[bolinp78]

Originally Posted by achien

1, the true 1% will be too busy lining their pockets will tax payers money.

Many of us would like to be as rich as the 1%, but I doubt any of those 1% will spent time on this forum because they are too busy stealing.

Please, go be dumb somewhere else. If you could have said something more idiotic I'm not sure what it would have been.

[Myerja]

Do these occupiers want equal opportunities or equal outcomes? I mean I worked really hard to get to where I am and to have the income I have - I am very active with charity work and volunteering my time. But there is no way that I should give the same outcome to the guy who is occupying wall street complaining that he or she is not provided enough by society!!! I mean come on - this country allows people to succeed and fail on common ground. If you don't believe it talk to my mom who immigrated here from Mexico with nothing and through hard work succeeded to become a successful business women. She doesn't understand why anyone would want to be a socialist - I think if all these "occupy wall street" people really knew what they were asking for they would very quickly realize how mislead they are!!

[txz4]

Originally Posted by bmw-nj

Hard work alone does not make one successful. You are missing a number of other variables.

Many of you claiming to not be in the 99% are delusional. Unless you make in excess of 380K a year you are not in the 1%. And you parents don't count.

I believe in free markets but the distribution of wealth in this country is not a natural distribution.

what is a natural distribution for wealth? isnt that the goal of communism?

This title of "the 99%" is divisive BS. not even most people stand with what "the 99%" stand for. These occupy people are complete morons. Its just that simple.

[txz4]

Originally Posted by Myerja

Do these occupiers want equal opportunities or equal outcomes? I mean I worked really hard to get to where I am and to have the income I have - I am very active with charity work and volunteering my time. But there is no way that I should give the same outcome to the guy who is occupying wall street complaining that he or she is not provided enough by society!!! I mean come on - this country allows people to succeed and fail on common ground. If you don't believe it talk to my mom who immigrated here from Mexico with nothing and through hard work succeeded to become a successful business women. She doesn't understand why anyone would want to be a socialist - I think if all these "occupy wall street" people really knew what they were asking for they would very quickly realize how mislead they are!!

Its funny because most foreigners i meet share the same idea. Especially people who grew up under communist Russia, Cuba, etc. Greece and Italy are crumbling and yet our "99%" would love us to be ran the same way those countries are run. Its insane.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by achien

how many ways can you interpret being the 1% or 99%? unless you have a split personality, you are either one or the other.

getting news events from cartoons aren't exactly the wisest thing you can do, as they are subject to heavy opinions and extreme bias-interpretations.

There is no "99%"

Only those who not only vote, but educate themselves on candidates and legislation prior to voting have a right to protest. IMO of course. And not 100% of the 99% fit that bill.

Again, IMO of course. As individuals, voting can seem pretty pointless when you're voting against the grain and you (by "you" I am being generic in my use and not pointing at any specific individual) know you're going to be on the losing end, but if you are able to vote, and you didn't, or if you didn't do your due diligence in educating yourself on the available choices, I don't want to hear from you about how any policy sucks.

Not only does our voting turnout suck (especially among the 99%), but our willingness to educate ourselves generally sucks these days, too (we either have one shitty and slanted media outlet that we watch and take in as absolute fact, or we just wave a banner over our heads and vote based solely on that). It's too bad because an educated voter base is the cornerstone of a good democracy. That means we're fucking screwed.

[achien]

you must be another one of those rich boys with no job and pay no taxes, but lucky enough to have a trust fund.

Originally Posted by bolinp78

Please, go be dumb somewhere else. If you could have said something more idiotic I'm not sure what it would have been.

[driersheets]

Originally Posted by achien

you must be another one of those rich boys with no job and pay no taxes, but lucky enough to have a trust fund.

[immiketoo]

Originally Posted by achien

you must be another one of those rich boys with no job and pay no taxes, but lucky enough to have a trust fund.

You are obviously stupid. Go back to your love in at the park. One of these geniuses accosted me on my way to the train from federal court this week. I was dressed in a suit as is apropriate when getting sued, and he called me a corporate cock sucker. I stopped and told him, "Don't let the suit fool you cubby... Who do you think made that coat you're wearing, fairies or a corporation?"

Douchebags. Go get a fucking job or an education. Also, they are only out protesting in the evening rush hour. Apparently they can't be bothered to get up early to bother people.

