It is funny how things work very similarly in micro scale and macro scale. I was thinking how this works with appeasement, negotiation, and bullies.  I am saying that appeasement is not negotiation.  It is a horrible strategy actually.

On a micro scale remember the bully to took lunch money? Nearly every school had one. Each day certain kids would just pony up, and go hungry or hide other money.  Then in history when the viking would invade, often kings would pay tribute to not be invaded. I am sure the viking laughed as they hauled off the money.  All the vikings had to do is return anytime and collect more easy money.  They had no reason to do otherwise.

Another appeasement I see alot of, and really annoys me is bratty kids.  Bratty kids are bratty because they learned to get what they want by being brats. The brat in a checkout line crying and screaming to get a candy bar, on and on, and finally the parent just gives them one to shut them up.  No requirement of asking properly, no negotiation of how to earn a candy bar, here you go let me reward your bad behavior. It might just start with a candy bar, but where does it end?  Criminal appeasement? Let's not go there, ski mask or suit, both types of criminals think they are entitled to appeasement.  Then laugh when the "criminal sentence" is a joke.

Romantic relationship bullies look for women (or persons) with low esteem that can be isolated. Nothing a little baby boy mind fears more than to think of relating to a woman as an equal. That is hell on earth to the relationship bully.  If the woman is confident, and has people she can depend on, a stalker will choose an easier target.  When a woman (and some men) think they cannot live with the other, their life becomes a huge appeasement fest. Academically called an enabler.

The only time I would think appeasement is prudent is say a mugger jumps out and points a weapon, and demands your wallet. Especially if I am with family, the money is not worth it. But once the mugger clears out, I am going to the police, I am writing to the paper, I am giving each and every detail I remember.  Might even consider returning to that spot if the criminal works that area, only this time the odds are even. Bullies hate an even match. Or if the vikings or barbarians are going to attack, pay tribute to buy time for form alliances and raise an army.

Appeasement only rewards bad behavior.  I am all for creating a culture of law and order. I appreciate that some folks are disadvantaged, were abused, and even worse. That is a separate issue. If Tommy is walking down the street and a bully knocks his ice cream cone to the ground. Don't demand Tommy "just understand" and do nothing, because the bully is "just that way." Nor should Tommy suddenly go knocking others kids ice cream cones to the ground.  Don't punish Tommy for trying to trip the bully as he runs away after spilling the ice cream. Reward the bully with consequences appropriate to his actions.  Work to pay back the ice cream, a visit to parents (provided they care), a talk with the sheriff, something to guide the bully to better choices. Anything but "put up with it."

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. Bratty kids, immature romantic partners, terrorists, barbarians, corporate suits, elected suits, even other nations. Obviously these bullies will do some damage and cause inconvenience in the short term, but in the long run we are all safer because they will not be appeased, and will be denied their unlawful demands. 

 

We know the Star Trek series, and can quote “beam me up Scotty” “Resistance is futile” “make it so” Just for fun and to relax from all the political debate, but yet be who we are and enjoy politics, and the “other camps of thought.” I thought it would be entertaining to look at Star Trek from political perspective of Liberal, Conservative, & Libertarian. My quotes may not be word for word accurate.

 

Star Trek as a “Liberal” Show.

“Earth is a paradise, we have eliminated hunger, homelessness, & disease”...Sisko

“I love you, I do not care what they think you are”…Rikker (figures huh lol)

“Men of peace usually are brave”.. Spock

“We don’t use money in the 23^rd century”…. Kirk

“Torture is outdated and ineffective, no real civilization uses it”…Picard

“Keep your prejudices in your quarters mister” Kirk

"DO not go beyond warp 5, we are destroying the universe" A Scientist

 

The technology has reached a point that people no longer need money, everyone can pursue their passion your survival is a given. Arts and culture are alive and well. So well that even Klingons run around quoting Shakespeare.  Society does not judge Black, White, Asian, Blue, Red, Green, Homosexual, Straight, in between.  People are judged by their character not color of skin. Scientist travel and study those strange new worlds, and new life forms.  Medical care is free, as is shelter, and food, just walk to a computer and ask for it. Liberal Paradise!

