Topic of the Week

[Ponder This]

I've been coming to this site for awhile now. Reading all the views and comments. It has become apparent to me that no one can seem to stay on topic. So I figured I would begin this thread and give a topic every week so people could voice their opinions. I do understand that some might would like to talk about certain topics longer than others. That's fine with me, just let me know. The topics are of my own views and opinions. Thank you and hope you enjoy.

[Ponder This]

I'm getting tired of listening to the same old broken record. Watch what you eat and that's not good for you. We live in a society that orders a double cheese burger, large fry, and a Diet Coke. Now I ask, does that sound right? But yet scientist have it all figured out. At one point the egg was good for us, and then it wasn't. Now in the news, red meat is bad for us. I'm sorry but for me, I'm going to eat what ever I want. The nutritiousness are the ones who suppose to know what to eat and they're the ones going to the doctor more than me. More doctor bills for them and not me. Why is everyone trying to live forever? We are all going to die one day. We don't even know how we're going to die. So I say, enjoy the foods that God has given us, but don't over do it. When you're full, you're done. STOP EATING. Even porky knows when to push away from the buffet.

[JDidGirl]

We live in a society that orders a double cheese burger, large fry, and a Diet Coke. Now I ask, does that sound right?

I love Diet Coke and drink it like most people drink coffee; however, I've never drank Diet Coke for the fact that it is a diet drink. I drink it for the taste and the taste alone. And, yep, it goes wonderfully with a Big Mac and large fries followed up with a chocolate fudge sundae.

[I'mJustMe]

i drink it 'cause i have to, you know, the whole diabetes thing..........but truthfully, diet to me tastes a lot better than regular. regular is just too sweet and my jaws feel like they're locking up! oh, something else i've noticed, most fastfood places serve coke products, which is fine, whatever, but if i buy a can or bottle drink, i'd MUCH rather have a diet pepsi than a diet coke. but to me (although i can't drink regular now), regular coke is so much better than regular pepsi too. hmm....

as far as food is concerned, as long as it's good, i'm gonna eat it. i won't pig out, but i'll at least have a serving. what are you going to gain from skipping out on it? maybe live one day longer? WOOHOO!!

[BTDT]

I like diet Coke and Pepsi. Nowadays everything you eat, drink, watch, and think about will kill you, I'm not going to change my ways too much this late in life, so I guess I'm going to live and die happy.


Remember: You are what you eat, so I'm fast, cheap, and fattening.

[Ponder This]

I was going to talk about the up coming elections but something else is bothering me. The wife and I just got back from Wal Mart and I need to know something. Why do boys, now a days, like to wear their pants down off their butt? I don't want to see their underwear nor the crack of their :butthead: . If I knew I could get away with it, I would have got me a staple gun and staple their pants to their waist line. I think I read somewhere that prison inmates wear their pants down to let the other inmates know that they're available. That's sick! People now a days don't have any morals or values. Men having sex with men and women having sex with women. Sick I tell you! I heard one gay man say he was born that way. I wish he would have said it to me. [sentence deleted] There ain't no one on this earth born gay! Oh, how about the woman that turned herself into a man then had a baby? She said that she was suppose to be born a man. WHAT!? God has made everyone the way he sees fit. If you're beautiful, you're beautiful. If you're ugly, sorry but you're ugly. Stupid, well you know. Stupid is as stupid does. Gay, you just fell down and hit your head. You need someone to hit you again. So, you kids wearing your pants off your butt, remember you're saying you're gay. Don't be mad at me, it's what it means in prison and you're the one wearing the pants.

[swampfox]

If it was the right thing to do (stapling the pants), why would you care whether you got away with it or not? Right is right. Wrong is wrong.

So what if you got busted? So what if you got convicted of assault? Sometimes jail is the only honorable place for a righteous man.

And then you could tell us for sure if the stories about the butt-display are true or not.

You're weak. And you want to beat up gay people? They'd wipe the floor with you. Your clock would be permanently cleaned.

Stand up for what's right. Many people throughout history have stood up for the right thing even though they knew that they would pay the consequences for it. And you can't? It seems to me that shame would keep you from even bringing it up.

