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Scenario: Jack pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.

1973 - Vice Principal comes over, takes a look at Jack's rifle, goes to his car and gets his to show Jack.

2006 - School goes into lockdown, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers. story covered on nationwide news channels

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1973 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best friends. Nobody goes to jail, nobody arrested, nobody expelled.

2006 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it. story covered on all nationwide news channels

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1973 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by Principal. Sits still in class.

2006 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability. Johnny becomes 'ADHD' boy for all nationwide news channels

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his father's car and his Dad gives him a whipping.

1973 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2006 - Billy's Dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Billy's sister is told by state psychologist that she remembers being abused herself and their Dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist. Story covered on all nationwide news channels

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some headache medicine to
school.

1973 - Mark shares headache medicine with Principal out on the smoking dock.

2006 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Prinicipal is arrested for contributing to the violation of minors. Cars searched for drugs and weapons. Story on all Nationwide news channels

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.

1973: Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.

2006: Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. story covered on nationwide news channels. Sympathy pours in for Pedro. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he can't speak English.

Scenario: Johnny takes a part leftover firecrackers from the 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.

1973 - Ants die.

2006 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again. story on all nationwide news channels

Scenario: Johnny drives Dads truck to school. Random search uncovers dads can of chewing tobacco in glovebox.

1973 - Prinicipal calls Dad to verify the story. They share a good laugh over it.

2006 - Despite the facts, the no tollerance police demands Johnny be expelled from school. story on all nationwide news channels

Scenario: Johnny falls while playing dodgeball during recess and scrapes his knee.

1973 - he is sent to the nurse for a bandaid then strait back to class

2006 - following news reports on all channels showing close ups of lil' Johnny's scrapped knee, parental outrage results in a district wide a meeting to review the physical and mental damage resulting from all playground equipment. Unanimus vote - remove dodgeball and all other equipment that poses a physical challege. story on all nationwide news channel.
...............................................
What the hell happened ? Growing up, living life & and raising children use to be so easy.
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First, I want to take this opportunity to deny that I was caught sharing "medications" with the Principal. They were vitamins and "herbal" remedies, yeah, that's it... Big Grin

Clearly, the real problem here is the nationwide media. It's the single common denominator and should be eliminated as the root cause of all problems! But seriously, it is my belief that (assuming the human race lasts long enough) future generations will look back on the 20th century and realize that television is, in fact, the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction ever created by man. Although it has amazing power to inform and educate, it has been used primarily as a tool to instill fear, erode family values and create false expectations. But that’s just my opinion.
Damn those vitamins did some good, but Mark you hit the nail on the head. TV and the media is a major problem, but wait and see what the internet will do. We are already seeing more and more sick people promoting child porn and all kinds of other behaviours that used to be kept hidden now spreading it online. Sit at the computer an hour and see how sick the world really is. It's sad. Rob6145
quote:
Clearly, the real problem here is the nationwide media. It's the single common denominator and should be eliminated as the root cause of all problems! But seriously, it is my belief that (assuming the human race lasts long enough) future generations will look back on the 20th century and realize that television is, in fact, the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction ever created by man.
Although it has amazing power to inform and educate, it has been used primarily as a tool to instill fear, erode family values and create false expectations. But that’s just my opinion

The media only supplies the demand.
Stupid parents = stupid children. The cycle will never change.
Ther was a ton of crap on TV 30 years ago. Now there's just more channels.
To sum it up; Jerry Springer, Roseanne Barr, Flavor Flav, VIP.......etc.
I have 75 channels and most days I can't find anything to watch.
Damn, even speed vision has Nascar most of the time and that's a tad more exciting than watching golf (flame on).
Will (thinking of becoming a Menonite (sp?) )
"The media only supplies the demand."

I'm not sold on this any longer. I think the media tries to create the demand. The more sensational the story they "create" the more copy sold. (Check out OJ'S latest escapade as an example.)

I also think that, due to the perceived need to fill "x" number of pages, air minutes, etc., stories undeserving of distribution not only make it into production, but get revised ad-infinitum to satisfy production quotas.

How many consumers really care about Tom Cruise and his latest marriage? It sure is taking up a lot of space. Are there really that many adoring fans out there to justify the "buzz?"

