-
It's that time of year again - our ISP is asking for money. If you have some spare change, please click the Donate link... Thanks!
- About Us
- Search
- Need Help?
- Donate
- Login/Register
Latest Entries
Actions Menu
Blog Roll
- 4F Facebook Page
- Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick
- Stephanie Miller Show
- The Tim Corrimal Show
- The Rachel Maddow Show
- Angry Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
- Thom Hartmann Program
- Turnips! Fans of Turn Up the Night Facebook Page
- Snopes.com
- Factcheck.org
- Official White House Page, if you must.
- The Brad Blog / Green News Report
- The Poorly Written Political Blog (Joe Santorsa)
Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 01/15/2013 11:06:45
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,118th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,175
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,081
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 413, 410, 325, 000 .00
Next this morning, we'll turn to valor. It's something we actually rarely talk about here at ask a vet, but today we'll take a moment to recognize America's newest recipient of the Medal of Honor.
In addition to Ssgt Romesha, another MOH application is under review. Marine Sgt. Peralta threw himself on a grenade some 8 years ago in Iraq to save his comrades. Five such Medals of Honor were awarded for similar action on Iwo Jima long ago, so I'm not sure why this award is being held up.
Finally this morning...we do need to look at some veteran's issues. Paul Rieckhoff posted this to the book of face last night, and it's presented here for your review.
But, you can't tell that to a Republican. He wants proof that services have been cut and the GOP is obstructionist when it comes to veteran's issues. There's no winning here, is there?
Today is our 4,118th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,175
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,081
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
Next this morning, we'll turn to valor. It's something we actually rarely talk about here at ask a vet, but today we'll take a moment to recognize America's newest recipient of the Medal of Honor.
An Army sergeant who ignored his battle wounds to take out the enemy, rescue the injured and retrieve the dead during an ambush by 300 fighters in Afghanistan will receive the Medal of Honor, the White House announced Friday.
Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha, 31, who has since left the military, will be only the fourth living service member awarded the nation's top honor for courage in Iraq or Afghanistan.
His citation says he is being recognized for "acts of gallantry and intrepity" when fighters attacked Combat Outpost Keating from all sides with rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns, mortars and rifles on Oct. 3, 2009, igniting a daylong battle.
Romesha, a father of three, rousted reinforcements and then engaged in battle with the help of an assistant gunner. After taking out one machine-gun team, he set his sights on a second and suffered shrapnel wounds when a grenade hit a generator he was using for cover.
"Undeterred by his injuries, Staff Sergeant Romesha continued to fight and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him and the assistant gunner, he again rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers," the citation says.
"With complete disregard for his own safety, (he) continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets."
At the same time, Romesha was orchestrating a plan to secure key points of the battlefield — and directing air support to knock out a band of 30 heavily armed fighters who were attacking "with even greater ferocity."
He and his team also provided cover so that three wounded soldiers could get to an aid station, then "pushed forward 100 meters under withering fire, to recover the bodies of their fallen comrades."
Eight soldiers were killed in the battle, chronicled in the book "The Outpost," by journalist Jake Tapper, who described Romesha as "an intense guy, short and wiry," the son of a Mormon church leader who had attended seminary before joining the military.
Romesha, according to the book, never lost his cool — playing "peekaboo" with a sniper so he could get a bead on him, smiling as bullets ricocheted around him.
In addition to Ssgt Romesha, another MOH application is under review. Marine Sgt. Peralta threw himself on a grenade some 8 years ago in Iraq to save his comrades. Five such Medals of Honor were awarded for similar action on Iwo Jima long ago, so I'm not sure why this award is being held up.
The Navy Department’s top official said he supports a fallen Marine receiving the nation’s highest combat valor award for his heroics in Iraq eight years ago.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said Monday the decision rests with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, boosting anticipation Panetta will overturn an earlier, controversial decision to award Sgt. Rafael Peralta the lesser — though still prestigious — Navy Cross. The Navy Department acknowledged earlier this year that it was reviewing new evidence in the case that proponents of Peralta say should result in his award being upgraded.
