Happy New Year

It's been a while. Sue me. I have this thing called "a life." I happen to celebrate the beginning of that life at a very busy time of year. So, deal with it.

Now that I'm another year older, but not so much wiser, I bring to you more acerbic wit and nasty charm that I know you all love and adore. How do I know? Because some of you have said to me, "When are you going to update your blog?! I miss your twisted view of the world!"

So. For you. I bring you this video.

Do I really need to say anything? I think the news commentators say it best.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, AMERICA! We haven't changed in the least...good to know I will still have plenty of stupidity to report and rant upon this year. I was worried that, perhaps, people had been reading my blog, getting a clue, and thinking.

Glad to see I was only half right.

You guys are just trying to give me material now. I thank you for your generous offers and support.

I will go back to the near daily updates as I am able. As mentioned before, I have a rather important (at least to me) trip coming up in February. So, there will be about a week where you're not going to hear a blip from me. I'll be in Nashville. No, I'm not going red-neck. I'm going to be singing for some music people in the hopes of getting a recording contract.

That's right! Rogue Assassin could be coming to a record label near you! We'll see how things go.

In the meantime, enjoy the cesspool that is the internet. It's flowing with idiocy. Just...try not to fall in, mkay?

Shut Up

Hey, don't complain. I started a business and got busy with that...then got sick. Not my fault I haven't updated since before Thanksgiving. Deal with it.

Now, onto wonderful examples of human stupidity and whatnot.

From my current place of residence: Jamiel's Law is in danger of not being added to the ballot in May 2009. Ya gotta love L.A., really. See, we have Special Order 40--which protects illegal immigrants from police so they can report crimes without fear of being deported.

So. Let's see here... For those of you following along at home (or the office)... NOT contacting INS for papers to say you're allowed to be in this country is...dun-du-du-dun! A FELONY! It's a Federal crime for which the penalty is being sent back to your own blinking country.

Jamiel's Law would allow police officers to arrest undocumented gang members before they commit a crime.

Hello?

Knock-knock. Who's there--excuse me, "Who it is?" Please. Por favor who? Please go BACK TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

I understand your desire to be in the land of the free and the home of the brave, but ya know what? You're futzing around with it and making it the land of people who can't speak English because they're not here legally and therefore can't go to school to learn it!

I'm all for immigrants. My ancestors were immigrants. Ya know what? They went through the proper channels to become citizens. You're broke and can't afford it? Tough luck! Life sucks, doesn't it? Get a job in your own county and save money. Oh, boohoo, you don't get paid a lot in your country. Guess what? Cost of living SUCKS here. You're in for a real eye-opener.

Back to this article.

So, the police, under Special Order 40, cannot arrest and deport undocumented people ("illegals" for those of you like me who are politically INcorrect) until they commit a crime. Guess what? Here's a news flash: ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS A CRIME!

They've already committed a crime, baby. Lock 'em up and send 'em back! I don't care if they came from China. Lock 'em up and send 'em back. Do it the right way. Undocumented lives in the US are breaking Federal Law. Federal Law trumps State & Local in most cases. If these folks have jobs, they have social security cards. Those social security cards are most likely fakes since they're UNDOCUMENTED. Soooo...that means it's a FEDERAL CRIME.

Are we understanding this here?

In California (at least, Los Angeles), there is a law that actually protects felons (welcome to America!) from the penalty that goes along with their crime--so that we can fight crime.

Two wrongs do not make a right. But, I guess if they help ya sleep at night...

Maybe I really -should- run for office. I'd have to run under a platform, though, that isn't Libertarian. I don't know if I could live with my conscience if I ran under Republican or Democrat. Why is it that politicians don't seem to think about the laws they're putting into action? Oh, right...that paycheck.

Take that check and cram it. Have a nice day.

Kicked Off a Bus

My SO sent me a video link for today's blog. Normally, I prefer to read my articles--mostly because I can pick up on falsehoods more easily. Did you catch it in that one? I'll give you a hint.

But, this particular thing...I dunno how I really feel about it, but I know it was, in fact, stupid.

The girl's 9.

Is she really that big of a disciplinary problem that you made her get off the school bus in the middle of absolutely NOWHERE!?! C'mon! What were you thinking? Oh, right. You weren't.

Now, I have an issue with bus drivers, as it is. I had to ride the bus to school every day from the time I was in 6th grade til I was finally able to drive my senior year of high school. It wasn't fun. I had the psycho bus driver who actually made me late to school one day because he was telling me a story.

I really didn't care about his crazy, psycho-ex girlfriend. The man was disgusting enough that I never really imagined him having a crazy, psycho-current girlfriend. I was almost an hour late to school that day. He also decided to drop off a personal package to someone while he was driving us home. We tried very hard to get him fired, but it never worked.

Fastforward to this charming driver. The little girl changed seats without permission. He made her get off the bus. In the middle of nowhere. Along a highway. I know where Route 20 is in Pennsylvania. It's not where you leave a nine year old little girl. Heck, it's not the place you leave a 25 year old woman!

I'm curious if there are going to be child endangerment charges brought against him. "He'll never drive a bus here again!" they say. Okay, so what if he moves to Maryland? Will they know what happened? Probably not. So, if we're willing to charge parents with abuse for spanking their kids, why aren't we charging this deplorable fellow with child endangerment?! She could have, ya know, been abducted...or hit by a car...or shot at...I can name a few hundred things, but the rest of the list isn't quite as pleasant.

Never drive in PA again.

There's 49 other states out there.

Serena, the little girl, is still shaken by this. I would be, too! If I was left stranded along the interstate with no way to call my parents, I'd be terrified! I wouldn't want to get on another bus as long as I lived! Dude, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?! Serve this guy, already. He deserves more than a suspension of duties.

Roll Save vs. Stupid: CRITICAL FAIL

Big thanks to RB for today's rant. I suppose he was tired of my blathering on and on about needing money to go to Tennessee in February. So, he sent me this. Don't worry about the comic part...scroll down.

It would appear that Christian Children's Fund failed their saving throw versus stupid. Gary Gygax, creator of the popular role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, actively supported CCF while he was alive. Sadly, Mr. Gygax passed away this past year. He was very vocal about charities and supporting the causes of hunger and homelessness.

Brilliantly, GenCon decided to hold an auction of some memorabilia and donate 100% of the proceeds to Gygax's favorite charity. The total was $17, 398--that's seventeen thousand dollars. That's what average Americans spend on cars. This was to be a gift to the Christian Children's Fund.

