The title of this sounds like something that is far more encompassing than I could write in a short article. Actually, people have written tomes on this very topic, and subsets of it. There are certain things I know from life experience that still do not cease to amaze me when I see them resurface again.
Women are harder on other women than men are; and, to add to this, women tend to have more of a problem with "progressive" decisions than men do. By this, I mean any deviation from the norm - I was at a bridal shower recently where the would-be groom (who came as things were wrapping up) told his mother about how a friend of his and the bride's had been recently married and was not changing her last name. He, who is relatively "traditional," so to speak, didn't seem to have a problem with it (whether he would have had a problem with HIS wife doing this is another story, but she took his name, so it's moot). However, his mother went off on a tirade about how much she hates it when women refuse to take their husbands names. I bit my tongue, as I intend to keep my given name for intensely personal reasons, but it wasn't worth starting an argument with a woman I hardly knew.
A recent post in On The Edge regarding whether or not women should propose had me quite shocked. The author, Kristi Gustafson, noted that she thought proposing was up to men, and posted an article with a differing opinion. This in itself wasn't shocking, nor was it terribly shocking that most of the comments agreeing with Kristi were women, not men. This could be, in part, that a man did not want to say he was against it in fear he would be lambasted, or because women truly think of this as a bigger deal than men do, but though not surprising, it was interesting to ponder. However, what I found to be somewhat shocking was the comment about a reader's friend who had recently been proposed to by his girlfriend, at his sister's wedding. She described it as, "ripping his manhood out in front of his whole family." She followed with, "unfortunately, he said yes." Now, personally, I find the idea of proposing (male or female) at a wedding (family or not) to be incredibly tacky for OTHER reasons (it's the bride and groom's day, not yours), however I found the phrasing to be offensive. Obviously, he didn't see it as having his manhood ripped out, as he said yes. Not to mention, the comment was particularly offensive to men who had been proposed to.
Then again, perhaps this was the point? Shouldn't he punish that woman for stepping out of line and taking away his masculinity? He certainly shouldn't be humoring her, that's for sure! How dare he legitimize this behavior!
As I've gotten older and learned more about it, I've found the pomp and circumstance surrounding wedding traditions to be a bit much. The whole idea of the veil and the father walking the bride down the aisle is reminiscent of a man essentially selling his daughter to another man, the veil covering her face until they complete the contract. I find it incredibly offensive. However, I know many women who like the idea of the veil - not necessarily the history behind it, but the tradition it represents now - and who also have always dreamed of their father walking them down the aisle. I did not have a father growing up, and the closest thing - my grandfather - passed away four years ago. So, for me, it's a moot point anyway.
My tangent up there, however, isn't necessarily to wax poetic on ye olde wedding traditions, but to point out that, if and when I ever do marry, my intention to walk with no veil, no train, and (I would like, if he agrees), arm-in-arm with my husband to be as we escort each other into the next stage of our lives, will probably be met with biting criticism from many, and most of it will probably come from other women. Why is it that women cannot support one another in their various life choices, rather than putting them down for not choosing what they would choose?
I find, though, that both sides of the coin do this. Women who want to be more progressive get angry with women who want to hold true to the traditions. Isn't feminism about being able to make these choices? Unlike me, my cousin, who will get married next summer, is planning on getting the snow white princess dress, complete with a train and a two-tiered veil. Her dad will walk her down the aisle, and she'll have a full mass nuptials, and take his name after it's all done. I'm excited for her, because this is all exactly what she wants, and it will be special and meaningful and wonderful for her and her husband-to-be, and I'm looking forward to taking part in the wedding party.
And, I promise you, if I do get engaged, I'll be sure not ask him on her wedding day. :)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Encouraging Supergirl (or Superboy) behavior?
While on my way to a meeting for the youth leadership group I work with, I heard the beginning's of Fresh Air, and what sounded like an interesting interview that I wasn't going to catch. Terry Gross was interviewing Margaret Talbot, of The New Yorker about her article in this week's edition: Brain Gain: The Underground World of Neuroenhancing Drugs.
