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flsr
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Posted: Fri Aug 1st, 2008 11:17 am |
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MediocreSamaritan wrote: I read the article in today’s (July 31, 2008) edition of The Okeechobee News about the GSA. Since it’ll be at least tomorrow before I can read opinions in the “Speak Out,” I thought I would pay the forums a visit. It appears that what could be a fruitful discussion exploring different points of view has jumped the tracks at Ad Hominem Junction. Let us get the discussion back on track. My two cents come from my experience at Okeechobee High School and growing up in this county as well as study in LGBT issues, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. Please take it with a grain of sugar. Knowledge should be sweet.
A GSA provides a place for a marginalized segment of society to be able to safely talk about issues in their lives. The question that keeps coming up is whether homosexuality should be discussed at a school sanctioned function. When it would appear that no other clubs discuss "lifestyles," it is easy to say no; however, we live in a heterosexist society. Every club at OHS is unofficially a safe haven for heterosexuals. Heterosexuality is considered the norm. Talk about issues surrounding homosexuality would not be tolerated by peers. A GSA provides a safe environment for students to question the norms and an open forum to discuss issues surrounding homosexuality, tolerance, and acceptance that fosters respect. Considering the amount of homophobia that runs rampant in US teen population in general, not looking at Okeechobee specifically, a GSA is a point of light in a sea of darkness for students.
What benefits does this provide to students who are members? For those that do not identify as gay it provides an opportunity to see things from a wildly different perspective with the goal of educating and fostering a more tolerant campus. For gay students it gives them a chance to see that others are in a similar situation as well as see that there are those who are not gay that actually care about their fellow humans.
The concept of a GSA begs the question about how it can possibly work in an abstinence only school system. Simple. Students are not discussing sex acts. They are discussing what living and surviving in an intolerant society is like and sharing those experiences. An additional note I have to mention is that, as others have stated, abstinence only education is not at all effective in pregnancy prevention and no sex education prevents the initiation of sexual activity. Teenagers have sex and nothing we can do will stop it from happening. Recent research shows that, “formal sex education programs on teen sexual health using nationally representative data found that abstinence-only programs had no significant effect in delaying the initiation of sexual activity or in reducing the risk for teen pregnancy and STD. In contrast comprehensive sex education programs were significantly associated with reduced risk of teen pregnancy, whether compared with no sex education or with abstinence-only sex education, and were marginally associated with decreased likelihood of a teen becoming sexually active compared with no sex education.” The quote is taken from Abstinence-Only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 42(4), April 2008, pages 344-351. Other studies exist, but that’s the first one that popped up in the database. It is sad that I had to take a college class called Human Sexuality to get what should be taught in your freshman year of high school at the latest.
Several people have expressed a concern about having a professional therapist at the meetings in order to help students cope or even getting a mental health center involved. Both of these imply that homosexuality is a mental disorder. Several people have also implied that it is a mental disorder. Homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association in 1973. I would say that it would be the responsibility of the GSA and guidance counselors to have referral information to a mental health professional specializing in LGBT issues, though.
I am quite proud that students took the initiative and made a change. Think globally, act locally. I wish the GSA luck on its ambitious mission and encourage other students to start organizations with the goal of equality for marginalized groups. A Black Student Alliance, Latino Student Alliance, and dare I say feminist organizationDare I suggest a white student organization, since their concerns are being so marginalized?or possibly an SSO(strictly straight organization) because their concerns are also being marginalized. under an umbrella of a Progressive Student Alliance should exist on every high school campus. Apathy is plaguing our country’s youth and this is how apathy ends.
It severely irritates me that this has been such a huge issue for the OCSB when I’m sitting next to kids in senior level university classes that couldn’t write a coherent paragraph if their lives depended on it.With all these other concerns, how can you expect them to learn to write coherent paragraphs. They will probably be busy passing the word around about where and when the next meeting will be.
I am sorry for the wall of text but this is as succinct as I can put my thoughts, and I take my position in front of the internet firing squad.
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chobee buckeye
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Posted: Fri Aug 1st, 2008 02:42 am |
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Mediocre Samaritan,
Very well written and stated. Kudos to you for shedding an intelligent light on the subject.
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MediocreSamaritan
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Posted: Fri Aug 1st, 2008 02:33 am |
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I read the article in today’s (July 31, 2008) edition of The Okeechobee News about the GSA. Since it’ll be at least tomorrow before I can read opinions in the “Speak Out,” I thought I would pay the forums a visit. It appears that what could be a fruitful discussion exploring different points of view has jumped the tracks at Ad Hominem Junction. Let us get the discussion back on track. My two cents come from my experience at Okeechobee High School and growing up in this county as well as study in LGBT issues, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. Please take it with a grain of sugar. Knowledge should be sweet.