They declined to accept the gift.

Christian Children’s Fund made the decision to decline the gift from Gen Con, LLC as the request presented to us gave the appearance that CCF (the organization) was an endorser or supporter of a gaming convention, which CCF was not. As many non-profit organizations, CCF is selective in its endorsements or support in order to maintain the integrity of its name and logo. We cannot lend our name to an event for which we have no involvement. This decision should in no way be interpreted as CCF holding an opinion on Mr. Gygax, gaming enthusiasts or the game Dungeons and Dragons.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!?!

I want to just say that I agree with the author of this blog, who thinks the wording probably requested a logo from the charity and to be an official sponsor of the auction. I also agree with the author of that blog when he says, "To decline the entire gift is more than a little weird."

Yeah. See, I'm sitting here at 30, remembering back to my Jr. Church days. Dungeons & Dragons was evil and vile! How dare you pretend you're a Paladin out to seek Divine Protection and Intervention to fight off the demons! Because, you know, no Christians would -ever- do that. They would -never- seek Divine protection to fight demons.

Whateve.

I'm a proud Christian and a proud half elven rogue--or gnomish bard. I'll make sure to witness to you and stab you with my SNEAK ATTACK!!!!

So.

Instead of getting upset (like the rest of us did), GenCon decided to find another charity that would appreciate a $17K donation: Fisher House Foundation. Order of the Stick's creator, Rich Burlew, wrote a great news story on this issue. He was a lot more kind than myself and other gamers like me. Kudos to Rich. But, he suggested e-mailing CCF and letting them know how you feel about this situation. The fact that a CHARITY chose to REJECT the generous donations of people because they play Dungeons & Dragons.

Because, that's what it comes down to. The children starving all over the world don't really care from where the money comes that will keep them fed. They don't even know from where it comes! The only people that care is the charity organization.

But, don't despair! There are several other charities that will gladly take your money. Burlew recommends Plan USA, and of course, GenCon chose Fisher House Foundation.

You're a charity. The old adage is very true: Beggars Can't Be Choosers.

GoP LOLZ

So, a friend of mine sent me a link to this lovely post and forum comments. I sort of quirked a brow and snickered at most of the first-page comments. Then I decided to follow links.

Psychotic Friend: I figure there's something in here worth a blog rant.
Rogue Assassin: heh.
Psychotic Friend: I mostly figure you'll tear into the girl who's reporting this for being a lying little $h1t.
Rogue Assassin: Heh... yeah, I could blog about it.

I'm a person of few words when it comes to IM conversations. Deal. Point is, he's right.

Mostly.

I can tear into Miss Todd for being a complete moron (or praise her for being one of the best secret campaigners for Obama), or I can lay into the American populace who will read this story and realize that she's an idiot and for that reason only vote for Obama.

I'm not against Obama.

I'm not against McCain.

What I'm against is the American public thinking (or, more appropriately, not thinking) that the only important issue is...the color of the skin of our leader.

Be honest. With yourself. Heck, I don't expect you to be honest with me. I can't get employers to be honest with me, why would I expect you to be?! Now. Back on topic. Be honest with yourself. The color of our President's skin matters to you. It is a yes or no question. It has no qualifiers. Are you ready to accept and embrace change and allow a black man to lead us? I ask this assuming that my reading population is white. If you're actually black, you don't get to answer this question. I have a different one for you. Drill down into the candidates and look at their stance on the issues and then think about how those issues will affect you. That's how the political system is supposed to work in this country. You get a chance to have your voice heard--and yes, every vote counts. Even if you do a write in for Mickey Mouse, your voice still counts. It's not a "throw-away" vote. It's your right and duty as an American citizen (unless, of course, you've been convicted of a felony...then you don't get the right to vote). Speak up, America! Let your voice be heard!

Now.

The other question for the blacks that read this blog. If you're voting for Obama, why are you voting for him? Because of his skin color? Be honest.

So, let's go back to our original story of this poor McCain Campaign volunteer being mercilessly attacked just out of view of the surveillance cameras at the walk-up ATM. The alleged attacker saw a bumper sticker/campaign button/lights in the sky which enraged him so much that he gently scratched a backwards "B" on her cheek. Everyone says that it looks like what you would do to yourself in the mirror...and smacks of Morton Downey, Jr. (Please, folks. MORTON Downey, Jr. NOT Robert Downey, Jr. Besides there being a pretty significant age difference and status of life, Robert's a better actor and is quite good looking...despite his drug problem. And speaking of drug problems, he's at least acknowledged it's a problem and doesn't try to hide it...like, say, Mary Kate Olson).

Digression. It happens.

So, this girl thinks that she can run a smear campaign on Obama. But, the problem is, it all comes down to race. McCain's even said some things that allude to race. Oh, what. NOW you want a link, eh? Here's the YouTube video that's brought a lot of controversy to his credibility. I know of at least one person, personally, (and a myriad of internet people) who heard the phrase, "Brown Noise." Now, pardon me, but if you're running for an important position such as, say, PRESIDENT, the last thing you want to do is say something that could even hint at racism. Was it "ground noise" or "brown noise"? Either way, that was probably not the best choice of phrases.

From the news I've seen/read/heard/taken in by osmosis, this political event has been less about the issues at hand (abortion, gay marriage, the war in Iraq) and more about gender and skin color. Conservative Republicans seem to think that Obama lacks the ability to lead this Nation--mostly because he's black. In their minds, they see America turning into a ghetto with "bling bling" everywhere.

Here's a newsflash: IT ALREADY IS. Sadly, the education system in this country has reduced what would be well-educated people into blithering idiots. You know why there's no appreciation for the likes of Poe and Lovecraft? Because no one can understand what the heck they're saying. Imagery is lost on the current crop of Americans--and it's only going to get worse as teachers are disempowered. Texas just laid off a bunch of teachers. Let's make America an even DUMBER place and wonder why crime goes up.

Vote for whomever you want to vote for in November.

Just. Know the issues.

Obama-Biden

McCain-Palin

And some others...

Bob Barr - Libertarian Party
Mike Gravel - Libertarian Party
Chuck Baldwin - Constitution Party
Ralph Nader - Independent Party
Cynthia McKinney - Green Party

Don't see your party? OnTheIssues.org Go forth and be informed.

