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Live by the Gun, Die by the Gun
Author: BobR
Date: 2013-09-09 11:50:58
It's been months since the shooting in Sandy Hook. Since then we've had numerous other stories, the latest being the NSA, spying, and Syria. The "guns will keep you safe" nonsense is not as prevalent anymore because the push for common-sense gun control regulations has taken a back seat to other "priorities". But as each day passes, more people die from gunshots.
A recent news story brings back an even older story of a gun-rights zealot who wore her gun on her hip to her daughter's soccer game back in 2008. That woman was killed a few days ago in an apparent murder/suicide:
Is it that shocking? What should be shocking is the false assumption that keeping a gun strapped to you at all times will keep you safe. What should be shocking is the repeated notion that guns in the house reduce the chance of being killed, when the opposite appears to be true, based on repeated studies:
At this point, the reality is that the pro-gun crowd will always win the legal-rights challenge. The 2nd amendment has been argued in the SCOTUS enough times, and the fear of the NRA among elected officials is high enough that little (if anything) can be done to limit access to firearms.
It's time to take a different tack. It's time to counteract the NRA propaganda.
The data shows that guns do not make you safer.
The data shows that the best way to prevent death by accident or suicide via gunshot is to not have a gun in the house.
The data (and the lead-in story) shows that even with a gun strapped to your belt, your chances of getting it out in time to defend yourself are very low.
Having a gun makes you less likely to avoid situations and confrontations because you feel more confident with it.
A gun can turn an argument or anger into murder
Death by gunshot is an American health problem. We can't distribute free condoms to prevent these deaths. However, we can educate people about what safety REALLY means, so they don't make the wrong choice of bringing a firearm into their home. The NRA and Congress can't legislate that away.
A recent news story brings back an even older story of a gun-rights zealot who wore her gun on her hip to her daughter's soccer game back in 2008. That woman was killed a few days ago in an apparent murder/suicide:
A mother of three who became a voice of the gun-rights movement when she openly carried a loaded pistol to her daughter's soccer game was fatally shot along with her husband, a parole officer and former prison guard, in an apparent murder-suicide at their home.
[...]
Meleanie Hain always carried her holstered 9mm Glock pistol, even to the grocery store, and was holding a rifle while she talked to someone outside her house last week, Fortna said.
"I'm shocked at the whole thing," Fortna said. "I'm surprised she didn't defend herself."
Is it that shocking? What should be shocking is the false assumption that keeping a gun strapped to you at all times will keep you safe. What should be shocking is the repeated notion that guns in the house reduce the chance of being killed, when the opposite appears to be true, based on repeated studies:
Twelve or more U.S. case control studies have compared individuals who died by suicide with those who did not and found those dying by suicide were more likely to live in homes with guns.
[...]
Ecologic studies that compare states with high gun ownership levels to those with low gun ownership levels find that in the U.S., where there are more guns, there are more suicides. The higher suicide rates result from higher firearm suicides; the non-firearm suicide rate is about equal across states.
[...]
About 85% of attempts with a firearm are fatal: that’s a much higher case fatality rate than for nearly every other method. Many of the most widely used suicide attempt methods have case fatality rates below 5%. (See Case Fatality Ratio by Method of Self-Harm.)
Attempters who take pills or inhale car exhaust or use razors have some time to reconsider mid-attempt and summon help or be rescued. The method itself often fails, even in the absence of a rescue. Even many of those who use hanging can stop mid-attempt as about half of hanging suicides are partial-suspension (meaning the person can release the pressure if they change their mind) (Bennewith 2005).With a firearm, once the trigger is pulled, there’s no turning back.
At this point, the reality is that the pro-gun crowd will always win the legal-rights challenge. The 2nd amendment has been argued in the SCOTUS enough times, and the fear of the NRA among elected officials is high enough that little (if anything) can be done to limit access to firearms.
It's time to take a different tack. It's time to counteract the NRA propaganda.
The data shows that guns do not make you safer.