I thought to myself, "Wow, great! I can't wait to read that article!" Ideas of making copies and distributing it to the teens that I work with, telling them that they can't be everything to everyone, it's unhealthy, etc., danced through my head.
And then I actually read the article.
I wouldn't say Ms. Talbot is promoting the use of neuroenhancers, per se. Rather, the presentation was not what I expected it to be. It seems, short term, the use of these drugs - "smart pills," as people like to call them - is not inherently harmful. Sure, you may not be able to sleep well, and they may make you feel jittery, but it sounds like the side effects mirror that of one who drinks too much coffee. However, the upside is that you also get a concentration boost.
Of course, doing this sort of thing is about as healthy as doping - not physically, that is, but mentally unhealthy. Doing things to your body (or your mind) to push it past its limits will only raise expectations for you, and everyone else around you. In this CrackBerry culture, the last thing we need is more touting of the so-called Protestant Work Ethic.
Liz Funk details this syndrome (which, despite what this article denotes, tends to plague young women far more) in her new book, Supergirls Speak Out: Inside the Secret Crisis of Overachieving Girls. Indeed, women do feel the need to be everything to everybody at all times. When Second Wave Feminism hit with the mantra that women could do anything they wanted, they forgot to tell them that they couldn't do everything.
Whether you identify as a Supergirl or as an above-average slacker that doesn't want to give up his (or her) partying ways (but still wants decent grades), the use of neuroenhancers suggests that perhaps these goals can be achieved, and with little negative side effects! How much easier it will be, to pop a pill rather than acquire a taste for black coffee! I admit, as an overachiever myself, I found myself curious to see how well these pills work. However, at the same time, this is the girl who vocally boycotted the AP program because I thought it was wasteful, expensive, and encouraged young people to bend over backwards to get the perfect grade on a test, rather than actually learn and enrich themselves in college.
In other words, if you're trying to cram in every last little thing, and having to take drugs in order to do so, how successful will you be at those tasks? Are you learning, growing, enjoying these things at that point? Has the lifestyle you've chosen come with a steeper price than just feeling a tad bit jittery now and again?
I say yes. People should strive to give 110 percent in the things that mean the most to them, but doing so means perhaps not doing everything they possibly can, but rather choosing what makes them the happiest and most fulfilled. And, more imporantly, the more people who strive for this "competitive edge", the more these unrealistic expectations are forced onto the rest of society, many of whom realize the true value of quality of life.
I thought to myself, "Wow, great! I can't wait to read that article!" Ideas of making copies and distributing it to the teens that I work with, telling them that they can't be everything to everyone, it's unhealthy, etc., danced through my head.
And then I actually read the article.
I wouldn't say Ms. Talbot is promoting the use of neuroenhancers, per se. Rather, the presentation was not what I expected it to be. It seems, short term, the use of these drugs - "smart pills," as people like to call them - is not inherently harmful. Sure, you may not be able to sleep well, and they may make you feel jittery, but it sounds like the side effects mirror that of one who drinks too much coffee. However, the upside is that you also get a concentration boost.
Of course, doing this sort of thing is about as healthy as doping - not physically, that is, but mentally unhealthy. Doing things to your body (or your mind) to push it past its limits will only raise expectations for you, and everyone else around you. In this CrackBerry culture, the last thing we need is more touting of the so-called Protestant Work Ethic.
Liz Funk details this syndrome (which, despite what this article denotes, tends to plague young women far more) in her new book, Supergirls Speak Out: Inside the Secret Crisis of Overachieving Girls. Indeed, women do feel the need to be everything to everybody at all times. When Second Wave Feminism hit with the mantra that women could do anything they wanted, they forgot to tell them that they couldn't do everything.
Whether you identify as a Supergirl or as an above-average slacker that doesn't want to give up his (or her) partying ways (but still wants decent grades), the use of neuroenhancers suggests that perhaps these goals can be achieved, and with little negative side effects! How much easier it will be, to pop a pill rather than acquire a taste for black coffee! I admit, as an overachiever myself, I found myself curious to see how well these pills work. However, at the same time, this is the girl who vocally boycotted the AP program because I thought it was wasteful, expensive, and encouraged young people to bend over backwards to get the perfect grade on a test, rather than actually learn and enrich themselves in college.
