Protestantism

» pink101 - Brainwashed.

In response to Brainwashed. posted by Twice__Pardoned:
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I wrote, "And, it appears from what you're published here in your last few posts that you think your achievements are due almost solely to your efforts and it seems you pride yourself in those achievements. Where did you get those ideas on which you operate?"
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And, you responded with, I am not sure what you're talking about still... what achievements and fortune?.
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Whatever it is that you have, Stephen--every bit you "earn". Your job and education whatever they are and whatever it is.
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Rest assured, what little I have I have indeed earned, and I'm thankfull that I live in a place where I am able to.
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That you live in America where you can earn what you are able to earn is a result of the blood and sweat of millions who struggled against a form of capitalism that is presently making a comeback. It is heartless and only strives for profit. I don't know what your job is; but, you can be sure that if it is possible, it will, eventually, be exported to some other country where workers will do the same job for pennies on the dollar.
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"... but is there some sort of confusion about who I am...??? I mean there is only 1 Twice__pardoned here right?"
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That's the login you go by, for sure. But, as to who you are? I don't know, who are you? Are you someone who stands alone and who provides for himself with no support from any others? Is that you? Or do you depend on millions of others.
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And, OH! You aren't a grand son of a multi-millionaire? Gee, then, I guess you'll have impediments and barriers to your pursuit of happiness. Too bad. But, that's the chance you take when you're born into an ordinary family. Think of the children who are born to those lazy people in your neighborhood who sleep until noon. And, yes, you are a very fortunate person to be lucky enough to have been born in America. What about the lazy people who are born on the streets of New Delhi?
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-- posted by pink101

» paper_turtle - Defending the USA (poverty)

In response to Defending the USA (poverty) posted by Twice__Pardoned:

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I don't mind sharing the details of my life. Maybe I can help someone that way. And you're right, I don't want sympathy, or pity.
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I can't be your child though, I don't know if you even have children...
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I have a son, 21, and a daughter, 38. I also have a 15-year-old granddaughter.
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and I agree that there are exceptions to this welfare situation but the economy has little to do with it... PEOPLE have most to do with it.
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People don't need welfare because jobs aren't out there... they welfare because they were devestated... they need hope... they need help and I believ that they should get that help.
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I don't quite agree about the job situation, but I do agree that people need hope and help.
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I would respectfully point, however, that one of the best ways to help the poor (and give them hope) is to respect them, not judge them. That can make a tremendous difference.
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One day I struck up a conversation with a homeless woman. She was college-educated, but suffered from mental illness. She said one thing which struck me to the heart.
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She said: "When you're homeless you become invisible, and that's the hardest thing. People only see you when they want to tell you how terrible you are. I already know that."
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle

» Migisi - Your Economic Identity

In response to Your Economic Identity posted by Twice__Pardoned:
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I know who I am, I am a working class guy who's raising a family and trying to build a comfortable life for myself.
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Hard, isn't it? I hear ya, Stephen. You've got every right to complain, IMO. You're out there working your butt off while your deadbeat neighbors are sleeping it off. Can't help but notice them sitting on the front stoop with their cheap wine in brown bags at 11am. And the teen dropouts sitting next to them trading bags of dope for a few bucks. My questions... What dreams do they have? Would you want their life? If so, it's SO easy to have it. Just give up like they did.
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You're the rich one, Stephen. You've got hope. You've got a dream... that acreage with a energy efficient log house, and a comfortable life for you and your family. You're young, strong, white, and smart. All you have to do is work harder, and it can be yours. That's what they say, right?
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Now imagine something unfortunate and unforseen happens, and you're alone with kids to support. Imagine handing over 1/2 your check to daycare just so you can go to work. The taxman and union dues took 1/4 of your pay before you ever saw your check. Gotta buy work uniforms, shoes, and tools to do your job. Pay $70 for a tank of gas so you can drive 60 miles one way to your middle-low paying job. Kids gotta eat, be clothed, have toys, vaccinations and medical care. Then there's the rent/mortgage, utility bills, car repairs and insurance, leaky plumbing and roof, etc. You work HARD and long, but there's never enough. You might attend junior college at night (yeah, more daycare) hoping to improve your earning opportunities. Little Joey broke his arm falling off his bike going off a ramp, and you had to take time off work. Yikes, the electric bill is due, but you spent it on Joey's medical co-pay, and you got docked for taking off work. The utility companies start shutting you off. You get threatening letters and rude calls from collections. You sit down and figure your finances. Then it hits you like a brick - you're only bringing home 50 cents an hour after daycare, taxes, dues, uniforms, gas, car expenses, etc. Makes ya wonder why you bother working at all. Time for a second job. More daycare expense - that is, IF you can ~find~ a sitter to watch the kids all night. Second job means no time for college. No time for kids. No time to dream that dream. Life is bleak and depressing. You buy a cheap bottle of wine.
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Just heard discussion on CNN this morning that the gap between the rich and poor has increased to and beyond the Great Depression in the 20s. The rich are getting way richer, the poor are way poor. Wealthy folks have so much money now that they're giving it away. Heard about Bill Gates's charity? Maybe if you write to him, he'll send you a free PC for your home.

