tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86012343932838727672024-03-05T05:16:45.584-05:00On the road with JamesWalking and talking in America ...in addition to FL Congressional District 5 (formerly 3)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-5001390722094641042022-10-09T22:15:00.005-04:002022-10-09T22:15:46.554-04:00VOTE DEM<p>For society to function, would you not agree that people must behave in responsible, ethical, and predictable ways?</p><p>Should not our leaders be held to that same standard? If they are not, then how can we expect members of society to adhere to that standard?</p><p>Predictable can be good or bad, but in this case, it harnesses responsible and ethical behavior to produce good outcomes on a consistent basis.</p><p>Ethics may be somewhat subjective, but generally, does it not mean, being good?</p><p>Responsible is honesty, respect, courage and accountable. Does that not seem reasonable? It is reasonable.</p><p>Think of it this way:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>If a leader lies so much that they lie every day and no one has the courage to hold them accountable, what will others do? They will lie, too, will they not?</li><li>Let’s say this same leader felt embolden because few held them accountable to their lies; they felt that they could break long standing traditions such as, a smooth transfer in presidential power or worse than that, they believed that they could skirt the law or even break the law to remain in power. What would happen if few lacked the courage to hold them accountable for this egregious behavior? </li></ol><p></p><p>Could we not lose our government of the people, by the people, for the people? We sure could because that is what the hell is going on right now.</p><p>I am PISSED with the majority of the Republicans given their lack of courage, blind eye and death ear. </p><p>I guess if you hear no evil and see no evil then everything must be OK. It is NOT!</p><p>In short, <b>VOTE DEM</b>. Of the two major political parties, the DEMS are the more responsible party.</p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-34870108542194577272022-07-18T12:24:00.017-04:002022-07-18T12:30:30.407-04:00All But 1 American Will Die <p>Yesterday at a food court within a mall located in Indiana, a bad guy with a gun killed 3 Americans and, in the process, terrorized many more. Fortunately, a good guy with a gun, who could fire his weapon well under highly stressful conditions, killed the bad guy.</p><p>All things being equal, all but one American will die. The math is simple; assuming we begin with 100 Americans and four die each occurrence, then after the 25th, the bad guy will be left standing (<i>as there is no one remaining to kill him</i>).</p><p>Is this the place we want to live? I would hope not.</p><p>We have mangled the Second Amendment (2A) for some perverted belief that everyone should have a gun.</p><p>As written (<i>operative word</i>) the 2A reads: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”</p><p>It does NOT read: “A well-regulated homeowner, being necessary to the security of the home, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”</p><p>Nor read: “A well-regulated individual, being necessary for self-defense, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”</p><p>Yet SCOTUS says it reads: “For self-defense, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”</p><p>Notice how the 2A meaning was changed significantly; arguably, it was rewritten by SCOTUS in violation of Article V of the US Constitution via its landmark DC vs. Heller ruling. </p><p>Nowhere in the current interpretation does responsible gun ownership come in. Regulations have been whittled away such that anyone can obtain a gun. There are more guns in America, then there are people. No other country has that, and no other country has the number of deaths that we have. </p><p>We have guns everywhere and all, but one of us, could die from gun fire, unless something changes.</p><p>The changes should begin by requiring responsible ownership through regulations as our founders articulated. It is that simple. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-47077462791900433512022-01-31T17:37:00.000-05:002022-01-31T17:37:11.465-05:00How the GOP Operates Our Government - No Trash Pickup, No Electricity, But Only Lies & Deceit<p>How well do you think the GOP is operating our different forms of government (<i>local, state, & federa</i>l) on a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being awesome?</p><p>Let me help you with that answer with irrefutable data. </p><p>In my town, Jacksonville, my city has not picked up recycling in 4 months. In my state, FLA, my governor ignores science, which has led to above the median deaths per 1MM people. Nationally, the GOP has told lies to undermine the integrity of the election system and both members and supporters of the party led an actual assault on our Capital trying to overturn a legit presidential election. </p><p>So, how well do you think the GOP is operating our different forms of government (<i>local, state, & federa</i>l) on a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being awesome?</p><p>Here are a couple of other data points to assist you in answering that question. Last year during a big freeze that hit most of the country the Texas power grid froze and was frozen for 3 days, if I recall correctly. And talking about Covid, those states that lead the rate of death per capita are primarily controlled by the GOP.</p><p>In summary, <b><u>the GOP cannot pick up trash, cannot keep the lights on, yet they can tell a lie about as wide as a country mile. I give them a big fat zer0.</u></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-68575651332845320042021-11-11T08:15:00.000-05:002021-11-11T08:15:00.207-05:00Thank You For Your Service<p> Today is Veteran's Day. Will you say to a veteran whom you may meet, "thank you for your service?"</p><p>As a veteran, I find those words hollow especially coming from a Republican. I do respond with a thank you, but I go on to say the following:</p><p>If you truly appreciate my service and those of my fellow veterans then I kindly ask that you vote Democrat or 3rd Party. Republicans have embraced and continue to embrace acts of treachery. Some of those acts led to the assault on our elections a year ago and a physical assault on our government on January 6. Still to this day the Republicans seek to cover up the misdeeds so the liar-in-chief can once again take the presidency. If that were to occur then I believe it is much more likely that we will lose our government of the people by the people for the people to be replaced by one party rule for the benefit of Trump and his minions.</p><p>Republicans are not fit to lead. </p><p>If you are Republican then I encourage you to leave the party. I left the party ~10 years or more ago. I have no party affiliation and so can you if you do not like the Democrat platform. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-23759581046767140032021-10-15T21:33:00.005-04:002021-10-15T21:37:02.772-04:00The GOP Betting Against America<p> With its embrace of Donald J Trump (DJT), reluctant or not, the GOP is betting that the majority of Americans are either stupid, morally and ethically corrupt, or both. I find that bet extremely disturbing on multiple fronts or levels. It is hard for me to articulate. </p><p>Conversely, should we not seek to be the best and expect the best? Yet the GOP is expecting the worst with its embrace of DJT.