The data shows that the best way to prevent death by accident or suicide via gunshot is to not have a gun in the house.
The data (and the lead-in story) shows that even with a gun strapped to your belt, your chances of getting it out in time to defend yourself are very low.
Having a gun makes you less likely to avoid situations and confrontations because you feel more confident with it.
A gun can turn an argument or anger into murder
Death by gunshot is an American health problem. We can't distribute free condoms to prevent these deaths. However, we can educate people about what safety REALLY means, so they don't make the wrong choice of bringing a firearm into their home. The NRA and Congress can't legislate that away.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 09/09/2013 12:50:47
Good Morning!
Raine on 09/09/2013 12:50:47
Good Morning!
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 12:53:10
Raine on 09/09/2013 12:53:10
Speaking of guns... a three year old was shot and killed in Yellowstone Park. How the hell does this happen?
The first child to die from gunfire in Yellowstone National Park in three-quarters of a century was a 3-year-old girl killed over the weekend by a bullet shot from her father's handgun at a popular lakeside campsite, park officials said on Sunday.
Little information was released by authorities about the toddler's death since her mother called emergency dispatchers on Saturday to report that her daughter had shot herself at the Grant Village campground on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 13:07:29
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 13:07:29
Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 13:18:45
because we aren't more selective on who can buy a gun and we simply refuse to require people get trained in safety and use of firearms for the idiots who do.
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 13:18:45
Quote by Raine:
Speaking of guns... a three year old was shot and killed in Yellowstone Park.How the hell does this happen?The first child to die from gunfire in Yellowstone National Park in three-quarters of a century was a 3-year-old girl killed over the weekend by a bullet shot from her father's handgun at a popular lakeside campsite, park officials said on Sunday.
Little information was released by authorities about the toddler's death since her mother called emergency dispatchers on Saturday to report that her daughter had shot herself at the Grant Village campground on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
because we aren't more selective on who can buy a gun and we simply refuse to require people get trained in safety and use of firearms for the idiots who do.
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/09/2013 13:21:31
Because the parents are morons, and clearly had no right to be parents. Being able to reproduce "in the normal fashion" doesn't automatically make you worthy.
TriSec on 09/09/2013 13:21:31
Quote by Raine:
Speaking of guns... a three year old was shot and killed in Yellowstone Park. How the hell does this happen?
Because the parents are morons, and clearly had no right to be parents. Being able to reproduce "in the normal fashion" doesn't automatically make you worthy.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 13:29:39
Raine on 09/09/2013 13:29:39
Personally -- I don't know if I believe the child shot herself. How can a kid pick it up and do that? Why wasn't the safety on? was it heavy? 
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 13:43:01
Raine on 09/09/2013 13:43:01
You know, last week when I wrote about how complicated this Syrian mess was I mentioned "Government forces and Shabiha militias."
It makes this story even more difficult to comprehend: I would bet money Assad knew it was the militia groups that did this.
It makes this story even more difficult to comprehend:
President Bashar al-Assad did not personally order last month's chemical weapons attack near Damascus that has triggered calls for US military intervention, and blocked numerous requests from his military commanders to use chemical weapons against regime opponents in recent months, a German newspaper has reported , citing unidentified, high-level national security sources.
Comment by TriSec on 09/09/2013 14:02:04
The type of weapon was not specified; they only said a "pistol", which covers dainty little .38 snubnoses, all the way up to massive, heavy, 357 magnums. So it's still a possibility that an unsupervised 3 year old could pick up a pistol that the morons left lying around.
(Point of reference - I'm a "blades man"....young Javi didn't touch a knife until he was ten - didn't own one until he was 11, and was personally trained on safety and use by ME. He hasn't done anything stupid with it, nor do I leave knives lying around open and untended.)
TriSec on 09/09/2013 14:02:04
Quote by Raine:
Personally -- I don't know if I believe the child shot herself. How can a kid pick it up and do that? Why wasn't the safety on? was it heavy?
