"Controlling" children doesn't seem to produce good results. Seems like you made some good choices, Spuds.
I knew "control" was not the word I wanted to use, but at the time, it was the only thing came to mind. I was trying to lean more toward "guide" or "manage"...something other than being a dictator with strict control on what is said and/or done. Kind of a laissez-faire type of parenting.
In regards to "family homeland", I have no allegiance to my family. My primary goal is my happiness, and that means I seek maximum Liberty. If my family doesn't get it, too bad for them.
By family homeland, I was referring to our farm land here in Michigan that has been handed down from generation to generation to generation. It's just something that would be very hard for me to walk away from and leave behind. Yea, I know, stupid tradition. I really have no family here other than my wife and children, so its not family ties I was aiming for, although I do understand your statement. It's my land until I die and pass it on to my children (or until the government decides they want it!) I any case, I own it, I do what I want on it, and to hell with anybody who does not like what I do on it!
What is more important, family or Liberty? Simple choice for me. I don't despise them or anything, they just have zero bearing or influence on my life decisions.
For some, family bonds are very important. I respect that, but don't understand it. Family is a group of strangers you are introduced to from birth. Some are good people, some aren't.
Good question! I'd have to say they are both equally important! Your family (or people who raised you to adulthood) were the ones who helped to mold you into the person you are today. Be it good or bad. Of course, the children on the playground, other adults in your neighborhood, the sexual predator next door and the drug dealer across the street all had a part in making you who & what you are, although not as much as your parents. They may have zero influence on your life now, but without the teachings of their morality and of what was (their) right or wrong while you were developing your persona, you wouldn't be thinking the way you are thinking now...hell, you could have turned out to be a Manwich...not that that is a bad thing Manwich!!! I'm just trying to make the point that we are all a product of our environment to some extent. With Liberty alone, I could be happy! With Liberty and the love of my family (along with their love of their Liberty), I could be even happier!
My dad tried to control me and I became a bisexual tranny faerie. ^___^ Yay for queerness due to parenting, or atleast that is what the Christians say.
-- Bridget
Cool!!!! As long as you're happy, I'm happy!! Do whatever you want as long as is does not involve me!! No offense intended, but I'd always heard the argument of "alternative sexuality" being something you were born with and not something you had learned or had any control over. Or is that just more Christian propaganda? Those darn Christians are just not happy unless they are persecuting someone for something or blaming others for their problems. Yea, I'm with Ian on this one - Atheist all the way!