slackline

Just sitting here scratching my head on this statement... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If that isn’t the most flawed argument to say the morality of the person we choose to lead the free world doesn’t matter, I don’t know what is... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

AETC course. Agreed on the summary. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It was the DO, hit on the finger. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Curious as to what these courses are. I agreed with most of what you said here, but I would like to know what you’re referring to here. Outside of some flying training, the best course I ever did was the Leadership for Squadron Command Development Course. IMHO, this course should replace all others and happen much earlier in an AF O’s career. Throw away SOS and do this 2 week course a few times in your career. This course didn’t really deal with AF speak, it was literally just about how to lead people, something sorely lacking in the AF. I did it when it was brand new a few years back as an O-5, so maybe it’s different. This needs to be done for brand new O-3s. So many pilots think they are born leaders simply because they are effective in the jet. Leadership is just like any skill set out there, if you don’t actively practice that skill set, you will never develop it. If the AF is waiting until dude/dudettes are senior O-4s or young O-5s, we’re waiting too long to teach them about how to lead, and SOS didn’t really cover that... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I hesitated to use that article because it was from WaPo, but I decided to go with it based on the merits of the article itself, and its apparent presentation of all sides. 1st-My point on emotion is that I am not using it to make/deliver my position. That being said, I absolutely believe an emotional investment to this topic is needed. Emotional attachment does not negate a fact based argument. 2nd-Evidence provided. I apologize for not providing it upfront. I believe anyone who is a critical thinker should be able to, with .01 seconds be able to find countless articles backing up everything, so I admit to being guilty of not providing the evidence up front. 3rd-The tone of your posts, and even the use of the word “liberal” makes it an easy inference that you are applying that logic to anyone who disagrees with your position. No stretch by any means. 4th-I used the words “high moral ground” (sarcasm intended) because of statements you make like this. Your condescension is clear when you act holier than thou because of a simple error in attribution. I did not realize we were in a LD debate where scores mattered. Again, I’m not using emotion in anything I’ve posted. Your highly sarcastic statements, tendency to claim superiority (i.e. many comments like “that’s just weird”, “i have trouble wanting... if you can’t get the basics... correct”, “kinda weird way...”). Your statements do not enhance or improve your side, but imply superiority. Based on how you have replied to everything else, this paragraph will be dismissed out of hand, again, with a snide remark or sarcastic question. Please show me any personal attacks I have made outside of where I said you “appear to be incredibly agitated.” If that was taken as a personal attack, I apologize. Making a statement about my perception of how you appear to be agitated does not meet the standards of a personal attack unless that standard has changed... I’m glad you say you’ll give it a fair shake. That’s all anyone can hope for. Maybe you agree, maybe you don’t. As for what do I suggest, I think this is exactly what needs to happen. Civil discussion that highlights the issues, both sides. If we can discuss things without resorting to real personal attacks, neither argument/position should be dismissed out of hand. If we can discuss it, we can be aware of the potential pitfalls out there that we may not know about now. I did not claim there are no racist people at the top. I mentioned how the author of the article says that a system can be biased/racist without having intentionally racist people in control. I stand by that. An individual can be ignorant (not the negative connotation of ignorant) of what is happening, and think everything is okay. Take FLEA’s point about socio-economic situations. For argument’s sake, let’s say he is correct. If I’m not mistaken, your current position is that people should be able to extract them from their origins and make something of themselves regardless. Absolutely a valid point. Many have done exactly that. That does not negate the fact that it is substantially more difficult for someone in that situation to do it than, say, a middle-class white kid who played rec soccer, was in a class where they didn’t ever worry about gangs, etc. Remember, we’re pretending FLEA’s premise is accurate. Someone who was ignorant of the difficulties faced by minorities might not see that they are presented with drastically different life choices at every step of their life. Much harder to make good choices with maybe an addict mother, absent father, living in the projects. Go to school or join a gang to 1-provide protection from other gangs 2-get a sense of family they don’t get at home 3- earn money to support themselves or younger siblings because their parents didn’t make good life choices 4-many other things. That kid is much more likely to end up in the system than that white kid. Cops are much more likely to think that kid is guilty of doing something than the white kid. He’s much more likely to get stopped, then annoyed because it’s the 8th time he’s been stopped that month. Then he’s more than a little frustrated and gives more attitude than he should. Then he gets arrested. White kid, if he does get stopped at all, isn’t annoyed, listens to the officer, and then moves on his way. None of that excuses the black kid’s actions, but it should shed some light on why he feels that way. I’m not perfect, so I know I’d lose my temper eventually. Ignoring that life is more difficult for people of color doesn’t make it any less true. If you need evidence for that, ref my earlier post with a ton of studies demonstrating what I’m talking about plus a bunch of other scenarios. Having been in leadership positions, I know I have been ignorant of things going on beneath my level. Maybe I’m just the only one to ever have been guilty of that. I doubt it. Lastly, I typically hate these internet arguments. They are largely pointless, but I feel like we are now at that point where it is so important to have the discussion. Even if one person is swayed, and everyone else thinks I’m just a crazy person, I’ll be happy with that. I appreciate you engaging. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So glad you posted that. I remember it happening, but hadn’t seen it. That was awesome! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/opinions/wp/2018/09/18/theres-overwhelming-evidence-that-the-criminal-justice-system-is-racist-heres-the-proof/ First off, there was zero emotion in anything I’ve posted, so I’m not sure where that argument is coming from. I will say, however, that isn’t it about time we do get emotional about this while supporting it with facts? This isn’t a joke. We’re kidding ourselves if we think emotion doesn’t play a part in this. You appear to be incredibly agitated from atop your perceived moral high ground even though your posts are equally guilty of making statements without backing them up. Pot, kettle... Second, you say “show me the data” as if that exonerates you from doing the same thing, or ends the argument. Third, I’ve always voted conservative, so if you’re holding onto the idea that I’m some liberal democrat trying to destroy the right, that is incorrect. Fourth, that article I just posted has links to study after study supporting both sides. The author opens it up saying “systemic racism is not equal to racist people running the system.” You provided one tiny sliver of studies showing white people are killed more than black people by police. Claim the author is Uber liberal all you want, but he does a fairly thorough job of presenting evidentiary facts to support the following topics: Policing and profiling | Misdemeanors, petty crimes and driver’s license suspensions | The drug war | Juries and jury selection | The death penalty | Prosecutors, discretion and plea bargaining | Judges and sentencing | School suspensions and the school-to-prison pipeline | Prison, incarceration and solitary confinement | Bail, pretrial detention, commutations and pardons, gangs and other issues | The dissent — contrarian studies on race and the criminal-justice system The article gives you hyperlinks to be able to jump to each individual section, and in each individual section the smallest quantity of studies presented number 3 with most having many more than 10. Once again, no emotion in anything I’ve presented. Simple statement that we need to stand up and push for change now. Tons of evidence here. I’m sure you’ll immediately discount it though based on your blatant refusal to even acknowledge the possibility that there may be problems in the system. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There are definitely people that are trying to take advantage, reacting in unproductive ways, and twisting factual events out there. That doesn’t change the fact that black people suffer dramatically higher rates of harassment, abuse, and die at the hands of those that have the responsibility to serve and protect. No one, set firmly in their own camp, will be convinced by someone set in the other camp. So, I guess I’m not speaking to those people. I’m speaking to those willing to admit change needs to happen on a much grander scale than, “yeah, things could be better, but at least it’s better than 250 years ago...” I saw a quote from Benjamin Franklin that is appropriate: “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” As a white guy I’ve never had to discuss how to interact with the police if they have the misfortune of being pulled over, or talked to in the street. Most of our white kids will never be pulled over. Every single person of color I know has had to have the talk with their children because through their own experiences they know their children will have those same experiences. Probably multiple times in their lives. I’m sure you’ve heard about the white lady in Central Park with her off leash dog. Yeah, she may be just the one person who is racist, and most people aren’t. Problem is, she knows if she calls the cops and says an AA man is threatening her life chances are good that dude is going to have a bad day... That’s systemic. That’s a problem that needs changing immediately. Say whatever you want about this whole situation, but the facts don’t lie. Black men die at the hands of police way more than white men. Are the majority of cops racist? No way! Do the non racist cops share any of the blame for this? In my opinion (worthless I know) they do if they never stand up to say it needs to stop. They know who the racist dudes in their departments are, just like you know who the racist dudes in your squadrons are. It is time we speak up each and every time to finally let people know it will never be tolerated. It’s not Us vs Them. We should be united in this! Edited to add: We share in the blame too if we’re silent. Not just the cops. We need to hold each other accountable. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Seconded! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nothing to do with toughen up. America needs to do away with systemic racism. Period. Dot. Things about MLK not rioting are missing the point. Rioters are stupid, but the majority of people are peacefully protesting. White people love to dismiss the actions of racist bigots as not representative of the majority, but are quick to accuse an entire race of being guilty of something when it fits their narrative. I’m a white guy. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That is pure gold! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Fairchild is going pretty crazy with it. I’ll have more data next week. Just got tagged with COVID-19 TF duties until I PCS... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Did a quick search with no success. I figured I’d start a new one rather than add to the silly political COVID-19 thread that already exists. Anyone else affected by this? Had a 1 June PDD to DC. This could be the place everyone puts what they know about the stop movement going forward. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

