Amazing....

[Detroit Stylin]

Maybe there is hope for our future yet. From the mouths of babes...
bMyp8y8SkUM

[gibran]

what a inspiring voice for all people...I have chills of admiration listening to such a strong voice coming from such a young mind...he will be all of our future's hope

[detmich]

How about saying- " I do my homework and behave in school".

[lilpup]

I just don't get the "Queens, Kings, Princesses, and Princes that we really are". If every African was a King, Queen, Princess, or Prince, then who were the subjects?
Cross reference: Detroit - City Council

[Omaha]

You're right, this is amazing. It is reminds me of a Eleanor Roosevelt quote: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Never give it.” :)

[gibran]

Omaha great qoute...

[ccbatson]

Raw individualism can be found in his words and should be cultivated. Note that this makes him an enemy of the collectivists/statists.

[Detroit Stylin]

Yep and several people who replied STILL don't get it.....but thas ok......

[Jimaz]

Thanks for the video, Detroit Stylin. That was special. It put a lump in my throat.

I think we can expect more performances like this. May they grow in number until they're no longer remarkable.

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMyp8y8SkUM for some related videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EMdQm8Mguw&fmt=18 is fun.

[vetalalumni]

May they grow in number until they're no longer remarkable.
Amen Jimaz.:)

[ccbatson]

"God given talent" "Self determination".....individualism. Coming from an extremely bright and articulate child. I pray that this is not corrupted by adults less clear headed than he is. I fear that this may occur as he appears to admire Obama, who, while he is African American, opposes the core values that this boy speaks of.

[Lorax]

"God given talent" "Self determination".....individualism. Coming from an extremely bright and articulate child. I pray that this is not corrupted by adults less clear headed than he is. I fear that this may occur as he appears to admire Obama, who, while he is African American, opposes the core values that this boy speaks of.

To the contrary. You are the one blinded by hatred of anything not in keeping with the goosestepping fascist right and their talking points.

You are indicative of why the Repugnican Party is doomed.

Your future is closing before you like a fist.

[ccbatson]

Remember that Obama, until the campaign, was not ashamed to let it be known that he was a socialist (in print via his books).

[rb336]

Remember that Obama, until the campaign, was not ashamed to let it be known that he was a socialist (in print via his books).


you have yet to show, chapter and verse, where that is so inspite of numerous opportunities. you have never read his books, and are clearly just aping the pronouncements of your brain-dead idols, who also have never read his book

[gibran]

funny after reading his book I came away with the feeling he was more conservative and a stronger stewart of the constitution...

I think the extremistsin the Republican Party (not all republicans fall into that catergory) and neocons fear Obama for a variety of reasons...maybe they fear his ability to balance our world image on fairness and our economics to the middle-class... those who want things the way they were well " times are a changing"...

[Detroit Stylin]

Ummmmm......


At WHAT point in this video did President Obama's name get mentioned and HOW exactly does he fit into the context of this discussion?

[ejames01]

I assume that he thinks that the President is going to infect that child with SOCIALISM!

:eek:


Ummmmm......

At WHAT point in this video did President Obama's name get mentioned and HOW exactly does he fit into the context of this discussion?

[Omaha]

Speaking of SOCIALISM, I was riding down the street in Omaha over lunch this afternoon and passed a parked car with a pair of bumper stickers that really got me thinking. One said “get corporations off of welfare” and the other said “end socialism for the wealthy.” I saw the driver plugging his meter and I pulled over and asked him what those bumper stickers meant. Was he, like me, opposed to government bail outs of investment banks, car companies and the like? And shouldn’t the other have read “end socialism for the incompetent senior decision makers of large corporations?”