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by m3inwaiting

I feel a little left out because I am in the 1% but I don't seem to have the power to control the world. I think they forgot to send me my membership card and instructional video on how to screw over the planet when I got my spring bonus. Hopefully it was just an oversight and will be corrected soon. If I'm going to be demonized by those I support with my massive annual tax bill, I should at least wield the super powers they believe I possess.

lololol epic win!

Originally Posted by achien

how many ways can you interpret being the 1% or 99%? unless you have a split personality, you are either one or the other.

getting news events from cartoons aren't exactly the wisest thing you can do, as they are subject to heavy opinions and extreme bias-interpretations.

ohhh man, why so serious? here comes the class warfare! ahahahah

your tight. and as far as im concerned, im fucking sick and tired of these portesters. these mother fuckers causing traffic up the ass, leaving me grid locked on broadway for too fucking long and too frequently. these asswipes cant find a better way to accomplish their goals? ohh fuck, lets all stand on the street and disrupt the order of the day. fuckers. get the fuck off the streets and put your time to better use. do anything but walk the streets!!! damnit!!!!

...sorry, im just ranting....

[Kroy]

Originally Posted by immiketoo

Douchebags. Go get a fucking job or an education. Also, they are only out protesting in the evening rush hour. Apparently they can't be bothered to get up early to bother people.

It's a perk of the 'job.' I wouldn't bother to wake up early either if I didn't need to.

[infinitekidM2C]

Originally Posted by infinitekid2002

A pair of Southland street cart vendors who were forced to shut down their businesses after “Occupy” protesters vandalized their carts are hoping to get some help from local residents.

Coffee cart owner Linda Jenson and hot dog cart operators Letty and Pete Soto said they initially provided free food and drink to demonstrators, but when they stopped, the protesters became violent.


http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/...s-blood-urine/

[GetSomeE92]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

*snip*

It's too bad because an educated voter base is the cornerstone of a good democracy. That means we're fucking screwed.

Quoted for truth. If the country weren't so full of stupid people, we would be better off. I love how people only blame the banks for the housing crisis, but not the people who were making $35,000 a year and applying for a $400,000 mortgage with an interest only (adjustable rate) payment plan with a baloon payment due at the end.

This country needs to focus on education, and stop cutting from the education budget to fund all the BS. It is a vicious cycle that is leading us down the drain.

[driersheets]

Originally Posted by GetSomeE92

Quoted for truth. If the country weren't so full of stupid people, we would be better off. I love how people only blame the banks for the housing crisis, but not the people who were making $35,000 a year and applying for a $400,000 mortgage with an interest only payment plan with a baloon payment due at the end.

This country needs to focus on education, and stop cutting from the education budget to fund all the BS. It is a vicious cycle that is leading us down the drain.

[txz4]

Originally Posted by GetSomeE92

Quoted for truth. If the country weren't so full of stupid people, we would be better off. I love how people only blame the banks for the housing crisis, but not the people who were making $35,000 a year and applying for a $400,000 mortgage with an interest only (adjustable rate) payment plan with a baloon payment due at the end.

This country needs to focus on education, and stop cutting from the education budget to fund all the BS. It is a vicious cycle that is leading us down the drain.

not to offend any teachers on here, but in my public schooling i cant say that i had more than 3 teachers capable of teaching me anything further than how to fill in a multiple choice sheet.... The sad facts is that those who would do the most good teaching (business men, doctors, etc) go do, while those who cant do what those do, often become teachers. I always thought it was a dick statement growing up, "those who can, do. and those who cant, teach" but ive come to find out it is more true than i had imagined.

Im about to graduate college and the same adage seems to apply, my smartest teachers were ex-business men that retired early and couldn't handle not working (business Major).

No amount of money will help education, we need better educators.

[GetSomeE92]

Originally Posted by txz4

not to offend any teachers on here, but in my public schooling i cant say that i had more than 3 teachers capable of teaching me anything further than how to fill in a multiple choice sheet.... The sad facts is that those who would do the most good teaching (business men, doctors, etc) go do, while those who cant do what those do, often become teachers. I always thought it was a dick statement growing up, "those who can, do. and those who cant, teach" but ive come to find out it is more true than i had imagined.

Im about to graduate college and the same adage seems to apply, my smartest teachers were ex-business men that retired early and couldn't handle not working (business Major).