The type of weapon was not specified; they only said a "pistol", which covers dainty little .38 snubnoses, all the way up to massive, heavy, 357 magnums. So it's still a possibility that an unsupervised 3 year old could pick up a pistol that the morons left lying around.
(Point of reference - I'm a "blades man"....young Javi didn't touch a knife until he was ten - didn't own one until he was 11, and was personally trained on safety and use by ME. He hasn't done anything stupid with it, nor do I leave knives lying around open and untended.)
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/09/2013 14:13:50
Scoopster on 09/09/2013 14:13:50
Mornin' all.. 
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 14:34:22
Raine on 09/09/2013 14:34:22
BTW , Bobber is at his first day on the new job.
Strange that he isn't upstairs in the home office.
Strange that he isn't upstairs in the home office.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 14:41:54
aaww - is the house all quiet? When you talk to him, wish him good luck for us
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 14:41:54
Quote by Raine:
BTW , Bobber is at his first day on the new job.
Strange that he isn't upstairs in the home office.
aaww - is the house all quiet? When you talk to him, wish him good luck for us
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 14:46:40
It's pretty normal, I just have to remember that I can't yell *love you* when I am in the kitchen.
I have to say, he is really excited about this new opportunity. It's a gig that is perfect for what Bobber does really well.
He loves that he can literally have lunch outdoors on the grounds of the capitol building.
Raine on 09/09/2013 14:46:40
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
BTW , Bobber is at his first day on the new job.
Strange that he isn't upstairs in the home office.
aaww - is the house all quiet? When you talk to him, wish him good luck for us
I have to say, he is really excited about this new opportunity. It's a gig that is perfect for what Bobber does really well.
He loves that he can literally have lunch outdoors on the grounds of the capitol building.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 14:51:28
That's pretty cool. I'm so happy for him
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 14:51:28
Quote by Raine:It's pretty normal, I just have to remember that I can't yell *love you* when I am in the kitchen.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
BTW , Bobber is at his first day on the new job.
Strange that he isn't upstairs in the home office.
aaww - is the house all quiet? When you talk to him, wish him good luck for us
I have to say, he is really excited about this new opportunity. It's a gig that is perfect for what Bobber does really well.
He loves that he can literally have lunch outdoors on the grounds of the capitol building.
That's pretty cool. I'm so happy for him
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 14:55:23
Raine on 09/09/2013 14:55:23
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/09/2013 15:04:21
Will in Chicago on 09/09/2013 15:04:21
Good morning, bloggers!!
BobR, I think that the gun has become a fetish (in every sense of the word) to some Americans. Gun ownership for some is considered by some almost a religious duty.
I am weary of hearing of children being shot. I am sickened that I live in the shadow of a major city where there are neighborhoods where shootings are common place.
For myself, I am home today and job hunting. Got a pep talk yesterday from a friend in Boston who is a professor. If she hears of anything, she will send it my way. (No interviews in a while, busy job hunting and cleaning today.)
BobR, I think that the gun has become a fetish (in every sense of the word) to some Americans. Gun ownership for some is considered by some almost a religious duty.
I am weary of hearing of children being shot. I am sickened that I live in the shadow of a major city where there are neighborhoods where shootings are common place.
For myself, I am home today and job hunting. Got a pep talk yesterday from a friend in Boston who is a professor. If she hears of anything, she will send it my way. (No interviews in a while, busy job hunting and cleaning today.)
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 15:05:00
Raine on 09/09/2013 15:05:00
I would LOVE one of those steaks... Tender, mellow ...
Comment by TriSec on 09/09/2013 15:08:03
TriSec on 09/09/2013 15:08:03
In climate change news, I saw one of these at Harold Parker state forest this weekend. (Andover, MA). I had only ever seen these in Florida.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 15:08:26
Raine on 09/09/2013 15:08:26
Everything, it appears, is suspect.
Jeebus -- we really live in a hyper reality world -- you know, with the exception of REALITY SHOWS.
ArgleBargle.
Jeebus -- we really live in a hyper reality world -- you know, with the exception of REALITY SHOWS.