[cuebald]

I was going to talk about the up coming elections but something else is bothering me. The wife and I just got back from Wal Mart and I need to know something. Why do boys, now a days, like to wear their pants down off their butt? I don't want to see their underwear nor the crack of their :butthead: . If I knew I could get away with it, I would have got me a staple gun and staple their pants to their waist line. I think I read somewhere that prison inmates wear their pants down to let the other inmates know that they're available. That's sick! People now a days don't have any morals or values. Men having sex with men and women having sex with women. Sick I tell you! I heard one gay man say he was born that way. I wish he would have said it to me. [sentence deleted] There ain't no one on this earth born gay! Oh, how about the woman that turned herself into a man then had a baby? She said that she was suppose to be born a man. WHAT!? God has made everyone the way he sees fit. If you're beautiful, you're beautiful. If you're ugly, sorry but you're ugly. Stupid, well you know. Stupid is as stupid does. Gay, you just fell down and hit your head. You need someone to hit you again. So, you kids wearing your pants off your butt, remember you're saying you're gay. Don't be mad at me, it's what it means in prison and you're the one wearing the pants.
Unfortunately, however, there are people on this earth who were born incredibly ignorant and proud as a peacock to be that way.

Many of them shouldn't go taking a swing at a gay person until they make certain their affairs are in order.

[JDidGirl]

I'm a woman. I date women. I've been with my partner for over 7 years (7 years this past Saturday... thank you very much). I don't think I was born gay... I know I was. You can agree or you can disagree. It is your right to have that opinion... even if I see it as being wrong. But the fact that you openly make a commit that you would like to commit a hate crime? You want to beat someone because... what... they are different from you or because you think they are wrong? I really hope that your post... at least that particular part... is removed. It is one thing to have an opinion... it is another to threaten violence.

And... just for the record you ignorant homophobe... the droopy pants thing isn't a jail come on. Maybe you should take a little time and do a little research on things. Maybe broaden your mind a little.

Here's a link to help you out... http://www.snopes.com/risque/homosex/sagging.asp

[RocDocsWife]

(7 years this past Saturday... thank you very much).

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JDG!!!!!!!

[JDidGirl]

(7 years this past Saturday... thank you very much).

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JDG!!!!!!!


Thank you... thank you. It has been 7 wonderful years and we are looking forward to 70 more.

[I'mJustMe]

I don't care why they wear their pants hanging off their butts, I just wish they'd pull them up. Buy the right size. Buy a belt. Tie some string around them, something!

No wait, here's a better idea. This may catch on. Since all these guys want everyone to see their boxers, why don't they just wear the boxers on the outside of their pants? i mean, they are practically there anyway. hmm...

Happy anniversary JDG!

[JDidGirl]

I don't care why they wear their pants hanging off their butts, I just wish they'd pull them up. Buy the right size. Buy a belt. Tie some string around them, something!

No wait, here's a better idea. This may catch on. Since all these guys want everyone to see their boxers, why don't they just wear the boxers on the outside of their pants? i mean, they are practically there anyway. hmm...

Happy anniversary JDG!

Oh Gawd... please don't put that idea into kids' heads!

And to your belt comment... guess what... they do wear belts. They buy pants 5 sizes too big for them and then put on a belt that won't allow their pants to fall off their butts. I used to work at a catering company and a guy there wore his pants like that all of the time (he was a cook... he didn't dress that way while working the floor at parties) and he explained to me how it works. I gave him heck about it, but he said "that was the style". Oy vey.

And... thanks for the congrats. We're proud of ourselves, too.

[Gator96]

why don't they just wear the boxers on the outside of their pants?


Hey... it worked for Superman!!!

[swampfox]

I had an idea that might help. Extra-long suspenders. They could be adjusted to show varying amounts of underwear without the whole thing falling down and forcing the wearer to walk as if disabled.

Of course cops will tell you that the hanging pants (known as "bus'in a sag") makes them awfully easy to catch if it comes to that.

Please don't steal my suspenders idea. I think it could be a gold mine.

[JDidGirl]

Well, Swampy... if Larry King ever decides to go with the bus'in a sag look... as you call it... I have a feeling he would be all over your suspenders idea.

[Ponder This]

I don't think I was born gay... I know I was.

So you are telling me that the good lord above made you gay? Remember darling, he burned Sodom and Gomorrah for this and other reasons. So, why don't you broaden your mind.

[Captain Worley]

So you are telling me that the good lord above made you gay? Remember darling, he burned Sodom and Gomorrah for this and other reasons. So, why don't you broaden your mind.

Maybe He will smite you for not capitalizing His name or His pronoun.

[JDidGirl]

So you are telling me that the good lord above made you gay? Remember darling, he burned Sodom and Gomorrah for this and other reasons. So, why don't you broaden your mind.

Well, first of all... I respect your opinion even though I don't agree with it. Secondly... I'm not your darling. Let's get that straight (pardon the pun) right out of the gate.