No amount of money will help education, we need better educators.

I agreed. However, if the education budget was bigger there could be higher salaries offered to educators who earn it, which may entice some who "can do" to teach. With the low salaries that teachers are paid these days, what is the motivation for people to become a teacher outside of either passion (like my younger sister) or being lazy/dumb.

Salaries should be results oriented as well. A teacher should not get tenured just because they have been there forever, but because he/she has been good at the job. The tough part here is that not all schools are the same and don't have the same level of students, so how do you quantify their effectiveness?

Bottom line is that we are going to be in a lot of trouble unless we, as a people, get smarter.

[txz4]

Originally Posted by GetSomeE92

I agreed. However, if the education budget was bigger there could be higher salaries offered to educators who earn it, which may entice some who "can do" to teach. With the low salaries that teachers are paid these days, what is the motivation for people to become a teacher outside of either passion (like my younger sister) or being lazy/dumb.

Salaries should be results oriented as well. A teacher should not get tenured just because they have been there forever, but because he/she has been good at the job. The tough part here is that not all schools are the same and don't have the same level of students, so how do you quantify their effectiveness?

Bottom line is that we are going to be in a lot of trouble unless we, as a people, get smarter.

thats currently how no child left behind works and has only proven that the quality of classes have gone down due to "teaching to the test". I dont think that the right people would teach because of higher salaries. I would never teach....EVER. For me the satisfaction comes from doing, and teaching would never fulfill that. I think the same sentiment would be echoed by most who are in a capable position.

I guess it boils down to a problem with no simple solution.

[matthewk]

Originally Posted by txz4

thats currently how no child left behind works and has only proven that the quality of classes have gone down due to "teaching to the test". I dont think that the right people would teach because of higher salaries. I would never teach....EVER. For me the satisfaction comes from doing, and teaching would never fulfill that. I think the same sentiment would be echoed by most who are in a capable position.

I guess it boils down to a problem with no simple solution.

The whole teaching to the test argument is asinine. If students who are taught to the test aren't smart enough, then make the test harder. In all forms of accountability, the norm will be the lowest acceptable standard.

The bigger problem is that parents aren't willing to accept that some of their kids are going to fail, so they make a stink as the ISD and force officials to simplify the tests, or give the slow kids modified programs. This is nothing different than kids sports giving everyone a trophy..

It's a bigger issue of entitlement.

[txz4]

Originally Posted by matthewk

The whole teaching to the test argument is asinine. If students who are taught to the test aren't smart enough, then make the test harder. In all forms of accountability, the norm will be the lowest acceptable standard.

The bigger problem is that parents aren't willing to accept that some of their kids are going to fail, so they make a stink as the ISD and force officials to simplify the tests, or give the slow kids modified programs. This is nothing different than kids sports giving everyone a trophy..

It's a bigger issue of entitlement.

im 22, it wasn't so long ago that I was in public HS. The more they push the importance of standardized test the more the teaching degrades. Your right in the sense that the test are insanely easy. not one year went by that i didn't score near perfect. That being said there are stupid people out there who just aren't going to do well regardless. The teachers taught to the test which again, was very easy. Therefore this created an environment in which the only teachers free to teach were the teachers that didnt have anything on the standardized tests to worry about, the others would go over and over and over the basics for fear of students not making a good enough grade.

it wont matter if the test are more difficult or more simple. On one end of the test are easier and more will pass but learning will drop. If the test are harder more will fail but real learning will go up. Again it plays into the fact that a standardized RESULTS BINDING test will never work. Not everyone should get a trophy and many will have to fail, under that assumption there is no standardized test that will ever work.

Like the SAT's some will have to study all day every day just to do ok and some like me will never crack the SAT study book and score a near perfect score. Your right 100% about entitlement in this society, but the only thing that this proves is that standardization can never work unless there is zero incentive to achieve over a normal distribution and no reason to worry about falling below, thus rendering the practice useless anyhow.

This is getting OT but the entitlement brings back the original point. These "99%" whoever the hell they are seem to feel entitled to whatever success anyone else has accomplished. They never complained this loudly when these "evil corporations" were employing them and these "evil wall street types" were making them money, but now that that's not the case their is suddenly a problem?