Nope. He wasn’t talking about what happened under Presidents Bush or Obama. He was talking about something more local. He said that corporations regularly play states and cities against one another—using job creation as the bait—to win large taxpayer subsidies for what he called “low paying” jobs. He actually used the term "BLACKMAIL" in describing the process. Hrumph! :mad:

I told him that corporations have the freedom to move to where they get the best deal. He said that every dollar in taxes that the corporations don’t pay…the average citizen pays. He argued that meant states were using their common wealth (taxes) to attract economic growth (although he didn’t use those last two words). Add those tax breaks to the cost of infrastructure put in place by government to entice corporate location or relocation and the city or state investment is so high it can’t be paid back in taxes on the jobs generated for many decades, if ever. That he assured me was government welfare for corporations. He also said that those kinds of tax dollar investments reminded him of socialism for the wealthy!

I merely replied that if he didn’t like the way the free market worked, he could either move to the People’s Republic of California or start up a business and take advantage of the great deals that occur with states and cities compete…they give away the store! I got on my soapbox and told him it’s only right that corporations use their bargaining power and whatever other advantage they have (paid lobbyists?) to lower operating costs so that they could maximize profits for the stockholders. The social consequences of that kind of behavior are not to be considered in the drive to maximize short term profit.

Then I added it’s too bad that there ARE national regulations covering wages, collective bargaining, environmental protection and the like. :mad: Because if there weren’t, corporations could do even better in reducing the cost of doing business as states and cities competed with one another. :D

[vetalalumni]

You've drawn it up remarkably well again Omaha (your post # 18). A+ on balance, content, and detail. You've raised the bar.

[ccbatson]

The boy mentions Obama's achievement in a tone of admiration near the end of his speech.

Not funny Gibran...sad. Reread it, particularly where he speaks of what influenced him, his affection for "Marxist professors" and the like. Also check out the works of those he references (most lead back to Sol Alinsky and his book "rules for radicals"). Read that if you want to be enlightened (and scared).

[Lorax]

Speaking of SOCIALISM, I was riding down the street in Omaha over lunch this afternoon and passed a parked car with a pair of bumper stickers that really got me thinking. One said “get corporations off of welfare” and the other said “end socialism for the wealthy.” I saw the driver plugging his meter and I pulled over and asked him what those bumper stickers meant. Was he, like me, opposed to government bail outs of investment banks, car companies and the like? And shouldn’t the other have read “end socialism for the incompetent senior decision makers of large corporations?”

Nope. He wasn’t talking about what happened under Presidents Bush or Obama. He was talking about something more local. He said that corporations regularly play states and cities against one another—using job creation as the bait—to win large taxpayer subsidies for what he called “low paying” jobs. He actually used the term "BLACKMAIL" in describing the process. Hrumph! :mad:

I told him that corporations have the freedom to move to where they get the best deal. He said that every dollar in taxes that the corporations don’t pay…the average citizen pays. He argued that meant states were using their common wealth (taxes) to attract economic growth (although he didn’t use those last two words). Add those tax breaks to the cost of infrastructure put in place by government to entice corporate location or relocation and the city or state investment is so high it can’t be paid back in taxes on the jobs generated for many decades, if ever. That he assured me was government welfare for corporations. He also said that those kinds of tax dollar investments reminded him of socialism for the wealthy!

I merely replied that if he didn’t like the way the free market worked, he could either move to the People’s Republic of California or start up a business and take advantage of the great deals that occur with states and cities compete…they give away the store! I got on my soapbox and told him it’s only right that corporations use their bargaining power and whatever other advantage they have (paid lobbyists?) to lower operating costs so that they could maximize profits for the stockholders. The social consequences of that kind of behavior are not to be considered in the drive to maximize short term profit.

Then I added it’s too bad that there ARE national regulations covering wages, collective bargaining, environmental protection and the like. :mad: Because if there weren’t, corporations could do even better in reducing the cost of doing business as states and cities competed with one another. :D

Problem with your take on things, is that without national regulations on wages, collective bargaining, environmental protections, etc, corporations would have us working at slave wages, dumping raw sewage in the rivers and lakes, and forbidding formation of unions. Corporations without regulations is what got us into this mess in the first place.