A GSA provides a place for a marginalized segment of society to be able to safely talk about issues in their lives. The question that keeps coming up is whether homosexuality should be discussed at a school sanctioned function. When it would appear that no other clubs discuss "lifestyles," it is easy to say no; however, we live in a heterosexist society. Every club at OHS is unofficially a safe haven for heterosexuals. Heterosexuality is considered the norm. Talk about issues surrounding homosexuality would not be tolerated by peers. A GSA provides a safe environment for students to question the norms and an open forum to discuss issues surrounding homosexuality, tolerance, and acceptance that fosters respect. Considering the amount of homophobia that runs rampant in US teen population in general, not looking at Okeechobee specifically, a GSA is a point of light in a sea of darkness for students.
What benefits does this provide to students who are members? For those that do not identify as gay it provides an opportunity to see things from a wildly different perspective with the goal of educating and fostering a more tolerant campus. For gay students it gives them a chance to see that others are in a similar situation as well as see that there are those who are not gay that actually care about their fellow humans.
The concept of a GSA begs the question about how it can possibly work in an abstinence only school system. Simple. Students are not discussing sex acts. They are discussing what living and surviving in an intolerant society is like and sharing those experiences. An additional note I have to mention is that, as others have stated, abstinence only education is not at all effective in pregnancy prevention and no sex education prevents the initiation of sexual activity. Teenagers have sex and nothing we can do will stop it from happening. Recent research shows that, “formal sex education programs on teen sexual health using nationally representative data found that abstinence-only programs had no significant effect in delaying the initiation of sexual activity or in reducing the risk for teen pregnancy and STD. In contrast comprehensive sex education programs were significantly associated with reduced risk of teen pregnancy, whether compared with no sex education or with abstinence-only sex education, and were marginally associated with decreased likelihood of a teen becoming sexually active compared with no sex education.” The quote is taken from Abstinence-Only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 42(4), April 2008, pages 344-351. Other studies exist, but that’s the first one that popped up in the database. It is sad that I had to take a college class called Human Sexuality to get what should be taught in your freshman year of high school at the latest.
Several people have expressed a concern about having a professional therapist at the meetings in order to help students cope or even getting a mental health center involved. Both of these imply that homosexuality is a mental disorder. Several people have also implied that it is a mental disorder. Homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association in 1973. I would say that it would be the responsibility of the GSA and guidance counselors to have referral information to a mental health professional specializing in LGBT issues, though.
I am quite proud that students took the initiative and made a change. Think globally, act locally. I wish the GSA luck on its ambitious mission and encourage other students to start organizations with the goal of equality for marginalized groups. A Black Student Alliance, Latino Student Alliance, and dare I say feminist organization under an umbrella of a Progressive Student Alliance should exist on every high school campus. Apathy is plaguing our country’s youth and this is how apathy ends.
It severely irritates me that this has been such a huge issue for the OCSB when I’m sitting next to kids in senior level university classes that couldn’t write a coherent paragraph if their lives depended on it.
I am sorry for the wall of text but this is as succinct as I can put my thoughts, and I take my position in front of the internet firing squad.Last edited on Fri Aug 1st, 2008 02:46 am by MediocreSamaritan
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Meems
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 11:27 pm |
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flteacher wrote: It was no secret we had a frequent poster who called LaBelle home. Pressed for the username I probably would have stumbled; if flsr says it was her I have no reason to doubt her.
You have accused me of being deceitful for implying I worked in the Okeechobee School System when in fact I posted numerous times I do NOT work locally as a teacher (as flsr stated I am not taking the time to find theses posts). You have obviously missed these as well as the posts by flsr mentioning she lived in LaBelle.
PVT this is an opinion forum open to anyone. The terms of use do NOT require posters to present their employment or tax records in order to post their OPINION on topics in the Okeechobee City/County Public Issues Forum. Refrain from being the forum police and telling other adults what they can and cannot post their opinion on because you don't think they have the right "credentials".
I have been here but a little while and I remember sonething about flt not working iat OHS. I don't remember the exact quite but she did say it. I dont't see what difference it makes if she lives in Labelle. PVT you just assumed she lived in Okeechobee and you know what assume does.
