Lestat... I just realized something!

[Stefka]

I've got a great idea for Lestat.
I know he works in IT, he should establish an after school program for "at risk" kids. Basically, find some corporate sponsors and the school would probably volunteer their facilities. Then get some people from work to volunteer some time teaching useful skills. If you can get your DBA, a network guy and a programmer to volunteer you might be able to teach them some marketable skills. Maybe a kid will end up with an industry certification and start working a decent job or maybe they'll be inspired to continue their education.

A less ambitious idea, you could just set up a tutoring program for the kids. Get some of your friends/colleagues from work to volunteer five hours a week. Throwing money at poverty doesn't solve a thing, giving people the skills they need to succeed solves poverty. The US really needs to graduate more people in math, science and technology. IMO, catching them younger is more effective than having them get a GED in prison.

That is a lovely idea Java.
Do you volunteer?
Do republicans volunteer?
I totally get the whole "I earned this through hard work and I'll be damned if you take it from me" mentality.
But you can still make an attempt to better your community (or your neighboring communities) without throwing money at the problems.
I cant really comprehend not giving a shit at all.
I think getting involved in something that helps others is quite fun.
And you meet some fantastic people.
And you realize that everyone who is poor isn't a "crack mamma."
I don't like it when people hide in their bubbles.
Throwing money at people less privileged than you is a cop out.
And writing off everyone who lives in a bad neighborhood or needs public assistance as sub-human is also a cop out.
I think most of the people in this thread need to go get involved in something other than internet debates and get to know the world a little better.

 

[javaguru]

That is a lovely idea Java.
Do you volunteer?
Do republicans volunteer?
I totally get the whole "I earned this through hard work and I'll be damned if you take it from me" mentality.
But you can still make an attempt to better your community (or your neighboring communities) without throwing money at the problems.
I cant really comprehend not giving a shit at all.
I think getting involved in something that helps others is quite fun.
And you meet some fantastic people.
And you realize that everyone who is poor isn't a "crack mamma."
I don't like it when people hide in their bubbles.
Throwing money at people less privileged than you is a cop out.
And writing off everyone who lives in a bad neighborhood or needs public assistance as sub-human is also a cop out.
I think most of the people in this thread need to go get involved in something other than internet debates and get to know the world a little better.

I've volunteered at numerous times throughout my life, too busy these days working full time and pursuing higher education to better my situation. I've even taken people into my home that were looking for a job and let them stay free of charge until they found a job and saved enough cash to get back on their feet, my army buddies. I've worked at the soup kitchen and volunteered my computer expertise to non-profits, guess which one makes a real difference? The former is for the volunteer to feel better about themselves and the latter makes a difference. I'm all for giving people the opportunity to better themselves, I owe my education to federal loans and the GI Bill but I reject throwing money at poverty and hoping something happens.

PS Call me a Republican again and I'll throw a beer bottle at your head!

 

[mrplunkey]

My personal theory is you put as much wood behind a specific arrow as you can. Normally singling-out a well qualified candidate and putting all your focus there often produces results.

Having said that, I'm in the middle of a disastrous clean-up from a 1.5 year project that didn't pan out -- $709 in apartment cleaning fees alone.

 

[Stefka]

I've volunteered at numerous times throughout my life, too busy these days working full time and pursuing higher education to better my situation. I've even taken people into my home that were looking for a job and let them stay free of charge until they found a job and saved enough cash to get back on their feet, my army buddies. I've worked at the soup kitchen and volunteered my computer expertise to non-profits, guess which one makes a real difference? The former is for the volunteer to feel better about themselves and the latter makes a difference. I'm all for giving people the opportunity to better themselves, I owe my education to federal loans and the GI Bill but I reject throwing money at poverty and hoping something happens.

PS Call me a Republican again and I'll throw a beer bottle at your head!

WTF are you - a libertarian?

I can throw money at anything because I don't have any (and I probably never will). But I feel good about public interest law because I am doing my best to even the playing field.
I think all volunteering helps.
Granted, it would be preferable for a high school kid to pour the soup and a college grad to teach computer skills. But as long is someone is doing something they have my respect.
And how can one not have enough time to volunteer?
2 to 4 hours a week makes a difference.

 

[javaguru]

WTF are you - a libertarian?

