I realize from my own experiences in Life, that it just is not possible to get along with everyone. And that some people seem to go out of their way to be, lets face it, impossible, regardless of whom they are dealing with. But with all of the terrible things our society faces today, why do some refuse to even try to be civil?
I find it amazing how one crime involving law enforcement and people of colour is reported, then it becomes a weekly thing. Mistakes can be made, but when a person points a gun at a police officer, what exactly do they think is going to happen? Whether they feel threatened, or plan to shoot, they could be killed. It only stands to reason.
People should be able to own guns, if that is their preference, but they should not indiscriminately wave them about. If you don't plan to use that gun, keep it out of sight. Just having it visible, could get you, or someone else, killed. You are armed, you could be dangerous.
A town about forty miles from us has had shootings nearly every night for months. Several people have been killed, innocents injured, and the cops have their hands full investigating the crime scenes, and finding suspects. No sooner do they solve one case, then new shots are fired, someone else is killed, or injured, and they have a new mystery to solve.
Where do these things end? Or do they continue to escalate? I'm not really a people person, but I don't understand how anyone could shoot another. Particularly if there were innocent bystanders within the line of fire. We all feel pain, and hurt, in similar ways, being human. Inflicting undue suffering on another cannot be considered a good thing. Maybe these people, who do so, need to think about the possible consequences of their actions. Just my thoughts.
R Lee St Writes
Monday, December 29, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
A Waste?
In this day and age of high tech, every gizmo imaginable to look stuff up, go to school, educate yourself on nearly anything. I just don't understand why we are turning out so many young people unequipped for the work a day world. What do they do in school? Visit? Text? Sleep? Too many extracurricular activities? Too many sports? I don't get it. Are that many really throwing away their youth, when their minds are sharp, their memories good, and with nearly every opportunity anyone could ever want? Such a waste.
What do the schools do with all of this money, that so many districts have massive budget deficits? I don't even pretend to understand the financial world, or everything that has to come together to fund any institution, government, or business, for that matter. But I would certainly think they'd have to be held accountable for their actions. And how do they keep on getting by without producing a quality product for the money they receive?
If no child is supposed to be left behind, what are we talking, the ability to read, write, and count? What about some kind of skills? How are they going to support themselves, and maybe a family, one day? Mom and Dad aren't going to be around forever, and many don't even have that luxury to depend on. And most certainly, not forever, anyway. I still have to wonder, what are they teaching them in school? And why is it not sufficient to help them get good employment once they complete their education?
Personally, I think young people, and those supposedly qualified to guide them in their future choices, really need to research higher education, where they want to settle, and what kind of work is there. With the sky rocketing cost of college, and universities, they'd be a fool not to. If you aren't going to be able to support yourself on what you've chosen, how are those astronomical debts going to be paid? Older parents should not be saddled with the debt their offspring incur, unless they are well off, as many are not. And not really then. Once again, just my thoughts, out here in the country.
What do the schools do with all of this money, that so many districts have massive budget deficits? I don't even pretend to understand the financial world, or everything that has to come together to fund any institution, government, or business, for that matter. But I would certainly think they'd have to be held accountable for their actions. And how do they keep on getting by without producing a quality product for the money they receive?
If no child is supposed to be left behind, what are we talking, the ability to read, write, and count? What about some kind of skills? How are they going to support themselves, and maybe a family, one day? Mom and Dad aren't going to be around forever, and many don't even have that luxury to depend on. And most certainly, not forever, anyway. I still have to wonder, what are they teaching them in school? And why is it not sufficient to help them get good employment once they complete their education?
Personally, I think young people, and those supposedly qualified to guide them in their future choices, really need to research higher education, where they want to settle, and what kind of work is there. With the sky rocketing cost of college, and universities, they'd be a fool not to. If you aren't going to be able to support yourself on what you've chosen, how are those astronomical debts going to be paid? Older parents should not be saddled with the debt their offspring incur, unless they are well off, as many are not. And not really then. Once again, just my thoughts, out here in the country.
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Thursday, December 4, 2014
Above Reproach?
Over the past couple of months, in a nearby larger city, in three different instances, two on Thanksgiving Day, city policemen have broken the law. These community servants, supposedly above reproach, have killed an older woman, damaged a city fire truck, and brought about other damages to citizens', and city, vehicles. In two of the worst instances, the officers, one off duty at the time, were under the influence. One even tested double the acceptable reading by law on the breathalyzer.
What can these people be thinking? What kind of an example are they setting for the young and impressionable, and the public in general? At least two have been charged with DUI, and other offences. I realize we are all only human, and prone to mistakes, but when it puts your job, and those you serve, in danger, something is wrong with that picture. Fortunately, they have been removed from service, pending investigation, one it has been decided, did no wrong.
