Monday, August 25, 2014

CNN's Opinion Post - Kimberly Norwood and Ferguson Riots

Dunno what she is complaining about.  That stuff happens to me all the time, and not because I'm white.  It's because I get profiled just like everyone else.  Even my sister does.  We look young, therefore we are treated with less respect and as suspect.  I've heard just as many horror stories about white kids with gauges and tattoos.  Seriously, stop playing the damn victim card ALL the time!  My white guilt reached it's limit YEARS ago (over things like Rayonka, etc....or that woman being arrested for FLEEING the cops?  Yeah...I'm done.)

Dunno why she is complaining about getting stopped by the police and asked if she lives around there.  Dude, you were speeding.  He's checking your license plate or trying to figure out where you are coming/going to.  I get asked that when I get pulled over, too (though I don't get pulled over because I don't fucking speed like an asshat).  It's called a baseline, they want to know if you are lying.  If it says on your license you live somewhere, they are gonna ask if you REALLY live there.

As per her daughter getting stopped 3 times for shoplifting...does it not occur to this Lawyer, upstanding black woman...that maybe a group of teenagers sends off red flags in a shopping mall?  Maybe her daughter was just the last one out of the store in her little group?  I was stopped for supposedly shoplifting when I was 10 before.  I wasn't.  My sibblings and my mother were actually WITH me at the time.  It was another WHITE girl who did it.  Boy, did my mom have a LOT to say about that...but she didn't protest or cause a stink in public.  She told me I didn't do anything wrong, and explained the situation to me.  That is what a REAL parent does.  That is what a REAL person does.  They don't riot, write letters, or generally flip out over small things (I'm sure this woman was going batshit crazy each and every time her precious daughter was stopped...and really?  She MIGHT have been stealing)

She's REALLY going to whine that her newly graduated son (with probably little work experience) can't find a job?  What happened to black people claiming ALL of their many blessings that white's can't?  What about a requirement for hiring minorities, allowing certain races into colleges, etc, etc.  I mean really, you're lucky your sons could go to college for FREE (and even if they didn't, SHE seems to have a nice cushy job to support them)...whereas in other areas, white people don't GET to go to college just because they are WHITE.  Black entitlement.  Got enough breaks in life, they keep expecting hand outs.  I'm SO tired of this bullshit...you get free college and all kinds of other perks...then when you are expected to get a job yourself, based on your merits (hell, half the time the minority is hired over the white guy JUST because they need to fill their quota).  I mean, really?  We have unemployment sky rocketting and this bitch is whining that HER precious little snowflake can't get a job!  Welcome to the real world, woman!

WHY the fuck is she bothering the chief of police with her son's photos/description/information just because they are walking to school?  Not only is that a waste of the police's time, but it seems REALLY over the top.  I mean, really, she's all upset about this supposed mistrust and racial bias...yet she uses it to her advantage when she goes on a cruise to make doubly sure her children are safe while she is gone.  Last I checked, I can't get in to see MY police chief like that.  He'd laugh me out of his office, IF he actually MET me.

I mean, you have no idea how many times I've had to defend my AGE and how young I look.  Just the other day, someone was yet again trying to tell the Principal what a great JOB I was doing and I should get a raise.  "We need more teenagers like her, trying to do the right thing."  Yup.  I apparently work for the school, am a teenager, and an awesome person. LOLOL  Right.  I find it funny, but in reality, it can come across as insulting and agism.  But, whatever, I'm white...so I have no right to complain.  Isn't that how it works in the black community?  I'm automatically racist because I disagree with them.

Pfft...and the ignorance from black people when working in customer service!  Argh!  I get passed over for their fellow blacks ALL the time.  I mean, I know I'm white...but I was here first!  I get served FIRST!  Gah!  Whatever.  Lines were invented for a reason.  Black people are JUST AS GUILTY of racism as ANY other race...they just choose to ignore it.

Also, let's drop this African American bullshit title. You are American.  You're not here to visit.  You were born/entered America and became a legal citizen.  You're American.  You're not just popping over here for a vacation.  You're here to stay.  Now, join the rest of us normal people and call yourself an American.