Yes, I feel that the dear Lord made me Gay. And you don't have to agree with that. I feel that God made people black or white or hispanic and gay. He made us all different... for many reasons unbeknownst to us. If you are basing your opinion solely on what the Bible has to say then you might want to reconsider how you live your life as well because there are A LOT OF SINS listed in there that people do every single day... and what does it say... no one sin is greater than another? Do you eat shellfish? You obviously judge others. Hey... I believe in God... we have a wonderful relationship so I'm not threatened by your beliefs... in fact, I believe you are entitled to them no matter how narrow minded I think they may be. God made you too... narrow minded or not... so I forgive you. No biggie.

[Moderator #1]

So you are telling me that the good lord above made you gay? Remember darling, he burned Sodom and Gomorrah for this and other reasons. So, why don't you broaden your mind.

Since I can not PM you by your choice, I will do it here. Mr/Ms Ponder This, please be careful where you tread. The Friends of South Carolina site has new moderators and is undergoing changes. We want this forum to be as friendly as can be with the usual bantering back and forth without slurs, name calling, threats, etc. I edited your other post. Please do not make me ask Ms Annabelle to block you.

[RPWeed]

So you are telling me that the good lord above made you gay? Remember darling, he burned Sodom and Gomorrah for this and other reasons. So, why don't you broaden your mind.

How about broaden your own mind. If you're going to give out "information" on the bible, how about give out all of the information, not just your narrow minded interpretation that suits your own agenda?

Let's just remember something:

When the angels visited Lot in his home, the angry mob outside demanded that Lot send the visitors outside so that they might "know" them. The word know comes from the Hebrew word "yada" which means to know. This particular word has been used in the bible to mean different things. As a matter of fact "Yada" is used 943 times in the bible and only about a dozen of those was it used to indicate a sexual activity (heterosexual and homosexual). So why is it assumed that it is in this case that the angry mob wanted to have sex with the visiting angels.

No one seems to remember that Lot (the supposed hero in this story) refused to send the visiting angels out to the angry mob. Instead he offered to send his own two daughters out to them so that they could "know" his own daughters...this would have been rape...heterosexual rape.

It is unclear from the few verses about Sodom and Gomorrah whether God demolished the city because the citizens were uncharitable and abusive to strangers or wanted to rape people or engaged in homosexual acts.

The Church has traditionally accepted the third explanation. In fact, the term sodomy which means anal intercourse is derived from the name of the city, Sodom. But the first explanation is clearly the correct one. As recorded in Matthew 10:14-15 and Luke 10:7-16, Jesus implied that the sin of the people of Sodom was to be inhospitable to strangers. In Ezekeiel 16:48-50, God states clearly that he destroyed Sodom's sins because of their pride, their excess of food while the poor and needy suffered, and worshiped many idols; sexual activity is not even mentioned. Jude disagreed with God; he wrote that Sodom's sins were sexual in nature. Various biblical translations describe the sin as fornication, going after strange flesh, sexual immorality, perverted sensuality, homosexuality, lust of every kind, immoral acts and unnatural lust; you can take your pick.

[JDidGirl]

^^^^Yeah... what she said... ^^^^


Well put & Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!

[From WV]

How does talking about cheesburgers end up with blaming the gays on hip hop fashion. Please someone tell me where does it stop!!!

[JDidGirl]

How does talking about cheesburgers end up with blaming the gays on hip hop fashion. Please someone tell me where does it stop!!!

Ahh... people like "Ponder This" have their own way of seeing the world. I don't know him/her so I can only assume from the posts that he/she is the kind of person who dislikes anything that is different from the way they are. Personally, I see it as fear... they fear what they don't know or understand... but then, that's just the way I see it. Also, they go strictly by what they are taught. I'm guessing they were taught that gays and lesbians were an abomination... blah... blah... blah... and so forth and that's the way they still believe. He/she won't take the time to really do some research on the subject to see if maybe (just maybe) what they've been taught isn't fact, but rather matter of opinion of translation (see RPWeed's wonderful post). Gays are "different" and therefore they are feared. People who wear baggy hip-hop clothing are different and therefore they are feared as well. Personally, I think being different is what makes us all interesting. We might not agree with it (I don't like the baggy pants thing either), but there's no reason to hate it.

[RPWeed]

I think it's funny that people are so willing to take the Bible out of context to suit their own beliefs...trust me, homophobes are not the only ones guilty of this.

Leviticus 18:22 states: "Thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination." This was part of the Jewish Holiness Code which also:

permits polygamy
prohibits sexual intercourse when a woman has her period,
bans tattoos
prohibits eating rare meat
bans wearing clothes that are made from a blend of textiles
prohibits cross-breeding livestock
bans sowing a field with mixed seed
prohibits eating pigs, rabbits, or some forms of seafood
requires Saturday to be reserved as the Sabbath

The Modern Christian Church has abandoned this code...all of it except one passage. Why is that? The reason is to further their own agenda.

