I've put up with that 'trained seal' crap from a very early age and I just don't buy it one little bit.

In my case, there were also those racists that used the 'trained monkey' line.

Why shouldn't a child be allowed to work to their abilities?

I came to the conclusion that many who spout those lines are exhibiting envy over their own perceived problems.

As I learned from a bit of study in the weird world of psychology that envy is not a synonym for jealousy.

When someone has envy, they do not realize they have it.

Jealousy, on the other hand, can often be a good thing. For example, I am a jealous husband, make no mistake about that. I also serve a jealous God. It is written.

But to call a precocious child a 'trained seal' is beyond the pale.


--Mac