ArgleBargle.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/09/2013 15:10:13
This is one of the reasons I am opposing a strike in Syria, as there are many factions on the ground and our information is still sketchy.
Will in Chicago on 09/09/2013 15:10:13
Quote by Raine:
You know, last week when I wrote about how complicated this Syrian mess was I mentioned "Government forces and Shabiha militias."
It makes this story even more difficult to comprehend:I would bet money Assad knew it was the militia groups that did this.President Bashar al-Assad did not personally order last month's chemical weapons attack near Damascus that has triggered calls for US military intervention, and blocked numerous requests from his military commanders to use chemical weapons against regime opponents in recent months, a German newspaper has reported , citing unidentified, high-level national security sources.
This is one of the reasons I am opposing a strike in Syria, as there are many factions on the ground and our information is still sketchy.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 15:11:38
I have seen Geese that look like that.
Raine on 09/09/2013 15:11:38
Quote by TriSec:
In climate change news, I saw one of these at Harold Parker state forest this weekend. (Andover, MA). I had only ever seen these in Florida.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/09/2013 15:11:49
Will in Chicago on 09/09/2013 15:11:49
Raine, Mala -- Is Danville, VA near you?
From Raw Story: Virginia residents alarmed to find KKK fliers in their yard
From Raw Story: Virginia residents alarmed to find KKK fliers in their yard
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 15:14:20
Danville is on the NC border toward the west.
Those flyers seem to make their way around - when Manassas was in the news a few years ago they suddenly appeared in some mailboxes around town - people were not happy, to say the least.
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 15:14:20
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, Mala -- Is Danville, VA near you?
From Raw Story: Virginia residents alarmed to find KKK fliers in their yard
Danville is on the NC border toward the west.
Those flyers seem to make their way around - when Manassas was in the news a few years ago they suddenly appeared in some mailboxes around town - people were not happy, to say the least.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 15:15:58
That's some freaky chicken/duck hybrid! RUN!
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 15:15:58
Quote by Raine:I have seen Geese that look like that.Quote by TriSec:
In climate change news, I saw one of these at Harold Parker state forest this weekend. (Andover, MA). I had only ever seen these in Florida.
That's some freaky chicken/duck hybrid! RUN!
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 15:27:16
No where near us. I honestly don;t think the KKK would even bother in this area.
Raine on 09/09/2013 15:27:16
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, Mala -- Is Danville, VA near you?
From Raw Story: Virginia residents alarmed to find KKK fliers in their yard
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 15:39:40
Raine on 09/09/2013 15:39:40
Why it is important to read the entire article.
Headline: Privacy Scandal: NSA Can Spy on Smart Phone Data
last two paragraphs:
Headline: Privacy Scandal: NSA Can Spy on Smart Phone Data
last two paragraphs:
In response to questions from SPIEGEL, BlackBerry officials stated, "It is not for us to comment on media reports regarding alleged government surveillance of telecommunications traffic." The company said it had not programmed a "'back door' pipeline to our platform."
The material viewed by SPIEGEL suggests that the spying on smart phones has not been a mass phenomenon. It has been targeted, in some cases in an individually tailored manner and without the knowledge of the smart phone companies.
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/09/2013 15:44:16
livingonli on 09/09/2013 15:44:16
Good morning, folks. Slowly staggers out of bed after late night thanks to Geico Sportsnite fixes because they had to add stuff after the Giants sucky loss to the Cowboys last night.
Comment by TriSec on 09/09/2013 15:57:02
Well, I'm a distance swimmer myself.
110 miles divided by 53 hours is an average speed of 2.07 mph. Ambitious, but reachable.
I did the mile at camp this summer. Remember, no long-term training, and 6 months post-chemotherapy, and I did it in about 55 minutes. But I used the sidestroke, which is not fast.
Two swimmers in our group, a competitor and a coach, did the crawl over the entire distance and both finished in under 25 minutes. So the pace she swam is not unreasonable....the question is, can you keep that up for 53 hours?
I don't know whether to snark tag this or not. Sheesh, must everything be a conspiracy now?