The hypocrisy of this scenario is almost laughable, yet several states in this nation have taken Bible passages such as this and sewn it into our state Constitutions, denying Gays and Lesbians the right to be married.

C'mon people...seriously?

[From WV]

Ahh... people like "Ponder This" have their own way of seeing the world. I don't know him/her so I can only assume from the posts that he/she is the kind of person who dislikes anything that is different from the way they are. Personally, I see it as fear... they fear what they don't know or understand... but then, that's just the way I see it. Also, they go strictly by what they are taught. I'm guessing they were taught that gays and lesbians were an abomination... blah... blah... blah... and so forth and that's the way they still believe. He/she won't take the time to really do some research on the subject to see if maybe (just maybe) what they've been taught isn't fact, but rather matter of opinion of translation (see RPWeed's wonderful post). Gays are "different" and therefore they are feared. People who wear baggy hip-hop clothing are different and therefore they are feared as well. Personally, I think being different is what makes us all interesting. We might not agree with it (I don't like the baggy pants thing either), but there's no reason to hate it.

I'd much rather talk about the original topic of nutrition. Just to sum it up, if you can't pronounce the ingredients that you are ingesting, it's likely that it is a man made chemical substance. Chemicals are what you use when you scrub your toilet. But hey, I am guilty as charged. Some of those chemicals taste down right delicious. What are they doing to my kidney's? Well, I guess I'll find out one day.

[Quintessence]

How does talking about cheesburgers end up with blaming the gays on hip hop fashion. Please someone tell me where does it stop!!!

Ponder This appears to want his/her own Topic of the Week and instead of starting a new thread each week (Topic of the Week 3-24-09; Topic of the Week 3-31-09), Ponder appears to be adding new topics to a single thread. It is confusing,...but not surprising.

[JDidGirl]

Ponder This appears to want his/her own Topic of the Week and instead of starting a new thread each week (Topic of the Week 3-24-09; Topic of the Week 3-31-09), Ponder appears to be adding new topics to a single thread. It is confusing,...but not surprising.

Yeah... I figured that was the case as well, but I would let Ponder This explain his or her own reasoning for that one.

[Captain Worley]

prohibits eating rare meat


Oooo...I commit abominations on a pretty frequent basis, then.

[JDidGirl]

I'd much rather talk about the original topic of nutrition. Just to sum it up, if you can't pronounce the ingredients that you are ingesting, it's likely that it is a man made chemical substance. Chemicals are what you use when you scrub your toilet. But hey, I am guilty as charged. Some of those chemicals taste down right delicious. What are they doing to my kidney's? Well, I guess I'll find out one day.

Man... bummer. So much is bad for you yet it tastes so good. I'm not sure if the good stuff just isn't good or if it just has the stigma of being good for you that turns me off of it. I admit it though... I'm a fan of deep-fried food. I swear... I would probably try a car tire if it had been deep-fried.

[Quintessence]

Yeah... I figured that was the case as well, but I would let Ponder This explain his or her own reasoning for that one.

Oops! You're right! Hope that wasn't an abomination!

[JDidGirl]

I think it's funny that people are so willing to take the Bible out of context to suit their own beliefs...trust me, homophobes are not the only ones guilty of this.

Leviticus 18:22 states: "Thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination." This was part of the Jewish Holiness Code which also:

permits polygamy
prohibits sexual intercourse when a woman has her period,
bans tattoos
prohibits eating rare meat
bans wearing clothes that are made from a blend of textiles
prohibits cross-breeding livestock
bans sowing a field with mixed seed
prohibits eating pigs, rabbits, or some forms of seafood
requires Saturday to be reserved as the Sabbath

The Modern Christian Church has abandoned this code...all of it except one passage. Why is that? The reason is to further their own agenda.

The hypocrisy of this scenario is almost laughable, yet several states in this nation have taken Bible passages such as this and sewn it into our state Constitutions, denying Gays and Lesbians the right to be married.

C'mon people...seriously?

And this is my point exactly... some people live strictly by the word of the Bible (or how they may interpret it), but those people are few and far between. Most people, however, just pick and choose the parts they want to abide by... the parts that suit their needs.

[JDidGirl]

Oops! You're right! Hope that wasn't an abomination!

It was, but I think He'll (that would be God... not Ponder This, mind you) will let you slide this time.

[Quintessence]

I think it's funny that people are so willing to take the Bible out of context to suit their own beliefs...trust me, homophobes are not the only ones guilty of this.

Yes...and conveniently forget passages such as those regarding judgement of others.