For fuck's sake, most people that I know judge people (of all colors) based on their ACTIONS, not their color.  When are people going to realize that racism is mostly dead?  Are there some instances of it happening?  Sure.  But, it's not prevalent and we shouldn't continue this fear mongering about it.  If you don't want to be treated like a thug, don't look/act like one.  If you aren't dangerous or act like a morally upright individual, then you'll be treated as such.  Not everyone in America is racist, and I have a feeling like this is showing with the Ferguson bit.

I could go on and on about this for hours.  Earn your shit.  Don't whine because you are treated differently.  It happens to everyone, all the time.  You are NOT special.  It usually has nothing to do with race, at all (though I have seen instances where it was truly racism).  If you don't want to be treated like a fucking thug, then don't act or dress like one.  Simple.

Not everyone you meet is a fucking racist.  They are usually JUST assholes and it has nothing to do with YOUR or THEIR color.  Fuck this is common sense!


http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/25/opinion/norwood-ferguson-sons-brown-police/index.html?hpt=hp_t3



As per my stance on the Ferguson bit?  I think the kid stole something, as proven in the video, and shoved the clerk out of his way when the clerk tried to stop him (as shown in the video - again).  He was fleeing the scene of a crime, either walking or actively running.  A costumer INSIDE the store called the police and offered up the description of the robbery suspects, not the clerk himself (I assume this has something to do with the spray painted building: Snitches will die.  It's a rough neighborhood, I wouldn't be surprised if he was too scared to report them.)

When he was stopped by the officer, I think he panicked.  Depending on if the officer was really assaulted, doesn't matter.  There are plenty of witnesses (even his little robbery buddy who admitted what REALLY happened) that claim Brown charged the officer.

I feel the officer had a right to attempt to stop him from charging.  Could he have pulled out his tazer?  Yes, but he didn't.  He reacted, either from being assaulted previously or because of his training.  I'm sure the officer told him to stop, but Brown didn't.  If it were me, yes, I would unload my gun into the HUGE guy charging me.  I would aim for his extremities first, then when that didn't work - I'd aim for the head.  My life is more important than yours in that situation.  I have a feeling this is what happened.

I also REALLY liked the part of the video where the witnesses were jabbering in the background (and didn't know they were being recorded, which means they were being honest!!!) and they ADMITTED Brown charged the cop!  Wow!  We just sunk a battleship and won the game!

As per these riots? You can try to say the protestors aren't the ones really looting or not.  It doesn't matter to me. It shouldn't have turned into this disaster.  If you are protesting, stop.  Just stop.  You're not helping the situation and people are using your protest as an EXCUSE to STEAL.  We all know the looting is just a bunch of thugs seeing free stuff and wanting it.  (Remember the EBT card crash?  Same situation.  Same selfishness and greediness going on)  Al Sharpton, Obama, and his minions swooped in enough to stir everyone up (So did the news, they were purposefully NOT releasing ALL the information from the get go.  They tried to paint this kid as a gentle giant, when he was obviously FAR from it).  It's turned into a disaster because of opportunists and greediness.  Did we really expect it to last this long though?  Nope.  It should have been over and done with until the court case, etc.

In my opinion, the riots/looting/protesting has gone on long enough.  There are plenty of people being arrested, and both sides being injured.  The cops haven't even used deadly force.  Some smoke bombs (maybe tear gas) and rubber bullets.  That's ALL.  Yes, they have tanks...but have they used them?  Nope.  These people need to chill out.  I think the police force SHOULD start using deadly force soon.  What are we on now?  Day 15?  It's time to stop.  If they can't abide by the laws, they need to be stopped.  This is not helping ANYONE but the looters themselves.  I feel TERRIBLE for those shop owners, most of whom are ALSO black.  We can't continue having a lawless society.  It's an obvious recipe for disaster.

I think it's all pointless.  All we can do is guess at what happened until the actual court case starts.  We can't do anything more then that.  To continue protesting this poor pitiful thug, is pointless.  He was a thug.  Did he deserve to die?  I would say so, IF he was TRULY charging the police officer AND had just commited a FELONY.  He's FAR from innocent (and even his parents agreed he was the thief). (I really didn't look into the officer's shattered eye socket, so I can't comment on that)

We just need to let it go.  Back off.  Stop looting.  Or...do what I'm doing.  Move to the middle of fucking nowhere so you don't have to put up with this kind of nonsense.  God, sometimes, I just REALLY hate people.

