Lestat... I just realized something!

[mrplunkey]

I just realized something, when I saw this post of yours:

Isn't that was taxes are for?

And buying a larger home means more property tax for the city.

Donating money doesn't put it to work in programs to provide educational opportunities, health care, job training, etc. Do you read my posts? Go check out some from yesterday if you'd like to get a clearer idea of my views.

From your perspective, it probably looks like people jump on you for almost no reason. But you realize you engage in a lot of inconsistent behavior, right?

Expressing a willingness to pay more taxes for this and that won't cure liberal guilt. It won't get your conscience off the hook for not getting out there and helping the poor and needy right now. Saying: "I'd pay higher taxes for..." isn't a golden ticket to constantly rewarding yourself with life's little luxuries while the poor go hungry and cold.

This may look like a personal call-out, but I promise you it's not personal.

You'll make a lofty, high-minded post about educating the poor so do you volunteer at a local school or do 1-on-1 tutoring in the evenings of someone who missed-out on education? No, instead you blaze-up and help keep the supply chains of pot flowing -- which wrecks educational opportunities.

Then you'll do a lofty post on how everyone deserves food so do you go contribute goods or work for a food distribution bank? No, instead you post-up pics of you out on the town enjoying $15 drinks with a bunch of girls.

Then you'll do a lofty post about how everyone deserves housing so do you go build homes on the weekend or volunteer for home repair duty in underprivileged neighborhoods? No, instead you make posts about how you want to buy "as much house as you can afford."

Its about time you put all these ideas of yours to work. This quote is quite troublesome:

Donating money doesn't put it to work in programs to provide educational opportunities, health care, job training, etc.

That's completely untrue. "Programs" don't provide educational opportunities, health care, job training, etc. etc. -- MONEY does. Either MONEY or TIME. You hide behind this notion that you personally are willing to pay higher taxes, but why not jump into the pool right now yourself? If you have enough money to spend on a down payment for a house or enough to go out and buy drinks or enough to buy pot -- put some of that money to good use here and now. Instead of posting about what you're willing to do, go do something and report back on this board on how it goes.

And also... I've heard your argument before about how your efforts alone won't solve the total problem. But it will be of great assistance to the few you actually reach -- and what about them? Even if we funded social programs with trillions and trillions of dollars per year, there would still be a few left behind. It's just impossible to touch everyone. So if you're going to use the "My efforts alone won't solve the entire problem", then concede that billions and billions of public money won't solve the problem either. That being the case, why should the public bother if you aren't willing to first?

I'm itching to see you lead by example.

 

[puddlemonkey]

cliff notes?

 

[puddlemonkey]

And where's that new avatar you promised?

 

[nimbus]

just because somebody doesn't sacrifice their own well-being to help the needy masses doesn't mean that his ideas wouldn't be beneficial to society as a whole.

if the surgeon general liked to get wasted, does that mean he shouldn't be allowed to tell people that alcohol is destructive to your body, and to recommend maybe a tax on it? This whole personal attack stuff is pointless; why don't you argue the issues instead

 

[mrplunkey]

cliff notes?

Ciff Notes: Just saying you're willing to pay taxes shouldn't free you of liberal guilt when you blow all your money on yourself.

 

[redguru]

Because Nimbus, advocating taking money from me at gunpoint to assuage Lestat's liberal guilt is wrong. Altruism has no place in government. It leads to favoritism, and the use of funds to garner voting blocs.

 

[mrplunkey]

just because somebody doesn't sacrifice their own well-being to help the needy masses doesn't mean that his ideas wouldn't be beneficial to society as a whole.

if the surgeon general liked to get wasted, does that mean he shouldn't be allowed to tell people that alcohol is destructive to your body, and to recommend maybe a tax on it? This whole personal attack stuff is pointless; why don't you argue the issues instead

The issues? This is the issue. I'll even spell it out:

"The issue at hand is the debate between personal responsibility for the poor versus obligating the public to care for them collectively."