[JDidGirl]

Yes...and conveniently forget passages such as those regarding judgement of others.

Ahh... but they get around this (or so they think) by just saying that they aren't judging... it is in the Bible. Yep... that's my personal favorite. Call it what you want... it's judging.

[RPWeed]

Sorry for the Bible theology lessons today...ignorant people tick me off. I think that faith should be simple. I don't believe that God intended it to be so complicated.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

RPWeed <--- preacher's kid

[What????]

I'm not understanding any of this. I have family that has chosen to be gay. That's their choice and they will have to answer to it. I don't agree with it but I still love 'em. They're family. I'm not homophobic but I don't care for that style of life.

[Ponder This]

Ok, you tell me something then. Since you all think I'm so little minded. What do you people think about your government taking your money and bailing out the failing companies? Are you a hard working American that doesn't live above your means? Do you think the CEO's are over paid? Do you think it's right that a man sweeping the floors in some factory can make $30 an hour? Everything around us is priced more than what it is worth. Heck, our president has even said that. They rushed to do something and now they are starting to kick themselves. I once heard a really good point. Why is all the oil in Texas when the dip sticks are in Washington?

[swampfox]

So, Ponder, you are conceding your former point? It sure looks to me like you lost that one.

As for your new questions: I think we are probably doing too much bailing out, but I don't claim to know how to solve the problem. Yes. Yes. Yes, although I don't see it as a right or wrong question. That's a great line about the dipsticks. I think the answer has a lot to do with the fact that we vote in secret so that we don't have to take responsibility for our choices (I know it's not JUST as simple as that) and we have always been content for our politicians to do the same. Now we want more transparency in government. I think it should be total transparency. I don't think the government should be able to spend a penny without that information being easily available to the public. I think we should absolutely insist on this since it looks like we're going to a one-party government because the GOP has chosen to commit suicide.

[Ponder Faith]

So you are telling me that the good lord above made you gay? Remember darling, he burned Sodom and Gomorrah for this and other reasons. So, why don't you broaden your mind.

Maybe you need to broaden your mind and actually read the Bible for once. I respect your theology but the Christian faith teaches "to love thy neighbor as yourself" and "for those without sin cast the first stone."
Believe it or not, but your Bible teaches that Jesus ALLOWED a PROSTITUTE to wash His feet!!! Jesus also spoke of SAVING sinners, not JUDGING AND CONDEMMING then.

If today's Christians would practice the TRUE teachings taught by the carpenter guy in Gallilee then people would not have a right to talk down on Christianity and Christianity may even be appealling in the eyes of sinners. The Lord said, "Judgment is Mine." NO Christian has the right to judge!

I just wish many of today's so-called Christians held on to what Christ taught because they make it hard for the ones that actually try to act the way Jesus taught us.
Too many Christians nowadays are confusing themselves and thinking they are the Son/Daughter of God! Please read the words in red that are in your Bible sometime.

[TAZ]

So true Ponder Faith, so true.

[swampfox]

I agree. Very well said.

[Captain Worley]

The gov shouldn't have done any bailouts, starting with TARP, which IMO, started this whole mess.

[JDidGirl]

Ok, you tell me something then. Since you all think I'm so little minded. What do you people think about your government taking your money and bailing out the failing companies? Are you a hard working American that doesn't live above your means? Do you think the CEO's are over paid? Do you think it's right that a man sweeping the floors in some factory can make $30 an hour? Everything around us is priced more than what it is worth. Heck, our president has even said that. They rushed to do something and now they are starting to kick themselves. I once heard a really good point. Why is all the oil in Texas when the dip sticks are in Washington?

I think it is interesting that when you get called out on something... a topic you started actually... you change the subject. And what does the second sentence of your post have to do with your question? I never said you were "little minded"... I said you were "narrow minded"... there is a difference. But okay... okay... we'll let it go.

[bigfish]

What do you people think about your government taking your money and bailing out the failing companies? Are you a hard working American that doesn't live above your means? Do you think the CEO's are over paid? Do you think it's right that a man sweeping the floors in some factory can make $30 an hour? Everything around us is priced more than what it is worth. Heck, our president has even said that. They rushed to do something and now they are starting to kick themselves. I once heard a really good point. Why is all the oil in Texas when the dip sticks are in Washington?

Yeah, except the oil is now in the middle east and the dipsticks are still in Washington.

I think that the government taking taxpayer money and bailing out the failing companies is the answer to the question, "How can we transform America into a total socialist nation without anyone really noticing?" It seems people are just overjoyed at the fact of the government printing new money to bail everyone out but no one is thinking about the consequences of having that newly printed money in circulation. After all, currency needs a value when traded in the global market.

