UO Thursday

Pandril19

Okay... I waited until today to say this, because it definitely appears to be unpopular.

 I don't think it's reasonable to complain about not getting a gift when you've told someone they don't have to or shouldn't get you anything. 

 

What's your unpopular opinion?

elizdg

Pandril19:

Okay... I waited until today to say this, because it definitely appears to be unpopular.
nbsp;I don't think it's reasonable to complain about not getting a gift when you've told someone they don't have to or shouldn't get you anything.nbsp;
nbsp;
What's your unpopular opinion?

I agree. I also don't understand why a daughter would get mad if their MIL or mom didn't get them a gift for Mother's Day. You may be a mom, but you're not their mom, kwim?

mandiek72512

Have 'pocket tees' made it to anyone elses area? These things are awful! Its a tshirt... with a pocket... some have initials on the pocket, some even have their kids picture. Just a silly new trend...

Boing214

mightybee:

I can't get into Game of Thrones. My H can't wait to watch it every week, but I could really care less. Oh, and I have an acquaintance who named her daughter Khaleesi and I'm just not a fan.

Who would do that to their child?? And I like GOT, but that's just asking for troubles.

lilahbean13

I don't like those squeeze food pouches for babies. They gross me out. I'm sure they are convenient but def not for us. Sucking for food is not natural. Sucking for milk or formula or liquid is. It's just weird to suck on something for sweet potatoes or whatever.

Also I think if you keep track of how many weeks old your baby is at 10 months I think you may be crazy. It just sounds weird to say my baby is 46 weeks old. What!??

Barefoot84

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

elizdg

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income 2 or 3 to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place. It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000 plus a year.

I disagree. I'm all for making charitable donations, but the government certainly does not need to be involved in it. I don't think we should be legally obligated to make a donation to any cause.

Jorie0829

I'm not a fan of the backpack/leash combo for little kids. Either hold their hand, or put them in a stroller, but don't put a leash on them....

nesenotes

dbliesmer:

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

So I should have to donate a percentage of my income so the people who run large charities can live wealthy lifestyles?  Some of the really big charities only donate about 5% of actual contributions to their cause.  If you ask them they are legally obligated to tell you and I bet it would shock you.  I know that's not all charities, but that is not where I want my money to go.   Donating should be a choice not a requirement.

 

Agreed 100% Also, people work hard for their money. Why be obligated to give it away? This is why they did away with communism. It doesnt work. 

RTaylor12

I guess my UO today is that I adore Winnie the Pooh. I grew up watching the cartoons, reading the books etc and my lovie from childhood is a beat up and much-loved Pooh plush toy. One of my showers was Pooh themed, as is her nursery and her first birthday party. Yeah, I know. And with that, I will leave you with her nursery pics. I happen to think it's adorable, so suck it.

 

Barefoot84

dbliesmer:

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

So I should have to donate a percentage of my income so the people who run large charities can live wealthy lifestyles?  Some of the really big charities only donate about 5% of actual contributions to their cause.  If you ask them they are legally obligated to tell you and I bet it would shock you.  I know that's not all charities, but that is not where I want my money to go.   Donating should be a choice not a requirement.

 

There's no need to donate to a "big" charity, there are thousands of grassroots charities and everyone can find a charity that ties in to their own values, and who actually does what it sets out to do, and not to give large incomes to the directors. Websites like Charity Navigator exists to help you make an informed decision. Not donating simply because many charities are corrupt or because many charities are simply not well organized is not an excuse in my opinion. We're capable adults who can do their research and find a way to use our money to do good.

Barefoot84

nesenotes:

dbliesmer:

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

So I should have to donate a percentage of my income so the people who run large charities can live wealthy lifestyles?  Some of the really big charities only donate about 5% of actual contributions to their cause.  If you ask them they are legally obligated to tell you and I bet it would shock you.  I know that's not all charities, but that is not where I want my money to go.   Donating should be a choice not a requirement.

 

Agreed 100% Also, people work hard for their money. Why be obligated to give it away? This is why they did away with communism. It doesnt work. 