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flteacher
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 11:05 pm |
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It was no secret we had a frequent poster who called LaBelle home. Pressed for the username I probably would have stumbled; if flsr says it was her I have no reason to doubt her.
You have accused me of being deceitful for implying I worked in the Okeechobee School System when in fact I posted numerous times I do NOT work locally as a teacher (as flsr stated I am not taking the time to find theses posts). You have obviously missed these as well as the posts by flsr mentioning she lived in LaBelle.
PVT this is an opinion forum open to anyone. The terms of use do NOT require posters to present their employment or tax records in order to post their OPINION on topics in the Okeechobee City/County Public Issues Forum. Refrain from being the forum police and telling other adults what they can and cannot post their opinion on because you don't think they have the right "credentials".
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flsr
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 10:33 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: designdiva wrote: PVT WROTE....I have yet to come upon a post stating that you live in LaBelle. I've been here since February 2008 so it must have been before then
Go read one of flsr most recent posts under dumb or desperate.....they state they are from labelle....I also believe if memory serves me they also stated the same thing back when we were discussing use of golf carts on the streets.........and also I dont believe it's a requirement when you sign up that you HAVE to post your location...some folks clearly state in some of their replies where they reside..you just have to "read" the posts to see that.......have a good one
Diva 
One can hardly expect me to follow flsr around to see where they live.You see---it doesn't make any difference.
And, with my record of postings it can also be assumed that you won't see me in threads regarding "golf carts on the street".No, we have seen your name mostly in the threads regarding gays and Obama.
If I had realized it would be such a big deal, maybe I would have listed my town. You can see from when I joined I have been posting since Sept of '05. I believe my screen name "flsr" for Fl senior is desctriptive enough. When I signed on to post in the Ft. Myers Newspress there was some kind of snafu so that I added fm to it.
I like golf carts and you like hearses. So what? BTW, that wouldn't be where Zarawer found those bloody fingers would it?
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flsr
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 10:16 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: .
I have yet to come upon a post stating that you live in LaBelle. I've been here since February 2008 so it must have been before then.I am absolutely sure it has been mentioned both before and after then. Diva probably knows. I'll be damned if I'm going to go tracking back through every thread just to try and prove something to you that doesn't matter anyway.
Then lets clear up any further confusion.If you are confused, that's your problem.
Put a location under your display name.Then what if I relocate. Am I supposed to inform Van Tassell so he won't be confused?
Fast, Simple, and avoids further Confusion.
SideNote: ISP's don't necessarily denote from where you are posting. They track internet transponders and apparently yours is in Georgia. Mine is in West Palm Beach.I have been told this but what seems strange to me as I will sometimes be listed from Alva, sometimes Ft.Myers etc. Of course I do use 2 different computers with different addresses. It doesn't matter.
I am interested in a lot of subjects from a lot of different areas and I don't think it makes a bit of difference where I reside. What difference should it make to you if I comment about GSA's, whether they are in Okeechobee or Timbuctoo?
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 08:19 pm |
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designdiva wrote: PVT WROTE....I have yet to come upon a post stating that you live in LaBelle. I've been here since February 2008 so it must have been before then
Go read one of flsr most recent posts under dumb or desperate.....they state they are from labelle....I also believe if memory serves me they also stated the same thing back when we were discussing use of golf carts on the streets.........and also I dont believe it's a requirement when you sign up that you HAVE to post your location...some folks clearly state in some of their replies where they reside..you just have to "read" the posts to see that.......have a good one
Diva
One can hardly expect me to follow flsr around to see where they live.
And, with my record of postings it can also be assumed that you won't see me in threads regarding "golf carts on the street".
And you would assume right.
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designdiva
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 07:48 pm |
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PVT WROTE....I have yet to come upon a post stating that you live in LaBelle. I've been here since February 2008 so it must have been before then
Go read one of flsr most recent posts under dumb or desperate.....they state they are from labelle....I also believe if memory serves me they also stated the same thing back when we were discussing use of golf carts on the streets.........and also I dont believe it's a requirement when you sign up that you HAVE to post your location...some folks clearly state in some of their replies where they reside..you just have to "read" the posts to see that.......have a good one
Diva
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 07:42 pm |
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Zarawer wrote: flsr wrote"and Zarawer would be bragging about it if he was.
I would? Who the heck are you trying to kid here? How would you even know if I would brag or not? Step off! (finger)
Don't worry, they're novelty food items.
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Zarawer
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 07:38 pm |
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flsr wrote"and Zarawer would be bragging about it if he was.
I would? Who the heck are you trying to kid here? How would you even know if I would brag or not? Step off! (finger)
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 07:25 pm |
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flsr wrote: P.VanTassell wrote: designdiva wrote: So i guess all those posting comments on the tcpalm site shouldnt be posting either because they dont live here in okeechobee ??? Diva
Okay, let her post her opinion about the GSA.
However, what is the point in bringing up the property taxes of a county you don't live in.
I find it strange when I fund(find)out that people aren't from here but still play it off like they are.
I'm looking at you FLSR and FLTEACHER.
Believe me I don't play anything out. I guess you have been skipping over my posts as I suggested you should. Many, many times I have mentioned that I am from LaBelle. For your information I don't even pay property taxes in LaBelle. My partner pays property taxes in LaBelle and I pay property taxes in Michigan.
I have lived nearly 4 times as long as you and I would say that gives me 4 times as much experience as you to view the goings on in the world and see what leads to what. After all, Obama gives off like he's president of the world and that is fine and dandy with you young nitwits and I am not supposed to be having conversations with people from Okeechobee. It so happens I love to converse and debate. I have earned the right and I will keep on. An amusing note here, when I posted on a Grand Rapids forum about an issue of a highschool senior planting a fake bomb, I was told by another poster, who noted my ISP location as Georgia?? that I didn't know what was going on there because I lived in Georgia. It so happens I pay taxes on the school in question and own property a 1/4 mile from where the kid lives. My grandchildren go to school there. You betcha I am concerned about what goes on in any of the schools whether I pay taxes on that certain one or not.
I have yet to come upon a post stating that you live in LaBelle. I've been here since February 2008 so it must have been before then.
Then lets clear up any further confusion.
Put a location under your display name.
Fast, Simple, and avoids further Confusion.
SideNote: ISP's don't necessarily denote from where you are posting. They track internet transponders and apparently yours is in Georgia. Mine is in West Palm Beach.
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designdiva
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 07:13 pm |
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flsr....I recall many times the fact that you had stated you were from the Labelle area... Some folks only read what they want to "see" and disregard the rest...other times they "read" too much into things in order to spin off of it.....such is life !!
diva
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flsr
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 07:08 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: designdiva wrote: So i guess all those posting comments on the tcpalm site shouldnt be posting either because they dont live here in okeechobee ??? Diva
Okay, let her post her opinion about the GSA.
However, what is the point in bringing up the property taxes of a county you don't live in.
I find it strange when I fund(find)out that people aren't from here but still play it off like they are.
I'm looking at you FLSR and FLTEACHER.
Believe me I don't play anything out. I guess you have been skipping over my posts as I suggested you should. Many, many times I have mentioned that I am from LaBelle. For your information I don't even pay property taxes in LaBelle. My partner pays property taxes in LaBelle and I pay property taxes in Michigan.
I have lived nearly 4 times as long as you and I would say that gives me 4 times as much experience as you to view the goings on in the world and see what leads to what. After all, Obama gives off like he's president of the world and that is fine and dandy with you young nitwits and I am not supposed to be having conversations with people from Okeechobee. It so happens I love to converse and debate. I have earned the right and I will keep on. An amusing note here, when I posted on a Grand Rapids forum about an issue of a highschool senior planting a fake bomb, I was told by another poster, who noted my ISP location as Georgia?? that I didn't know what was going on there because I lived in Georgia. It so happens I pay taxes on the school in question and own property a 1/4 mile from where the kid lives. My grandchildren go to school there. You betcha I am concerned about what goes on in any of the schools whether I pay taxes on that certain one or not.
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:38 pm |
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flteacher wrote: P.VanTassell wrote: I'm looking at you FLSR and FLTEACHER.
Would you care to expound upon this statement?
Just to clear the air yes, I pay Okeechobee taxes, a lot of them actually.
BTW, my daughter was up this weekend and told me about the times you and OZ cracked her up in classes at OMS. I have been in Okeechobee many years.
I must ask your daughters name. Care to PM me?
My point was that of you commenting on school issues with quite a few of us thinking you were a local teacher. Come to find out, nay.
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flteacher
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:35 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: I'm looking at you FLSR and FLTEACHER.
Would you care to expound upon this statement?
Just to clear the air yes, I pay Okeechobee taxes, a lot of them actually.
BTW, my daughter was up this weekend and told me about the times you and OZ cracked her up in classes at OMS. I have been in Okeechobee many years.
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:22 pm |
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flsr wrote: P.VanTassell wrote: Tsunami, first of all. I thought something didn't look right there.
Secondly, you don't even live in Okeechobee County? So then why do you post on here about schools that don't affect you at all? Why should we even read your posts?
Also, I've been to Key West in the middle of Gay Pride week (on accident we didn't realize it was that week) but my entire family remembers it as a hilarious and fun experience.
They aren't frightening.
Just out of your bubble.
Also, I'm 19.
All schools affect me and everybody else. This crap that is going on is a plague.
Don't read my posts. When you see flsr, skip over them, and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
June 12th.
Which for future refrence seems to be Gay Pride week in Key West.
Went there in 2006 for my b-day and wow, you wouldn't think they made that many latex cop uniforms.
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flsr
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:20 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: Tsunami, first of all. I thought something didn't look right there.
Secondly, you don't even live in Okeechobee County? So then why do you post on here about schools that don't affect you at all? Why should we even read your posts?
Also, I've been to Key West in the middle of Gay Pride week (on accident we didn't realize it was that week) but my entire family remembers it as a hilarious and fun experience.
They aren't frightening.
Just out of your bubble.
Also, I'm 19.
All schools affect me and everybody else. This crap that is going on is a plague.
Don't read my posts. When you see flsr, skip over them, and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
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P.VanTassell
Member
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:18 pm |
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designdiva wrote: So i guess all those posting comments on the tcpalm site shouldnt be posting either because they dont live here in okeechobee ??? Diva
Okay, let her post her opinion about the GSA.
However, what is the point in bringing up the property taxes of a county you don't live in.
I find it strange when I fund out that people aren't from here but still play it off like they are.
I'm looking at you FLSR and FLTEACHER.
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designdiva
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:15 pm |
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| So i guess all those posting comments on the tcpalm site shouldnt be posting either because they dont live here in okeechobee ??? Diva
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:11 pm |
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designdiva wrote: PVT.....flsr posts here because we are all entitiled to our opinions......or are we going to make them declare okee residency in order to participate ???? Diva
I think that for your opinions to matter regarding County issues it really helps if you live in that county!
For someone so stuck on property taxes flsr doesn't even pay in our county!
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designdiva
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:09 pm |
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| PVT.....flsr posts here because we are all entitiled to our opinions......or are we going to make them declare okee residency in order to participate ???? Diva
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:06 pm |
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flsr wrote: P.VanTassell wrote: Zarawer wrote: flsr wrote: You haven't been around any of them too much have you?
Zarawer, Do you own property and pay property/school taxes?
What the heck does that have to do with anything? Don't pose stupid questions to me that have nothing to do with the topic.
flsr is trying to pull the "I've been paying taxes all my life and am better than you for it!" routine.
Its the I'm-out-of-actual-rebuttals approach
I'm not out of rebuttals at all, but as someone alluded to on here I am not much of a lady, so you will not get the rebuttals from me that you so sorely deserve.
Since Van Tassell has told us he's 18 I have to assume that with todays prices he is not yet a property owner, and Zarawer would be bragging about it if he was.
Topic: Gay-straight Alliance to try again/to have meetings on school property,which is supported by taxpayers/who have a right to question the practices and activities on said school property.
I don't live in Okeechobee, I live in LaBelle which is also somewhat backward and I say we can be glad it is.
You two boys are probably old enough to move to a more "progressive" community such as Key West. The first time I was down there we came up behind a well tanned individual(male, in some sense) riding a bicycle, wearing a hot pink crack string. The sight was enough to scare a dog off a gut wagon. I'm for keeping the backwardness in our central state communities, and you tolerant progressives can move to the coasts and wait for a sunnami.
Tsunami, first of all.
Secondly, you don't even live in Okeechobee County? So then why do you post on here about schools that don't affect you at all? Why should we even read your posts?
Also, I've been to Key West in the middle of Gay Pride week (on accident we didn't realize it was that week) but my entire family remembers it as a hilarious and fun experience.
They aren't frightening.
Just out of your bubble.
Also, I'm 19.
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flsr
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 06:01 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: Zarawer wrote: flsr wrote: You haven't been around any of them too much have you?
Zarawer, Do you own property and pay property/school taxes?
What the heck does that have to do with anything? Don't pose stupid questions to me that have nothing to do with the topic.
flsr is trying to pull the "I've been paying taxes all my life and am better than you for it!" routine.
Its the I'm-out-of-actual-rebuttals approach
I'm not out of rebuttals at all, but as someone alluded to on here I am not much of a lady, so you will not get the rebuttals from me that you so sorely deserve.
