On Families in generational poverty form their own culture

Posted on April 19 at 8:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

And if there isn't one to comment on, you can dig one up from nearly 5 years ago, right frogger?

On Walkers cropping up locally to take stand against hunger

Posted on April 15 at 1:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Well, first of all Sandman, could it be you that is misguided? Although the story does not contain a lot of details about the objectives, so you wouldn't know, but if I were to consider donating to a cause, I would do a little "homework" first.
And here is some of what I found: these funds don't primarily go to the stereotypical "poor, lazy, obese" person that commenters here seem to love to hate.
You've undoubtedly also read comments under stories here about babies in the poor parts of the world being allowed to die from dirty/no water? Here's an opportunity to provide money/material for clean water wells in those parts of the world, as well as irrigation and materials necessary for farming, fishing....providing forms of self-sufficiency (not just food for fat Americans). I'm talking about in devastated parts of the world, like where a disaster happened, drought plagues them, or they're just too poor to be able to get started. Not just here in the US where (sarcasm alert) all poor, (never) hungry people get fat watching their huge TV's.
Seriously, I'm happy to tell you that many "poor" people in the US (do, or would if they could) work as many hours as you do, are actually underweight!!!, and you'll also be happy to learn, they ARE struggling (as they should be?)
But if you prefer to focus on the stereotype...I guess I would be happy to live in a country where even our poor are well fed. Apparently, by reading comments, many would rather see them emaciated so they could be properly identified.

On Rock County ranks low in health

Posted on March 26 at 11:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

gazettefan, why do you say "Maybe RUSerious will comment here to inform us about "food deserts" as a cause for obesity in the poor."
I know that comment of yours was based on a "conversation" we had here a few months ago where YOU brought up the concept of food deserts, and you asked me my opinion. You encouraged me to state my thoughts on their affect on obesity of the poor, which I did, apparently so you could turn around and suggest that "food deserts" were a myth and my thoughts on them were invalid.
This is at least the second time since that original post where you inquired about food deserts under the "Local man wins $1 million in Powerball drawing" story that you've dredged up the RUSerious/food deserts "connection", obviously not out of any real respect for the thoughts I shared (only at your request). Why?
But, for the sake fairness (to you AND to me), remember, you also commented "you point out many more valid reasons for the obesity of poor people." I had naively thought at the time that we were just sharing ideas, not providing bits of "stuff" for you to throw at me later.

On Homeless experience opens Gazette reporter’s eyes, heart

Posted on March 10 at 7:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

NVgrf-this made me think of the same story. It's sad that in either of these stories, someone had to "go undercover" to find that preconceived notions can be wrong, and they can also hinder you from ever being able to improve your circumstances.
And badger, I agree, that's what many people think of when they hear about the homeless. If everyone had the opportunity to do what this reporter did, or better yet, give some time to these causes, they'd see that many of these citizens are just like us, but with some unhappy circumstances thrown their way. And some, like this reporter, actually hold down jobs, go to school, do meaningful things with their non-shelter time, but just can't get ahead enough to get a place of their own.
Fascinating article.

On Janesville doctor writes about faith

Posted on January 29 at 10:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

GFan 2: I let God off the hook for letting bad things happen? If I don't write another 76 paragraphs telling you what I think about that, you'll say I am evading the question. I'd predict you're about to say it right now. But I told you before, that's what he is asking of me (and you, but you're doing it without being asked, right?) and everyone else. I truly believe those innocent babies deserve more, can have more, and will have the tranquility they deserve; how or when is not in my realm of knowledge (I never claimed omniscience), but it depends on us if we are to see any of it here on Earth. I think we are supposed to refurbish that gift I talked about.
I told you, I don't hold humans to a higher moral standard (as if THEY care what I think), I hold them to using the capability of the moral standard that they were born with. Knowing right from wrong, and doing their best to live life accordingly. Man can do better than he is doing. Don't you ever watch the news and are amazed at the lack of cooperation all over the world? And I mean among people of all types. Can you imagine if every single person on Earth tried his best to get along with every other person on Earth? Can you imagine how much good could be done? Am I naïve, childish, simple minded? If so, then I wish everyone was. (And please refrain from suggesting I am all of those things for being a Christian; I already know many of you think that.) How about if there were no Christians; could you imagine it then and think it was a good thing?
Now, where was I...probably about to get banned for my ridiculously long posts that still fall short of what you're asking.

On Janesville doctor writes about faith

Posted on January 29 at 10:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Gazettefan, I'll preface what I'm saying by telling you I KNOW both "sides" are capable of sarcasm, spite, and smart remarks. You don't have to remind me. But you could probably acknowledge that the Christians (I'm talking about this situation only right now) would have nothing to be that way for if Christianity wasn't being made light of. Who would we be reacting to?
Ok-I'm sure we both know you can't turn your "Christian" on and off like a light bulb. You either are, or you're not (though a person can convert one way or another for whatever reason-but that can't be what you're talking about (?)). And I didn't say I don't believe "christians do bad things", but a TRUE Christian wouldn't practice bad things continuously as a rule. They'd repent and do better. They'll never perfect it. But they can try. I sure know there are Christian low-lifes, numbskulls and who knows what else, but if you think that most of us think you can rob, cheat, murder... then ask for forgiveness and expect it, then start all over the next day, you're wrong. You can't really use "forgiveness" like a get out of jail free card. Forgiveness is for the truly repentant, and the truly repentant do not do it that way. The truly sick might, but that's another story. Though you don't acknowledge God, don't you think that Christians would know a fake repentant can't fool God? They're either using Pascal's wager, or for some reason it's for the sake of onlookers (like a parole agent or prison warden, or even mom). If they're not carrying the weight of what they did, it isn't necessarily because their sins have been forgiven. But you're not suggesting it is only, or primarily, Christians who do bad, are you?

