The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: alfsauve on February 09, 2009, 08:48:16 PM

Title: The BUT
Post by: alfsauve on February 09, 2009, 08:48:16 PM
[I debated about what to call this post, so I just kept it simple:  "The BUT".  Maybe you can come up with a pithier title for me.]

Something I regret doing in raising my sons was the over use of the word "but".   One of the things children need (heck we all need) is to be complemented.  To be told we're good at something.   So I would tell my son,  "Great game today son, but keep your eyes on the ball."  Or "Good concert.  You're really good at playing the trumpet, but you need to hold it up higher."   I was just trying to be a good father.  Giving the a complement and coaching them along. 

What was happening however was that the "but" was negating the complement.   What I needed to do was just give them the complement.   There's plenty of time later for helping them improve.  I should have let them savor the moment of being the apple of my eye.  Let them enjoy the complement. 

(Back to politics) Let me rewind that:  "the 'but' was negating the complement."  It's like I didn't mean what I said.  QUESTION:  How many times have you heard someone say one thing then follow it with a "but"?  Or more specific: how often  have you heard our new administration use the term lately? 

As in when Obama said he believed in free market and capitalism but....
Or when he says he believes in the second amendment, but.....

You see, he doesn't really believe in free market and he doesn't really believe in the 2nd amendment.

So as you talk (or type) and you use the word "but", stop.  Think about what you're conveying. 

And when you hear our political leaders use the term it should sound warning bells and you should ask "what do they really believe".

Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: ericire12 on February 09, 2009, 08:51:17 PM
Another word to think about: Change
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: 1911 Junkie on February 09, 2009, 08:54:16 PM
As the saying goes, anything before "but" is BS.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: Pathfinder on February 09, 2009, 09:17:55 PM
As the saying goes, anything before "but" is BS.

I recently took a communications course, and this was one of the things the instructor sopke of - everything before the "but" is forgotten, ignored, dismissed.

Great point Alf.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: 1911 Junkie on February 09, 2009, 09:39:47 PM
Quinn & Rose?

Love em.  Haven't listened for a few years due to work schedule, my fault, I should listen online while I surf DRTV.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: Thanos on February 10, 2009, 10:21:03 AM
Alf, I think you might be wrong about the current administration, but I think they are total idiots and you are right.


How was that?
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: runstowin on February 10, 2009, 07:35:04 PM
I think B Obama is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but...
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 11, 2009, 12:35:04 PM
I HOPE Obama is the greatest thing since soft toilet paper, BUT, I don't expect things to CHANGE.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: runstowin on February 11, 2009, 11:14:18 PM
I HOPE Obama is the greatest thing since soft toilet paper, BUT, I don't expect things to CHANGE.
As I proved on another thread Obama's face is the best thing on soft toilet tissue, no ifs ands or buts.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 11, 2009, 11:44:48 PM
As I proved on another thread Obama's face is the best thing on soft toilet tissue, no ifs ands or buts.


You didn't prove it's the best thing, Just that it would fit. Proving it's BEST would take the wipe test, and I don't think the ink has what it takes to beat Charmin. Besides, colored toilet paper is bad for your septic system.
Didn't we have a similar discussion about Obama and another turd, named Hillery.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: cookie62 on February 12, 2009, 12:15:45 AM
My youngest son had his first indoor track meet of the year tonight. He was in a relay and he had a bad hand-off and they droped the baton. Later he walked up to talk to me and my wife, I started to say how good he had ran BUT they needed to work on the hand-off. Before I could say anything this thread poped into my head. I told him I thought he did a great job and don't sweat the small stuff.

Thanks Alfsauve
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: alfsauve on February 12, 2009, 05:26:19 AM
I told him I thought he did a great job and don't sweat the small stuff.

Way to go!   I'm sure the coach will take care of the hand-off practice.
Title: Re: The BUT
Post by: runstowin on February 12, 2009, 09:25:44 AM

You didn't prove it's the best thing, Just that it would fit. Proving it's BEST would take the wipe test, and I don't think the ink has what it takes to beat Charmin. Besides, colored toilet paper is bad for your septic system.
Didn't we have a similar discussion about Obama and another turd, named Hillery.

Good point.