That is an issue, isn't it?

 

[mrplunkey]

Because Nimbus, advocating taking money from me at gunpoint to assuage Lestat's liberal guilt is wrong. Altruism has no place in government. It leads to favoritism, and the use of funds to garner voting blocs.

Damn! That's another good way of framing "the issue".

 

[Razorguns]

Lestat is just fun to mess with when bored. And you know i wanna have fun.

But I am seriuos about his horrible camera skills.

r

 

[nimbus]

The issues? This is the issue. I'll even spell it out:

"The issue at hand is the debate between personal responsibility for the poor versus obligating the public to care for them collectively."

That is an issue, isn't it?

whoops

 

[nimbus]

yo i only read the first block of your post, and didn't see anything after the second quote. bleh, my bad

 

[puddlemonkey]

pwned?

 

[mrplunkey]

yo i only read the first block of your post, and didn't see anything after the second quote. bleh, my bad

No worries! I was afraid it would be seen as a "call-out" thread.

If he'll weigh-in on this post, I might even propose a way for he and I to try our hands and helping people

 

[PICK3]

No worries! I was afraid it would be seen as a "call-out" thread.

If he'll weigh-in on this post, I might even propose a way for he and I to try our hands and helping people

Lestat's antics are enough to make a good bro change his avi ... right?

 

[mwm5]

bro come on, that is how the liberal mind works. it flip flops situation to situation.

 

[Lestat]

So let me get this straight, because other people don't do what you think is best for others, you think that absolves you from any and all responsibility?

hello kettle, meet mr. pot!

 

[Lestat]

sorry bro this thread doesn't deserve anymore of my time. You made a lot of assumptions about me that are untrue (do you know how many community service hours I put in last year or what my total charitable contributions were?)

Even if you did know those figures, they do not matter, as they don't validate or invalidate any of my opinions (you should know better than that to be honest)

The fact is this. I won't ask others to do anything that I myself wouldn't subject myself to. On top of that, whatever the government mandates, I will continue to do more.

We can discuss economy and politics all you want, but I will not entertain talk about my personal life with you anymore as you have demonstrated time and time again that you lack the common courtesy and respect required to sustain such discourse. Have a great day.

 

[mrplunkey]

sorry bro this thread doesn't deserve anymore of my time. You made a lot of assumptions about me that are untrue (do you know how many community service hours I put in last year or what my total charitable contributions were?)

Even if you did know those figures, they do not matter, as they don't validate or invalidate any of my opinions (you should know better than that to be honest)

The fact is this. I won't ask others to do anything that I myself wouldn't subject myself to. On top of that, whatever the government mandates, I will continue to do more.

We can discuss economy and politics all you want, but I will not entertain talk about my personal life with you anymore as you have demonstrated time and time again that you lack the common courtesy and respect required to sustain such discourse. Have a great day.

That's a shame, because I'm proposing we go half-and-half on a charity. And I'm dead serious here -- I'm talking we send each other cancelled checks. We'll mutually agree to a charity and then give a modest amount of money -- something like $5,000 or 10,000 each.

Let's do this! I'm excited.

 

[rnch]

I just realized something, when I saw this post of yours:



From your perspective, it probably looks like people jump on you for almost no reason. But you realize you engage in a lot of inconsistent behavior, right?

Expressing a willingness to pay more taxes for this and that won't cure liberal guilt. It won't get your conscience off the hook for not getting out there and helping the poor and needy right now. Saying: "I'd pay higher taxes for..." isn't a golden ticket to constantly rewarding yourself with life's little luxuries while the poor go hungry and cold.

This may look like a personal call-out, but I promise you it's not personal.

You'll make a lofty, high-minded post about educating the poor so do you volunteer at a local school or do 1-on-1 tutoring in the evenings of someone who missed-out on education? No, instead you blaze-up and help keep the supply chains of pot flowing -- which wrecks educational opportunities.

Then you'll do a lofty post on how everyone deserves food so do you go contribute goods or work for a food distribution bank? No, instead you post-up pics of you out on the town enjoying $15 drinks with a bunch of girls.

Then you'll do a lofty post about how everyone deserves housing so do you go build homes on the weekend or volunteer for home repair duty in underprivileged neighborhoods? No, instead you make posts about how you want to buy "as much house as you can afford."

Its about time you put all these ideas of yours to work. This quote is quite troublesome:



That's completely untrue. "Programs" don't provide educational opportunities, health care, job training, etc. etc. -- MONEY does. Either MONEY or TIME. You hide behind this notion that you personally are willing to pay higher taxes, but why not jump into the pool right now yourself? If you have enough money to spend on a down payment for a house or enough to go out and buy drinks or enough to buy pot -- put some of that money to good use here and now. Instead of posting about what you're willing to do, go do something and report back on this board on how it goes.

And also... I've heard your argument before about how your efforts alone won't solve the total problem. But it will be of great assistance to the few you actually reach -- and what about them? Even if we funded social programs with trillions and trillions of dollars per year, there would still be a few left behind. It's just impossible to touch everyone. So if you're going to use the "My efforts alone won't solve the entire problem", then concede that billions and billions of public money won't solve the problem either. That being the case, why should the public bother if you aren't willing to first?

I'm itching to see you lead by example.

 

[Lestat]

That's a shame, because I'm proposing we go half-and-half on a charity. And I'm dead serious here -- I'm talking we send each other cancelled checks. We'll mutually agree to a charity and then give a modest amount of money -- something like $5,000 or 10,000 each.

Let's do this! I'm excited.

The biggest single donation I do is to my high school, and its $500 because my company will match up to that amount. I like your spirit though! I'll look at bigger dollar donations once I've purchased a home.

 

[mrplunkey]

The biggest single donation I do is to my high school, and its $500 because my company will match up to that amount. I like your spirit though! I'll look at bigger dollar donations once I've purchased a home.

So after you've buried $300,000 in a house you'll spread a paultry $10,000 on the poor?

I'm dead serious here. We mutually agree on this thread to a charity. Then we each take photos holding the checks up to our faces. Then we post cancelled checks with our account numbers blacked-out here on the board (sending copies of the originals to each other, of course).

Think about it. It's $10,000 in cold, hard cash to the needy -- TIMES TWO!

I'm genuinely excited about this. Let's do it.

 

[Razorguns]

The biggest single donation I do is to my high school, and its $500 because my company will match up to that amount. I like your spirit though! I'll look at bigger dollar donations once I've purchased a home.

$500 is a joke. I bet your monthly alcohol bill is higher.

May 5th, i expect you marching with poor people for green cards and drivrer's licenses - not partying with chicks you don't have sex with.

Priorities baby priorities.

r

 

[Lestat]

So after you've buried $300,000 in a house you'll spread a paultry $10,000 on the poor?

I'm dead serious here. We mutually agree on this thread to a charity. Then we each take photos holding the checks up to our faces. Then we post cancelled checks with our account numbers blacked-out here on the board (sending copies of the originals to each other, of course).

Think about it. It's $10,000 in cold, hard cash to the needy -- TIMES TWO!

I'm genuinely excited about this. Let's do it.

Like I said, after I've purchased a home (you own a primary residence right?) I will consider it depending on where my finances are at the time. Great idea, I agree.

 

[Lestat]

$500 is a joke. I bet your monthly alcohol bill is higher.

May 5th, i expect you marching with poor people for green cards and drivrer's licenses - not partying with chicks you don't have sex with.

Priorities baby priorities.

r

Again you are making false assumptions about me.

 

[Lestat]

Charitable contributions are great, but not a substitute for a sustainable and viable economic policy.