On Janesville doctor writes about faith

Posted on January 29 at 1:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

That's it? You pronounce that "It occurs to you" (and you're talking about ME!) "that god either doesn't exist or that he's crazy" and "seeds are being planted", therefore it is so? But we're not supposed to believe in an all-knowing God, just an all-knowing Gazettefan?
If anything, my faith is stronger since I discovered these playgrounds of religious "discussion". But I will admit that the animosity and disrespect are disheartening, and surprising to me.
About the prisoners: are you all-knowing on that, too, or only consider the possibilities that strengthen your argument? Prisoners are credible in their claim that they are Christian, but they are not credible if they truly believe God exists? Why is that? How about the last minute "converts"? How about those whose repeat acts contradict what they say they believe in? Whether or not any prisoners are Christian, they do NOT represent ME!
And no, we should not hold mankind to a higher standard (we are mere mortals), but we should be held accountable for the evils we purposely commit.

On Janesville doctor writes about faith

Posted on January 28 at 11:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Mongo: "Lets talk about Clostridium Difficile now, shall we? Be wordy."
I can't do that, it would literally be taking the words (and it's definition) right out of your mouth. Not my thing, but obviously yours.
Yes, I had to look it up, but you, it is obvious, are living it. I've noticed you have an affinity for unappealing bodily discharges.
I can't imagine our "debate" mates here are thrilled with you taking their side. But I could be wrong.

On Janesville doctor writes about faith

Posted on January 28 at 9:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Gazettefan: "RUSerious, the reason you think that I'm not responding appropriately to your comments is because you're not writing what you think you're writing.

Thanks for the heads up. I wonder what I'm writing. I thought I knew.

and you said "Unacceptable things are popping into your head and you're trying to hide those things, that's why your writing is wordy and unclear."
Those unacceptable things popping into my head weren't meant to be read by others. I apologize if you took offense. But a person can only read those venomous comments for so long... (I don't necessarily mean yours)
And my writing is always wordy-you knew that-no matter what the subject. And it's unclear to you because it isn't saying verbatim what you think I should say and/or believe.
But I can predict most of your responses to what I say, yet I still say them. (That fault I will claim for myself.)
Your other issues: yes, it (people who suffer because of what we do, or don't do, etc.) is the fault of mankind, whether or not you believe in God.
I cannot speak for God, and you cannot speak for me, as you did above. And it certainly isn't up to me to "let God off the hook". If it were up to me, I'd ask him to trade my life for those baby's (at least), and I bet you would, too. On the other hand, some people have managed to do just that.

And your prisoners stuff that I forgot to include before: most prisoners are Christian (or so they claim)? And? Could be, but whose statistics are you using, and was it from questionnaires they filled out? Are these indications of the shortcomings of Christianity, or of these prisoners? Would you give the prisoners a pass for their failings because they were brought up as Christians? Can you be sure they were? Maybe they grew up in a Godless environment and thought checking the "Christian" box would look good? I know I have heard of quick conversions just before a death sentence was to be carried out.
We (posters in general) cannot have a civilized discussion. Why is that? This isn't even a debate. It's an argument that none of us will win in this setting. It's futility in action. Just look below.

On Janesville doctor writes about faith

Posted on January 27 at 5:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

You said "It seems you're saying that he's willing to have those babies die as a way for you to show appreciation for the gift. Some gift!!!" Ummm, nope. Not quite sure how you got that, not even close. The results of all that man has done are on man alone. If you run a car into the ground and expect the problems to miraculously be non-existent even though you read the handbook, can you then blame the manufacturer for making a faulty car? (Yep-another analogy.) You can ask him for advice (well, I can), but that might be all you'll get until ALL USERS learn to treat it as it should be treated.
You went on to say "Aren't there less horrible ways than dying babies for us to show our appreciation?" You did not absorb what I said. I never implied suffering babies showed our appreciation. If we would have showed it from the beginning, babies wouldn't be suffering and dying. It is a result of NOT showing our appreciation, by NOT doing what is right. Suffering babies were not the intended outcome. Helping those babies is showing our appreciation. Again, did you expect perfection in an imperfect world, someone to come and clean up after us when we could have prevented it in the first place and intentionally didn't? No consequences for our actions? Many of us (you included) do what we can to fix things, but it would take ALL of us to make the impact we need.
Natural disasters? Wasn't it we (mankind in general) who showed our disregard for the Earth? But you expect that we should only get perfection in return? How are we owed this?
It wasn't that I got the gift and the babies didn't. It was a gift to mankind. Babies weren't meant to suffer, and should not. No one was. But, in general, we blew it. No matter what or if you believe, is that not obvious? Or doesn't it matter as long as no one gets hurt? Not going to happen. You squander your inheritance, you lose, and there may be little left for the next generation. And those babies we speak of.
How anyone else reacts to your questions is between you and them. I can't speak for them, or fault them for reacting in a particular way to the mockery here. We're only human.
What did God say to me? And how did he say it? Refer to the last 2 lines of my first paragraph. I'm certain you haven't tried to experience it though, so how could you know what I mean?