The Ranting/Debate Thread

[super_slicer]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

And defending yourself with hostility is by no means "silly", it's an instinctual and somewhat reasonable reaction shared not only by most members of the human species, but a large number of our friends within the animal kingdom. True story.

And mentioning that your point originates from the media only works in favour of my argument, not yours, which is what confuses me about your approach in that particular set of sentences.

I thought I was being sarcastic enough that I wouldn't need to use italics.

Because apparently I'm a tool that believes whatever the nice lady inside the picture-box tells me. I don't need to italicize this do I?

Also, I'd like some examples of sanctioned military operations where we've intentionally targeted innocents.

 

[Nunu]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

While this is the ranting and debate thread, given the topic and chance of... collateral damage, I suggest you two continue it in a cappy sues superslicer thread.

 

[Hopeyouguess62]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

I could go on and on, but honestly, I'm not going to sway anyone who's already decided for themselves that America "Rocks", and I'm certainly not going to be swayed by them. So this is a bit of a waste of effort I guess.

This is the only thing you've said that I agree with. You should have stopped talking at that point. It's obvious that nobody here is willing to change their mind, no matter how much evidence is brought to the table.

My question to you is this: are you actively attempting to affect changes in your government and military (which you've admitted is just as bad as ours, only not as strong) or are you simply complaining about it? If you truly believe in the stuff you're preaching, then you should become a politician, fix your nation's problems and dissolve the ties that bind our nations.

I've said it before, but I like repeating it. I know we do some stupid stuff as a nation. I know we've got our share of ignorant people and unscrupulous politicians. I still love my country. I'm still proud to be American. I'll still happily do my share to safeguard our citizens, our allies (even you, Cappy) and our flag.

P.S. America rocks.

 

[super_slicer]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

There's no need for that, I've said all I want to on this subject and will not be contributing to this further.

 

[Cappy]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

-

As for the American Politics etc... I'm done arguing about it, because it'll just cause drama. And not even the entertaining kind.

But as for "Becoming a politician to solve problems" within South Africa, not only is that impossible for somebody who is white and unsubmissive to join the ANC, but it is also unlikely that I could make my way up the chain of authority without pulling strings and making immoral maneuvers in order to claw my way up.

As for joining a different political party: Right now the ANC is perpetually held up by public ignorance. Right now there's a great deal of prejudice towards white people within South Africa, and the ANC are using that to not only hold onto their position of power, but cement it to the ground and maintain an iron grip on any power within the country.

Because of this, they can launder money, receive and give bribes, rape, murder, slander, incite racial violence, or do whatever they please, and get caught... Then get away with it. A certain member of the ANC got caught receiving a bribe from a large company, and when the time for him to go to jail came, THERE WAS SUDDEN NEWS OF A LIFE-THREATENING DISEASE! So he was released to hospital for a day. And then when he was discharged from the hospital, "Eh? What prison sentence?".

A judge held in high esteem was recorded via phone inciting racial hatred/violence and openly admitting his bias within court cases due to race. The evidence was disregarded due to the recording being on a phone, despite it being obvious that the recording was an entirely reliable piece of evidence.

Jacob Zuma was involved in a Court Case accusing him of raping a lesbian due to sexual discrimination. This is due to his attachments to what was once a tribal culture. And to add to his humiliation, although the court was indecisive and he went free, he openly admitted to having a shower after the sex to try and wash away the AIDs. This is our current fucking president, and he's a goddamn moron.

Julius Malema, once president of the African National Congress Youth League, has not only spoke up about being in favour of "Snatching land from the white farmers.", but has been known to publicly sing songs with the lyrics "Kill die boer." often. On top of that, he's against the idea of Caucasian judges, has become famous for an incident in which he forces a reporter out of a conference for being white, and a number of other incidents which you could all probably find out about given some research.

This political party has been voted up by a grand 85-95% of total voters, and that number isn't likely to go down any time soon. Just what the fuck do you expect a 20 year old volunteer worker to do about it? Throw shoes at them in public appearances?



Edit: "whining" "K"

If you came to The Ranting/Debate Thread expecting there to be no rants or complaints, then you have a severe case of mental deficiency. That's all I have to say on the matter.

 

[Hopeyouguess62]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

...But as for "Becoming a politician to solve problems" within South Africa, not only is that impossible for somebody who is white and unsubmissive to join the ANC, but it is also unlikely that I could make my way up the chain of authority without pulling strings and making immoral maneuvers in order to claw my way up.

As for joining a different political party: Right now the ANC is perpetually held up by public ignorance. Right now there's a great deal of prejudice towards white people within South Africa, and the ANC are using that to not only hold onto their position of power, but cement it to the ground and maintain an iron grip on any power within the country....

...Just what the fuck do you expect a 20 year old volunteer worker to do about it? Throw shoes at them in public appearances?

Huh... I figured you lived in England, like your profile says. South Africa is certainly a different situation. The generations of white people before you REALLY screwed that situation up... but what's done is done.

