A radical idea

[1958Bassman]

with this in mind, nobody goes into any form of government service with anyone in mind but themselves, but if you're lucky, selfless service is a character trait that will stick to you.

I have a problem with people who act like they're God's right hand man because, if they lead a good life, they'll be rewarded after they die. I'd rather be good to people for the sake of it. Too many people want something for performing an inconsequential act. With the litigious nature of people now, it's no wonder so many allow bad things to happen and do nothing because they don't want to get involved. Someone's choking or their heart stopped? Do CPR wrong and see how long it takes for their survivors to sue, claiming it's the fault of the person who attempted CPR. Pull someone out of a car after a wreck and see how long before someone sues over the injuries that weren't stabilized, even if removing them kept them alive.

All it takes to make a difference is for everyone to do one thing for someone else, like the movie 'Pay It Forward', only it doesn't need to be anything major. Sometimes, it's as simple as asking if someone is OK and the result is a person who always thought they were invisible realizes that they aren't.

 

[1958Bassman]

Just asking out of curiousity.
The idea of entitlement is not an intellectual one, which is most likely why quotations were used on the word.
As a person trying to be more selfless, its safe say that even those people are the ones to worry about.

Entitlement is a feeling, but that feeling can be implanted by someone who wants to make others feel it, making them dependent on government. It's how they stay in office for decades. Politicians created this phenomenon and it has ruined this country. Helping those in need is good when those people can't help themselves, but not when they have avoided doing things for that they now demand others do for them. When entitlement benefits grow to the levels they are now, the programs will be abused, as they are now. In MKE, we have had several child care centers scam the system for millions, building big houses, buying expensive cars/clothes/jewelry, etc. Screwing the people they said they would serve is something that really pisses me off.

 

[1958Bassman]

Chop wood, carry water.

Sounds like the trip to Maine on No Reservations, with Bourdain.

 

[1958Bassman]

People used to be self-sufficient because they had to. Then, governments stepped in and started doing things for the people and the population began to decide that they had better things to do than provide for themselves.

If the World economies crash, a lot of people will be totally screwed because they couldn't do something as simple as start a fire without a lighter or matches. If our infrastructure stops working, these people will need to boil their own water, steal it or get it from someone who's nice enough to help. That generosity will end once the helpless one asks for it too many times because it's a matter of survival.

 

[Pilgrim]

Educators and people in government who want to turn too many people into puppies who eat out of their hand.

Cool! Now we have more blame to spread:

Educators (...a bad lot, that. Who knows what inconvenient ideas they might put in young people's heads.)

Government (...a terrible institution, as all people who participate in government are known to be of low moral character.)

Words (nearly) fail me. But...

People used to be self-sufficient because they had to. Then, governments stepped in and started doing things for the people and the population began to decide that they had better things to do than provide for themselves.

No, (he said gently), people FORMED governments because they offer the only way we know of to channel and control societal behavior and prevent anarchy. Governments didn't spring out of the primeval ooze and sneak up on the unsuspecting "people".

 

[MatticusMania]

Educators and people in government who want to turn too many people into puppies who eat out of their hand.

So then unintellectuals. I knew there was a reason for the quotations.

Oh, and its sheep, not puppies. Puppies are too cute.

With the litigious nature of people now, it's no wonder so many allow bad things to happen and do nothing because they don't want to get involved. Someone's choking or their heart stopped? Do CPR wrong and see how long it takes for their survivors to sue, claiming it's the fault of the person who attempted CPR. Pull someone out of a car after a wreck and see how long before someone sues over the injuries that weren't stabilized, even if removing them kept them alive.

Id honestly rather put the effort forward to saving someone, if its within my ability to do so, and have them sue the pants off me than just leave them be to die. If I end up struggling at least I would do so knowing I did the right thing.

If the World economies crash, a lot of people will be totally screwed because they couldn't do something as simple as start a fire without a lighter or matches. If our infrastructure stops working, these people will need to boil their own water, steal it or get it from someone who's nice enough to help. That generosity will end once the helpless one asks for it too many times because it's a matter of survival.

I agree. And I know that in either scenario I'll be just fine. Though, my generosity will not end. I'll most likely end up leading a pack of survivors.

 

[sloasdaylight]

What the hell are you talking about?

This.

 

[ADbassman]

unfortunately I did not always have that opinion, hence the screen name. age has taught me that people who are busy talking about all the good that they have done are trying to cover up all the bad that they did, or have an inferiority complex. either way, it's illogical. I have pride in my accomplishments, but I don't advertise them just so people will like me. people who live their life seeking the approval of others aren't really living a life, IMO.

and if I could change my screename I would. I like my screename as much as I like that reservist at the bar wearing his OIF/OEF t-shirt; the only thing that comes out of his filthy sewer is rhetoric and hate speech.

I'm not gonna lie and say I get nothing out of the military, but you know as well as I do you sacrifice a lot in the line of duty. You're allowed to take pride in your service. Just cause you say you're in the military doesn't negate the sacrifices you've made. I go home knowing I made the world a safer place for those around me. I take pride in that fact.