NationStates Jolt Archive

Every so often subjects arise on NSG that seem to provoke reactions beyond what would be reasonable to expect from some posters. Which posters are affected varies from subject to subject. We just had one such subject resurface recently causing extreme reactions from some posters from the USA, and equally extreme positions from a certain lady from North America.

I admit to being provokable on certain subjects - feminism (I am radically opposed to all forms of discrimination - which includes positive action or compensatory discrimination) is an example as Neesika probably remembers.

So what gets your goat, more than it really should, and why - if you know?

Hmm, for me, painting ANY group with a large brush (All Christians believe X, All Muslims are X, All Atheists do X), and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The first because I know too many people of diverse background to take ANY kind of broad statement as a given, and the second because the arguments for or against usually completely ignore what was actually going on in Japan at the time and tend to have a very stereotypical view of Japan and its culture that dates from somewhere in the Edo Era.

Every so often subjects arise on NSG that seem to provoke reactions beyond what would be reasonable to expect from some posters. Which posters are affected varies from subject to subject. We just had one such subject resurface recently causing extreme reactions from some posters from the USA, and equally extreme positions from a certain lady from North America.

I admit to being provokable on certain subjects - feminism (I am radically opposed to all forms of discrimination - which includes positive action or compensatory discrimination) is an example as Neesika probably remembers.

So what gets your goat, more than it really should, and why - if you know?

People who hate a whole nation without basis. They've never met anyone from that nation, or if they have, it's been limited and perhaps the person(s) weren't good representatives of the nation. They've never visited the nation. They've only read biased news accounts about the nation. I admit, I've been that way about the French, but I'll cop to having been half joking. There are some here who just hate and miss no opportunity to spew it.

People who hate a whole nation without basis. They've never met anyone from that nation, or if they have, it's been limited and perhaps the person(s) weren't good representatives of the nation. They've never visited the nation. They've only read biased news accounts about the nation. I admit, I've been that way about the French, but I'll cop to having been half joking. There are some here who just hate and miss no opportunity to spew it.

Only half joking? Well I have to join you there - with regard to the French anyway. It must be something to do with being born British.

Is it not possible though to justifiably hate what a nation represents, which is a different concept to that of hating the nation itself. I could see myself claiming to hate what Israel represents - in that it represents, for me anyway, the pointlessness of armed conflict over religious differences.

People who support political groups that promise impossible or impractical things.

So yeah, Aus Labor supporters, any environmentalists or religious nutbags...

Only half joking? Well I have to join you there - with regard to the French anyway. It must be something to do with being born British.

Is it not possible though to justifiably hate what a nation represents, which is a different concept to that of hating the nation itself. I could see myself claiming to hate what Israel represents - in that it represents, for me anyway, the pointlessness of armed conflict over religious differences.

I have to respectfully disagree with you on what Israel represents. Initially, it was founded as a sanctuary for a group of people who had no sanctuary. Jew were, and still are in some places, subject to discrimination that crossed (and crosses) the line to murder. Unlike most immigrant people, their source (the original Israel) had long since been destroyed and they had no place to turn in the face of pogroms and genocide. Modern Israel was founded as an answer to Hitler, pogroms, genocide and ghettos. The original intent of Israel (which has perhaps changed with pressures from the Muslim countries) was never to disenfranchise Palestinians, but to enfranchise Jews. For whatever reasons (and the Muslims have to share the blame) Palestinians and Jews seem to exclude each other, and the original intent has been tainted.

I occasionally have to bite my tongue in discussions of eugenics, mental illness, or rape, all of which can sometimes feel too personally relevant for comfort.

I find it extremely annoying when someone says that space research and exploration is pointless, or that NASA's already meager budget should be forced to endure further cuts. I simply cannot understand how people can be so shortsighted.

Hmm...

Nope, I've got nothing. I've lead a charmed life.

People who hate a whole nation without basis. They've never met anyone from that nation, or if they have, it's been limited and perhaps the person(s) weren't good representatives of the nation. They've never visited the nation. They've only read biased news accounts about the nation.


That is a big one for me. Hating the citizens of a country for no reason other then the government is a waste. The one topic though that I'm very sensitive about is the homosexuality topic. I hate that I'm easily drawn in and usually end up pissed off.

Only half joking? Well I have to join you there - with regard to the French anyway. It must be something to do with being born British.

I don't know; being born British may make you hate the French, but I think everyone likes to make fun of them. Like New Yorkers. For many they have such an image of untouchable fuck-you cool that you can't resist poking at them.

I'll admit it: I get bristly at any discussion of "blacks" and what "those people" are like. I get bristly at any kind of discrimination, but I get especially bristly when white people talk about black people like they're a different (lazier, dumber, ruder) species. I try not to take it to heart but it's hard, mostly because I'm white and the person I love most in the world (my ex) is black.

The "rape is her fault if..." line. Nothing makes me climb the wall faster. Because I do take it personally.

That is a big one for me. Hating the citizens of a country for no reason other then the government is a waste.

Related to this, people from other parts of the world automatically equating U.S. Americans with the current president, when the majority of the country didn't even vote for him. I get especially annoyed when my Canadian friends get snippy about the President and how he effects their country. Like, seriously, you think YOU'RE annoyed?

When obese people from other countries make fun of America for being fat. I have a lot of friends who do this and it just unreasonably pisses me off to no end.

We just had one such subject resurface recently causing extreme reactions from some posters from the USA, and equally extreme positions from a certain lady from North America.

Bah, I was just pissy...my ex is dicking me around, come on now.

I don't use that particular, unmentionable term in a derogatory fashion and yes, it pisses me off when people insist that I have bad intentions.

But whatever.

Sensitive points...I think I have less of them now, because on certain issues, I don't give a fuck what others have to say. Still sore about.... Pinochet supporters. Guys who whine about what bitches women are cuz we all want 'bad guys'. Crying about how bad whites have it. The whole 'get over it' approach to historical injustice.

Oh, and left wingers who are anti-Semetic. It's bad enough coming from the 'opposition', those idiots supposedly in the same ideological niche as moi who go on about Zionists make me want to gouge eyes.

abortion. marijuana. and pudding.

though i don't post that much on them threads, it's usually counterproductive for me. i will just lurk and laugh instead.

Gender stereotyping, rape, abortion, sexual discrimination, sexual abuse. They're all issues I've been slammed into in my own life and I care very much about how they're handled and how they affect other people. To me, being born female is a curse and the single most determining factor of my life, not in how it affects me, but in how it behoves others to treat me. I would like it to not be that way for others.

I get frustrated when some people debate them as a purely intellectual exercise without making a connection to reality, and even more frustrated when some people debate them without intellect OR a connection to reality. Those who argue from a position of blind belief yet insist they're being rational and understanding of the arguments are the worst because there is no answer to them, no way to get through to them.

I suspect I'm really just frustrated at my own inability to make everybody see it my way :P

Bah, I was just pissy...my ex is dicking me around, come on now.

I don't use that particular, unmentionable term in a derogatory fashion and yes, it pisses me off when people insist that I have bad intentions.

*snip*

Oh, and left wingers who are anti-Semetic. It's bad enough coming from the 'opposition', those idiots supposedly in the same ideological niche as moi who go on about Zionists make me want to gouge eyes.

I'm glad I wasn't around for whatever discussion that was! :eek: I hope you left off some steam, at least. My mom's in the final laps of what's basically been a 14 year divorce; I promise you'll live through it and probably won't kill anyone else either.


Left-wing anti-Semites? Seriously? I don't think I've run into that crowd. Then again, we don't have a lot of Jews in our community (which has an Asian majority), so they get lumped in with "white" (to my ex-boyfriend's consternation).

I'm British, I don't get annoyed I only get more cynical and jaded

what will get me in this mood are idealists who suddenly decide that they can involve themselves in an argument despite having a position that is essentially immovable regardless of reality (libertarianism) and what I like to refer to as "giant bumbling vagina's" that provide incite in advice threads

Every so often subjects arise on NSG that seem to provoke reactions beyond what would be reasonable to expect from some posters. Which posters are affected varies from subject to subject. We just had one such subject resurface recently causing extreme reactions from some posters from the USA, and equally extreme positions from a certain lady from North America.

I admit to being provokable on certain subjects - feminism (I am radically opposed to all forms of discrimination - which includes positive action or compensatory discrimination) is an example as Neesika probably remembers.

So what gets your goat, more than it really should, and why - if you know?
Rape apologists.

It sets me off whenever I see people trying to explain away a rape. Usually this is done by figuring out some way that the victim totally deserved to get raped or how she (it's always a she) brought it on herself and should have known better. Often the rape apologist will also go on a rant about how men are so often the REAL victims because of all the false rape accusations filed by evil womenz.

I think the reason it sets me off so much is because any person who talks like that is a person who I consider likely to either be a rapist or be somebody who would look the other way while somebody else is raping. I believe they are a concrete physical danger to others around them, yet I can't do anything about it, which bums me out.

When people criticise the less fortunate as if it's their own fault. Or when they want to deny them a fair go.

And, yeah, the rape apologists piss me off.

For me it's anyone who enjoys bullying.

For me it's the USian thing on here. It's always seemed to be done specifically to rub posters from this country the wrong way, like some sort of weird subconscious "sticking it to the man" thing. Maybe not everyone uses it like this intentionally, but those who do really have given it that sort of color.

It also bugs me when people try to tell members of a religion what they believe despite said religious people's futile attempts to correct them, or demonstrate that belief varies quite a bit between different schools of thought within the religion. Happens a lot with Christianity, but also Islam. I mean, I see plenty wrong with literalist interpretations of both religions, but that kind of shit just bugs me.

The hatred of entire countries is another thing. Like everybody hating Iran cause they have a shitty government, for example. Lots of countries have shitty governments but you can still find many excellent people living in them.

More recently, certain posters on the rape threads. It really makes me furious when people try to excuse rape, or make it "not really so bad since she was doing blah blah blah."


But then, I'm an internet asshole, so I've probably said many things that bug the shit out of people.

For me it's the USian thing on here...

I've been guilty in the past. It's just that (and I hope the stereotype haters forgive me) Americans can be so pompous. The urge to prick that puffed-up pride is irresistable sometimes.

Pointless cruelty to animals - I eat meat so killing them for meat is okay. What I think is pointless is killing an animal just so you can stick its head on a wooden shield on the wall of your study - to me that makes you an arsehole.

I've been guilty in the past. It's just that (and I hope the stereotype haters forgive me) Americans can be so pompous. The urge to prick that puffed-up pride is irresistable sometimes.

Well, I don't consider myself that proud an American. I love my country, but I'm deeply ashamed of my government, partly because they've so completely fucked up my country, as well as quite a bit of the world.

not that much really . . .dunno why though i`ll admit the rape apologist thing can get to me on bad days as can those who are fundamentally religious (except fundamental budhists . . .if they exist). that being said I`ll debate anything with anyone. I just enjoy it FAR to much.

Well, I don't consider myself that proud an American. I love my country, but I'm deeply ashamed of my government, partly because they've so completely fucked up my country, as well as quite a bit of the world.

Governments can fuck up, but the nice thing about America or Australia or other democratic countries is that we can vote in new governments that can make things better again.

Well, that's always the hope.

(See. You said something good about America. That wasn't hard now, was it?)

