Letters to the Editor
Parental duties
November 10, 2009
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To the editor:
I am not really surprised by what this new report says; “75 percent of the country’s 17-24-year-olds are ineligible for military service, largely because they are poorly educated, overweight or have physical ailments.”
What does surprise me is that former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff think they can fix the problem by injecting another $10 billion into early childhood development programs. How do they think students got into this predicament?
Our educational system certainly has room for improvement, but let’s not put all these problems on the schools or the teachers! Let’s be bold enough to call it like it is! Where are the parents? What is their responsibility?
The state of Kansas requires students to attend 1,116 class hours per academic year. The remainder of the calendar year (8,760 hours) is shared with siblings, friends and parents. That means during 87 percent of the year the students are not in an educational environment but under the supervision of parents or caregivers. What do the parents do during this time? What about helping or monitoring school work? What about requiring kids to be outside and active? What about encouraging extracurricular activities?
Now, I know that times have changed and many households include both parents working a full-time job. But that does not absolve them of their parental duties. Parents are just as responsible as teachers when it comes to the overall education and health of their children.
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10 November 2009
at 7:10 a.m.
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devobrun (Anonymous) says…
“What do the parents do during this time?”
Dad is nowhere or drunk or high.
Mom is on the couch watching Oprah and eating Twinkies.
So, when the kids grow up fat and high, just nod knowingly and say: The apple didn't fall far from the tree did it?
10 November 2009
at 8:02 a.m.
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imastinker (Anonymous) says…
WOW - those are shocking numbers. Even if you figure kids sleep 8 hours a day less than 20% of their total time is spent in school.
10 November 2009
at 8:30 a.m.
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number3of5 (Anonymous) says…
Today, many parents are single parents.They have to work to support their children or depend on handouts from family, friends or the government. So, when they are home, they are tired.
Many parents are both working parents. They work hard to get ahead and plan for their retirement. They are also tired when they get home.
Others are druggies, drunks, mentally ill, or handicapped in some way. They do not know what their children are doing.
In most cases, parents were brought up to think of themselves, or as some say are from the “me” generation. Instead of caring for the children, they worry about themselves. They forget that children are a lifetime commitment, to be cared for, with food, shelter, and clothing, to be taught what is right or wrong, to be polite, to have compassion, and to be caring and giving to the point of forgetting what they want for themselves and to be loved beyond all else in life, money, cars, belongings, and expensive toys.
I know we will never go back to the mom and dad home of my youth, but even when I worked, I made time for my children. They did lessons while I cooked supper. They had chores to do, such as carry water, wood, feed animals, tend garden, and help care for the littler ones.
Moms and dads must put aside their “ME” attitudes and devote their lives to the well being of the blessings given to them on loan from the creator.
10 November 2009
at 8:38 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
“many parents are single parents”….
Nah, couldn't have anything to do with “traditional family values”….
/s
10 November 2009
at 9:18 a.m.
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foodboy (Anonymous) says…
BlessedSap: I haven't seen enough of your posts to determine if you are a gifted satirist or a major loon. My guess is you are a raving anti-Semite.
10 November 2009
at 9:45 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
I'm curious if the letter writer is currently raising young children - or even teens. I'm not, but I've spent some time thinking about it, and I'm not sure I'd like to be a parent right now.
I agree with the letter writer that government-funded early childhood development probably won't fix the current problem. But I can't agree with the parent bashing. In fact, instead of knocking parents I think we should honor them. They're fighting a losing battle in a cultural climate which is really hostile to children.
The standard American diet is deadly. The popular culture is full of violence and sexual innuendo. Kids are outfitted early with cell phones and computers - even if you don't provide them for your own children, they can easily borrow from others. Schools aren't safe places for kids anymore.
Our current crop of parents aren't any lazier or stupider or less caring than previous generations. My parents (I'm 48) weren't asked to shield me and my sisters from an entire child-hostile culture as parents today must.
Nature provided children with the perfect nurturing devices. They're called “parents,” and if we want to help children we need to respect and empower parents - not tear them down.