 

[Razorguns]

Again you are making false assumptions about me.

How can i? you post 9000 times about the poor and their suffering all day. Then post up party pics. Your feel-good selfish liberalism is a sham.

You have done nothing for the cause you supposedly believe in. And you're what 30s now?

r

 

[Lestat]

How can i? you post 9000 times about the poor and their suffering all day. Then post up party pics. Your feel-good selfish liberalism is a sham.

You have done nothing for the cause you supposedly believe in. And you're what 30s now?

r

You continue to make little sense, and judge others based on false premise.

 

[mrplunkey]

Charitable contributions are great, but not a substitute for a sustainable and viable economic policy.

And higher taxes makes it "sustainable and viable"?

This is your perfect opportunity to help the needy. I'm the mean-spirited conservative here. You should be encouraging me to do this -- why am I the one pushing you?

Also, let's have the thank-you letters and gift receipt (for tax purposes) sent to each other too. We can scan and post each others.

And yes, I own a primary residence. What does that have to do with anything? Do any of your would-be higher taxpayers get the chance to say: "No thanks to those higher taxes right now. I'll pay them when my finances are in better shape."? Hell no -- the IRS comes and hauls them off to prison.

So anyway... you in or you out? Let's do this!

$10,000 each -- imagine what good $20,000 could do. That could probably lift a family out of poverty by getting one of the parents a (small) college education.

 

[Lestat]

And higher taxes makes it "sustainable and viable"?

This is your perfect opportunity to help the needy. I'm the mean-spirited conservative here. You should be encouraging me to do this -- why am I the one pushing you?

Also, let's have the thank-you letters and gift receipt (for tax purposes) sent to each other too. We can scan and post each others.

And yes, I own a primary residence. What does that have to do with anything? Do any of your would-be higher taxpayers get the chance to say: "No thanks to those higher taxes right now. I'll pay them when my finances are in better shape."? Hell no -- the IRS comes and hauls them off to prison.

So anyway... you in or you out? Let's do this!

$10,000 each -- imagine what good $20,000 could do. That could probably lift a family out of poverty by getting one of the parents a (small) college education.

I'll give up 100% of my salary if it means it will fix the economic issues for ALL poor in this country. I wouldn't even ask that of anyone else, but I am more than willing.

 

[Lestat]

And higher taxes makes it "sustainable and viable"?

This is your perfect opportunity to help the needy. I'm the mean-spirited conservative here. You should be encouraging me to do this -- why am I the one pushing you?

Also, let's have the thank-you letters and gift receipt (for tax purposes) sent to each other too. We can scan and post each others.

And yes, I own a primary residence. What does that have to do with anything? Do any of your would-be higher taxpayers get the chance to say: "No thanks to those higher taxes right now. I'll pay them when my finances are in better shape."? Hell no -- the IRS comes and hauls them off to prison.

So anyway... you in or you out? Let's do this!

$10,000 each -- imagine what good $20,000 could do. That could probably lift a family out of poverty by getting one of the parents a (small) college education.

And yes, mrplunkey, people will only pay according to what they can afford under my tax plans. In fact, some people would pay no taxes.

You pay taxes proprotional to the amount that you take out of the system. Its as simple as that.

 

[Lestat]

do you not grasp the concept of a progressive tax system? If you make no income you pay no taxes. If you make a little profit, you pay a little tax, if you make a lot of profit, you pay a lot of tax.

I've yet to hear anyting close to a solution from you, you still insist on judging the individual, spinning your wheels on personal issues that have little to no relevance to the topic at hand.

 

[mrplunkey]

I'll give up 100% of my salary if it means it will fix the economic issues for ALL poor in this country. I wouldn't even ask that of anyone else, but I am more than willing.

LOLOLOL! Even 5 Trillion dollars wouldn't fix the economic issues for "ALL" the poor in this country. A few people will always fall out of the system. You've just given yourself the ultimate "out clause" for ever giving anything.