</p><p>If you read prior posts then you may know that I leave messages with my senators daily. The above observation was today's message. I thought it was so good, I called other senators to voice my observation.</p><p>I am planting seeds. I realize that most may not grasp what I say, but I hope that they will ponder my words because whether they know it or not, I believe it will resonate with man, like that of a clarion bell.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-22051097049375944102021-09-21T15:43:00.008-04:002021-09-21T15:55:43.457-04:00Is The Federalist Society A Friend or Foe?<p> Today I sent the following inquiry to the Federalist Society:</p><p>I have two requests:</p><p>First, I request that the Federalist Society (FS) remove information associated with John C. Eastman from its website. By showcasing Mr. Eastman with his visage and biographical information, the FS provides him credibility when he deserves none; arguably he should be tried for seditious conspiracy under 18 US Code 2384 based on his documented actions leading up to and on January 6, 2021 when there was an insurrection against our government to keep a well-documented liar in office as our President. If the latter were to occur, then we would arguably no longer have a government of the people by the people for the people. We would have had a government of the people by the GOP for the GOP and to some extension the FS. </p><p>Second, I would like to know what the FS is doing to repair the damage caused by some of its members to our government and our elections under the prior administration. Absent any soul searching and remedial action, I am led to believe the FS is not a friend but an enemy (<i>aka foe</i>) of our government.</p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-11200263231310847412021-04-02T19:48:00.010-04:002021-04-02T23:22:48.219-04:00GOP Remove Your Knee From The Neck Of America<p>Wow! Time flies. I have failed to document my:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Door-to-door surveys conducted January and February of 2020 just prior to the stay-at-home orders due to COVID to learn people’s thoughts on DJT</li><li>Door-to-door outreach of homeowners with Trump yard signs prior to the election (<i>i.e. encourage them to take them down, which a couple did</i>)</li><li>Door-to-door outreach of homeowners with Trump banners, flags, etc… post the January 6, 2021 insurrection (<i>i.e. encourage them to take them down, which a couple did</i>) and</li><li>Daily messages to my two Republican Senators, which I initiated in the Fall of 2020.</li></ol><p></p><p><b>In reference to the latter, the following is the message I left today.</b></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Remove your knee from the neck of America [</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">in a slow deep voice</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">]</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">GOP remove your knee from the neck of America! </span><span style="font-size: medium;">[</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A little louder</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This week we learned from the trial of Derek Chauvin that many bystanders pleaded with Derek Chauvin to remove his knee from George Floyd’s neck.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Your unwillingness to confront irresponsible gun use has led to tragic deaths; we now have 3 mass killings in a span of 3 weeks. Just this week a mother sought to protect her son, yet he died in her arms. She will carry this horror the rest of her life, which will be a living hell. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">[</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I paused at the beginning, used my voice to emphasis the 3 mass killings & strung out "living hell" because it is hell for the survivors, is it not?</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We have pleaded for you to help stop the senseless killings. You are against abortion. Why are you not against post-birth-abortion? In this case, 4000 days later. When you seek to allow people to obtain a gun without any requirements --such as being responsible and ensuring they will respect other’s unalienable right to life, are you not giving them the instrument to perform to what amounts to, <u>a post-birth-abortion</u>? </span><span style="font-size: medium;">[</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A little crazy on the concept, but I have a little over a minute to make a point that I hope will stick in their brain</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Remove your knee from the neck of America.</span><span style="font-size: medium;">[</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">in a slow deep voice</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">]</span></p><p><i>I encourage you to use with your GOP elected representatives wherever they may hold office.</i></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-803008883036476412020-03-15T14:30:00.001-04:002020-03-15T14:34:32.661-04:00The GOP & Its Political Dogma Has Failed AmericaThe GOP is a party of climate change deniers & now coronavirus deniers that will not take responsibility for its actions.<br />
<br />
More importantly, its perverted since of capitalism that has played out over the last 40 years has placed our country at risk. Resources are hoarded by the 1% , which has left our country with substantial debt and very little safety net to adequately handle a crisis.<br />
<br />
If its political dogma was so great then America would have a president that can champion those values that helped make us great to lead us through our current crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but he and his party have trampled on those values, which makes it more likely that we will have a deep and prolonged recession. Adding insult to injury, I believe few within the GOP have the intellectual honesty to admit that GOP has failed drastically. Absent that, November can not come fast enough.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-55208288887062863572020-01-18T15:13:00.000-05:002020-01-18T15:13:37.289-05:00Save Donald John Trump or Save Your SoulThe following is the text of the email I sent to Senator Rubio in response to his email pertaining to the Impeachment trial:<br />
<br />
Senator Rubio:<br />
<br />
Thank you for your letter. It is good to see that in print you take your oath seriously. What matters is that your actions follow.<br />
<br />
DJT has stated that he is the “chosen one.” It seems by words and deeds most elected Republicans believe the same.<br />
<br />
The impeachment charges are dire.<br />
<br />
If indeed DJT is the chosen one then truth is his salvation that can only be determined by ALL the relevant facts. Ignoring and blocking discovery of ALL facts most mean that those that do so believe he is guilty, which will not only taint his reputation, but that of the Grand Ole Party and those that allowed it to happen.<br />
<br />
Moreover, I believe those that tout themselves as Christians would want to ensure that the “chosen one” is soundly vindicated. If they can not do that then I contend that DJT is not the chosen one and these believers have violated the 1st Commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”<br />
<br />
Save DJT or save your soul. Your choice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-76807136951390921712019-12-24T15:06:00.003-05:002019-12-24T15:10:46.634-05:00Hold My Senators AccountableFriday, 12/20/2019, the Washington Post published an opinion piece written by Jeff Flake, the former AZ Senator, entitled, <i><u>The president is on trial. So are my Senate Republican colleagues</u></i>, which can be read <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/jeff-flake-the-president-is-on-trial-so-are-my-senate-republican-colleagues/2019/12/20/5446c930-236b-11ea-86f3-3b5019d451db_story.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I believe he hits the nail on the head and as such, I wrote the following letter to my Senators, Marco Rubio and the junior, Rick Scott. I encourage you to do the same; just copy the following and send it off in the mail. I think you may reach an actual person given that mail has become so passé.<br />
<br />
Dear Senator,<br />
<br />
I want to ensure that you received Jeff Flake’s memo that was published in the Washington Post Friday afternoon. I have attached a copy.<br />
<br />
Normally, I do not expect nor seek a response, but this time I do. Please:<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Acknowledge receipt of Jeff Flake’s memo,<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Whether you read it or not and<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you read it, that you aware of how your actions will most likely be viewed historically.<br />
<br />
Kind Regards,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-76224965803492894572019-11-12T22:27:00.003-05:002019-11-12T22:29:35.559-05:00We Just Learned Of A LimitToday the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decided to not hear an appeal from Remington Arms (RA) seeking to prevent a lawsuit by the families who lost their children from a massacre caused by one young white male wielding an assault rifle manufactured by RA at Sandy Hook elementary school.<br />
<br />
RA sought to dismiss the lawsuit saying that it had protections under 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which offers very, very broad immunity, but obviously not broad enough.<br />
<br />
SCOTUS, in its landmark DC vs Heller decision, the majority stated that the Second Amendment is not without limits, but it failed to specifically state those limits. Obviously there is one now even though I am not certain of the limit.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, gun manufacturers going forward will seek to limit gun sales to individuals deemed responsible and who will not violate others's unalienable rights while exercising their own Second Amendment right.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-61004720698556424022019-08-11T16:27:00.003-04:002019-08-11T16:27:54.785-04:00Basis of Our Country’s Founding
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Senator Marco Rubio sent me an email yesterday detailing his response to the recent killing of innocent lives within our borders by fellow Americans.</div>
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The following is my response to him and the junior Senator.</div>
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Was our country founded on the belief that:</div>
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<br /></div>
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A. “To secure [certain unalienable Rights, that among these
are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,] Governments are instituted
among [the People], deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
or</div>
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B. “The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not
be infringed [… being necessary to the security of a free State by a well
regulated Militia]?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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I trust that you are familiar with history are you not?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then you know that America was founded because we have
unalienable rights endowed by our creator whereas our second form of government
granted the Bill of Rights from which you selectively quote in your form letter
in your response to recent murders from the ill use of weaponry (aka firearms,
guns, etc…).</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our founding fathers believed, as so do I, that “whenever
any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends (i.e. our unalienable
rights), it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet, your stance indicates that you believe it is acceptable
that a certain number of people are expected to die annually so anybody can
obtain a gun without:</div>
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1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Demonstrating
respect for everyone else’s unalienable rights and</div>
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2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
they are of sound mind.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Your actions and words are the antithesis of our founding
principles and either:</div>
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1. Blasphemous if you believe in God or </div>
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2. Disgusting and just shameful if you do not believe in
God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Furthermore, your choice, use and not use of certain words
indicate that you do not truly understand our Constitution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel it is right to lob off the
prefatory clause of The Second Amendment (2A) just like five (5) Supreme Court
Justices did so to effectively re-write 2A, which I contend was to appease
special interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If people want
to alter the Constitution then you should implement procedures spelled out in
Article Five.</div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-43608235803892891112019-05-27T20:42:00.004-04:002019-05-27T20:42:52.143-04:00Soldiers Were Not The Only Ones to Make the Ultimate Sacrifice
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<br />
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Today we honor and remember those American soldiers who died
defending our country in battle; arguably, those that recently died in battle
sacrificed their lives willingly as we have an all-voluntary military for
almost a half of century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of
the formal recognitions occur at cemeteries, the most well known being
Arlington National Cemetery that has the most prominent memorial, the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But are these known and unknown soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice the only ones that lost their lives in the name of our government?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not the only ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following
UNWILLING sacrificed their lives for us to have an Unlimited Second Amendment
(2A) right:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Students at:</li>
<ul>
<li>Columbine High School,</li>
<li>Virginia Tech, and </li>
<li>Sandy Hook to truly name a few;</li>
</ul>
<li>Concertgoers in Las Vegas; and</li>
<li>Office and factory workers in all fifty states.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">If we are so willing to take a day off for soldiers who
willingly went into battle knowing full well they may not live to see the sun
rise the following day</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> defending our government </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">then I
