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annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 69 (view)

The threat of Overpopulation Posted: 8/16/2009 6:32:23 AM
ahoytheredave - "Developed countries have been helping third world countries survive drought, disease etc. for many years." Just to clarify - are you in disagreement with 'developed' countries providing aid to developing countries? I believe that given that western countries consume massively more than those in the developing world, and that the population in western countries produce more waste per capita than in other countries because the population in countries like Canada, Australia, US - It is only fair that western countries therefore support the other half. "In the mean time, efforts to promote population control in those countries have been met with accusations of some form of genocide by birth prevention." Efforts to control population growth have failed for multiple reasons ... the least of which is because of international aid. Let's face it in some countries family planning is not part of their practice and therefore pregnancies AND HIV/Aid has flourished as a result. Breading large families is part of a lot of cultures who continue to follow traditional ways and this should not be seen as a negative. On the issue of 'genocide' a complex topic, but we know that different new medicines have been tested on people from countries that are in need, but not restricted to as well. The population needs to increase in all countries as we know that by the time some of us need to retire there will be few young people working to keep countries going. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 67 (view)

The threat of Overpopulation Posted: 8/16/2009 6:20:13 AM
An on the mention of China we also know that the one child policy has has huge social implications. One of the main ones is that boys have been welcomed into the nest to maintain cultural traditions and to ensure the sustainability of the family. This issue has led to young men being unable to find enough girls. It is an interesting scenario that is unfolding as we chat. Cheers.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 60 (view)

Iranian Election Fallout Posted: 7/1/2009 10:20:47 PM
notgorshkovagain - Wether one sees the differences or not is irrelevant when the underlying issues relate to power in my view. This element and quality of any powerful figure sometimes is highly volatile and pervasive. Power corrupts, power can be useful and/or destructive, power is seductive and power is compromising. In my view we all have power although many do not recognise it or understand how it is actually used and its influence. Leaders anywhere hold incredible power for the betterment of society however; history shows where it [power] has been used well or not. You have also touched on spirituality and religious beliefs ... now that's a separate conversation to which I would continue to argue that holds incredible power, influence and control. All interesting topics. Cheers. A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 8 (view)

teenage pregnancy and Health Education Posted: 7/1/2009 10:06:52 PM
Missainva - "But, good kids make mistakes ..." Is there such thing as a 'bad kid'? I would challenge anyone to think that children are bad. People, most of whom are adults bring them [children] into this world and it is parent's responsibility to support children and ensure their emotional and physical wellbeing. I have seen many people of different ages who end up 'bad' (to use your words) because of their childhood experiences that are totally out of their capacity to influence as a child. All children are good, it is the adults around them that may be challenged in the caring / parenting role. "... sometimes things go further than you plan on, and it's primarily the girl who will have to suffer the life long consequences of that." The girl may be one to suffer partly, but these days it is necessarily a given that girls will take the responsibility of parenting - sometimes it does not happen. As per the above comments it is not only the girl who 'will suffer' ... the child too and whether the boy/man knows it or not it is something that taints that person as well for the rest of his life. It is also the community that suffers the consequences when children are not cared properly and therefore cannot function as well as they could in the right environment. Long term everyone pays consequences and we should all be taking responsibility for it. cheers. A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 5 (view)

teenage pregnancy and Health Education Posted: 7/1/2009 6:32:23 AM
Amberclaire - I read with interest and concern your posting. I believe that some of the considerations for young people and their education revolves around rights and responsibilities. We live in a society where everyone has legal, social and moral rights (rightly so I may add) however; there is little conversation around what are the responsibilities attached to that. For example talking to young people about their responsibilities when they engage in sexual activities e.g. health concerns, use of contraception, consideration of risks, emotional responsibilities to themselves and others. Whilst sex education is paramount it must address broader issues of relationship building and general societal pressures which are real. I also think that issues of self esteem and self worth play a major part on the discussion. Peer pressure has always played a role in society and I believe that we need to build enough confidence in young people to feel ok about making individual decisions about their relationships with others. I have often been confronted by the way that our society (Australian) is highly individualised in many aspects however; there are strong overriding pressures in the form of peers, sporting culture, drinking culture which can be seen as group mentality and coercion of activities including sexual behaviour. To change or influence that mentality I strongly believe requires sound self esteem and diverse interests options which can be difficult. Amberclaire - good on you for attempting to make a difference, but I dare say that this should not be your job only but one that should start at home, continued and supported by people like yourself and the community as a whole. Cheers. A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 203 (view)

