HAHAHAHA

[Dwaar]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/obamas-want-daughters-taste-life-050000947.html

HAHAHA... /wipes tear from eye ... priceless.

[Taernath]

What's so funny?

[Wrathbringer]

What's so funny?

HAHAHA

[Warriorbird]

I'm sure they'll end up like Hillary and the Bush twins, getting paid 600 grand for basically doing nothing for tv stations. I think it's a worthy effort, even so.

[Back]

Yeah, I don't get it either.

One big take away I got from it is that in this country even if you start out at minimum wage you can end up POTUS. Isn't that a positive message?

Is them wanting their children to experience life like most people do better than having them sheltered under privilege?

[Dwaar]

I do applaud the sentiment, and I do think they are good parents.

We used to call something like this, slumming. That term still used? Because that is all it would be, slumming. I doubt they have the guts to really turn off all support for a year or two when they hit 18, and make them survive on their own. Now if they do that, I'll fully respect their statements.

Otherwise, they just want their kids to get a job. I think most parents wish their kids would get those. In this economy though, I bet they'd not like the jobs they'd find, if they didn't have the name recognition.

[Wrathbringer]

Yeah, I don't get it either.

One big take away I got from it is that in this country even if you start out at minimum wage you can end up POTUS. Isn't that a positive message?

Is them wanting their children to experience life like most people do better than having them sheltered under privilege?

HAHAHA this thread is already epic

[Back]

It's pretty clear no matter what they do someone will find fault with it.

[Dwaar]

It's pretty clear no matter what they do someone will find fault with it.

I would say this about any rich, well connected family that came out with an interview and said this about their kids. I don't care if it's Obama or Donald Trump.

Again.... if they said "we plan to cut all support when they both hit 18 for 2 years, so they learn the skills necessary to get a job, earn their way, and support themselves"... I would be all for it and fully respect them giving an interview like this.

What they're doing though (just my opinion), is sending their kids to work at a McD's, Starbucks, Target, or something.... to see how the "real people" live. That's just slumming (I'm bringing this word back) and slightly condescending.

[Wrathbringer]

I would say this about any rich, well connected family that came out with an interview and said this about their kids. I don't care if it's Obama or Donald Trump.

Again.... if they said "we plan to cut all support when they both hit 18 for 2 years, so they learn the skills necessary to get a job, earn their way, and support themselves"... I would be all for it and fully respect them giving an interview like this.

What they're doing though (just my opinion), is sending their kids to work at a McD's, Starbucks, Target, or something.... to see how the "real people" live. That's just slumming (I'm bringing this word back) and slightly condescending.

Slightly?

[Dwaar]

Slightly?

Not everyone has the same sarcastic view of life that I do. Hence the slightly.

[Taernath]

It's pretty clear no matter what they do someone will find fault with it.

That's my take on it too. It seems like a pretty conservative, down-home thing to do, but switch the R to a D and suddenly 'OMGHAHAHA'.

[Wrathbringer]

Not everyone has the same sarcastic view of life that I do. Hence the slightly.

I think it's offensive. More offensive than redskins. That means they have to stop doing it right? Because I'm offended?

[Tenlaar]

That's my take on it too. It seems like a pretty conservative, down-home thing to do, but switch the R to a D and suddenly 'OMGHAHAHA'.

No kidding. Can you just imagine what the posts would be if the Obamas had said something that could remotely be translated as saying they don't want their daughters to have to work minimum wage jobs? This place would fucking explode over how they think they're better than everybody else.

There is quite literally no winning with these guys. If Obama died there would be a thread about how he didn't do it how republicans think he should have.

[Dwaar]

No kidding. Can you just imagine what the posts would be if the Obamas had said something that could remotely be translated as saying they don't want their daughters to have to work minimum wage jobs? This place would fucking explode over how they think they're better than everybody else.

There is quite literally no winning with these guys. If Obama died there would be a thread about how he didn't do it how republicans think he should have.

What I think you don't understand... is I don't care if it is Obama or someone else. He is the President, he says what he says, and he does what he does. Just because I think his actions or statements portray something, doesn't mean I look at it from a political view. I know that is hard for people to understand, because it's such an easy out and way to deflect an argument.

If George Bush had said this, I would say the exact same thing I said and feel the same way I feel about it. /shrug ... I actually thought George Bush was a spoiled shithead in his youth, using his father's hard earned reputation and respect to work his way up in business and politics. Does that make me a raging liberal now?

[Dwaar]

On a side note.. I always felt bad for George Bush Sr. He was our last true patriot? (trying to think of a word to describe it, but selfless? - something like that.. it's escaping me at this point) that sat in the Oval Office.