That was the longest ago incident. The Thanksgiving Day accidents' decisions are still pending. But one person died, I find it difficult to believe the other driver will get away unscathed. The one, who had only been on the force for about a month, and on his day off, hit a fire truck pulling into the station. That has to have resulted in significant damage, so I guess we'll see how that turns out. One can only hope these people ponder the damage they've done to others, and themselves, by their irresponsible actions.
It irritates me when such things occur, particularly when these people are supposed to look out for others, respond to public issues, and overall generally do the right thing. This makes me wonder what kind of people they are turning out at the police academy, and if those who hire need to check backgrounds more thoroughly. Three incidents inside of two months, one a repeat offender, in my opinion, that is not good. Although I know it is not the first time police officers have done wrong, the saying, bad cop, didn't just come out of thin air. Just my thoughts, out here in the country, hope they have better luck in the future.
What can these people be thinking? What kind of an example are they setting for the young and impressionable, and the public in general? At least two have been charged with DUI, and other offences. I realize we are all only human, and prone to mistakes, but when it puts your job, and those you serve, in danger, something is wrong with that picture. Fortunately, they have been removed from service, pending investigation, one it has been decided, did no wrong.
That was the longest ago incident. The Thanksgiving Day accidents' decisions are still pending. But one person died, I find it difficult to believe the other driver will get away unscathed. The one, who had only been on the force for about a month, and on his day off, hit a fire truck pulling into the station. That has to have resulted in significant damage, so I guess we'll see how that turns out. One can only hope these people ponder the damage they've done to others, and themselves, by their irresponsible actions.
It irritates me when such things occur, particularly when these people are supposed to look out for others, respond to public issues, and overall generally do the right thing. This makes me wonder what kind of people they are turning out at the police academy, and if those who hire need to check backgrounds more thoroughly. Three incidents inside of two months, one a repeat offender, in my opinion, that is not good. Although I know it is not the first time police officers have done wrong, the saying, bad cop, didn't just come out of thin air. Just my thoughts, out here in the country, hope they have better luck in the future.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Enough Already
Hasn't Ferguson been in the news enough, haven't they done enough devastation to that town? I can understand that a grave injustice may have been done, but why destroy the town you live in, just to make a point? I don't know anything about the place, other than what I've heard and read. But those businesses ruined, are important to a town, and if the owner's choose not to, or cannot afford to rebuild, the town will be worse off than before.
In this day and age, it seems as though so many are ready to fly off the handle, and act irresponsibly, at the drop of a hat, over some perceived injustice. Without thinking about the possible devastating results of their actions. And what it could mean to their future, as in loss of freedom, serious injury, or even the destruction of people, or property. Sometimes there may be justification for what they've done, but usually not.
It is sad when children are injured, maimed, or killed. The younger, the sadder, because in most cases, what could they possibly have done to bring about such actions? Babies cry, children scream, holler, and tear about, never realizing how aggravating and annoying they may be. They are children, how could they?
But adults are supposed to know better, why does it seem like so many do not? To wreak havoc on innocents, and valuable properties, without a thought. What about the long range consequences of looting, burning, shooting and killing? A normal, logical person would not knowingly do something like that on a whim. I don't know a lot about the situation, and probably the young man deserved better.
Things like this make me wonder about the future of this country. We don't seem to be concerned enough about our own well-being. We need to raise our children properly, monitor their Internet usage, the acquaintances they keep, and what they do in their spare time. As parents it is our job to see to their proper upbringing, and present responsible, caring, and good, people to the world. Just my thoughts, out here in the country.
In this day and age, it seems as though so many are ready to fly off the handle, and act irresponsibly, at the drop of a hat, over some perceived injustice. Without thinking about the possible devastating results of their actions. And what it could mean to their future, as in loss of freedom, serious injury, or even the destruction of people, or property. Sometimes there may be justification for what they've done, but usually not.
It is sad when children are injured, maimed, or killed. The younger, the sadder, because in most cases, what could they possibly have done to bring about such actions? Babies cry, children scream, holler, and tear about, never realizing how aggravating and annoying they may be. They are children, how could they?
But adults are supposed to know better, why does it seem like so many do not? To wreak havoc on innocents, and valuable properties, without a thought. What about the long range consequences of looting, burning, shooting and killing? A normal, logical person would not knowingly do something like that on a whim. I don't know a lot about the situation, and probably the young man deserved better.
Things like this make me wonder about the future of this country. We don't seem to be concerned enough about our own well-being. We need to raise our children properly, monitor their Internet usage, the acquaintances they keep, and what they do in their spare time. As parents it is our job to see to their proper upbringing, and present responsible, caring, and good, people to the world. Just my thoughts, out here in the country.