No man eat 50 eggs! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Cool Hand Luke is easily my #1 movie! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The stand in CC was in my seminar at ACSC. She’s good people, no nonsense, but real good people. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

What would you say the ratio of “good dude” erroneously railroaded because of vindictive women vs. the amount of women who’ve had to remain silent because of fear of reprisal, humiliation, etc.? Sit in any virtually any leadership position in the military, and it should be painfully obvious that one of these situations (while trending in the right direction at a very good speed) happens much more than the other. I ran a CDI where I ended up clearing a SMSgt of some bogus charges. In my brief from the IG as I was starting the investigation there was a clear bias against the dude. Everyone had already convicted him, so there’s one situation you can mark in your “guilty until proven innocent” column. It’s up to us to do the right thing. I won’t lie, I was convinced of his guilt as well. I talked to about a million people during the investigation, relied on the facts, and it was clear this guy was innocent. It wasn’t a woman trying to convince everyone of his guilt either, it was a jealous “good dude” trying to railroad the other guy... In my current role, DO in 2 different squadrons now, I’ve also seen 5 different instances where some “good dude” was being a total douchbag. Not making a judgment call on this situation because I don’t have all the facts. That being said, it’s a heck of a lot easier to believe some “good dude” coming from the old school behaved inappropriately towards a woman... Who on here can’t point to things they’ve heard said when some “good dude” thought no one was listening except other dirtbags...? Maybe I’ve just had the misfortune of working with more than my fair share of “good dudes” that still think that type of behavior is okay... YMMV. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Agreed! Holy cats! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nailed it! That’s absolutely an apples to apples comparison. Well done... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Choke yourself! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

She was definitely used by the left on this one, but the lack of empathy for a 16 year old girl on here is disgusting. Anyone going after her should be ashamed of themselves. Go after the adults all day! And an FYI, my autistic son is about on the same level (highly functional-she freaking sailed to the conference by herself) as her, and he is definitely capable of destroying adults with logic and sound reasoning in any discussion. His ability to hyper focus on stuff and learn/educate himself would make most adults feel stupid talking geopolitics with him. Was she used? Probably. Does she deserve any of the vitriol thrown at her by grown, fully developed-brain adults? No way! Sometimes I’m amazed at the awe-inspiring, selfless people I work with in the AF. Then a bunch of you go after an autistic 16 year old, and I’m reminded a bunch of you probably still think our president is the genius he claims to be... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Same with Rescue. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I never said that’s what I would do. If someone goes through the process and walks out the other side, cleared, I have no choice in the matter. I’ve already seen it happen. Once again, I’m talking about the ethical side of this. People on here seem to be rooting for people to escape the consequences of their actions. You seem to never have been in a position of real leadership if you aren’t aware of the fact that there are times when you know someone is guilty of an action, but because of the loophole they found, or an investigating official screwing up somewhere along the process allows that guilty person to escape their consequences. There’s no throwing the book at that person, but I would no longer trust them with anything more important than snack-o. Once again, don’t twist what I’m saying. You say you hope not to work for me. I can tell you that feeling is mutual. I don’t want people working for me who cannot correctly read what is written, but instead choose to infer intent and guidance from their boss. Feel free to twist my words to take this down a rabbit hole we aren’t discussing. DUI is a DUI. Those can be messed up, but it’s more rare that it is messed up than it is that the member is guilty of DUI. One mistake is a horrible way to lead. Allowing people to continue to progress in our AF at a time when getting a DUI is so clearly understood as to be wrong and dangerous... That’s not a mistake. That’s a crime. It doesn’t matter how stupid anyone things the BAC is, or how it’s unfairly low. Unsure how that is still questioned. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Most of you are splitting hairs. I’m not talking about legitimately innocent people. I’m talking about people who committed the crime, found a loophole, and walked because of it. The integrity about the system and the cops and everything else is a straw man argument. If the guy did it, this is a purely ethical question. Does he deserve to be free of consequences? I agree with you that the system has to be free of issues regarding integrity. To the question of a one mistake AF, no it shouldn’t be a one mistake AF. There is however a chasm of difference between a mistake and a crime. Just like there’s a massive difference between hitting a child while DUI and just DUI, but they’re both still crimes. I guess I’m harsh because while I’d be very lenient with legitimate mistakes that were unintended consequences, I will hammer a guy as hard as possible for a DUI. He absolutely can turn his life around, but not in my unit. That is a risk I’m not willing to take. You tell me, is a guy more likely to kill people if he ignores 12 hours bottle to throttle, or if he gets in his car and drives home through a neighborhood while DUI? We’d FEB a guy immediately for that, but you think they should be able to move up the ranks for doing it in a car? I know that is a harsh stance. I’m not like that with many things, but ~10K people die in drunk driving crashes a year. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk