gdp's Comments

stantonmartin.com : 7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Jackson, Mississippi.

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:04:16 +0000

I went to Bailey. For five years middle to high school. There ain't a damn thing weird or creepy about it. It's just a school. That top third floor tower was my French class. Now, it would get too cold up there and we'd be forced down to the library in winter but it was never creepy. There's a plaque inside, it was built as a school, never used for anything other than a school. It's architecturally interesting, but it is not haunted and never was and nothing weird or creepy or even remotely interesting ever happened there. Well, we did get a visit from Clinton when he was running for president but other than that it is a very normal school. When I was there they went from being a 7th to 12th grade school to being a 6th to 12th grade school. We didn't have room for every one. Some of the sixth graders didn't have lockers for quite some time. Our football team always sucked pretty hard but we kicked ass in girls track. The pic you have up there when I was there those doors weren't used a lot but we would gather around early before the bell rang and chatted. The doors in the pic lead to the office at least when I was there. You go in there and immediately to your left was the offices. But we also used to stand on those big "arms" of stone where the statues are and smoke. Looking at that pic the windows directly to the right were my computer class. Again, nothing odd or sinister. You may want to look up more about the architecture. You will find that style has been useful in evoking creepiness for many years, but it is just the style, if you ever went in the place you;'d see just how ordinary it really is. In fact, the only thing extraordinary about it was that for a time when I first went there from Oak Forest in South Jackson it was the sort of school you could go at your own pace at.

Mississippi Atheists : I Can Remain Silent No Longer

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:24:12 +0000

Lorena Bobbitt, really? You expected to get traction with that? This is officially the stupidest post I have ever read here.

Mississippi Atheists : See You at the Pole

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 20:03:06 +0000

You don't have to, you can listen to the audio afterwards but were still gonna need people who want to participate somehow.

Mississippi Atheists : See You at the Pole

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 21:16:50 +0000

This is the sort of thing that the Secular Coalition is trying to help us with. This is why they are trying to set up chapters in states like Mississippi. If anyone's interested the next conference call is Oct 17th at 2pm our time. So far it's been only me on the line, but it's gonna take more than me to do this stuff so you guys come on out and see what we can get going!

Mississippi Atheists : What is Wrong with our Schools?

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 02:00:52 +0000

@Snowbrush. We have a few good ones here. Wyatt Waters' wife Vicki taught me English in 9th grade. No better guide through Shakespeare has been seen. But even the good ones are so strangled by the system they can't do their thing. I also had the overly religious teacher. Biology, ninth grade, certainly not a class for religion to be brought in.

Mississippi Atheists : What is Wrong with our Schools?

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:53:12 +0000

On the topic and less personal what's wrong with our schools is systemic. If you read about the history of them they were never formed with a mandate to really educate us so much as to prepare us to work. If we really wanted schools that serve us and not those who are now known as the 1% we need to change everything about the way we run them. We need smaller teacher to student ratios, we need more choice, we need less variations in standards and we need to get capitalism out of schools. This is a huge topic that I could write reams on. And I have. Here is a small sampling of what I've written: http://mwillett.org/Politics/American-assholes.ht... http://dogsmycopilot.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/ame... But if one wants to really get a grip on what the deal is with our school system and why it fails in so many ways one needs to tackle the works of John Taylor Gatto and watch documentaries like Waiting For Superman. I also highly recommend Howard Zinn's a People's History, Diane McGuinness's Why Our Children Can't Read, and Lies My Teacher Told Me by Loewen touches on it as well. It's a complex topic with many parts. Such as the fact that we fund schools locally, which leaves poor areas behind. The worse the school gets the more people move out and the schools get worse, it's a cycle. But then there is also the publishing industry, which caters to the largest market which happens to include Texas which means everyone ends up with rotten books with right wing leanings. And the battle between phonics and whole word instruction, which isn't really a battle we all know what works it's just that whole word is easier and what's popular. Then you have the sad fact that for many school is a prison and a pipeline to prison. We have no other choices for kids, there are no longer things like apprenticeships. This whole range of ideas is too much for one blog post but each and every piece of this enormous puzzle is important. So please study up on it if you are a parent. i know it's a lot believe me I know. I've been on it for 18 years now. But every bit of effort you put in is worth it, we have generations behind us that will be relying on us to save them from this wad of crap and there is nothing worth investing in more than education. Nothing.