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Saturday, November 22, 2014
Unfortunate vs Fortunate
I'm afraid I do not understand how the new insurance program is supposed to help this country. All I hear on the news is how premiums are going up, as are the penalties, should you fail to enroll. How is that going to help anything? Health Insurance is already way too expensive, as is going to a doctor or into a hospital. Although I know from life experience, it is best, if you can find a way to afford it, to have insurance. Particularly if you are prone to illness, or heaven forbid, have some terrible disease that keeps you going back.
Its terrible how our government continues to fail the people. Whatever happened to doing what is best for our country as a whole? Of course its easy to sit back in their padded seats, on their cushy health care plans, pay checks, and every perk known to man, and ignore what is happening. Why does a supposedly intelligent country have children, elderly, former military, and other unfortunates, going without food, shelter, and health care? And how will that ever change, when our government seems more concerned about unrest in foreign countries, than what is going on in our own?
I guess I realize, to a point, the importance of trying to keep tabs on the world, when at any time we could be bombed, overtaken, or done some atrocious harm. But what about our own citizens? Don't we deserve better than what some of us are getting? I, personally, have been quite fortunate, after much back-breaking hard work, to always have some kind of an income, a decent roof over my head, and enough to eat. Many times I've had to scrimp, or choose one priority over another, but have managed to get by.
I cannot imagine what it must be like living in a cardboard box, under a bridge, sleeping in doorways, or in a shelter, just to have a safe place to rest and food to eat. All the while worrying over whether I'll live to see another day, because of cold weather, someone intent on doing me harm, or the lack of essentials to ensure good health.
Since not everyone can afford to help these people, hopefully, those who can, will. Feeling fortunate out here in the country, even with freezing rain, a foot of snow, and damp, chilly cold outside.
Its terrible how our government continues to fail the people. Whatever happened to doing what is best for our country as a whole? Of course its easy to sit back in their padded seats, on their cushy health care plans, pay checks, and every perk known to man, and ignore what is happening. Why does a supposedly intelligent country have children, elderly, former military, and other unfortunates, going without food, shelter, and health care? And how will that ever change, when our government seems more concerned about unrest in foreign countries, than what is going on in our own?
I guess I realize, to a point, the importance of trying to keep tabs on the world, when at any time we could be bombed, overtaken, or done some atrocious harm. But what about our own citizens? Don't we deserve better than what some of us are getting? I, personally, have been quite fortunate, after much back-breaking hard work, to always have some kind of an income, a decent roof over my head, and enough to eat. Many times I've had to scrimp, or choose one priority over another, but have managed to get by.
I cannot imagine what it must be like living in a cardboard box, under a bridge, sleeping in doorways, or in a shelter, just to have a safe place to rest and food to eat. All the while worrying over whether I'll live to see another day, because of cold weather, someone intent on doing me harm, or the lack of essentials to ensure good health.
Since not everyone can afford to help these people, hopefully, those who can, will. Feeling fortunate out here in the country, even with freezing rain, a foot of snow, and damp, chilly cold outside.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Pay Attention
More than one person I have talked to lately, has mentioned how people just do not pay attention any more. We've noticed it at fast food joints, and today my daughter was telling me about her huge annoyance of yesterday. She took her daughter to preschool around noon, she had to be at work at 1 p.m. And had told me a few days ago, about the 17th being school picture day, and how she had prepared her daughter well in advance to look nice.
During the ride to school, the little one had fallen asleep in her car seat. When they got to their destination, her mother carried her in, and handed her to a care worker. At which time, she had also handed her the paperwork, and check, for her picture order. She had even called before leaving home to make sure her daughter could still have her pictures taken later in the day, and been told yes. Then she headed off to work. She and her husband keep in contact at various times throughout the day. When she called him at home, after he had picked up their child, she asked him how the pictures went.
Immediately, she could tell he was ticked off. Apparently they had let my granddaughter sleep through the photograph session. Even after she had explicitly handed the person the paperwork and check, they had failed to have her picture taken. Needless to say, daddy had given them a piece of his mind, they had shut him off, and said they would take it up with her mother. He is not a fan of the woman he was talking to, and decided that was best.
Fortunately, the director was all apologetic, and has lined them up with a time to have them done. When she got home later, she looked inside her child's back pack for the check and paperwork. It wasn't the way she had handed it to the person, so apparently someone had looked at it to see whose back pack to put it in. Where was their mind when the photos were being done?
I realize people get involved in their busy lives, and things can crop up at any time to distract you. But, really? Like she said, people, at least do the job you are hired for. Even if you do nothing above and beyond, at least do that much. Forget about your phone, iPod, iPad, or whatever is on your mind, and take your responsibility seriously. If you are in a position of dealing with the public, they are your responsibility, and most deserve not to be taken lightly. Once again, my thoughts out here in the country.