Heck, this is fun: "I, Mr. Plunkey, will commit to giving up 100% of everything I own if it will fix the economic issues for ALL poor in this country." Now you and I are empathetic equals -- we both care the same. The only problem is, no one is any better off.

It starts with a person. It all begins with the individual.

Now let's do this. You in or out? $10,000 and we'll have a charity picked-out by the end of the month.

 

[Lestat]

And I still carry over 10,000 in student loan debt, that will be paid off before I make a large lump sum donation to charity.

 

[Lestat]

LOLOLOL! Even 5 Trillion dollars wouldn't fix the economic issues for "ALL" the poor in this country. A few people will always fall out of the system. You've just given yourself the ultimate "out clause" for ever giving anything.

Heck, this is fun: "I, Mr. Plunkey, will commit to giving up 100% of everything I own if it will fix the economic issues for ALL poor in this country." Now you and I are empathetic equals -- we both care the same. The only problem is, no one is any better off.

It starts with a person. It all begins with the individual.

Now let's do this. You in or out? $10,000 and we'll have a charity picked-out by the end of the month.

Ok, not ALL, but lets say a reaonsable number, we'd cut the amount of people living below the poverty line by 95%. I'd give up my life if it meant meeting that goal.

 

[Lestat]

By all means, make your donation though, please don't let me stop you, as I wouldn't let your personal decisions on the matter stop me.

 

[mrplunkey]

do you not grasp the concept of a progressive tax system? If you make no income you pay no taxes. If you make a little profit, you pay a little tax, if you make a lot of profit, you pay a lot of tax.

I've yet to hear anyting close to a solution from you, you still insist on judging the individual, spinning your wheels on personal issues that have little to no relevance to the topic at hand.

This isn't a personal issue between you and me. Its only personal to the families we're about to help with our combined $20,000. Isn't that a solution to at least one family's "personal issues"?

For some reason, I feel confident you could part with $10,000 this month. Let's do this!

 

[mrplunkey]

And I still carry over 10,000 in student loan debt, that will be paid off before I make a large lump sum donation to charity.

So you come first?

It seems like the poor take a seat in the back of the bus when it comes to you and your wallet. A person reading your posts would never think that, would they?

Let's do this! I'm excited.

 

[Lestat]

This isn't a personal issue between you and me. Its only personal to the families we're about to help with our combined $20,000. Isn't that a solution to at least one family's "personal issues"?

For some reason, I feel confident you could part with $10,000 this month. Let's do this!

Please, go ahead, don't let that family suffer on my account. Be the bigger man and do what you would expect everyone to do.

Personally, I don't expect everyone making my salary to contribute 10,000 of their net income in addition to their taxes, I've never asked that, yet instead of addressing the overall issue, you do choose to make it a personal matter.

 

[Oceano]

I'll give up 100% of my salary if it means it will fix the economic issues for ALL poor in this country. I wouldn't even ask that of anyone else, but I am more than willing.

but then you'd be poor (thus falling short of your 'ALL' requirement)

 

[Lestat]

So you come first?

It seems like the poor take a seat in the back of the bus when it comes to you and your wallet. A person reading your posts would never think that, would they?

Let's do this! I'm excited.

On an individual basis, yes I come first, as I would expect of any American. But you are smarter than that, we're talking about much bigger issues than that.

 

[Lestat]

but then you'd be poor (thus falling short of your 'ALL' requirement)

I'd still be willing to do that if it could have such long lasting and far reaching impacts. I wouldn't expect others to though.

 

[nimbus]

plunkey, go tell a needy a family that you'll donate 10,000 dollars, but only if lestat does too

 

[Oceano]

I'd still be willing to do that if it could have such long lasting and far reaching impacts. I wouldn't expect others to though.

I'd do it too bro

 

[Lestat]

I'd do it too bro

I am sure many people would, I just wouldn't expect someone to do that. Just as I don't expect someone like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, who have more money than they would ever realistically "need" to donate their money. Luckily for us all they both do it voluntarily.

Same thing with our public servants (politicians) we give them generous salaries (not as much as is possible in private sector, but they get a hell of a lot more vacation time). On top of that they get a great health care plan as well. I wonder how many of them donate their salary to charity, i know some have talked about it, because many come from lucrative private sector jobs, but we don't judge those that don't. Even the liberal politicians who are in favor of doing more for the poor than for the rich, we don't judge them for taking a vacation or spending money on themselves.

 

[Stefka]

I'm volunteering at the public defender's office this semester. I am so excited.

 

[mrplunkey]

I'm volunteering at the public defender's office this semester. I am so excited.

Good for you! That's the kind of real action that could help someone. It sure beats a post where you just talk about the plight of the poor.

 

[Lestat]

Good for you! That's the kind of real action that could help someone. It sure beats a post where you just talk about the plight of the poor.

I agree 100%.

Here is my personal judgement on that regard, from worst to best.

Exploitation of the poor
Not directly exploiting, but still supporting the exploitation
Neutral, neither for nor against
Against the exploitation, but do not provide any assistance
Actively engaged in the cause

 

[mrplunkey]

plunkey, go tell a needy a family that you'll donate 10,000 dollars, but only if lestat does too [/color]

I'm thinking about that... it would be interesting to see what happens.

 

[mrplunkey]

I agree 100%.

Here is my personal judgement on that regard, from worst to best.

Exploitation of the poor
Not directly exploiting, but still supporting the exploitation
Neutral, neither for nor against
Against the exploitation, but do not provide any assistance
Actively engaged in the cause

Hmm... so is "liberal" someone who exploits the poor or someone who supports exploiting the poor? That's a tough call!

And what's with this "supporting" crap? Either you do something to help, do something to hurt or do neither. "Support" is a bunch of cheap talk and hollow words in either direction.

 

[Lestat]

I'm thinking about that... it would be interesting to see what happens.

I do like your idea, and I'm wondering if we could do an EF sponsored charity, it wouldn't be compulsatory, and people could give according to what they could afford. maybe you could match that amount if you really do have 10,000 you can easily part with, it sounds like you are setup very nicely as you own a home (i don't know anything else of your personal financial details) but I think you are onto something really cool here.

 

[ortiz34]

funkyplunk is ALL up in Lestats shit

sooooooooooooooooooooo..fvcking paranoid man

 

[Lestat]

Hmm... so is "liberal" someone who exploits the poor or someone who supports exploiting the poor? That's a tough call!

And what's with this "supporting" crap? Either you do something to help, do something to hurt or do neither. "Support" is a bunch of cheap talk and hollow words in either direction.

yeah, I definitely fall into this category: Actively engaged in the cause

I could probably do more, you can always do more, and I'm not perfect (never claimed to be) but I don't sit by idle.

 

[Lestat]

funkyplunk is ALL up in Lestats shit

sooooooooooooooooooooo..fvcking paranoid man

its good for my post count, plus I am always flattered when someone takes such an active interest in my life!

 

[Stefka]

Are people more willing to donate time than money?
Lestat is probably worth $50/hr.
So if he donated 200 hours a year (about 4 hours a week) that would equal $10,000.
Plunkey probably is worth a little more per hour, so he'd have to volunteer a few more hours a week.
That could be fun.

 

[Razorguns]

its good for my post count, plus I am always flattered when someone takes such an active interest in my life!

slut i know more about ur life than most of my friends!!!

r

 

[Lestat]

Are people more willing to donate time than money?
Lestat is probably worth $50/hr.
So if he donated 200 hours a year (about 4 hours a week) that would equal $10,000.
Plunkey probably is worth a little more per hour, so he'd have to volunteer a few more hours a week.
That could be fun.

that is another great idea. I probably do between 40-80 hours per year right now, so stepping that up to 200 would be quite an increase, but its more feasible for me than cash right now.