WOMEN....Are you afraid to settle down with a Military Man? Posted: 7/1/2009 3:16:26 AM
RustySurfer10 - I will just add my comments and observations. I am sorry that you have had experiences that highlight a perception, I purposely use perception because at the end of the day it does not matter what the man does so long as he has values, beliefs about life that support and are compatible with the other. From my life experiences I have to say that someone who has seen action in war either through being a soldier or lived in conflict areas never returns to who he/she was prior to those experiences. I believe that governments do little to support those people in their life long journey. People who have been in conflict areas experienced and/or witnessed trauma can have a life time of difficulties which indirectly affects those closest to them partner, children, extended family and/or friends. PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is real and may impact on the individual's capacity to engage in their everyday life. Alcoholism and drug abuse are used both in conflict areas and on their return to everyday life. Domestic violence is rampant in a lot of these households. There is a real need for specialised attention and ongoing support for the individual and their families however; I suspect that not enough is available for those people. Bearing all that in mind I imagine that it would be difficult to establish relationships, but I would argue that it is two way. Perhaps returning soldiers may find it difficult to relate to others given what they have seen in their postings. This closely links to PTSD as well and people feeling a great sense of isolation from other with their unique experiences. Cheers A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 54 (view)

Iranian Election Fallout Posted: 7/1/2009 2:58:21 AM
xzanthius - History has a way of repeating itself and there is much that has tainted the reputation of CIA and US involvement in other country's conflict. Sept 11, 1973 coup in Chile was financed by the then US government and we know how tragic that was for so many of the Chilean citizens. I continue to remain hopeful that lessons are learnt however more recent involvements such as Afghanistan and Irak demonstrate that little has changed. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 53 (view)

Iranian Election Fallout Posted: 7/1/2009 2:46:52 AM
Ezzee - in total agreement. Perhaps this new government in the US may actually lead in staying out of other countries' business and governing or lack of for that matter. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 54 (view)

Do u agree with this saying that you are the creator of your own destiny! Posted: 6/26/2009 2:33:30 PM
CarolinaLilly - "Often those that do not believe they have control of their own destiny have not looked at all their options and usually want to take the easy road." To be able to look at all the options requires a levels of understanding, that there are options to look at, have the emotional maturity to follow through, have the physical capacity to do it and are emotionally free to do it. Not everyone is in that space. I live in Australia and there are at least 100,000 people every night sleeping on the streets. Now this is an affluent society who would think that this is the case ... yet it happens for multiple reasons. CarolinaLilly - you demonstrate exactly what I am afraid of ... blaming the individual for all their deficits. I continue to assert there are other influences that impact on the capacity of an individual to determine his/her future. Cheers. A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 51 (view)

Do u agree with this saying that you are the creator of your own destiny! Posted: 6/26/2009 9:15:25 AM
"I think we are the creators of our own destinies ... to an extent ... but with realistic limitations. We can control our education, learning, what we choose to experience, career paths to take, how much effort we put into things ... but we cannot control what others may do to us, or being struck down by illnesses of varying types." Annonimiss - In reference to what you wrote down how does one control their education? If we have the example of someone who lives on the streets; what control does that person have for their future. It is not easy to move away from that environment depending on the reasons why you are on the street e.g. domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug & alcohol abuse, mental health issues, unable to pay for rent, orphan, etc etc. The opportunities that a child has e.g. nurturing, the socio-economic of the parents, the general health would determine if she/he has control of the education and therefore learning. There is no choice in that it's either there or not. An adult who has been deprived all his/her life often has little choices because they are not there to start with. The environment one has grown up in and is exposed to influences choices and the capacity for individuals to make choices for their destiny based on what they have around them. It is not a given. I think we run the risk of blaming individuals for their destiny where as in my view if the individual has not been given tools (emotional, physical, financial) then there is no choice of destiny, but rather get driven by the will of others. Cheers. A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 50 (view)