10 November 2009
at 9:49 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
“foodboy (Anonymous) says…
“BlessedSap: I haven't seen enough of your posts to determine if you are a gifted satirist or a major loon. My guess is you are a raving anti-Semite.”
I'm guessing he or she is a troll.
BlessedSap's comments reminded me of a conversation I had with a Bosnian Muslim who bitterly complained that Jews limited the sizes of their families, so that they could afford a better education for their children. He acted as if they were cheating somehow. ;-)
10 November 2009
at 9:50 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
Hi Blessed. I notice your initials are B.S. :-)
10 November 2009
at 10:15 a.m.
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maxc (Anonymous) says…
Whether the parents are working too much or non-existant or just plain lazy isn't the issue. The kids are going to grow up and it would be better to have a functional, healthy adult to contribute to society rather than an adult caught up in the same cultural abyss. Early childhood is the prime time for learning and money well spent. It's much cheaper than paying for their Medicaid, incarceration, or entitlements later in life. If then, the adult is more responsible, that will only benefit the next generation.
10 November 2009
at 10:22 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
“The best thing you can do is remove the television from the house.”
You finally said something I agree with, B.S.! I don't have cable or satellite - just broadcast television. And much of what I see there I wouldn't want to expose a child to.
10 November 2009
at 10:25 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
“…rather than an adult caught up in the same cultural abyss.”
Aren't we all caught up in our cultural abyss? Kind of hard to exist outside of your culture.
10 November 2009
at 10:27 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
foodboy (Anonymous) says…
BlessedSap: I haven't seen enough of your posts to determine if you are a gifted satirist or a major loon. My guess is you are a raving anti-Semite.
__________________________________________________
I don't know why you would be shocked? This isn't anything unusual for a White supremacist. How many times has he been disappearded from here? Frankly I am surprised is still here under this incarnation. BS, indeed.
10 November 2009
at 10:29 a.m.
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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…
Hey, no one should be ashamed because they get Medicaid, it is a godsend. No one should be ashamed of being a single mother, or a single father. Families come in all sizes, colors and form.
There is a lot of stereotyping going on here.
I think BlessedSap should be allowed to give his opinion and I hope he is not taken off. A diversity of opinion even if it makes some people mad is a good thing.
There are always going to be fat people. Deal with it.
10 November 2009
at 10:31 a.m.
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imastinker (Anonymous) says…
No TV in this house either.
It's the best thing I ever did for my kids and myself.
10 November 2009
at 10:39 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
BlessedSap (Anonymous) says…
My screen name is homage to a Jewish novelist.
I am referring to those whose religion is money and power at the expense of everything decent in this country. Some claim a religion many are self professed atheist or secularist.
_________________________________________________
And? Your choice of screen names all have some twisted tie to the deluded world of the neo Nazi or their revision of history. It wouldn't matter. Your posting style sticks out like a sore thumb.
10 November 2009
at 10:43 a.m.
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alm77 (Anonymous) says…
costello, it *is* tough. It takes time, it takes effort. We didn't have a TV for years, but now we do. I supervise what my kids watch and my almost 11 year old is *very* mindful of what she puts on the television. On the occasion she is introduced to things she's uncomfortable with (at friends' houses, just like you said), we talk about it. On the one hand, it's our job to protect them and allow them to have a childhood. On the other hand, I don't want my kids to be ignorant of the culture and therefore socially awkward when they are off to college. I want them to be informed, but not enticed. It's a very tricky line to walk.
10 November 2009
at 10:44 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
“imastinker (Anonymous) says…
“No TV in this house either.
“It's the best thing I ever did for my kids and myself.”
How old are your kids? I ask because I'm thinking of doing foster care - probably with teens only - and would like to eliminate the “junk” from my home. Food AND television.
How much flack do you get from your kids? Do they just go watch it elsewhere? Are they social outcasts?
10 November 2009
at 10:53 a.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
Thanks for the thoughtful response, alm77. You sound like a great parent.
Sometimes when I'm out and about, I try to see things the way a child would. The magazines at the check-out stand. Foul words on bumper stickers and t-shirts. Sugary treats. The newest, latest, coolest toy or gadget that you HAVE to have.
And the way both parents and teachers are portrayed in the popular culture only adds to the problem.