I always thought he got a bad reputation for no reason, but the things he did for our country, in its service, and the ordeals he went through... wow.. He had a truly amazing life, and he gave so much to our country. Definitely were some questionable Saudi connections, but I don't think you could ever question his patriotism or his actions (not words) to serve the Nation.

[Warriorbird]

On a side note.. I always felt bad for George Bush Sr. He was our last true patriot? (trying to think of a word to describe it, but selfless? - something like that.. it's escaping me at this point) that sat in the Oval Office.

I always thought he got a bad reputation for no reason, but the things he did for our country, in its service, and the ordeals he went through... wow.. He had a truly amazing life, and he gave so much to our country. Definitely were some questionable Saudi connections, but I don't think you could ever question his patriotism or his actions (not words) to serve the Nation.

Much like Ford he got slammed for one slip while being a decent guy. He had a to pay the price for all Reagan's shenanigans too.

[Dwaar]

Much like Ford he got slammed for one slip while being a decent guy. He had a to pay the price for all Reagan's shenanigans too.

Hmm.. honestly not to familiar with Ford. I'll definitely read up on him more now. Actually it's been years since I really delved into our Presidents histories, should give me some good reading for next few months. Thanks for the guidance in that direction.

[Tenlaar]

What I think you don't understand... is I don't care if it is Obama or someone else.

You say this, and I think you might even believe it. But from the things you have posted just in the last couple of weeks I do not believe it is true for one second.

[Dwaar]

You say this, and I think you might even believe it. But from the things you have posted just in the last couple of weeks I do not believe it is true for one second.

Of course you wouldn't. Just like you chose to cherry pick one quote from what I wrote. You, and most people, can't actually think that someone would think for themselves. That being beholden to a party is a requirement. I'm not.

Do I have my views on things? Yes. Do I have certain beliefs? Yes. Do I try to be open and examine the person, their actions, and their words? Yes. Do I give a flying fuck what party they belong to? Not one single bit.

But, it is a lot easier to just scream LIBERAL! or CONSERVATIVE! at someone, and try to win an argument. Many people do it, not because they don't have their own thoughts, it's just they don't take the time to truly listen and form a response.... because they are so ingrained with LIBERAL!/CONSERVATIVE! bullshit.

[Dwaar]

On a side note of this... I actually thought the Presidents speech with regards to Iraq the other day, was well done. I think he took some measures that were necessary. I'm glad he decided to send in 300 of our guys. Do I wish it was more? Yes. But, at least he sent some. It might not seem like a lot, but 300 can do a lot (no movie reference here people!). He left it open for airstrikes, and hopefully he'll use them when necessary, now that out of that 300, some are definitely JTAC qualified.

Did I wish he'd focused more on this sooner? I do completely. I thought he was way to slow to act. Do I think he needs a much more forceful diplomatic gesture, UN action, efforts to develop a world wide coalition to assist in the effort? I do.

But I will give credit to the parts he did right (in my opinion) when it is due.

[Androidpk]

Dwaar, what are your thoughts on combat controllers vs TACP?

[Warriorbird]

On a side note of this... I actually thought the Presidents speech with regards to Iraq the other day, was well done. I think he took some measures that were necessary. I'm glad he decided to send in 300 of our guys. Do I wish it was more? Yes. But, at least he sent some. It might not seem like a lot, but 300 can do a lot (no movie reference here people!). He left it open for airstrikes, and hopefully he'll use them when necessary, now that out of that 300, some are definitely JTAC qualified.

Did I wish he'd focused more on this sooner? I do completely. I thought he was way to slow to act. Do I think he needs a much more forceful diplomatic gesture, UN action, efforts to develop a world wide coalition to assist in the effort? I do.

But I will give credit to the parts he did right (in my opinion) when it is due.

People will complain no matter what. Lately the Republican Party likes to get upset about him not intervening if he doesn't or get upset about him intervening if he does.

[Androidpk]

People will complain no matter what. Lately the Republican Party likes to get upset about him not intervening if he doesn't or get upset about him intervening if he does.

That's because they have to disagree with his stance even if it coincides with their own beliefs.

[Dwaar]

Dwaar, what are your thoughts on combat controllers vs TACP?

Lots of respect for both. They do very similar things. TACPs have a bit more responsibility when it comes to the airspace, and JTACs are more narrowly focused on CAS, but TACPs do the same as well.

A lot of guys I know are cross-trained to be JTACs, whereas if they want to be a TACP requires a lot more schooling.

