Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Housekeeping

Couple quick things I'd like to clear up...

First...to all those (all anonymous, by the way) who have sent comments railing me about not teaching my kids to be open-minded or fair, etc. I appreciate your comments. Let me be very clear. I absolutely teach my kids the importance of humility, empathy and understanding. We have talked AT LENGTH about taxes, where the money goes (yes, I have explained that it goes toward building roads, infrastructure, supporting fire and police, the war and our troops, etc.) and how the money is distributed. Obviously, my kids are being raised in a home with conservative values. However, I have also preached tolerance (especially with regard to homosexuality since it is a subject that is very close to home) and explained that it is perfectly fine for a boy to have a boyfriend or a girl to have a girlfriend. The only reason I had to explain it was because my son came home from a friend's house telling me that boys cannot marry boys. I strongly disagree with that. I have encouraged my son to form his opinions based on what HE thinks, not what Mommy and Daddy think.
In regard to the insinuations that we are in some way selfish for not wanting to pay more taxes...well I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree on that one. As I've stated before, I spend a good deal of my time volunteering in the community. I also have encouraged my kids to help when possible. They will always be expected to contribute a certain amount of their personal time to civic duty. We aren't preaching selfishness or insincerity. We're trying to instill personal responsibility and independent thinking.
Finally, with regard to the question of whether or not the term "jappy" is offensive, the response was about %70 NOT offensive, 30% offensive. Obviously, I didn't intend to offend anyone. It's not like I'm out here trying to talk trash on my blog. Puhlease. Personally, I think some people need to LIGHTEN UP. Seriously.
On that note, it's now time to make the formal announcement that I will no longer accept Anonymous comments. You got somethin to say, you say it to my face. I wouldn't say anything about YOU that I wouldn't say to your face. You may not LIKE what I say, but that's how I roll. Keepin it real and what not.
So, that's all. Back to the fun stuff...

XOXO Sippycups

23 comments:

Kristin Kay said...

Good for you - I love reading your blog and think (personal opinion obviously) that you seem to do a great job giving your kids a good grasp of values and how our country runs.

Stephanie said...

I just read this which is funny, because this morning I posted something about people taking life too seriously.

Maybe we have the same anonymous commenter.

just ask beth said...

I think we need to teach our children the value of a dollar and how hard WE work to earn it!! Good JOB! Your son is a child for GOD's sake, people need to lighten up, it is a damn shame we even have to explain half of what we have to our children. Remember when children could just be children and not know the facts of life at 5. As for your taxes, I don't blame you one IOTA! Why would you want to pay more, doesn't seem prudent! I have never heard someone say, "my taxes went up $1000.00 and damn it it is about time. I can't wait to vote TUESDAY!

Puttin' On The GRITS said...

This is the third post I've read today that someone "had to" defend something they wrote in THEIR blog. I've never accepted anonymous comments so I think I've filtered the negative comments but it's YOUR blog. You can write about whatever you damn well please...that's the beauty of having a blog. If someone doesn't like it or agree with it, stop reading. I've read several very liberal blogs with "Obama" crap all over it...I roll my eyes and move on.

Grove Gal K said...

good for you! I always notice the RUDE comments are left by people you refuse to leave their names

KK said...

You are sooo right--some people just need to lighten up. Your values are shared by a very large number of Americans. It's just that those Americans do not feel it necessary to assassinate the character of those who feel differently than them. I seriously just spent all morning discussing the food that will be served at my three year old's pre-school Halloween party because almost every mother here has to go bat-shit crazy over what their child can and cannot eat. Those absolutely adorable nutter butter cookies you made? I would be stripped of m room mom title and run out of town by the Obama Mamashere if I dared to serve those at out party--the one child in the room (out of 18) who has a peanut allergy may feel left out! Like you said, LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE, puh-lease!

Unknown said...

I post on your site as anonymous and I've never railed you for your beliefs. I've disagreed with you politely and have told you I think you're wrong. But I still enjoy reading your blog.

Unknown said...

atta girl :)

Amy Scott said...

Way to go!! As a fellow Republican who works hard for her money and also volunteers her time to others, I applaud you for standing up for yourself. And even if you thought differently than I do, you have the right to raise your children with whatever values you see fit.

