This idea of charity is what gets me. It’s not charity. It’s hot to be next to that kind of power. It’s already obvious to the bottom-side ofthe relation whether a person can “handle” things. If a person *needs* it, its funny. You can sit there and watch their seething, then its funny to start poking around to see what makes them finally blow their stack. Any kid with a mean streak knows that trick. But to have a person – where you can *see* their seething and after poking once or twice, it becomes obvious that *this one* cannot be baited. But to see the controlled pleasure, sincere yet meticulous, exacting. Not in *need* but happy to see his girl melt and then cry.

As to the issue of worth and usefulness. This type of authority brings a variety of possibilities. While it may not be “in a Daddy” way, it can certainly be a structured environment. Think of the Von Trapps, the momentum created by this dynamic can be harnessed in invaluable ways, especially if there is a “military” feel to it. Those without children, maybe cannot experience this “ownership” feeling that is associated with absolute power. This is why this bond is undiluted and is indeed something that can evolve into something akin to training in the sense that I’ve come to understand your use of it. I’ll always keep you, you are a part of me, you belong to me. I teach and train you, soldier you up and discipline you into the little assitant I always needed. Think of businessmen who train their sons to take over for them. Similar to the queen on the chess board. As a parent, I have a feeling of ownership over my child. This power is as absolute as I’ve ever experienced.

On another note, which resonates in a very real way, though it may not be the most cheerful or conventional way to feel. My grandmother was the single most influential authority figure I ever knew. And probably one of the only I can say this is because she was a Good Mommy. I am so capable and independent *because* of her, and that’s probably why I can feel this way without *guilt* I was quite comforted when she passed suddenly last christmas. On a very selfish level the single thing that could occasionally win over me had been removed from the picture and I could then begin exerting myself in whole new ways, once her stature, power and influence no longer stood in my way.

I was really surprised at the views the men had on this dynbamic. To be frankly honest, I must admit that I was disappointed in how they had only scratched the surface of such an intricate involvement. However, in closing, I must take this advantage to defend my feminist comrades. The only form of feminism I’ve experience has intimate4d “I will not allow a gender with this level of stupidity have any authority over my uterus”

Anyway, good to see you guys still active. Word.