Since Van Tassell has told us he's 18 I have to assume that with todays prices he is not yet a property owner, and Zarawer would be bragging about it if he was.
Topic: Gay-straight Alliance to try again/to have meetings on school property,which is supported by taxpayers/who have a right to question the practices and activities on said school property.
I don't live in Okeechobee, I live in LaBelle which is also somewhat backward and I say we can be glad it is.
You two boys are probably old enough to move to a more "progressive" community such as Key West. The first time I was down there we came up behind a well tanned individual(male, in some sense) riding a bicycle, wearing a hot pink crack string. The sight was enough to scare a dog off a gut wagon. I'm for keeping the backwardness in our central state communities, and you tolerant progressives can move to the coasts and wait for a sunnami.
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OkeeArt
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 05:57 pm |
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I heard there are klan rallies out there.
LOL now that's funny
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Meems
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 05:54 pm |
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P.VanTassell wrote: designdiva wrote: PVT.......the gsa club...... does it have a "professional" person on board to guide these youths thru troubled waters or is more of a sit and chat session ??? Diva
No "Professional Gay" if thats what you are asking. No, I understand the question just throwing a little hummour in there.
There was a sponsor. More like a babysitter. An assigned school related official who would sit in and "moderate" the meetings.
This group needs a professional counselor especially if they are going to help someone else. This seems to be one of the things they will do as stated in another post. Thses kids are just now becoming sexual human beings how can they help anyone they are not even a fully developed human being
Professional counselor needed
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Meems
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 05:42 pm |
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Zarawer wrote: local mother wrote: You don't have to be gay to be involved in the GSA, hence the name Gay Straight Alliance. It is about tolerance and obsolving ignorance and hatred toward those who are different in any way.
Even if you do not believe in the gay lifestyle, it doesn't mean that you have to extend your hate towards those groups who do. The GSA is about gay and straight people coming together and realizing that they are people just like everyone else.
It kind of stems back to making white people realize that black people are equal to them and that Indians are equal to them. History shows that when one thinks of someone as different, they see them as "savages, or less than human" and this always turns out bad in the end.
It takes a local mother to slam your junk in the car door 3 times before you to get it? Well said.
I think that it is just the fact that here it is right in everyones face. Allover the news and papers. People react You can't expect people to change lifelong views overnight. It just doesn't happen that way. I know you wish it would but that is not the way people are.
Integration wasn't accepted overnight either and you better believe that there are some that still not accepted it.
Change takes time.
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Meems
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 05:42 pm |
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Zarawer wrote: local mother wrote: You don't have to be gay to be involved in the GSA, hence the name Gay Straight Alliance. It is about tolerance and obsolving ignorance and hatred toward those who are different in any way.
Even if you do not believe in the gay lifestyle, it doesn't mean that you have to extend your hate towards those groups who do. The GSA is about gay and straight people coming together and realizing that they are people just like everyone else.
It kind of stems back to making white people realize that black people are equal to them and that Indians are equal to them. History shows that when one thinks of someone as different, they see them as "savages, or less than human" and this always turns out bad in the end.
It takes a local mother to slam your junk in the car door 3 times before you to get it? Well said.
I think that it is just the fact that here it is right in everyones face. Allover the news and papers. People react You can't expect people to change lifelong views overnight. It just doesn't happen that way. I know you wish it would but that is not the way people are.
Integration wasn't accepted overnight either and you better believe that there are some that still not accepted it.
Change takes time.
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flteacher
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 05:06 pm |
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Let me add a few more for the nay sayers who don't think the outside world sees Okeechobee as backwards and out of date.
Posted by tiltingatwindmills on July 30, 2008 at 5:58 p.m.
veroite said, "Why must I give a sexual lifestyle special legal rights?"
Why did we have to grant women the right to vote with the 19th amendment? Because men specifically excluded women to vote. Why did we have the Civil Rights Act of 1964? Because white folk discriminated against minorities simply based on their skin color.
"The school system promotes abstinence, but now they have to allow a group to meet based on a sexual orientation."
You portray this club as a gay club. It is the Gay-Straight Alliance. They don't care what race, gender, or sexual orientation you are. The purpose of the club isn't to give advice how to be gay, or how to have sex...it is to break down the misconceptions people have regarding sexual orientation and bring attention to issues regarding bullying and abuse of gays.
The school system promoting abstainance has nothing to do with it. Okeechobee has the 4th highest rate of teen pregnancy in the state. Maybe they should worry about that first.
Posted by JDS87 on July 30, 2008 at 6:42 p.m.