In fact, you've just advocated for a totalitarian fascist state.

Perhaps you could hop in your time machine and return to 1930's Italy where you and Mussolini could have a little tea and sympathy.

[ccbatson]

Lorax, THINK...if a company in a free market has a desired product or service to offer, other companies will compete with them in the market, right? In order to produce the goods or services, the company needs labor as does the competing company. Bidding for labor ensues such that the best workers get the most reimbursement and opportunity for ascension in the company. Starting at the bottom, these individuals WILL be successful according to their abilities. No slavery is possible.

[gibran]

In all of your studies cc didn't you learn to read other perspectives (critical thinking) and find anything of value...I personally enjoy reading other perspectives..it helps me either to modify my perspective or gives me a clearer understanding of my point...

[Lorax]

Lorax, THINK...if a company in a free market has a desired product or service to offer, other companies will compete with them in the market, right? In order to produce the goods or services, the company needs labor as does the competing company. Bidding for labor ensues such that the best workers get the most reimbursement and opportunity for ascension in the company. Starting at the bottom, these individuals WILL be successful according to their abilities. No slavery is possible.

Unofortunately you've made it rather obvious that critical thinking isn't your strong suit.

Your explaination of labor and it's place in our society is simple, and in a perfect world it would be nice, however it's tragically flawed since it will never, and has never worked in practicality.

Unfortunately when monopolies are allowed, and people like Reagan refused to enforce the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, any ability to compete is destroyed.

Look no further than Walmart, which has been allowed to destroy main streets across America, with impunity, with tax freebies galore, add all of Wall Street, AIG, Lehman Brothers, Citibank, Exxon, all corporations "too big to fail" which are always first in line for corporate welfare in the form of tax incentives, tax abatements, free land, utility hookups, endless loopholes created in our tax policy to benefit the monstrous corporations, which has effectively killed incentive, and kept others from being able to invent the better mousetrap.

Instead our anti-American republican politicians and corporate heads allowed "free trade" to take over, allowing an escape hatch for corporations to set up off-shore tax havens and hire slave labor to benefit the bottom line.

As if these fabulously wealthy companies hadn't already shipped our manufacturing base overseas already.

Then the Japanese car makers and Communist China Inc. built the better mousetrap, and now we find ourselves running into a wall.

Thanks but no thanks for your repugnican bridge to nowhere.

[ccbatson]

Every job I have ever had has included incentives and rewards to retain productive and efficient labor...What were you saying about it not working? Have you ever worked? You never experienced the concept of merit based raises, promotions, bonuses, or employees getting better offers from competitors?

[Lorax]

Every job I have ever had has included incentives and rewards to retain productive and efficient labor...What were you saying about it not working? Have you ever worked? You never experienced the concept of merit based raises, promotions, bonuses, or employees getting better offers from competitors?

No, actually I've never worked, never had a merit based raise, promotion, bonus, or was headhunted.

Just as you've never removed your head from Ronald Reagan's rear end.

Is there even one socially acceptable political ideal you support?

How about one Democratic ideal you support, I dare you to enlighten us.

[ccbatson]

Reread your post #24 on this thread, second paragraph Lorax. It doesn't work in reality? That is where I directed my rhetorical questions...and where you still fail to argue to effectively support your claim

[Lorax]

Reread your post #24 on this thread, second paragraph Lorax. It doesn't work in reality? That is where I directed my rhetorical questions...and where you still fail to argue to effectively support your claim

I see satire is lost on you.

Right wingers have no idea on how to think critically. Everything is black and white, and relevance of issues as it pertains to their own situation is all that matters.

It's anti-social, and as in the case of most right-wing talkers, and many right-wing politicians it's sociopathic.

Perhaps such labor incentives worked for you, however, you and your situation doesn't represent everyone. And I would submit to you, is yet another minority classification you're a part of (the other being a republican).