Amy Scott said...

Way to go!! As a fellow Republican who works hard for her money and also volunteers her time to others, I applaud you for standing up for yourself. And even if you thought differently than I do, you have the right to raise your children with whatever values you see fit.

Riley said...

Long time reader, first time commenter... I thought this post was incredibly thoughtful, but completely unncessary... only because you don't owe an explanation to any of the jerks that spend their time making nasty comments behind an internet veil.

I like the "My Blog, My Rules" approach you're taking, but also hope you won't feel the need to defend yourself in the future. I'm sure 98% of us who have you bookmarked "love" you without even knowing you, and read your posts through that lens.

This is something you obviously enjoy... screw the haters! :)

Ashley said...

Good Call!

Hokie Girl said...

I love that you are very well rounded in your posts! You discuss politics, family values, fashion, food, etc! I thouroughly enjoy reading every single day!!!
Keep it up!!!

Julie said...

Amen sister! My hubs may make more $$ than alot of Americans HOWEVER we have the nearly $1400 per month student loans to go with that education. Education that we are paying for and allows him to make a substantial income. He CHOSE his profession just like some choose to sit and collect. I will never forget the day that I swung back to a liberal conservative. I was a new grad RN and my pt's mom made more cash (according to social work report) than I did and her child was not "disabled" as implied by him receiving an SSI check.

Yeah, you may not want to publish the above as it will p-off most people. Sorry for the rant!

Lipstick said...

Well said, Sippycups. I had to get rid of Anon comments as well. Just too much drama, and inevitably I would get the email at work and not be able to respond for hours.

Also, love the conservative values, etc at your house. Don't you just love how people are very "open-minded" until it comes to political conservatism. Then all of a sudden they aren't so open-minded anymore.

Nina said...

I totally agree with you! I don't at all like the fact that I work hard for my money. I spent 11 years in college getting the highest degree I could (a Ph.D.) and now teach at a university. It makes me sick to think that someone will benefit from my hard earned money. Everyone has the ability to go out and work. Everyone can go to college just like me and so I don't like hearing excuses. Believe me though, I am definitely the minority being a Republican in academia.

Lauren @ Adventures of a Southern Newlywed said...

Higher taxes and charitable giving are not the same issue. I am not sure about your family, but we do believe in giving. We just believe in supporting the causes that are near and dear to us, not causes that the government chooses. I would much rather choose where my money goes.

Some of my friends think that just because I don't believe in the government programs I don't believe in charity. That is far from the truth.

I hope you have a nice week!

Maridith said...

Well try as we may most children follow in their parents' lead. I like my parents am republican. I asked my daughter 3 years old who she is going to vote for and she said "Mccain because mommy has a sign in her yard" So no matter if we say you to them "you can vote for whoever you want" we influence our kids one way or another. Especially at a young age. BTW- your son is so smart!! And people need to remember this is a personal blog and you can say what you want I just happen to agree with most of what you say.

Nelly said...

you are an incredible mother. Of this I am 100% certain!

xoxo

jmo said...

I too am talking to one of my children about taxes (the 2 year has more important things to think about). I tell my 4 year old about how we all work to get money and how we use money to pay for things. And even at 4, she understands how important it is for everyone to hold their own weight but how sometimes we do need to help people out who are down on their luck. But with that, I also teach her that people are responsible for helping themselves or at least trying to. It's my responsibility as a parent to not only teach my daughter a strong work ethic but also generousity. But just because you are generous, does not mean you are foolish. She seems to understand it more than most adults these days.

Kudos for teaching your children strong values.

cancersucks said...

You go, girl. Anonymous comments are the pits. And you know what? It's YOUR blog and you can write whatever you want. If people have a problem with your opinions they don't have to read your blog. I used your mp bar idea at our dinner club the other night to rave reviews. Thanks! Will write about it after my computer gets back.

Anonymous said...

ROCK ON SISTA!

Randi said...

I hear ya Sippycups!! Keep up the excellent blog!! P.S. I am a provisional this year in junior league! Looking forward to meeting you soon!