Peralta, 25, is credited with saving the lives of several Marines by smothering a grenade and absorbing the full brunt of its blast during house-to-house fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, on Nov. 15, 2004. He is considered one of the most famous Marine heroes of the Iraq war.
Mabus made the remark during an unrelated Navy Cross ceremony for Marine Sgt. William Soutra, who received the nation’s second-highest valor award at Camp Pendleton, Calif., for heroism in Afghanistan in 2010.
Peralta’s case is a complicated one. Four years ago, then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates denied Peralta’s nomination for the Medal of Honor, infuriating the Marine’s family and Marines across the country. His family refused to accept the Navy Cross.
Gates decided in 2008 that the evidence in Peralta’s case was inconclusive, saying it is unclear whether the Marine made a conscious decision to smother the grenade because he already had been mortally wounded in the head by a ricocheting rifle round. In awarding Peralta the Navy Cross, the Navy Department said in his award citation that he had “reached out and pulled the grenade to his body” — a selfless, heroic act typically associated exclusively with the Medal of Honor.
The Navy Department acknowledged in March that it was reviewing a new pathology report and two videos recorded by fellow Marines on the scene after the blast. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., a Marine officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has pushed hard for the review.
Panetta’s staff is still reviewing Hunter’s request, said Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokesman, on Tuesday. She declined additional comment.
Finally this morning...we do need to look at some veteran's issues. Paul Rieckhoff posted this to the book of face last night, and it's presented here for your review.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Suicides in the U.S. military surged to a record 349 last year, far exceeding American combat deaths in Afghanistan, and some private experts are predicting the dark trend will grow worse this year.
The Pentagon has struggled to deal with the suicides, which Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and others have called an epidemic. The problem reflects severe strains on military personnel burdened with more than a decade of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, complicated by anxiety over the prospect of being forced out of a shrinking force.
Pentagon figures obtained Monday by The Associated Press show that the 349 suicides among active-duty troops last year were up from 301 the year before and exceeded the Pentagon's own internal projection of 325. Statistics alone do not explain why troops take their own lives, and the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders have acknowledged that more needs to be done to understand the causes.
Last year's total is the highest since the Pentagon began closely tracking suicides in 2001. It exceeds the 295 Americans who died in Afghanistan last year, by the AP's count.
Some in Congress are pressing the Pentagon to do more.
"This is an epidemic that cannot be ignored," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Monday. "As our newest generation of service members and veterans face unprecedented challenges, today's news shows we must be doing more to ensure they are not slipping through the cracks."
But, you can't tell that to a Republican. He wants proof that services have been cut and the GOP is obstructionist when it comes to veteran's issues. There's no winning here, is there?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 13:38:40
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 13:38:40
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:00:20
TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:00:20
Morning, comrades.
I am rather dismayed to learn that "Big C" has struck again...at both Scouts and LL Bean.
Our Council International Representative, a Mr. Ray Theberge, lost his wife over the weekend to a cancer of unknown type.
And yet another dear friend at the store was just diagnosed with breast cancer. That now makes 4 of us in active treatment, plus another 5 or 6 survivors.
What the holy hell is going on around here?
I am rather dismayed to learn that "Big C" has struck again...at both Scouts and LL Bean.
Our Council International Representative, a Mr. Ray Theberge, lost his wife over the weekend to a cancer of unknown type.
And yet another dear friend at the store was just diagnosed with breast cancer. That now makes 4 of us in active treatment, plus another 5 or 6 survivors.
What the holy hell is going on around here?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/15/2013 14:22:21
Scoopster on 01/15/2013 14:22:21
Mornin' all.. 
Raine, did you get my text last night?
Raine, did you get my text last night?
Comment by 
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:22:27
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:22:27
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 14:22:54
I'll go check right now... 
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:22:54
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Raine, did you get my text last night?
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 14:25:38
UGh, that was not something I wanted to see.
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:25:38
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Raine, did you get my text last night?
UGh, that was not something I wanted to see.
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:31:37
It's all the same.
Pearl Harbor, JFK, Moon landings, 9-11, Obama's birth certificate...
