| Author | Message | ||
     maplescorp Citizen Username: Maplescorp Post Number: 124 Registered: 12-2005  |
SOMA Stop the War is sponsoring a high school essay contest, and the deadline is March 1 at midnight. It's restricted to Maplewood and South Orange High School students, so it's worth a look. To Enter: Submit an original essay of no more than 500 words on the following topic: Why My Generation Should Oppose the War in Iraq Essays should be emailed by midnight, March 1, 2006 to: somastopthewar@yahoo.com Include your name, school, contact phone number, and email address Prizes: First Prize: $100 cash First runner-up: $50 cash Second runner-up: $25 cash Details: http://www.somastopthewar.us/essay.html  | ||
| Scrotis Lo Knows Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 896 Registered: 10-2005 |
maplescorp- Just curious, are the SOMA high school kids also going to have the chance to write an essay on "Why My Generation Should Support the War in Iraq" in the name of diverse opinions/perspectives? I highly doubt it. Talk about a loaded topic. Is the SOMA CTSTW trying to raffirm their beliefs via a bunch of 16 year olds? -SLK | ||
| thoughtful Citizen Username: Thoughtful Post Number: 178 Registered: 6-2001 |
Scrotis, Why don't you sponsor that essay contest? You often say it's more about doing than talking. | ||
| Dr. Winston O'Boogie Citizen Username: Casey Post Number: 1952 Registered: 8-2003  |
slk probably also wonders why the NAACP doesn't solicit essays with topic like "There's an Upside to Racism Too." all in the name of diversity of opinion, of course | ||
| Grrrrrrrrrrr Citizen Username: Oldsctls67 Post Number: 310 Registered: 11-2002  |
DR. while I see what you're getting at, what is the correlation between war and racism? | ||
| Robert Livingston Citizen Username: Rob_livingston Post Number: 1610 Registered: 7-2004  |
Very good point, Thoughtful. Scrotis Lo Knows is more than willing to come to MOL and complain, but is not willing to do anything about it for real. Sad, sad, sad. And kind of hypocritical, too. | ||
| Dr. Winston O'Boogie Citizen Username: Casey Post Number: 1953 Registered: 8-2003 |
grrrrrrr, the point is that the group in question is as anti-war as the NAACP is anti-racism. it would make as much sense to ask them to solicit arguments in favor of war as it would to ask the NAACP to solicit essays in favor of racism. there was no implicit or explicit equating of war with racism. I thought my point was obvious, but perhaps not. | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6877 Registered: 10-2001  |
Questions? Who owns the essay, the child or SOMA? Will SOMA use the essay for commerical purposes? If so, will they include the child's name? Has this essay contest been approved by the Board of Education? If not, why must the child indicate the school they attend? If they choose not to share this information are they disqualified? Who reviews the essays? A team, an individual?, etc. What are their names and where do they live? When approaching our children you need to offer us more than a promise of cash for a job well done. We need more information. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3043 Registered: 9-2003 |
hard.....to......type.......I.....agree....with.......straw......he.....makes... .several...good...points. | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6878 Registered: 10-2001 |
One more question. I assume to enter the contest the child needs the signed consent of a parent? | ||
| maplescorp Citizen Username: Maplescorp Post Number: 125 Registered: 12-2005 |
Who owns the essay, the child or SOMA? The child, but SOMA will ask permission to use it to celebrate and help spread our message that our government is acting in the opposite interest of its people and the world. The child will also be invited to read it at our rally on the 19th. Will SOMA use the essay for commerical purposes? With permission. If so, will they include the child's name? With permission. Has this essay contest been approved by the Board of Education? No. It is unrelated to school functions. Consider it an age requirement, not a school requirement. Homeschooled kids of high school age are more than welcome to enter. If not, why must the child indicate the school they attend? Just for information purposes. To alert the school should the child win. If they choose not to share this information are they disqualified? No. Who reviews the essays? A team, an individual?, etc. What are their names and where do they live? SOMA Stop the War members, which include professional editors, media specialists, editorial consultants, and political science professors. When approaching our children you need to offer us more than a promise of cash for a job well done. We need more information. Then you should have clicked the link I put up: http://www.somastopthewar.us/essay.html By the way, you are too old to enter, Straw, but I'm sure you'd do a great job otherwise being you're so eloquent. | ||