think we should also have a day of remembrance and a dedicated memorial for
those who just happened to unfortunately win the lottery that ended their life,
liberty and pursuit of happiness so anyone can obtained an instrument of death
(i.e. a gun) without showing whether they are worthy and responsible enough to
handle such an instrument because that is what have allowed as a society</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is
the least we can do, is it not?</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-57727760756692154062019-05-08T09:21:00.004-04:002019-05-08T09:22:17.457-04:00Life or Death, Which Do You Embrace?The following questions are those I sent to my two Senators, Marco Rubio and the Junior, Rick Scott.<br />
<br />
I encourage you to copy and paste in an email to send to your elected representatives.<br />
<br />
Dear Elected Official (in my email, I just stated their first name):<br />
<br />
Are you not bothered that an American would seek to kill another American, such as what occurred yesterday at a STEM school in CO?<br />
<br />
Is not that behavior the antithesis of our founding core values of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness?<br />
<br />
Are you aware that a gun is one of the most efficient weapons for an individual to wield in which to kill a living creature?<br />
<br />
It is and as such, should we (i.e. Americans) not ensure that those who seek to own and use a gun respect our founding core values and conclusively demonstrate that they will act responsibly?<br />
<br />
Yet, do we do that? Do we see if people are worthy to exercise their Second Amendment right?<br />
<br />
Anthony Scalia and four (4) other Supreme Court Justices in their DC vs. Heller ruling state, “the Second Amendment [(2A)] right is not unlimited.” In other words, 2A has limits.<br />
<br />
Yet, what limits do we (i.e. America) place on exercising our 2A right?<br />
<br />
Essentially, none, am I not correct?<br />
<br />
Why not have Universal Background Checks (UBC)?<br />
<br />
If not then what is more important to you?<br />
<br />
And why do you never provide me answers? Is it asking too much? Are you afraid to stand your ground? I put things in writing? Why cannot you?<br />
<br />
Two last questions:<br />
Which do you embrace, life or death?<br />
<br />
If you say life (as you may point to your stance on abortion) then why not seek to protect all Americans’ lives by voting for UBC?<br />
<br />
Think of this way when pondering my questions, guns represent death and fear. Have a little love and desire for life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-40566109373746488862019-04-30T22:29:00.001-04:002019-05-05T10:21:38.834-04:00Are We Not To Fear White Male Gun Owners?Another gun owner, a young white man, kills one and injuries a few others. Then a few days later, another gun owner, also a young white male, walks into a college classroom and shoots two dead. Both have undoubtedly sowed seeds of terror within our nation's borders. I refer to John T. Earnest who legally obtained a gun to kill many Jewish people in San Diego CA at the start of Passover and Trystan Andrew Terrell who also legally obtained a gun to kill fellow students at UNCC, respectively.<br />
<br />
There is a trend in these mass shootings that have been going on for over 20 years if you have not noticed. The mass shootings are caused by gun owners who happened to be male and more recently, are for the most part, white and relatively young.<br />
<br />
The trend is your friend or in this case our enemy. The trend tells us, that soon, pre-teens will be doing the shooting. It is not hard to imagine, the gun industry wants everybody to own a gun regardless of whether they are responsible or not and currently there are enough guns within our borders for each of us to have one.<br />
<br />
If you are a white male gun owner then should you not be concerned that you may be thought as evil just like a good number of white people, especially those in the South, who thought black people, especially black men were evil years ago and to some part, still do today? Hmm. Something to think about.<br />
<br />
While you are thinking, I ask you, are more guns the answer? How about, better gun laws? How about no gun laws because guns do not kill people? Seriously, guns do not kill people, but people, demonstratively white male gun owners, kill people. Therefore, we need laws that make it harder for individuals like those mentioned above to violate our unalienable rights. In other words, there should be fewer gun owners - <i>all the recent killings are proof to that</i>.<br />
<br />
If you are a gun owner and more specifically, a while male, are you mad at it me for what I write? If so, is not your anger misplaced? Other white males did the killing, should not your anger be directed at them? Better yet, should not your anger be directed at the laws or lack of laws that enabled them to kill? Even better still, why not direct your anger to the politicians that voted-for or failed to vote-for laws that would have made it harder for the killings to occur. If you direct your anger at the politicians should you not stop and look in the mirror to then ask yourself, "what could I do differently so everyone's unalienable rights are better protected?"<br />
<br />
Please keep in mind. not everyone is responsible or respectful of others and as such they should not be able to exercise their Second Amendment (2A) right until they can demonstrate that they can undoubtedly met those conditions. <b>SCOTUS</b> in the ground breaking case, DC vs. Heller, <b>states that our <u>2A right has limits</u></b>. The previously mentioned conditions - <b><i>responsible and respectful</i></b> - are the limits we need to ensure yours, your family's and everyone's safety and well-being from a deranged white male gunman.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-49090727966152474652019-03-20T09:39:00.002-04:002019-03-24T14:27:30.843-04:00JAX Firefighters Purchase Bulletproof Vests!<a href="https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/jacksonville/how-much-will-new-bulletproof-vests-protect-jacksonville-firefighters" target="_blank">This morning I read a news report that Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department has purchased bulletproof vests,</a> the same kind used by the Sheriff’s Department, to protect its firefighters.<br />
<br />
This fact is disturbing to me and should be to you, too, because why do firefighters need bulletproof vests?<br />
<br />
Obviously, the world is becoming unsafe. <u>We have made it unsafe.</u><br />
<br />
Today’s news is anecdotal evidence demonstrating the universal law of cause and effect in action. Think about – <i>there have been firefighters for as long as there have been fires, yet until now for the most part they did not need to worry about being shot.</i><br />
<br />
It does not have to be this way. <b>SCOTUS (<i>Supreme Court of The United States</i>) states that our Second Amendment (2A) right has limits</b>, but yet do we have any? Essentially none. In America:<br />
<ol>
<li>Any adult can obtain a gun without verification of any sort if they know where to look and</li>
<li>The gun industry operates under broad immunity so its irresponsible behavior can go unchecked.</li>
</ol>
As a result of this lack of limits, <i>limits that SCOTUS advocates having</i>, we have as many guns within our borders as people. Something is bound to happen and it does from time to time!<br />