We seem to be 'blessed' with an unusual number of small-brained folks in these United States. As I mused yesterday, I wonder what it is that makes people so stupid about these things? (And I must include myself, as many lively discussions here with Mondo over the grassy knoll will attest...)
TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:31:37
Quote by Raine:
Stories like this give me human shame.
What the hell is wrong with these people?
It's all the same.
Pearl Harbor, JFK, Moon landings, 9-11, Obama's birth certificate...
We seem to be 'blessed' with an unusual number of small-brained folks in these United States. As I mused yesterday, I wonder what it is that makes people so stupid about these things? (And I must include myself, as many lively discussions here with Mondo over the grassy knoll will attest...)
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:31:45
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:31:45
seriously, why is it that people can't understand that a bad graphic is not going to look better in color - its still a bad, blurry graphic 
oh and then proceed to tell me how to design an invitation by adding a picture of something that has nothing to do with the event you want to invite customers too
oh and then proceed to tell me how to design an invitation by adding a picture of something that has nothing to do with the event you want to invite customers too
Comment by Scoopster on 01/15/2013 14:35:38
Yeah.. I can't say it was pleasant when I discovered it either.
For everyone not in the loop - I was visiting my best friend & helping her move into her new apartment this past weekend. When I was sleeping she went in my wallet, grabbed my credit card, did an online western union to herself & drained my account. I'm not sure what the motivation was, but I know she's a recovering oxycontin/heroin addict. The loss of trust and money stings, but more than anything I just hope she didn't shoot it up her arm.
Scoopster on 01/15/2013 14:35:38
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Raine, did you get my text last night?
UGh, that was not something I wanted to see.
Yeah.. I can't say it was pleasant when I discovered it either.
For everyone not in the loop - I was visiting my best friend & helping her move into her new apartment this past weekend. When I was sleeping she went in my wallet, grabbed my credit card, did an online western union to herself & drained my account. I'm not sure what the motivation was, but I know she's a recovering oxycontin/heroin addict. The loss of trust and money stings, but more than anything I just hope she didn't shoot it up her arm.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 14:36:44
Oh, I totally understand that kinda frustration. I'm with you.
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:36:44
Quote by wickedpam:
seriously, why is it that people can't understand that a bad graphic is not going to look better in color - its still a bad, blurry graphic
oh and then proceed to tell me how to design an invitation by adding a picture of something that has nothing to do with the event you want to invite customers too
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 14:39:36
Mary Mary Mary
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:39:36
Mary Mary Mary
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:40:44
Knew you would Would you put a pix of the Air Force Memorial spires on the invitation for a wine trade show? It seems highly inappropriate to me and it has nothing to do with anything event other then the event over looks the memorial. And it doesn't even go with the paper that was chosen by me and my big boss for the event.
Told the field manager to leave the designing to me, it'll only be there if it looks nice.
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:40:44
Quote by Raine:Oh, I totally understand that kinda frustration. I'm with you.Quote by wickedpam:
seriously, why is it that people can't understand that a bad graphic is not going to look better in color - its still a bad, blurry graphic
oh and then proceed to tell me how to design an invitation by adding a picture of something that has nothing to do with the event you want to invite customers too
Knew you would
Would you put a pix of the Air Force Memorial spires on the invitation for a wine trade show? It seems highly inappropriate to me and it has nothing to do with anything event other then the event over looks the memorial. And it doesn't even go with the paper that was chosen by me and my big boss for the event.Told the field manager to leave the designing to me, it'll only be there if it looks nice.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:41:22
headache in my eye
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:41:22
Quote by Raine:
headache in my eye
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:44:27
Oh, man. My best friend is in the same boat. (pills and alcohol). Regrettably, it almost certainly landed in her arm. I too have had the loss of trust thing, and of course he always asked me for money whenever I saw him in recent years. He is better now (rehab and AA), but it's an ongoing battle. He was clear for about 8 years, but then got fired from his job and dumped by his boyfriend within 2 weeks of each other and he fell off the wagon again. (He's clean for about 18 months now.)
