I've seen this sticker on a number of caravans etc. as baby bloomers become 'grey nomads'.

No matter which way I look at this I find this silly, self indulgent, or insulting.

Is it one of the following?

A declaration of failure i.e. I didn't do a good enough job preparing my children for THEIR lives?
My children are so hopeless they're banking on MY efforts?
I feel guilty and this is self justification
My children to be money grabbing?
I don't care about my children any more?
Or declaring to the world I'm so good at raising children and I'm rubbing in.
I need to declare my independence from my children?
Finally I need to prove to the world I'm free?
But most of all Money is my motivation?
All of these beg the question why? Does any one else care?
It's like these individuals who drive around with fishing slogans
In brief what do you think this sort of public display says about the person.
To me not much perhaps “I'm a herd member” Where has the real in individuals gone.

I'm with you, eAnt, I don't like that slogan either.

To me, it comes across as selfish and small-minded. But then again, driving round endlessly on a grey ribbon of highway is I think a fairly self-centred and mindless thing to do anyway.

If you're going to spend countless hours on the road, why not provide some decent bumper stickers and give people something worthwhile to think about. That way, as they sit behind your mobile house waiting patiently to get past and reclaim their view of the road again, they can at least be reminded that human rights matter or that saving our forests is important.

Perhaps 'Our Children's Inheritance' refers to the environmental impact of the fuel being wasted as people drive round in circles looking for whatever they're looking for.

I think that perhaps Kerry Packer may have invented the saying 'spending the kids inheritence', only thing is, he didn't but I bet he is sitting up there thinking, if only I did.

I saw one recently that said "I chose a 'life' not a 'wife'.

I thought that was a crack up.

Another one I thought of is 'if you wish to lead, at least do the speed. This is aimed at the slow drivers that insist in staying in the right lane at 90K's.

Probably a reaction to the stay-at-home, support me forever, "me me me" of the Y-gen's.
Or it's symptomatic of the general selfishness were all encouraged to think of as normal these days.

'Our Children's Inheritance,' to me simply
translates as:

'I'm Spending My Kid's Inheritance.'

And, I think it's meant as a joke.
(No deep and hidden meaning).

Like other bumper-stickers - you either find
them entertaining (especially when stuck in
traffic), or you don't. In all honesty,
they don't bother me, and I certainly haven't
yet read one that I found offensive. Some
have even made me laugh out loud. For example:

1) In God We Trust. Everyone else pays cash.

2) Be Nice To Your Kids. They'll Choose Your
Nursing Home.

3) Condoms Are Easier To Change Than Diapers.

And so on ...

Dear eAnt,

Here's a few more that may restore your
sense of humour:

1) Love Thy Neighbour
But Don't Get Caught.

2) Filthy Stinking Rich
2 out 3 ain't bad.

3) I'm Not Tailgating
I'm Kissing Ass.

4) Beer: Now cheaper than Gasoline.
So Don't Drive...Drink!

5) Born Free
But I'm Higher Priced Now.

6) LOOK OUT!
I Drive Just Like You.

7)Isn't a smoking area in a Restaurant
Like a peeing area in a swimming pool?

8) My other car is a Rolls Royce.

9) If you can't live without me
How come you're not dead?

10) Deadly sins ...
Why stop at seven?

eAnt that is the best post on OLO... ever.

There was some investment company advert with a lot of Baby Boomers laughing about spending the kids inheritance. If I was their kids I'd shoot them. Not because of the money, but because they were so spiteful and begrudging about it, and that they thought I'd care about the money in the first place. Ugly ugly human beings man.

I hate the 'Baby on Board' brigade myself. I feel like purposely driving more recklessly around people who are that stupid as to think people wont crash into them if they know there is a baby in the car. Either that or they think they are just so wonderful and are so self absorbed they must let everyone know they have been able to breed.

Dear Houellebecq,

"Just when you think Life's a bitch
It has puppies."

Amusing is one thing but inane is another. Likewise I get a giggle out of clever graffiti, Tee shirts but some of the above say more about the lack of smarts about the individual's failings than the 'attempted humour I guess I can see "nudenut ant's" point. :-).

The "baby on board" crew bother me too. The idea that accidents are chosen amazes me or they're driving more differently because of the baby is outrageous. In the latter case we are supposed to drive cautiously all the time. A comedian would have a field day with this level of inanity.
What E ant didn't tell you was his encounter with a “baby on board er”. He parked his car and was getting out when a youngish woman told him she demanded his shaded car spot near the entrance. He looked quizzical. She pointed to the sign on her car side window saying 'can't you read' ….you guessed it “baby on board”.
He looked in the car at the baby and replied “Hmm I can see why you hide it in darkened corners ” and hobbled off. At weeks off 70 he uses a cane to walk. His comment flummoxed her. There were plenty more shaded spots and a lift from the free car park up stairs she was just being arrogant/self obsessed . As E ant admits this woman was not necessarily representative of all “baby on boarders” but it gave him cause to wonder.

On the cheery side I loved the graffiti in London on the side of an Iterflora sign
The sign said “Say it with Flowers“ to which was added “send her a trifid “

Or the one in Hawthorn in Melb the prominent sign outside a church said “what would you do if Jesus came to Hawthorn tomorrow?the wag added “move Peter Hudson (a hawthorn football club full forward at the time) to centre half forward”

Both are silly but witty. Witty to me trumps self indulgent every time.

Dear examinator,

If she was being arrogant, self-obsessed -
why blame it on the sign?

The "baby-on-board," signs are there merely
as a warning to other drivers to be a bit
more careful.
It's used by many mothers I know - simply
as a pre-cautionary (protective) measure
when taking their child out in the car.