In other words, if you're trying to cram in every last little thing, and having to take drugs in order to do so, how successful will you be at those tasks? Are you learning, growing, enjoying these things at that point? Has the lifestyle you've chosen come with a steeper price than just feeling a tad bit jittery now and again?
I say yes. People should strive to give 110 percent in the things that mean the most to them, but doing so means perhaps not doing everything they possibly can, but rather choosing what makes them the happiest and most fulfilled. And, more imporantly, the more people who strive for this "competitive edge", the more these unrealistic expectations are forced onto the rest of society, many of whom realize the true value of quality of life.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Remember how I was going to post every day for a month?
Yeah ... what happened with that?
Well, I could give you a laundry list of excuses - many of which are valid, many more of which are fluff. It seems, every time I feel the itch to write, I'm not in front of the computer or am otherwise indisposed. And, when I can write to my heart's content, I'd rather play Scramble on Facebook, or some other inane Internet activity.
So. There you have it.
I'm done with the resolutions, etc., because clearly they're not working. However, I miss writing, and am going to try to be better.
Yeah ... what happened with that?
Well, I could give you a laundry list of excuses - many of which are valid, many more of which are fluff. It seems, every time I feel the itch to write, I'm not in front of the computer or am otherwise indisposed. And, when I can write to my heart's content, I'd rather play Scramble on Facebook, or some other inane Internet activity.
So. There you have it.
I'm done with the resolutions, etc., because clearly they're not working. However, I miss writing, and am going to try to be better.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
... and another thing ...
I'm not suggesting that you look to either one of us as right or wrong, however I'm curious to know your thoughts. A friend and I have a difference of opinion regarding this.
She thinks that it's unconscionable that they not only ditched the press conference, but they did so while disrupting the atmosphere of a nice restaurant, and THEN bragged about it. I, on the other hand, have quite a bit more sympathy for the situation, given my former career, and actually enjoyed the tale immensely. (A tale which, I maintain, we would not have known, based on her news report of the press conference alone, had Liz Benjamin not chosen to share it with us.)
I'm interested to see not who is "right - because I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong." It's an opinion, one which my friend and I disagree on - but rather to see how others feel about this. I'm curious, as my friend does bring up an interesting point of view that, quite honestly, I hadn't even thought about.
I note finally that part of the reason I value her friendship is that, like me, she doesn't take a difference of opinion personally. So, to my friend (who I know reads this) - I hope you don't mind I posted this here.
She thinks that it's unconscionable that they not only ditched the press conference, but they did so while disrupting the atmosphere of a nice restaurant, and THEN bragged about it. I, on the other hand, have quite a bit more sympathy for the situation, given my former career, and actually enjoyed the tale immensely. (A tale which, I maintain, we would not have known, based on her news report of the press conference alone, had Liz Benjamin not chosen to share it with us.)
I'm interested to see not who is "right - because I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong." It's an opinion, one which my friend and I disagree on - but rather to see how others feel about this. I'm curious, as my friend does bring up an interesting point of view that, quite honestly, I hadn't even thought about.
I note finally that part of the reason I value her friendship is that, like me, she doesn't take a difference of opinion personally. So, to my friend (who I know reads this) - I hope you don't mind I posted this here.
Road Rage
I debated about even posting this here, for obvious reasons once you read the body of the post. However, I think it's an important topic, and it's been on my mind since it happened a couple of days ago.
The other day, I had to pick something up at a store not directly in my neighborhood, but close by. Close enough to walk, actually, however I had a few other errands to run that I could not walk to, and it was quite chilly, so I opted to drive. This particular store does not have a parking lot, however there was ample street parking, and I was able to pull in to a spot across the street without parallel parking.
