Renee, stating your opinion in a respectful way doesn't deserve flames. While there are a few mistruths in your assessment (denying medical care to babies IS wrong, and Obama doesn't disagree with that), your opinion is yours, and you stated it clearly and respectfully. Thank you for sharing.
I completely agree.
I have respect for all opinions, even those that differ from mine. The only time I take issue with other people's posts is when they belittle or demean others when stating their own opinion.
You know, it's discussions like these that make me realize how far from traditional conservatism I have moved in my thinking. I take a lot of flak for it, online and IRL, but I am finally content in my opinions and ideals.
None of us operates in a vacuum in this world. All of our actions and choices and decisions have an impact on other members of our society in some manner. Rather than sit back and say - well, you've made your bed, now lie in it because *I* have made better choices - I would rather try to look for ways to help people out of a bad situation. Not only is it detrimental to our society and economy as a whole (as evidenced by this housing crisis turned world economic crisis) to take the attitude of moral superiority, but, IMO, the general population benefits far more when prosperity is spread across a greater percentage of the population.
Ignoring the "typical bleeding heart liberal" ideas and motivations that are often mocked, isn't it better from a purely economic standpoint to have a strong, financially healthy population? Aren't we seeing just how much even the upper brackets of income are affected by this fallout? In my mind, the only way our current situation is headed is towards 2 classes, the ultra rich and the poor. I don't think we're going to see many members of that ultra rich segment from our ranks here on the boards. Many of those who sit back in relative comfort and security right now have the luxury to bask in their morally superior decisions. The way I see it, nearly *everyone* in this country right now is just a job loss or a major medical disaster or other overwhelming, unforseen event away from seeing this from the other side.
We've witnessed the failure of trickle down economics, now we're witnessing the ripple effect that the wave of economic failure is causing when started from the bottom. When you have the pyramid shape of society that we have now, with the wealthiest portion being that little tip at the top and the lower and middle class being that broad segment beneath, I'd sure rather have a nice, strong, healthy base as the foundation.
I think I've been pretty well-spoken up to this point and regardless its been called judgmental and offensive so why bother. I've also seen snark from the other side but no one has bothered to point that out. I find that interesting.
What hit me, is after reading a few posts by Radha, tivka and her brother - all of them reasonable and thought out and caring, considering the incredible stress and atrocity and heartbreak that is PERSONAL for them - to have you pop in and toss some ridiculous oversimplification around just seemed like a slap in the face. The conversation was leaps and strides ahead of that. I just think you could have played a different card.
__________________
wife to one, the love of my life
mama to 4, all incredibly gorgeous, smoochable and bright - taking my breath away everyday.
"Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing." - Mother Theresa
Little Sacka' Sweet
(thank you Rebecca, for shedding light on aperture!)
That is a HUGE assumption. Excuse me, but I'm as liberal as they come and I think I should be offended. I believe if one would look at my entire life, you'd see that, well, accepting of personal responsibility is pretty huge for me.
But, . . .
T is far more compassionate and generous and loving than am I.
But, what am I talking about anyway, I'm not here. I'm elsewhere being irresponsible and drinking margaritas.
, if only any of the words described me IRL! Unfortunately, I seem to identify more with irritable and grouchy and quick to go off.
However, we need to be meeting for some irresponsibility and margarista's - soon!!!
hmmmmm....perhaps claire knows you are a professional squirrel IRL robin? or just an autodidactic nut-checker? then i think claire means you shouldn't mix your vocational training or career with board melees.
I was srsly wearing my WTF face when I typed that And you know d@mn well that I am a nut-CRACKER not checker
__________________
Robin
Mother to Brian, Libby, Emily, Joshua and Jake
come Play with Mii 0707 6585 8883 9574
Animal Crossing Code: 1591-0480-5997
Name: Robin
Town: Awesome
Location: I feel the pain of Human Potential bottled up in distraction
Posts: 25,231
Sowest, so well put. YAY. Thank you for sharing that wise insight.
Tikva, please dont feel bad for coming and sharing. I really dont think anyone wants to make light of your situation or Israel and all that is near and dear to your heart and the hearts of many others.