[ccbatson]

Critical thinking is the practice of logic and rationality....these do not exist when absolutes do not exist. Hence, it is the liberals that are incapable of critical thinking.

[Lorax]

Critical thinking is the practice of logic and rationality....these do not exist when absolutes do not exist. Hence, it is the liberals that are incapable of critical thinking.


Really?

If that were true, which it's not, then why did so many liberals, and many conservatives elected Barack Hussein Obama our president?

I guess the absolutes in this scenario was how absolutely true it was that the Bush Crime Family brought us to the collapsed, humiliated level we now find ourselves. Absolutely disgusting, is what is absolute about it.

You must believe in majority rule if you are a true American, right?

[rb336]

Critical thinking is the practice of logic and rationality....these do not exist when absolutes do not exist.

and that, my friends, is another logical fallacy brought to you by the Bats Dogma Squad.

Bats, when your entire world view is determined by some absurdist dogma, as yours is, critical thinking becomes impossible, and you end up making truly moronic comments like:

"Hence, it is the liberals that are incapable of critical thinking. "your deep belief in the absurdity that is absolutism is the exact opposite of critical thinking

[ccbatson]

Being fooled into electing the harbinger of death for the American way of life in favor of Statist collectivism is proof of critical thinking? The opposite is true and the lesson of that error (denial of reality) is being painfully experienced as we speak.

Rb...you really should read Leonard Peikhoff's book on Objectivism...your premises are completely off.

[Lorax]

Being fooled into electing the harbinger of death for the American way of life in favor of Statist collectivism is proof of critical thinking? The opposite is true and the lesson of that error (denial of reality) is being painfully experienced as we speak.

Rb...you really should read Leonard Peikhoff's book on Objectivism...your premises are completely off.

Harbinger of death?

You must be referring to George Tush. Just ask a million dead Iraquis. Oh, that's right you can't ask them, they're dead. Well, a million dead Iraqui's can't be wrong!

[rb336]

Being fooled into electing the harbinger of death for the American way of life in favor of Statist collectivism is proof of critical thinking? The opposite is true and the lesson of that error (denial of reality) is being painfully experienced as we speak.

Rb...you really should read Leonard Peikhoff's book on Objectivism...your premises are completely off.

if you read it with the same understanding you have shown of your readings hear...

no, bats, my premises are right on the target. of course your rand goggles have a big old blind spot to where that target is,

[Detroitej72]

Critical thinking is the practice of logic and rationality....these do not exist when absolutes do not exist.

Only a Sith speaks in absolutes!:D

Absolute power corrupts, absolutely.

[ccbatson]

I love that quote as an example of internal inconsistency...Absolutely only a Sith speaks in absolutes, no exceptions to this absolute that I, not a Sith, just proclaimed. It is too laugh.

Rb...how do you know what the results of reading something with a particular understanding would be WHEN YOU HAVE NEVER READ IT?

[rb336]

you don't know that i haven't.

[ccbatson]

Somewhat true, you may have read it, but have zero comprehension or recall of its' content to the extent that is evident in your stated understanding (or lack thereof) on the subject in evidence here.

[rb336]

considering the utter lack of comprehension you regularly exhibit when responding to a three-sentence post, that is particularly laughable

[ccbatson]

Last time we had this volley, you finally admitted to being ignorant of the material (the same material of which we are speaking here).

[vetalalumni]

Yep and several people who replied STILL don't get it.....but thas ok......
Some won't get it. But (I) keep trying.


Some won't get it for that I won't apologize. --- "I will not apologize", The Roots

[ccbatson]

"Roots"?? what does a fictional TV miniseries on the topic of slavery have to do with this?

[vetalalumni]

French fries and mangoes, lol. Damon Weaver did a good job interviewing President Obama regarding tomorrow's speech to youth about education.

rP-695ATg-c

[ccbatson]

This interview was performed and taped weeks ago, I don't think it is connected to tomorrow's speech.