I agree, people work hard for their money. However, it seems unfair to me that I can work hard for my money, but a single mother down the street can work the same hours as I do, sometimes at a more demanding job, and make half my income. The way I see it, I got lucky in the birth lottery, was born in a family that was able to support my dreams, and got to go to university and get a diploma that allows me to make a much higher income than someone who wasn't so lucky and didn't even get the support necessary to finish high school. I feel the need to pay it forward.

Even if I donate a higher percentage of my income that I stated should be obligatory, I still live a much more comfortable life than a big part of the population. This isn't even close to what communism asks.

Barefoot84

SweetLittleThing:

Barefoot84:

dbliesmer:

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

So I should have to donate a percentage of my income so the people who run large charities can live wealthy lifestyles?  Some of the really big charities only donate about 5% of actual contributions to their cause.  If you ask them they are legally obligated to tell you and I bet it would shock you.  I know that's not all charities, but that is not where I want my money to go.   Donating should be a choice not a requirement.

 

There's no need to donate to a "big" charity, there are thousands of grassroots charities and everyone can find a charity that ties in to their own values, and who actually does what it sets out to do, and not to give large incomes to the directors. Websites like Charity Navigator exists to help you make an informed decision. Not donating simply because many charities are corrupt or because many charities are simply not well organized is not an excuse in my opinion. We're capable adults who can do their research and find a way to use our money to do good.

That's correct.  I'm a capable adult, earning what is apparently, to you, a ridiculously amount of money.  That I use to do such good things as house my family, feed them, provide my child with educational child care, and make charitable contributions to places of my choosing when I feel our own financial level is secure enough to do so.

I enjoy giving back and supporting grassroots charities. 

When it's on my terms. 

Don't you remember what reading in school was like?  You could read all day on your own - love new books and stay up all night reading.... but as soon as it was required reading... it wasn't much fun anymore.  Left a bad taste in your mouth, didn't it? 

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that $50,000 or more is a "ridiculous" amount of money. It isn't. In fact, today, it's really not that much. It's not enough for us to be able to buy a house, and it's not enough for DH and I to be able to each have our car. 

And I love the comment about required reading, because it's so true. Unfortunately, it's also true that without required reading, many children wouldn't read at all.

And yes, I agree, the higher your income, the more the government takes, and therefore, the bigger the contribution you are making towards charities.  However, they're government chosen charities, and those are usually the "big" charities that most people try to shy away from, since so much of those funds are used for marketing, administrative fees, etc.

lilahbean13

jfresh:

lilahbean13:

I don't like those squeeze food pouches for babies. They gross me out. I'm sure they are convenient but def not for us. Sucking for food is not natural. Sucking for milk or formula or liquid is. It's just weird to suck on something for sweet potatoes or whatever.

Maybe it is my sons complete lack of skills but he just will not suck from a pouch. I buy them a lot because there are some crazy combinations that I would never think to make (or even buy all the stuff) and there are some good organic brands. He had something like apple, leeks, and quinoa for dinner last night! I just squeeze them into bowls to feed like a regular puree.

Ok squeezing in the bowl or on to the spoon thing is such a no brainer idea. Why didnt I think to do this?? Ok well my unpopular opinion should not include using those that way lol just the sucking way! Thanks for the ideas too!

bumpuser1509193

Adult braces. I just can't take someone seriously when they have a mouth full of metal like a middle school kid.

Kdoy705

PaddyB:

Barefoot84:

dbliesmer:

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

So I should have to donate a percentage of my income so the people who run large charities can live wealthy lifestyles?  Some of the really big charities only donate about 5% of actual contributions to their cause.  If you ask them they are legally obligated to tell you and I bet it would shock you.  I know that's not all charities, but that is not where I want my money to go.   Donating should be a choice not a requirement.

 

There's no need to donate to a "big" charity, there are thousands of grassroots charities and everyone can find a charity that ties in to their own values, and who actually does what it sets out to do, and not to give large incomes to the directors. Websites like Charity Navigator exists to help you make an informed decision. Not donating simply because many charities are corrupt or because many charities are simply not well organized is not an excuse in my opinion. We're capable adults who can do their research and find a way to use our money to do good.

