I am a little late in responding here, but it's late at night and I have nothing better to do. I have been driving only about two and a half years, but in that time I have formed some strong opinions about automatic transmissions and a large number of people who drive them. 1. From what I know about cars, those with automatic transmissions are more expensive, and the transmission is more difficult to repair. They also generally get worse fuel economy than the same model cars that have a standard transmission. 2. It is a strong opinion of mine that drivers of cars with auto transmissions are more likely to be involved in or cause an accident. Also, I am inclined to believe that auto transmissions lead to more traffic jams than do standards. Keep in mind that I have no statistical evidence to back this up, this is all opinion. I live in Dallas, where there are a fair number of traffic jams and poorly designed on-ramps and intersections. On certain sections of the Dallas Tollway, there are scary little on-ramps that I like to call "suicide merges." Once you get past the toll booth, you have about 250 yards to get onto the freeway before the road literally disappears without any warning. Keep in mind, there is no emergency shoulder road at this point, only a small stretch of road which is about high above the ground as a curb. At times, during busy traffic, I have felt that without a stick shift, I would have been totally screwed. Once you get up to around 45-50, most automatics put you in 4th gear, a cruicial mistake when trying to sneak in between two vehicles going between 65-70. My car is only 125 HP but by using good spacing with the cars in front and behind me, and good timing, I never get into any trouble. Standards are extremely helpful for the times when you're desperate to change lanes and can downshift to get power, whereas it would be more difficult to get that important extra power if you were driving a 4 cylinder automatic. Therefore, I think I am a lot less likely to get into an accident by having a standard transmission, because I won't have to risk cutting off a fast moving vehicle to get into a lane I need to get into, while hoping that vehicle will slow down for me as I slowly speed up, because I have that extra power. The good thing about a stick shift is that you are always in control. Auto transmissions are more likely to cause traffic jams because the drivers tend to be worse, slower, and more lazy than those driving a standard. Also, if you took the time to learn how to drive a standard, you probably know more about the finer points of driving than most auto trans driving people do (all opinion of course). Also, SUVs, and vans/minivans are usually auto transmissions and they tend to have worse/slower drivers. Keep in mind that traffic jams are usually caused by accidents, rubbernecking, and also when a lot people are trying to merge into oncoming traffic. Well, if these people could merge successfully, not having to slow everyone else down in order for them to get in, there would be less traffic jams. And once traffic slows down or stops, it takes a very long time for it to get started again, because people drive slowly, and they don't know how to space correctly when driving. There are many other points I could make, but I am very tired right now, maybe later. And yes, I still hate automatic transmissions.
I can't drive a stick shift. In the words of gr8-1, "It's true. It's damn true". I never bothered learning. I can't see the fun of sitting in Dallas/Houston traffic shifting your way to through a 30 minute - 1 hour drive. As for one being safer over the other; do insurance costs vary between an auto vs. stick? I don't think they do, but I could be wrong. As for merging onto freeways. Gimme a break. Just about any 4-cylinder is going to be in for a hell of a time trying to merge onto the Dallas tollway here when people are zipping by at 70 mph. I have an automatic 6-cylinder Maxima and I can gauge fairly well when I need to accelerate or decelerate for a freeway merge. The only way I buy a stick is if it was a sports car... a true sports car. Outside of that, I just want to get from point A to point B with good acceleration and power. A 6-cyl auto sports sedan does that for me perfectly well. Hey red chocolate, I think the sky is green... I can't prove it, don't have anything to back that up, but it's just my opinion. ... I'm a guy wanting a Viper but can't drive a shift... oh the tragedy
ZRB: **************************************************** Organized Religion (no offense) **************************************************** Thanks, I forgot one. That is the biggest CROCK of all times! (No offense) Z, are we on the same page? Belief in GOD (or Universal All), but disdain for "organized religion"?