 

 

Star Trek as a “Conservative” show

“You can’t let some machine take our jobs, there are certain things we must do to remain men” Kirk

“Excellence is expected, anything beyond that does you credit” Picard

“You are a coward, and you have no honor, get out of my sight”  Worf

“I don’t wage war with computers, I wage the real thing” Kirk

“The honor is to serve” “Your service honors us” Picard and Serek greeting each other

“As long as you wear that uniform, you word is good” Sisko

“We all ask a father, a brother, a god, why am I here?” Spock

“You will just exist living on the charity of others” Odo

 

A free lunch did not build an advanced star fleet.  Not every race is happy to see star fleet, and some aliens find it something useful to consume and conquer.  Smiling happy aliens would make for a very boring show, and is not reality.  Star Fleet has a strict code of honor and ethics, those that break them, even with the best intentions are not treated with respect.  Earth might have some fat lazies remaining, but on a ship you can escape all that.  In spite of all the technology and social tolerance, respect is still gotten the old fashioned way, they earn it.  Buzzwords like discipline, service and honor are alive and well in the future as seen by Star Trek. 

 

Star Trek as a Libertarian show.

“Our culture is based on freedom and self determination” Picard

“No disrespect, but my career choices are my own business” Rikker

“We are here to ascertain my right to choose” Data

“I will work with you, and fight for you, but I don’t like you” Worf

 

Star Treks prime directive of no interference is a pure Libertarian statement.  Based on the old west, Star trek is a western with space ships, a wagon train to the stars. Often having to improvise as you go to survive, day by day.  Civil rights are often the main topic of the show. Does this race have the right to do this that or the other, does the individual have the right to do or say certain things? Often self-restraint and ethics are the only law for light years.  Star Trek asserts that all discipline is internal, not out side force can truly make you do anything. The other sides right to law and due process stop Star Fleet from blowing the other guys to kingdom come. Nobody really cares about your race, preference, or even quirks, as long as you contribute, and be the best of your chosen path.

 

So which do you think Star Trek is? If you like the show you might claim it, if not give it to another political belief.

 

I am certain the show was for all people, since few people fall purely into any one stereotype.  A liberal has honor and can fight fiercely for a just cause. Conservatives enjoy arts and culture, and despise racism. 

 

Star trek is what our nation (planet) should be about. We all work together to improve the quality of life. We will never agree on how to get there, but if we play/fight fair at least you are honorable at all times.  The odd quirks and point of view of someone from a place you dislike might just save you one day.

 

We need the opposing points of view to stop any political or social monopoly. That is what brings back oppression and the dark ages. Losing our right to say no, once you cannot say no, you are a slave. No matter how friendly or benign the monopoly force claims to be, the truth of it is you are a slave.  Saying no has cost those brave few alot, but we thank them for it.

 

Harmless beliefs one does not agree with are trivial so long as no force is used. Becoming advanced beings will mean picking battles wisely knowing that in the end the truth will show beyond all doubt. Truth is something we all need, and can learn from, Liberal, Conservative, or Libertarian.

 

 

 

Just a bit ago I was at Albertson's filling my drinking water jugs.  The dispenser is about 30 feet from the entrance to the store. I was just zoning out placing money into the machine when I heard running, and someone yelling. I looked up to see this guy running with two cubes of beer.

That half a second it took me to realize what just happened slipped so I could not trip him up. I looked over the corner of the store to see where he was running to, which was down the alley.

The store person threw up his hands and shook his head. I said sorry I missed him, he was like no worries. Then I looked down to see a cell phone on the side walk.  Grin :)  When I gave the cell phone to the store guy he was like SWEET! We both just enjoyed a good laugh, as he walked to the main office.