[Androidpk]

Are combat controllers now called JTACs? I was just wondering because my brother did some training with both of them and thought the TACP guys were a little sloppy.

[Dwaar]

Joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)....

TACPs do a lot more with regards to the airspace and the assets operating in an AO. They tend to utilize forward observers and have a controller that information is passed up through. Think of it like this, can they call an airstrike, yes.... but they focus more on clearing the airspace for when an airstrike is called.

JTACs are focused on calling the airstrike when needed. They don't care what has to occur to make that happen, they just care that the air support is provided. So they'll talk directly to whatever birds have been authorized for use in that AO.

I've seen good and bad of both, just depends on the person. But there are many more people cross-trained to be JTACs, operators that are trained to call for fire when necessary.

[Dwaar]

Ahh... and you're referring to "combat controllers" in lower case is throwing me off. heh

There are the Combat Controllers too. They're like the forward deployed air-traffic controllers. They're actually certified air-traffic controllers, so they could work at your local airport. They manage all of the airspace as forces move in, but meant to do it silently. So they'll head in first, and set up DZs, LZs, communications, everything to ensure that an area is ready for whatever air support that will be used in the area.

They all touch on the same areas, just slightly different training levels and responsibilities.

[Vorpos]

People will complain no matter what. Lately the Republican Party likes to get upset about him not intervening if he doesn't or get upset about him intervening if he does.

You wouldn't get upset with him if he started world war 3. You would call him the greatest military strategist since Caesar. Until you got drafted.

[Warriorbird]

You wouldn't get upset with him if he started world war 3. You would call him the greatest military strategist since Caesar. Until you got drafted.

If only this were true. You can address it to the invisible Democrat in the corner so you can win your debate. I think his education policy is abyssmal. I think he destroyed his mandate and most of his legacy by stupidly attempting to work with Republicans. I think the unlimited detention first authorized by NDAA 2012 is insane and what his FCC has done to the Internet is a greater potential disaster than any conservative crowing about the ACA. Just because I don't have your handily provided set of issues doesn't mean I don't criticize him.

[Malisai]

JTAC is a qualification not a career field. TACPs get JTAC qualified as a matter of course in their AFSC. CCTs often end up JTAc qualified since it makes sense for them to be so.

[Tenlaar]

Of course you wouldn't. Just like you chose to cherry pick one quote from what I wrote. You, and most people, can't actually think that someone would think for themselves. That being beholden to a party is a requirement. I'm not.

Do I have my views on things? Yes. Do I have certain beliefs? Yes. Do I try to be open and examine the person, their actions, and their words? Yes. Do I give a flying fuck what party they belong to? Not one single bit.

But, it is a lot easier to just scream LIBERAL! or CONSERVATIVE! at someone, and try to win an argument. Many people do it, not because they don't have their own thoughts, it's just they don't take the time to truly listen and form a response.... because they are so ingrained with LIBERAL!/CONSERVATIVE! bullshit.

You are very mistaken in thinking that I am criticizing you because I cannot escape a partisan mindset. I can't even enter a partisan mindset. I am criticizing you because, like a few others here, you claim to be "independent" and operate outside of party lines while at the same time checking off almost every conservative box you come across. Posting weird anti-Obama rants because he likes to take walks, grunting about alphaness (as WB put it), taking a Hillary Clinton statement and changing the meaning of words to fit your outrage, claiming to have intimate knowledge of what Obama's "inner circle" thinks, having clear requirements for what jobs you think are acceptable for people and looking down on those who don't meet them, feeling that you should have a say in how individual families use financial aid even down to making their shopping list for them, using the phrase "personal responsibility"...

Not being against gay marriage (cause that's all it takes to be "socially liberal", right!?) does not counter the fact that everything else you post is the same stuff the gleefully conservative people post. It does not make you independent no matter how much you want it to.

[Latrinsorm]

Of course you wouldn't. Just like you chose to cherry pick one quote from what I wrote. You, and most people, can't actually think that someone would think for themselves. That being beholden to a party is a requirement. I'm not.

Do I have my views on things? Yes. Do I have certain beliefs? Yes. Do I try to be open and examine the person, their actions, and their words? Yes. Do I give a flying fuck what party they belong to? Not one single bit.

But, it is a lot easier to just scream LIBERAL! or CONSERVATIVE! at someone, and try to win an argument. Many people do it, not because they don't have their own thoughts, it's just they don't take the time to truly listen and form a response.... because they are so ingrained with LIBERAL!/CONSERVATIVE! bullshit.That could be, or you could be biased and not even know it. I haven't noticed any tells from you, but you have only been here a couple months.