DREAMer: I am so glad that you did not fall into that BS trap of becoming violent because of some racist @$$hole. Great Job. But I have learned a few things being bi-racial and working in the "corporate" world. And that is to address the issue, right then. I have done it, I will continue to do it and I will instill it into my three children. That F*** probably got off to that fact he could say what he did without be "confronted". I use that term delicately, because I don't want you to think I mean going down to his level and becoming ignorant yourself. What I mean is this: I have been in similar situations as your and I have literally turned around and looked them squarely in the eyes and said "Excuse me? Exactly what problem do you have with Black PEOPLE? Have I done something to personally offend you? And if you don't like Houston because of all the Black PEOPLE, why are you here? And I will let you on a little secret....as much as you may want us to, we are not going anywhere. The fact is, White people need Black people (and vice versa and including all humanity), then you may realize or care to admit.....Think about it." All said in a firm, polite, professional manner. What I have noticed in doing so, other people hear what is going on and the racist starts to squirm and in some cases just leaves or trys to apologize. See it is not "fashionable" to be openly racist anymore, but every now and then you have check the really ignorant. Try it next time (unfortunately, there probably will be a next time), you will feel much better. Just don't give the racists any "ammunition" by being beligerant or violent. My two cents. FC
FranchiseCat, I have what would be considered a little bit of a "temper". Luckily the fuse has two sections. It goes off quick, but then there's a slow burning section right before I go off. Meaning, I get pissed quickly but react more slowly. The problem is that had I said something to the guy and he had some (any) snide remark, then that would've been all she wrote. Also, had that happened I would not have gotten to spend the day with my wife. It bothered me for a while (about 30 minutes), but I eventually just began to enjoy the rides and walking around with my wife.
What annoys me is when I take time and thought into a post and then somebody scans the 1st sentence or maybe only a couple of words of it and then lays a quick, thoughtless, attempt to dismiss the post. But luckily the BBS doesn't have too many people prone to do this. By the way, I have no problems with other's being terse (this is something I am working on), it is just thoughtlessness that gets me riled up and into I going to "take you out" mode (not literally of course). DREAMer and others I feel you, you should hear stuff my wife hears (or us together hear) being misidentified as she is a somewhat fair complexioned Latina. A lot of people are downright ignorant, but it is true the come in all shapes and sizes. FC and RocketPimp good suggestions for how to handle such situations in the future. I think BK does have an important point in that his posts (as with Jeff’s) are backed by his name and his name is part of Clutch City. That is a different weight than most of us bring to the BBS.
DREAMer: I certainly understand where you are coming from. Not everything is easy to swallow. The good thing is that you were able to put it past you and do what is really important.....enjoy your day with your lovely wife. Let's keep the fight (and Hope) alive!!!!!
A system that I have found works well for me is that I don't care what other people say or think, with the possible exception of people that I have grown to respect. That way, if some jackass makes a (stupid, racist, whatever) comment, it doesn't have any effect on me. It is our reactions that give these ideas power. If no one cares about what the racist says or thinks, racism will slowly fade away and no longer be a blot on our society.
Arguments like this are stubbornly beating heads against the wall that represents the meaning of a dictionary. Ask any Oxford linguist and they will tell you that a dictionary is meant to reflect contemporary, common usage. You cannot pick your won dictionary meaning when common usage of DREAMer, AstroRocket, kbm and many others are telling you want racism means. An Oxford linguist would never tell them that they can't use a word counter to some strict BrianKagy definition. Forget about strict definitions of "racism." You are changing the meaning of the word "dictionary" in your above comments. You are beating your head against the wall of evolving meanings. You are simply wrong and ignorant regarding the purpose of a dictionary and your rules regarding the use of the words you describe. True, this says nothing about your beliefs. Some of us merely do not like your defense, because it provides an old argument that lends racist comments some type of inherent pardon. This does not mean that I think you are racist. This just means I don't buy your argument, because I believe it does harm to my beliefs....and my "obsession with race" (as you say in your classic derogatory manner) includes me seeking to understand as many interpretations of the language of "race" as possible....all through history....at least, American history. You telling me that certain uses of the words are incorrect, contributes to my understandings, as well...although your use is quite old in a historical perspective. Allow words to evolve Brian. The Oxford linguists do. Don't say that usage #1 is more correct than usage #2. That is an ignorant statement according to ALL major etymologists and linguists. When you allow words to evolve, you allow growth in understanding; at least, that is my belief. When we embrace the Oxford usage of "racism" to include "<b>discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race</b>" society attaches a powerful word to a problem in the growth of our culture. Our evolving words are saying, in effect, "Do not hide behind euphemisms." The word is Racism! And the noun for describing a person who does that is a "racist." The power of that word is required to end practice of that word. It is required to face that word. imo, and many do not agree, tolerance towards the 2nd usage of the word racism is our hope. This includes the approach of FranchiseCat's, AstroRocket's and Cornell West to call it out when it happens. This also includes respect for DREAMer and kbm and W.E.B. Dubois to concern themselves more with internal growth than worrying about changing others. In my strongest convictions, I believe our society must allow all sides to use racist remarks without getting defensive. Just ask why, and try to understand the person's history regarding use of the words they are using. Eventually, understanding will happen through generations. Disallowing the use of words or saying their meaning doesn't really exist in a strict definition is the approach of an osterich; or as Ralph Ellison says "a sleepwalker." And to further that "Invisible Man" analogy, calling out black racism as a means to belittle the existence of racism or call blacks equally irresponsible merely displays how the sleepwalker "controls their dream world--which, alas, is only too real!--and [ doesn't the BK-style sleepwalker ] rule me out of it?" btw kbm, it saddens me to see your "veil" signature, if I interpret the meaning behind your switch from "invisible man," to Robert Stepto. To my respect of AstroRocket, FranchiseCat and Malcom's approach, I offer the full text to the excerpted words above on the last paragraph in the prologue from "Invisible Man." To my respect for DREAMer's and kbm's approach towards racism, I'll end with Cornel West's dedication page from "Race Matters:"
explain the please, if you think I categorized your comments above regarding dealing with DREAMers situation incorrectly. I don't mean to presume understanding beyond those comments, merely meant to categorize the different approaches being discussed. Ralph Ellison says that to truly understand a black man's plight one must first understand that he is an "Invisible Man." The sleepwalker who ignores the black man's plight (this symbolism manifesting in this thread via claims that racism doesn't exist) makes him invisible. The main character takes your approach and says F*** that; you must recognize me through the racism that surrounds me. The character further learns that he is "nobody but myself." He is not an embodiment of his culture carrying cultural baggage with him everywhere he goes. That is UNFAIR. He is himself and deserves to be treated as himself for his actions alone. Ellison draws the symbolism that the character does not see himself until he realized he was invisible. The character travels through the approaches to facing racism that are expressed in this thread.
Heypee posting that long post is pissing the crap out of me! What the hell has this thred turned into!?!?!?!?!
I don't think Brian was ever told that you gave me free tickets once and I've met you twice, and will get your back at my own BBS peril if someone (anyone) insults you. I may not release my name as a moniker, but about 50 people have my personal email address here, and 30 people have my frigging street address from exchanges of merchandise, and another 20 (at least) know my seat number at Rocket's games. I am not sitting behind a keyboard taking liberties that BK can't merely because people know his name. And I do have friends here at cc.net (who rarely speak up on these race issue threads, some unregistered lurkers, too) who's opinion I hold dear. I cannot not speak. This is not a bash of Brian. This is my life, too! And this is a healthy (albeit provocative) discussion. Try me...I'm harmless. Just don't get defensive to my language of "race," without first understanding that 50 people here have met me, and I intend to remain friends with all of them. Yes, even BK, as I believe he is harmless and truly a joy to be around. I can only admire a person with strong convictions. Those are the people you learn the most from in life. peace biscuit
Crispee, Great post... as usual. Invisible Man is one of my favorite books ever. Native Son is also a very good literary source on this issue.
We need more crispees in this world. Im serious. heypartner quote:"this also includes respect for Dreamer and Kbm and W.E.B Dubois to concern themselves more with internal growth than changing others." This statement rings true to me because even though throughout my young life I've associated with black people and even dated a balck girl during my highshcool years, i sometimes find myself, not actually saying the N word out loud, but subconsciously it'll spring up in my mind, and I realize im a damn hypocrite who needs to dig alot deeper before i can hold any type of opinion an issue like this, which probably effects us all. Im not quite sure where a reaction like that comes from though, my parents never thought like that....culture though, that has to be it, being born into this culture we all accumulate this seperative thinking, somehow, someway, and it resides deep in all of our breast, but i think it's running it course though. The younger generation is mixing and mingling with diffrent cultures n' races like never before but to me its the older geneartion who are the ones bickering and making a very sensitive human life reality, like this, into a intellectual linguistic concept. What im trying to say is this is not a debatable thing, this is a fact thats pinching everyone of us in the ass right now.
I'm doing this event thing with some friends and we are legally all business partners in our corporation. One of my friends in this venture is the type to always just say **** it, I'll do it. He's a guy who gets **** done. Which I like about him; I'm the same way. However, the is to the extreme on this and often misses or forgets details we've discussed, and gets mad when the rest of us say, slow your roll, we talked about x-y-z, you're ordering the wrong thing or awesome, the contractor did x by your direction and we all voted on y. Anyway, don't do business with friends, bros. He's Karl from Die Hard, and I'm Karl's brother, Tony: Spoiler: necro bump, b!tches!
