>For all the people saying the LW needs to grow up -- that's a harsh judgement. I don't think the LW sounds whiny or childish.<

Gotta agree with a previous poster--seems like there are a _lot_ of folks 'round here bitter because their parents didn't help them out or treat them fairly. Whenever folks sling that "life is unfair; just suck it up" attitude about, they usually have gotten grief/abuse from family to the point they are hostile towards anyone who 1) hasn't; 2) stands up for themselves. That's really a shame...

>I really think it's important for parents to treat their children equally/equitably if possible.<

Yup--it's only right, and it saves a lot of grief over time.

>Of course circumstances change with times -- but the LW sounds like a person who would not ask this of her mother, if it caused her distress.<

And she doesn't sound like the type to not be wanting to ask if she hadn't been promised somethign. I suspect the "grabber" headline (which the LW probably didn't write) is one of the reasons some posters have responded so nastily...

>Does everyone understand how rich people keep their families rich? They put their money into their children.

Actually, NO. They put their money into investments.<

Actually, they do both. IIRC, Bill Gates' father provided seed money and contacts so his son could start Microsoft. Media alone is full of examples of rich folks whose contacts have given their kids access to good jobs that poorer folks have to fight for (if they hear about them at all.) And there's the case of wealthy folks just straight out giving their kids jobs in the family empire--or money to make their own. It's ridiculous to say that the rich don't give their kids a leg up--that's why we've been plagued with generations of Bushes, for example. :)

...and I'm someone who is all about doing for herself and earning her own. I thought parents didn't need (or want to) give their kids anything once the latter were adults (and I was hardcore about this in my own life.) But I've seen parents help their grown children buy houses; return to school--even let them come back home if things got really bad. I suspect that the fantasy that kids never need/get help from parents once they are grown is as Hollywood as the idea that every grown single adult lives in ritzy lofts/upscale apartments and has a 24/7 social life. :)

Nerds are usually more human and less-power-crazed than this. These guys are like severely-failed wannabee football heroes/prom kings who have decided to take their rage out on everyone else...

>Add Grover Norquist to that crowd. You think he was ever chosen first for a team?<

One suspects Tucker Carlson suffered the greatest number of wedgies ever recorded in human history. :)

>I swear, sometimes I can't help thinking this all happened because we just weren't paying enough attention, and these worms took over.<

Liberals thought that for the most part, right-wing issues were either dead-and-buried or so out of the mainstream there was nothing to worry about. As well, they couldn't figure why mainstream America want to go backwards to a time when the rich had most of the gross income; women and minorities were boot-heeled; and climbing the ladder was only for those priviledged or ruthless enough to do so? Wingers were able to get a foothold (I refuse to say "take over" because this game is far from over) because they are unethical and care less about fair debate/play. They did a lot of stealth-mess--subverting goverment and businesses to get their people in. In short, the mistake liberals made was in thinking people like this ever give up or go quietly into that bad night. It's not a mistake they should ever make again.

...that the cover subjects look like their skin has been replaced with vinyl finish and the photographer had to use a ton of filters to tone down that insistent skin-glow. These folks don't even look real anymore...