TriSec on 09/09/2013 15:57:02
Quote by Raine:
Everything, it appears, is suspect.
Jeebus -- we really live in a hyper reality world -- you know, with the exception of REALITY SHOWS.
ArgleBargle.
Well, I'm a distance swimmer myself.
110 miles divided by 53 hours is an average speed of 2.07 mph. Ambitious, but reachable.
I did the mile at camp this summer. Remember, no long-term training, and 6 months post-chemotherapy, and I did it in about 55 minutes. But I used the sidestroke, which is not fast.
Two swimmers in our group, a competitor and a coach, did the crawl over the entire distance and both finished in under 25 minutes. So the pace she swam is not unreasonable....the question is, can you keep that up for 53 hours?
I don't know whether to snark tag this or not. Sheesh, must everything be a conspiracy now?
Comment by TriSec on 09/09/2013 15:58:24
Hey now, them's good eatin'!!!
TriSec on 09/09/2013 15:58:24
Quote by wickedpam:
That's some freaky chicken/duck hybrid! RUN!
Hey now, them's good eatin'!!!
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 16:04:15
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 16:04:15
I swear by all things holy if I ever find out definitely who screwed up our network but letting a virus lose in the network I'm going to give the a stern talking too! I'm still (STILL) dealing with fall out!!!!! 
Comment by TriSec on 09/09/2013 16:40:50
TriSec on 09/09/2013 16:40:50
And so I check the weather with dread, hoping for low clouds and rain Wednesday. Brilliant blue skies still freak me out.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 16:45:29
I still call those skies nine eleven blue.
I'm happy to report that sense of dread doesn't grip me as it once did.
Raine on 09/09/2013 16:45:29
Quote by TriSec:
And so I check the weather with dread, hoping for low clouds and rain Wednesday. Brilliant blue skies still freak me out.
I'm happy to report that sense of dread doesn't grip me as it once did.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 16:53:31
I know its going to sound callous but at this point I'm very indifferent to the day and it just ticks me off with all the tip toeing around especially being done by people who simply use the day to scare people.
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 16:53:31
Quote by Raine:I still call those skies nine eleven blue.Quote by TriSec:
And so I check the weather with dread, hoping for low clouds and rain Wednesday. Brilliant blue skies still freak me out.
I'm happy to report that sense of dread doesn't grip me as it once did.
I know its going to sound callous but at this point I'm very indifferent to the day and it just ticks me off with all the tip toeing around especially being done by people who simply use the day to scare people.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 16:56:07
Raine on 09/09/2013 16:56:07
I'm more and more convinced that the Syria issue might be a long term strategy. Not saying I like this strategy, but after reading story after story that Obama isn't looking for regime change -- and limited strikes to send a shot across the bow as a warning, this is important.
I hope and pray my gut is right.
Russia will urge Syria to move their chemical weapons to areas under international inspection in order to dismantle them.
This is a huge and important shift, both in possible U.N. support for Obama’s call to action against Syria and in unlikely aversion of a need for military strikes. Russia is basically offering to persuade Syria to give up its chemical weapons in exchange for the possible aversion of the U. S. strike on Syria.
I hope and pray my gut is right.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 17:01:21
Doesn't sound callous to me. I hate the entire fear industry that cropped up after the attacks.
I've said it before, and I might reprise that post from two years ago -- I never understood how so many that weren't there that day could be so affected.
Most of the people that used that day to scare people were not there. They were not at the Pentagon, Shanksville or in NYC. Those that use it as a way to kep the fear up were just not there.
They were watching on TV. They were at home.
Raine on 09/09/2013 17:01:21
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I still call those skies nine eleven blue.Quote by TriSec:
And so I check the weather with dread, hoping for low clouds and rain Wednesday. Brilliant blue skies still freak me out.
I'm happy to report that sense of dread doesn't grip me as it once did.
I know its going to sound callous but at this point I'm very indifferent to the day and it just ticks me off with all the tip toeing around especially being done by people who simply use the day to scare people.