I myself had oxycontin after my surgery...I quit taking them as soon as it didn't hurt so much, but with the weird and wonderful side effects I had, I can see how it can be addicting.
TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:44:27
Quote by Scoopster:
Yeah.. I can't say it was pleasant when I discovered it either.
For everyone not in the loop - I was visiting my best friend & helping her move into her new apartment this past weekend. When I was sleeping she went in my wallet, grabbed my credit card, did an online western union to herself & drained my account. I'm not sure what the motivation was, but I know she's a recovering oxycontin/heroin addict. The loss of trust and money stings, but more than anything I just hope she didn't shoot it up her arm.
Oh, man. My best friend is in the same boat. (pills and alcohol). Regrettably, it almost certainly landed in her arm. I too have had the loss of trust thing, and of course he always asked me for money whenever I saw him in recent years. He is better now (rehab and AA), but it's an ongoing battle. He was clear for about 8 years, but then got fired from his job and dumped by his boyfriend within 2 weeks of each other and he fell off the wagon again. (He's clean for about 18 months now.)
I myself had oxycontin after my surgery...I quit taking them as soon as it didn't hurt so much, but with the weird and wonderful side effects I had, I can see how it can be addicting.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 14:44:34
Ooof. Yeah -- people who think they are art directors... yeah.... I want them to go to storage room B
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:44:34
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Oh, I totally understand that kinda frustration. I'm with you.Quote by wickedpam:
seriously, why is it that people can't understand that a bad graphic is not going to look better in color - its still a bad, blurry graphic
oh and then proceed to tell me how to design an invitation by adding a picture of something that has nothing to do with the event you want to invite customers too
Knew you would
Told the field manager to leave the designing to me, it'll only be there if it looks nice.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 14:44:58
Raine on 01/15/2013 14:44:58
MAry just called Al Sharpton a Scumbag? 
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:48:00
TriSec on 01/15/2013 14:48:00
See now, "overlooking the memorial" would be enough for me; I'd use the image. But then again, the Air Force Memorial is completely unknown to me (I had to look it up), and seeing that....well, this is for a wine show?
How about some folks sitting on a patio, with some recognizeable part of the DC skyline behind them, and a nice bottle of chianti on the table?
How about some folks sitting on a patio, with some recognizeable part of the DC skyline behind them, and a nice bottle of chianti on the table?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:49:06
OMG! I hope you reported her butt to the police - what a way to repay your kindness. Did you contact you cc company?
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:49:06
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Raine, did you get my text last night?
UGh, that was not something I wanted to see.
Yeah.. I can't say it was pleasant when I discovered it either.
For everyone not in the loop - I was visiting my best friend & helping her move into her new apartment this past weekend. When I was sleeping she went in my wallet, grabbed my credit card, did an online western union to herself & drained my account. I'm not sure what the motivation was, but I know she's a recovering oxycontin/heroin addict. The loss of trust and money stings, but more than anything I just hope she didn't shoot it up her arm.
OMG! I hope you reported her butt to the police - what a way to repay your kindness. Did you contact you cc company?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:50:00
they don't even get to keep the red stapler
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:50:00
Quote by Raine:Ooof. Yeah -- people who think they are art directors... yeah.... I want them to go to storage room BQuote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Oh, I totally understand that kinda frustration. I'm with you.Quote by wickedpam:
seriously, why is it that people can't understand that a bad graphic is not going to look better in color - its still a bad, blurry graphic
oh and then proceed to tell me how to design an invitation by adding a picture of something that has nothing to do with the event you want to invite customers too
Knew you would
Told the field manager to leave the designing to me, it'll only be there if it looks nice.
they don't even get to keep the red stapler
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:52:54
If I was creating from scratch it would be nice in sillhoutte but the paper that we decided on was something I already have in stock and has a design on it
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 14:52:54
Quote by TriSec:
See now, "overlooking the memorial" would be enough for me; I'd use the image. But then again, the Air Force Memorial is completely unknown to me (I had to look it up), and seeing that....well, this is for a wine show?
