mizefish wrote:Doct,
I don't think DO YOUR BEST is an extremist position.
Nor do I. However the tone and tenor of your post, imo went beyond simply "do your best." I took umbrage with the following and felt it too harsh and crossed the line:
This complainer (we all know it's probably just one mom or two) needs to be told to that Pinewood Derby is a race, and races have winners & losers. Those who do their best will not only do better in PWD, but also in life... and isn't that why we have a motto?
Namby-pamby, politically correct complainers are the reason we don't keep score in some little leagues anymore. It's all about self-esteem to these folks. Ever seen a kid's face when he gets a "participation trophy?" He knows it's garbage. He knows the world doesn't operate that way. Who are they trying to fool?
Gross generalizations that I find to be inaccurate and offensive. You may feel this way, but please do not include me in your collective "we".
We're all on this site because we like to make fast cars. Do we always win? Nope. But if you're like me, you have a blast making little wooden cars with your kids, learning speed secrets & seeing car photos here, and teaching little lessons about physics and sportsmanship to our next generation of Americans.
Agree. More in keeping with what I interpret "do your best" and PWD to mean. A joint venture intended to be a learning experience.
I'm saddened, angered even, when I see guys like me who care about holsome traditions like PWD, get criticized or muzzled or even shut down by those who don't try as hard.
I see it as a microcosm of the erosion of the American Spirit.
I share your anger and dismay, but rather than denigrate those less fortunate for not trying, I chose to lend a hand as did asatxj. Rising tide raises all boats. Erosion of American spirit I think we can find far more examples outside scouting and PWD far more guilty.
I feel empathy for asatxj, and my post was meant to encourage him not to quit or feel downtrodden. And to say thank you for all the hours of help he has already volunteered.
No argument here. I applaud his efforts.
... For whatever reason PWD has gotten into my blood, and I'm way more into it than I probably should be... at least that's what my wife & other Den Leaders say. Point is, I know I'm not one of the core group of personalities on this site, but I won't stand there quietly and be labled an extremist by anyone. You don't know me well enough for that yet.
Like many of us who cross over to obssesion.
I don't believe I labeled you an extremist, only pointed out extremist positions I've encountered neither of whoch I find helpful or in keeping with the intent of PWD.