TOPIC: Election 2006

<br />Re: schools - I learned how to do my taxes in a regular math class.   Re: the election, there is no way to adequately post how I feel, so I will just say YAY! :color:<br />

<br /><br />I did not think of you as a Governator-type... :icon_salut: :icon_salut:<br /><br /><br />Hee hee

i personaly do not condemn or applaud a persons voting choices. i figure the reason for their choices are just as valid as mine for my choices. a person votes for what they like or the lesser of two evils. i do however, ask if a person did vote when i "fall" into a political conversation/debate. if they answer in the affirmative, i enjoy the exchange for what it is worth. if the answer in the negative (and not a good reason for not voting), i tell " i'm not interested in your opinion. you never did anything when it counted, why should it matter now." <br /><br />it sounds harsh, and depending on the person/surroundings, it can be said with varying degrees of sarcasm.

You know... its interesting.  There seems to be a common feeling that people *should* vote.<br /><br />I have a different perspective.  I don't think *anyone* should vote!  :cool:  If no one else voted, then my vote becomes oh so powerful!  <br /><br />Seriously though, I think at times it can be a little disingenuous when politicians say, "Everyone, get out there and vote".  What they *really* mean is that "My supporters should get out there and vote and if you don't support me, well... just stay home."

Oh, yeah, the Governator  =(  Not much to be done about that this year in CA!<br /><br />As far as voting goes, if someone is complaining about politics/gov't and they tell me they didn't vote, then I tell them they have no right to complain.  Put up or shut up!<br /><br />I made some volunteer calls, and when I spoke to people (the minority of calls), a few times I'd say, "Support Candidate X," they said, "I support Y - I guess you don't want me to vote, right?"  I would always tell them we appreciate their voting if not their vote.<br /><br />Brian<br />

I never vote to see my candidate win. I vote to try and see theirs lose.

Yeah, what he said. ^ :icon_pirat:

<br />  I don't agree that it takes a village to raise a child.  Most importantly it takes dedicated parents.  An effective village can be a great assistance, but dedicated parents can, and do, and should bear the brunt of responsibility for preparing children to take on the world.  I think most of all, parents owe their children a desire to learn and grow.  When I was a very young father with my first daughter, I asked a friend what he thought the most important thing was to teach my children.  He said something that I thought was very profound.  He said, "Teach them to stand on their own and make decisions as quickly as possible.  No matter how much you want to do for them and protect them, don't step in and try to solve all their problems, but be there to help them get up when they slip and fall." <br /><br />Off my soapbox.  <br /><br />Widseth<br />

<br />1. it didn't put me to sleep.  =)<br />2. your friend had good advice<br />3. It does not take a village to raise a child, but what it takes is a family. Families are made in many different ways, but without family and values you are just wasting time. Family can and does include the your family you don't choose (biological) and those you do choose (spouse, friends). You can not and should not do it alone. You need support, even though if many times you tell that support to shove it and let you do it your way. LOL

I agree that a fully supportive family is what a child needs to grow into a healthy, intelligent, adult.  We are dealing with a 14 year old ourselves.  It doesn't get any easier as they get older.  Unfortunately, there seems to be a vocal group of people insisting that "families" should only consist of certain individuals.  <br /><br />I'll leave it at that since any more will probably cause irate responses that will throw the entire topic off.

I was not intending to be offensive. I have friends who are more "family" than my family. I have a friend who has raised her daughter w/out an SO, but she didn't do it alone. She has me, her mom, her sister, her other friends.

I am sorry, you misunderstand.  My statement was not aimed at you.  It only triggered my response on the matter.  It is more a railing against the world thing.

As a single father of two, I will tell you that parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done, but with dedication, patience, and sacrifice, it is possible for a single parent to raise happy, healthy, and well-rounded children.  <br /><br />Supportive friends and family can help alleviate the workload but it isn't required for successful parenting.<br />

My daughter's "family" consisted of a diverse group of loving, caring people.  As a single mother, with my father who disloaned me, a sister that never saw my daughter until she was 8 years old and my daughter's father ...em..... sowing his oats,  I can say with out a doubt, that we managed to give her a unique up-bringing.  I worried nearly consently if I was doing the right things in raising her.  Now 31, my daughter is someone I am very proud of.  She is everything a parent woud wish for - well adjusted, smart and a very responsible person.<br /><br />Families are what you make.<br /><br />*gets off soap-box*