Also, the riots have spread to other cities.  The news recently tried to stir up another riot in favor of another black man who was basically comiting suicide by cop.  It didn't work for the most part.  But, we can't just riot/protest everything we disagree with.  Life is not fair.  You live with it and move on.

I've also been trying to figure out WHAT people in Ferguson have EXACTLY against the police department.  There are black officers on the force.  Even the DA is being accused of being biased, because his father died while on duty to yet another thug.  This is just ridiculous.  Stop your fucking whining already.  I've yet to see anything WRONG the police force has specifically done during these riots.  I mean, hell, they can't get them to stop.  So, whatever they are doing isn't working...time to kick it up a notch!

Also statistic show that young black males commit the majority of crimes in the US.  This is NOT because of racial profiling.  This is because they got caught and they do illegal shit.  Don't do illegal shit, and no one will arrest you.  Just stop trying to play the victim cards all the time.  Just because in your mind you are racially profiled, it doesn't mean that you were arrested because of your color.  If you want the criminal violence from blacks to end, then you need to stop committing criminally violent acts and praising it in one another!  This is common sense!

Edit:  There is apparently a huge amount of poverty in Ferguson.  It is VERY easy for a black person to raise up their social status, especially with all of the hand outs offered to minorities now.  If these people truly wanted to fix their situations, they wouldn't be so quick to start a riot/looting.  Being poor is NOT an excuse to start acting uncivilized.

Also, if this comes across as racist..my bad. I would feel the same way if the situations/colors were reversed.  The entire situation is deplorable.  I'm utterly disgusted, just as I was with the EBT garbage.  I'm also not racist for pointing out the many stances I have.  That is what I feel and I am entitled to my opinion.  Just because you disagree with it, doesn't mean YOU are racist either.  It means we disagree.  I'm mainly just tired of this race baiting/all these race or victim cards being thrown out.  I shouldn't be constantly made to feel guilty just because I was born white.  Likewise, my SON shouldn't be made to feel like less of a person (later on in life) just because he is a white male.  White males actually have a VERY hard time making it in our society as of late.

Whites are slowly, but surely, becoming the minority now.  I'm just waiting for the day this actually happens all across the US.  You know why?  Because all of those privileges and rights that minorities claim now, will suddenly go to us poor pitiful white folk.  It would be very entertaining to see that shoe on the other foot.

I'm also a HUGE fan of these shoulder cameras.  The rumor is that the videos will be stored outside of the actual police departments (not easily tampered with) and stored for 5-10 YEARS before being destroyed.  I'm excited that technology will help resolve FUTURE race baiting situations like this one. All we'd need to do is look at the video evidence.  (Anyone else see that study that black people are usually the ones falsely accusing cops of extreme force, etc?)  Not only does it keep the general public safe, but it keeps the cops safe too.  It can also point out liars easily.  Awesome!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Iphone Mom

I'm really tired of reading these articles that get posted on my facebook, where parents are basically make excuses for themselves...for being well...shitty parents.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-hicks/dear-mom-on-the-iphone-youre-doing-fine_b_5648388.html

Um, what?  Your kids are in a public place and you're on your phone?  I'll happily judge.  I bring a book and glance every paragraph to make sure the kids aren't being shoved, kicked in the face, or stolen.  That's part of being a parent.  If you're too busy on your phone to watch them, then maybe you shouldn't be going to a public place where ANYTHING can happen.  You may have watched them 24-7 during the last 5 years of their life, but that doesn't mean you can cut some slack to play on your iphone.  This is a terrible article that is basically telling parents it's a-okay to ignore your kids and what happens to them in public places, all because you want 10 minutes on your phone.

I bring a book.  I glance up everytime I hear "hey mom", a hurt cry, or anything out of the ordinary.  I don't hover, but I don't ignore my kids.  I also glance up every paragraph to make sure I know WHERE in the park they are, and that they are okay.

This is the type of "mom" I deal with everyday.  While their kids are usually acting like holy terrors, I'm the one trying to deal with the situation.  You don't need to watch 24-7 but you need to be aware.

If you want "alone mom time", take an hour when someone else is watching the kids (such as dad) or when they are in the bath.  You don't do that at a public place.  If you are working on your phone while taking your kids to the park, then maybe you need to schedule your time better.

