WHY?????
A harsh look at life.56 total reviews
Comment from Muffins
A brilliant introspective about us as a nation and how we turn our back on the greatest victims, poor children. We live in a "get mine" culture and I'm afraid it will only get worse. That's why it's up to special teachers like you to exist in the school system and join websites like fan fiction to express these thoughts. Lovely work.
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014
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A brilliant introspective about us as a nation and how we turn our back on the greatest victims, poor children. We live in a "get mine" culture and I'm afraid it will only get worse. That's why it's up to special teachers like you to exist in the school system and join websites like fan fiction to express these thoughts. Lovely work.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014
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Thank you for the kind review. You dug back a little ways to find this one. Thank you again.
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I'm new to this site and I want to read EVERYTHING!!
Comment from abbasjoy
Thank you Barbara, for addressing this very sad but ever present problem of neediness in our society. I don't live in the US, but it's no dfferent here in Canada, sad to say.
I am grateful to you for pointing out the true meaning of Christmas,and the fact that Jesus was born specifically to become that sacrificial Lamb.
Thank you for caring about a group of children, who may not have had anyone else care about them this Christmas, except of course the One whose birthday we celebrate.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2014
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Thank you Barbara, for addressing this very sad but ever present problem of neediness in our society. I don't live in the US, but it's no dfferent here in Canada, sad to say.
I am grateful to you for pointing out the true meaning of Christmas,and the fact that Jesus was born specifically to become that sacrificial Lamb.
Thank you for caring about a group of children, who may not have had anyone else care about them this Christmas, except of course the One whose birthday we celebrate.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2014
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Thank you for understanding.
Comment from Erik McGinley
Okay. I can see that you are in some distress there.
Don't you worry about that lamb, It grew up and became a sheep, sent its mind to sleep.
Now every year its coat gets sheared the taxman for its school to keep.
But in the classroom several little lambs are learning to read.
No more working in the mines or watching over baby sibling in the pigsty. Now the government pays people to teach them to fly.
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Okay. I can see that you are in some distress there.
Don't you worry about that lamb, It grew up and became a sheep, sent its mind to sleep.
Now every year its coat gets sheared the taxman for its school to keep.
But in the classroom several little lambs are learning to read.
No more working in the mines or watching over baby sibling in the pigsty. Now the government pays people to teach them to fly.
Comment Written 26-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding
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I used to teach kids. Just about every day I would find a reason to remind myself that I was helping them to grow with more chances than people had before me.
Comment from Juliette Chamberlain
This is a really good message, Barbara, and as I recall quite a bit from your usual style - which makes this write all the more interesting.
We have forgotten so much of the nucleus of the Christmas message - love. Self interest and self seeking have taken the place of 'loving our neighbours as ourselves,' and esteeming others above ourselves.
Unfortunately as you also draw out; those who should be the servants of all are more interested in being the greatest of all instead. We are going the wrong way...and it grieves us to witness it happening.
My very best wishes for this glorious season.
Juliette
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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This is a really good message, Barbara, and as I recall quite a bit from your usual style - which makes this write all the more interesting.
We have forgotten so much of the nucleus of the Christmas message - love. Self interest and self seeking have taken the place of 'loving our neighbours as ourselves,' and esteeming others above ourselves.
Unfortunately as you also draw out; those who should be the servants of all are more interested in being the greatest of all instead. We are going the wrong way...and it grieves us to witness it happening.
My very best wishes for this glorious season.
Juliette
Comment Written 26-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding.
Comment from Glasstruth
A very touching and realistic story that goes unheard, or gets twisted in the media which isn't there to inform, but to entertain. On top of all this the poor get the blame for being poor. Who cares about the blame. Let's do something more than point the finger. You see it in your classroom, you can feel the pain. Unfortunately others aren't as close to the problem. Only see what they want. That sounds sad, but what else can I say? Thanks for sharing. Les
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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A very touching and realistic story that goes unheard, or gets twisted in the media which isn't there to inform, but to entertain. On top of all this the poor get the blame for being poor. Who cares about the blame. Let's do something more than point the finger. You see it in your classroom, you can feel the pain. Unfortunately others aren't as close to the problem. Only see what they want. That sounds sad, but what else can I say? Thanks for sharing. Les
Comment Written 26-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding. I actually a reviewer state that she it couldn't be in the US.
Comment from elchupakabra
The US is one of the richest nations in the world - This is actually very far from the truth. The US hasn't been one of the richest nations for some time, and in fact is virtually owned by the Chinese at this point thanks to the hundreds of trillions of dollars of debt owed by the US to China. Ths US is one of the most modernized nations in the world, but it is no longer the richest.