Mississippi Atheists : What is Wrong with our Schools?

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:36:29 +0000

It ought to break your heart. It ought to break your heart to the point that you can't do it to her. You know better. You know it's not right. You know that what you are offering her in school isn't a real education that is guided by her passions and interests but indoctrination into a cult of capitalism and heartlessness and robotic obedience that will if she's lucky only serve to demonstrate that the world is not about doing what you love but what you are told and if she's not lucky- well- we know what happens to those students. Why any rational aware parent would send their child to school is beyond me. I sent mine to kindergarten too, for about five minutes. Because the minute you see what it is you know better. You know it in your heart, that's why you are heartbroken over it. There are so many of us non-religious who homeschool. Reach out for resources and information. Do not be intimidated and do not let anyone tell you you can't do it. I've seen single parents do it, I've seen grandparents do it, I do it on a salary so small we aren't even at the poverty level for a family our size. You know I'm here for you if you need me, Laurie Bertram @smartstatistic on Twitter is also a lefty homeschooler from here in Mississippi who would be happy to talk to you I'm sure. Please don't let lack of information make school a necessary default for your child. Do what your heart tells you is right no matter what that may be. Mine are 15 and 17 now and the only mistakes I ever made were the times I listened to what society says is right instead of what I felt was right.

Mississippi Atheists : Christian Extremism Undermines Education in Mississippi

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:47:36 +0000

What are your choices? Why you have the same choice parents have made for generations- homeschool. I really don't understand what's not to understand. The reason our schools suck is that they are used by people who either don't care or are lazy or are simply don't have the IQ to do any better. The last group I feel bad for and I wish they would reach out for resources and I wish the state would help them more. But the other two groups- I really don't care to hear it. Homeschooling our kids has been hard, we do without a lot, but it's what was right. And if I can do it on a poverty level income i really do not have any comprehension why people who can afford things like private school have any excuses. If you are sending your child to public school you are simply wrong. There's no two ways about it. Anyone who cares and has knowledge would not do it. I grew up in JPS I know exactly what kind of piss poor education these kids get. School is a prison pipeline at worst, a state employed babysitting service at best. I may sound harsh but what's really harsh is sitting back and letting your kids get screwed. I have never had respect for the system. Education is not schooling. In fact real education is the opposite of what goes on in schools. Some people need to read some John Taylor Gatto and refresh their memories as to what schooling is really for. Schooling is for indoctrination of what the state and the businesses who run it need in an employee- hence the popularity of uniforms. It's not there for you or your children or your family. It's there to serve them, to keep your kids in line with the status quo, to teach them to be good little non-critical thinking robots. Break the chains people.

Mississippi Atheists : Secular Coalition Conference Call for Mississippi Scheduled

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 02:29:20 +0000

It was quite an interesting and informative call. I couldn't tell if I was the only person on the line but I was the only person who introduced myself. I hope if anyone is interested you will go to the site. Kelly, the nice young lady who hosted the conference call, said it would be on the web site for all to hear. The next one is Sept. 19th at 2 pm our time. (Aug was skipped due to vacations and whatnot, I think she said) She also said they do a national call so check the site for more info if you want to get involved. I think it's going to be fun, she had a list of bills she was interested in us moving on and I hope to get involved as things get started. My recent post The Dachsonian Captivity – day 7 or 8

Mississippi Atheists : Christian Privilege in Mississippi

Tue, 3 Jul 2012 20:20:14 +0000

You will be subject to vandalism. We have been repeatedly. It got to the point where the cops basically out and out blamed us for having the bumper sticker on there. We have been vandalized repeatedly, had our car actually stolen repeatedly, and at one point we had a dead cat thrown on our porch. I shit you not. If you show what you are expect repercussions, it's that simple.