People really need to stop making excuses for being lazy parents.  These "moms" knew that having kids would be a nonstop job, so why should we be allowing excuses to be made?  Kids need to be watched.  As a parent you watch them.  Period.

If you want some "me" time there are much better times to get it.  If you are working while taking your kids to the park, time to hire someone or just not take someone to the park.  That simple.

You can still have a conversation or attempt to read part of a book, WHILE watching your children.  But the minute you pick up that phone, you are essentially taking your eyes off your kids.  If your gaze is downcast at Farmville for over 5 minutes, then you aren't watching your kids.  If you are on the phone and more interested in the conversation, then you aren't watching your kids.

A public place is NOT the time to take your eyes off your child.


Statistics:
  • Approximately 800,000 children younger than 18 were reported missing.
  • More than 200,000 children were abducted by family members.
  • More than 58,000 children were abducted by nonfamily members.
  • An estimated 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnapping. These “stereotypical” kidnappings involved someone the child did not know or was an acquaintance. The child was held overnight, transported 50 miles or more, killed, ransomed or held with the intent to keep the child permanently.
I will just say that even having 58,000 kids being abducted by pedophiles or non-family members is still a hellova lot.  Pedophiles and child porn are going through the roof lately.  Watch your kids.

OR look at this...
http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/stranger-safety/child-abduction-facts/

Statistics on child abduction...

    Approximately 800,000 children younger than 18 were reported missing.
    More than 200,000 children were abducted by family members.
    More than 58,000 children were abducted by nonfamily members.
    An estimated 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnapping. These “stereotypical” kidnappings involved someone the child did not know or was an acquaintance. The child was held overnight, transported 50 miles or more, killed, ransomed or held with the intent to keep the child permanently.

I will just say that even having 58,000 kids being abducted by pedophiles or non-family members is still a hellova lot.  Pedophiles and child porn are going through the roof lately.  Watch your kids.

OR, look at this...

http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/stranger-safety/child-abduction-facts/

While kidnappings have gone down...there is still a LOT of children being kidnapped.  According to a study done on parents.com, 27% of 840,279 are acquantainces (this could be anywhere from knowing someone at a park for 2 hours, to knowing someone from "church" or "school") = 226,875, 24% is pure strangers (aka grab and run) = 201,667.

Seems like an awful lot.  According to most statistics, a child is abducted every 30 seconds.

So, while kids are more likely to be stolen by their family members...let's not dismiss the children that are taken by pedophiles or freaks.  Those are still REALLY high numbers.

I'm sure with the amber alert, things have gotten better...but how good do the numbers hafta be to not watch your kids 24-7 while in a PUBLIC place?  All it takes is taking some me time for your kid to get hurt, stolen, or something else.

If you truly need some "me time" then you need to be doing that while at home, and preferably while your children are in bed.  That's the role of a parent.  Don't cry a river just because you have to actually WATCH your kids in public.  WAH for you!

Just because you watch your kids doesn't mean that you "hover" over them.  I can safely watch MY kids from a bench, without getting too involved. (Though there have been MANY iphone moms who's children are out of control and we've had to leave because of it).  Mine are old enough to play with each other while I just hang out on a bench, but I know who they are playing with and where they are located in the park - at all times.

It's my job.  It's not fearmongering.  It's called being aware.  Telling people to not be so concerned because it's mainly other family members who abduct, is insanity.  That's is NOT the only reason we should worry.

Oh and to the people telling me not to judge?  HA!  I lost count of the out of control kids, with parents not watching them.  I'm going to survey my surroundings when we show up to the park (we basically have one in our back yard, so we don't like to go except for special treats).  If I see a ton of moms hanging out having lots of conversations with each other, backs to their kids...or the iphone moms who have been on it playing Farmville (backs to their kids, or not even glancing up), then that means I need to do my job even more AND your job too.

I hate having to watch other people's kids AND mine.  If your kid just kicked mine in the face, and you don't notice...that's YOUR fault and I WILL judge you.  (Accidents happen, I allow 3 mishaps before I tell my kids to avoid said kid)  If it keeps happening, I WILL say something to YOU.  If you don't realize that my kid being kicked in the face is a serious problem, then we will leave.  Simple at that.  If we see you at the park again, we won't go near you or your kids.  These moms want their kids to play with other kids?  Well, then they need to WATCH them and punish them when they are being little snots.  Not make excuses for themselves, not make articles like this.  Watch your KIDS and handle situations as they come up.