Too Fat to Execute!

Momma, just killed a man. Put a gun against his head; pulled my trigger, now he's dead...Momma! Ooooh oooh ooooh ooooh! I don't wanna die!

Famous song. You know it. Especially if you've seen Wayne's World. It's Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. It's rather fitting for this very short news article that made me say, "Bwuh?! I don't THINK so!"

Since I know you're not clicking the links, anyway, I'll just copy/paste the article here for your enjoyment. I did say it was short. Long enough for me to make an opinion. Of course, there's not much out there "too short" for an Assassination.

Supreme Court rejects inmate's too-fat-to-execute appeal
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from an Ohio prisoner who argued he is too obese to be executed. Richard Cooey is scheduled to be put to death Tuesday.

The court denied his request for a stay without comment Monday. Cooey is 5-foot-7 and weighs 267 pounds.

State officials said prison staff examined Cooey's veins and found no problems that would interfere with the execution.

Cooey has one more appeal pending before the court. It argues Ohio's method for lethal injections could cause an agonizing death and violates the constitutional prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Cooey, 41, raped and killed two college students in 1986.

That's right, you read this correctly (and if you follow the link, you get to see a creepy looking guy). He's "too fat" to execute because it will be "cruel and unusual punishment!"

He raped not one, but TWO women AND killed them. Notch his penis twice and let the victims' families make a wish. Not sure what I mean, here. Read this article.

I'm sure it's the prison's fault he's fat, too. I mean, they make him eat 3-times a day and offer exercise routines for all the inmates. I'm sure he could turn around and sue the BoP for not stopping him from over-eating or sneaking food into his cell or not showing up for the exercise classes. People are sue-happy here in America. Because, as I've stated numerous times, we have no responsibility.

He has one appeal left before his execution.

Why?

Why is he appealing this with stupid reasons? Whether you're for or against the death penalty, I really don't care. I'm very for it. It eliminates prison-overcrowding and keeps repeat offenders, such as murderers and rapists, off the streets. If you're convicted, take it like a man (or woman), and own up to your wrong-doings and take the punishment. Quite whining and complaining about how your circumstances set you apart from any other person who's done something as stupid or worse than you. You are unique, just like everyone else. And no one else cares about their personal problems.

You raped and killed two women.

You should not live. THEY didn't get the option to say they were "too fat." And if they did, you didn't listen. Why should I?

Unsympathetic? You betchya!

I'm just a poor boy, no body loves me! (He's just a poor boy from a poor family! Spare him his life from this monstrosity!) Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?

Yes.

We'll let you go.

Straight to the Lethal Injection Table.

Child Pr0n...by Children

Okie dokie. Double-shot today. Too much stupid in the world for me to go without yet another classic rant.

Not class-y. That would imply I had tact. I think you all know by now that I do not.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT, CHARLIE?!

This gem of an article was supplied to me by a friend who, I swear, just wants to see me have a conniption. I don't even think he reads my blog. He just sends me random articles that make my head spin.

So. Let's detail this article for those of you to lazy to right-click "open new tab/window."

A 15-year old girl from Licking Valley (I'm not lying..but, you haven't read the original article, so you don't know...ha! You just have to TRUST ME!) has been held in a juvenile detention center and placed under house arrest for allegedly (because she hasn't been convicted yet) taking nude photographs of herself with her cell phone, then sending them to her friends.

Yes.

Arrested.

This is the clincher: The judge is trying to decide if she should have to register as a sex-offender for the next 20 years.

Again. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!?!

First. She's fifteen. FIFTEEN. FIF-FREAKIN'-TEEN! Why does she even need a camera phone?!

Second. She's fifteen. When have you known a fifteen year old to be perfect? Stupid? Yes. Sex offender?! HARDLY.

America really needs to visit its proctologist to have that large stick removed from its rear--oh, wait...it's not a stick. It's the HEAD. Good grief, people!

Oh, and on top of all this... the kids she SENT the pictures to are being considered for trial for possession of child pornography.

I really cannot say how sad this makes me... Not that I feel sorry for these kids for doing stupid, kid things. I say suspend them from school--make 'em work as a caregiver for babies of unwed mothers or something. Community service to make 'em realize that it's not the brightest thing in the world. But, making them register as SEX OFFENDERS!?! I don't think so.

Sending nudie pics of yourself to your peers is one thing. Gettin' it on with a 10 year old when you're 19 or older is another thing all together. I think people need to take a step back. Yes, the girl was warned it was stupid, but you know what? It's her choice to do something stupid. Locking kids in a bubble isn't the answer. Perhaps kicking God out of the public schools wasn't such a bright idea, either. At least when He was still allowed to attend, there was a sense of morals...and kids weren't bringing guns to school...or backtalking their teachers... or... or...

Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't tried to arrest the girl's parents for something like pimping their child or mentally abusing her to the point of making her think that was a good idea, or some other tripe that people try to charge adults with because no one seems to think that kids can be responsible for their own actions. Kinda like this guy. Read the article and see if you catch what I mean about his charges. Don't get me wrong, that guy should be locked away...but, do it for the right reasons. Don't make it an OJ thing.

It really tweaks my gut when I hear about kids--TEENS--who have the ability to think and be rational--be charged with heinous crimes that label them "sex offenders" because some adult somewhere thinks they're the righteous ones. Example: A 16 year old and her 18 year old boyfriend consummated their relationship. The parents were upset by this and brought charges against the 18 year and now, that 18 year old has to register as a sex offender because his girlfriend was "a minor."

GET A FREAKING CLUE, PEOPLE!

Self-righteousness has no place in our courts. Especially when the lives of soon-to-be adults are involved. In 3 years, if she'd have sent nuddie pics to her college friends, no one would even bat an eye. Age is relative. Common sense isn't.

Nebraska's a Safe Haven

Many states have a "safe haven" law. It's a good thing. It allows for a mother to drop off her newly born baby, no questions asked. It's better than aborting it, in my opinion. There are a lot of women out there who want to have kids and can't. The children can be adopted, at the very least. It also prevents gems of people from doing stupid stuff.

Nebraska's safe haven law, however, needs a bit of tweaking.

In the other states, the cut-off line for abandoning a child at a safe haven is about a week after birth. In Nebraska, you have up til the child is 19.

That's right. NINETEEN!

There are some people who spout off how this is a good thing. It prevents abuse!