10 November 2009
at 11:12 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
BlessedSap (Anonymous) says…
Not really head doctor. You sound paranoid, take a happy pill and relax. I have played devil’s advocate for white separatist ideology. I don’t think that is a crime at least not yet.
________________________________________________
The first sane question would be why would you even want to take that route of discourse? Nice try at spin and jive. Neo Nazi, Aryan Nation, White Separatist, and the KKK are all the same breed of horse with very little difference in the description of their group approach to issues. They all worship White Supremacy.
10 November 2009
at 11:18 a.m.
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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…
my two oldest children wouldn't be eligible because my oldest son is autistic and my 2nd to the oldest literally has a screw in his knee (has surgery on his meniscus). and to be real honest w/ you, that makes me very happy to know that atleast 2 of my children will never have to fight in a war.
10 November 2009
at 12:12 p.m.
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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…
^^^ yep, better start collecting semen samples NOW.
10 November 2009
at 12:16 p.m.
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costello (Anonymous) says…
I don't understand why LJWorld removed BS's first post and left the second one - which is identical to the first.
10 November 2009
at 12:17 p.m.
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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…
When I first read the original news story (“The latest Army statistics show a stunning 75 percent of military-age youth are ineligible to join the military because they are overweight, can't pass entrance exams, have dropped out of high school or had run-ins with the law”) my first thought was, how can they possibly know this?
Wouldn't the Army ONLY have access to the kids who are actually trying to enter the military, rather than the all U.S. kids of military age?
How the heck would the Army know the eligibility of 18 year olds who don't go anywhere near the recruiting table?
Is the socioeconomic status of enlistees lower, on average, than in the U.S. population? In other words, is there an imbalance in the military? Anecdotal evidence says there is, while empirical studies find only a modest difference.
And if there is a tendency for the military to recruit from lower socioeconomic levels of the population, then my next question would be, is there a relationship between lower socioeconomic status and (a) obesity, (b) lower levels of education, and/or (c) higher incidence of crime?
I yield the floor to those with a background in sociology.
10 November 2009
at 12:19 p.m.
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TheYetiSpeaks (Anonymous) says…
“So during the next large war we will send our 25% most intelligent and fit young men off to die.”
Yes, because we all know the smartest kids in high school go into the military…….?
10 November 2009
at 12:29 p.m.
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denak (Anonymous) says…
I am a single mom. My son is visually impaired(that would mean he falls under “physical ailments that prevent him from serving). He, and many of his friends at KSSB, would love to serve in the military in some capacity or another. As would a friend of his who is a Type 1 diabetic. (Son of a single mom also)
It is so easy to blame the parents. Did the letter writer read the resport or did he just hear a statistic and automatically jump to the conclusion that is is the fault of the parents?
What about the recruiter? If the potential recruit is overweight, it is the job of the recruiter to run with him or her to get the recruit in shape. I went into the DEP program when I was a senior, six months before I was to go to recruit training, the recruiter started running with me to get me in better shape. There were recruits who started boot camp overweight, not a lot but a little, but they weren't after 13 weeks of Marine Corps recruit training.
As for the poorly educated, I doubt this is a big concern for the military. Right now, they are taking people who have criminal backgrounds. I was watching the coverage on Fort Hood, and one of the commentators mentioned how the base is having problems with gangs. Soldiers, who were gang members prior to joining, are continuing with their gang activity on the base. And apparently rapes of female service memembers are on the rise. They are being raped by fellow servemen (no surprise there) who have prior criminal records. And of course, the military hasn't always been so discerning as to how intelligent a recruit was. I am sure you can talk to quite a few Vietnam vets who will tell you that there were people in their unit that probably reminded them a lot of Forrest Gump.
So, I cry foul. Not only do I *not* believe the statistic that 75% of 17-24 year olds are ineligible for military service but also the way to easy assumption that it is the fault of the parents.
