<p>THANK YOU!! That's really the bottom line to my main point! Why can't there be room for both? What exactly are the Mids now doing with the time they used to spend at various ECA's? Does anyone honestly think that they're all hunched over their chemistry books doing extra-credit problems to bring their 3.96 up to a 4.0? If chem is their thing - then maybe - but for the others they are lifting weights, practicing tuba (had to get it in there!) or maybe even building a house with Habitat for Humanity. (BTW-directly related to what some of our troops are doing to "win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.")</p>
<p>"Yes, that's the point. I was addressing the cases involving mids because, as I understand it, they have been proved to be true. A jury concluded that no "crime" was committed, but poor conduct choices were made. That is a fact. Opportunity existed for mids to make those poor choices. Today's mids are bearing the consequences of the decisions which others have made - as well as - becoming more "mission oriented". "</p>
<p>BZ 2010 - Exactly right. As my son used to say "Why is it every time someone does something stupid I get yelled at?" The context here is that we have an only child who has teachers for parents (husband does that now after retiring) and he learned very quickly that he didn't have to make mistakes for himself, he just had to listen to our tales of misdeeds and the inherent consequences thereof. :) After having grown up with this, he then went off to USNA where his good judgement has stood him in good stead, yet he is still suffering from the misdeeds of others. Oh well, he should be very used to it by the time he gets to the fleet, and it will get worse before it gets better.</p>
<p>BTW, someone corrected the sig on the 'Dant's letter to Very Respectfully in the version from USNA this pm. I'm sure she was mortified that that went out over her signature. Sorry I was so petty as to point it out. My teacher slip is showing! :)</p>
<p>Not petty at all . . . isn't one purpose of the training the importance of paying attention to details?</p>
<ol>
<li> If I thought there was any point in going back and forth with you, I would.</li>
</ol>
<p>Go Navy 2011:</p>
<p>"Based on what I know about the military and the Internet, a public forum is a poor choice to air grievances, especially if you are going to practically identify your midshipman - as some posters recently have."</p>
<p>Dang, was that directed at me? I was wondering what the possible ramifications would be. Maybe my son would be embarrassed (I think he's past that, I've done it regularly for such a long time, being a mom and all.) Perhaps his Senior Chief would get on him? Really? I know Senior Chief's are tough, but man, to get on someone for what their mommmy said? Darn. </p>
<p>But I think I'll take comfort in what Capt. Barbara Craig (Ret.) said on the parents' list. It would be inappropriate for USNA to punish a mid for what his or her mommy says. </p>
<p>Which is not to say that it is appropriate to denigrate USNA, but I don't believe that is the intention of anyone here. And, BTW, as I heard many wives say during my husband's tenure in the Navy, I am not in the Navy. </p>
<p>I just believe that PPPPPP. Or, to clean it up a bit, Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. And that applies to the King Hall/mando meals situation which is the only part of this that I have commented on (aside from the lack of editing on the part of whoever typed the letter from the 'Dant).</p>
<p>Oh, and where else can we air our grievances, real or imagined? :) At least here we can vent. I say an internet forum is better than calling the Supe's office...or the Baltimore Sun! :)</p>
<p>I just want to thank many on this forum who shared their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. All of us have learned from each other and shared our points of view. USNA1985 really put the most recent changes into perspective and I thank her for her perspective and wisdom.</p>
<p>Tonight on the News Hour with Jim Lehrer, the honor roll of American military killed in the past few days in Iraq included 26 sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, mostly US Army. Please remember their sacrifice and pray for their families. </p>
<p>^^^^^ reality check.</p>
<p>momof1 - Eh? who are you? My cautionary post wasn't directed at you at all. </p>
<p>No, it was aimed at a mom here who was directly quoting her mid son - not in a very positive manner regarding his views of the USNA and his future career path - AND also make some pretty specific references to his ECAs; he could definitely be ID'd. I don't want to go further with this, but it wasn't you. </p>
<p>Of course you can't be blamed for what your mom or dad says about the USNA. But if your mom starts quoting you online, and pretty much IDs you... that's a whole different matter. </p>
<p>Even though this particular poster was absolutely exasperating me the last couple of days, I felt badly for her mid son - who no doubt has no idea what Mom's up to on the Internet. And I've noticed that she's motored down quite a bit today. Thankfully.</p>
<p>GoNavy2011 </p>
<p>Perhaps its me your refering to. If so you don't have to worry. ALL my Mids know what I post here because, they spent the weekend here in my house reading the incredulous posts on this forum, very upset that people like you just don't get it! I wish you could hear them talk about the so called "experts" here. You were quite amusing to them. "The Plebe Mom that knows it all" It was their phrase "She needs to get some time in the yard" They know what I post here because they are calling, texting and IM'ing me all day long saying "post this" and "can you believe they said that" "Well _____ is gone now, he cut it!" You really underestimate my Mid as well as all my sponsor Mids. I frankly don't care what you think. I have the real Mids right here in my home telling me what is going on. I listen to them and believe them. You are their entertainment during Mando study time!</p>
<p>As for your comment "she's motored down quite a bit today. Thankfully."</p>
<p>Yea, well again if your refering to me, I've been busy feeding my Mids. See being in education all these years I am firm believer in "Well Rested,Well Tested, Well Fed Well Read" They left here this weekend with lots of microwave dinners, cookies, and nuts and bolts! I thought enough that would get them through the week. But you see We have a couple of football players and a Tuba player that didn't take enough with them. As well as my Plebes who aren't allowed to use the microwave so they get nightly hot delivery. Tonight I took 4 extra meals at the request of our Plebes friends. Gee wonder if it was your Plebe Mid that I fed tonight! </p>
<p>So you don't need to give me another thought. I'm just busy with my Mids and loving every minute of it! They are the Greatest Young People in the world! It's a shame you aren't interested in listening to them and more importantly believing and supporting them.</p>
<p>Ummm, Naptown, it wasn't you, either. So don't sweat it. I'm not going to be a jerk and point out the mom I was referencing for others to see - OK? She can go back and edit her posts and all will be well. If you're concerned, look at your previous posts and try to see if your mid could be ID'd. Simple. But it wasn't you. Pinky swear. </p>
<p>Remember: the Internet (YouTube, message boards, etc) is forever. People will be able to see what you've written and said ten, twenty years from now. I've read that there are generally 50-100 'lurkers' reading message boards for every person posting messages. No doubt that on a big website like this there are numerous USNA admin folks, media, etc. reading this board whenever anything is happening. </p>
<p>Now. Naptown. Go back to your helicopter hovering, worrying, hovering, worrying. </p>
<p>PS - I am kind of curious how your weekend plebes managed to read my posts - since I only began posting on Monday (yesterday). But, hey, it's idle curiosity.</p>
<p>
[quote]
They know what I post here because they are calling, texting and IM'ing me all day long saying "post this" and "can you believe they said that" (by Naptown4)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Am I misreading something? Plebes at the USNA have time to be doing this during their day?????????</p>
<p>Marine75- Shhhh, yep, noticed that too. Stretched her credulity, to put it kindly. But I don't want to get into an extended discussion with that mom now - too busy.</p>
<p>Marine 75-78 GoNavy2011
"Am I misreading something? Plebes at the USNA have time to be doing this during their day?????????"</p>
<p>What do you think they are doing during Mando study hours?? DUH!!</p>
<p>When mine was a Plebe - back in the days of ECA's - he would call, IM, and text during the day - especially between classes - on his way to the library, before Intermurals or ECA's and during the period between lunch and 5th class (1:30) on days that ECA's didn't meet during that time and there was no company activity scheduled. Didn't mean I heard from him every day - would never have expected that nor would I have found it to normal for a guy but if you have a good student who has been used to scheduling their time well - there is plenty of time in there schedules - especially the first few weeks of class to keep in touch with Parents, Significant others, Grandparents (yes mine even IM'd them)and of course Sponsor moms.</p>
<p>As for Mando study time... sitting in their rooms, or even in the Library, computer on, email going, IM allowed in many companies, Message boards, social network sites, yes even that dreaded music as you can find many internet music sites so you don't need your IPod...</p>
<p>You can lead a horse to water but you certainly cannot make them drink!</p>
<p>"You can lead a horse to water but you certainly cannot make them drink!" </p>
<p>You are so RIGHT! One of my sponsor Mids, a 4.0 called and said his monitor broke and he was having one delivered to my house since they wouldn't ship to a PO box. Imagine my surprise when this huge box arrived for him. I thought it was a flat screen TV. I had to have help loading it. When I delivered it I said I can't wait to watch it when they tell you its too big. He laughed and later said it barely fit. So I know what goes on in that room during mando study!</p>
<p>Guess we shouldn't tell them about the TV tuner card that is installed in computers and the sort-of basic cable TV that is available.</p>
<p>Ah, that's funny, GoNavy2011! :) Hey, just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean everyone isn't after me. I guess my egocentrism is showing. :) Actually, I am just so exhausted after our first 2 weeks back at school that I am admittedly rummy and shouldn't be reading or writing here! Sorry! :)</p>