Mississippi Atheists : The Girl Scouts and Everyday Bigotry

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 17:53:06 +0000

I do think atheists are better people. They may not be perfect but they are honest which is more than I can say for theists. Having said that, I was in Girl Scouts and let me tell you, girls are mean. I wouldn't put my daughter in it to save my life. You talk about the snottiest group of Mean Girls you will ever see, oh my goodness were they little bitches. And I wasn't even an atheist back then. Take her to the gym or the field, find her a sport. Find something she wants to do, not just be a member of something where she has to bend her identity to the group. Being a member of a group weakens you personal identity, it makes it hard to decide if you are doing it for you or for the group. Especially when it's stated up from the group support superstitious bull like Scouts do. And it's in there, too, prayers before meetings, and all.

Mississippi Atheists : Happy Holidays, Mississippi Atheists

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:48:15 +0000

I just see no problem with anyone using Merry Christmas. Christmas was never originally christian, up until very recently they had a problem with it in fact. I seem to recall fines being issued for the mention of it?! Happy Holidays, Merry Solstice, Merry Christmas, hell, I'll even take Happy Hanukkah or Merry Kwanzaa. There has always been a dark of winter celebration, since we were in the caves, I'll not allow the theists to think they can dominate it simply through a name. A rose by any other name....

Mississippi Atheists : Mississippi Deserves Safe Drinking Water

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:50:11 +0000

Most of us stopped bothering to complain years ago. You're welcome to try. I did. Took me 10 years to give up. We all drink bottled. Part that's really scary is, Mississippi is a Republican's dream. Look around folks. This is what they want to turn the whole country into.

Mississippi Atheists : Do You Ever Feel Trapped?

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 03:12:20 +0000

Hell yeah I feel trapped here. I've been trying to get out of Mississippi all my life. I got out once and found out why it's so hard to get out. (I had to come back because I was a minor and my mom moved back.) Life here doesn't prepare you for the rest of the world. A good education here becomes mediocre elsewhere, life is cheap here. Now, my aging family and the hubby's job keep us here. I think a lot about escaping, but at the same time why should I leave? Why shouldn't it be the nutters who go? Mississippi is smart, good people. We are the original home of the blues, we build NASA engines, we have been leaders in medicine- there is no good reason to leave my people and my state to the nutters. I do what I can to improve my state. I vote, I write editorials, I try to do where I can for the Dems and the Pro-choice people. If people like me go where does that leave the poor and vulnerable but at the hands of the Reps and religious? No. I'm like Tom Petty. I don't back down.

Mississippi Atheists : Homeless Family Won\'t Cross God Off Their Sign for Money

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:15:46 +0000

How is this any different than when the religious require them to sit through a sermon for their food? It's not and it ought to make the atheists crowd feel as low as the theists should when they do that. I also don't think it's lost on most of the poor that this is a privileged white western male who came up with this horrible idea. I think he deserves a lesson in what it's like to be poor. Even then he wouldn't get the difference in mindset because clearly he can approach the world on confident terms. The majority of the poor both working and unemployed though can't do that. They are minorities who have to give up their human rights and dignity at every turn. Thanks so much to this guy for throwing yet another indignity at them. That's so helpful and doesn't make him look like a fucktard at all. If I sound pissed it's because I am. I hope someone treats him with the same lack of respect he's treating others with.