| Scrotis Lo Knows Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 898 Registered: 10-2005 |
Robert- Who is complaning? I am asking legitimate questions. Pardon me if I appear skeptical on the point of this entire exercise. And why can't SOMA-CTSTW request an essay promoting the Iraq war? It will be a chance for opposing viewpoints to get different perspectives on the matter and possibly learning from one another. Challenge your though processes for once instead of constantly seeking to affirm them. By ignoring the other side and by Dr. Boogie using the NAACP comparison only proves this exercise have pure partisan political motives. maplescorp-will you be seeking parental permission on this matter? -SLK | ||
| maplescorp Citizen Username: Maplescorp Post Number: 126 Registered: 12-2005 |
No parental permission to enter, but I'm sure they'll ask for and contact the parents of winners. Let's be clear: this group has an agenda, and that agenda is to encourage activism to prevent innocent deaths, expose corruption and deception, and reestablish our reputation in the world. They think the results of this war affect the next generation profoundly, and want to give them a chance to express that, if the young people feel that way. If they don't feel that way, they don't have to enter. It's not like a school assignment. And if someone takes the opposite point of view, that entry would NOT be disqualified. | ||
| Robert Livingston Citizen Username: Rob_livingston Post Number: 1615 Registered: 7-2004 |
"And why can't SOMA-CTSTW request an essay promoting the Iraq war?" Dude, I hestitate to even dignify that, considering the meaning of the acronym, but you seem to need things spelled out for you, literally. To reiterate, complaining isn't activism. Start a revolution. A conservative revolution! Then you can go around brainwashing kids about how great their leader is even as he thoroughly dismisses the insane possibility that Iraq might be devolving into civil war... | ||
| Hoops Citizen Username: Hoops Post Number: 846 Registered: 10-2004  |
No one says that SOMA-CTSTW is non partisan. They are promoting an anti-war agenda. Why is that so hard to comprehend. They have chosen a side and wish to promote it. If you want to try and 'balance' the argument I think that would be up to you. thoughtful's point to you was the same point you have used time and time again as your little signature used to say. As you say it is a 'loaded' topic. That is exactly where you are correct. The SOMA-CTSTW is espousing their point of view and asking for others who share that point of view to contribute. I am sure that you can come up with an appropriate essay for kids in favor of continuing a failing Iraq policy. | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 5809 Registered: 12-2001  |
SLK...come on, quit playing dumb. If you want to help with "diversity of opinions" then sponsor your own contest. Nevermind the NAACP. Lets try some others... MADD---write an essay extolling the virtues of keg parties. PETA-- Bear Traps and how to trap and bleed an animal simultaneously NRA-- Why assault weapons should be BANNED I think you get the point. Pull your supposedly knowledgeable head out of your ____________. | ||
| Scrotis Lo Knows Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 901 Registered: 10-2005 |
Duncan- Good points. Call me naieve but I would actually like to see such essays written by the groups you had listed, with exceptions. Not would it only break up the boredom and make things interesting but it would challenge them intellectually. And secondly, your MADD eaxample would of been better if if the essay topic was "extolling the virtues of driving drunk."  -SLK | ||
| Grrrrrrrrrrr Citizen Username: Oldsctls67 Post Number: 311 Registered: 11-2002 |
Scrotey...you will soon find out that Bobby Livingston should be ignored. He brings nothing to these discussions other than inflammatory rhetoric and the occasional blurbs from the boiler plate party line. He should read his won posts sometime and perhaps take some of his own "suggestions" to heart. Also, this IS Maplewood..there is always going to be a liberal agenda in the schools. | ||
| Southerner Citizen Username: Southerner Post Number: 751 Registered: 2-2004 |
RL, In case you missed it, the conservative revolution started in 1994. Whereas, you libs look to teenagers for reaffirment, us conservatives would rather take over the institutions that matter. You libs still have universities as your playground but we are slowly chipping away. I love when a lib can't look at reality because right now it sucks to be you. And by the way, just wait until you start seeing some of the SC rulings coming down the pike. You libs will be hanging from the ceiling. | ||
| Robert Livingston Citizen Username: Rob_livingston Post Number: 1624 Registered: 7-2004 |
Same old, same old, Southerner. Yaaaaaaaaawn. You're like a broken record in a cheerleader outfit. | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 5817 Registered: 12-2001 |
Southerner that post is perhaps the most insightful yet.