How about some folks sitting on a patio, with some recognizeable part of the DC skyline behind them, and a nice bottle of chianti on the table?
If I was creating from scratch it would be nice in sillhoutte but the paper that we decided on was something I already have in stock and has a design on it
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:00:20
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:00:20
Comment by Scoopster on 01/15/2013 15:00:42
I called the bank and had my card cancelled as soon as I discovered it, and I have to go fill out paperwork/affidavits at the local branch today so they can do their thing & reimburse me (my rent check's gonna overdraft too so they said any fees would get reversed once the investigation was done).
The police will be involved via the bank either way, but if I can avoid going too far down that road I will. She needs help and an intervention, not jail time.
Scoopster on 01/15/2013 15:00:42
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Raine, did you get my text last night?
UGh, that was not something I wanted to see.
Yeah.. I can't say it was pleasant when I discovered it either.
For everyone not in the loop - I was visiting my best friend & helping her move into her new apartment this past weekend. When I was sleeping she went in my wallet, grabbed my credit card, did an online western union to herself & drained my account. I'm not sure what the motivation was, but I know she's a recovering oxycontin/heroin addict. The loss of trust and money stings, but more than anything I just hope she didn't shoot it up her arm.
OMG! I hope you reported her butt to the police - what a way to repay your kindness. Did you contact you cc company?
I called the bank and had my card cancelled as soon as I discovered it, and I have to go fill out paperwork/affidavits at the local branch today so they can do their thing & reimburse me (my rent check's gonna overdraft too so they said any fees would get reversed once the investigation was done).
The police will be involved via the bank either way, but if I can avoid going too far down that road I will. She needs help and an intervention, not jail time.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:01:08
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:01:08
Tri, don't know if you have last nights TRMS podcast -- it was amazing and heartbreaking.
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:03:09
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:03:09
And now TriSec has just managed to pour a could cup of yesterday's tea UP his sleeve.
Don't ask.
I think I should go home now.
Don't ask.
I think I should go home now.
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:04:43
I do - I was headed for the coffee machine before I had the unfortunate tea incident. That's up next on the listening schedule.
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:04:43
Quote by Raine:
Tri, don't know if you have last nights TRMS podcast -- it was amazing and heartbreaking.
I do - I was headed for the coffee machine before I had the unfortunate tea incident. That's up next on the listening schedule.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 15:06:45
I know she's your bff but maybe this is the only way she can see she needs help. Maybe this is her bottom.
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 15:06:45
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Raine, did you get my text last night?
UGh, that was not something I wanted to see.
Yeah.. I can't say it was pleasant when I discovered it either.
For everyone not in the loop - I was visiting my best friend & helping her move into her new apartment this past weekend. When I was sleeping she went in my wallet, grabbed my credit card, did an online western union to herself & drained my account. I'm not sure what the motivation was, but I know she's a recovering oxycontin/heroin addict. The loss of trust and money stings, but more than anything I just hope she didn't shoot it up her arm.
OMG! I hope you reported her butt to the police - what a way to repay your kindness. Did you contact you cc company?
I called the bank and had my card cancelled as soon as I discovered it, and I have to go fill out paperwork/affidavits at the local branch today so they can do their thing & reimburse me (my rent check's gonna overdraft too so they said any fees would get reversed once the investigation was done).
The police will be involved via the bank either way, but if I can avoid going too far down that road I will. She needs help and an intervention, not jail time.
I know she's your bff but maybe this is the only way she can see she needs help. Maybe this is her bottom.
Comment by 
BobR on 01/15/2013 15:18:21
Excellent job defying the laws of gravity!
BobR on 01/15/2013 15:18:21
Quote by TriSec:
And now TriSec has just managed to pour a could cup of yesterday's tea UP his sleeve.
Don't ask.
I think I should go home now.
Excellent job defying the laws of gravity!
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:24:50
Captain Chemo at your service! I have a Superpower!!
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:24:50
Quote by BobR:
Excellent job defying the laws of gravity!
Captain Chemo at your service! I have a Superpower!!