-- posted by Migisi

» Twice__Pardoned - Brainwashed.

In response to Brainwashed. posted by pink101:

I wasn't (still not) sure if you're insinuating that I was born into wealth or if you're suggesting that I am only able to do what I do because of those who built this country? (pioneers, forefathers etc...)

because I accept that I would have nothing without the blood and sweat of those before me.. sure. I don't understand the point though... I mean after all if one man is only 'successful' because of those before me, then what about the poor?
Are they only poor because ofthose before them?

At what point do we stop looking at those things and simply continue with our lives and progress as much as we can. I don't work hard because of any other reasons than: I am physically able, I have hope and I love my family.

I do not know what the future holds but if I am physically able to continue then I will. I believe it is my duty to generate wealth so that I can help accomplish the true ministry of Jesus Christ... to feed the hungry, cloth the poor, heal the sick, minister to the lonely and comfort the widows and orphans.

Oh and I certainly sympathize with the children. Children are typically only a product of what we subject them to. Exceptions exist but generally speaking.

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned

» Migisi - Defending the USA (poverty)

In response to Defending the USA (poverty) posted by paper_turtle:

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My birthday's the 15th of May. I ain't telling my age, but here's a clue... I was also told that I was 'over-qualified'. I hear ya, Sister.
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My husband and I split because he was abusive to me and my kids. Started after he lost his job and got into heavy drinking. NOBODY beats my kids!

-- posted by Migisi

» paper_turtle - Defending the USA (poverty--Migs)

In response to Defending the USA (poverty) posted by Migisi:

We *must* be twins (even if we aren't the same age). My mother says my due date was the 15th (which was her father's birthday).
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My late first husband was an abusive alcoholic, but he never touched my daughter. I stuck it out mostly because I didn't think I had any options.
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Twins or not, we ARE sisters. 3

peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle

» Twice__Pardoned - Your Economic Identity

In response to Your Economic Identity posted by Migisi:

A free PC... I might actually look into that. =) seriously I need/want one.

Here's a major piece of the puzzle as well if I may, and trust me I don't wish to take anythng away from your example/story. It is unique yet likely.

1: Credit card debt
2: Cash advance loans
3: Cable TV
4: Pre-marital/extra marital sex
5: Drugs/alcohol/tobacco
6: 'Bling' (excessive wants)
7: Eating at restraunts
and on and on

These are just 7 things right off the top of my head that my family does not participate in that seperates me from the community around me. I KNOW I can come up with more.

By avoiding these 7 alone, we can make the rich poorer and the poor richer. We could also slow the increase of 'preventable' illnesses, one parent homes, High School drop outs, etc...
We could give ourselves more hope, more health and more happiness by living a life of abstinence and balance.

My family is not suffering and the only reason we have ANy hope to 'maybe' one day build that energy effieicent home and land is because we are planning and striving. We have a will to succeed.

We'd be much farther along had we not had kids!!! hahaha but Love is a unique thing because we created the one thing that could make us happier than a home or land could... a family.

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned

» Twice__Pardoned - Defending the USA (poverty)

In response to Defending the USA (poverty) posted by paper_turtle:

The leading cause of mental illness in the world is drug useage.

I am again not trying to be offensive but I wonder what circumstances surrounded this young womans demise to homelessness.

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned

» _Boanerges_ - Your Economic Identity

In response to Your Economic Identity posted by Twice__Pardoned:
I live in the "jedshed".....

I'm the rich man on the hill!.. Or, down low as is the case on my street!..

:)

-- posted by _Boanerges_

» Twice__Pardoned - Your Economic Identity

In response to Your Economic Identity posted by _Boanerges_:

hahha You also have the biggest tree in your yard! =)

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned