The last three links are interesting in that they add some facts and context for what was something of a culturally defining moment in the US. As usual, the whole story is more nuanced.
They could’ve dealt with this under the rules against being disruptive and rude, without bringing boldily funtions into it.
I'm not so sure. When I was in seventh grade, several of us could burp and fart on command, with the obvious effect on classroom discipline. Had we been punished for being disruptive and rude, we'd pull that innocent "...but I can't help it, I've got gas, Principal" routine. The rule allows teachers to specifically name a punishable offense.
Will this rule punish kids who are innocently flatulent? It's possible, but if my experience is any indication, rules were enforced selectively, and the wrath of the teachers generally fell on those who were pretty much causing trouble.
Another goofy thing about the list. Places like L.A. and NYC don't seem to fit considering the high property values. If such places were truly miserable, nobody would want to live there. But that isn't the case. Quite the opposite.
Also interesting illegal immigration is an asset, not a problem. They make up a large, flexible workforce, statistically low burden on public services, and law enforcement, despite popular opinion, and still contribute to public coffers, half the time via paycheck taxes, all the time through sales and property taxes. All without eligibility of usual welfare programs and without complaining. It's no wonder folks are so scared of them!
High levels of illegal immigrants would seem to indicate economic strength. A good sign. The downside being that regular folks have to endure hearing Spanish spoken in the lines at the supermarket. I guess there's no underestimating the annoyance of hearing foreign languages in public.
Interesting criteria. Having long commute times and high taxes is a much different kind of misery than having high crime rates and unemployment. Not all misery is equal.
Thirty years ago, it would probably have been a racist and inappropriate joke.
In this case, I think it was simply an innocent use of words that also happen to have some unfortunate historical connotations. I think for the under 40 crowd, the history of lynching and race is thankfully increasingly alien, to the point that such references may not carry the same weight as they might for, say a 60 year old.
If it were some kind of written story, where more thought and editing can be exercised, I'd say it was at the least a display if ignorance. As an off the cuff comment, it should be allowed to slide.
I'm not so sure. When I was in seventh grade, several of us could burp and fart on command, with the obvious effect on classroom discipline. Had we been punished for being disruptive and rude, we'd pull that innocent "...but I can't help it, I've got gas, Principal" routine. The rule allows teachers to specifically name a punishable offense.
Will this rule punish kids who are innocently flatulent? It's possible, but if my experience is any indication, rules were enforced selectively, and the wrath of the teachers generally fell on those who were pretty much causing trouble.
Also interesting illegal immigration is an asset, not a problem. They make up a large, flexible workforce, statistically low burden on public services, and law enforcement, despite popular opinion, and still contribute to public coffers, half the time via paycheck taxes, all the time through sales and property taxes. All without eligibility of usual welfare programs and without complaining. It's no wonder folks are so scared of them!
High levels of illegal immigrants would seem to indicate economic strength. A good sign. The downside being that regular folks have to endure hearing Spanish spoken in the lines at the supermarket. I guess there's no underestimating the annoyance of hearing foreign languages in public.
In this case, I think it was simply an innocent use of words that also happen to have some unfortunate historical connotations. I think for the under 40 crowd, the history of lynching and race is thankfully increasingly alien, to the point that such references may not carry the same weight as they might for, say a 60 year old.
If it were some kind of written story, where more thought and editing can be exercised, I'd say it was at the least a display if ignorance. As an off the cuff comment, it should be allowed to slide.
I blame democracy.
However, this doesn't mean that the housing slump, credit crunch, and pricey oil aren't taking a toll. The sudden .3% jump is worrisome.
extreme hotness of St. Brigid back in the day.