en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/764230 Comments by klpski44 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71182141 It is a bit of an extreme example of kindness to give up your kidney for someone you barely know, however I agree that it is great to see that this type of kindness still does exist. I totally agree that it seems like most people cannot be bothered to be even the least bit kind to someone else. This story demonstrates how far just a little bit of kindness can go and what can be accomplished by it. There stories make it even more amazing this woman being Asian and poor, most people would not care to develop a relationship with her. And the man being a social worker at a high school is probably not rolling in money, and the fact that he was willing to put his life and family on hold to help someone is truly amazing. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:52:47 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71182141 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71181460 These stories were both very neat to see however I do agree with you and say that there is not much that the second story can do to compete with the first story. It is neat to hear this from the perspective of someone that has experience with this type of situation, as you did with your grandfather. I also agree with you that karma probably has a lot to do with what happened here, I too believe that if you are nice to people and lead a respectful life good things will come your way. This might take some time and it might not be the most extravagant thing in the world however good things will come if you do good things for others. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:46:51 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71181460 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71180707 This story was very heartwarming to hear, I was amazed that this kind of kindness is still possible in the society we currently live in. I cannot say that I would be able to do the same thing as this man did because sadly I would not have taken the time to get to know the cashier in the first place. This really demonstrates what can happen when people are kind to one another and genuinely care about the well being of their fellow man. This man demonstrated such selfless behavior by doing this, even though he has his own life and family to worry about he was able to risk all of that to help someone out. I doubt there are many people on this earth that would have displayed the courage and selflessness that this man did to help this woman out. Most people including myself would probably feel bad for her, but would not even think to risk their health and life so that this woman could be healed. The mans family should also be commended, I know that if my father wanted to do this for someone I would probably have a major argument with him about it. To let one of your parents risk their life to save someone, and actually encourage it, as they seemed to is truly unbelievable. This story is especially rare in the society we live in today; there is so much disrespect and rudeness in our society it is amazing to see how far a little kindness can go. The real message from this story is how far kindness and being polite can get you. You have to remember that if this woman were not pleasant and nice to this man and his family every time they went in the store, this man probably would have never done this for her. I know that when I am checking out somewhere it makes me feel good when the clerk is polite and makes your experience more enjoyable. It is very important for everyone to be kind to people, to often in today’s society people are simply out for themselves. It is very naïve to think that stories like this would inspire people to be more kind, because people just simply seem to not care anymore and behave miserably no matter what. However when hearing a story like this it should inspire people to be more outgoing and kind to people, so one day when they have a problem someone might think enough of them to help them out like this man did. Obviously this is a very extreme example of outgoing kindness, however if people could just display a fraction of the kindness the people involved in this story did the world would be a much better place to live. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:40:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71180707 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70084495 My family had a very similar situation to yours, my grandfather was very poor but had the determination to go out and bust his ass to make something of himself. He started out not having anything, and by the time he died he was the CEO of a major company and had owned a professional baseball franchise. This proves that you can make your own connections and make something out of yourself with hard work. However I do not think these immigrants want to become part of this country legally even if they did have the money, because it is simply easier to do it illegally. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:43:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70084495 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70082702 Everybody that has been successful, except for maybe lottery winners have worked hard sometime in their lives. People that work for Fortune 500 companies work just as hard as people whom cut grass, however it is a different type of hard work. And these people are usually working in the company and not mowing lawns because they have worked hard early in their lives to put themselves in that situation. Hard work is inevitable if you want to lead a good life, however I do not think these illegal immigrants would become legal if they had the money to. Because it is simply more convenient for them to live here illegally, they do not have to pay taxes or go through the trouble of becoming legal, so why would they do it. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:36:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70082702 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70080734 First of all it says it all in the title ILLEGAL Immigrants, how is this different than anything else that is against the law. If we start allowing people come here illegally, then how do we justify enforcing any other law that we have? I realize that this country was built on immigration and I probably would not be here if my ancestors would not have immigrated. However the people who immigrated back then did not have money either, in fact that is the reason why most people make the decision to come here because they are not leading a glamorous ritzy life where they are. Also I believe that people now are not as interested in coming here to become Americans and assimilate into our culture. The immigrants of the past even though they tended to stick by their ethnic group once arriving here made America what it is today, learned the English language, and worked hard to build this country into what it is today. These immigrants coming in now do not want to learn or culture and adjust into our society to try and better themselves, however they seem content not doing any of this and working low pay manual labor jobs. While I realize that this is all that is available to them upon their arrivals it doesn’t seem like once they get the money to become legal they do not do it, however they continue living here illegally. While the majority of these people do not commit crimes and try to fly under the radar, there are illegal immigrants, who commit violent crimes even murder, these are crimes that do not need to be here and if immigration laws were enforced would not happen. This is a very sad fact that innocent Americans have been killed by people who should not even be here. These people also do not pay taxes; however enjoy the freedoms that you earn by paying them. I have personal experience with illegal immigration and the harm it can cause, a neighboring town to mine Hazleton Pennsylvania, has a massive problem with illegal immigration. This was a small coal town that did not have much crime at all and has become a refuge for illegal immigrants. Since this push of immigrants came into the town the crime rates have increased dramatically, and the town has turned into a so-called bad area. Property values in the town have also dropped dramatically, which has caused many residents to leave. This has many repercussions; it has made the school system not as good, and made people not want to live there. Recently Mayor Lou Barletta has made a push to deport all illegal immigrants living in the area, and has caught much heat for this. I think that this is a good policy and it should be perfectly acceptable to deport these people once they are caught. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:29:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70080734 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68458998 I am getting really sick and tired of reading these things and listening to people try and make all Middle Easterner’s look like peaceful angels, and Americans look like monsters that are destroying their lives. If you really think that people in the Mid East want peace and we are the aggressors in this situation you are nuts. Violence has been a part of this area forever, mostly wars for religious reasons, which they are still fighting without us being there. This is ridiculous to say that all the Middle East wants is peace obviously you do not know about world issues. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:00:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68458998 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68452717 First off let me start by saying that if you think that people of the Middle East really just want peace, you are absolutely brainwashed. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard that you believe if we were not over there that it would be some peaceful serene place to live. They have so amply demonstrated their hatred for others around them, and their need to control territories for years before this war was ever started. Also if you think China is such a wonderful place I would love to see you in a couple years when they want repayment on the billions they have loaned to us. I am in no way saying that everything the U.S. government does is right, in fact I agree wit very little of what they do, But have some pride in your country and stop bashing it. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:57:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68452717 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68451772 Yeah actually i did come to class, if you would have read my whole blog and looked at some of the details in it you would know this. So it is to bad that you didnt read my whole blog and obviously did not pay attention to the details of the lecture Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:48:19 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68451772 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68301807 First off let me start by saying that this is one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever seen, I have friends that have risked their lives in the middle east, and I think this demeans everything that they are doing that for. I cant believe that you could stand up there and pretty much make people who are risking their lives for you look like they are outlandish and irresponsible. I know that you would defend yourself by saying that you know about everything that is going on over there and the struggles that these people are going through, however I really don’t think that you do. I do not think it is fair at all to compare American Christians to Muslim extremists in the Middle East. While these people could get a skewed view of us from their media, and possibly think we are in their country for the wrong reason, you do not see American civilians bombing public places with the specific intent of killing innocent civilians. I realize that there probably is Christians that would like to do this to Muslims, however there are comparatively many more Muslims like this than Christian American’s. Maybe I will be inclined to believe you when I see people parading down the streets of New York after thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens have just been blown up in an office building. Like so many Middle Eastern Muslims did after September 11th. That fact shows you that there is not much of a comparison between these two groups. These cultures brain wash there children into hating and wanting to kill American civilians, This is very sad considering these children are never given the chance to live normal lives. This hatred will be passed down from generation to generation, and will make it even harder for us to be at peace. I am in no way a person who simply hates Muslims or people of Middle Eastern descent; in fact I have a very good friend that is Muslim. However I also have close friends that have fought and risked their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. I cant imagine that you could try and justify trying to hurt these brave people by saying that if you were in this situation you would be planting road side bombs, and trying to kill soldiers. I believe that war protests and speaking ill of a cause is absolutely ridiculous, people leading these types of things almost always say that they support the soldiers but no the cause. I think this is ridiculous imagine how you would feel if you were risking your life for something and the people you were doing it for, were calling it a useless cause and protesting it, how would that hurt your morale. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:43:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68301807 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64746883 First off the U.S. Census does not need to please everyone in the world that is why it is the United States Census. Second, all the people saying their race is for funding purposes and other things so it doesn’t matter if you are confused you can just put one down. It should not be something that people complain about that they have to choose between white and Mexican on a Census. This is just people complaining simply to complain. The Census is not that big of a deal and people should grow up and stop getting offended by something that should not at all offend them. Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:50:09 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64746883 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64746201 I agree with you here when saying that the people who researched and wrote the Census, probably had good reason to put the categories they did on the Census. There are categories such as Negro on the Census because some people relate to them and that is what they refer to themselves as, people getting offended by that is ridiculous. Someone saying that a word on a Census reminded them of oppression in their childhood is a complete overreaction on this person’s part. She does not have to check that off it is just there for the people who can relate to that term, it would be different if that was the box she had to check off. Basically I think that this is ridiculous to start controversy over a Census. Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:42:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64746201 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64733038 This whole deal with the census is absolutely ridiculous; it seems like people just love to stir up controversy, and are unhappy if things run smoothly. Just check off the race that you are such as black, white or Native American. They’re so many categories you can check off that you have to be able to fit into one or two of them. I am not saying that people are color blind in this country because they are not they see peoples race very well, however I do not see how you can not fit yourself into the categories that are currently on the census. When watching the video I could have figured out what category to put the people who were confused in just by listening to what they were. These people probably did not read the thing totally, or enough to have it make logical sense to them. I read the census when it was delivered to my house and it seemed pretty self explanatory to me, You can check off two race boxes if I m not mistaken, and it seems like you should be able to fit yourself into two. And I am sure that two races or ethnicities should be enough to get your area adequate funding. Personally I think that this whole deal is just people that want to make controversy, it seems as though everybody just like to make things difficult and bitch about things that are happening today. If you are going to complain about the census then come up with a better way to collect this information and pitch in to your congressman, don’t just complain to complain about something. Nothing gets me madder then when people complain about something and have really no idea what it is or how it works. The census seems to have been an adequate way of collecting information in this country so far, and I don’t see why this year would change that. Granted the census does need to be changed every once and a while to adapt to changing times, however to me this census looks pretty up to date, and like it should be able to accommodate everyone. From what I have heard about the census it sounds like a lot of research goes into producing it, and I am sure that the people doing it are not stupid like people are claiming. Basically I think this is just people making a big deal about nothing, If they would just read the thing and try to understand it before complaining that it does not make sense we probably would not be having the problems that we are. While the Census might require a little tweaking in the next ten years, overall I think that it is good and affective at analyzing our country and its needs. Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:06:56 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64733038 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63757512 I completely agree with you the bill does suck in its entirety, however these protestors should not have taken this to the extent they did. Capitol hill is one of the most corrupt places on earth, however that does not give the protestors the right to go as far as spitting on someone. That is not even treatment that animals should receive, It does not matter how much you disagree with someone you should never treat them like this. When these protestors behave like this it just makes the whole country look bad. It makes us look like we are uncivilized and that our country is in disarray. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:37:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63757512 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63756641 I completely agree with you the bill does suck in its entirety, however these protestors should not have taken this to the extent they did. Capitol hill is one of the most corrupt places on earth, however that does not give the protestors the right to go as far as spitting on someone. That is not even treatment that animals should receive, It does not matter how much you disagree with someone you should never treat them like this. When these protestors behave like this it just makes the whole country look bad. It makes us look like we are uncivilized and that our country is in disarray. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:30:41 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63756641 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63755697 These tea parties are a bit extreme, however this is simply freedom of speech and there is nothing that can be done to stop them. The people that take physical action against the politicians should be arrested however the others no matter what they are saying cannot be apprehended. If they were to be arrested that would go against everything that this country stands for. These politicians should not be phased by verbal abuse and for that matter no one in a public position, whether it be an athlete, actor or politician. Because sadly that is the place our society is at, in fact politicians probably have it the easiest as far as being harassed and constantly probed by the media, and the public. It seems like today when you are successful and gain wealth and fame, people look for ways to bring you down, instead of praising you for hard work and determination. I believe to and extent that is what is happening here, while these people