Dena
10 November 2009
at 12:52 p.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Drop No Child Left Behind and sure let's put more money into early childhood development….now we're on to something,
The let's tell city hall to stop blowing our tax dollars on private business owners and put in more and wider sidewalks so that children can feel safe about walking and biking to school with OUR tax dollars. This could be done using an existing sales tax that WE generate that is pretty much occupied by the park department. So let's dedicate a portion of OUR sales tax dollars to a healthy sidewalk improvement program as we once again re-develop Lawrence Kansas into a walkable/cyclable community. Sidewalks are for recreation and exercise after all.
Last night on John Tesh…. he commented on a study that pointed out that homes which are close in proximity to fast food joints seemingly have over weight humans in the homes. Do people eat when they become bored?
Maybe cheddar cheese,fruits,veggies and cereal for school lunches?
10 November 2009
at 12:58 p.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Face it most parents are Okay people with a lot of responsibility. The depth of that responsibility can be mind boggling.
If one has never been a parent it is impossible to have a grip on any phase of true life parenting.
10 November 2009
at 12:58 p.m.
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TheYetiSpeaks (Anonymous) says…
“Last night on John Tesh….”
LOL….classic.
10 November 2009
at 1:06 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
As an employer, I would hire the average E-4 or E-5 with an honorable discharge over the college graduate any day. Service member understand and adhere to policy and procedures, exhibit self-discipline, have engaged in real world interpersonal relationships, have manifested educability in serious professions where life and death decisions are made, many have been outside the U.S., have occupied leadership positions, and understand their roles and responsibilities in society.
The U.S. service member is also part of what is arguably the most egalitarian organization on Earth. Well-trained, motivated, self-sufficent, thinks independently and is generally apolitical. Can't say that for a college grad, since many require potty training at the initial job.
So, on the eve of Veterans Day, go ahead and demean the quality of our past or current Armed Forces. I respect them and will repay them for their sacrifices. When they get out, they will get a good job before most college grads will.
10 November 2009
at 1:10 p.m.
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denak (Anonymous) says…
1) I love John Tesh….I think it is a great program. I think you learn a lot.
2) I am a big fan of early childhood education especially programs such as Head Start. However, I have read that early intervention only helps for the few two years of school and that by 3rd grade, children who were exposed to early childhood education were on the same level as those who weren't. So, I'm not really sure how that translate to 11 or 12 years later when they are eligible for the military.
3) I don't doubt that children who live closer to fast food resturants tend to be more overweight. Proximity to healthy food makes a difference. One of the problem for inner city or poorer neighborhoods is that the corner convience store is sometimes the closest place they can get food and it tends to be low on quality meats, vegetables and produce. So, I'm not surprised if there is a correlation.
Dena
10 November 2009
at 1:10 p.m.
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mr_right_wing (Anonymous) says…
How dare you make a judgement like that! How completely insensitive of you! This boarders on hate crime! How, as a humane person can you make 'parents' out there feel guilt!? If you had any brains at all, you'd realize that the less a parent is involved, the better a kid does. There is no such thing as too much daycare. Ideally…what little time parents waste with kids should be as 'best friends' completely without guidance and discipline. Hello..welcome to 2009!!
10 November 2009
at 1:17 p.m.
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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
If you find the original article, it says 1/3 of those eligible to serve can not due to weight and are out of shape. 1/4 can't serve because they do not have a high school diploma, and then some who do have a diploma still fail the qualifications test. And then there are those who have health and physical concerns which make them unable to serve. By my rough calculations, thats just under 1/2
10 November 2009
at 1:23 p.m.
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kmat (Anonymous) says…
This is part of the reason I don't have kids. Both my husband and myself have to work to make ends meat (definitely would have to if we were supporting a child) and I don't want to have a kid just so he/she would end up in daycare, being raised by someone else for 8+ hours a day. By the time working parents get home, have dinner and get their kids to take a bath and do other necessary things before bed time, a parent gets maybe an hour of quality time with their kid each day.
I have people tell me a lot that I'm selfish for not having kids. I think it's the other way around. People that have kids and then turn around and put them in daycare are the selfish ones. They chose to bring a life into this world knowing they didn't have the quality time needed to raise a well-rounded child.
10 November 2009
at 1:52 p.m.
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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…
kmat, i see where you're coming from in a way. that is one of the reasons why i feel so fortunate to have been able to be a stay at home mother while all 4 of my kids were very small. i was married at the time and we had to make it off of one income but looking back, it was worth it. i wouldn't trade those years i stayed at home w/ my babies for anything.