Simple.

The reason this angers me so much is because recently there was an iphone mom IN HER CAR, and she left her autistic son to play on the playground by himself.  This kid was out of control.  Punching, hitting, throwing wood chips, shoving kids off the playset (one kid fell about 6 feet, but lucky was okay), etc.  I had to eventually ask the kid nicely to stop punching my 5 year old (autistic kid was about 8?) - I saw her get hit in the face, arm, back, and once the leg.  He runs off SCREAMING, I'm all like...okay...it's handled.  His iphone mom gets out of her car and charges up to me accusing me of being a super bitch, that I should excuse his behavior because he is autistic.  Lady, if your kid has that many problems...then you should be watching him, not on your phone in the damn car.  (Other moms nearby agreed with me)  But, it should never have come to that. She should never have been on her phone.  Let alone in the car.  If your kid has issues, WATCH them.

ANYTHING could happen in a public place.  Bullying and then some.  It's NOT only about abductions.  There are at least 10 reasons I can think of off the top of my head.


Edit:  There is also a difference between a book and a phone.  You can stop reading any time you want.  You can't exactly end a phone call immediately, without social or work consequences.  I doubt any of these iphone moms would actually put down their phone if their kid was being a brat.  They wouldn't even notice.

You don't need to hover, but you sure as hell better make sure you know where your kid is and what they are doing.


Update:

I see the iphone, book, conversation-group moms everyday. It's one thing if you are ignoring your children for a lengthy amount of time (IE: On your phone playing farmville for an hour, while your kid is smacking others in the head), and another to do a "quick" check.

I judge because I am the mom that has to interrupt play yard fights, help kids that aren't my own (I have to carry bandaids and cream with me at all times when going to the park now)...all because their mothers are too busy "doing their own thing" to actually be a parent. I am the one having to actually BABYSIT your kids and tell them/you/leave to make them quit being out of control brats towards mine. No parent wants to have to parent someone else's kids. So, why are you forcing others to watch your kids for you? I didn't sign up to watch YOUR kid. I watch MINE. It should NOT be MY job to make sure your little Johnny isn't going to punch my youngest in the face - AGAIN.

So, yes, while I am telling my children to avoid yours - because they aren't being supervised properly, I will be judging behind your back and TO your face. I will be that asshole parent that tells you that you should watch your kids or not take them to the park. If they are a danger to me and mine, the adults in my kids' lives are REQUIRED to stand up for them. If that doesn't work, we will leave and avoid the shit out of that kid (both at school and otherwise) ...but not before something was said first nicely, then full of anger, then just plain /gasp rudely. If you don't get the hint by then, you'll be lucky I don't call the cops for YOUR kids being UNsupervised under the age of 10 in a public place. There are babysitting laws for a reason, and if your kids are THAT much of a problem...then you are FAILING at being a parent.

Also, aside from pedophiles...you have to worry about bullying, injuries, and many other things while at the park. Just because you hang out on a bench, and WATCH your kids, doesn't mean you are a hovering mother. It means you are worried about their safety. And trust me...not every IPhone mom is only picking up that phone "for just a minute". Hell, it only takes just a minute for your kid to shove mine into the wood chips. You should be paying attention.

If you aren't paying attention to your kids, and want to make excuses for yourself...then you shouldn't be taking them to the park. Period. A public place is not where you want to take your eyes off your kids. You can still have conversations, check your phone once a while, read a book...all while paying attention. But, if your kid causes a problem with mine...I will be all over you and then some.

What if her kid was punching mine in the face? Yes, this has happened. What if someone tried to steal your child? Yes, this has been attempted. What if someone was being mean to your child? Yes, this has happened. What if they are trying to suffocate your kid in snow? Yes, this has happened. What if they are trying to steal a clippie or something of my kids' items? Yes, this has happened.

Pay attention. Your job is to be a parent, not to make excuses for your non-parenting.