Terry
[quote]How many consumers really care about Tom Cruise and his latest marriage? It sure is taking up a lot of space. Are there really that many adoring fans out there to justify the "buzz?"
Why would all the media be covering it if there wasn't a demand??
The media does surveys everyday. They give the donkeys what they want.
quote:
The wrong thing is not the TV, we are wrong as long we don't use the OFF switch.

Roland hits it right on the head. It's human nature for people to blame others. If you don't want to watch OJ or Cruise, change the channel. If everyone stops watching, they will change. But that will never happen. People love the crap.
I don't watch OJ or Cruise, but my newspaper, my ISP provider, the local TV channels and the radio news merchants seem to think they need to clog the table of contents with "news" of this sort. I'm wearing out remotes, delte buttons and the pre-sets on my car radio stations avoiding this crap.

I wonder if we are looking at another version of "payola" after all these years. I know there tabloid readers at the grocery store...are they really a financially viable market on mainstream outlets?

On another matter...what is up with the 24/7 Christmas carols on major radio markets...starting 6 weeks before Christmas? (I may be turning into a crumudgeon!)

Terry
I was in school in 1973, and yea, it was just like that. No big worries. Even got the paddle a couple of times my self from the principal. Dad beat the hell out of me when I broke the rules. Now I have two college degrees, am a sucessfull engineer working my way up the corporate ladder. Seems 1973 was no problem to me. I turned out fine, besides, I own a Pantera. Modern kids? SHEESH! I hope the world ends soon.
Dave I know you're kidding, but...
Its just like 1973. There are spoiled kids and there are good kids. I hang out on the WRX boards and am by far the oldest. Most are half my age. I see a lot of idiots and a lot of kids that truely care and are well educated about what is going on in the world around them.
Media wise, I think all the freakos have always been there. Its just that we know more about it now. I'm not convinced that is a good thing.
YMMV
Kermit
quote:
The OJ thing has been scrapped by the way. Im just glad the big wigs got the message.


The 'big wig' is Robert Murdock, mega media owner whose empire controls the book publisher AND Fox news.

And he is about as flamin' radical conservative as they come - but, no doubt part of the liberal media so many seem to think exists. Confused

Larry
quote:
Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.


Johnny continues his fascination with explosives as he grows older. The internet and his stint in the military provide him with the knowledge needed to create a fertilizer/diesel fuel shaped charge bomb that nearly levels the target of his choice, killing scores of innocent people.

Truth.
Bullshit.

I grew up playing with firework's and firecrackers. Blew up many an ant hill, model airplane's and cars in my younger days.

Grew up, went in the Marine Corps, spent 2 tours in Nam, 1st as a tunnel demolition rat for 8 months, yes, blowing up tunnels, and the 2nd in a MacVSog unit for 11 months and never mind what we did in this unit or what we were responsible for doing.

Does that make me a grown up with a continued fascination with explosives just looking for a target to kill scores of innocent people with a fertilzler/diesel fuel shaped charge bomb...or a mass murderer just looking for my next victim's...?

HARDLY !

Like I said, BULLSHIT.

QUOTE] Johnny continues his fascination with explosives as he grows older. The internet and his stint in the military provide him with the knowledge needed to create a fertilizer/diesel fuel shaped charge bomb that nearly levels the target of his choice, killing scores of innocent people.

Truth.[/QUOTE]
Last edited by coz
Coz,

You hit it on the head ... life is very different today and I'm not old enough to be in Vietnam. God bless you for that one !

The Military will bring out the worst in anyone and bring out your best in 4 years.

Ever notice crime is down in NYC ??? why ?? THE DEATH PENALTY !! LOL

Gets even the Waco's thinking ! LOL
The world was defiantly different then as compared to now. But to lump all in a category because of how we grew up or what we played with because of the actions of a few is totally absurd.

Be glad you weren't old enough. Believe me, you didn't miss anything.

BTW, I still like to play with fireworks and firecrackers...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by accobra:
Coz,
You hit it on the head ... life is very different today and I'm not old enough to be in Vietnam.
Hey Larry, Got a question for you.
Police discover a serial killer has a Pantera in his Garage.

Does this make all Pantera owners potenial serial killers ?

quote:
Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
quote:
Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.