When I came out of the store, I saw a car parked very close to me - not exactly kissing my bumper, mind you, but closer than my comfort level is. It was one of those, "Well, this person is probably going to get a love tap as a result of this parking job." In fact, had there not been a parking lot entrance behind this car, I would assume he or she had love-tapped me. Normally (i.e., in my neighborhood), this wouldn't annoy me *that* much, but the lights were on and the car was running, so I could only assume the person was at the bank. The parking lot next to the car is for the bank!. Also, because not only was this person parked super close, but also I have trouble with night vision, and headlights directly in my rearview mirror were not going to help me.
Regardless, I was super careful - especially so, because I figured the owner was close by. True, I could have just waited five minutes for the person to leave, however I didn't know for sure that he/she was at the bank (could have been in the store I was in, for example), or how long it would be. The car in front of me was actually a very large van - so, I had headlights to my rear, large van blocking visibility to the front. Not an ideal situation.
I don't say this to make excuses, but merely to paint the scene. I don't go around "love tapping" bumpers for the fun of it. Actually, I hate doing it. I always feel embarrassed and ashamed when it happens. However, sometimes, it simply cannot be avoided. Excessive love-tapping leads to wear-and-tear on the bumper, however if it's only happened to you once, it won't leave a mark. Once again, not making excuses.
Obviously, I tapped the car. And, actually, I barely tapped it, in part because I was being very careful and going slow, checking my mirrors for traffic, etc. However, that's beside the point. I tapped the car. I admit it. And, to some, this in itself is a heinous offense.
So, almost immediately after (I hadn't pulled out yet, obviously), I hear rapping on my window. At first, I thought it was someone who was just going to want to "make sure" there was nothing wrong, which is annoying but understandable. However, a split-second later, the woman starts SCREAMING and continually rapping on the window.
"YOU BANGED MY CAR! YOU BANGED MY CAR!" I think I remember an obscenity in there, however I really can't be sure, so I don't want to quote that. Let's just say, the volume and tone would go along with an obscenity, even if there was not one.
This display did not make me want to get out of the car and talk to this woman. Even still, I didn't want to ignore her, either. "I didn't 'bang' your car, ma'am." What I wanted to say was, "Yeah. I tapped it. Because you parked too close to me, when there's a parking lot RIGHT THERE. I'm sorry I 'tapped' it, but I assure you there is no damage to either car, so please let me leave?" However, I didn't get to do this. She continued to rap on my window screaming, "YOU BANGED MY CAR!!!!"
The woman was hysterical. I don't know if she was dangerous or not, however the scene reminded me of those extreme road rage cases that you hear about. It was dark out, I was in an unfamiliar neighborhood, and I was a bit frightened. Looking back, I probably should have gotten out of the car and calmed her down, taken a look at her bumper, assured there was no damage, and apologized profusely. However, I was scared. I didn't know this woman, she was acting irrationally, and I didn't know what she was going to do. In all likelihood, probably nothing.
But I didn't want to take that chance.
I think we've all found ourselves in situations on the road where we're irrationally angry at another driver. Perhaps it's warranted, but that does not change the fact that it's irrational. It isn't until you are on the receiving end of such actions that you really see how unsettling it is.
I spent the entire drive to my next stop on edge. The wind rattled my window, and I jumped. I kept checking my rearview mirror to see if she was behind me, ready to run me off the road or something. There, now I was being irrational as well, I told myself. I did calm down after a few minutes, however the memory sticks with me. I keep wondering, should I handled this differently? Maybe I should have done a, b, or c?
Instead, what I should be thinking about is what I've learned from this experience. Aggressive tactics aren't going to get your point across, but rather put people on the defensive, so they won't listen to you at all.
The other day, I had to pick something up at a store not directly in my neighborhood, but close by. Close enough to walk, actually, however I had a few other errands to run that I could not walk to, and it was quite chilly, so I opted to drive. This particular store does not have a parking lot, however there was ample street parking, and I was able to pull in to a spot across the street without parallel parking.
