach my kids. I teach them not to judge or discriminate. Remember love has no color!!!

I am sorry cryptowizard,
But I have to say that I am with Rhonda with that one because she made a good point.Before you go accusing the race you need to stop and look at the people,it is not just the race, you are barking up the wrong tree!I am gonna bring it back to the Rosa Park days!When blacks were not allowed to sit on the back of the buses because it was only for white people.And me being a mixed race part african american we do not get off sky free!And as you think we may abuse certain programs for the needy white people also abuse it too that makes it harder for all kind so we can not bring race into anything simply because race has nothing to do with it!I have also heard you state in your forums that you are a christian,most of my family is christian,but one point I want to bring to you is:
If you are a christian,christians do christians things like:
having **** only by wed if you have ****outside of wed in god's eyes you are commiting fornication!
If you drink or smoke ciggarettes that is out of god's eyes as well!

These are examples that I am trying to bring to your attention because I cannot claim I am a christian I can say yes I was baptized in a christian church but I am not a christian simply baecause I don't do christian things!

My point is:
that in the bible it states we should all get along no matter what race,origin or culture!And I think the race thing was a little to harsh and what you said may touch the wrong people's buttons!Cause I feel I get along with everyone no matter what race,color,size,or gender.It is just the people who are abusing the programs no matter what race you are!I feel that the discussion on race was uncalled for because that is so not true!
God put us on the earth to love everyone even though it doesn't happen that way but that's what we are here for remember Martin Luther King Had A Dream! And he didn't care what race we were just that we got along!

Because we are all humans and we should all get along even if we can't then oh well but we shouldn't criticize one for the color of their skin cause thats just not right!And another good point that Rhonda brought up is we shouldn't teach our kids to be that way we teach them to be right !
Me too I raise my kid's to be kind hearted souls instead of growing up hating the world my kid's are raised to love not to hate what the people do and they kill those people with kindness not hatred!Cause there is a judgement day for all but only god can decide where you go!

[color=Red]****Adult term removed - Jason[/color]

Ch---Cryptowizard was not being racist or discriminitory by any means. You're jumping the gun!
Also, not all of us here on the boards are Christian. So by stating quotes from the Bible, are you being discriminitory? No, but you are jumping to conclusions.

I consider myself Wiccan. Don't even get me started there---that religion has been persecuted since the Pilgrim days, as we all know. It is a religion highly recognized by millions of people and yet we are seen as Satanists??? Evil??? How back-stabbing is THAT?

It's not just a race factor that's a problem in life. People are not very tolerant and may never be. SImple fact of life to accept. Some people are just ignorant in life: they dont accept a race other than their own, they dont accept a ****uality other than their own, they dont accept a religion other than their own. It's those people that I loathe.

Also, a person's relationship with God is just that: THEIRS. So, not all of us are on the same boat with God. The Bible is a beautiful literary piece that is an excellent source to follow in life. But how you interpret it is up to you.

I most definitely believe that people shouldn't preach, either. Let people walk the paths they choose to follow; if others don't like it, so be it. YOu can't really change it.

I commend people like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, Princess Di, etc...people who try to realize a happy, peaceful society. It has nothing to do with race, however. If you notice, all 3 of the above are of a different race and nationality. That in itself is beautiful.

Again, crypto was stating a sad fact of life, not being racist. I would appreciate it if in the future peopel didnt jump to such conclusions, but instead choose to accept or not accept others' opinions.

Also, if I remember correctly...we all sin. SO not all of us follow the guidelines that are set forth by God. That's why Jesus was crucified. But you ask for forgiveness and move on. It is not your right to criticize others for their sins. I don't believe there should be "black" this, "white" this...everyone EVERYONE should have an equal opportunity for everything at ALL times. Period.

I thank you, Rhonda, for your mature, honest opinion.

[color=Red]****Adult term removed - Jason[/color]

Rhonda:

They have already had the opportunity to establish themselves in society. Though some people may not like it, they have been given equal rights and are protected by the same laws that everyone else is. So if they're discriminated by the inability to get into a school - fine - bring it to court. But don't make special laws saying "you MUST put a black person in this school" because that says to me "you must put a black person in this school because we need to make them feel welcome, too". Though the latter is not wrong by nature, it sends a message that they are getting special treatment and consideration which in itself IS discrimination.

Bear with me on this next example: If an over-qualified white kid with an ACT of 32 writes a beautiful exam ... and is compared (for selection) to a black kid that has fair grades and an ACT of 26 and writes a decent exam ... who should get the entrance? Without looking at color (like it should be), you'd say "the white kid". Now switch the tables. Now the black kid is the overqualified onen ... who should get in now? You'd say "the black kid". But here's the thing that I was talking about, it isn't like that in many circumstances. You can have two equally qualified but different ethnicity kids apply for the same scholarship or entrance and the minority is going to get it. End of story. You cannot deny that because it is fact. There is a piece of the pie that is set aside for ONLY minorities.

ch:

You started your post by saying, "...it's not just the race". But isn't it? Now before you start getting all upset with me and argumentative, hear me out. Statistics (not opinions or bias) prove that certain ethnic groups conduct more acts of agressive crime than others. Statistics have proven that the level of education and quality of speech of certain ethnic groups are lower than others. Are these things because of discrimination? Or are they because their parents never bothered to put proper values in their heads? Or because they never tried as hard in school? If you feel that everyone is created equal then you've just proven yourself that the problem lies outside the person themselves. People are a product of their society. What does that mean? It's the same principle as "If you lay down with dogs you get fleas". If you surround yourself with a crowd that isn't trying to overcome the problems of modern society ... a crowd that selfishly is agressive towards others ... a crowd that doesn't do what is right, but gives in to temptation and peer-pressure ... then you're going to end up just like them. A nobody. This isn't race specific. It's a general principle. My point is, because of PAST discrimination, many minorities have found strength in numbers (which is DEFINITELY alright). However, this is counterproductive because they tend to stick with those numbers no matter what. Like a bunch of lemmings. This is the point of no return. If you want to stand out ... if you want to be better than those around you ... this is the point where you make a difference.

Let's go back to the topic of abusing programs. Tell me how allowing minorities to have an NAACP is not discriminatory but having one for those excluded in its coverage IS discriminatory? Perhaps "whites" feel threatened by this abuse and should be allowed to have a central voice. Is there a problem with that? I don't see the harm in it if there are not ulterior motives behind groups like the NAACP.

Things as simple as scantron tests. There's always a block for "African American". OK, so you originated from an African decent and you're an american. I originated from The Netherlands, so where is my "Dutch-American" bubble? Those kinds of things only make discriminatory issues worse.

As for religion:

Religion really doesn't have much to do with it. You can say "my religion says to be a hippy" or "my religion says all men are created equal" -- but it is just your religion. I, myself, am a Christian. What defines a Christian? Knowing that we are all sinful by nature. That we were all destined for Hell until God sent his only son to be a man - a perfect man - to be the perfect sacrifice. (obviously this is a Christian belief and may not be yours). This is the core of the Christian faith. Things like "The 10 commandments" and quoting the Bible, and going to church, etc. are all details of the religion - but the core is and always will be the same. And that is the ONLY thing that will get you into heaven. So says the Bible.

With that being said, I grew up in the ghettos of south Chicago. I was literally one of the ONLY white boys. I went to school in the morning hearing gunshots - and the trains didn't stop near our house. That is my reality. When my parents moved us in 4th grade, we moved to a "white as white can be" neighborhood where in a highschool of 4000 there were only 2 blacks. Imagine how transplanted I felt.

I, too, have lived both worlds. And I speak from experience and facts. Not opinion. Some of my solutions may be opinions, but most of what I said in my orignial post above is fact. There will always be exceptions to every side of the story, but keep in mind that numbers don't lie.

Like I said, if people want to live their life their own way, make lazy english (ebonics) into a language, wear their pants down to their knees, blast the bass in their car ... then do it in a way that is respectful and tasteful to those around you. Honor the American history and what it stands for by keeping the language clean. Put effort into your speech. Wear your clothes with dignity and cover up your body parts that most societies view as offensive to expose. And turn down that music that shakes my car when it pulls up next to me because I'm not listening to your music ... you are. This way we can live in harmony with our own lifestyles. But effort has to be made.

I am not trying to jump the gun here!
And excuse me if I offended you or anyone else on this forum,all I was simply saying is that crypto shouldn't be saying that blacks abuse programs:

Because simple fact is that it is not the black people it is all people and with the religion thing it makes no difference what religion you are!

So don't ever get it twisted when you think I am jumping the gun which I am not.The statement being used ''black'' was wrong simply because like you and I said and everyone else will agree that race has nothing to do with anything!The reason why I am with Rhonda with that one is because we come from a mixed race and for someone to say some comment about blacks is not true!

We don't go pointing the finger at the white people simply because race is not a issue I commend whites,blacks,and every race there is out there so don't think just because I said my comments I was jumping the gun but for someone to say it is blacks that abuse things thats not true the people do thats why it is harder for everybody it is not a certain race it is just the people in general!

I got some many things that is mixed in with me that Im not just considered black I am considered other so thats basically what I was refering to because it is not the blacks it is people okay!

I don't critisize anyone or try to preach I just feel that only people are the ones abusing the programs not blacks or whites or any other race just people my dear!

Cryptowizard,

Not all minorities have had a chance to establish themselves in society. My children are of Spanish,Italian, African American, Asian,Indian and German backgrounds(which can be construed as a minority grouping) and they have not had a chance to establish themselves in society.

Quote:

ch:

You totally missed my point. Please re-read what I wrote, then write back. Thanks.