10 November 2009
at 2:50 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
kmat, I don't think the choice to not have children is selfish, but it does severely limit the human experience. The profound, unspoken bond that exists between parent and child is not something a person could ever read about and fully understand or appreciate. Believe that not having children might also limit an individual's ability to comprehend the need to preserve one's heritage.
Out of all the things I have ever done, the most challenging and rewarding profession I have ever had is that of parent.
10 November 2009
at 2:54 p.m.
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Jean1183 (Anonymous) says…
vanguard3……….Thank you.
10 November 2009
at 3:10 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
No trubs, Jean. I would add that had I not had children, I would have been far less concerned with the future of mankind.
10 November 2009
at 3:12 p.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
“75 percent of the country’s 17-24-year-olds are ineligible for military service, largely because they are poorly educated, overweight or have physical ailments.”?
Is that ALL persons, or only the pool of persons that showed an intent or desire to join the military? Big difference there.
Potentially unrelated, but it is actually a good thing that the military can remain so discerning in their selection standards. The military shouldn't HAVE to take any warm body that shows up at the door.
10 November 2009
at 4:08 p.m.
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monkey_c (Anonymous) says…
KMAT - You are the Yin to my Yang…or something weird like that.
I applaud your very non-selfish choice. I have four kiddo's and live on a single income even though there are two parents in the home. We have chosen to live financially very poor in exchange for emotional riches for us all.
I think a parent should raise a child if at all possible and not rely on hired help to do the most important job in the world.
10 November 2009
at 5:29 p.m.
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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…
vanguard3 kmat, I don't think the choice to not have children is selfish, but it does severely limit the human experience. The profound, unspoken bond that exists between parent and child is not something a person could ever read about and fully understand or appreciate. Believe that not having children might also limit an individual's ability to comprehend the need to preserve one's heritage.
––––––––––––––––––––—
Bollux! Limit the human experience? Not likely. There are plenty of people who should have been neutered at puberty.
It is personal decision whether or not to have children and no one should be pressured into doing so by the use of such words as selfish.
Being a parent does not bestow some special wisdom or knowledge.
10 November 2009
at 5:43 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Dr. Spock and Fred Rogers, rest his soul, are not happy about this.Feminists all across the US of A are scratching their heads, wondering what they may have done wrong. This is someone else' fault. Now, who can we blame?
10 November 2009
at 5:54 p.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
I definitely have not been a perfect parent but one thing (perhaps the only thing!) that the wife and I agreed on is NO video games. Never really restricted TV but after awhile TV generally gets boring anyway. Not so with video games that demand attention and interaction. I saw my nieces and nephews flounder in school yet spend hours playing Nintendo, etc. Anyway our kid #1 did great in school and kid #2 was valedictorian. Of course, this might have been super-genetics in action but I kind of doubt it!
BTW - now that the kids are gone, my wife bought a Wii.
10 November 2009
at 6:26 p.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Dittos to blue73harley - video games are complete mindrot.
10 November 2009
at 6:52 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Hey, Irish, try sharpening the reading and attention-to-detail skills. Kmat used the word selfish, to wit, “I have people tell me a lot that I'm selfish for not having kids”, and I responded to that individual based on what was posted. So, I did not make a judgment by conjuring up some perception of what another person implied, nor did I pressure anyone into having kids. It's not for everyone.
Now, real straight for you. I was talking about my own personal experience, that's it. You want to try to tear me down for what I said and know to be the truth, come on. I take parenting seriously and have no regrets for the choices I made.
Seems that there is something else between the lines of what you write, though.
10 November 2009
at 7:21 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Irish, it's hard to figure someone from a distance, but the fact that you put things in writing makes analysis possible. My supposition regarding a between the lines read is: anger, guilt, resentment, chemical or alcohol dependence (oops, did I type that out loud?)
Bottom line is that there are genuine and sincere people out there who back up what they say they will do. You apparently had a bad experience with a blood relative who did not take the task of parenting seriously.
If you'd like to earnestly discuss the stick up your mic @$$, I'll always be here for you.
