Not in my backyard? What's up with us, anyways?

[Nomad]

But, what do I know....





mmm hmmm

[nvalleyvee]

I think we owe Pakistan - they are our allies

[venus]

It is terrible over there and it must be awful for families trying to get in touch with members over there...

They need help now , not when the politicans hace played with their sums, people are suffering

[BTS]

QUOTE flopstock:

"But, what do I know...."



FYI.............America is sending helicopters and providing financial support to help aid the rescue efforts after the South Asia earthquake.

President George Bush said his administration and the US people wanted to help in any way they could.

US President George W Bush also said a few hours later: "I was told one of the biggest concerns... is not enough airlift capacity to get into the rural areas where people are suffering... So we're moving choppers."

(Wonder what that cost us?)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4324534.stm



This Blame America FIRST is SOOOOOO Assinine...

What the #uck is he supposed ta do? Fly over there? Then ALL you anti American pinkos would say he is GRANDSTANDING.

The guy can't win either way.

Mark my words,I bet: The good ol USA will end up giving more than ANY other country before it is all over...........

Wanna bet Flopster?

[Accountable]

I don't recall reading anything remotely pink coming from Flopstock. Nothing anti-American. Did I miss something, BTS?

[BTS]

Accountable wrote: I don't recall reading anything remotely pink coming from Flopstock. Nothing anti-American. Did I miss something, BTS?
Ok then ACC.......... Wasssss u think her point is? GOD BLESS AMERICA?

Or godam# America?

I think it is obvious........

My point is, it is a BLAME USA first attack....... tried and true.

She says:

Not in my backyard? What's up with us, anyways?

Shhheeeshhh it just happened.......

[Accountable]

Wow. It's either/or?? There's not another choice, like "I think we owe it to Pakistan, who called us 'friend' at much risk to itself, to be the country that steps forward in the biggest way, for however long and however much it takes"?



I agree with you that we will do what Flopstock thinks we should. I don't understand the hostility.

[nvalleyvee]

Accountable wrote: Wow. It's either/or?? There's not another choice, like "I think we owe it to Pakistan, who called us 'friend' at much risk to itself, to be the country that steps forward in the biggest way, for however long and however much it takes"?



I agree with you that we will do what Flopstock thinks we should. I don't understand the hostility.


I'm not sure there is very much hostility between them - just a different way of agreeing.....:driving:

[BTS]

flopstock wrote: You crack me up boy! :wah:

I must have disagreed with you at some point on something and ever since then you take everything i say as anti bush administration. You need to get over this. If I disagree with the man, I'll say it. If I agree with him, I'll say that too.



This was meant as a compliment, sweetie. We are always accused of ignoring countries that aren't as important as we supposedly 'think' we are. Yet the day after Pakistan is devistated by an earthquake, their leader pleading for help, we already have cash, equipment and available aircraft, on it's way.



And Bush has told the Sec of Defense to inventory, and see what else we can possibly offer up. He's doing the right thing here.



I happen to agree with what he is doing. I happen to think we 'owe' these people whatever help we have to give. They stood by us, as insignificant as that might sound, after 911 and after Katrina. They deserve the best of us.



And that's my point BTS. They are not in our backyard. They are no longer of immediate use to us. And yet, we are not ignoring their plight. We are offering whatever assistance we can. The rest of the world, so quick to judge us most of the time, must be confused by our actions. I certainly hope so....
flopstock wrote:

"Countries from around the world are offering up support, much as they did for us. I think we owe it to Pakistan, who called us 'friend' at much risk to itself, to be the country that steps forward in the biggest way, for however long and however much it takes.



But, what do I know....>
Not in my backyard? What's up with us, anyways?

[BTS]

flopstock wrote: i·ro·ny (ī'rə-nē, ī'ər-)

n., pl. -nies.



The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.

An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.

A literary style employing such contrasts for humorous or rhetorical effect. See synonyms at wit1.


Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs: “Hyde noted the irony of Ireland's copying the nation she most hated” (Richard Kain).

An occurrence, result, or circumstance notable for such incongruity. See Usage Note at ironic. Now don't respond for a while, i'm missing my online poker game!:wah:




I think these were YOUR words?

Not in my backyard? What's up with us, anyways?



So how did I do this?

"The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.?

Did I change your words? NO!!

Maybe text for impact but NOT words........

[DesignerGal]

flopstock wrote: ummmmmmmm.... hot stuff... perhaps, just perhaps...that's what I was doing?

Rant all you'd like, I'm NOT going to bash him just to make you feel vindicated in your post. He doesn't deserve it in this instance.

But don't you let the fact that we agree on this stop you from arguing with me about it, okay? :p



If you'd really like a disagreement, Bush does PLENTY of stupid ass things we can argue about..for instance:



FEMA Plans to Reimburse Faith Groups for Aid



or how about...



Bush Rejects Stem Cell Compromise


GOOD ONE!!!!! LOL!!!:yh_clap

[BabyRider]

flopstock wrote: But don't you let the fact that we agree on this stop you from arguing with me about it, okay? :p


Ahhh...that's our BTS, though. He loves to be obtuse. Logic be damned. :yh_bigsmi

[Jives]

(Jives reads entire thread)

Ooooo...my head is spinning. Are we debating whether or not the US should help Pakistan?