[335i101]

I was in NY a few weeks ago. Of course I am generalizing but...it was a group of bums asking for money and cigarettes.

I had "one" approach me and preach how bad the US is and I asked him, "If you hate the country, why don't you leave?".....he was perplexed....

[Undertow]

Originally Posted by GetSomeE92

I agreed. However, if the education budget was bigger there could be higher salaries offered to educators who earn it, which may entice some who "can do" to teach. With the low salaries that teachers are paid these days, what is the motivation for people to become a teacher outside of either passion (like my younger sister) or being lazy/dumb.

Salaries should be results oriented as well. A teacher should not get tenured just because they have been there forever, but because he/she has been good at the job. The tough part here is that not all schools are the same and don't have the same level of students, so how do you quantify their effectiveness?

Bottom line is that we are going to be in a lot of trouble unless we, as a people, get smarter.

I'm not saying we can't increase our education budget, but the US already spends more per student than almost every other country on the planet (~$92k/year). Only Switzerland spends more. The problem is that we get far less bang for our buck. Any time more money has been allocated to education, our relative test scores to other countries have not improved.

[carve]

Originally Posted by GetSomeE92

I agreed. However, if the education budget was bigger there could be higher salaries offered to educators who earn it, which may entice some who "can do" to teach.

In my neck of the woods, the school district has more money than the rest of the city. They blow it on facilities...administration...deadbeat teachers...etc. and still have a 45% dropout rate. You'd be shocked over what they spend on materiels that they'll probably seldom use and add next to no value.

More funding isn't the answer. Work with what you have- there is MORE than enough money. If we just paid more money to the same teachers and maybe entieced a few more that wouldn't do a thing.

I think you could probably judge a teacher's skill by the delta. Not how much the kids know...but how much they know compared to when they started. The tests should be written to emphasize a complete, fundamental, cohesive understanding of the subject and its consequences rather than the ability to memorize and regurgitate facts.

We need to encourage the crap teachers to quit, too. Cut their pay and give them the worst students.

Also, we need to be giving AT LEAST as much attention and funding to our top 10% of students as we do to the bottom 10%. Put 'em in special schools...give them special facilities. Make those schools competitive to get into. Those kids are the future of our economy- lets invest. There's no reason they should be in the schools and classes with the same disruptive idiots who don't want to (and shouldn't) be there.

[GetSomeE92]

Originally Posted by txz4

thats currently how no child left behind works and has only proven that the quality of classes have gone down due to "teaching to the test". I dont think that the right people would teach because of higher salaries. I would never teach....EVER. For me the satisfaction comes from doing, and teaching would never fulfill that. I think the same sentiment would be echoed by most who are in a capable position.

I guess it boils down to a problem with no simple solution.

I realize that a higher salary wouldn't convince most to become a teacher, but a salary that is one on which someone can have a comfortable living may help. It was just a thought, and you're absolutely right in that there does not seem to be a simple solution.

Originally Posted by carve

In my neck of the woods, the school district has more money than the rest of the city. They blow it on facilities...administration...deadbeat teachers...etc. and still have a 45% dropout rate. You'd be shocked over what they spend on materiels that they'll probably seldom use and add next to no value.

More funding isn't the answer. Work with what you have- there is MORE than enough money. If we just paid more money to the same teachers and maybe entieced a few more that wouldn't do a thing.

I think you could probably judge a teacher's skill by the delta. Not how much the kids know...but how much they know compared to when they started. The tests should be written to emphasize a complete, fundamental, cohesive understanding of the subject and its consequences rather than the ability to memorize and regurgitate facts.

We need to encourage the crap teachers to quit, too. Cut their pay and give them the worst students.

Also, we need to be giving AT LEAST as much attention and funding to our top 10% of students as we do to the bottom 10%. Put 'em in special schools...give them special facilities. Make those schools competitive to get into. Those kids are the future of our economy- lets invest. There's no reason they should be in the schools and classes with the same disruptive idiots who don't want to (and shouldn't) be there.

I hear you, and realize that throwing more money at a problem is not the best idea without some sensible structure behind it. I guess my view of public school systems is a bit skewed, as I live in South Florida and I remember overcrowded classrooms, neglected buildings, old books and apathetic teachers (for those who were not in the advanced placement ("AP") classes. In the AP classes, the situation was pretty good - teachers who cared and students who wanted to learn).