 

[Lestat]

slut i know more about ur life than most of my friends!!!

r

hahahahahahah glad to hear you take such an active interest in your friend's lives (and that you read everything you can about me!)

No offense to anyone here,but I don't have the time to keep up with what everyone has going on. There are lots of interesting people here that I know nothing about.

 

[Stefka]

I'm thinking about that... it would be interesting to see what happens.

It's a crap shoot.
I've seen very poor people get large settlements.
Some people use it to go back to school and get their families in a good place.
Some blow it quickly and then get all money obsessed.

 

[mrplunkey]

I do like your idea, and I'm wondering if we could do an EF sponsored charity, it wouldn't be compulsatory, and people could give according to what they could afford. maybe you could match that amount if you really do have 10,000 you can easily part with, it sounds like you are setup very nicely as you own a home (i don't know anything else of your personal financial details) but I think you are onto something really cool here.

Why does it always start with someone else's money though? Its an interesting form of deflection, but it seems like all good intentions have to start with the individual -- not by forcing one person's good intentions on another person's wallet.

 

[nimbus]

I'm thinking about that... it would be interesting to see what happens.

they'd shank you for being so callous and then rob you

 

[Razorguns]

You continue to make little sense, and judge others based on false premise.

How DARE you questioh the Mighty Razorguns of EF fame. Do you even know who I am silly man?!

r

 

[Cardinal Slin]

Hmmmm - what a serious thread.

I may genuinely feel bad about the poor - hell I live in a country where the average unskilled labour get paid $200 a month. I feel bad for these people but the country has at least 1 million of them (population of 4.5mil) and they come from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Srilanka for the most part. Some of these people have children they have not seen, they get to fly home once every two or three years to visit their family who they can not afford to have with them and yet they are definitely doing better here than they would be in their home country. It is hard and i feel sorry for these people and try to help them when and where I can but that does not mean I stop drinking, I stop going to meet with friends to knock back a few beers or more, or I don't go to the gym, drive my expensive car and so on.

Is that wrong?

 

[javaguru]

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.

 

[redsamurai]

No, instead you blaze-up and help keep the supply chains of pot flowing -- which wrecks educational opportunities.


.

haven't we been over this?? Go live in the real world instead of culling information from conservative news outlets. The real world will "always and without fail" give you the real scoop. At your age it's probably too late, but who knows, it's never too late to wake up and grow up...

 

[redsamurai]

Good boy LT......he's just not worth it.

sorry bro this thread doesn't deserve anymore of my time. You made a lot of assumptions about me that are untrue (do you know how many community service hours I put in last year or what my total charitable contributions were?)

Even if you did know those figures, they do not matter, as they don't validate or invalidate any of my opinions (you should know better than that to be honest)

The fact is this. I won't ask others to do anything that I myself wouldn't subject myself to. On top of that, whatever the government mandates, I will continue to do more.

We can discuss economy and politics all you want, but I will not entertain talk about my personal life with you anymore as you have demonstrated time and time again that you lack the common courtesy and respect required to sustain such discourse. Have a great day.

 

[mrplunkey]

^^^^^^^^^^
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!

 

[heatherrae]

Because Nimbus, advocating taking money from me at gunpoint to assuage Lestat's liberal guilt is wrong. Altruism has no place in government. It leads to favoritism, and the use of funds to garner voting blocs.

Altruism has every place to be in government. It is a government "for the people" afterall.

 

[manny78]

Where is he when we need him ?

 

[redguru]

Altruism has every place to be in government. It is a government "for the people" afterall.

umm, sig. Jefferson doesn't think so.

 

[galaxy]

I donated $1 to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor fund when I paid my electric bill today.

 

[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?

 

[mrplunkey]

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



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



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

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

I'm going to stick to my original guess of terminal stupidity.