Damn Skippy! We don't have enough friends over in the that part of the world as it is.



Or are we arguing that the US is expected to help every little country in the world with it's problems, even though we have serious ones of our own?

Okay... I understand that point of view too. When we had a terrible Earthquake in San Francisco, guess how many of our "friends" helped us out?

[BabyRider]

flopstock wrote: yeah, but i love it when he gets riled. He makes me laugh, then i imagine if he could see me laughing and that just makes it worse. I think that sometimes, he would love the opportunity to headbutt me....



and he's one of the best on here for finding stuff related to arguments, ya know? i always look for his posts when there is a debate going on. Kinda like paul. But paul would scare the bejesus out of me if he ever let loose the way he can on someone. BTS tries, but that just makes him more adorable...:wah:
You nailed it, Flop. And he is just cute as a bug's ear when he gets worked up, ain't he? :yh_alien <---- (I still say that's a bug)

[Bez]

My reply for what it's worth....we should put all the political c**p and racial stuff aside....these people are HUMAN BEINGS ...many of them kids, innocents. Most of these people were pretty/very poor before the earthquake...the same as the Tsunami victims, the Katrina victims, the starving in Africa etc etc. EVERYONE who can afford even a little should donate....money, clothes, household stuff, your time in a charity shop.... I know that there are concerns about where the money ends up, but give to the Red Cross or reputable charity and you can gaurantee your donation can help.

[Wolverine]

HOLY SH*T!!

the Flopster actually put up a thread of her own?????????

*gasp*

*thud. sound of Wolvie passing out*

[Jives]

Bez wrote: Most of these people were pretty/very poor


I know how they feel.

EVERYONE who can afford even a little should donate....money,


Sorry, every cent of my money is either going to medical bills, or has already been sent to these people by the government, who by the way take half of my check every week. Why should I give more than half?

clothes,


My China-made Walmart clothes are equivalent to what they already have.

your time in a charity shop....


I work four jobs to make ends meet. I teach day school until 3, night school until 9, I work lunch duty in the parking lot on my lunch hour, and I teach Summer school on my break. Just what "time" are you talking about?



Here's my point....I feel sorry for these people, I really do. But MY FAMILY comes first.

[Bez]

Jives wrote: I know how they feel.

Sorry, every cent of my money is either going to medical bills, or has already been sent to these people by the government, who by the way take half of my check every week. Why should I give more than half?

My China-made Walmart clothes are equivalent to what they already have.

I work four jobs to make ends meet. I teach day school until 3, night school until 9, I work lunch duty in the parking lot on my lunch hour, and I teach Summer school on my break. Just what "time" are you talking about?

Here's my point....I feel sorry for these people, I really do. But MY FAMILY comes first.
And so it should Jives...I know you're a good man and lifes a bummer sometimes and an up hill strugggle....I've been down that road. I'm not trying to Bully people and I'm sorry if that's how it sounds...but many people can afford the price or a packet of cigarettes or a can of beer. Your lucky...you have a family fo work your butt off for...from what I'm seeing on the TV, whole families have been devastated.....the least we can do is offer our prayers.

[Accountable]

:yh_rotfl I'm sorry. I'm just trying to imagin Bez as a bully. :-2 ... :yh_rotfl

[DesignerGal]

Jives wrote: I know how they feel.



Sorry, every cent of my money is either going to medical bills, or has already been sent to these people by the government, who by the way take half of my check every week. Why should I give more than half?



My China-made Walmart clothes are equivalent to what they already have.



I work four jobs to make ends meet. I teach day school until 3, night school until 9, I work lunch duty in the parking lot on my lunch hour, and I teach Summer school on my break. Just what "time" are you talking about?



Here's my point....I feel sorry for these people, I really do. But MY FAMILY comes first.


Half of your money goes to Pakistan and India via the US Government?

[BabyRider]

I'm sensing some disgruntlement (is that a word) from people for Jives stating how he feels, being honest, and putting his family before others. Why is that, do you suppose?

Jives, I'm in agreement with you 150% on this one. MY family comes first. The US has consistently shown it's "screw the middle-class and below, let's take care of everyone else before we take care of our own" attitude for decades. If we can't count on our government to do it, we better rely on ourselves. Suits me just fine.

[DesignerGal]

BabyRider wrote: I'm sensing some disgruntlement (is that a word) from people for Jives stating how he feels, being honest, and putting his family before others. Why is that, do you suppose?

Jives, I'm in agreement with you 150% on this one. MY family comes first. The US has consistently shown it's "screw the middle-class and below, let's take care of everyone else before we take care of our own" attitude for decades. If we can't count on our government to do it, we better rely on ourselves. Suits me just fine.


I was just asking a question. This thread started out about those people in India and Pakistan who need help just like those during the hurricanes. Someone pointed out that "the Pakistani leader offered assistance to us during our hurricane situation, why wouldnt we offer help to them?" Now we are talking about what I can only assume is welfare in America, not the issue of donating money to help those get a leg up after a natural disaster. You might change your mind after you lose your home and everything in it when someone comes by and says "Hey man, sorry about your luck, here is five bucks, its not much but get a hot meal". Donating to help those during natural disasters is quite different than those lazy scum on welfare refusing to work and having 15 babies a decade.

[Bez]

BabyRider wrote: I'm sensing some disgruntlement (is that a word) from people for Jives stating how he feels, being honest, and putting his family before others. Why is that, do you suppose?

Jives, I'm in agreement with you 150% on this one. MY family comes first. The US has consistently shown it's "screw the middle-class and below, let's take care of everyone else before we take care of our own" attitude for decades. If we can't count on our government to do it, we better rely on ourselves. Suits me just fine.


No disgruntlement from me BR. My heart is with Jives...he and everyone else has every right to express their thoughts...that's what FG is all about.

[BabyRider]

ArnoldLayne wrote: BR Of course my family come first .Thats not my arguement with Jives . Nor whether to give . Just to ask how an American (or any westerner for that matter ) can possibly have experienced the level of poverty common in places that were devestated in Pakistan.
well, Jives was replying to someone saying, "These people were pretty/very poor." His response was he knows how they feel. Between the medical bills for his wife, which I'd imagine are astronomical and his other day-to-day bills, there's nothing left, and quite often not enough to break even in the first place. I don't think he compared his situation to the Pakistans, just made it clear that he was struggling, like a lot of people and has nothing left to give. Neither do I, for that matter.

DesignerGal wrote:

You might change your mind after you lose your home and everything in it when someone comes by and says "Hey man, sorry about your luck, here is five bucks, its not much but get a hot meal".


I have been in that very situation of losing my home and everything in it. I neither asked, expected or received any help from anyone. What is it exactly you assume my mind-set is on this?

[Accountable]

I'm with Jives. You don't have to be starving to be hungry. I gave alot of my time to the Katrina evacuees because I had alot to give (seein's how nobody's seen fit to hire me, but I digress). Teachers give plenty. We should be sending them money, as well.

[Bez]

I'm pulling out of this thread.....sorry to have hit some raw nerves....

[DesignerGal]

BabyRider wrote: well, Jives was replying to someone saying, "These people were pretty/very poor." His response was he knows how they feel. Between the medical bills for his wife, which I'd imagine are astronomical and his other day-to-day bills, there's nothing left, and quite often not enough to break even in the first place. I don't think he compared his situation to the Pakistans, just made it clear that he was struggling, like a lot of people and has nothing left to give. Neither do I, for that matter.

I have been in that very situation of losing my home and everything in it. I neither asked, expected or received any help from anyone. What is it exactly you assume my mind-set is on this?


All Im saying is its a nice thing to do when someone is down on there luck to throw them a couple of bucks for whatever reason. There is always someone worse off than you (not YOU specifically, I dont presume to know your situation, YOU in general). Im simply trying to differentiate between Jives' frustration with those people who EXPECT us to pay there way in life by means of welfare from those who have just run into hard times (like the victims of natural disasters). Im NOT picking on Jives, or you or getting disgruntled at anyone. I just want to make it clear, there is a difference in those two types of "poor" people.

Furthermore, I dont assume anything about your mind set, I was simply questioning the generalized statements Jives made about where his money goes concerning charity and establishing just who exactly these "poor people" are Jives was referring to.

For reasons evident, I think you just want to fight me on this. My intentions were not to start an argument, just offer up a different perspective. I dont presume to "know" anyone's situation in the garden.

[BabyRider]

DesignerGal wrote: For reasons evident, I think you just want to fight me on this. My intentions were not to start an argument, just offer up a different perspective. I dont presume to "know" anyone's situation in the garden.
I think both of us are short-tempered with this whole "stop smoking" crap that we're going through. My intention was to clarify something, not an urge to fight! (I take care of that here at home, my pillows are a wreck.)

[Accountable]

I used to make paper airplanes. I'd fold 'em into different designs just to see what they'd do. Sometimes they would behave as designed, either sliding smooth all the way down to a smooth landing or doing crazy loopy loops - I liked to catch those in the air. Sometimes the paper airplanes would behave completely unlike I expected. They might catch an unexpected draft and do lots of interesting turns and swoops. Sometimed they smashed the wall and slid to the floor.

[DesignerGal]

BabyRider wrote: I think both of us are short-tempered with this whole "stop smoking" crap that we're going through. My intention was to clarify something, not an urge to fight! (I take care of that here at home, my pillows are a wreck.)


You are probably right. This patch is worthless.

[BabyRider]

DesignerGal wrote: You are probably right. This patch is worthless.
To the "I'm Quitting!" thread?

[LilacDragon]

A couple of things strike me here....

When the hurricane flooded and destroyed New Orleans, it took DAYS to get rescue workers and helicopters in, yet we managed to get helicopters to Pakistan in hours.

With the war in Iraq and the devestation in the South from hurricanes, where in the world is the U.S. supposed to come up with money to give to Pakistan?