Whatever. You really think that someone who is or is planning on abusing their child is going to drop them off at a safe haven? Nooooooooo. They don't do that. That's like, work! And thought! And...*gasp* RESPONSIBLE!

This is America. We don't have responsibility here.

See, people like to think that spanking a child is child abuse. I'm here to tell you. IT AIN'T!

That's why God gave us butts. To apply the Board of Education to the Seat of Knowledge. If spankings squelch personality, my parents squelched mine all over the house.

...and look how NORMAL I turned out!

Besides, what's one man's child abuse is another man's fetish, right? Yeah, I know. You don't want to think about that one...but deep down, you know I'm right.

So, what's the point I'm making? I haven't yet! Do continue to read.

See, in Nebraska, there have been seventeen children abandoned at these "safe havens." Of those seventeen, four are under the age of ten. Of those 17, nine of them belonged to one man and ranged in ages from 1 to 17. Of those 17, one of them... was from another state.

That's right.

If you have a teenager you "just can't deal with" anymore, you can send them to Nebraska--"no questions asked!"

Which is psychologically more damaging? Filing a police report as a minor victim of child abuse or knowing that you parental units abandoned you? Here's the clincher, folks: FOR NO REASON.

There was no evidence of ANY kind of trauma to these kids. The parents simply decided they no longer wanted their responsibility because they couldn't keep their flies closed and their legs together. At seventeen, you're life is suddenly uprooted because your father decided he can't deal with nine of you anymore.

Awww.... my heart bleed's for you....

I don't have kids. Know why?

Because I'm not that responsible. I know this. I like my freedom. I'm selfish, I'm lazy, and I don't need a mini me running around screaming. I have a cat. That's enough. I don't even have parental instincts. I've known this about myself for quite some time. I'd say at least 15 years. "But, Rogue Assassin! You're not that old!" I'm 30. I've known since I was fifteen that I was not cut out to be a parent. I made a decision then and I have stuck to it.

THAT is RESPONSIBLE.

You don't go out and make nine babies and then just decide it's too much for you to handle. Tough luck! You rear them anyway. Your fault for spawning. Why is it that people like me who have no desire for children whatsoever seem to give a flying futa-load more about YOUR kids than you do?!

I've determined the answer to my question is... We've not been lobotomized.

Clearly, you're missing half your brain. And if you aren't, it would fetch a wonderful price. I'm sure there's many scholars out there who could use an fresh, new, UNUSED brain.

I'm all for stopping domestic violence and child abuse. I have issues with the women who feel "they deserve it." With that kind of attitude, it makes me want to slap you, too! But, for those who actually want out of abusive relationships, I'm all for it. I'm all for slugging the weak men who hit women and children--slugging them in the gonads! I'm sure I don't need to reiterate how to deal with rapists and molesters? Yes...I linked the same article TWICE.

Think you're getting a clue...?

Common Sense for $1000, Alex

Cell phones.

They're a great tool to use to call people and chat and stay in contact with people 24/7. Of course, if you haven't contracted brain cancer from all the radiation caused by these cell phones, caused yourself sterility, blown up your car while pumping gas and talking on your cell phone, then you probably have a brain cell or two left in your head that are, hopefully, still functioning.

So...

With said functioning brain cell, I would expect the common sense to not do something, like, say... texting while driving your car. Call me crazy. Call me naive. Just don't call me the Text Driver.

Come ON, people! Why do we have to make a law to OUTLAW this?! Common sense should tell you -not- to text someone while you're driving your freaking car. Is it really that important to text someone while you're on the road? No. What did you do in the days before cell phones and text messaging? You waited until you arrived at your destination and you called the person from a land line.

Or you waited until you saw them in person.

With today's tech-savvy world, we've seem to have lost the ability to, I dunno, THINK. We allow these devices--everything from cell phones to PSP's to whatever else--control what we think, do, and experience. If it's not a movie or music, it's a video game or a computer. If you want a cross-section of how unintelligent our society has become, you simply have to go to Yahoo! Answers or YouTube and read the comments.

Apparently, society has become stupid enough to necessitate a law dictating our own safety.

And it's not for the safety of the drivers who are stupidly texting. It's for the safety of the drivers who have to be even more alert for the idiots.

Do us all a favor and just DRIVE. Better yet... take a bus.

Joining the Military

So.

You've graduated high school and you want to do your duty and serve your county, so you sign up to join the military. Depending on your branch of choice, your basic training can be anywhere from six weeks to twelve weeks then you get to go into your happy position as mook.

Guess what?

If you've been hiding under a rock for the past 7 years, we're involved in a war. Excuse me, two wars...though, no one talks about the one we should be fighting. If you do not wish to have your butt be a target for some crazed person holding a grenade launcher...

DON'T JOIN THE MILITARY.

Conscientious objector my left eye! There was a time when that phrase was useful--and those people weren't in the military. Because the military is about FIGHTING WARS.

You don't have to agree with the orders given by your superiors...sadly, you have to follow them. Unless they violate some ethical code (as in, "You must [insert sex act here] if you want to be promoted"] or something extreme like that, you don't really get a choice.

Defecting to another country will not save you. Especially if you're defecting to CANADA. Of course, in this case, Canada played right into this guy's hands. "He would suffer irreparable harm..." Yes. He'd be hazed. Possibly even have the crap kicked out of him by his unit. Or even shot.

Definitely court-martialed. A dishonorable discharge is really not worth the trouble. It looks terrible on a resume. I doubt anyone's going to ask about your "conscientious objection" to a war that most people agree is stupid, but it's what the US wants. Your objection could have cost your unit their lives.

Be happy they aren't trying you for murder.

Be happy you're not so important in this world to make a huge difference to the success of your mission. You must have been dropped on your head when you were a kid. Seriously, mate. If you're going to join the military, do yourself and your country a favor and just don't sign up if you don't want to get shot at.

Now.

As for Canada's stay on this matter.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!

Send his butt back to America--or, you know what? No. Keep him. We don't want him back. We'll revoke his citizenship and his rights and you can have him. Let him join the RCMP and conscientiously object to some of the things they do. See how long it lasts. And when he defects back into America, we'll kick him right back to you.

Or, hold on to him and say, "No, no...we can't send him back. His psyche may be damaged by the consequences of his stupidity."

Gimme a break. Send him to Iraq. Without a weapon. Let him conscientiously object over there. We have more important things to do... like rip apart Sara Palin and laugh at Ralph Nader.