Anonymity of blogs allows for a measure of openness.
10 November 2009
at 7:37 p.m.
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Jean1183 (Anonymous) says…
vanguard3…..sounds like you are a great parent.
My “thank you” was for your comments about hiring ex-military. My son is currently in the military and plans on making it his career. However, I have seen in him (and numerous other military people including my father), some of the most disciplined, responsible people I've ever encountered. No job is too menial to give their best effort. Many young people that I work with, just want to do the barest minimum that they can get away with.
10 November 2009
at 7:54 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Please, Jean, for me, thank your son for his service to the Nation. You raised your boy the right way, to give back to the country while earning the benefits that the military offers. Tell him, in no uncertain terms, happy Veterans Day from Americans who understand his sacrifice.
The thing about military is that they are not burdened with self-importance, nor saddled with an unrealistic sense of entitlement based on a hodgepodge of spoon-fed instruction. Not all, but most, have a grasp of reality that college cannot teach.
There's nothing wrong with civilian education, but how can it hold a candle to the learning experience one has when life and death are everyday variables? It can't. Once you can handle the rigors of war, everything else is child's play.
10 November 2009
at 8:13 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Jean, if your Dad is still alive, thank him, too. This weekend, I have the solemn honor of going to visit a WW II vet who is most likely on his way out of this plane of existence. His picture is in the Dole Center. He's a good man who did his duty when people didn't put themselves first.
My Mom and Dad were both in the Army Air Corps during the Great War. Their generation made peace and prosperity possible for ours. Otherwise, we'd be speaking German and goose-stepping.
You English majors out at KU, find an old Vet and thank that person for your freedom of choice.
10 November 2009
at 8:48 p.m.
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Machiavelli_mania (Anonymous) says…
Research is indicating that:
Today's parents are spending more time with their kids than our parents did.
Today's parents beat and abuse their kids less than ever,… tho abuse does still exist.
Today's parents know where their kids are at all times, by far more than our parent's knew where we were.
Today's kids are far more protected than they ever have been.
Today's parents trust their children more today than our parents trusted us.
But I agree with you, Teachers are a very minor part of our children's total education. While they think they run the show, while the teacher thinks they are the only advocate our children have, they cannot be more wrong. They are public servants and that is how I am going to treat them from here on out.
They label our children.
They provide damaging stimulus for self-fulfilling prophesies in our children.
They gossip.
They cannot step of the teacher attitude to really do what is best for the child.
Can you tell I have come across the worst teacher my children will ever have? Most certainly I have been way too exposed to this teacher. Now every teacher I come across will be immediately put in her/his place as massively minor in the life of my children.
I am my childrens' best teacher and their biggest advocate.
And what I think of teachers,… unless the individual proves me wrong, which I would be happy to have happen,… is what I think of principals three intensity folds more.
10 November 2009
at 9:11 p.m.
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misplacedcheesehead (Anonymous) says…
BlessedSap, your posts make me sick. Or would a better screen name for you be Hitler??? I think B.S. is really Groening in disguise.
Honeychild, I also am relieved that my oldest son can never be drafted. He is profoundly autistic. My adult daughter almost joined the Army at 17. Went as far as to take the ASBAP(?) test. What changed her mind? Her 25 yr. old, married recruiter propositioned her-mother!! Yes, it was as shocking as it was laughable.
Still worry about my youngest. Please, military parents, don't get me wrong. I admire those who do join up. I would just be sooooo afraid if my youngest did.
10 November 2009
at 9:20 p.m.
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weegee (Anonymous) says…
Machiavelli_mania:
That is what is known as a sweeping generalization. There are subpar teachers—just as there are subpar cops, subpar doctors, etc.
I assure you that most of us are extremely educated, highly dedicated, and sincerely empathetic individuals. I doubt that your close-minded attitude is helping anyone.
10 November 2009
at 9:47 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…
“^^^ yep, better start collecting semen samples NOW.”