Regardless of what charity the money is donated to what you are advocating for is essentially another tax. (or a tax increase). Currently the tax system has deductions to help encourage giving. What you seem to be advocating is a penalty if one does not give at a certain rate.

I would also note, that since we have a progressive tax system, the more money you make (in ordinary income - so W2 income, not talking about capital gains etc) the higher the percentage of your salary already goes to taxes. 

I'm not trying to take a political stance on this - I just want to point out that a great deal of both federal and state money go towards the same things that most charities are targeted at including, for example, helping the homeless, international aid, disaster relief, and cancer research. 

 

Excellent point - PaddyB

Barefoot - while an interesting idea, and I think your heart is in the right spot by wanting to help others who are less fortunate - "mandates" have proven to be very controversial among Americans (i.e. Affordable Care Act). There are also many ethical considerations with this idea...the most basic being that it infringes on personal liberties.

Also, another point to consider is that many people donate their time to a charity instead of donating money, which is also very valuable. I find that spending a few hours volunteering is more personally rewarding than donating X number of dollars.

WonderJess

lilahbean13:

jfresh:

lilahbean13:

I don't like those squeeze food pouches for babies. They gross me out. I'm sure they are convenient but def not for us. Sucking for food is not natural. Sucking for milk or formula or liquid is. It's just weird to suck on something for sweet potatoes or whatever.

Maybe it is my sons complete lack of skills but he just will not suck from a pouch. I buy them a lot because there are some crazy combinations that I would never think to make (or even buy all the stuff) and there are some good organic brands. He had something like apple, leeks, and quinoa for dinner last night! I just squeeze them into bowls to feed like a regular puree.

Ok squeezing in the bowl or on to the spoon thing is such a no brainer idea. Why didnt I think to do this?? Ok well my unpopular opinion should not include using those that way lol just the sucking way! Thanks for the ideas too!

We have the spoons too, and they're awesome... well, they were before Lily decided purees were lame. 

Buuuuut... I predict you change your mind about the food pouches when your messy toddler wants applesauce on the go.  Long live food in a bag! 

myluckypig

elizdg:

Pandril19:

Okay... I waited until today to say this, because it definitely appears to be unpopular. nbsp;I don't think it's reasonable to complain about not getting a gift when you've told someone they don't have to or shouldn't get you anything.nbsp; nbsp; What's your unpopular opinion?

I agree. I also don't understand why a daughter would get mad if their MIL or mom didn't get them a gift for Mother's Day. You may be a mom, but you're not their mom, kwim?

I was totally saving this for FFFC too!!!

I was totally rolling my eyes at all the ladies complaining that their MIL did not get them a gift on mothers day! Why would you get a gift on mothers day from her? You are not her mother!!!!!! UGH.  

jenikas

JodieLyn10:

Barefoot84:

I think everyone above the poverty threshold should be obligated to give a small percentage of their income (2 or 3 %) to charity, and if the donations aren't done during the year, than they must be paid at the same time as the income taxes. It doesn't matter if the donations are made at a local or an international level, if they aim to alleviate poverty or to help out musical programs, or to find a cure for a disease, as long as a small percentage of everyone's income helps make the world a better place.

It aggravates me when I hear friends say they only claim donations every five years, since they make less than a hundred dollars worth of donations every year, and yet they make 50,000$ plus a year.

 

We already do this:  it's called welfare, foodstamps, medicaid.  Paid for by our tax dollars.

 

Jodie...you took the words out of my mouth.ly

 

Now, here's my related UO...I think it is ridiculous that almost 50% of Americans pay NO income tax...especially since a lot of these folks get a 'refund' (how can it be a refund if you didn't pay in?)...but I think everyone should pay an equal percentage. We all benefit from roads, bridges, military protection, law enforcement, schools, right? I think everyone would be a lot more judicious with allocations and critical of government spending, if it was actually their money being spent. 

DeniseRN

I think that mandatory volunteer work is stupid, like for graduating high school or like at my work where different categories of nurses are required to volunteer [Im finally exempt from this. Hallelujah. ]