When I came out of the store, I saw a car parked very close to me - not exactly kissing my bumper, mind you, but closer than my comfort level is. It was one of those, "Well, this person is probably going to get a love tap as a result of this parking job." In fact, had there not been a parking lot entrance behind this car, I would assume he or she had love-tapped me. Normally (i.e., in my neighborhood), this wouldn't annoy me *that* much, but the lights were on and the car was running, so I could only assume the person was at the bank. The parking lot next to the car is for the bank!. Also, because not only was this person parked super close, but also I have trouble with night vision, and headlights directly in my rearview mirror were not going to help me.
Regardless, I was super careful - especially so, because I figured the owner was close by. True, I could have just waited five minutes for the person to leave, however I didn't know for sure that he/she was at the bank (could have been in the store I was in, for example), or how long it would be. The car in front of me was actually a very large van - so, I had headlights to my rear, large van blocking visibility to the front. Not an ideal situation.
I don't say this to make excuses, but merely to paint the scene. I don't go around "love tapping" bumpers for the fun of it. Actually, I hate doing it. I always feel embarrassed and ashamed when it happens. However, sometimes, it simply cannot be avoided. Excessive love-tapping leads to wear-and-tear on the bumper, however if it's only happened to you once, it won't leave a mark. Once again, not making excuses.
Obviously, I tapped the car. And, actually, I barely tapped it, in part because I was being very careful and going slow, checking my mirrors for traffic, etc. However, that's beside the point. I tapped the car. I admit it. And, to some, this in itself is a heinous offense.
So, almost immediately after (I hadn't pulled out yet, obviously), I hear rapping on my window. At first, I thought it was someone who was just going to want to "make sure" there was nothing wrong, which is annoying but understandable. However, a split-second later, the woman starts SCREAMING and continually rapping on the window.
"YOU BANGED MY CAR! YOU BANGED MY CAR!" I think I remember an obscenity in there, however I really can't be sure, so I don't want to quote that. Let's just say, the volume and tone would go along with an obscenity, even if there was not one.
This display did not make me want to get out of the car and talk to this woman. Even still, I didn't want to ignore her, either. "I didn't 'bang' your car, ma'am." What I wanted to say was, "Yeah. I tapped it. Because you parked too close to me, when there's a parking lot RIGHT THERE. I'm sorry I 'tapped' it, but I assure you there is no damage to either car, so please let me leave?" However, I didn't get to do this. She continued to rap on my window screaming, "YOU BANGED MY CAR!!!!"
The woman was hysterical. I don't know if she was dangerous or not, however the scene reminded me of those extreme road rage cases that you hear about. It was dark out, I was in an unfamiliar neighborhood, and I was a bit frightened. Looking back, I probably should have gotten out of the car and calmed her down, taken a look at her bumper, assured there was no damage, and apologized profusely. However, I was scared. I didn't know this woman, she was acting irrationally, and I didn't know what she was going to do. In all likelihood, probably nothing.
But I didn't want to take that chance.
I think we've all found ourselves in situations on the road where we're irrationally angry at another driver. Perhaps it's warranted, but that does not change the fact that it's irrational. It isn't until you are on the receiving end of such actions that you really see how unsettling it is.
I spent the entire drive to my next stop on edge. The wind rattled my window, and I jumped. I kept checking my rearview mirror to see if she was behind me, ready to run me off the road or something. There, now I was being irrational as well, I told myself. I did calm down after a few minutes, however the memory sticks with me. I keep wondering, should I handled this differently? Maybe I should have done a, b, or c?
Instead, what I should be thinking about is what I've learned from this experience. Aggressive tactics aren't going to get your point across, but rather put people on the defensive, so they won't listen to you at all.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Two in one day!
Because, I couldn't let this go by without making a comment.
Ew.
I'll give you three guesses as to which one I think is gross, and the first two don't count.
I'd like to know, exactly, what about programs like The Center for Women in Government and Women's Studies majors are anti-family. I mean, even saying anti-male is a bit of a stretch (are African-American organizations anti-white, for example? Of course not!), but anti-family is just plain mind-boggling.