It doesn't matter WHO she is. It matters WHAT she is doing. She is forcing her kid on ME and MINE. 9/10 are usually brats. I don't tolerate that garbage from my own kids, let alone someone else's bratlet. I don't care if she just needed 10 minutes to BREATHE (been there, done that). She needs to MONITOR her kids. If they are ill-behaved at home, bringing them to the park is not a good idea. If your kid is being a brat in general, you WILL piss off other parents. We don't care if you are having some "alone time" or trying to finish a conversation. It does.not.matter. Parks have etiquette rules for a reason. If you and YOURS cannot abide from normal park rules, you deserve everything that is coming to you....especially if you were putting your own needs before your CHILD'S. (which is a whole 'nother story of wrong)

Oh, and I don't care if she works 5 jobs or none. That's another excuse. You can do your work at home, while your kids play in their own backyard. Don't force other parents to watch your little "darlings", just because you want some "mom time" to do "stuff". Do your stuff on your own time, that's what I do.

I am also technically a single mother, with my husband located over 26 hours away. I work THREE jobs, two at home and one outside. I also do class gifts for EVERY holiday and volunteer for EVERYTHING in regards to my kids. I MAKE time for my kids, it's MY job (and soon they won't want me around as much when they hit teenagers). I don't ignore my kids. I protect them, without hovering. I WATCH them and smile when they call my name (over and over) to watch them play. I smile when they play with other kids. I can still read a book and know where they are (and what is going on) without having to worry too much. I can easily handle all day summer vacations and then some, without flipping out or choosing to just "dump them at the park". That's not parenting. That's making them someone else's problem.

The point is this: If you are going to make excuses for the behavior of LAZY parents, then you are no better then them. It is simply way too easy for a CHILD (who is NOT an adult that can make proper decisions 99% of the time) to have something bad happen to them. You don't need to turn your back on your kids while they are playing to have a conversation with other mothers at the park. You can speak to them WHILE watching your kids. Simple.

It wasn't your child's choice to be brought into a world where mom just "can't handle" her kids for an entire day (it's called being a parent, suck it up). It was YOUR choice. If you can't handle your kids, you shouldn't be having them. If you need a break, take one...on your own time, or when someone can watch them for you. NOT in a public place, completely ignoring your kids.

Oh, and in other countries they have harsher fines and penalties for crimes against children. Bullies are not tolerated, and face stiff fines (even at the tender age of 5). Pedophiles are jailed with VERY harsh sentences. But, you know...because YOU claim that the world is a much different place...we should believe you? What about the child rapes in Somalia? Yes, the general public was up in arms...but that doesn't stop pedophiles from attacking hundreds of children a month. I find it highly laughable that you think the WORLD is full of pretty pink flowers and unicorns that burp rainbows. The real world is full of dangerous and terrible people. I'm not even attempting to fear monger here. But, people should be aware of what is around them.

Our culture is either LAZY/Letting children make the choices in the household (what? you don't want veggies, well don't have them!) or OVER protective. I like to lean towards the middle, which is VERY rare.

Just use some common sense. If in public, know where your offspring are at ALL times. Seems to be too difficult for majority of the parents I have seen. It doesn't matter what country, town, city, planet you live on. You want to keep your kids safe? Then watch them. Not like a hawk, but KNOW what is going on. Look AT them. Don't pick up your phone to finish a 50 minute email and IGNORE your kids.

 Yes, after my lengthy response...here is the jist. I don't care if you are a single mother, married wife, too many kids...etc. If you aren't watching your kids appropriately, then you aren't being a parent. You are basically dumping your problem on someone else. It's not MY job to be understanding when your kid is being a brat. It's not MY job to babysit your kid...all because your PHONE is more important than your child.

Will I judge her as a bad parent right off? Nope. But I WILL notice her not paying attention to her kids, and I WILL say something if her kids are being holy terrors.

EVERYONE has something going on their lives that makes it hard. Be it single mother, or not making above min. wage. We ALL have issues. We ALL are supposed to be watching our kids and making sure they behave and/or are safe. You signed up for this job. Now, stop whining about it. Other people have it harder then you and poor pitiful Iphone mom.



Update:

This is for future reference.  Someone dared to attempt to call me out and lecture me.  She basically judged me on one sentence.  She is also very religious.  Seems like the judge not lest ye be judged just turned her into a hypocrite.