I'm convinced that you are at least partially retarded or somehow otherwise mentally compromised.

 

[redsamurai]

I'm going to stick to my original guess of terminal stupidity.

I'm convinced that you are at least partially retarded or somehow otherwise mentally compromised.

uh huh, good one......I hope that didn't take more than 5 minutes of thought out of your day. Have you ever even been out of the states brian? And no, a weekend in windsor or niagara getting drunk and generally giving americans a bad name.........doesn't count. Sorry.

 

[mrplunkey]

uh huh, good one......I hope that didn't take more than 5 minutes of thought out of your day. Have you ever even been out of the states brian? And no, a weekend in windsor or niagara getting drunk and generally giving americans a bad name.........doesn't count. Sorry.

About ten years ago I worked two out of every six weeks in Europe for about two years. It was a fairly regular circuit that started at our manufacturing plant in Kells, County Meath IR. Then I'd work across the continent doing sales in UK (where most of our reps were), then Germany, then we'd finish-up at the sales office in Purmerend, The Netherlands.

Now I just vacation over there. Last summer the GF and I did Ireland for 10 days, then France/Switzerland for 8 days or so, then ran all over Italy for almost two weeks. We couldn't do that this summer though. She and my best friend needed summer school to finish at UT so I took organic chemistry with them. Hence, no travel for us this summer.

My Southeast Asia travel pretty decent as well.

So yeah, I've been out of the country a bit.

 

[ortiz34]

About ten years ago I worked two out of every six weeks in Europe for about two years. It was a fairly regular circuit that started at our manufacturing plant in Kells, County Meath IR. Then I'd work across the continent doing sales in UK (where most of our reps were), then Germany, then we'd finish-up at the sales office in Purmerend, The Netherlands.

Now I just vacation over there. Last summer the GF and I did Ireland for 10 days, then France/Switzerland for 8 days or so, then ran all over Italy for almost two weeks. We couldn't do that this summer though. She and my best friend needed summer school to finish at UT so I took organic chemistry with them. Hence, no travel for us this summer.

My Southeast Asia travel pretty decent as well.

So yeah, I've been out of the country a bit.

pwned

 

[redsamurai]

All that travel and you still seem to have the "global mindset" of a hayseed hilljack from WV??? This is the internets so I have to take your word for it......but you'd think all that exposure would have done something for your character.......I guess it was mostly business than.... My travel has been purely pleasure.......so I've had the opportunity to soak in alternate cultures and way's of thinking. You need some of that. Going purely as a tourist I guess you just don't get the experience.....

About ten years ago I worked two out of every six weeks in Europe for about two years. It was a fairly regular circuit that started at our manufacturing plant in Kells, County Meath IR. Then I'd work across the continent doing sales in UK (where most of our reps were), then Germany, then we'd finish-up at the sales office in Purmerend, The Netherlands.

Now I just vacation over there. Last summer the GF and I did Ireland for 10 days, then France/Switzerland for 8 days or so, then ran all over Italy for almost two weeks. We couldn't do that this summer though. She and my best friend needed summer school to finish at UT so I took organic chemistry with them. Hence, no travel for us this summer.

My Southeast Asia travel pretty decent as well.

So yeah, I've been out of the country a bit.

 

[mrplunkey]

All that travel and you still seem to have the "global mindset" of a hayseed hilljack from WV??? This is the internets so I have to take your word for it......but you'd think all that exposure would have done something for your character.......I guess it was mostly business than.... My travel has been purely pleasure.......so I've had the opportunity to soak in alternate cultures and way's of thinking. You need some of that. Going purely as a tourist I guess you just don't get the experience.....

Great point! I guess working in a culture on a day-to-day basis doesn't let you "soak-in" much. Do you ever stop to read the drivel you type?

Yeah, I'm definitely sticking to my belief that you're at least slightly mentally retarded.