I typically avoid threads like this too, but you know as I grow older and have been by myself for several months, I have allowed myself to have an opinion and to share it and I am happier that way expressing myself.
I think it is good for people to express themselves, even on this thread. I just felt there was too much fear and accusing Obama which is why I even stepped in to say anything.
You may have been the only person that read what I write anyway Tikva, Thank you
, if only any of the words described me IRL! Unfortunately, I seem to identify more with irritable and grouchy and quick to go off.
However, we need to be meeting for some irresponsibility and margarista's - soon!!!
no, that's not true. You do have those words that describe you to me. For realz. Sure, you have your irritable and grouchy moments, but that just makes you more real and genuine. I've told you before about what type of role model I think you are.
But, yeah, margaristas would be good.
__________________
Jonathan
Louisburg Cider Mill
October 2009
"Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?
Jesus said until him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And, the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments have all the law and the prophets."
All this freaking margarita talk and nobody showing me the 'ritas. I'm putting everyone who mentioned margaritas on IGNORE until someone shows up at my door with one. BYOB (the second b is "blender" because mine won't crush/slush ice for nuttin)
Colleen, Sandi, Gwen, Kimberly, et. al...thank you for engaging in discussion with me about this. I know that I'm more judgemental about it than I want to be, which is why I asked the questions I did. Like I say, from personal experience, I know people who simply wanted more than they could afford.
and
__________________
Rachel
Wife to Bryant
Mom to Jacob 12-25-95 and Owen 12-13-02
Colleen, Sandi, Gwen, Kimberly, et. al...thank you for engaging in discussion with me about this. I know that I'm more judgemental about it than I want to be, which is why I asked the questions I did. Like I say, from personal experience, I know people who simply wanted more than they could afford.
and
Thank you, Rachel. I actually appreciated the questions. I'd much rather see people ask questions than make assumptions. I appreciate you taking the time to consider what others had to say and, as always, you have been nothing but respectful.
Thank you, Rachel. I actually appreciated the questions. I'd much rather see people ask questions than make assumptions. I appreciate you taking the time to consider what others had to say and, as always, you have been nothing but respectful.
Location: land of frigid winters and sweltering summers
Posts: 6,750
Our local bank talked us into a 5 year arm. In fact, we turned down a perfectly good fixed rate mortgage from a different lender because we thought it made more sense. I read, and read, and read some more to make a good, thoughtful decision. Yes we had zero down, but we had the equity of the other house as collateral.
Guess what. Yeah, it was really tough to get a fixed rate mortgage earlier this year (late summer). Yes, we did get one, but the interest rate the first lender offered was something crazy like 12% AND our house was valued at 45,000 more than the house price with the construction loan to fix it up (original loan and construction loan together was 105,000 and the house appraised for 150,000 this summer).
For all practical purposes, we should have had an easy time. Average credit, 45,000 in equity in the current house we live in, and a second house that we rent out and have guessing modestly about another 30,000 in equity in.
I have real sympathy/empathy for many of you who found yourselves in a similar situation.
__________________
---------------
NELLE
Me and my girls...
*if you notice that I am not using apostrophes, it is because that key has mysteriously stopped working
Colleen, Sandi, Gwen, Kimberly, et. al...thank you for engaging in discussion with me about this. I know that I'm more judgemental about it than I want to be, which is why I asked the questions I did. Like I say, from personal experience, I know people who simply wanted more than they could afford.
and
And this is my experience too. Honestly Sandy, the situation you described wasn't one that I was referring to. My apologies for any hurt feelings or anger caused... it wasn't my intention.
__________________
Aimee
Mamaaaa to Kenna (6/97), Jake (3/99) & Josh (8/01)
Kenna's first CC meet - 1mi in 7:56!
, if only any of the words described me IRL! Unfortunately, I seem to identify more with irritable and grouchy and quick to go off. 
And you know d@mn well that I am a nut-CRACKER not checker 
Come see our Hyena Cart 
Thanks! :*)
Linear Mode