Oh, and if any CEO receives a multi-million dollar bonus then I would consider that as overpaid. If the time warrants, then give a bonus to your employees but not millions of dollars. Those millions of dollars should be infused back into the company you are working for so that same company will not be asking Big Brother Government for bailout money later.

The current insatiable desire for over-priced and costly material things (aka, bling) seems to be the updated American Dream and it appears to be the cause of most of the stress that is felt by the majority of working Americans. Everyone is playing the "catch up" game and I sometimes wonder if anyone knows who everyone is suppose to "catch up" to? I witness a lot of people seemingly ask themselves, "just how much debt can I place on my shoulders until my heart stops from the weight of it all?"

.......and people wonder why the economy is in the shape it is.

[ff2]

Topic for 4/10/09.........'GANGS IN MARION' ........Recently I've noticed spray painted signs/symbols etc. on street signs, buildings and walls around Marion, and it seems to be growing. Having grown up in Marion County I can certainly say Marion (as well as other counties around) are nothing like they used to be!! Folks being jumped and 'beat up' by gang want -to-be's to get in these gangs, cars being burnt, and more 'gang activity' that has me worried about our community and the families that call Marion home. Then I heard about a sweet lady who has a flower shop downtown Marion getting beat up defending herself from an attacker the other day. Don't know if this was a gang member or just a sorry, no good thug trying to steal someones belongings, but I wish she would have had her concealed weapons permit and was able to defend herself a little better. My prayers are with her and the other victims that have faced and will face this same kind of activity in the future. ( I may be the next victim, who knows?) Recent reports show a huge increase in the purchase of guns and ammo, and I hope concealed weapon permits are also on the rise, hate it, but this is the road we are heading down! Don't promote violence, but don't want it used againest me, my family, and all the innocent folks around here. So, what can a community do to remove these low-lifes from our county? Community Watch Programs still around? Other programs anyone knows about....Please post!!!!

[I'mJustMe]

I know that one of the schools in Marion County (I won't say which one) has gang symbols drawn on the desks and walls in the classrooms. I guess while the teachers are trying to teach these kids and trying to help them make something of themselves, they are sitting in class drawing gang symbols on school property. :twak:

[swampfox]

By the time you see gang signs, they are already well-established in your communities. Without new law there's not a heck of a lot you can do.

Remember they exist for one reason: to sell drugs on the streets to consumers. They wouldn't be there if the market wasn't there.

[ff2]

Swampfox.... The signs really started popping up heavy last year and I asked a law enforcement officer "What was being done to get a handle on this activity', and got the reply of "Their just gang want to be's, not real gang members"!!!!! I believe they see now that want to be's or not, these thugs are well established here, and causing alot of problems for this county.

[swampfox]

We have the same problem where I live. I had a real close look at it happening when I was still teaching in the high school here.

What has been happening in the last several years is that the major national drug gangs have been going into small communities and recruiting kids to sell their merchandise, making them think that they are real members of the Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, etc. So they sell the drugs and make some money, most of the money going back to the gang big shots in Los Angeles, Chicago, etc. It was relatively peaceful for a while, but then these local kids starting carrying guns and for the last few years they've been shooting each other more and more.

The big drug gangs today work just like any big corporation. At the highest levels they have meetings around big tables and split up territory and plan marketing strategies. Many well-known people, especially rap stars, sit at these tables like big-time businessmen (LL Cool J is an active member of the Bloods, for example). The local kids get fooled into thinking that they are down with the big gangs, and eventually they start acting like them. The big guys never even get their hands dirty anymore.

We need better laws, better enforcement strategies so that the gang members can be sent away for a very long time. In our school I found more than once, when I was trying to contact parents about a student that was acting gang-like, that the parents were also members of the same gangs. It's a very difficult problem. Many of the kids actually selling the drugs are juveniles (which is part of the big plan) so that even if they are arrested they do not go away for very long. It's time to do whatever it takes to keep our own kids from getting involved. We need to educate ourselves about the gangs, to know the signs, and to act quickly if any kid that we know starts to show indications of gang activity. But it's hard, since they have been led to believe that they are a part of something big. But the big gangs do nothing to support the "members" that they are taking advantage of, especially if the situation escalates into violence.

The sheriff's office here does a good job of educating the public about the gangs, offering classes about what to look for, what to do, etc. But they will tell you that they are up against something that under existing laws they cannot defeat, and so it continues.

It used to be that the small communities were relatively safe, but not anymore, unfortunately.