Back when I was getting my master's, I attended a seminar where the top presenter was some bigwig from the NIH (I can't remember her name). She hypothesized that the boom (at the time) in teenage pregnancies was a result of adolescents living in what amounts to a war zone, at least in the major cities - virtually every teenager knows someone (usually more than one) who's died as a result of gang activity, drug-related causes, car accidents, what have you. Part of the phenomenon is teenage girls not knowing if the teenage male they are madly in love with will be around next month, and wanting to have something of them to hold on to. But a bigger factor is a natural instinct, a species survival mechanism, that leads to an increase in the females' urge to reproduce when the number of breeding males starts to decline. I never looked into that to any depth, but it does seem to make sense.
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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…
“How the heck would the Army know the eligibility of 18 year olds who don't go anywhere near the recruiting table?”
I'm guessing they have the same access to the census and boatloads of other data that the rest of us do.
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TheYetiSpeaks (Anonymous) says…
“Yes, because we all know the smartest kids in high school go into the military…….?”
The point being they don't accept the dumb ones anymore.
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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
“If you find the original article, it says 1/3 of those eligible to serve can not due to weight and are out of shape. 1/4 can't serve because they do not have a high school diploma, and then some who do have a diploma still fail the qualifications test. And then there are those who have health and physical concerns which make them unable to serve. By my rough calculations, thats just under 1/2 ”
You may want to recalculate.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
“The profound, unspoken bond that exists between parent and child is not something a person could ever read about and fully understand or appreciate.”
Is there *ANY* better feeling in the universe than seeing that smile on a child's face, or hearing their laughter, and knowing you were the cause of that?
10 November 2009
at 9:50 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Machiavelli_mania (Anonymous) says…
“Research is indicating that:
“Today's parents are spending more time with their kids than our parents did.”
Daycare costs a lot more. ANd fewer people can afford both going out at night *and* a babysitter.
“Today's parents beat and abuse their kids less than ever …”
Simple Darwinism?
“Today's parents know where their kids are at all times, by far more than our parent's knew where we were.”
Out of necessity. When I was my daughter's age, every family for 5 blocks in any direction knew everyone else's kids, and watched out for them. If we were too far away to hear our parents' summons to come home, it got relayed to us.
“Today's kids are far more protected than they ever have been.”
Again, out of necessity.
“Today's parents trust their children more today than our parents trusted us.”
That would depend on how trust was defined.
10 November 2009
at 10:55 p.m.
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mr_right_wing (Anonymous) says…
The feminist agenda broken down to the two fundamentals….
1. Men suck. (…and children are oppressive.)
2. Infanticide is a right and a responsibility.
I think the flaw of this plan is pretty obvious.
11 November 2009
at 5:40 a.m.
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Jean1183 (Anonymous) says…
“Please, military parents, don't get me wrong. I admire those who do join up. I would just be sooooo afraid if my youngest did.”
missplaced………..It IS scary. I did more praying the 15 months my son was in Iraq than I have my whole life! However, it was somewhat comforting knowing that during that time someone knew where he was every minute and that he most definitely was not drinking or doing drugs. I was just as worried when he went out with friends as an older teen (18-19 y.o.–he didn't join the military until he was 20).
My son has done VERY well in the military. He went back to college (taking night classes and graduating with honors), owns his own home, has gotten some very expensive training that he can transfer to a civilian career if he should so choose, and has some wonderful life experiences and visited some places that most of us will never have the opportunity…..all by the age of 26. He will also be able to retire when he turns 40. How many of us would love to retire that young?!
vanguard3….my Dad is no longer living. He was career military. He joined the Army in 1939 and retired in 1969 (he was 40 when I was born) and served in WWII, Korea (did 2 tours there), and Vietnam. ***another thing that gave me comfort with my son being in Iraq…..my Dad made it through 3 wars!
11 November 2009
at 7:25 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
NotaJay, no, there is nothing better than hearing the laughter of our children, except maybe what Jean describes, when our children get out in the dangerous world and succeed.
Jean, many times over, your family has earned the title American. Exceedingly glad to know that people like you and yours prosper.
13 November 2009
at 5:54 a.m.
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Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
Schools should offer 'real' (i.e. sweaty) Physical Education classes to all children every day for 13 years of public education. Not likely given the cost, but like many other issues, if we don't turn the corner on the obesity problem we will pay much more in the future.