Anyway, you're living in a country whose government you abhor and see no possibility of influencing. I think the only solution left is to leave. Finish college (if practical), save up some money and leave. An more-workable solution would be to apply to study abroad, then apply for a permanent visa to the country you study in. Even if the college solution is out of reach, you could work two or three jobs and save up the money for travel.

Emigration is daunting, but there are people with less money and ability who do it every day. Some of them even manage to drag their families along. Hell, the U.S. Coast Guard picks up Cubans on rafts ever few weeks, trying to row the distance from Cuba to Florida.

 

[Cappy]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

As somebody who has openly admitted to prejudice, I would like to say that racial slurs are definitely a bad thing. I heard of somebody making use of the word "Nigger" on the forum at some point, and I would like to address that. My opinion has been misunderstood before, and at great length regarding the matter. I believe that prejudice is logical, and unavoidable, but should be regarded as a generalization that will only be true some of the time. I always keep that in mind.

So in essence, just because you or I believe races have their differences, doesn't mean that inciting racial hatred is acceptable. I know when I hear members of a different race slandering white people in their native language, I feel indignant, and disgusted. I know that a greater part of the white people in South Africa of British descent have a penchant for lies, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I do. When this sort of gossip stirs around in the open, it causes backlashes of scorn.

If perchance a person of African Descent were to be a member of this forum, and not only that, but a respected member of this forum, I wouldn't want him to be subject to that sort of disgusting behavior. Resent, Contempt, and Anger you have for people who follow a stereotype is something to be kept to yourself. I understand that there a great deal of people who follow the annoying stereotypical persona of a delinquent African American, but there are also a great deal of people of African Heritage that don't.

The nature of open prejudice harms not only the annoying stereotypical douchebags, but the potentially wonderful people who just don't. Racism isn't necessarily ignorance, but the misuse of it is most definitely ignorant, and to be avoided and condemned as such.

 

[Newbie]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

A little rant on all the rep shenanigans that have been going on. Feel free to ignore it.

Spoiler

I am becoming upset at all these little shit fits being thrown over reputation and its use and misuse, especially by people I've never heard of. I rarely read anything other than Everything Else. I come here because I have come to know the people here and would like to keep in contact, as infrequent or minimal as it may be. I do not care whether or not you feel appreciated. I do not care that you are leaving forever because we are mean. I do not care that you feel the need to insult and deride people who have been here for ages. I especially do not care who did it or why. These things are between you and the person who did it, and Nunu if s/he cares. If it is the case that the world must know of this injustice (it is not), then you really oughtn't complain when public opinion does not go your way. You shouldn't attack the forum and it's members as a whole, it's poor form. There is a way to go about complaining. It is not starting a thread where you know people will see it and shitting all over everything. If that is your first instinct, you need to learn better. Rep is not a function of one person liking or disliking you. There are safe guards against that, and it would take some serious effort to get by. Rep is the sum of everyone whose bothered to express an opinion on anything you've ever said. You want better rep? Make better posts.

 

[ToxicShock]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

Basically, how many people have to tell you that the things you post are stupid before you start to realize, "Wait, maybe not everyone is just a troll, maybe my posts actually ARE stupid"

 

[super_slicer]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

You're right for the most part. The only thing I disagree with is the part where you mention it's the collective, often this is the case, but when you have low rep and one of the older members negs you it will completely destroy what you have. It's like using a torpedo on a row boat. Not that I want that to change or anything, just pointing it out.

 

[Nunu]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

that is true, and those are mostly toxics fault (not because he hates newbies, but because he gives out tons of rep, good and bad, mostly good)

 

[Obsidious]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

You're right for the most part. The only thing I disagree with is the part where you mention it's the collective, often this is the case, but when you have low rep and one of the older members negs you it will completely destroy what you have. It's like using a torpedo on a row boat. Not that I want that to change or anything, just pointing it out.

If getting in the red zone really "destroys what you have", that is only the case because your word ceases to mean squat and you get treated as such. By the collective.

 

[super_slicer]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

If getting in the red zone really "destroys what you have", that is only the case because your word ceases to mean squat and you get treated as such. By the collective.

lol, I think you're misunderstanding me, I'm being literal when I say that it destroys what you have, meaning that its numerical impact is much greater than a neg rep from say someone like me. I think my power is 10 so that means I give +10 for a positive or -5 for a negative (I think it's halved), whereas a member with 70 power would give out +70 for a positive and -45 for a negative. I neg rep you a couple of times and it's easily brushed off, but you'll find yourself losing bars really quickly from the 70 power member.

 

[Obsidious]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

lol, I think you're misunderstanding me, I'm being literal when I say that it destroys what you have, meaning that its numerical impact is much greater than a neg rep from say someone like me. I think my power is 10 so that means I give +10 for a positive or -5 for a negative (I think it's halved), whereas a member with 70 power would give out +70 for a positive and -45 for a negative. I neg rep you a couple of times and it's easily brushed off, but you'll find yourself losing bars really quickly from the 70 power member.