Discuss.
Ew.
I'll give you three guesses as to which one I think is gross, and the first two don't count.
I'd like to know, exactly, what about programs like The Center for Women in Government and Women's Studies majors are anti-family. I mean, even saying anti-male is a bit of a stretch (are African-American organizations anti-white, for example? Of course not!), but anti-family is just plain mind-boggling.
Discuss.
Rediscovery
Shut up, I know I haven't updated every day. And, I realized, as I'm going to be on vacation from Nov. 26-Dec. 7 with limited internet access, I won't be able to fulfill this duty, anyhow.
But, I am trying. Really.
I'm currently in the midst of moving - granted, I'm not moving far (two stories up, actually), and I don't have to do it "all at once" (thank goodness), however I've still been trying to think about how best to consolidate two households into one. It's a bit of a challenge, but is actually working out a lot better than I had expected it to. You'd be surprised how much you learn how to maximize space when it's all of a sudden necessary to do so.
Anyway, in addition to moving, I also spent part of my day off last Tuesday Christmas shopping. I got a pretty decent dent completed - I finished Mom and all of the kids in the family. One of the things I got for my mother was from L.L. Bean (she doesn't read this, so I know I can talk about it safely ... however, I still won't say *what* I got, just in case). Anyhow, as you'll note, they're running a deal where if you spend $50, you get a $10 gift card. I hadn't even noticed the promotion when I walked into the store, and the purchase for mom was $49. So, the girl at the counter informed me of the promotion and asked if I wanted to buy a LUNA Bar.
I tried my best not to make a face. I had tried one of these once before (specifically, the Strawberry Crumble Sunrise), and I thought it was GROSS. It was super sweet and sugary, and I was barely able to choke it down. I thought to myself, "WHY do people like these? They're GROSS! I can't believe people eat this crap!"
"It's $1.50," said the girl. "Probably the least expensive thing we have." Now, just before, I had been browsing some of the water bottles that had stuff stuffed in them (one was a travel spa, one was a parka, one was a fitness kit, etc.), which were kind of kitchy, but tempting. However, I only needed the dollar, and this was $1.50. What's the worst that could happen, I hate it and get $10 to spend? I was pinched for time and wouldn't have a chance to grab lunch, so why not? It was something, and gross or not, at least it was a healthy something.
So. I bought a S'mores bar. And, am I glad that I gave LUNA a second chance, even if it was under duress. Now, I see what all the hype is about. These really are tasty! Clearly, I just need to stay away from the Sunrise line. :)
But, I am trying. Really.
I'm currently in the midst of moving - granted, I'm not moving far (two stories up, actually), and I don't have to do it "all at once" (thank goodness), however I've still been trying to think about how best to consolidate two households into one. It's a bit of a challenge, but is actually working out a lot better than I had expected it to. You'd be surprised how much you learn how to maximize space when it's all of a sudden necessary to do so.
Anyway, in addition to moving, I also spent part of my day off last Tuesday Christmas shopping. I got a pretty decent dent completed - I finished Mom and all of the kids in the family. One of the things I got for my mother was from L.L. Bean (she doesn't read this, so I know I can talk about it safely ... however, I still won't say *what* I got, just in case). Anyhow, as you'll note, they're running a deal where if you spend $50, you get a $10 gift card. I hadn't even noticed the promotion when I walked into the store, and the purchase for mom was $49. So, the girl at the counter informed me of the promotion and asked if I wanted to buy a LUNA Bar.
I tried my best not to make a face. I had tried one of these once before (specifically, the Strawberry Crumble Sunrise), and I thought it was GROSS. It was super sweet and sugary, and I was barely able to choke it down. I thought to myself, "WHY do people like these? They're GROSS! I can't believe people eat this crap!"
"It's $1.50," said the girl. "Probably the least expensive thing we have." Now, just before, I had been browsing some of the water bottles that had stuff stuffed in them (one was a travel spa, one was a parka, one was a fitness kit, etc.), which were kind of kitchy, but tempting. However, I only needed the dollar, and this was $1.50. What's the worst that could happen, I hate it and get $10 to spend? I was pinched for time and wouldn't have a chance to grab lunch, so why not? It was something, and gross or not, at least it was a healthy something.