Governments can fuck up, but the nice thing about America or Australia or other democratic countries is that we can vote in new governments that can make things better again.

Well, that's always the hope.

(See. You said something good about America. That wasn't hard now, was it?)

Yeah. I was too young to vote in '00 and '04. Not that California ever matters in a presidential election anyway, because of our weird presidential electing system.

Governments can fuck up, but the nice thing about America or Australia or other democratic countries is that we can vote in new governments that can make things better again.

Well, that's always the hope.

(See. You said something good about America. That wasn't hard now, was it?)
The flip side of that, though, is that I tend to blame my fellow Americans if they elect a government that I think sucks.

See, if we had, like, a crappy King or something, then I couldn't really blame the people. If our leaders became our leaders by accidents of birth, then I'd have to just say, "Oh well, lousy luck we got this guy, but it's not really anybody's fault." As it is, I look at our current government and find it hard not to scream that I FUCKING TOLD YOU SO 8 YEARS AGO YOU FUCKING MORONS.

*deep breaths deep soothing breaths*

I'm fine. No, really, I'm okay now.

The flip side of that, though, is that I tend to blame my fellow Americans if they elect a government that I think sucks.

See, if we had, like, a crappy King or something, then I couldn't really blame the people. If our leaders became our leaders by accidents of birth, then I'd have to just say, "Oh well, lousy luck we got this guy, but it's not really anybody's fault." As it is, I look at our current government and find it hard not to scream that I FUCKING TOLD YOU SO 8 YEARS AGO YOU FUCKING MORONS.

*deep breaths deep soothing breaths*

I'm fine. No, really, I'm okay now.

Yeah, I often am very disappointed by my fellow Americans. I knew this guy was going to be bad 8 years ago. And I was fucking 13.

Yeah. I was too young to vote in '00 and '04. Not that California ever matters in a presidential election anyway, because of our weird presidential electing system.

How does California split its electoral college votes? Unless it's a winner take all system, even if the one party always won a majority, reducing the gap would help the other party.

Prejudice, it really bothers me, especially from people who wouldn't *think* of having a racist thought or a sexist thought, but somehow think it's okay to hate entire people groups because some of the people from that group they have met are rude or mean.


I guess my other ones are things like smacking kids and homeschooling. I don't get angry with those so much as annoyed because of the amount of misinformation and poor logic people use when discussing them.

How does California split its electoral college votes? Unless it's a winner take all system, even if the one party always won a majority, reducing the gap would help the other party.

It doesn't split its electoral college votes. Very few states do.

[QUOTE=Bottle;13845830]See, if we had, like, a crappy King or something, then I couldn't really blame the people. If our leaders became our leaders by accidents of birth, then I'd have to just say, "Oh well, lousy luck we got this guy, but it's not really anybody's fault." As it is, I look at our current government and find it hard not to scream that I FUCKING TOLD YOU SO 8 YEARS AGO YOU FUCKING MORONS.
QUOTE]

Funny, that. That's the only reason why I am glad of the monarchy.

It doesn't split its electoral college votes. Very few states do.

Strewth! That's crook.

Hmm...

Nope, I've got nothing. I've lead a charmed life.

Same here. At least, I think.

What gets my goat is hypocrisy.

And actually, as I type this, I'm not thinking of NSG at all, I'm thinking of a certain other forum I've been active on. It's one that styles itself as a Christian forum, even going so far as to list this as its #1 rule:

1) This is a Christian site, respect our beliefs and we will respect yours.

And yet you can find threads in it bashing Catholics, Mormons, Scientologists... I mean, hey, you don't have to be a fan of those religions, certainly, but if you're gonna have a rule saying you'll respect people's beliefs...

FOLLOW IT.

Now, you guys know me and you know I can't sit still when I see that stuff. So I'm anticipating a forum ban there within the next couple of days. People like that don't like having their boat rocked. Least of all by a Mormon. :D

I've been bashed enough here to know not to post in threads like this. Perhaps I'm stubborn.

But for whatever it's worth, I hate when people judge someone to be a certain way when that person isn't or just by the way he/she posts without getting to know the person in question first.

I dislike those who try to justify human behavior like incest, when it's unjustifiable. And of course, religious zealots, from every denomination.

Ooh ooh I have another one, also inspired by that forum.

People who prefer to stick with an interesting lie than just accept the truth.

"Well you Mormons think God boinked Mary!"
"No, we don't believe that. To prove it, here's a verse from the Book of Mormon that refutes what you said."
"Nuh-uh! A well-known Christian author sez you do!"

(Followed by a link to a guy I've never heard of who made a bunch of money on his book)

Ooh ooh I have another one, also inspired by that forum.

People who prefer to stick with an interesting lie than just accept the truth.

"Well you Mormons think God boinked Mary!"
"No, we don't believe that. To prove it, here's a verse from the Book of Mormon that refutes what you said."
"Nuh-uh! A well-known Christian author sez you do!"

(Followed by a link to a guy I've never heard of who made a bunch of money on his book)

So! You're a mormon.

You know you aren't going to convince me otherwise.

So! You're a mormon.

You know you aren't going to convince me otherwise.

Gah! foiled again! :D

My sensitive points? Why my nipples of course!:rolleyes:

Confession...every time someone makes a comment supporting regimented gender roles and saying that a woman or man should behave, dress or whatever in a certain way just because of what bits they were born with, I ever so desperately wish I had a button that would turn their computer chair into an electric one, and another button labelled "KILL". Seriously, I'm not kidding. Not even a little bit.

I'm glad I wasn't around for whatever discussion that was! :eek: I hope you left off some steam, at least. My mom's in the final laps of what's basically been a 14 year divorce; I promise you'll live through it and probably won't kill anyone else either.


Left-wing anti-Semites? Seriously? I don't think I've run into that crowd. Then again, we don't have a lot of Jews in our community (which has an Asian majority), so they get lumped in with "white" (to my ex-boyfriend's consternation).
They don't like being called anti-Semites...few anti-Semites do.

They pretend it's all about Israel while going on about Zionism and how the Jews control the world. It makes me want to vomit.

I've been guilty in the past. It's just that (and I hope the stereotype haters forgive me) Americans can be so pompous. The urge to prick that puffed-up pride is irresistable sometimes.

I can say with a clear conscience that I don't use it as an insult. So yeah, it pisses me off beyond reason when people accuse me of being a racist, a bigot, or whatever absolutely fucking stupid parallel they try (and fail) to find.

You want to get stupid, and pissy about that? I'm going to mock you endlessly.

Alright, it's a hot button topic. I have not a shred of sympathy for people who seem to be going out of their way to make mountains out of molehills.

Confession...every time someone makes a comment supporting regimented gender roles and saying that a woman or man should behave, dress or whatever in a certain way just because of what bits they were born with, I ever so desperately wish I had a button that would turn their computer chair into an electric one, and another button labelled "KILL". Seriously, I'm not kidding. Not even a little bit.

Not even a litle bit?

Shit! You need to de-stress, really, do you do your lama's?

I dislike those who try to justify human behavior like incest, when it's unjustifiable.

It's not about justification.

Kehehehe, we need thread!

Alright, it's a hot button topic. I have not a shred of sympathy for people who seem to be going out of their way to make mountains out of molehills.

You have a problem with breast implants? :D

nyuk nyuk nyuk

Thank you, thank you... I'm here all week...

Don't make me hurt you.

They don't like being called anti-Semites...few anti-Semites do.

They pretend it's all about Israel while going on about Zionism and how the Jews control the world. It makes me want to vomit.

Well, hold up, not everyone who is against Zionism is an Anti-Semite. Zionism is mainly a convenient word summarizing US's obviously non-neutral foreign policy in the Middle East. I agree it can be a cover for the Jews-control-the-world theory, but then again, is saying that Jews control the world necessarily anti-Semitic?

I mean let's face it... we do. :salute::salute::salute:

In all seriousness, anti-semites and particularly closet racists and dishonest people who do the PC dance of pretending, always, that they're not racist because indeed, they have a black friend piss me off too. But so do the people who, whenever Israel is criticized (say for their tendency for collective punishment), yell Anti-Semitism right off the bat, silencing all opposition. You have to admit that, unlike accusing someone of hating Muslims, accusing someone of hating Jews *is* more effective as a silencing shout-down tactic.

It's not about justification.

Kehehehe, we need thread!

Well, the few threads I've encountered on the subject seem to be doing just that, justifying it on the terms of "it's between two consenting adults" line. In any case, it doesn't really matter now. I will refrain from touching that subject. But it still grates me.;)

You're more than welcome to open a thread on this subject. After a few posts, you might see what I mean... or not. In any case, it doesn't matter, Neesika.:)

I'd like to add another "sensitive point" to my previous one.

Citizens of a country who jump on the "we all hate your country" bandwagon.

Like Americans who claim loud undying hatred of America just because, I suspect, a select group of Europeans have proclaimed that hatred.

Really, if you hate your country either work to change it or leave. But please don't display symptoms of your inferiority complex and national schizophrenia for all to see - I have a sneaking suspicion that this is actually one of the reasons that certain loudmouthed Europeans (and Asians, Africans, Middle Easterners and South Americans) feel that they can get away with attacking us. It's also why we get an extremist, knee-jerk reaction from Americans who refuse to acknowledge that there are any problems in this country.

I'd like to add another "sensitive point" to my previous one.

Citizens of a country who jump on the "we all hate your country" bandwagon.

Like Americans who claim loud undying hatred of America just because, I suspect, a select group of Europeans have proclaimed that hatred.

Really, if you hate your country either work to change it or leave. But please don't display symptoms of your inferiority complex and national schizophrenia for all to see - I have a sneaking suspicion that this is actually one of the reasons that certain loudmouthed Europeans (and Asians, Africans, Middle Easterners and South Americans) feel that they can get away with attacking us. It's also why we get an extremist, knee-jerk reaction from Americans who refuse to acknowledge that there are any problems in this country.

Who's attacking Americans, now?

They better learn they can't get away with it!

Don't make me hurt you.

I couldn't resist... I'm always goofy on Fridays ;)

I'd like to add another "sensitive point" to my previous one.

Citizens of a country who jump on the "we all hate your country" bandwagon.

Like Americans who claim loud undying hatred of America just because, I suspect, a select group of Europeans have proclaimed that hatred.

Really, if you hate your country either work to change it or leave. But please don't display symptoms of your inferiority complex and national schizophrenia for all to see - I have a sneaking suspicion that this is actually one of the reasons that certain loudmouthed Europeans (and Asians, Africans, Middle Easterners and South Americans) feel that they can get away with attacking us. It's also why we get an extremist, knee-jerk reaction from Americans who refuse to acknowledge that there are any problems in this country.

Posting, using the words I was so kind in bolding for added effect, doesn't necessarily help your cause.;)

ummmm...actually a few.
1. In a debate, somebody mentions soldiers dying, and the response is "well, they took a risk. It's their own fault." I haven't seen this on NSG, but oh man. Oh, man.
2. Anybody who blankets any group for any reason. "All blacks are poor," "All asians are good at math", "Jews rule the world" and of course, "All muslims are terrorists."
3. People who do anything that marginalize women. Ever. Period. Be it rape apologists on NSG or guys who use girls and are otherwise pricks in RL, it drives me CRAZY.

yup...those are my pet peeves. =)

ummmm...actually a few.
1. In a debate, somebody mentions soldiers dying, and the response is "well, they took a risk. It's their own fault." I haven't seen this on NSG, but oh man. Oh, man.


oh god i was thinking i was above it all right up to THIS.

it makes me crazy. "its an all volunteer army"

as if that means they are "free kills" or something.



and, since you made me post, i also dislike criticism of either israelis OR palestinians that does not acknowlege that they DO have grievances. the suggestion that if they just did <insert stupidity> it would solve the whole mess. if it were easy, it would have been fixed by now.

Not even a litle bit?

Shit! You need to de-stress, really, do you do your lama's?

Who does llamas? Bestiality is wrong, my friend. WRONG. You might be right about the de-stressing thing, though. My psych would probably say so, but then again she's so useless that after every consultation I feel like starting a grindcore band called "brutalshrinkmurder". Sample song lyrics would be "charge for torture by the hour, set the hopeless cow alight, only put her out when she admits she's full of shite". Actually, no, scrap what I said earlier, I definitely don't have any anger issues. AT ALL. And God help any of you who say otherwise.

So what gets your goat, more than it really should, and why - if you know?

I don't know, I'm not really going get all pissy about some clown's opinion. On the important subjects(politics, religion) people are unlikely to change their minds based on an Internet post, especially the way things are argued on this forum. On the un-important things, who gives a damn?

I'd like to add another "sensitive point" to my previous one.

Citizens of a country who jump on the "we all hate your country" bandwagon.

Like Americans who claim loud undying hatred of America just because, I suspect, a select group of Europeans have proclaimed that hatred.

Really, if you hate your country either work to change it or leave. But please don't display symptoms of your inferiority complex and national dissociative identity for all to see - I have a sneaking suspicion that this is actually one of the reasons that certain loudmouthed Europeans (and Asians, Africans, Middle Easterners and South Americans) feel that they can get away with attacking us. It's also why we get an extremist, knee-jerk reaction from Americans who refuse to acknowledge that there are any problems in this country.

Sorry, confusion between schizophrenia and DID is another one of my pet peeves. :p

I take a very James Baldwin view of my country and find myself frustrated by both the US-haters and their "You're so stupid for loving your country when it is so made of phail" and the "patriots" and their "How dare you criticize this wonderful land you terrorist!".

I think that most reasonable people in the world have a mixture of love for and pride in their country along with a healthy critical eye and a desire to improve it. No nation is perfect, and no nation is worthless. The U.S. has done well by me and many great things have come from it. Many terrible things have, too. It's my home and I don't like a lot of what's going on right now, but I'd rather wade in with my red correcting pen then scrap the whole thing.

People seem to be unable to discuss pedophilia rationally.

As for me? When people make up strawman definitions of communism and then attack communism based upon them.

People seem to be unable to discuss pedophilia rationally.

As for me? When people make up strawman definitions of communism and then attack communism based upon them.

it bothers me more when people insist on a definition of communism that doesnt exist in the real world and want to say how wonderful communism is.

Arrogance. There are much worse things, but that's the one I encounter the most in day-to-day life (and on this forum, I might add).

What do you think it means when you make your arguement and some one responds very emotionally?
Does it mean that your arguement is really WRONG and Dangerous?
Does it mean that your arguement is logical but your opponent can't admit it because it doesn't feel right?
Maybe it is for a different reason depending on what the arguement actually is.

People seem to be unable to discuss pedophilia rationally.



Oh yes. I admit it, I'm one of these who is unable to discuss it rationally.

Oh yes. I admit it, I'm one of these who is unable to discuss it rationally.

**hands Neesika a loaded pistol**

**hands Neesika a loaded pistol**

There are too many fuckers I'd like to use this on right now, take it back.

There are too many fuckers I'd like to use this on right now, take it back.

*Hides in a corner*

One thing that irks me as much as anything on the Internet does (I make it a point not to take anything on the Internet very seriously) is that many British youth seem to be under the impression that the US Army is a barely trained rabble which barely knows which end of a rifle is the business end and only accomplishes things through weight of numbers and that the British Army are all Green Beret equivalent super soldiers. It's a fairly recent phenomenon so I assume it's something the British media has recently started doing.

And for the record I spent a fair bit of time in the US military and worked with British troops on numerous occasions and found that the level of training in combat units is fairly similar.

One thing that irks me as much as anything on the Internet does (I make it a point not to take anything on the Internet very seriously) is that many British youth seem to be under the impression that the US Army is a barely trained rabble which barely knows which end of a rifle is the business end and only accomplishes things through weight of numbers and that the British Army are all Green Beret equivalent super soldiers. It's a fairly recent phenomenon so I assume it's something the British media has recently started doing.

And for the record I spent a fair bit of time in the US military and worked with British troops on numerous occasions and found that the level of training in combat units is fairly similar.

You were a Cavalry Scout, though. You guys, as I understand it, were the best of the best. You wern't equivalent to the standard infantryman.

You were a Cavalry Scout, though. You guys, as I understand it, were the best of the best. You wern't equivalent to the standard infantryman.

As an infantryman, I take offense to that.

chambers rifle*

:D

As an infantryman, I take offense to that.

chambers rifle*

:D

Not saying you guys are incompetent, but I know that prospective cav scouts have to score highest in several different categories to even be considered for duty.

You were a Cavalry Scout, though. You guys, as I understand it, were the best of the best. You wern't equivalent to the standard infantryman.

Only by a matter of degrees. Although there is a reason that the new BCT concept calls for a lot more scouts than before.

Although I will say that the infantry are better at conducting large dismounted operations than scouts. The cavalry just isn't structured to do that sort of thing, nor are we trained to do it. The vast majority of our dismounted activities are urban patrolling as a section (usually 6 guys), MOUT (although our 3 man teams aren't suited for it) and the more traditional "walk 20km out and sit in a bush for 5 days" sort of thing.

Not saying you guys are incompetent, but I know that prospective cav scouts have to score highest in several different categories to even be considered for duty.


Hahaha, I'm just playing with you. I'm working on my APFT scores so I can qualify for air assault or scout training, to be honest.

Hahaha, I'm just playing with you. I'm working on my APFT scores so I can qualify for air assault or scout training, to be honest.

Well, this is a guy that's never going into the military (not for lack of desire), so your words carry far more weight then mine.

Well, this is a guy that's never going into the military (not for lack of desire), so your words carry far more weight then mine.

Why not? If it isn't too personal, that is. I don't mean to pry.

Why not? If it isn't too personal, that is. I don't mean to pry.

Not at all. There are two big reasons why I can never be in the Military.

1. I am horribly out of shape. Although this has improved with an exercise program, I'd have to lose about 60 pounds to even consider military service.

2. I was injured playing football during my junior year of high school. I ended up having surgery on my wrist. Although it feels funny sometimes, I don't think it effects me much. Strength, RoM, all good. However, I believe this automatically disqualifies me.

Not at all. There are two big reasons why I can never be in the Military.

1. I am horribly out of shape. Although this has improved with an exercise program, I'd have to lose about 60 pounds to even consider military service.

2. I was injured playing football during my junior year of high school. I ended up having surgery on my wrist. Although it feels funny sometimes, I don't think it effects me much. Strength, RoM, all good. However, I believe this automatically disqualifies me.

Well, the shape thing you can work on and all that, but damn have I got a story for you about number 2.

When I went to the MEPS for my enlistment physical, and under the category of "have you ever had any moles/lesions removed?" I checked yes. Silly boy that I was, I had been terrified by the lecture about Dishonorable Discharge and how they WILL catch you if you lie, and I did not listen to my recruiter-lie about it! So when I get to the exam room, I explain to the doctor that yes, I did have two moles removed in 9th grade; no, they were not precancerous; yes, it was for cosmetic reasons.

A week before I ship to basic, I get a call saying that I am about to be discharged because they think I have cancer. Needless to say, hilarity ensued, resulting in a call to my governor, who connected me to the right people to get the situation fixed...two days after the last ship date for Basic Training this summer. Hence why I am here. *sigh*

Anyway, the moral of the story is, just don't tell them about your wrist. I had a full colonel say to me, "Oh, you should have just lied about it. They don't really check."

So now I am going to a military college on sunday, and I am doing extra work for the national guard. *deeper sigh*

Kinda hard to miss the 4 inch scar, my boy.

Kinda hard to miss the 4 inch scar, my boy.

hmmm. Touche, sir. I lay down my rapier.
And I'm sorry =(

You were a Cavalry Scout, though. You guys, as I understand it, were the best of the best. You wern't equivalent to the standard infantryman.

As a former infantryman, I dispute this. I worked with cav scouts in Iraq- my platoon was attached to their company for a few months- and was quite unimpressed. Not that they were bad or incompetent (well, some of the leaders were), but they weren't outstanding. They accomplished less than my regular company did, although I admit that's probably in part because the terrain favored infantry. In any case, they weren't the "best of the best"- you must be thinking of Special Forces.

People often get the wrong idea about infantrymen; they seem to think that because the requirements are low, every infantryman must be a drooling mongoloid. Maybe they half-remember reading something about Project 100,000 in Vietnam, and think it's an ongoing program. The truth is, the stupidest people I have ever known were in the infantry, and the most intelligent people I have ever known were also in the infantry. People join for many different reasons; most qualify for other jobs but harbor a perverse desire to see real combat. I blame Hollywood and youth.

But as to the original topic, someone mentioned people who dismiss the deaths/injuries of soldiers because we volunteered... yeah, that one never fails to piss me off. It might be less offensive if I saw more rich kids volunteering.

It might be less offensive if I saw more rich kids volunteering.

Now why would we do something silly like that?

But as to the original topic, someone mentioned people who dismiss the deaths/injuries of soldiers because we volunteered... yeah, that one never fails to piss me off. It might be less offensive if I saw more rich kids volunteering.

I'm middle class...does that count?

As an aside, would it be possible for me to contact you about your army experience? Depending on the political situation (aka who wins), I might be shipped in 2011, and I want to know as much about the army, and Iraq, as I can.

Kinda hard to miss the 4 inch scar, my boy.

That doesn't necessarily disqualify you. I knew a guy who had had surgery on his shoulder from a wrestling injury, had scars from it, and needed more surgery, and he still got in. I knew another guy who jumped out a second floor window when he was drunk, messed up the tendons in his arm, got surgery, then injured the same arm climbing a wall (not drunk this time, it was during training). He needed another operation, but they still let him reenlist. There's a good chance you could join if you wanted, especially with all the trouble they have making their quota these days.

That doesn't necessarily disqualify you. I knew a guy who had had surgery on his shoulder from a wrestling injury, had scars from it, and needed more surgery, and he still got in. I knew another guy who jumped out a second floor window when he was drunk, messed up the tendons in his arm, got surgery, then injured the same arm climbing a wall (not drunk this time, it was during training). He needed another operation, but they still let him reenlist. There's a good chance you could join if you wanted, especially with all the trouble they have making their quota these days.

Oh? Are you restricted in any way? Do they only let people with injuries like that into noncombat positions? If I were to join, it would be through OCS, so I'm not sure letting me in because of desperateness applies much.

I'm middle class...does that count?

As an aside, would it be possible for me to contact you about your army experience? Depending on the political situation (aka who wins), I might be shipped in 2011, and I want to know as much about the army, and Iraq, as I can.

I guess you can email me if you want, although it's looking like the focus is shifting more to Afghanistan than Iraq these days. Probably for the best. millett.jason@yahoo.com

Oh? Are you restricted in any way? Do they only let people with injuries like that into noncombat positions? If I were to join, it would be through OCS, so I'm not sure letting me in because of desperateness applies much.

Both the guys I mentioned were in the infantry, and I could have mentioned others. It's possible to be restricted for some things, though; I knew a staff sergeant who lost a chunk of his arm in an IED and who couldn't make a fist anymore due to tendon damage, and he was given the option of a medical discharge or a switch to a noncombat MOS. I don't know about OCS, though. I've heard there's a shortage of officers, but I don't know how much that's affected standards.

I guess you can email me if you want, although it's looking like the focus is shifting more to Afghanistan than Iraq these days. Probably for the best. millett.jason@yahoo.com

many thanks, I'll take you up on that.

As for the officer situation, I was talking to a Captain of admissions at Valley Forge, and he was desperate to get me into the Early Commissioning program. They are having just as much trouble keeping officers as they are enlisted.

Sorry, confusion between schizophrenia and DID is another one of my pet peeves. :p

I take a very James Baldwin view of my country and find myself frustrated by both the US-haters and their "You're so stupid for loving your country when it is so made of phail" and the "patriots" and their "How dare you criticize this wonderful land you terrorist!".

I think that most reasonable people in the world have a mixture of love for and pride in their country along with a healthy critical eye and a desire to improve it. No nation is perfect, and no nation is worthless. The U.S. has done well by me and many great things have come from it. Many terrible things have, too. It's my home and I don't like a lot of what's going on right now, but I'd rather wade in with my red correcting pen then scrap the whole thing.

Once again, it seems we agree.

That's my most sensitive point :)

*Hides in a corner*

*comes up behind convservative morality, chloroforms him, drags him into the middle of the room as bait and then steals his corner to hide in*

Both the guys I mentioned were in the infantry, and I could have mentioned others. It's possible to be restricted for some things, though; I knew a staff sergeant who lost a chunk of his arm in an IED and who couldn't make a fist anymore due to tendon damage, and he was given the option of a medical discharge or a switch to a noncombat MOS. I don't know about OCS, though. I've heard there's a shortage of officers, but I don't know how much that's affected standards.


That's...very interesting. I always thought I would be automatically disqualified no matter what. Thanks for clearing that up.

*comes up behind convservative morality, chloroforms him, drags him into the middle of the room as bait and then steals his corner to hide in*
*Reveals he is actually a Roman god, gets up, slices Callis's head off, steals back corner* :D

*Reveals he is actually a Roman god, gets up, slices Callis's head off, steals back corner* :D

Pshh... Roman gods, shroman gods. It's all about the Norse gods. *Hits CM over the head with hammer borrowed from Thor*

People seem to be unable to discuss pedophilia rationally.

I confess. The percentage of people in my life who've been molested is far, far too high for me to be rational. :-/

Once again, it seems we agree.

Probably because we both went to UCSC. I don't remember what college you were at, but we had to read Baldwin in Core at Cowell. ;)

Probably because we both went to UCSC. I don't remember what college you were at, but we had to read Baldwin in Core at Cowell. ;)

Porter, myself. Though I'm not necessarily the constantly smoking poet "porter kid" always going "that's deep."

More the beer drinking, angry musician type who also thinks First Rain is hilarious.

The truth is, the stupidest people I have ever known were in the infantry, and the most intelligent people I have ever known were also in the infantry.

I'd say the same. My driver is an 11B and he is a complete and utter retard (a good kid, but he's distracted easily by shiny things) who had a 20something on his ASVAB and had to be waived in while my section sergeant is a reclassed 11C (He was a Ranger and jumped into Grenada) and is definitely one of the smartest people I've met.

Still, it depends on the unit. I worked with in infantry battalion in Germany and the infantrymen there didn't strike me as all that with it, but when I went to 3d ACR right before OIF1 in Carson just about everyone was pretty shit hot.

Oh, and TSI if you're really interested in being an officer go talk to your local Guard recruiter, Michigan is absolutely desperate for officers. My platoon had to borrow an E-8 from RTI for a platoon leader.

Oh? Are you restricted in any way? Do they only let people with injuries like that into noncombat positions? If I were to join, it would be through OCS, so I'm not sure letting me in because of desperateness applies much.

dont ever give up on your dream without giving it your best effort. if you havent been told definitively that you are not eligible to serve, you would be a fool to not try for it.

if your injury limits you, go to a doctor and physical therapist to see if you can regain full function. if it doesnt--people get hurt in their lives, its not a deal beaker.

In real life:

People who hold opinions on a certain issue without actually having any idea what they are talking about. It's fine if you have a differing opinion, but "I disagree with X because my mum/dad/old high school teacher/government/religious leader tells me to, although I have no idea of the implications of my position, or the situation which I hold this position regarding."

The alcopops tax (drinks prices on stuff like Smirnoff Blacks etc increased by 70% recently due to Federal Government legislation supposedly to stem the tide of binge drinking). Because kids are not going to start drinking Passion Pop and straight spirits are they?

The Nanny state regarding food that looms on the horizon. Honestly, if people want to be fat, let them eat themselves to death. I don't understand why I should have to pay more for my McDonald's just because some nutritionist says I shouldn't be eating it. I know it's bad for me, I just don't care.

On the Internet:

See first point above.

Rape apologists.

People who shoot their mouths off without reading the actual post.

I'd say the same. My driver is an 11B and he is a complete and utter retard (a good kid, but he's distracted easily by shiny things) who had a 20something on his ASVAB and had to be waived in while my section sergeant is a reclassed 11C (He was a Ranger and jumped into Grenada) and is definitely one of the smartest people I've met.

Still, it depends on the unit. I worked with in infantry battalion in Germany and the infantrymen there didn't strike me as all that with it, but when I went to 3d ACR right before OIF1 in Carson just about everyone was pretty shit hot.

Oh, and TSI if you're really interested in being an officer go talk to your local Guard recruiter, Michigan is absolutely desperate for officers. My platoon had to borrow an E-8 from RTI for a platoon leader.


I might just give them a ring. It certainly sounds like an interesting opportunity.

And honestly, who isn't distracted by shiny things?

I might just give them a ring. It certainly sounds like an interesting opportunity.

Be advised though, the state's infantry battalion and cavalry squadron are slated to come right back to Iraq in 2013. Of course, living in Lansing it's possible you could make your way into JFHQ (the headquarters for the state military, analogous to the Pentagon for those not familiar with the Guard) which is non-deployable.

And honestly, who isn't distracted by shiny things?

I certainly am but this kid is really bad. You don't want to get him too involved in a conversation while he's driving because he starts to drift across lanes as he's diverting processing power to talking instead of driving, which is really bad in a 30,000 pound truck at 65mph. Still, he's a great kid, tries hard and follows instructions well, so I really can't ask more of him.

Be advised though, the state's infantry battalion and cavalry squadron are slated to come right back to Iraq in 2013. Of course, living in Lansing it's possible you could make your way into JFHQ (the headquarters for the state military, analogous to the Pentagon for those not familiar with the Guard) which is non-deployable.


Deployment really doesn't matter much to me. I mean, I'd rather not put myself in the line of fire, but if it happens meh. Besides, the war will probably be over by then.

Kinda hard to miss the 4 inch scar, my boy.Just tell them it was a suicide attempt.
They'll totally be okay with that.

Vegatarians, Gun Control, the term "USian"(I consider it vile and offensive), and baseless US bashing.

Vegatarians, Gun Control, the term "USian"(I consider it vile and offensive), and baseless US bashing.

vegetarians??

Just tell them it was a suicide attempt.
They'll totally be okay with that.

It's on the outside of the wrist. They'd laugh me out of the office for doing the worst suicide attempt in history.

To add to my earlier list of things that have, or would irk me if argued on teh NSG...

1. The argument that if a woman dresses a certain way, its partly her fault if she is raped.
2. Dogmatism on the Israel-Palestine conflict, refusing to admit one side should bear any of the blame.
3. People who deliberately misrepresent my posts as saying something that they don't.
4. People who just go "OMG, Godwin LOL!" if a reference to the Nazis is made. If you make a post with no logical argument, simply full of hate towards Jews, racial minorities or sexual minorities, this comparison is entirely fair.
5. People who say that "if you don't believe in a completely free market, you don't understand basic economics".
6. People getting in feuds across threads, and continually bitching against each other until they have to be banned.
7. People who take debating too seriously, and just resort to circular arguments when a feasible opposing view is proposed, and then claim "victory" when I finally get bored and stop replying.
8. Spelling and grammar Nazis who pick up on one single mistake in a post as if that somehow invalidates the entire argument.
9. Ridiculous statements about centre or centre-left politician x being a communist.
10. People thinking that it is acceptable to get get cheap laughs by making jokes about transgender people. Oh look, we're a nice easy target for socially-acceptable pisstaking now that you can't insult racial minorities or gays. It. Isn't. Funny. At. All. Such comments show a lack of basic sensitivity, manners and decency.

My sensitive points? Why my nipples of course!:rolleyes:

I really thought this was going to be the topic of this thread %-)

I have learned the hard way not to get offended by anyone or anything. To ignore and post on. I will never squeal or complain to the Mod Gods about any of my fellow nations, agree or disagree with them, as it involves me or others.

I will defend my views without 4 letter words, insults, ect.

Miami Shores.

Every so often subjects arise on NSG that seem to provoke reactions beyond what would be reasonable to expect from some posters. Which posters are affected varies from subject to subject. We just had one such subject resurface recently causing extreme reactions from some posters from the USA, and equally extreme positions from a certain lady from North America.

I admit to being provokable on certain subjects - feminism (I am radically opposed to all forms of discrimination - which includes positive action or compensatory discrimination) is an example as Neesika probably remembers.

So what gets your goat, more than it really should, and why - if you know?

I will defend my views without 4 letter words, insults, ect.


So you will never go "yeah, right"?

Nothing upsets me to that great a degree.

Anything involving child molestation or sex between children and adults. Even something as 'trivial' as the difference between 15 and 17 year olds.

Anything involving child molestation or sex between children and adults. Even something as 'trivial' as the difference between 15 and 17 year olds.

Um...

Aren't you the one who was dating someone his daughter's age?

Pardon if I've got you mixed up.

Um...

Aren't you the one who was dating someone his daughter's age?

Pardon if I've got you mixed up.

I'm 24.. my current wub interest is 3 months older than me. You must be mistaken

I'm not the kind of person who will find a kind of behavior disgusting unless its me doing it. I was almost offended...

Vegatarians, Gun Control, the term "USian"(I consider it vile and offensive), and baseless US bashing.

Would you prefer it if you were called a 'merkin?

Would you prefer it if you were called a 'merkin?

Only if I can breathe underwater and talk to fish like Aquaman!

Burger munching, gun nut USians

Would you prefer it if you were called a 'merkin?
Rather than be called a "USian"?

Yes.

Rather than be called a "USian"?

Yes.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkin

While I am bothered by a lot of things, I think what really bothers me the most is that most people tend to be unwilling to truly take the time to examine themselves and how they look at things and understand why they do so and whether they need to change something about themselves, whether it's to be more tolerant, or to have more willpower to perform certain actions, ect ect.