[Detroitej72]

This interview was performed and taped weeks ago, I don't think it is connected to tomorrow's speech.

More right wing propaganda.

[ccbatson]

Really?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn6ZRMoIA9w

Check the date...3 weeks ago.

[elganned]

"God given talent" "Self determination".....individualism. Coming from an extremely bright and articulate child. I pray that this is not corrupted by adults less clear headed than he is. I fear that this may occur as he appears to admire Obama, who, while he is African American, opposes the core values that this boy speaks of.On the contrary, bats, rather than opposing them I think he exemplifies them.

I should think you'd be celebrating Obama for having "pulled himself up by his bootstraps". Or are you suggesting that he is the product of some privileged socialist clique and rode their coattails into the presidency?

[Lorax]

According to Batts, only rich, white, Rethugnican men are validated in their lives by "pulling themselves up by their bootstraps." Minorities don't count, beacuse in his world, a black man driving a Mercedes probably stole it, first, or if he did buy it, he's just a black man trying to be white.

There is no winning with a mind that sees everything in black/white, either/or. It's as Barney Frank says- "like arguing with the dining room table."

There is no hope for the hopeless.

[vetalalumni]

... a black man driving a Mercedes probably stole it...

See the Invisible Man.


... a black man driving a Mercedes ... if he did buy it, he's just a black man trying to be white.

See the quintessential "sold out" man.

How about it?

[elganned]

Like Archie Bunker once said: "Jeez, it don't do any good giving 'em money; an hour from now it'll just be in the hands of some guy who sells purple Cadillacs."

[ccbatson]

In 2009, the money will be taken by Obama before an individual gets a chance to do anything with their property.

[elganned]

"Obama delenda est!" cried the old curmudgeon from his chimney corner.

So you're expecting him to show up at your door to make this collection?
If not, how will it be taken?

[ccbatson]

Confiscatory taxes are withheld from pay, you didn't know that?

If it is deemed that they didn't take enough, and the individual doesn't pay the bill for the difference post haste, then the IRS prosecute, garnish, fine, and possibly imprison you (at gunpoint, real or implied). Didn't know that either?

[elganned]

Confiscatory taxes are withheld from pay, you didn't know that?

If it is deemed that they didn't take enough, and the individual doesn't pay the bill for the difference post haste, then the IRS prosecute, garnish, fine, and possibly imprison you (at gunpoint, real or implied). Didn't know that either?And this is Obama's doing...how?

This has been true for 60 years, and now it's a problem? Or did you pour the same bile on Eisenhower that you are displaying for the current president?

[ccbatson]

It has been a problem for a very long time (I agree with you on that point)...Obama is rapidly accelerating the process.

[Stosh]

Some people shouldn't be allowed around a keyboard. See above.

[East Detroit]

Hoarded goods first; people second.

[rb336]

Confiscatory taxes are

the price we pay for maintaining a system that has allowed us to achieve the greatest standard of living the world has ever known. see how far we have fallen in that regard since the implementation of ronnie's voodoo

[elganned]

It has been a problem for a very long time (I agree with you on that point)...Obama is rapidly accelerating the process.Speculation without supporting evidence.

[ccbatson]

4X the debt in 8 months...that is irrefutable supporting evidence.

[vetalalumni]

annarbor.com (formerly The Ann Arbor News) reports on former Ypsilanti High School football coach David Poole using the word with the students. --> http://www.annarbor.com/sports/racial-remark-preceded-the-resignation-of-ypsilanti-football-coach/

This can be evaluated on so many levels beyond the simple and troubling fact that the coach used the word. For example, he was "tired of other area schools viewing his team as a bunch of dumb ...".


Racial slur preceded the resignation of Ypsilanti football coach David Poole (http://www.annarbor.com/sports/racial-remark-preceded-the-resignation-of-ypsilanti-football-coach/)

Rich Rezler
AnnArbor.com Staff
October 14, 2009

(Editor’s note: This story contains the use of an offensive word. AnnArbor.com’s policy is to not use offensive words unless they are a central part of a story).

Former Ypsilanti High School football coach David Poole used a racial epithet during a team meeting one day before his resignation, according to school documents. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Poole kicked two players off the team for missing the team’s study table.

Upset, he called the varsity and junior varsity teams together before a 5 p.m. practice later that day to stress the importance of study table. The coach told them that he was tired of other area schools viewing the team as a “bunch of dumb ‘niggas.’”

The following morning, two angry e-mails from parents of the players cited use of the expletive, as did 10 incident reports filled out by Ypsilanti football players, according to the documents obtained from Ypsilanti Public Schools via a Freedom Of Information Act request.

Names were redacted.

The school’s athletic director, Chuck Fuller, said he received other parent complaints via telephone. Poole resigned Sept. 30, two days before Ypsilanti’s game against Dexter. This was his fifth year as head coach. The team had started the season with an 0-5 record.

Poole said he did not intend to offend anyone.

“It wasn’t meant with malice or anything in that manner,” Poole said. “People who know me know who I am and what I stand for. I’m all about A.B.T. Academics, blocking and tackling. That’s it.” And, after a long pause, Poole added: “And I miss my players. And they miss me.”

Fuller said this incident didn’t result in Poole’s resignation. Poole remains the high school’s lone physical education teacher.

“I would say it was a build-up of instances that occurred, and he and Ypsilanti Public Schools going in different directions,” Fuller said. “Now, I wouldn’t say it helped. But it wasn’t one incident.”

No other complaints or incidents were documented in Poole’s personnel file, although one parent’s email called the use of the epithet “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Fuller said he had received “other complaints communicated verbally to me that wouldn’t end up in a personnel file.” No previous complaints, Fuller said, have been for racially offensive language.

The one incident did elicit angry feedback, however.

“That word is not used in my home and my son don’t use it,” one parent wrote in an email to Fuller. “In no way should he be allowed to use that word ever. … This is unacceptable, and unfair to my child and the rest of the African American athletes who are giving their all for this program. The point that he brought up may be an issue, but that is not the way you go about it.”

The incident reports - filled out by 10 randomly selected players that Fuller requested details from - were nearly identical and matter-of-fact. Each detailed the exact same phrase coming from Poole.

One player wrote “everyone was just stunned.” Another wrote “everyone was silent and uneasy.” One player started his description of the event by saying, “What happened yesterday didn’t really bother me, but it was just uncalled for because that’s something you don’t say, no matter what the condition was.”

Poole said he plans to coach again in the future, but until then will continue to support his former players. He was in attendance at Friday night’s game at Lincoln, and exchanged hugs with a number of players after the 6-2 Phoenix victory.

“The players liked coach Poole,” said interim coach Jason Malloy. “He’s a gym teacher in the school, they have a lot of love for him. And it was nice to see him out there supporting the kids.”

Malloy said the resignation was “hard for the whole team and the whole program.” Fuller said he’s seen no animosity from the players toward Poole and that the racially offensive term was not directed at them.

“In no way, shape or form do I feel Coach Poole is a racist,” Fuller said.

Poole wouldn’t agree or disagree that his choice of words led to the resignation.

“I decided to leave for the best interest of the team,” he said. “I don’t have a comment on what people may have said. That would be speculating. The true news is that I decided to leave. Now, I just want it to die.”

[ccbatson]

He did the right thing after using very poor judgement.

[elganned]

4X the debt in 8 months...that is irrefutable supporting evidence.Increasing the debt and rapidly accelerating the application of confiscatory taxes are not the same thing. You alleged the latter, and offer the former as "proof". However, you have not established a causitive link between one and the other.

Faulty reasoning based on non sequitur, again.

[ccbatson]

They go hand in hand for the Obama administration. I will grant you that they are 2 separate evils though.