The woman that eAnt experienced - does
sound arrogant and self-obsessed, as you
describe - but that's her fault not the
sign's. Her personality would still be as
off-putting - no matter what sign her car was
wearing.

People are responsible for their own
behaviour - I simply don't get blaming
signs for what people choose to do or
not do.

Just because a sign says - "I'm a genius,"
doesn't make it so.

Foxy
I think you are, wonderful=genius doesn't it?:-)
By the way E ant (nudenut)is miffed he tells me only 68 in a few weeks. then again old people all look so old to young people like us ;-) well he is 14 or so yo than me.
I think the point was that signs like that one are indicative of the mind set (although not exclusively so). That's a little different than the sign causing the effect rather the reverse.
I drive with the utmost care ALL the time (ok nearly anyway) isn't that what we're supposed to do? Certainly not just when I have a babe on board....I mean baby. :-0

Dear examinator,

There could be another explanation for the
"baby-on-board," sign. I've got a girlfriend
who had trouble getting pregnant. So when
she finally had her baby - she was overjoyed,
and wanted the whole world to know about -the
gift that she was finally given.
To her the sign was a sort of "proclamation,"
as well as being a request to "please be careful,"
(there's something precious on board).

I don't doubt for one minute that you're a good
driver. I imagine that you excel at everything
you do (sigh). (Although - be careful with that babe
on board. Not to get too distracted).

Glad you're back...

cont'd

I forgot to add - that I don't agree with
your statement that "Old folks look so old..."
Nah, I've always been attracted by a person's
intellect - their smile, their eyes, their
personality, (chutzpah),
age is only a number after all.

And someone who's actually "lived" a little -
is by far, more attractive.

At least to me.

Foxy

Once again you have given me pause to reflect on my POV. I was pretty much in the 'examinator' finding the baby-on-board camp as somehow pretentious. However, you are correct: there are living beings in all transport. BTW I hope you understand that my link about brain size was really an obtuse way of calling someone a 'fathead' and did not mean you, I just didn't want to start yet another feud with a crustacean.

However, I understand very much how your friend must've felt when finally pregnant, having only reached miscarriage myself, I know she would've wanted to write her joy into the sky if she could.

From now on I promise that when I see one of those signs on a car I will be far more generous of spirit. EXCEPT if the sign is on a 4WD - oh dear I've opened another can of worms...

As for the kiddies inheritance, I may only be an Auntie but what little I have will go to my niece and nephew, with a bit to animal welfare. If you are lucky enough to reach the end of your life with some wealth, why not give back to the community that made your wealth possible? After all you can't take it with you.

Examinator, most pleased to have your esteemed presence gracing the e-pages of OLO, however am regretting ever telling you I like puzzles (I mean I do) its just that my personal life is a big enough puzzle for me right now. However, while I may take a while to get back to you on your cryptic conundrums, be sure that I am considering them.

Love to all.

that was another post which came up with the message

"Server Error
Incident number: 4828-4709

The fault has been reported to staff."

does everyone get that message or is it something special just for me?

Just for you Col. They're out to get you. Probably socialists. Don't think you're missing much other than a sickly sentimental love in.

Oh you're the best.
No, you are.
Oh, you're too kind.
Oh no, I'm a beast, really.
No you're just lovely, and don't anyone tell you otherwise schnookums.

Dear Col,

I've been getting that message quite a lot
lately.

Very frustrating.

Dear Houellebecq,

Envy is thin because it bites but never eats.

However, I invite you to join in on our
"Love Fest," that way you'll be able to
stop counting our blessings - you'll be able
to count your own, and you won't feel so alone.

Come on - it's fun - and you'll be most welcome!

Col

"Does everyone get that message or is it something special just for me?"

No Col, sorry to break it to you but you're not that special. We're all inclined to get those Server Error messages at the moment from what I can gather.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm getting much more serious about copying my posts first now before hitting the submit button. Forrest will be pleased! :)

Foxy,

'Come on - it's fun - and you'll be most welcome!'
Haha thanks for the offer Foxy, but I'm not sure you can speak for the others. Anyway, I'm much happer being a grumpy old man. I would like to address you as foxy woxy from now on though if that's ok.

Dear Houellebecq,

Only if I can call you "Dear Heart?"

(see it is fun!).

Bronwyn
Given my appalling spelling I find I write on Open office (its free and better than word) and therefore have it in memory if the server decides to eat my posts.
Also if the error comes up simply push return page and then copy the post re load the page then post again. But guess you know that anyway.

Perhaps the system is a plant by the CIA to monitor our subversive inclinations. :-|
Neither E ant or I could get on the other night.

Foxy
the “old “dig was a family dig at e Ant.( Family banter.) He's threatening to throw my tea out now
I suspect that the motivation for most of the signs is a declaration. Parental pride is one thing but it does have its limits but “privileges?” Your right we shouldn't generalise without qualification.

Fractelle
Rationality tells me that 4wd s (grrrrr!)are merely like dirt bikes (grrrrrrX2) without mufflers(GRRRRRR ) are merely inanimate objects, tools. Its the tools that drive SOME of them that try my patience.
To me their like road trains not allowed in the city . There's no need for them. Perhaps Bull bars should at least be banned as they are cited as being a greater the cause of pedestrian/ car deaths and damage in general. There was a case recently where a Young man crashed in to another car killing the woman driver and one of her two children. The police determined the bull bar was a major contributive factor to the deaths.

Dirt bikes are fine 'on the dirt' in suburbia at 3 am without lights and muffler on the foot path ridden by 14 yo boys or bush bashing in nature reserves?

Col
Welcome back.

On topic um well.... sorry ....I recon that everything we do and say declares our personalities including these signs. The trick is to interprete then correctly taking into account for individual differences.