might not agree with these politicians there is no reason to be that malicious in their fight against them. Personally I do not agree with the new health care bill and it seems like they are passing it just to pass it, because there seems to be a lot of people that do not agree with it. Also, I am annoyed by the people who support the bill yet know nothing about it or what it is going to do. However none of this gives these protestors the right to use the language that they are, and I do not believe many of them know what the bill is about either. Behaving like the protestors have been does not accomplish anything and gives people who do not support the bill for good reason a bad rap, there behavior just puts everyone a step back. It is perfectly fine to protest and as I stated before, I support these peoples right to do so, however there are good and bad ways to protest. Obviously the way they are protesting is the wrong way, if they would be more civil in these protest politicians might be more inclined to listen to them. No one wants to take suggestions from someone who is blatantly insulting and putting them down. For this reason I believe that it is wrong that these protestors were addressed by other politicians, they should have enough mutual respect for their colleagues that they would not do this. In closing I do not think it was wrong what these people were doing in speaking their minds, if no one ever spoke their minds then this country would not be what it is today. However they spoke their minds in a terrible and ineffective way. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:22:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63755697 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63073400 I have no problem with homosexuals, as far as I am concerned they can do whatever they want just like any other person in the world. However this girl seems to be trying to create controversy, she could have easily just gone with this girl like a lot of other heterosexual girls do who cannot find dates. She had to try and wear a tux however and created controversy, I have no problem with people sticking up for their rights but she has to realize her surroundings. Mississippi is far from tolerant in these situations and obviously this ruined the prom for many other students. If she had just worn a dress and her and her girlfriend had gone solo they could have had a good experience and avoided all of this controversy. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:14:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63073400 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63072249 I agree with you that the school should not of canceled the prom because of this, There probably was money lost that was already set in place to reserve certain things for the night. You bring up a good point about girls going with other girls if they do not find any guys they want to go with, and in my opinion this girl should have just treated the situation like that. She had to know that it would drum up controversy if she wore a tux and went with her girlfriend. If she would have just gone with her girlfriend in a dress and treated it as a regular situation like girls just going with one of their friends this could have all been avoided. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:04:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63072249 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63010232 When I read this, it really surprised me that a school could cancel the prom for something like this, it seems like they should know that people would fight this. I have to say first that I am not against same sex couples, however it seems like they just want to make it hard on themselves. This girl has to know form living in Mississippi, that it is not the most open and excepting place to live. She could have easily gotten to go to the prom with her date if the would have just gone solo and both worn dresses. I realize that no one can tell another person that they have to wear something, however if she really just wanted to attend the prom with her girlfriend she should of just conformed in this situation and worn a dress. If she wants to stand up for her rights I have no problem with it, however she picked the wrong forum to do it in my opinion. When I say that these type people are making it hard on themselves I mean that if they would just conform in some situations, not all situations, that things would go by much smoother. You have to remember that by doing this she has ruined the prom for hundreds of other kids that might have wanted to go. Prom is overrated in my opinion however it is a right of passage of sorts for high school students. Some of these students might have put in their own time to organize and even raise funds for the prom, and now that work was done in vein. I know that if this would have happened in my school that there would have been many people that would have most likely been very upset. I am sure that there are kids at the school this girl attends that are very upset that prom is cancelled too. By causing the prom to get cancelled she is also probably making it worse on herself as far as getting picked on in school. The kids at her school are most likely directly blaming her for this, even though it is not all her fault and, I am sure she will experience some bad treatment and possibly even vandalism to her house from these other students. With that being said however I do think that the school acted somewhat inappropriately in canceling the prom over an incident like this. They could have just simply asked her not to wear a tuxedo, and I am sure that the kids in her school would not have been freaked out bit this. However In making a decision like this girl did I think she should have considered her surroundings, and not do something that will hinder the rest of your school. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:03:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63010232 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59675189 The NBA has turned into a league full of selfish players who really have lost sight of what it means to play a team game. This is exemplified perfectly by players scoring eighty points themselves in a single game and forty on a regular basis. College basketball definitely has the upper hand in my opinion also it gives a player with teamwork skill sets a chance to excel. However I do agree that this type of league would never work, people who want to see and NBA game are going to go watch that type of basketball. And for people who want the NBA game mixed in with good fundamental play they will go see college games. There is simply no market for this brand of basketball, and the league would undoubtedly be a failure. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 03:23:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59675189