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olderwoman's avatar

Agree with everything you wrote James except for one.

However.... we no longer use the slur "retards" it is a very hurtful slur to people who are cognitively disabled.

In my generation it was a common word, a definition if you will, some kids were retarded, but Gen X taught me how hurtful that term is and I no longer use it.

Now I say cognitively disabled.

We all can learn and get better.

I had to learn too.

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Mary Kay's avatar

Or let's just say "they're not playing with a full deck! Ten bricks shy a load," etc.!! I really think most of these guys belong in the military where their animus and pathologies could be put to some controlled, practical use -- theirs is clearly a sick temperament--sure seems we cultivate a lot of them in this country! A good 4 years in the service would do them well, and maybe help us identify the true psychopaths among them. Just a thought ;D

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olderwoman's avatar

My dad used to say about the army, you go in as a boy and come out as a man. The military can straighten up some misfits for sure, and when they can't, they get bounced out.

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Mary Kay's avatar

Precisely my point!! 🌞👍

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Susan Raquel's avatar

I'm not sure that I want people with mental issues in the military and I think that the military doesn't want them either. Do you really want them to learn how to skillfully use weapons, learn arm to arm combat?

I'd much rather they learn skills with which they could support themselves and their families. Be it plumbing, mechanics, auto body work, etc.

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Mary Kay's avatar

Good points, but the way I hear tell from my SIL who was on a Navy Destroyer, there's quite a few drawn unto!

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Mary Kay's avatar

I think a lot of Magats are just misguided, unmoored, and lost ... boot camp would be a service to them and good training

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Pickles8's avatar

As a former Special Education teacher, I agree. And I totally get the misfits and sociopaths reference , but not the other word. I see Maga's as followers, not leaders, low self esteem and illiterate people. Illiterate might be a better descriptive word for Maga's. They do not possess comprehension or critical thinking skills. I have observed interviews with them and I am amazed at how , well dumb, they are to actual facts. Some still believe the checks given out during Covid, came from his own checking account.

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