Mississippi Atheists : Student Religious Liberties Act of 2011

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:51:42 +0000

You aren't trapped. You stand up and you leave. I did, many a time. Of course you don't get the applause and attention for leaving. Principles cost, having them and standing up for them costs, you can either pay or shut up. It sucks, but that's the way it is. That's the way it is whether you are atheist, gay, or simply different than those around you. As long as people are willing to continue smiling and taking this crap because they know the consequences of being different there will continue to be consequences. Have some balls and live your principles and take the consequences. This is what living in Mississippi means- you don't want to do it then go somewhere else where the ratio of tolerance to religion is better. But to expect these people in this state to give a damn that we don't want to hear their preaching is expecting too much from these creatures. Oh, and biology here is a joke. The teachers will have no problem grading religious work, it's what they'd prefer.

Mississippi Atheists : Cycle of Poverty in Mississippi

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:46:15 +0000

I'll be happy to say they are doing it deliberately. For two main reasons. A) Us all being poor creates a better, cheaper work force for the companies the Republicans bring in. It's all about the bottom line and Mississippi is the Mexico or China of the US. We are cheap, non-unionized and so poor we won't argue. Seriously, just try to get OSHA or someone to address your labor concerns here. 2) The "self-made man" myth has to be kept alive due to it's connection to religion. The underlying assumption is if you are bad off it's because you are a bad person.

Mississippi Atheists : Understanding Why Atheists Might Contribute to Holiday Displays in Government Buildings

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 05:34:25 +0000

I think it is important to remember that it doesn't matter how reasonable and clear we are. Just the fact that us wanting to be treated equally can ruin these people's holiday, or presents a problem to them tells the observant person what we are dealing with. They don't want to understand, they don't agree with the law to start with and don't care how we reason it, they just want us gone. I think it behooves us as a group to realize that and not do what the Democrats have done with the Reps in congress - so quickly capitulating to the enemy. I think we bend too fast, ask too meekly and explain ourselves way too often.

Mississippi Atheists : Defending Contraception and Reproductive Rights in Mississippi

Sat, 9 Oct 2010 04:54:20 +0000

I think education is very important. Only with critical thinking skills can people think for themselves rather than follow what the preachers tell them. We pro choicers also have to spread the word that we *are* pro life. We are pro women's lives and children's lives because we want every child to be a wanted child. We need to push for more private or grant funding for helping the poor with birth control and abortions where wanted. We need to support our what, one clinic that does them. Unfortunately, I think the groups who do a lot of this think of America as being "first world" and don't realize how desperate the situation is here. And hey, if you want to do something personally help out a chick who has come to the city for an abortion and can't afford a hotel or doesn't have a driver. You can read about the idea here: http://abortioneers.blogspot.com/2010/09/getting-...

Mississippi Atheists : Christian Proselytizing at the Gym

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 18:55:20 +0000

I get approached by people even at the gas station pump. I long ago lost any politeness about this stuff. I consider it theft. Theft of my time and attention by someone who simply cannot handle the lack of attention the real world gives them. They don't want to share squat, they want attention, they want to be seen as the good guy, they want you to acknowledge them. I don't walk around appearing as the type of person you really want to interact with. I do not smile at people I don't know, I do not make eye contact, I do nothing to appear inviting. That heads off a large portion of this kind of crap. The other portion is about being firm. "Leave my presence" is a very basic request. Most people honor it. The one time I had someone touch me I said "I know you didn't just touch me" in a very deep tone. They didn't dare do it again. Even though the truth is I'm a teddy bear who loves my dogs and will still play Barbies with my daughter I find cultivating an image of fear helps a lot. I do not try to make people comfortable, either. Unless I invite you into my presence I intend for your time near me to be as unpleasant as possible. I will find a way to make you uncomfortable enough to leave. Most people want eustress, the kind they get when they ride a roller coaster, it's fake stress. I give them actual stress, the fact that their expectations aren't met also makes them uncomfortable. If I am in a situation where there is an audience that might benefit I may engage them in the limited debate they are capable of. I once asked a preacher at the gas station if he liked that part in Psalms about bashing babies, "you know, 137?" He left. I laughed. The guy one pump over smiled at me and gave a thumbs up. But mostly just not appearing to be a soft target helps. I really feel sorry for those forced to put up with it in jobs. That's who really gets my sympathy.