So. I bought a S'mores bar. And, am I glad that I gave LUNA a second chance, even if it was under duress. Now, I see what all the hype is about. These really are tasty! Clearly, I just need to stay away from the Sunrise line. :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
The honeymoon is over
Now that the election is over, and the outcome is better than I could have hoped for, as a lefty liberal type, there's a lot of work to be done. The NYS Legislature will be going into session on November 18th, to discuss mid-year budget cuts. Come April 1, 2009, there can be no deficit.
This article discusses those cuts. I was somewhat surprised that Paterson has suggested reopening labor contracts (to possibly put them "on hold," I'm assuming), but then again I think it's prudent to do so. While I would like to have my general salary increase, coupled with my performance advance, I can live without it. Though I'm relatively new to State service, I'm somewhat secure. Sure, a threat of layoffs is unsettling, however there are others who are in a lot more danger than I may be, and many of them need their jobs as much - if not more so - than I do. I'd rather not get my raise this year if it means everyone gets to keep their jobs. Then again, I realize that not everyone is that egalitarian.
Blame it on my lefty liberalism, fostered by my lefty liberal social worker mother.
Aside from all of that, some of the cuts I find to be a bit counterintuitive. For example, Paterson has announced that he will not raise taxes. Yet, he said he plans to cut education. Okay, so maybe you aren't raising the State income tax, but that money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is homeowners. A slight bump in income tax is a lot easier for most families to swallow than a jump in their property tax.
Some will tell you that this is all a result of government getting too big. I don't think that's true. I think, rather, it's a result of the government not paring down in response to society changing. For example, the days of Willowbrook are no more. Large, State-run institutions for those in need have been replaced with outpatient care and community residencies. Government was far-reaching then because it needed to be, and in a sense it may still need to be. However, it's not a hardship for a college student to travel four hours to campus, as opposed to one. The world is getting smaller, and government services have not adjusted in accordance. For years, this was still okay - but now it's caught up with us.
This article discusses those cuts. I was somewhat surprised that Paterson has suggested reopening labor contracts (to possibly put them "on hold," I'm assuming), but then again I think it's prudent to do so. While I would like to have my general salary increase, coupled with my performance advance, I can live without it. Though I'm relatively new to State service, I'm somewhat secure. Sure, a threat of layoffs is unsettling, however there are others who are in a lot more danger than I may be, and many of them need their jobs as much - if not more so - than I do. I'd rather not get my raise this year if it means everyone gets to keep their jobs. Then again, I realize that not everyone is that egalitarian.
Blame it on my lefty liberalism, fostered by my lefty liberal social worker mother.
Aside from all of that, some of the cuts I find to be a bit counterintuitive. For example, Paterson has announced that he will not raise taxes. Yet, he said he plans to cut education. Okay, so maybe you aren't raising the State income tax, but that money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is homeowners. A slight bump in income tax is a lot easier for most families to swallow than a jump in their property tax.
Some will tell you that this is all a result of government getting too big. I don't think that's true. I think, rather, it's a result of the government not paring down in response to society changing. For example, the days of Willowbrook are no more. Large, State-run institutions for those in need have been replaced with outpatient care and community residencies. Government was far-reaching then because it needed to be, and in a sense it may still need to be. However, it's not a hardship for a college student to travel four hours to campus, as opposed to one. The world is getting smaller, and government services have not adjusted in accordance. For years, this was still okay - but now it's caught up with us.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
I clearly fail at posting every day. Yesterday I was on the road for work and away from all things Internet from about 6am until 11pm, but as for Thursday, I have no good excuse.
I have a great idea for a (real) post, however it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'll be at the wedding of a very dear friend today, and there's lots to do before the ceremony! :)
I have a great idea for a (real) post, however it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'll be at the wedding of a very dear friend today, and there's lots to do before the ceremony! :)
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