I have no answers and I know you don't either. - Actually, I do have an answer, and it's a pretty obvious one. The US Army has a national spending budget in the billions because it is constantly involving itself in uneccessary wars as a means of procuring the raw materials needed to power the country, primarily oil. So, if the budget is say, 40 billion, which would be on the low side, well then how come the government can't just divert a billion or two towards improving the homeless situation? It is because the US government actually has very little power in today's corporatized, capitalistic regime and is dominated by national and international conglomerates that are controlling virtually every aspect of government. He who controls the money pool, controls the country, and right now, those in control only have one objective; stay rich.
In my surrounding area, stores started the Christmas season specials before Halloween. - This actually is not about making money, but about clearing inventory before the holiday season so that the new stock can be brought in and charged at a higher price. I just completed my degree in Media and Advertising Sales, so I have inside knowledge on how and why companies choose to have sales, giveaways, etc. The endgame is always make more money, but that's a very simplistic way of looking at it.
Many in the US, and I'm sure around the world, have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. - The reason we celebrate Christmas has very little to do with the birth of Christ, no matter how you twist it(I will explain why in the next section). Like every other holiday, Christmas is a man-made invention designed to empty our wallets(Valentine's Day is the other big one) or to purport and propaganize the life and times of Jesus Christ.
It's about a small Infant that was born so He could die for our sins in order that we might have everlasting life. He's our Savior. - I do not believe in Jesus Christ, God or any other religion for that matter. I believe religion to be an allegorical representation of the procession of the equinoxes, and that this has been dilluded and propaganized as a means of controlling large groups of people. You can check out my essay The Gods of the Gaps for a more detailed explanation and examples.
Despite the fact that I disagree with virtually every aspect of this write, we do agree on the most important issue of all; children need to be protected from the harsh realities of our society. I can tell that you are a good person, Barbara, and in the end, regardless of your beliefs, I think that's what we need to tap into as a society, not because Jesus says so, or because God says so; but because it's common freakin' sense to have the decency to help one another. The fact that people need a special book to tell them why is the answer to your question; WHY? The answer; there's no accountability in this world anymore. It's the government's fault. It's God's fault. No. The answer is, it's our fault, and the changes need to be made at the top of the pyramid, because change trickles down, not up. Great work on this write, I know it seems like I'm being confrontational a bit, but I get very heated when I consider the problems our world faces and the inability, nay, the unwillingness to recognize the damage the major institutions we've instilled(government, religion, social services and education) are all failing because they are still based on ridiculous and ultimately harmful traditions. I could go on here, but then I'd be writing a book. A very happy holidays to you and yours, Barbara. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors entering this new year =D
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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The US is one of the richest nations in the world - This is actually very far from the truth. The US hasn't been one of the richest nations for some time, and in fact is virtually owned by the Chinese at this point thanks to the hundreds of trillions of dollars of debt owed by the US to China. Ths US is one of the most modernized nations in the world, but it is no longer the richest.
I have no answers and I know you don't either. - Actually, I do have an answer, and it's a pretty obvious one. The US Army has a national spending budget in the billions because it is constantly involving itself in uneccessary wars as a means of procuring the raw materials needed to power the country, primarily oil. So, if the budget is say, 40 billion, which would be on the low side, well then how come the government can't just divert a billion or two towards improving the homeless situation? It is because the US government actually has very little power in today's corporatized, capitalistic regime and is dominated by national and international conglomerates that are controlling virtually every aspect of government. He who controls the money pool, controls the country, and right now, those in control only have one objective; stay rich.
In my surrounding area, stores started the Christmas season specials before Halloween. - This actually is not about making money, but about clearing inventory before the holiday season so that the new stock can be brought in and charged at a higher price. I just completed my degree in Media and Advertising Sales, so I have inside knowledge on how and why companies choose to have sales, giveaways, etc. The endgame is always make more money, but that's a very simplistic way of looking at it.
Many in the US, and I'm sure around the world, have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. - The reason we celebrate Christmas has very little to do with the birth of Christ, no matter how you twist it(I will explain why in the next section). Like every other holiday, Christmas is a man-made invention designed to empty our wallets(Valentine's Day is the other big one) or to purport and propaganize the life and times of Jesus Christ.
It's about a small Infant that was born so He could die for our sins in order that we might have everlasting life. He's our Savior. - I do not believe in Jesus Christ, God or any other religion for that matter. I believe religion to be an allegorical representation of the procession of the equinoxes, and that this has been dilluded and propaganized as a means of controlling large groups of people. You can check out my essay The Gods of the Gaps for a more detailed explanation and examples.
Despite the fact that I disagree with virtually every aspect of this write, we do agree on the most important issue of all; children need to be protected from the harsh realities of our society. I can tell that you are a good person, Barbara, and in the end, regardless of your beliefs, I think that's what we need to tap into as a society, not because Jesus says so, or because God says so; but because it's common freakin' sense to have the decency to help one another. The fact that people need a special book to tell them why is the answer to your question; WHY? The answer; there's no accountability in this world anymore. It's the government's fault. It's God's fault. No. The answer is, it's our fault, and the changes need to be made at the top of the pyramid, because change trickles down, not up. Great work on this write, I know it seems like I'm being confrontational a bit, but I get very heated when I consider the problems our world faces and the inability, nay, the unwillingness to recognize the damage the major institutions we've instilled(government, religion, social services and education) are all failing because they are still based on ridiculous and ultimately harmful traditions. I could go on here, but then I'd be writing a book. A very happy holidays to you and yours, Barbara. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors entering this new year =D
Comment Written 26-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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You are correct about the US owing money to China. We are so much in depth we can't pay the interest due. As for the Army involving themselves in battles that couldn't be farther from the truth. The president and our legislators do that. Our stores did not only have Christmas sales, they had Christmas trees and things like that, so I doubt seriously they were trying to 'clearing inventory before the holiday season so that the new stock can be brought in and charged at a higher price.' The new inventory had already been brought in. The rest of your review everybody had a right to their opinion. Thank you for causing me to reflect.
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Barbara,
I think this one deserves the six simply for the passion of your concern for these children. You may have them only for this year, but let bus hope and pray that they will know your concern, and knowing that someone cares will make a difference in future.
Jesus symbolises the vast love of God, the 'new' Adam come to make right what the 'old' Adam made wrong. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
The fact that you care makes a difference, and I hope and pray it will make a difference to these children.
Patrick
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Hi Barbara,
I think this one deserves the six simply for the passion of your concern for these children. You may have them only for this year, but let bus hope and pray that they will know your concern, and knowing that someone cares will make a difference in future.
Jesus symbolises the vast love of God, the 'new' Adam come to make right what the 'old' Adam made wrong. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
The fact that you care makes a difference, and I hope and pray it will make a difference to these children.
Patrick
Comment Written 26-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding.
Comment from RPSaxena
Hello Barbara.Wilkey,
It's a thought provoking nice piece of Non-Fiction beautifully depicting the writer's concern for the millions of poor/homeless children in the US and around the world. Its timing - Christmas- is quite suitable to awaken our sleepy soul.
Wording is simple and perfectly matching the theme.
Smooth and captivating flow from the beginning to the end with lively imagery.
The most striking lines are:
"Many in the US, and I'm sure around the world, have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. It's not about the material presents we'll get. It's about a small Infant that was born so He could die for our sins in order that we might have everlasting life. He's our Savior."
Marvelous!
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Hello Barbara.Wilkey,
It's a thought provoking nice piece of Non-Fiction beautifully depicting the writer's concern for the millions of poor/homeless children in the US and around the world. Its timing - Christmas- is quite suitable to awaken our sleepy soul.
Wording is simple and perfectly matching the theme.
Smooth and captivating flow from the beginning to the end with lively imagery.
The most striking lines are:
"Many in the US, and I'm sure around the world, have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. It's not about the material presents we'll get. It's about a small Infant that was born so He could die for our sins in order that we might have everlasting life. He's our Savior."
Marvelous!
Comment Written 26-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding.
Comment from Spitfire
A powerful ending. The clubs in our retirement community sign up to buy presents and cooked dinner for the poorer families. Over one hundred children at the k-5 school live in cars or cardboard boxes. When I dropped off my clubs presents to the guidance office, I saw a group of kindergartens walking to the lunched room. None were smiling. They all looked wary at a stranger. How heartbreaking. But our community and city does so much to help at any time of the year. That's what Christmas should be about.
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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A powerful ending. The clubs in our retirement community sign up to buy presents and cooked dinner for the poorer families. Over one hundred children at the k-5 school live in cars or cardboard boxes. When I dropped off my clubs presents to the guidance office, I saw a group of kindergartens walking to the lunched room. None were smiling. They all looked wary at a stranger. How heartbreaking. But our community and city does so much to help at any time of the year. That's what Christmas should be about.
Comment Written 25-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding. I had a reviewer actually question that this was happening in the US.
Comment from gramalot8
Barbara, this was a very touching post of yours. I have been in the school environment and can so relate to how many kids are just like yours. My daughter-in-law teaches 6th grade in a poor area and she took lots of gifts as "white elephants" to school... (used the white elephant game as an excuse to give them gifts so no one would be offended at that age)... and they were a lot nicer than most gifts of that type would be. It is a sad state that more and more kids are in these days. Thanks for sharing this one with us.
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Barbara, this was a very touching post of yours. I have been in the school environment and can so relate to how many kids are just like yours. My daughter-in-law teaches 6th grade in a poor area and she took lots of gifts as "white elephants" to school... (used the white elephant game as an excuse to give them gifts so no one would be offended at that age)... and they were a lot nicer than most gifts of that type would be. It is a sad state that more and more kids are in these days. Thanks for sharing this one with us.
Comment Written 25-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2013
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Thank you for understanding.