Ah, now I see. That makes sense, but why would he do that.... right!?!?

 

[Nunu]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

Thats easy, because he didn't even notice how much rep you had to start with.

 

[Copper]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

Figure this is more of a rant than a hate, so just going to drop this here.

So, Copper's new job is legally selling drugs as a pharmacy tech. We get all sorts, but we had one today that made me slightly sad that there was a glass window and about three feet of counter between me and them. This was originally told to a friend in IMs, so I'm mostly leaving it in that format.

So, insane-o mom. We get this woman through the drive-through yesterday who drops off two prescriptions to the pharmacist and she's like "can I get those in 10 minutes?" I didn't really hear his reply to it, but as he's going to run the rxs through, Access goes down, which means that we can't do any billing to them. We can get to a certain point and now, unless she wants to pay cash for these things, she's going to have to wait for the issue to resolve itself. ((I don't know how country-wide Access is and for those joining us from out of the country, it's the name of our government assistance program that usually deals with food stamps, medical assistance, etc etc.)

So, I'm guessing the 10 minutes goes by and she shows up. I, as politely as I can, explain to her that we're currently unable to process the prescriptions because Access is down. And she starts pitching a bitchfit. "What do you mean? I want those pills! I'm not leaving here without those pills!" "Ma'am, I'm sorry. This isn't something on our end, it's Access itself--" "You can't give me ONE pill? I don't care about the one, but rant rant rant I'M CALLING CORPORATE." That's when the pharmacist steps in. "It's not us. It's welfare! We can't do anything until they get back online." She just keeps on ranting. So he gives her 1 of the pill she's bitching her fit (hahah. 'pitching' but anyway...) and marks it off of the prescription that we have for it. And then, when he hands her the pill, he reiterates that WELFARE is down and we get this "I understand." I waited until she drove away, looked at him and went "If you understand, then why are you threatening to call corporate?!"

He's like "I told you to tell her welfare was down." "You said Access." "I said welfare." "You *said* access." "I know, but it's the same thing. and people hate it when you call it that."

So then, she shows up *again* to get the rest of the rx and the other one she has and starts pitching a fit *again* because apparently she was supposed to get a 15 day supply of this one med and the doctor only wrote for 10.

The pharmacist takes this one and he explains to her that it was the dr. that did it, not us, that if she's supposed to have a 15 day supply, we're going to have to call them and get either a new RX or updated info or whatever. So she gets the 10 days worth.

This morning, I get a phone call from said dr's office and he's like "This is in regard to a "patient's name" I just got off the phone with the mother and..." "You need to change the rx? Let me get the pharmacist." (it was either this morning or later that night. either way...) So, today, she shows up and I'm like "Okay, here you go. this is the rest of that one from yesterday. This is the amount for the rest of the--what?" She's shaking her head at me. "They're not doing that one for him. They've got him on something else now." I really wanted to look at her and go "you have *got* to be fucking kidding me." "So, you're not taking these ones?" (after I've already rung them up. 0 cost, but still...)

"No. I want the other ones they've got him on." So I call the pharmacist on duty today (not the one from yesterday) to get *that* Rx.

Luckily it was done but I finished up with her, went over to my fellow tech and went "that woman is so lucky there's a wall of glass between me and her."

Pitches a raging bitchfit over not getting the pills, then doesn't take them?

/ragequit

 

[Hopeyouguess62]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

Customers in general are crazy. The moment you put on a company uniform and a name tag, they cease to see you as "a human being who's doing her job" and begin to view you as "the obstacle to my happiness." Unfortunately this epidemic of bat-shit crazy customers has spread throughout the nation, from drugs (from the necessary to placebos, from legal to... not so much) to electronics, to the people who make your food (never, EVER piss them off).

My heart goes out to you, Copper. This is one of the reasons I no longer work retail.

 

[lurker]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

If I posted NotAlwaysRight every time someone mentioned stupid customers, it'd literally be my every 5th post or so >,>

Sorry to hear about that witch, Copper. Hopefully she'll get her comeuppance somewhere down the road, but till then don't fret yourself over it too much, k?

 

[Unnatural Kiwi]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

It is really sad sometimes when having to deal with "customer" service. Back when I worked at 911, you wouldn't believe how rude some people can be. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there thinking "I practically have your help held hostage until you tell me your damn address."

 

[Sinfulwolf]

Re: The Ranting/Debate Thread

I'm sure everyone who's worked in a job where they have to deal with people has at the very least a good two handfuls of stories of people being rude, or just plain stupid. I'm lucky in that I get to kick rude people out of the bar, and tell them straight to their face that I didn't like their attitude and now they're not getting into any of the local bars. But stupid I can't always stop.

It really is astounding how bloody dense people can be.