Who's the Pig

I'm not usually in agreement with PETA. In fact, PETA, to me, means "People Eating Tasty Animals." But, sometimes they do things that make sense and you can really get behind. Like the concept of putting infertility drugs in bird seed so that the pigeon problem slowly disappears. Good idea.

And like in this case...

I'd like to meet the man who thinks it's really okay to shove a metal rod up a sow's rear when she won't move. I'd like to meet the man who thinks it's really okay to beat on a pig because he's upset with the world. I'd like to meet the man who thinks it's really okay to treat a pig like it can't hurt or feel or anything.

Because if I meet that man....I'll shove a metal rod up his rectum, beat him senseless and let him know it's okay because ... he's stupid. I'm toning down the language for this blog. I'd like people to be able to read it during working hours.

Just because a pig can't talk doesn't mean it can't feel. And any person who thinks it's okay to hurt an animal just for fun or just because "it's better than hurting a human," really needs psychiatric help.

I love the part where the undercover PETA agent is asked if he knows who PETA is... Yeah, you're gonna have to follow the link on this one, babies. There is so much in this story that makes me mad that I can't make a cohesive rant out of it.

Stupidity.

Cruelty.

Ideas for how to fix the problem...which I'm sure you probably can guess after reading this article. "It's just an animal!" Yeah? Well, that baby you're torturing is just a baby. "That's different! It's a human!" Really? Then why is it legal to kill them? "It isn't!" I site for you the abortion laws. "They're not human before their born!" Oh? What are they? Animals?

Full circle.

No matter how you slice it...full circle. Humans are animals and some animals are more human than humans. It's not okay to cause pain because you're pissed off at the world and can't take it out on the person you think deserves it. It's not okay to kill babies. It's not okay to hurt animals. It's not okay to kill. If you disagree, check your moral compass.

I say as I know you all are whining, "But you're for the death penalty, RA!" Darn tootin'. If you're stupid enough to kill someone, I believe in an eye for an eye. Forget over-populating prisons. Kill the idiot.

I'll leave you with this fun thought.

I have a friend who told me she disagreed with my ideas on the death penalty. We shouldn't just kill them in the same manner in which they killed someone (which, I think, would be an excellent deterrent). No! We should grind them up in a meat grinder and send the meat to the starving Third World countries. It would solve two problems.

I'm inclined to think she might be right...

Oh, and if they don't move toward that meat grinder, be sure to ram a metal rod up their butts. That should get them to move...and don't worry about the lube.

All Time Low...

First of all... pardon for the lack of rant yesterday. I was pretty much sick. I think I ate a bad pear or something. Maybe my disturbing dreams are finally catching up with me. Who knows. Point is, I missed the rant, so today, you get a doozy.

Apparently, the best news comes from Florida. The land of real crime. Where hardened criminals are in prison for sex, lies, and drugs--and, apparently, showing 4-5 inches of underwear from the waistband of their pants.

Yes, that's right.

The Fashion Police have struck again. Only, this time, it's actually criminal and not just a nifty phrase. So, this teenager lands his butt in jail overnight because he's wearing saggy pants.

I hate saggy pants.

To quote an ad from an MMO-based radio station: "It is considered excessive self disclosure to tell everyone [in the city] what kind of panties you are wearing." In my opinion, it's excessive self-disclosure for me to see your rear end hanging out of your pants. And, I mean this from the bottom of my heart, I hope you trip. In front of your friends.

Moving on.

Apparently, there's no real crime going on in Florida and the officers need to show kids why people dislike cops. Of course, the ACLU is singing on this one: "It will result in racial profiling!"

Know how to stop it?

PULL YOUR FREAKING PANTS UP!

The article says the "style" started in prison because of ill-fitting uniform pants and no belts. To my knowledge, that style started in prison to indicate who was the sheep.

Oh, yeah. I went there.

Seriously, though. Do the cops in Florida have nothing better to do than eat donuts and arrest teenagers for their lack of fashion sense? No wonder there's so much drug trafficking going on there. No one is interested in stopping the "War on Drugs." The illegals that enter into Florida are welcomed there! The big problem, really, is how low your pants sit on your hips.

It's a crime...

How about arresting the fashion designers for coming up with pants that are made to fit like that? Meh. Waste of time.

Life or Death

I'm very much pro-death penalty.

If you do something incredibly stupid like murder someone, you should, subsequently, suffer the same fate. This "criminal rights" crap drives me nuts. Stop victimizing the criminal. Victimize the victim. It was not Paris Talley's fault that her mother is, apparently, a freaking slut who doesn't know the father of her child. It was not Paris Talley's fault that her parents were psychotic and decided to argue over her paternal traits. It certainly was not Paris Talley's idea to be shoved into a microwave and burned to death.

Yeah. I have a suggestion for punishment. I fully believe that the punishment should fit the crime. This "cruel and unusual" crap doesn't refer to gassing someone or lethal injection or electric chair. Or even firing squad. Heck, that stuff's tame compared to my idea of the death penalty. If someone burns a baby in a microwave oven, build a huge microwave and stick the person in it--it's called an incinerator. Do it while their alive. Why? Because that's what they did. To a BABY.

I have better ideas for rapists. And child molesters. I'm a very twisted individual and yet, a rather productive member of society. At least I think so.

Anyway.

Point. The jury in this case couldn't agree on the death penalty for this woman. So... she gets life in jail without parole.

That's more than her one-month-old daughter will ever have. She has no life. She has nothing to look forward to. She'll never go to kindergarten...graduate high school...earn a Master's degree...

Her mother, on the other hand, gets to sit in a state penitentiary and, on the tax payer's dime, earn a college degree through the education program. She gets 3 square meals a day, exercise, and the chance to work. For the rest of her life. Food, shelter, clothing... Sounds like a pretty good deal.

All for killing a baby!

Yeah, that's our justice system. A jury of your peers who don't believe killing you for killing a child is right. If you do the crime, fess up and pay the consequences. If that means you die for it, guess what? You should have thought about that before you killed someone.

And while we're on this topic... Rapists and child molesters. You people get off (no pun intended) virtually scott-free. Yes, yes, you register as a sex offender, but you know what, America? If it happened once, it will most likely happen again. Seven years in jail isn't going to "reform" a rapist. It may a child molester. From what I understand, they become the "wife" of some guy named "Biff." Whether they want to or not. Which is okay by me.

Rapists...they should be castrated. Barring that, they should have a notch made in their penis and then the families of the victims get to take either side and pull--like a wishbone. Oh, and don't let him be asleep for it. He should be awake. Wide awake.

Medieval torture fascinates me. As does Roman torture...It was a long time before I realized Iron Maiden was a rock group... The worst form of torture, however is reading this story. No seriously... read it. You'll come to appreciate torture, I promise. You could always try this version...

Incinerate. Decapitate. Whatever death fits the crime. Do it. It's only cruel and unusual if the murderer himself is creative.

Trojan Ma'am?

This article--well, it's not really an article as much as it is a write up--just...there are not words. Since the article is so short, lemme just paste it here:

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Police in Port St. Lucie are on the lookout for a cross-dressing man who snatched a 74-year-old woman's purse. As if that weren't odd enough, they're depending on a strange clue. The suspect left behind a condom filled with water he had been using as a fake breast.

The woman said she believed the thief followed her while shopping. A witness told investigators he was wearing a short denim skirt and black tube top, and fled in a silver car with two other male crossdressers.

Police are processing the condom for fingerprint and DNA evidence.

Yep.

You read that correctly.

A water-filled condom.

Just -what- brand of condom are these drag-queens using?! And, are they making Maxine-esque boobs?! I mean, it's been my experience that condoms are made to be long and skinny...ya know, like a penis.

Yes, I said penis. Thank you, Beavis.

Let's be mature, here. We all know what condoms are for. They're for somewhat ensuring that you don't end up like Gov. Palin's daughter. Yes, yes, I went there. I went there because you're already thinking it. You know you are. It's the hottest news topic. And one, I might add, I've already talked about. So, yeah. Condoms. They come in many flavors and styles.

Which...makes me wonder...

What flavor was this water-filled fake boob?

Maybe it was the only use he could find for the extra-large condoms he thought he could impress someone with by buying them...

Who knows.

But, the mental image I have of a guy with water-filled condoms for boobs...just... well, to say it's disturbing is an understatement. I mean...were they hanging? Were they length-wise? Inquiring minds want to know!!! As disturbing as it is, it's like a train-wreck and you just can't stop staring...no matter how much you want to...

I can't really rant on this as much as I can just sit here and poke fun... Just...to know that this was somehow newsworthy...

The mind boggles...

"Paging Mr. Darwin...your species are multiplying..."

Dumb Dumb dee Dumb

I promised I'd rant this weekend.

Amidst trips to the office to help my SO determine the source of my computer problems, trips to BestBuy (who, by the way, no longer carry motherboards), and to the kitchen to make food, I've found a story that makes me just sit here and shake my head.  Normally, I probably wouldn't find such a story rant-worthy, but ... I guess with the demise of my motherboard, I can rant about just about anything at the moment!

Grace Bergere, a 12-year old rock 'n' roll drummer (yeah, they start young, nowadays.  Thanks, Disney), fell 14 stories.  Down a chimney.  Oh, and this was at her apartment--well, her family's apartment.

See, she was showing her friend the beautiful view from the rooftop deck.  Then decided to climb a 25 foot ladder to the highest point...which happened to be at the chimney, which she happened to fall into.

Don't worry, she's fine.  Injured hip is all that she got from the ordeal--and a covering of soot.  The ash pile at the bottom of the chimney was about two feet thick, so it broke her fall.

Well, praise be to the Twelve Gods of the Northern Realm!  She'll live another day and Darwinism has, once again, proven false.  But, as we know, if her father is a true American, he'll sue his apartment complex for something ridiculously stupid--like not putting a sign up saying that, "Hey, if you're an idiot and you climb the 25 foot ladder, you could fall down the freaking chimney!" Or some other such nonsense.  

At least this kid's found something constructive to do with her time.  Her dad's a jazz guitarist and she'd preformed with the kids' choir for the symphony, but...that was too "angelic" (and clearly, not dangerous enough).  She likes playing the drums.  That's excellent!  There is a lack of female drummers in the world.  And at least she's not out tagging places or causing other rock stars to make life miserable for the rest of us peons.  

Hey, I promised I'd rant.  I didn't promise it'd be stellar.   

WAKE UP!!!

I'm sick of being nice.

I'm sick of people blaming everything on other people instead of taking responsibility. This deserves a rant. This deserves a petition. This deserves to have the people in charge sent to a firing range for target practice. With them as the targets.

A nine-year old pitcher has managed to get his Little League Baseball team disbanded. Not because he threw a tantrum and beat some kid up. Not because he cussed his coach out. Not even because he pitched a ball that injured another kid. No. His team is being disbanded because...

...he has a 40mph fast ball.

That's right! He's too damn good, so because they won't play him in another position in which he is not happy and does not excel, the Little League is disbanding his team.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This poor kid said (as quoted from the article), "I feel sad. I feel like it's all my fault nobody could play."

HE'S 9!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whatever happened to encouraging and nurturing a talent?! When did we start PUNISHING kids for being good at something?! "He can pitch against older players..." Riiight. Like the coach is going to run an age verification on every opposing player. I think not.

Where is this taking place? New Haven, CT.

This is a totally rich story, too.

Officials told the boy's coach not to let him pitch. The coach didn't understand that logic (nor do I) and when the boy took the mound, the opposing team walked off. That's teaching sportsmanship and maturity.

Yes, instead of teaching your team how to, ya know, bat against a good pitcher, let's punish the player who's doing something he loves and excels at.

Sorta like those stupid "standardized" tests. They punish the people who are intelligent in areas that aren't logic or verbal. You want to know how to squelch a child's psyche? It's not by spanking them for doing something wrong. It's by benching them for being too good.

So, yes. Let's foster mediocrity and wonder why our President thinks it's a "nucular" war and our Vice President thinks a human is a deer. Let's foster bad behavior by allowing the child to dictate his own punishment so he can go out and do something that forces James Hetfield to inconvenience your life. Again.

Then let's blame society for our lack of thought and reason in child-rearing. Let's blame the schools for not offering after-school programs that would foster skills to make the child be---oh, wait! Little League is an after-school program that would foster skills to make the child better...and when it succeeds, it's taken from the child.

Imagine what would have happened if Mendel had his microscope taken from him. Or if Galileo actually caved and went with the geocentric view of the universe. Or if Pierre and Marie Curie had put away their chemistry sets...