Do u agree with this saying that you are the creator of your own destiny! Posted: 6/26/2009 4:51:00 AM
I disagree with this statement ... one's own destiny is determined by opportunities and influences. Depending on the financial, social, environmental and nurturing experiences and opportunities one has is how one's destiny is shaped. I am thinking here about the millions of people who are displaced world wide. In the right supported environment they were/are in control of their own destiny however; through the experiences they have had they are no longer in control of their own destiny. It is difficult if not impossible to determine and make decisions that in many ways is outside your control. Cheers. A.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 62 (view)

Thoughts and opinions on antidepressants Posted: 6/26/2009 4:35:38 AM
I think more education on mental health issues and illness generally is required in all communities. The reality is that for some people antidepressants are the only alternative that is accessible to them rightly or wrongly. I don't believe that activity alone can make a difference although it would not hurt either. I wonder however; how many of those people who are habitual alcohol drinkers and/or illicit drug consumers or consumers of legal drugs actually have mental health issues which are being numb by socially accepted consumptions. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 445 (view)

Abortion Doctor Finially Killed... Posted: 6/25/2009 5:39:45 AM
Shmodzilla - hypocritical tends to be in many discourses particularly when it refers to undermining and/or actively engaging in killing others. I find it interesting that action is taken because a medical doctor who worked in procuring abortions to women who sought to determine their own destiny rightly or wrongly. After all a number of countries have invaded countries where human lives are lost on a daily basis through their interventions. These actions have often been undertaken in the name of holy scriptures. I also point that such actions are not endorsed by a great majority of people, yet those views have been blatantly ignored. A

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 318 (view)

If you're independant, why R U here? Posted: 6/24/2009 7:53:14 PM
Mr Dancecard, The concept of co-dependence can be both positive and negative. I agree that it can offer 'a lot of fun or a lot of heartache'. If one is unfortunate to fall in the heartache side it is incredibly challenging and problematic. I would say though that co-dependence is closely align with issues of self esteem and self worth and I add that it is difficult to negotiate a relationship when the other has low self esteem. I guess the risks are high in that one can actually loose one's own identity and therefore the whole relationship becomes toxic. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 316 (view)

If you're independant, why R U here? Posted: 6/24/2009 7:20:08 PM
You are right I don't see profiles of men identifying themselves as independent. Is it because men generally and traditionally are seen as providers? This may imply independent and therefore 'there is no needs' to state it. This often comes from how men identify themselves and also the expectations of their partners and at many levels continues to apply. Whereas I would argue that women have actually needed to forge a path in the public arena of how effective and able they actually are. I mean public because women are incredibly strong and able individuals yet in the public, society did not acknowledge such traits, but was more comfortable to outline 'traditional' roles such as child rearing, dutyful house wives, and of course all compose and attractive to their husbands. Some thoughts. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 315 (view)

If you're independant, why R U here? Posted: 6/24/2009 7:12:29 PM
Asydneymale - beautifully put and you will find no arguements here. The concept of 'business proposition' is very much alive except that is never named. I believe that is active in the afluent world as much as anywhere else. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 312 (view)

If you're independant, why R U here? Posted: 6/24/2009 2:33:01 PM
ohhhh as independent as I am I cannot fix the car, the plumming, the roof. You can came and fix mine any time lol lol Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 311 (view)

If you're independant, why R U here? Posted: 6/24/2009 2:30:46 PM
Ok ... I had never heard that there was a bit of a controversy on the word 'independent'. I admit that I have it on my profile. For me it defines me with the considerations of who I need as a companion. It sound that additionally the man will have to know what 'independent means' ... uhmmm interesting. Independent for me is - I am professionally involved, work full time, I am clear of who I would like to share time with and possibly my life, economically independent, committed to social interests and projects. What this implies for a man is that I choose to be in a relationship now because I am emotionally available and seek the same from the man. I am not seeking a man because I cannot live on my own, but rather because I value what a union brings to life (mine, his, the world). I actually want a companion who wants to be with me, who has a life of his own because whilst I will be there for him I cannot be there 100% of the time. I want/need a man who has some appreciation of his life prior to now by this I mean a man who is not afraid of what is ahead. Too many people (both genders) are so caught up in the past that cannot enjoy the present. By now you may be asking what's that got to do with 'independent, why R U here?" ... well I am an independent thinker, I have an opinion about life and on just about anything really (just in case that was not clar already lol lol). These qualities are not appreciated (in my experience) by men not intending to offend anyone ... one is seen as a threat or labelled too hard to 'handle' and of course many others.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 150 (view)