<br />
I am doing my part to protect our unalienable rights. Prior to posting this blog entry I called my Republican representatives in Washington and I have also sent them emails.<br />
<br />
What are you doing? More importantly, if you are a gun owner then what are you doing to ensure that everyone’s unalienable rights will not be infringed upon by and from irresponsible gun owners? Hopefully, you see that more guns is not the answer. How about limits as SCOTUS points out? Universal background checks would be a good start. Call your representative.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-60337730472440410292019-03-06T10:55:00.000-05:002019-03-21T08:31:01.070-04:00The Gun Industry Trades In Fear; Acts As A BullyI show below my third in a series of speeches I have made to the DCPS Board at its monthly meeting, which occurs the first Tuesday of the month. The subject remains the same: loss of our children's liberty due to fear associated with unchecked irresponsible gun ownership/use.<br />
<br />
Good evening Board Chair, School Board Members & Dr. Greene.<br />
<br />
I truly understand your frustration as it pertains to the lack of resources to properly maintain aging school infrastructure.<br />
<br />
It must frustrate you even more - that with limited funds - DCPS must build higher fences and employee qualified security personnel to roam the hallways with guns - creating an environment that fosters fear, FEAR that has been proven to be psychologically damaging, especially so for developing young minds.<br />
<br />
It frustrates me.<br />
<br />
Your silence frustrates me. I suspect I may know why you are silent.<br />
<br />
You may hope that the Federal Government and state governments will solve the problem so you do not have to. Your hope is misplaced. These institutions ARE part of the problem.<br />
<br />
Just last week our former sheriff, John Rutherford, voted against Universal Background checks. He is more interested in protecting gun dealers (<i>some of which allow guns to fall into the wrong hands</i>) than protecting our unalienable rights. While the bill passed in the House it will most likely die in the Senate.<br />
<br />
Polls show that 90% of Americans, which includes the majority of gun owners, want Universal Background Checks, yet we will not receive them.<br />
<br />
Why? Money. The industry <strike>pimps</strike> <strike>out</strike> hustles the Second Amendment (2A) for profits. Career minded politicians are their coconspirators.<br />
<br />
Collectively, their behavior is irresponsible and a threat to not only the second amendment, but also America’s founding core values of life liberty and pursuit of happiness.<br />
<br />
However, I believe your silence stems more from your fear of the gun industry. It is understandable. The gun industry acts like a bully. It trades in fear –<br />
<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Fear of retribution if you challenge it and<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Fear of loss of life, how else does one achieve defense with a gun<br />
<br />
This fear spreads like cancer and has now reached our schools, visibly <u><b>s</b></u><b><u>ickening our children as exemplified by the recent active shooter training at Lake Brantley High School that left some students vomiting.</u></b><br />
<br />
Our children want this to stop. We must show how to lead if we want them to be leaders. We must stop the bullying.<br />
<br />
We must take the fight to the industry. Sue to recover funds re-directed from curriculum and buildings to fund costs incurred to counter the use of the industries products. Other school districts will surely join us because as I have previously mentioned, legal precedent has been established.<br />
<br />
To quote Admiral Horatio Nelson, “The measure may be thought <b>BOLD</b>, but I am of the opinion the boldest are the safest.”<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only then we might receive legislation that ensures responsible gun ownership that will enable us to stand down from this threat to our unalienable rights.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-80046676467683963462019-02-09T17:22:00.002-05:002019-02-09T17:22:54.985-05:00Look Who's Starting Draining The SwampThe following is the email I sent to one of my senators, Marco Rubio, two of my concerns: 1.) Responsible Gun Ownership and 2.) Campaign finance reform. <br />
<br />
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Marco:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I called your office yesterday and spoke to Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He represents you well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He listened intently and answered by
questions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I called to voice my support for universal background
checks (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by emphasizing that our
unalienable rights that are endowed by our creator supersedes/precedes our
second amendment right that were endowed by us</i>), I told Alex that campaign
finance reforms need to occur because I believe you have been unduly influenced
by the gun lobby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just today, I saw a video posted on YouTube<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by the Washington Post of newly elected
Congresswoman Cortez questioning lobbyists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may find the video by using the following url,
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRM1t4RU69c">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRM1t4RU69c</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She OBVIOUSLY speaks the truth - No one has corrected her
and no one has refuted what she stated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She has honed in on the rotten, stinking root that has
tainted our government at all levels and contributed to the vitriol in the
political arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She, unlike your
party's leader, has done more in a mere five (5) minutes to drain the swamp
than he.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You and everyone else should be ashamed of yourselves for
allowing yourselves to be corrupted like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My question and only question to you, will contribute to the
solution or continue to be the problem?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sincerely,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James </div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-52373455811018330642019-02-02T10:52:00.002-05:002019-02-03T15:23:46.554-05:00The NRA Acts DelusionalIf you believe in responsible gun ownership then “<b><u>call your U.S. Representative and Senators at 202-224-3121 via the Capitol Switchboard” to let them know you approve of universal background checks</u></b> and support two bills recently introduced in <a href="http://www.bradycampaign.org/sites/default/files/expandedBgChecks-OnePager.pdf" target="_blank">Congress, H.R. 8 and S. 42</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nraila.org/articles/20190201/congress-to-take-up-gun-control-next-week" target="_blank">The NRA wants you call the above number </a>to tell them otherwise, which I think is highly irresponsible on its part and puts the Second Amendment (2A) at risk. Moreover, either the NRA and its senior leadership team are delusional* or have deliberate ignorance (aka willful ignorance)** because they presume all gun owners are law abiding, which is why they oppose background checks. However, the spate of recent mass murders by gun owners as I have repeatedly documented over the past years proves otherwise.<br />
<div>
<br />
If you are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>A member of the NRA,</li>
<li>An upstanding and law-abiding citizen,</li>
<li>Respectful of others unalienable rights endowed by our creator,</li>
<li>Want to protect the 2A, and</li>
<li>Do not want mass murders and other low-lifes attached to an upstanding pro gun culture </li>
</ol>
<br />
then call Jennifer Baker, Director of Public Affairs for NRA's Institute for Legislative Action, at (703) 267-3820 to let her and the NRA's senior leadership team that NRA should do more to promote responsible gun ownership and lawful transfer of gun ownership to another upstanding, law-abiding citizen so every Americans' unalienable rights will be better protected. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
* Delusional is defined as “holding idiosyncratic beliefs or impressions that are contradicted by reality or rational argument, typically as a symptom of mental disorder” by a Google search.<br />
<br />
** Deliberate ignorance is the practice of refusing to consider or discuss logic or evidence disproving ideologically motivated positions per <a href="https://www.conservapedia.com/Deliberate_ignorance">Conservapedia.</a> Wow, what a definition. Conservapedia should add the NRA's stance as an example as well to their definition, which I conveniently linked <a href="https://www.conservapedia.com/Deliberate_ignorance">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-47698213176937431792019-02-01T10:53:00.003-05:002019-02-01T12:48:04.118-05:00Hey Comrade, We’re Playing Russian RouletteThe Google search engine defines Russian roulette as “the practice of loading a bullet into one chamber of a revolver, spinning the cylinder, and then pulling the trigger while pointing the gun at one's own head; <u><b>an activity that is potentially very dangerous.</b></u>”<br />
<br />
On a national level all US citizens currently participate unknowingly in a game of Russian roulette. Instead of loading a lone bullet into a chamber there are an untold number of guns with magazines loaded with bullets that could be fired at anytime. The tipping point is when the owner becomes mentally unstable for a myriad of reasons, but the main one is that they believe killing people will solve their problem.<br />
<br />
We have allowed this to happen because … well I am at a loss for words to succinctly describe how the electorate allowed themselves (today it is “ourselves”) to be duped by marketing interests that twist(ed) and manipulate(d) our patriotism to fill the coffers of a few with nary of a concern and respect by those few for America’s core value of “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.” This misleading marketing wrapped up in the American flag has gone on for such a long time (in excess of 50 years), it is hard for people to see, let alone say, that they have been duped so they continue promulgating the message; that message essentially being, guns for everyone. Even the lead creator of the manipulative messaging, the NRA, got duped as evidenced by the picture below when some of its high level executives unwittingly and infamously visited Russia a little over three years ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFyrIMUN6Ps30AO0eSEcQetxedabXYSykfLqvrjihw5AuNQzd1xnr7RIkZrVy3oJB0VP0b8m9gEbwBLiB79nL6pNq00ksRCYrrfzWwYXGvdp-rBcQwkFajfhJ6ZKQQ10L92Cw-abXare2/s1600/NRA+Comrad+Pic+2019_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFyrIMUN6Ps30AO0eSEcQetxedabXYSykfLqvrjihw5AuNQzd1xnr7RIkZrVy3oJB0VP0b8m9gEbwBLiB79nL6pNq00ksRCYrrfzWwYXGvdp-rBcQwkFajfhJ6ZKQQ10L92Cw-abXare2/s1600/NRA+Comrad+Pic+2019_02.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
As a result of this avarice a third of Americans now have enough guns so every American can have one. Yet, do we have mandatory:<br />
<ol>
<li>Firearm training on a periodic basis, no less than 2x a year</li>
<li>Firearms under lock when not in use and</li>
<li>Mental health checks to ensure one is of sound mind to handle an instrument of death?</li>
</ol>
No, no and NO!<br />
<br />
As result, we can be shot anytime, anywhere for no good reason – kind of like Russian roulette. Look at my posts from last week. Better yet, walk less than a mile from my house and you will see the scene of a shooting that occurred less than 2 hours before I started writing this post. The shooting left a bicyclist dead. DEAD, spelled with a capital “D,” capital “E,” capital “A,” and a capital “D!”<br />
<br />
For 10 years I rode my bicycle to work. Numerous times I almost got hit because drivers did not know the rules of the road. If I could I would engage the driver in a conversation to help them know what rule they broke. Sadly, I got in yelling match with one driver, he finally came to his senses when I told him I may be right, but I do not want to be dead right.<br />
<br />
We do not know whether the above killing was crime or road rage related. Regardless of the impetus, the use of a gun is highly destructive and should only be used as a last resort in saving one’s life; there are many other things that can be done prior to getting in that situation, such as walking away.<br />
<br />
Separately, I recently attended an event at a Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) facility to watch a one of my children in a play sponsored by this local JCA. As I sat there, I wondered if someone might walk in at anytime with a weapon or two to kill us just like what happened in Pittsburgh of Colorado or.... well, you get the picture. Others did too, sadly, as evidence by armed security guards standing out front at the same performance the following week.<br />
<br />
This is sad on many levels. Sad that:<br />
<ul>
<li>I and others have lost some freedom (of thought) as we now have to think about how to protect our lives and those of our loved ones and</li>
<li>The local JCA has to now spend money on non-accretive activities instead of enriching programs for its members </li>
</ul>
It does not have to be this way. I do not want to be in this game of Russian roulette. If you do not want to play Russian roulette then I encourage you to:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Have conversations with extended family members, friends and neighbors and</li>
<li>Tell all of your elected representatives that we want and must have “people laws” to ensure responsible gun ownership by only those deemed capable of owning an instrument of death because “guns do not kill people; people kill people.”</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
I provide scripts below you may consider using to overcome what I believe are the four (4) main objections heard when discussing how to end gun violence. These 4 are:<br />
<ol>
<li>There is no need for more restrictions, as guns do not kill people, people kill people.</li>
<li>The US Supreme Court Opinion for DC vs. Heller says that I have the right to own a gun for self-defense.</li>
<li>Per capita death rates have declined over the last forty years; we do not need gun restrictions.</li>
<li>Restrictions will infringe on my Second Amendment Right</li>
</ol>