I can throw money at anything because I don't have any (and I probably never will). But I feel good about public interest law because I am doing my best to even the playing field.
I think all volunteering helps.
Granted, it would be preferable for a high school kid to pour the soup and a college grad to teach computer skills. But as long is someone is doing something they have my respect.
And how can one not have enough time to volunteer?
2 to 4 hours a week makes a difference.

Ever work 40+ hours a week and take 13 semester hours? Notice how I rarely post before 9:00 PM, that's because it's about the time I finish my school work, some nights I don't post up until later because of work obligations. I was a member of the environmental law society and volunteered countless hours doing legal research for a wetlands project outside of Columbus. I was also a member of the Federalist Society but never call me a Republican.

I respect initiative, dedication, and discipline. My father made something of himself because he had all three of those traits and was willing to work hard even though it was a blue collar job. He did what he did so his children would have a better life. Back when I first started in IT, I was doing Y2K work and taking six hours on the weekend. I would fly out Sunday afternoon and arrive late Friday night, having worked a 60+ hour week. I would pull an all nighter to finish my assignments and attend class from 8-2. People that show initiative should be given the opportunity to succeed.

 

[Stefka]

Ever work 40+ hours a week and take 13 semester hours? Notice how I rarely post before 9:00 PM, that's because it's about the time I finish my school work, some nights I don't post up until later because of work obligations. I was a member of the environmental law society and volunteered countless hours doing legal research for a wetlands project outside of Columbus. I was also a member of the Federalist Society but never call me a Republican.

I respect initiative, dedication, and discipline. My father made something of himself because he had all three of those traits and was willing to work hard even though it was a blue collar job. He did what he did so his children would have a better life. Back when I first started in IT, I was doing Y2K work and taking six hours on the weekend. I would fly out Sunday afternoon and arrive late Friday night, having worked a 60+ hour week. I would pull an all nighter to finish my assignments and attend class from 8-2. People that show initiative should be given the opportunity to succeed.

There are a lot of people who aren't afraid of work, but don't see any real opportunity.
And a lot of people are using public assistance while they get their shit together and get training. And then they get a bit of education an try to get a "real job" and they make sure that their kids are on top of their shit.
Your father taught you discipline, and that is fantastic.
But a lot of people aren't so lucky to have parents like that.
Yes, I've worked on weekends, I've been alone at the office at 1am. It happens if you give a shit.
It will probably happen again this semester.

 

[javaguru]

There are a lot of people who aren't afraid of work, but don't see any real opportunity.
And a lot of people are using public assistance while they get their shit together and get training. And then they get a bit of education an try to get a "real job" and they make sure that their kids are on top of their shit.
Your father taught you discipline, and that is fantastic.
But a lot of people aren't so lucky to have parents like that.
Yes, I've worked on weekends, I've been alone at the office at 1am. It happens if you give a shit.
It will probably happen again this semester.

In my experience, there are a few diamonds but you can't "save" most of them. The US Army is a great tool, it teaches basic life skills for those that never had order in their life, something the parents should have provided, and is an opportunity to improve their position.

 

[redsamurai]

^^^^^^^^^^
See guys? Why do we even need to debate various aspect of "the downtrodden" when we have a lifetime drain on society right here to ask!

not that my financial situation is any of your concern, but please briefly reflect on this post of mine from the other week.........http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/c...w-days-i-come-back-get-great-news-609608.html


now detective....let's see if you can deduce the obvious. And you even posted some nonsense in this very thread..........you dumbass.

 

[mrplunkey]

not that my financial situation is any of your concern, but please briefly reflect on this post of mine from the other week.........http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/c...w-days-i-come-back-get-great-news-609608.html


now detective....let's see if you can deduce the obvious. And you even posted some nonsense in this very thread..........you dumbass.

And what exactly is that supposed to prove? Are you claiming to be a seasoned world traveler? No Festus, I don't think so.

Hell, if I had to guess why you were there I'd think the Make A Wish foundation was probably granting wishes for the terminally stupid now. That's probably a better explanation for your trip than your own financial prowess.

 

[redsamurai]

And what exactly is that supposed to prove?

I guess you haven't traveled to europe lately....or probably ever at all, but FYI.....it's quite expensive.

Are you claiming to be a seasoned world traveler?

well, kind of I guess.......still haven't been to Japan though....

Hell, if I had to guess why you were there I'd think the Make A Wish foundation was probably granting wishes for the terminally stupid now.

jealousy is a very unbecoming trait young man........

Don't you have some hay to bale or something?