Not speaking for all "libs" but no, it doesn't suck to be "you". We have some gripes, which you are entitled to take issue with, and in general think the POTUS is doing a rathar crappy job, but that doesn't mean it sucks. See 'libs' see an opportunity, and despite the very real concerns and disappointments with our current administration...most libs think that things can get better. And that is a measure of optimism. And optimism doesn't suck. | ||
| Southerner Citizen Username: Southerner Post Number: 759 Registered: 2-2004 |
Duncan, That is the first rational thing I've read on this board by a die hard lib in a long time. Thank you for that fresh air. If your fellow Dems ran with that type of rhetoric instead of the normal line then you guys might change some minds. I tip my hat to you. RL, And your hundreds of posts bashing Bush aren't boring? I'll be as boring as it takes. Can't we agree that this entire board has been boring for a few years. Since the last election it has been nothing more than tabloid politics with scandal after scandal. I do miss Travis though because he brought a certain dramatic flair to his scandal. Of course, when it passed like a burrito in church he was gone in a flash. I guess he couldn't face his own political shortcomings. | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6885 Registered: 10-2001 |
Duncan, Yes, you are an optimistic chap. Yes, you are a liberal. However, you are well in the minority because as opposed to you most liberals are negative, spiteful people. You carry yourself like JFK did. Today's liberals are more in line with Ted and Howard Dean. Sloppy, loud and most importantly completely out of touch. This in turn leads to the negative vibes they give other Americans. Look, once upon a time being a liberal was something that carried weight. Heck, in the 60's I would have been right there with the rest of you. However, today's liberal is not at all like that. Today's liberal is nothing more than a socialist trying to take over the Democratic party. | ||
| Scrotis Lo Knows Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 908 Registered: 10-2005 |
maplescorp- Thank you for clarifying everything in your last post. I appreciate you giving me a simple answer to my simple questions. Grrrrr(is that enough rrrr's?)-all RL worries about is being witty. He is nothing more than a sophist crooning the same tune. Broeback-good points. I wish liberals would look up the original definition of "liberalism" to see how they are not!  -SLK | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6887 Registered: 10-2001 |
exactly, today's liberals have destroyed the once proud Democratic party. Sad to see. | ||
| Robert Livingston Citizen Username: Rob_livingston Post Number: 1626 Registered: 7-2004 |
Did someone from South of the Mason Dixon line actually write "it sucks to be you????" Seriously? Sounds like someone needs to lay off the moonshine. | ||
| Scrotis Lo Knows Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 914 Registered: 10-2005 |
RL, Point???? -SLK | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10847 Registered: 5-2001 |
Straw, Lib and Scrotis, why don't you set up an essay contest in support of "staying the course" instead of complaining? | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6888 Registered: 10-2001 |
right, an essay contest.. That will change the world.. | ||
| Scrotis Lo Knows Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 919 Registered: 10-2005 |
Bob K- Who is complaining? I am merely questioning...and who says I am not? -SLK | ||
| The SLK Effect Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 938 Registered: 10-2005 |
Apparently there is a SOMA-CTSTW war protest (read: free therapy) coming up on March 2__ in Memorial Park near the train station (I saw a posting while walking home in the sleet last night)... I am going to be there with a lawn chair and a 12 pack of Old Mil (light of course) enjoying the free entertainment. Anybody want to join me? -SLK | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6898 Registered: 10-2001 |
If I want to sit and watch a hand full of dopes run around, I'll turn on American Idol instead. | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 5822 Registered: 12-2001 |
and not for nothing guys but todays "conservatives" don't look anything like the "conservatives" of the 60's. Gray is Black and Yellow White, but we decide which is right... | ||
| Guy Supporter Username: Vandalay Post Number: 1612 Registered: 8-2004  |
Here is the winner. It is by a high school teacher,Jay Bennish. Here is an exerpt. ...One of things that I'll bring up now, since some of you are still writing, is, you know, Condoleezza Rice said this the other day and George Bush reiterated it last night. And the implication was that the solution to the violence in the Middle East is democratization. And the implication through his language was that democracies don't go to war. Democracies aren't violent. Democracies won't want weapons of mass destruction. This is called blind, naive faith in democracy! Who is probably the single most violent nation on planet Earth?! Unidentified brainwashed student interjects: We are. The United States of America! And we're a democracy. Quote-unquote. Who has the most weapons of mass destruction in the world? The United States. Who's continuing to develop new weapons of mass destruction as we speak?! The United States. So, why does Mr. Bush think that other countries that are democracies won't wanna be like us? Why does he think they'll just wanna be at peace with each other?! What makes him think that when the Palestinians get their own state that they won't wanna preemptively invade Israel to eliminate a potential threat to their security just like we supposedly did in Iraq?! Do you see the dangerous precedent that we have set by illegally invading another country and violating their sovereignty in the name of protecting us against a potential future--sorry--attack? Great case against Iraq War made by a high school geography teacher. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3560566 | ||
| maplescorp Citizen Username: Maplescorp Post Number: 128 Registered: 12-2005 |
For the record, the march and rally are March 19. More details here: http://www.somastopthewar.us/ They got more essays than they needed and are now judging. They're amazing! Thanks to everyone who participated and helped! | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6901 Registered: 10-2001 |
Are any of the judges convicted of felons? Be honest. Again, we need to know for the well being of our children. | ||
| maplescorp Citizen Username: Maplescorp Post Number: 129 Registered: 12-2005 |
You mean like G. Gordon Liddy, or soon-to be convicted Duke Cunningham, Tom DeLay, Jack Abramoff, Scooter Libby, and Bush pal Ken Lay? Like those guys? Nope. Not like those guys. | ||
| Brokeback Straw Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6902 Registered: 10-2001 |
Please list the names of the judges and where they live. I think since you've used MOL to promote the contest, we need to know the names of those individuals reviewing the essays. Again, when you solicit children you also need to go above board to protect those children. Since your organization has been dismissed by the likes of Paul S.among others, we need to verify that in fact your motives aren't criminal in any way, shape or form.. Sorry to put you on the spot, but again when it comes to children, we cannot take chances. | ||
| maplescorp Citizen Username: Maplescorp Post Number: 131 Registered: 12-2005 |
Show me another contest where judges' private information is listed as you request. Your bias is getting in the way of your good sense. We are reading essays, not inviting kids into our homes unsupervised. I think Paul would take exception to your characterization. Why not let him speak for himself. Why don't you return to your rants. | ||
| tjohn Supporter Username: Tjohn Post Number: 4111 Registered: 12-2001  |
Guy, The unfortunate thing is that if the teacher had limited his comments to the first paragraph, it would have been a topic worthy of serious discussion. I think the assumption that democratization leads to peace does, in fact, deserve to be questioned. It is almost certainly a poor assumption. "Here is the winner. It is by a high school teacher,Jay Bennish. Here is an exerpt. ...One of things that I'll bring up now, since some of you are still writing, is .... the implication was that the solution to the violence in the Middle East is democratization. And the implication through his language was that democracies don't go to war. Democracies aren't violent. Democracies won't want weapons of mass destruction. " |