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:32:32
Ya know, video games have no bearing. I recently re-loaded an old favorite, "Medal of Honor - Allied Assault", which is a WWII FPS game. I was never any good at it, but Javi seems to have picked up the concept quickly and has already progressed past my best score.
Yet he remains a highly sensitive individual, and is gentle and caring with his rodent and frog, and still is learning and teaching things to our younger Scouts with reasonable competency.
I dunno, maybe it's the parents and the home environment that make a difference here. Hell, I don't even let him crash planes in the simulator anymore. We're actually trying to pilot them now.
(Who knows, maybe fighting a couple of virtual battles might spark an interest in some history, like his papa.)
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:32:32
Quote by Raine:
Ya know, video games have no bearing. I recently re-loaded an old favorite, "Medal of Honor - Allied Assault", which is a WWII FPS game. I was never any good at it, but Javi seems to have picked up the concept quickly and has already progressed past my best score.
Yet he remains a highly sensitive individual, and is gentle and caring with his rodent and frog, and still is learning and teaching things to our younger Scouts with reasonable competency.
I dunno, maybe it's the parents and the home environment that make a difference here. Hell, I don't even let him crash planes in the simulator anymore. We're actually trying to pilot them now.
(Who knows, maybe fighting a couple of virtual battles might spark an interest in some history, like his papa.)
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:33:59
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:33:59
I know it probably old news to everyone by now, but NYS managed to get even tougher gun control laws passed.
in a bipartisan way:
in a bipartisan way:
The state Senate, controlled by a coalition of Republicans and a handful of Democrats, approved the legislative package just after 11 p.m. by a lopsided vote of 43 to 18. The Assembly, where Democrats who have been strongly supportive of gun control have an overwhelming majority, planned to vote on the measure Tuesday.
...
The expanded ban on assault weapons would broaden the definition of such weapons, banning semiautomatic pistols and rifles with detachable magazines and one military-style feature, as well as semiautomatic shotguns with one military-style feature. New Yorkers who already own such guns could keep them but would be required to register them with the state.
“The message out there is so clear after Newtown,†said the Assembly speaker, Sheldon Silver, a Democrat from Manhattan. “To basically eradicate assault weapons from our streets in New York as quickly as possible is something the people of this state want.â€
In an acknowledgment that many people have suggested that part of the solution to gun violence is a better government response to mental illness, the legislation includes not only new restrictions on gun ownership, but also efforts to limit access to guns by the mentally ill.
The most significant new proposal would require mental health professionals to report to local mental health officials when they believe that patients are likely to harm themselves or others. Law enforcement would then be authorized to confiscate any firearm owned by a dangerous patient; therapists would not be sanctioned for a failure to report such patients if they acted “in good faith.â€
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:36:04
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:36:04
Beau Biden - " If folks want military arms, maybe they should join the National Guard or the Army."
Something I've been advocating for years.
Something I've been advocating for years.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:37:23
I don;t think they really do either, but for the NRA to say it's the video games and then to come out with this app... that is just egregiously hypocritical.
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:37:23
Quote by TriSec: Ya know, video games have no bearing. I recently re-loaded an old favorite, "Medal of Honor - Allied Assault", which is a WWII FPS game. I was never any good at it, but Javi seems to have picked up the concept quickly and has already progressed past my best score.
Yet he remains a highly sensitive individual, and is gentle and caring with his rodent and frog, and still is learning and teaching things to our younger Scouts with reasonable competency.
I dunno, maybe it's the parents and the home environment that make a difference here. Hell, I don't even let him crash planes in the simulator anymore. We're actually trying to pilot them now.
(Who knows, maybe fighting a couple of virtual battles might spark an interest in some history, like his papa.)
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:38:25
We thought of you when he said that last night.
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:38:25
Quote by TriSec:
Beau Biden - " If folks want military arms, maybe they should join the National Guard or the Army."
Something I've been advocating for years.
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:48:41
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:48:41
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:52:12
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:52:12
I had to see it for myself, but right now our glorious house of representatives is at work on the House floor -- they are reading the constitution. 
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:52:34
TriSec on 01/15/2013 15:52:34
Benjamin Wheeler was one of the Tiger Scouts killed.