Imagine if Babe Ruth had been disallowed to hit. Or Hank Aaron. Or Barry Bonds.

I suggest not being a dumb American and clicking all those links in the last two paragraphs. Unless you're afraid of learning something new. If you are, then I hear there's a trash compactor that needs examination.

There Are Not Words...

My SO's great. I get real gems of news stories in my inbox at random points through the day with messages like, "WTF?! I think you know what to do with this, sweetie." I do. I so do.

This is one of those gems...

It seems that the FBI is getting involved in this one. 'Bout bloody time. Considering they won't lift a finger on the McKinney case, they need to do something on this one. The difference is, this one involved a 5 year old girl. McKinney just tried to get a 15 year old to commit felony larsony. These two Darwinites tried to sell a 5 year old for sex. I can understand the need to hop on the high horse and do something.

I'm not even sure where to begin.

Jennifer Richards (25) and Sean Michael Block (40...and married. To someone else) had a great plan. They wanted an apartment, a car, and child care for a 10-month old child. To get these wonderful luxuries that most Americans possess, they weren't going to pay money--oh, no! That's not the American way! Why pay money when Richards has a five year old daughter?

Still not following, huh. Yeah, I don't get it, either.

Richards and Block both worked at The Cheesecake Factory. I've eaten there. I know how much that food costs. You can't tell me they don't have money. Especially since Block was a bartender. Anyway, these two incredibly bright individuals thought it was a wonderful plan to sell the 5-year old for sex, then blackmail the buyer.

That only works in movies.

And if you're the FBI.

...and you have to love defense attorneys. "Yes, Your Honor, I understand the charges are severe. But, there is no evidence that my client acted on anything! He was only thinking about it."

I was only thinking about robbing this guy for money to buy a prosthetic leg for my horse. And I was only thinking I'd have this strapping 15 year old boy do it for me.

I don't really think the defense is going to win this one. Well, I don't think they'll win should it actually go to trail. I mean, really, do the taxpayers want to pay for something like this? It really depends on where they are, how important the case is, whether it's something the taxpayers want to pay for, and whether there are any witnesses still around.

There are some people that should just be executed to be put out of America's misery. Here are two.

Incidentally, Block's wife filed for a protective order for their 14-month old child...and also a divorce.

Ah, Justice

Now that the Olympics are finally over, we can get back to news.

By the way? Congrats to Michael Phelps for all his gold medals. Also, congrats to the rest of the US Swim Team for making it to the Olympics. That's an honor and even if Mr. Phelps stole your thunder, he can't steal your prestige.

I'm done with that. That was my Olympics rant.

Moving on to more "important" things...

It seems that Brennan McKinney is in the news, again. Don't worry. I didn't know who she was, either. But that article made my toes curl and made me go, "Hmmm..." If you haven't followed these links, you're missing out on quality entertainment.

Brennan McKinney is the woman who had five puppies cloned from her pitbull, Booger. Yes. Her dog's name was "Booger." He died. Probably killed himself. I didn't really feel like looking up the reasons behind the dog's death. Mostly because the pictures of Ms. McKinney terrify me. I will have nightmares for a week featuring her.

Apparently, however, Brennan McKinney is wanted in at least one state (and possibly another country) for some crimes. In 2004, she allegedly planned a burglary and hired a 15 year old to do it. She needed money, you see, for a prosthetic leg. For her horse. I think this woman dropped a little too much acid in the 60's.

What's worse is that in 1977, under the name of Joyce McKinney, she allegedly kidnapped a Mormon missionary and chained him to the bed and forced him to be her sex slave. That was in England. She skipped court and moved to America.

Here's the clincher, kiddies.

With two--not one, but two--incidents that she has admitted to, the prosecution is debating on bringing her to justice.

Prosecutors are reviewing charges against the 58-year-old McKinney to decide whether to pursue the case, said Melanie Widener, an assistant district attorney for the county in the northeast part of the state near the North Carolina state line.

"It'll depend on where she is now, how important the case is, how much it would cost the taxpayers and whether witnesses are still around," she said.

BWUH!?!

"It'll depend on where she is now, how important the case is, how much it would cost the taxpayers and whether witnesses are still around"?!?!

Since when is a crime like rape not important?! Since when is the corruption of a minor not important?! Forget that what she was planning on stealing would have been a felony. And if you're wondering how I jump-shifted to "rape," read the definition, then read what she did in 1977 in England.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, America?!

Am I really the only person that's bothered by the ineffectiveness of our Justice System? A system that will arrest someone for not paying a library fine, but potentially won't prosecute a psychotic woman who's committed two felonies in two different countries?! Throw me a bone! Arrest the crazy lady and do your job!!

Taxpayers pay more for stupid lawsuits (like suing because hot coffee is hot) and "scientific investigations" (like "Do Cows Produce Methane?" Um? Duh?) that we don't even notice if we're paying for something that, I dunno, SHOULD BE PROSECUTED!!!!!!!

Cut the bull.

It's not just "..with liberty for all." It's "..with liberty and justice for all."

Vote Houses in 2008

So, I really hate politics, if you haven't noticed. I think if a politician's talking, he's probably spouting some bull to cover his own butt. So, it came as no surprise to me when I popped over to the Political track of CNN to discover that Obama is concerned with McCain's housing. That's right, kiddies. Obama thinks McCain won't make a good President because he doesn't know how many houses he owns.

Clearly, we must vote for Obama!

I'll say it again: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!?! Who in Bixby's Nine Hells CARES?! So, McCain owns a few houses. He's not President yet. He needs some source of income. Maybe he likes to vacation and has houses in his favorite places? My mother-in-law owns four properties. All in California. Amazing. Americans owning property! This, obviously, disqualifies her from the Presidency!

My point is this: McCain has bigger things to worry about at the moment than his properties. In fact, he even said, "I don't know. I'll have to ask my staff." Did it occur to anyone that maybe--just maybe--he has people who invest in this stuff for him?

Let's analyze, shall we, what Obama said:

“Somebody asked John McCain, 'how many houses do you have?' and he said, 'I'm not sure, I’ll have to check with my staff,' True quote! 'I'm not sure, I'll have to check with my staff.' So they asked his staff and he said, 'at least four.' 'At least four.'