Good luck and I look forward to learning from you how we may improve this dialog to end gun violence and this game of Russian roulette.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCsgGeIAC9RtawqbMRW3_MwyvAYdcHQj4Ol-r-fmpD4p6aOqmhDPVJQ6MVNu3eW9L0VbgHUP3mHe77wDQL2SLu_GPsmnUqEhgl3xOf5W_ur4YUJaLVXHOnyPozbgU1SlwPy3STaah8vKF/s1600/Obj+%25231.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="902" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCsgGeIAC9RtawqbMRW3_MwyvAYdcHQj4Ol-r-fmpD4p6aOqmhDPVJQ6MVNu3eW9L0VbgHUP3mHe77wDQL2SLu_GPsmnUqEhgl3xOf5W_ur4YUJaLVXHOnyPozbgU1SlwPy3STaah8vKF/s640/Obj+%25231.png" title="Overcome Objection #1" width="433" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KS1e364Sjt1mWYkY-U0cR_QFX9wDEkCx8Bn_vnTw7Q14dZMtRRPRVuuF5UtI4OIE-T8EyU6mLYgfDPlMUjjrlId7WSTTHjj6Nua1Yn1U8PG5v8CWNbYJ1LhyphenhyphenIXk4B5c3y4dmGKn9dYsW/s1600/Obj+%25232.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="865" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KS1e364Sjt1mWYkY-U0cR_QFX9wDEkCx8Bn_vnTw7Q14dZMtRRPRVuuF5UtI4OIE-T8EyU6mLYgfDPlMUjjrlId7WSTTHjj6Nua1Yn1U8PG5v8CWNbYJ1LhyphenhyphenIXk4B5c3y4dmGKn9dYsW/s640/Obj+%25232.png" width="408" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-Fs9BH1SCjV6vOmMzzpLugBpNlSHOpHPfC_NYrj1kogJaFRcFxYIuRfn3GOzprEgOT8y78a_Qo9jcDuldDVNipZgl1CtvD2n91cfx8IBhVR7ieFYzEN4GTm6ftQoLZ20BbOKIBL7Q8X8/s1600/Obj+%25233.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="896" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-Fs9BH1SCjV6vOmMzzpLugBpNlSHOpHPfC_NYrj1kogJaFRcFxYIuRfn3GOzprEgOT8y78a_Qo9jcDuldDVNipZgl1CtvD2n91cfx8IBhVR7ieFYzEN4GTm6ftQoLZ20BbOKIBL7Q8X8/s640/Obj+%25233.png" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuugjvwvJcrj0xjMXgIZXfVY7vb26q6h4esUMKkiOrxJEGnhnowZVSNieHFm-rxt35q6KMNDZWmzcGX6yuGF9YFFJkI6e8FQ_5ddC0M9i46oRg-0AAASKQShPnY-9TLmWdwpj4SEqm2HO7/s1600/Obj+%25234.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="902" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuugjvwvJcrj0xjMXgIZXfVY7vb26q6h4esUMKkiOrxJEGnhnowZVSNieHFm-rxt35q6KMNDZWmzcGX6yuGF9YFFJkI6e8FQ_5ddC0M9i46oRg-0AAASKQShPnY-9TLmWdwpj4SEqm2HO7/s640/Obj+%25234.png" width="498" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-65254793667151753622019-01-26T10:15:00.001-05:002019-01-26T14:47:06.338-05:00Again! Another Gun Owner Commits Mass MurderIn just a few days, 2 gun owners killed about 10 people and destroyed untold number of lives. The most recent gun owner that killed four did so in Pennsylvania.<br />
<br />
There are several things I have focused on if you have not fully read my blog, which are:<br />
<ol>
<li>The people that kill people with guns are typically gun owners (<b><i><u>a fact the NRA ignores</u></i></b>)</li>
<li>We must change the message; instead of saying "gun control" we should use the NRAs own language for example, "we do not need gun control because guns do not kill people, but we do need people control because people kill people" and</li>
<li>As such. we should institute laws that ensure responsible gun ownership; conversely, if one cannot be responsible then they forfeit their Second Amendment (2A) right until they can conclusively do so.</li>
</ol>
In short, its about people control, not gun control.<br />
<br />
I believe in the phrase, "<b>you abuse it, you lose it.</b>"<br />
<br />
Sadly, <b>a few</b> gun owners have abused the 2A right by infringing upon our (<b>as in ALL OF US</b>) unalienable rights endowed by our creator and in doing so, these few put at risk <u><b><i>OUR</i></b></u> 2A right. I know one gun owner who believes that the 2A right, which was endowed by our government, precedes those rights endowed by our creator. What gets my goat is that this gun owner has touted his belief in Jesus Christ. Go figure.<br />
<br />
I digress, the point is if the NRA is truly the protector of the 2A that it claims then it needs to promote responsible gun ownership to ensure that <b>ALL gun owners</b> will respect their's and more importantly others' unalienable rights. While changing their message will help, they need to support laws that will ensure it. Another way to look at, not all people should be able to exercise their 2A right, because they are detrimental to themselves and more importantly, you, me and our way of life.<br />
<br />
Yes, <b><u>it will be a cumbersome to gun owners, but less cumbersome then lying stone cold dead on the ground with no where else to go. </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Oh, by the way. the 2A remains intact. Is that not what we want?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-78769857852859477272019-01-24T21:39:00.002-05:002019-01-24T21:42:11.386-05:00Another Gun Owner, Another Mass Shooting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
Guns do not kill people,<u><b> but gun owners do</b></u> as evidence by
the mass shooting in Sebring, FL yesterday.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Some bullets fall on rocky ground, but some bullets tear the
hearts out of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
bullets that lead to destruction are just like seeds that fall on fertile ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the seeds that will grow and
eventually bear fruit, the destruction from the bullets will metastasize to
eventually lead to repealing the Second Amendment (2A) unless gun advocates embrace
responsibility – <i><u><b>people most demonstrate without a doubt that they will respect
other’s unalienable rights endowed by our creator else they are not worthy of exercising their 2A right.</b></u></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-32932417894503595422019-01-07T20:44:00.001-05:002019-03-06T10:57:06.640-05:00Attack the Problem, Not the Symptom <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
Tonight I spoke at Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) monthly school board meeting, the second in a series. You could say this presentation is a follow-up to my presentation this past September entitled, <a href="http://flcd-3.blogspot.com/2018/09/sue-gun-manufactuers.html" target="_blank">Sue the Gun Manufacturers</a>. My speech is as follows:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Good
evening Board Chair, Fellow Board members, Superintendent Greene, Guests and
fellow attendees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is
not the purpose of an education to gain the cognitive thinking skills with
which to solve problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading,
writing, arithmetic are just means to that end are they not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many educational institutions based on
perusing their websites do not share this goal; instead I mostly found oblique
objectives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
contend this lack of focus and direction is not new or our country would not be
encountering problems that should have never arisen. We have
allowed our own laws to infringe upon and even annihilate for some the
unalienable rights endowed by our creator. We respond to these outcomes with the very same activity that
leads us there- <i>passing new laws that further rub out these rights</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When
in a hole, stop digging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some may
even say the hole in which we find ourselves is analogous to hell given that lives
were snuffed out in Parkland, FL and Duval county schools now look like the pea farm (<a href="http://www.jaxsheriff.org/departments/sheriffs-office/department-of-corrections/montgomery-correctional-center.aspx" target="_blank">James I. Montgomery Correctional Center</a>).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As
I understand it, some of you want more guns on campus. We do not need more guns.