During the ride to school, the little one had fallen asleep in her car seat. When they got to their destination, her mother carried her in, and handed her to a care worker. At which time, she had also handed her the paperwork, and check, for her picture order. She had even called before leaving home to make sure her daughter could still have her pictures taken later in the day, and been told yes. Then she headed off to work. She and her husband keep in contact at various times throughout the day. When she called him at home, after he had picked up their child, she asked him how the pictures went.
Immediately, she could tell he was ticked off. Apparently they had let my granddaughter sleep through the photograph session. Even after she had explicitly handed the person the paperwork and check, they had failed to have her picture taken. Needless to say, daddy had given them a piece of his mind, they had shut him off, and said they would take it up with her mother. He is not a fan of the woman he was talking to, and decided that was best.
Fortunately, the director was all apologetic, and has lined them up with a time to have them done. When she got home later, she looked inside her child's back pack for the check and paperwork. It wasn't the way she had handed it to the person, so apparently someone had looked at it to see whose back pack to put it in. Where was their mind when the photos were being done?
I realize people get involved in their busy lives, and things can crop up at any time to distract you. But, really? Like she said, people, at least do the job you are hired for. Even if you do nothing above and beyond, at least do that much. Forget about your phone, iPod, iPad, or whatever is on your mind, and take your responsibility seriously. If you are in a position of dealing with the public, they are your responsibility, and most deserve not to be taken lightly. Once again, my thoughts out here in the country.
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Saturday, October 18, 2014
Entitlement? Really?
Yesterday my daughter and I were talking about the "entitlement," in this country. She works for a high end, well-known, retailer, and has mentioned returning customers who own several expensive products from the company she works for. And some have children, or grand children, as young as eight, who also own, and are shopping for more of these costly accessories.
I don't get it. I have never owned a handbag that cost more than $25. Although I have worked for most of my life, I've never felt I needed to spend my hard earned money on ridiculously expensive items. Since she works there, occasionally receives team goal incentives from her employer, and an employee discount, she owns a couple of their pieces. When she buys, she waits for the best possible deal.
In her earlier working days, at other retailers, she used to get incensed by the teen-aged girls expecting their parents to buy them the best event gowns, and accessories, becoming petulant when they would not. Sure makes me wonder what ever happened to earning something because you really wanted, or needed it, and having that wonderful feeling of accomplishment, upon reaching that goal. My parents rarely bought me anything, just because I wanted it, or pitched a fit.
Like so many things in our modern society, the sense of entitlement among many of our young, I cannot see as a good thing. And I, for one, resent our government using the term for things many have, for years, worked hard to acquire once they are old enough. There is a huge difference between working your entire lifetime for something, and those expecting everything without lifting a finger to get it, or demanding someone get it for them.
Sure, many parents like to cater to their children, and that is their prerogative. But just to appease a petulant child, or teen, who makes demands in public, where a parent has little choice but to do what they want? I'm sorry, but NO. I believe a child needs discipline from the time they are big enough to understand Mom and Dad are the boss. Nip it in the bud while they are young, and as they grow.
These television shows kill me where the parents seek help because they cannot do anything with their child. Even to the point of being abused by them. I'm not saying it would be different in every case. But out here in the country, we expect chores to be done, manners to be used, and respect our elders and authority figures.
I don't get it. I have never owned a handbag that cost more than $25. Although I have worked for most of my life, I've never felt I needed to spend my hard earned money on ridiculously expensive items. Since she works there, occasionally receives team goal incentives from her employer, and an employee discount, she owns a couple of their pieces. When she buys, she waits for the best possible deal.
In her earlier working days, at other retailers, she used to get incensed by the teen-aged girls expecting their parents to buy them the best event gowns, and accessories, becoming petulant when they would not. Sure makes me wonder what ever happened to earning something because you really wanted, or needed it, and having that wonderful feeling of accomplishment, upon reaching that goal. My parents rarely bought me anything, just because I wanted it, or pitched a fit.
Like so many things in our modern society, the sense of entitlement among many of our young, I cannot see as a good thing. And I, for one, resent our government using the term for things many have, for years, worked hard to acquire once they are old enough. There is a huge difference between working your entire lifetime for something, and those expecting everything without lifting a finger to get it, or demanding someone get it for them.
Sure, many parents like to cater to their children, and that is their prerogative. But just to appease a petulant child, or teen, who makes demands in public, where a parent has little choice but to do what they want? I'm sorry, but NO. I believe a child needs discipline from the time they are big enough to understand Mom and Dad are the boss. Nip it in the bud while they are young, and as they grow.
These television shows kill me where the parents seek help because they cannot do anything with their child. Even to the point of being abused by them. I'm not saying it would be different in every case. But out here in the country, we expect chores to be done, manners to be used, and respect our elders and authority figures.
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