“Now think about that — I guess if you think that being rich means you gotta make five million dollars, and if you don't know how many houses you have, then it's not surprising that you might think the economy is fundamentally strong,” he continued. “But if you're like me and you've got one house — or you were like the millions of people who are struggling right now to keep up with their mortgage so that they don't lose their home — you might have a different perspective. …" (quoted from source article)

First of all, McCain was honest. We teach children to say "I don't know" if it's an honest answer. McCain could have very easily said, "None of your doggone business!" and been perfectly honest, but he chose to give an answer that was a bit more tactful. (Note: This is why The Rogue Assassin is not on your list of people. That and I'm not old enough, yet). Continuing further, just... bwuh?! "If you think that being rich means you gotta make five million dollars..." Well. "Rich" in monetary terms is equivalent to "money." Bill Gates is rich. Bill Gates is richer than John McCain. I wonder how many houses Bill Gates has...

Now, the next part of Obama's tirade kills me. "If you're like me and you've got one house..." One house--worth how much? And it's probably a safe bet that if you live in California, you don't have a house. Unless, ya know, you're rich. So. This is a bit of catch-22 for him. "You can't know the American economy if you own four houses!" And here I thought the American economy was all about an exchange of money! Apparently, it's about real estate! Who knew.

When did the American race for Presidency start slinging retarded logic around in an attempt to sully the opponent's name? Seriously. Did James Madison have to put up with this? What about Abraham Lincoln? Or Howard Taft? Or James Garfield? Remember Garfield? He wasn't just a fat, orange and black tiger cat with an unhealthy love of lasagna. He was a President of the United States...for three months. Til some bloke assassinated him.

Anyway.

Turns out McCain owns a total of seven properties totaling a worth of about $13 million. Clearly, he does not own property in California--at least not Southern California where a house that he would own would be at least $5 mil to purchase and worth about $7-10 mil by the time he was done with it.

Do I care how many properties a potential President owns? No. It proves nothing to me other than they're pretty real estate savvy. Do I care how much money my President makes at his day job? Not really. I've long since given up the idea that an average American will be President. I expect the President to be from the upper class of society. I don't expect Joe from the pizza shop down the street to be elected. Since one of the requirements for being President is to somehow have been involved in politics (and by their very nature, politics equates to money), the President is going to be rich. What's-his-name from a few elections ago--Ross Perot!--I betchya he owned a lot of property. No one, at that time, said, "UGH! FOUL! HE IS RICH!" It doesn't matter how much money you have. It matters what your intentions and goals are for the future of America.

You can be butt-sucking rich and be an awesome President. You can be butt-sucking rich and be a Nixon. Or a Clinton. Or a Bush. Pick one. You could also be church-mouse poor and suck worse (if that's possible). Money doesn't make the politician, folks. Morals. Choices. STANDING for something even if it's not popular. AFFECTING CHANGE. Accomplishing the objectives of the people--ya know, the WILL of the PEOPLE...which is why you're even being elected in the first place? Not everything we as Americans want is right or healthy. But, the President needs to be able to have a backbone and be the parent of the Nation and say "Yes, you need this" or "No, you don't," then STICK TO IT!

So much more could be said, but at this point... it's a dead horse...and I'm done beating.

Causing Solutions

Oh, yeah. This can't stay silent. Nothing like finding a gem of a news story first thing in the morning, happily delivered to your e-mail by none other than your SO. CNN wants us to freak out because more than 200,000 kids were spanked during the school year last year!

*GASP!*

Two hundred thousand kids! ZOMG! The world is going to implode!

Whatever.

Not enough, in my opinion. You know why? Because kids are still killing kids. Because they still think they can rule the classroom--I can say this, having taught for a single year. We got to administer "standards." I will not's written a set number of times.

...and would you believe I got phone calls from parents saying I had no right?!

Okay, America, listen in and listen good... A child does not dictate his own punishment. I don't care if you're black, white, red, purple, yellow, green with pink polk-a-dots, if you're going to disobey in a classroom you are going to get an appropriate punishment. Flinging rubberbands--you mean shooting rubberbands?!--across the room is not appropriate behavior and if you actually hit someone with those...you're done. A teacher is not a babysitter. A school is not a daycare. You wanna know why people on Yahoo Answers have retarded questions like "How is babby formed? How girl get pragnet?" Because teachers can't do what they're trained to do and teach students.

Oh! And on top of not being able to maintain classroom control because there's a lack of a true discipline system, lest we forget, we are no longer teaching students information--we're teaching them the standardized tests so we don't lose funding.

"How is babby formed?"

The ACLU, of course, couldn't let this go--there's a higher percentage of African-Americans who are sent for paddlings and more of the African-Americans that get spanked are girls.

Well.

Statistically speaking... If you're at a school comprised mostly of black children, you're going to have a higher percentage of black children going to the principal's office. On top of that, if you have a higher percentage of black girls in the school district.... you get where this is going.

I'll admit it! I was spanked in school when I was little. I consider myself a fairly well-adjusted 30 year old. I didn't whine and complain to my mom that Mrs. Fritz or Mrs. Hughes spanked me. In fact, I sorta hid that fact from her. Because, as a lot of you may remember (well, if you're not growing up now in the "Save the Child's Psyche" generation), if you got spanked at school, you got spanked at home.

Parents need to stop sniveling and DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM!

You don't like that your child got spanked at school? Maybe, and this is just a thought, you should, perhaps, talk to your child and find out why he was spanked at school. As a teacher, I can attest to the fact that we don't just assign arbitrary punishment for no reason--despite what your child says. Calling us while we're teaching to discuss your child's behavior problem is inappropriate. We do not call you at work to discuss our marital problems. You go through the proper channels and schedule a meeting with the teacher. It's not hard.

Yes, your "little angel" is not perfect. I know it's a shock and I know it's hard to believe. But, ya know what? They're just like you were as a kid.

...only with guns.

"Spanking isn't a deterrent," I hear you cry.

Of course it's not. Nothing is if it's not consistent or supported at home. Children see parents arguing and yelling at the teachers and watch as the teachers are disempowered by the Administrators and suddenly, they know what they can get away with. Nothing is more infuriating for a teacher than to discipline a child for something they are doing wrong only to be told that you can't discipline that child.

Here's a big UP YOURS! If you think you can do a better job educating and disciplining your child, then do it. Quit your day job. Take a pay cut. Pour your heart and soul into that child--they'll be better off for it.

...and maybe they won't force James Hetfield to put up a fence....