Dammit.
Dammit.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:54:21
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:54:21
you think they'll pay attention to Article I, section 8?
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and GENERAL WELFARE of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 15:55:10
I wasn't aware that was him. His parents are just amazing.
Raine on 01/15/2013 15:55:10
Quote by TriSec:
Benjamin Wheeler was one of the Tiger Scouts killed.
Dammit.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 15:57:07
again
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 15:57:07
Quote by Raine:
I had to see it for myself, but right now our glorious house of representatives is at work on the House floor -- they are reading the constitution.
again
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/15/2013 16:00:46
They're slow learners.
Mondobubba on 01/15/2013 16:00:46
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I had to see it for myself, but right now our glorious house of representatives is at work on the House floor -- they are reading the constitution.
again
They're slow learners.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 16:01:06
It's such a dog and pony show.
First graders can read pretty much anything -- it's the UNDERSTANDING part that is the issue. Congress is acting less mature than a first grader.
Raine on 01/15/2013 16:01:06
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I had to see it for myself, but right now our glorious house of representatives is at work on the House floor -- they are reading the constitution.
again
First graders can read pretty much anything -- it's the UNDERSTANDING part that is the issue. Congress is acting less mature than a first grader.
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 16:01:52
Speaking of Slow, how quickly till you leave? I just read you are getting sprung!
Raine on 01/15/2013 16:01:52
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I had to see it for myself, but right now our glorious house of representatives is at work on the House floor -- they are reading the constitution.
again
They're slow learners.
Speaking of Slow, how quickly till you leave? I just read you are getting sprung!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/15/2013 16:02:16
Mondobubba on 01/15/2013 16:02:16
Gonna crack my knuckles and jump for joy! Gotta clean bill of health from Dr. McCoy!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/15/2013 16:03:51
Will in Chicago on 01/15/2013 16:03:51
Good morning, bloggers!! TriSec, thanks for a great blog. We need to address the epidemic of veteran suicides and other problems. Many people are going from the battlefield to becoming homeless.
I hope that Mondo comes home soon. It has been a rough year for our friend and I want him to know that he is loved and supported through this.
In some good news, I checked in with a principal that I interviewed with a week ago. He is swamped with a lot of work, and will have some more candidates interviewing for the job. He will let me know by Friday about the position that opens up on February 1st. I should hear tomorrow or Thursday on the position that I interviewed last Friday, where I would teach English and History.
Now for some very good news. My grand niece Emily Rose is home from the hospital.
I hope that Mondo comes home soon. It has been a rough year for our friend and I want him to know that he is loved and supported through this.
In some good news, I checked in with a principal that I interviewed with a week ago. He is swamped with a lot of work, and will have some more candidates interviewing for the job. He will let me know by Friday about the position that opens up on February 1st. I should hear tomorrow or Thursday on the position that I interviewed last Friday, where I would teach English and History.
Now for some very good news. My grand niece Emily Rose is home from the hospital.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/15/2013 16:05:03
You must have posted this as I was typing. I hope that you get home soon!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Will in Chicago on 01/15/2013 16:05:03
Quote by Mondobubba:
Gonna crack my knuckles and jump for joy! Gotta clean bill of health from Dr. McCoy!
You must have posted this as I was typing. I hope that you get home soon!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Comment by TriSec on 01/15/2013 16:05:16
Stepping out to Eden, eh brother?
TriSec on 01/15/2013 16:05:16
Quote by Mondobubba:
Gonna crack my knuckles and jump for joy! Gotta clean bill of health from Dr. McCoy!
Stepping out to Eden, eh brother?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/15/2013 16:07:20
wickedpam on 01/15/2013 16:07:20
Yay! Everyone getting sprung from the hospital!
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 16:08:22
Raine on 01/15/2013 16:08:22
Art from Chicago resurfaces!
Comment by Raine on 01/15/2013 16:09:45
I'm cheering with you!
Raine on 01/15/2013 16:09:45
Quote by wickedpam:
Yay! Everyone getting sprung from the hospital!