If women were in power. Posted: 6/24/2009 6:29:58 AM
Teachers do play a crucial role in doubling up as 'counselors', support, etc.etc. Perhaps we should be asking about what is happening in our community that children need to seek the shoulder of others to confide in. There are many social issues that are getting out of hand in relation to children and I tend to think that the life style that people lead has significant cause for it. Western countries and its citizens are incredibly materialistic and consumer driven ... such style does not happen accidentally. It often means that people spend significant time working to meet the 'basic' needs which are no longer - shelter, food, wamth, emotional safety. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 149 (view)

If women were in power. Posted: 6/24/2009 6:23:26 AM
Are we making huge assumptions about nurturing roles. Whilst women have traditionally been and continue to be nurturers, it is my observation that men can be as good as women in nurturing roles. On the other hand there are many women and men who don't have it ... hence I hesitate to generalise.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 148 (view)

If women were in power - they are where I come from Posted: 6/24/2009 6:19:53 AM
Uhmmmm I think the world's technology is already there ... artificial insemination is well and truly available to those women who want it. lol

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 147 (view)

If women were in power. Posted: 6/24/2009 6:15:25 AM
I tend to think that irrespective of gender anyone in power has the potential to abuse it and therefore become as inefficient. However; I also believe that women in power often have to mirrow men's behaviour and style of operation in order to maintain their positions and keep an in the circle' profile. In my view the result of this is that in a way they are perceived or perhaps turn into operators who as no different from men. Women continue to have a lot more to prove to others if they are in power. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 242 (view)

Is the Seatbelt Law unconstitutional? Posted: 6/24/2009 6:09:44 AM
"Wearing seatbelts is most definitely a very good idea. But merely being a "good idea" is not sufficient justification for making it a law." I would think that the 'making it a law' to wear seatbelts is an economic rational decision that has been consititutionalised. If we look at the social costs related to injuries post accidents it makes perfect sense. Another thought for me is that we need systems to be made law for the protection of the greater good - if it saves lives then be it. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 34 (view)

I have a couple question(s) ladies Posted: 6/21/2009 7:05:42 AM
I think the point however is the contradiction of views. One cannot say they are open to anyone and accept people as they are in one breath and discriminate on the second to someone with a disability. That is mind games.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 51 (view)

Guy who lives with Mom or Mother who lives with son............ Posted: 6/21/2009 6:54:16 AM
Beautifully put. I agree. The issue of caring for an ageing/sick parent should not put anyone off on the contrary. I think it does require negotiation as one would not be as available, but that's what relationships are about lots and lots of negotiating.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 44 (view)

If a woman's children don't live with her, is it appropriate to ask why? Posted: 6/21/2009 6:49:46 AM
Uhmm interesting question and relevant. I think it's appropriate to ask particularly if it's linked to one's own values and beliefs and may potentially impact on the qualities of a person one is seeking to meet. Whatever the response it could probably open further points of discussion and insight - that's my view. Cheers

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 7 (view)

Blunt and straight to the point or wined and dined? What's really hood? Posted: 6/21/2009 6:45:19 AM
Just read your question ... I like direct as I identify the same way except when the first few lines are sex related. That's a real turn off because even sex involves communication and you don't have that well ... it won't work at least with me Cheers.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 8 (view)

Race and intoxication... Posted: 6/14/2009 4:58:40 AM
Something that perhaps we need to know is that consumption of excessive alcohol has an impact now or eventually. The impact of alcohol in the brain is significant and may not be demonstrated when one is 80, but rather earlier. I don't believe this is a genetic fact. Another consideration is the type of alcohol e.g. in some countries almost pure alcohol is drunk where in others wine or beer. This would have an impact as well.

annabelle1962

Joined: 6/5/2009

Msg: 7 (view)

Race and intoxication... Posted: 6/14/2009 4:54:52 AM
I found your comments interesting because I had never thought of alcohol that way. At some level it would imply that genetically we are different e.g. Italians and English or other ethnic groups I suppose. Whereas I tend to think that it is the environment, the food consumption and the patterns for eating that we have - not to mention the quantities drank. I imagine these would have a lot to do with how alcohol affects individuals.

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