I am not alone in this thought as evidenced by the <a href="https://giffords.org/2018/11/duval-county-florida-lawsuit/" target="_blank">Gifford Law Center (GLC) lawsuit</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think GLC is misguided as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><i><b>It tackles the symptom not
the disease</b></i></u> that has led to this rot and stench and in doing so forces DCPS to
consume precious resources that should be used to educate our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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When
I stood before you back in September I advocated that you sue the Federal
government. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In
2005 Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arguably it is unconstitutional as it
gives gun manufactures protections that neither you nor I have and it hinders
your ability to protect my children’s unalienable rights; worse, it has led you
to infringe on their rights. Meaningful change will not occur until it and
other misguided laws are altered or abolished.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We
do not need gun laws, as guns do not kill people; people kill people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since people are well, human, we need laws
to ensure people are:<br />
<ol>
<li>Capable of handling an instrument
of death and</li>
<li>Will respect other’s
unalienable rights.</li>
</ol>
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I
call these laws, Responsibility Laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Madam
Chairwoman, School Board Members, and Doctor Green I encourage you to set aside
your differences with GLC and seek to overturn those laws that force you to
infringe upon my children’s unalienable rights. After I leave this meeting I will
share these thought of mine with GLC representatives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
encourage both DCPS and GLC to join forces to fight for our unalienable
rights because "whenever any law becomes destructive of these [rights], it is the
Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new [laws] to [a]ffect
their Safety and Happiness."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most
of the words in that last sentence were written ~ 250 years ago. I just nipped and tucked
in a few places.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s
fight the good fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s fight
for our children’s well being.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-14782483773097930092018-11-08T21:18:00.002-05:002018-11-08T21:22:23.235-05:00More Guns or Better Control <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
In a span of a week, two separate gun owners, arguably with
mental health issues, each committed mass murder with the guns they legally obtained, one in Tallahassee, FL last week and one much larger in Los Angeles, CA
yesterday.<br />
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The question we should be asking is, <b><i><u>do we need more guns or
better control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></i></b></div>
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Let’s explore both sides.</div>
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In reference to more guns, I do not think that is the answer
because as I have previously shown conclusively, more guns have led to more
deaths; please see the post entitled,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><u><a href="http://flcd-3.blogspot.com/2018/08/people-kill-people-why-not-police-them.html" target="_blank">Who Are These People That Kill People? </a></u></i><br />
<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
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In reference to better control, most people believe that I
refer to gun control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually
refer to people control because “<b><i>guns do not kill people, people kill people</i></b>”
and those people are typically gun owners under mental duress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if we do not sadly have people control we
will end up with gun control, which is why I think the NRA is the threat to our
Second Amendment (2A). The NRA fails to acknowledge that people are humans and
humans are well human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some people take responsibility for their actions, but not
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is those that fail to act responsibly
that require laws and regulations to promote and ensure that responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These laws and regulations are a form
of people control.</div>
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The first thing we should do is remove guns from those that
are deemed mentally unstable or in other words, not of sound mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once these people demonstrate mental
stability they can have their guns back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not gun control; this is people control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover and more importantly, it is
F*#@ING common sense.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601234393283872767.post-2463057256875541742018-10-27T18:16:00.002-04:002018-10-27T18:19:28.322-04:00Our Usual Ritual – Thoughts and PrayersOn Saturday October 27, 18 Robert Bowers, <b><u>A GUN OWNER</u></b>, killed ten (10) people in a Pittsburgh, PA synagogue. If you have not given your “<i>thoughts and prayers</i>” then you should. They are obligatory are they not? Nothing else and we can go about our lives until it is our time or that of some other unsuspecting American to be the sacrificial lamb. That is the price we pay to have the Second Amendment (2A) per one NRA member.<br />
<br />
They may be willing to trade their life un-needlessly, but I do not want to and neither should you.<br />
<br />
We do not need gun restrictions because “<i><u><b>guns do not kill people.</b></u></i>”<br />
<br />
However, we do need laws to ensure that “people” (<i>that either own or seek to own a gun</i>):<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Are mentally stable to ensure they respect and will not infringe upon everyone else’s unalienable right,</li>
<li>Properly store and care for a weapon of death and destruction, and</li>
<li>Receive proper training on a periodic basis to use a firearm with reasonable safety</li>
</ol>
<br />
Because “<i><u><b>people kill people</b></u></i>” and when they use a gun they are so much more lethal as observed for the past goddamn 20 years.<br />
<br />
I am so fed up with the obstinate behavior of some gun advocates. Hopefully, you are, too.<br />
<br />
If you have been reading my posts, I have given you tools to counter these people’s arguments by using their own words.<br />
<br />
I encourage you to:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Agree with gun advocates when they say, “guns do not kill people, people kill people.” You should tell them we do not need gun restrictions, but instead restrictions on people with unstable minds or people that fail to demonstrate responsibility in properly handling a weapon or people that fail to respect others’ unalienable right.</li>
<li>Remind a gun advocate/gun owner that the US Supreme Court tells us in item 2 on page 2 (<i>of the 157 page</i>) Heller opinion which says the 2A applies to self-defense, the Justices state that there needs to be prohibitions on those that are not mentally stable and</li>
<li>Inform the gun advocate/owner they should use the total number of gun owners, not total number of Americans, to calculate homicide rates from guns because as shown above it’s the gun owners that are committing or enabling the killings of others and when that is done, homicide rates have increased – <i><b>because the number of guns have increased – duh</b></i>!</li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0