[ponderthat]

Swampfox.... The signs really started popping up heavy last year and I asked a law enforcement officer "What was being done to get a handle on this activity', and got the reply of "Their just gang want to be's, not real gang members"!!!!! I believe they see now that want to be's or not, these thugs are well established here, and causing alot of problems for this county.

The Bloods and the Crips were want to be gang members in the beginning.

[swampfox]

If you mean the local Bloods and Crips you're probably right. Real Bloods and Crips are very real organized crime organizations. The practice of tricking local young people into believing that they are being accepted as members is widespread and almost always successful. For very little investment they get juvenile retailers on the street. And plenty more where those came from.

[I'mJustMe]

http://crime.about.com/od/female_offenders/p/deathrow10.htm

there is a typo in this article...should be 1998 not 1988...the sad thing about this girl is that she was smart, could have made something of herself, but instead decided to ruin her life and the lives of other people. the problem with gangs is, the members move around and bring their poison into the lives of our kids. they know which ones to look for...the kids looking for acceptance among their peers, the ones who don't get attention from their parents, the ones who are weak. they can smell them a mile away, and they waste no time pouncing on these kids. the next thing we know, our schools are overrun with them, it's not safe to walk outside your own home, and what can you do? for every one you might rescue, there could be two more being initiated. movies, tv, and this rap-crap make that life look attractive, but these kids need to see it's not all it's cracked up to be. it all leads to a dead end.

[bigfish]

Everyone needs a good chuckle on Monday morning! :-)
A LITERAL music video. If you were not a teenager during the 80's then you may not get it.

Enjoy the link and have a great week!

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

[bigfish]

Marion County deputies arrest man for attempted abduction

Photo (http://www.scnow.com/scp/news/local/pee_dee/article/marion_county_deputies_arrest_man_for_attempted_ab duction/45882/#fragment-2)http://media.scnow.com/scnow/img-story/images/uploads/220409_emmanuel-hubbard.jpg
Emanuel Hubbard




<!-- end article media -->
<!-- end featuredmedia --><!-- BEGIN LHSRAIL -->Text size: small (http://javascript<b></b>:articleFont('.85em');) | medium (http://javascript<b></b>:articleFont('1em');) | large (http://javascript<b></b>:articleFont('1.2em');)

By Rusty Ray (rray@wbtw.com)
WBTW Anchor/Producer
Published: April 22, 2009
Marion County Sheriffs Investigators have arrested a man believed to be the individual that threatened to shoot a 12-year-old girl if she didn’t get into his vehicle Monday Afternoon in the Greenwood Park community just outside of Marion.
The suspect’s name is Emanuel Hubbard. He is 67, and from Marion.
According to investigators, Hubbard does not have a criminal history.
Investigators charge Hubbard with attempted kidnapping.
Hubbard is in the Marion County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

[JDidGirl]

Topic for Thursday, April 23, 2009...

What the heck is wrong with some South Carolina drivers?

Every morning... same thing. A car is way off on the side of the road... nowhere near blocking traffic... heck, there's no one even in the car & it's just sitting there... but every freaking driver on the interstate has to slow down to a dang crawl to get a look backing up traffic for miles and miles... for nothing! And merging? Dear Gawd... does anyone even know the meaning of merging?

[Captain Worley]

They are pretty...and shiny....
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/dale/971/pictures/chestr2.jpg

[I'mJustMe]

does anyone even know the meaning of merging?


isn't that where you drive down the entrance ramp and then have to either slam on brakes, run off the side of the road to miss whatever asshole is in the right lane and won't move over, or whip out in front of said asshole and squeeze in between his car and the car ahead of him in order to miss the line of traffic coming up behind him?

oh wait....that's not right......

lol

[swampfox]

Well, "merging" means "coming together". Maybe it really means that two or more cars actually come together as one.

[I'mJustMe]

that's gotta be it. that explains why no one wants to get their butt over into the left lane and let someone in from the right....

[JDidGirl]

isn't that where you drive down the entrance ramp and then have to either slam on brakes, run off the side of the road to miss whatever asshole is in the right lane and won't move over, or whip out in front of said asshole and squeeze in between his car and the car ahead of him in order to miss the line of traffic coming up behind him?

oh wait....that's not right...... lol



Well, "merging" means "coming together". Maybe it really means that two or more cars actually come together as one.

I think you are both pretty close to what people think it is supposed to mean. Non-merging individuals really chap my arse.

[sftail]

How about the left lane sunday drivers? That really burns my azz a new one.

[swampfox]

There is no duty to stay out of the left lane. As long as you're not exceeding the speed limit, getting out of the left lane is not even a courtesy. Of course you do it for emergency vehicles, but otherwise if I'm doing 55 in a 55 zone I'll stay in the left lane as long as I feel like it. Less patient drivers may never stop to think that in many places you have to actually slow down IN the left lane in order to make a left turn. I'm not changing my route so somebody else can break the speed limit.