The Okeechobee school system is so far behind the times. Teaching abstinence just doesn't work in the real world. Children need sex and alcohol education. It seems that marrying your sister is playing havoc with the gene pool in Okeechobee....oh, we kid the cowboys...LOL
Posted by bahamamama on July 31, 2008 at 8:27 a.m.
(if that area was living in this century instead of having their heads in the sand, and it is not just this issue with those fine citizens, it is many issues that give that area the title of "RedNeck Central" I heard there are klan rallies out there.)
EVER WONDER WHY YOU DON'T SEE AS MUCH VIOLENT CRIME OR CRIME IN GENERAL??
MAYBE WE DON'T WANT ANOTHER PSL OR FT PIERCE
TOO MANY PEOPLE AND CRIME
ALL I EVER SEE IS EVERYONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THERE AREAS, AND YOU WANT TO BEAT OURS DOWN?
GET A LIFE---GET TWO OF THEM!!
Big Bro, I have the horror of living in okeechobee for a year, I was robbed twice by drug addicts, couldnt get a decent job because i didnt have a "name" in okeechobee, and paid to much rent for a house built next to a piece of crap trailer. Its a known fact that almost 80 percent of the youth over there snort or pop roxies or oxies, snort coke, or do some other type of pain pill or sell them. It is a horrible town with nothing to do.
Who cares if theirs a gay club in the high school, yes gays do exist in this hick town. Atleast they wont get pregnant like a large portion of the girls in that high school are.
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 04:54 pm |
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If you have been against this club publically from the start, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Take a look at some comments of people who live on the coast about this subject and our town's image because of it.
Get with the times people, this isn't the wild west anymore, you can't protect your backwards ideals forever.
Last edited on Thu Jul 31st, 2008 04:55 pm by P.VanTassell
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designdiva
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 04:38 pm |
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http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/jul/30/aclu-claims-victory-okeechobee-gay-club-lawsuit/
As of 12:30 today there are 52 comments associated with this story over on the coast......... Diva
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Zarawer
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 03:33 pm |
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local mother wrote: You don't have to be gay to be involved in the GSA, hence the name Gay Straight Alliance. It is about tolerance and obsolving ignorance and hatred toward those who are different in any way.
Even if you do not believe in the gay lifestyle, it doesn't mean that you have to extend your hate towards those groups who do. The GSA is about gay and straight people coming together and realizing that they are people just like everyone else.
It kind of stems back to making white people realize that black people are equal to them and that Indians are equal to them. History shows that when one thinks of someone as different, they see them as "savages, or less than human" and this always turns out bad in the end.
It takes a local mother to slam your junk in the car door 3 times before you to get it? Well said.
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local mother
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 03:27 pm |
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You don't have to be gay to be involved in the GSA, hence the name Gay Straight Alliance. It is about tolerance and obsolving ignorance and hatred toward those who are different in any way.
Even if you do not believe in the gay lifestyle, it doesn't mean that you have to extend your hate towards those groups who do. The GSA is about gay and straight people coming together and realizing that they are people just like everyone else.
It kind of stems back to making white people realize that black people are equal to them and that Indians are equal to them. History shows that when one thinks of someone as different, they see them as "savages, or less than human" and this always turns out bad in the end.
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local mother
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 03:20 pm |
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All non-curricular clubs would be included. This would not include sports as this is not a club. This would only include clubs that are not associated with curriculum such as Key Club, Beta, and all kinds of civic clubs that could potentially hurt the graduating seniors college applications as they would not be able to participate in these clubs which are necessary as extra-curricular activities on some college admission applications.
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Meems
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 03:13 pm |
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OkeeNarnie wrote: Let me pose a scenerio to you...
You have a grandson age 15. Cute as a button. Has done well at school. Active in church. Enjoys sports. Has taken part in school and church sponsered activities. Out of the blue he says he wants to take part in the Gay Strait Alliance club. You ask him if he is gay and he says he is not sure. He is confused about how he feels, and maybe he is.
How would you feel? What would you suggest to him?
Does this Club offer support to help him figure out his thoughts and feelings?
Does this club offer him suggestions in how to get through each day and to understand his feelings?
does this Club have the answers for him when he wants to know how to deal with the world?
Are we assuming that he thinks he might be gay. I am sure his mother would go and find out how the GSA works as far as support. Would there be a certified counslor there to help or just some gay students and a teacher. I think that a counslor is necessary for proper counsling.
I have always said that I would support to my death the right to make their own decisions but I reserve the right to voice my opinion as a mother.
Since the decion my grandson is making is a life altering decision I would pay for proper counsling if not provided at school. If at the end of the counsling he still wanted to explore the world of gays, it would not change my love for him as it is unconditional. I don't have to like what my children or grandchildren do to love them
Now if he just wants to go to check out what it is all about as a straight I would definatesy support this decision.
Since the GSA is a definate in OHS I would hope that gays along with straights would be in the GSA so that everyone gets a well rounded view of things
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 03:11 pm |
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Bilgerat wrote: river rat13 wrote: i couldnt agree with you more on the homosexuals and lesbians, in my opinion, they need to have teh meetings at someones house and not on school prmesis, after all we all pay taxes for schools and therefore the parents and business owners havea right to say to the school board and the ones involved in the Alliance that we do not allow or want it held at a school function or on school grounds, it will make the students not on that alliance suffer if they dont. I sure dont wanty my teenage kids or even my future grandkids around that at all. Lord knows there is enough child molesters, pediofiles and sexual criminals running around here, we sure dont need that in our schools either!
There's only one way that you and any that feel the same can do at this point.
Somehow, convince the School System to cancel ALL Clubs, Groups or Meetings held by the youths. That means no more extracurricular activities, zip, zero, nada.
Then you can effectively keep out what you don't want on School grounds
And with it, all sports.
Get the board to do that because of their staunch opposition to gays and a new day certainly will dawn.
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Bilgerat
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:59 pm |
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river rat13 wrote: i couldnt agree with you more on the homosexuals and lesbians, in my opinion, they need to have teh meetings at someones house and not on school prmesis, after all we all pay taxes for schools and therefore the parents and business owners havea right to say to the school board and the ones involved in the Alliance that we do not allow or want it held at a school function or on school grounds, it will make the students not on that alliance suffer if they dont. I sure dont wanty my teenage kids or even my future grandkids around that at all. Lord knows there is enough child molesters, pediofiles and sexual criminals running around here, we sure dont need that in our schools either!
There's only one way that you and any that feel the same can do at this point.
Somehow, convince the School System to cancel ALL Clubs, Groups or Meetings held by the youths. That means no more extracurricular activities, zip, zero, nada.
Then you can effectively keep out what you don't want on School grounds
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:45 pm |
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Zarawer wrote: flsr wrote: You haven't been around any of them too much have you?
Zarawer, Do you own property and pay property/school taxes?
What the heck does that have to do with anything? Don't pose stupid questions to me that have nothing to do with the topic.
flsr is trying to pull the "I've been paying taxes all my life and am better than you for it!" routine.
Its the I'm-out-of-actual-rebuttals approach
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Zarawer
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:44 pm |
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flsr wrote: You haven't been around any of them too much have you?
Zarawer, Do you own property and pay property/school taxes?
What the heck does that have to do with anything? Don't pose stupid questions to me that have nothing to do with the topic.
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flsr
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:40 pm |
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Zarawer wrote: I've considered getting medical help, thanks for the advise.
You haven't been around any of them too much have you?
Zarawer, Do you own property and pay property/school taxes?
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P.VanTassell
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:36 pm |
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I see I can't leave this thread for even a day. Suddenly there are 100 more posts that I can't get through before 20 more show up.
Slow down so I can attack you each individually!
I do see that somehow prayer got into this again. Why is that? How can this discussion always turn to religion? Can't you make your own points?
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river rat13
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:30 pm |
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| FYI, i say whats on my mind and am very animate, short sweet and to the point, all im saying is that I do not want my kids around it, one graduates this year and one 3 years from now, i have been catcching a lot of arguments from the younger one of the 2 about this, and like me they speak their mind also. i realize we all have to co exist in this world
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Zarawer
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Posted: Thu Jul 31st, 2008 02:21 pm |
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river rat13 wrote: well you must not have very good morals then, you maybe teh one that has the "chemical imbalance" or you were trained to think different than what your parents and siblings were. i am sure there are a lot of people here in town tha twould would agree with me 110% about not letting that Alliance use teh school grounds for that purpose of the Alliance meeting. I suggest you go and have yourself checked by a medical team.
My morals have nothing to do with the diatribe of words you are spewing. FYI, I wasn't trained to think, I was taught to think for myself. I'm sure they're people who would agree with you and on the other hand, agree with me as well. I don't care if they have a meeting on school grounds or off school grounds. The point here is that you and a few others here are close minded & ignorant about being gay. I've considered getting medical help, thanks for the advise.
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river rat13
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