[Maria S]

I've never thought "nobless oblige" had a bad connotation. I translate it as meaning something similar to what the Bible says: "To whom much is given, much will be expected."

If you've been blessed with more than average wealth, brains, physical prowress, etc., you are expected to not squander your gifts.

[GatekeeperBookman]

In our age, anyone in possession of more of ANYTHING ( than any one else ) is automatically BAD! Today's peasant is trained to hold out his/her hand. If we fail to respond with generosity, they have the gtiovernment TAKE what they want.

[Cobra64]

I've never thought "nobless oblige" had a bad connotation. I translate it as meaning something similar to what the Bible says: "To whom much is given, much will be expected."

If you've been blessed with more than average wealth, brains, physical prowress, etc., you are expected to not squander your gifts.

Yes. And that's what Dad taught me. We squandered our gifts to the Church and helped our friends get through hard times without being obnoxious. It was touchy trying to help without paying their bills. We'd bring a few hamburgers over instead of sirloins. That would have been a transparrent over-reaction and though some folks don't have a lot of money, if we had flaunt it, my folks would have lost some very dear life-long frinds. To ME, that is the definition of "nobless oblige. " I think the "old man drug me up right."

Thanks for y'all help. Jeffrey will appreciate this when he does battle with the Libs in Berkeley (shi'ite, I can't even spell that name), CA. Cheers to all and pray to God to keep President Bush on course and let's vet the 7,8,9 dwarfs next year. Ya know, this country would be so neat if we had politicians like W who CARED about this nation. /end mentalmouthwash.

[Michael Maher]

"I've never thought "nobless oblige" had a bad connotation". It doesn't & the explanation below hit the nail on the head. Jimmy Buffett often uses this phrase. He is very charitable as are ParrotHeads, of which I am one & work on many charities to help those less fortunate, primarily special olympics & make a wish foundation =) I translate it as meaning something similar to what the Bible says: "To whom much is given, much will be expected." If you've been blessed with more than average wealth, brains, physical prowress, etc., you are expected to not squander your gifts. If anyone here would care to make a donation to the special olympics I will be taking the Polar Plunge in February for this cause! [More Info here] Thank you for the time & God Bless!