Also older folks tend to drive slower. If we're lucky we'll be among them someday. I often see old folks harrassed on the road by people who seem to feel the need to get somewhere a few seconds faster. They need to grow up.

[I'mJustMe]

yall know my solution for someone who wants to ride my behind? no matter which lane i'm in? SLOWING DOWN. :biggrin:

[swampfox]

You and me both. We'll stop if necessary.

And run into the back of me. I'll take your house.

[sftail]

I am refering to those that don't reach the speed limit.And it usually happens on the interstate most often. "Slower traffic keep right".

[I'mJustMe]

you sound just like me. i'll see someone on my butt or someone who comes flying up to a stopsign like a maniac and i'll think hit me, please hit me and buy me a new car! that's happened a couple of times...well, the hitting me part, anyway. i didn't sue. should have. had to buy my own new car. oh well.

[swampfox]

Not you, but I see people all the time around here who drive 80 mph in a 45 mph school zone. And when I have to make a left on the divided four-lane to turn onto the road to get to my house, those people can kiss my behind or my bumper, their choice. And don't let them think about driving off after they hit the back of my car. I'll run them off the road first.

Driving well on the interstate is not an easy skill. I generally try to stay in the right lane until I have to pass somebody if I can do it without breaking the speed limit much. To really drive well on the interstate you need to be able to recognize which trucks are empty and which have a full load. When you're good you can tell which ones have been driving way past the point of safety sleep-wise. Trucks slow down a lot going uphill, unless they're empty.

The whole point is that those who drive too fast regularly are endangering the rest of us and they don't deserve our understanding about it.

And it's helpful to just do the math. If I drive to Charleston at 80 mph I'll get there in about 1.5 hours. If I do it at the legal interstate limit of 70 I'll get there in about 1.7 hourse. That's 12 minutes. What am I going to do with 12 extra minutes? Not enough for a buggy ride.

It's just a bad habit from one perspective. It's public endangerment from another.

[sftail]

I agree,my oldest son an i were hit by an uninsured motorist a few years back.Not only was he driving 70 in a 45 but he was drinking.All we were doing was turning in our driveway,and he hit us from behind.I have no use for aggressive or unsafe drivers.

[TAZ]

[quote=swampfox;103298]There is no duty to stay out of the left lane. As long as you're not exceeding the speed limit, getting out of the left lane is not even a courtesy. Of course you do it for emergency vehicles, but otherwise if I'm doing 55 in a 55 zone I'll stay in the left lane as long as I feel like it. Less patient drivers may never stop to think that in many places you have to actually slow down IN the left lane in order to make a left turn. I'm not changing my route so somebody else can break the speed limit.quote]

And you sir are breaking the law. The left hand lane is for passing only. This information comes from a retired SCHP officer that I work with at my part time job. And then you talk about moving over for emergency vehicles, some don't do this. We have to slow down sometimes because some people just want move. By state law we can not pass you in the right lane while responding code 3 (with lights and siren on). If people would pay more attention to the law and stop making their own, there might be less accidents.

[swampfox]

As I implied above, but not clearly enough, I wouldn't be in the left lane if there were not cars to pass in the right lane. But for example, when I need to make a left turn off of a divided four-lane, I'll get into the left lane a mile or so ahead, depending on the traffic, and I'll maintain the speed limit until I need to slow down to turn. I'm not required to make a panic lane-change a few yards before my left turn just so speeders can get where they're going a few seconds earlier.

Now if they would like to install a left-turn lane for me I'll use that, but I don't live in a rich enough community for that. If I lived at the country club I could probably get my own turn lane the same day I asked for it.

I invite a ticket, I dare anybody to give me a ticket anytime I do this, which is nearly every day.

[I'mJustMe]

And then you talk about moving over for emergency vehicles, some don't do this. We have to slow down sometimes because some people just want move.


i've seen on more than on occasion (in Dillon, go figure), emergency vehicles have to come to a complete stop because the vehicle in front of them came to a complete stop and wouldn't move, and the traffic in the other lane wasn't slowing down to let them move over. so they sit there with horn blaring, and they can't do anything but wait for someone to get out of the way, so as not to cause an accident. i bet if these people found out later that the emergency involved someone they cared about, or if one day the emergency involved them, they wouldn't be doing this stupid stuff.

[swampfox]

You'd be amazed how many people learn absolutely nothing from experience, which normally is the best teacher. Untold numbers of our very neighbors float through life like jellyfish through a sewage treatment pond.