Johnny continues his fascination with explosives as he grows older. The internet and his stint in the military provide him with the knowledge needed to create a fertilizer/diesel fuel shaped charge bomb that nearly levels the target of his choice, killing scores of innocent people.

Truth.
quote:
Hey Larry, Got a question for you.


And I have an answer.

I intended to stir the pot a little, but geeesh, where did you come from taking it so personnally?

I just wanted to point out that while on the casual face of the issues, the 2006 results may seem all too ridiculous, in reality they are - sadly - all based on good reasons and didn't just materialize out of thin air.

There IS a dead boy here in Fresno from an after school fight, and there ARE 169 dead people in Oklahoma City because of McVie's home made bomb.

Cause and effect. One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel - a very old phrase - is just as true today and last century. That is why we have so much silly P.C. crap out there now.

As I have said before, I have the utmost respect for our military members; it is the damn civilian dumb asses in charge of our foreign policy that piss me off.

Sorry I offended you Coz.

Larry
No big deal Larry, you didn't really, I just took it the wrong way. Sorry brother. I guess I'm still just a little touchy about the feelings of Vets in my days vs. now. When we came home from Nam, we weren't hero's, we were labled murderers, baby killers, called names and spit on. But in todays war & vets, their considered hero's. How times change huh....and yet war is war and there are no real winners. It really is a pity that the chicken shit politicians that start the wars don't have to actually be on the front lines fighting themselve's instead of sending others to do their dirty work.

So many things we used to do can't be done anymore because of those idiots that screw things up for everyone.

I just think that the no tollerance additude on many occasions has become a bit overboard.

Case in point. My 13 year old, in a very stupid moment, decided to spray paint his initials on a block wall 2 times that belonged to the city of Peoria a year ago. Before, he would have got his butted kicked by me, (well that part didn't change) and he would have been made to re-paint that area of wall himself, learn his lession and life goes on.

But today's world, he was charged with 3 felonies from class 3 to class 5. I'm now going to be responsible for $7500.00 in restitution so they can paint the entire 8000 sf of block wall and a $50.00 a monthly probation fee until he's 18. His sentencing is coming up in December and we'll see what the judge does.

For 1 stupid act, he's now going to be a convicted felon 3 times over for the rest of his life over something so stupid to begin with unless I can get the powers to be to lighten up just a little bit.

Just a bit over kill.


[QUOTE]Sorry I offended you Coz.
Last edited by coz
How on God's green earth can spray painting a wall be a felony? Was the wall in danger of being killed? It's gotten ridiculous.

I've had some of these discussions with my wife lately. Too much legislation that makes no sense. For instance, I have a friend that has accumulated 3 DUI's, and is still driving and living amongst the populace like nothing happened. Had he been stone sober and pulled over for speeding, and the cop found a couple of joints in his car, he's still be in the clink. I don't get it.
Yea, pretty absurd.
He has been charged with:
1. Burglary, Class 3 Felony. (He entered an unlocked gate)
2. Criminal Damage, Class 5 Felony
(Over 500.00)
3. Destroying Public Property. Class 5 Felony

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cjjtulsa:
How on God's green earth can spray painting a wall be a felony? Was the wall in danger of being killed? It's gotten ridiculous.
quote:
When we came home from Nam, we weren't hero's, we were labled murderers, baby killers, called names and spit on. But in todays war & vets, their considered hero's. How times change huh....and yet war is war and there are no real winners. It really is a pity that the chicken shit politicians that start the wars don't have to actually be on the front lines fighting themselve's instead of sending others to do their dirty work
Just following up on my reply.Back in Nam the people blamed the soldiers.What we realize now is the fact that soldiers put in bad situations end up with bad results.The polititions had a scapegoat then,"the soldiers."Now we realize that if you drop a soldier in deep water with his hands & feet tied,he will probably drown.Problem is, our polititcians don't seem to know it and the generals are afraid to say anything to the contrary.Just, "send more soldiers".
Coz, be concerned, but take comfort in the following: (assuming a relatively clean prior history.)
13 years old - juvenile record goes away soon.
The fenced premises burglary is also a trespass (misdemeanor.)
Damage over $500...he may be performing public service "grafitti removal" (probably not a bad idea.)
Government property...I'm guessing this one goes away at the preliminary hearing.

Terry
RVN 7th & 45th Surg Hospitals, 68-69
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