I think this beer will be a bit expensive for some young man who was figuring on a nice party tonight.  If he was hoping to get laid, I bet he still can. Muhahahahahaha!!

Well it was better than Eragon, maybe. The rapidly wearing out genera of kids fantasy stories has another one to add to the mix. Typical kid family drama, good special effects, typical plot, I almost fell asleep. Can't touch Narnia, does carry a truer fantasy story than Disney's Bridge to Terabithia. I guess I am ticked I spent full movie price for a 'Netflicks" quality show. Also the only good preview was Indy jones.. Speed Racer as a real movie?

Ok for the record I am not against love, romance, gifts, mushy, cuddley, gooey kissy stuff that comes with romance.  I even sit through chick flicks, and know who Matthew McConaughey and George Clooney are. What sucks about Valentines day is why would you just get soemthing for your beloved one freaking day a year? What moron would stay married with that idea?

It seems more normal to buy her something because she occupies your mind, haunts your senses, and you see her each time you close your eyes.  Your world begins and ends through her, and her essence brings you life. Not "Oh shit, if I don't get her something, she will never go down on me again!"

Know what else sucks about Valentines day? They double the price of freaking roses. Those shysters can shove that idea in a place you do show the world!  Normally $13.99 will get a dozen good roses, but this week, NOOO! freaking $39.95! Buttheads!  So I got wifey a spring time mix for $12.99 and she loves them, so neener neener flower shop!

If I hear one more jewelry store claim I am not in love, not manly, have a microscopic penis, will never get laid, and am the worst husband that ever walked the planet because I did not buy her a diamond, I am going to go postal! My spouse would be a bit ticked to have that much spent on a diamond. Spouse would rather catch up an account, tuck it away for a child, or save it for the vacation, not spend $1,200.00 on a diamond she will only wear now and then.

I hate this holiday!  

 

I should have seen this coming, well actually I did. My son brought home a flyer asking about school uniforms.

They claim the positives are:
Better learning climate
Better discipline
Better student safety
Modesty standards
Clothing label disputes

Do you support school uniforms?

Check YES or No

 My Formal reply to the school: (Wow they actually had a comment section)

There is little evidence correlating, school uniforms and the asserted “positives” listed above.  The climate of learning comes from parents, teachers, and wise policy makers.  We would remove our children and relocate them to a non-uniform school.  This makes home schooling and tax vouchers necessary for our family.  It is unfortunate that uniforms are already decided on and this flyer is an attempted to mask the already made decision, and make it appear parents have a say in their children’s education.

What the (expletive!) Uniforms have nothing to do with quality of education, that would be something like, parents/educators doing their jobs. What the hell is this, Nazi Germany? 

It is not so much the uniforms per say, it is the fact this whole thing is a ruse, they are running the gambit found here. http://www.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.html

That stupid manual from the US department of ed tells you how to buffalo the parents into this bullshit idea. They site zero scientific research, it is out of thin air correlations, and made up crap. Stupid (expletive) side step the procedures by government or administrators really really tick me off! BAAAH BAAAH I am a sheep let me just do what you say, why should I think for myself, it might inconvenience those in authority. And the divine right of those in authority cannot be questioned, so let me kiss that mighty ass! What next fences and people with guns? Boy I feel so safe now, the sheep are safely in the pasture. Baaa F-ing Baaa!

What the (expletive!) does government know about educating kids? Government simply wants parents to take all the expense and responsibility for the children, but give all the power to government!  Nope does not work that way!  (Expletive!) Politicians try to blame failure on the people, but pat themselves on the back for success. A dammed if you do, dammed if you don’t situation that is the definition of dysfunctional!  

If I have to get two jobs so they can be schooled the way we find appropriate so be it! Those (expletive!) can go (expletive!)themselves  (expletive!) in the(expletive!) bathroom(expletive!) (expletive!) (expletive!) (expletive!). I did not have children so they can fulfill some state agenda. 
So in short I do not support school uniforms, and my children will not attend a school that requires them.