I've said it before, and I might reprise that post from two years ago -- I never understood how so many that weren't there that day could be so affected.
Most of the people that used that day to scare people were not there. They were not at the Pentagon, Shanksville or in NYC. Those that use it as a way to kep the fear up were just not there.
They were watching on TV. They were at home.
Comment by TriSec on 09/09/2013 17:04:23
TriSec on 09/09/2013 17:04:23
I don't know how I'll do this year until we actually get there. I always tell myself that at some point it's going to be "just another day" (Yes, sounds callous too), but everybody remembers how we felt after the Challenger blew up, right? It's still there, but it doesn't feel the same anymore.
I maintain my own memorial - 9/11 is the only day of the year I don't look up when something flies over.
I maintain my own memorial - 9/11 is the only day of the year I don't look up when something flies over.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 17:06:29
I mean I understand the feeling of being vulnerable. But unless you were in those 3 places you didn't get the full effect.
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 17:06:29
Quote by Raine:Doesn't sound callous to me. I hate the entire fear industry that cropped up after the attacks.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I still call those skies nine eleven blue.Quote by TriSec:
And so I check the weather with dread, hoping for low clouds and rain Wednesday. Brilliant blue skies still freak me out.
I'm happy to report that sense of dread doesn't grip me as it once did.
I know its going to sound callous but at this point I'm very indifferent to the day and it just ticks me off with all the tip toeing around especially being done by people who simply use the day to scare people.
I've said it before, and I might reprise that post from two years ago -- I never understood how so many that weren't there that day could be so affected.
Most of the people that used that day to scare people were not there. They were not at the Pentagon, Shanksville or in NYC. Those that use it as a way to kep the fear up were just not there.
They were watching on TV. They were at home.
I mean I understand the feeling of being vulnerable. But unless you were in those 3 places you didn't get the full effect.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 17:12:07
Yes.
Raine on 09/09/2013 17:12:07
Quote by wickedpam:
I mean I understand the feeling of being vulnerable. But unless you were in those 3 places you didn't get the full effect.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 17:16:58
I know this. I saw the challenger on TV. I don;t know how t explain it, and I may never will be able to, but seeing something on TV after 9/11 just feels distant -- disconnected. It's not without feeling, mind you -- it's not like that at all.
It's more like I cannot even begin to assume I know the shoes (those people on TV) are wearing.
It's not fear, it is just overwhelming. I was lucky. I was not working down there (as I was just a few months before) and I lost no loved ones n the attacks. I just saw it. That was all. I saw it.
Raine on 09/09/2013 17:16:58
Quote by TriSec:
I don't know how I'll do this year until we actually get there. I always tell myself that at some point it's going to be "just another day" (Yes, sounds callous too), but everybody remembers how we felt after the Challenger blew up, right? It's still there, but it doesn't feel the same anymore.
I maintain my own memorial - 9/11 is the only day of the year I don't look up when something flies over.
It's more like I cannot even begin to assume I know the shoes (those people on TV) are wearing.
It's not fear, it is just overwhelming. I was lucky. I was not working down there (as I was just a few months before) and I lost no loved ones n the attacks. I just saw it. That was all. I saw it.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/09/2013 17:24:51
The "Russian offer" was for Assad to allow full and clear inspections of all purported chemical weapons by the UN, and for any that are discovered to be destroyed.
Now, this is gonna be interesting to watch. Not because of what Obama's reaction will be. I have a feeling we already know he'll go along with this and any military intervention will be postponed pending the outcome. I'm talking about the GOP idiots in Congress. Remember back during the leadup to Dubya's war - Saddam was extremely open and forthcoming about allowing inspections of everything by the UN. And Dubya went in anyways, and all his Congresscritters were bloodthirsty. Now, when Obama back down from invading/bombing in favor of inspections, I fully expect every single one of those Reps and Senators opposing the war powers resolution to IMMEDIATELY switch to being in favor of it, and to start whining incessantly about Obama's weak leadership.
Scoopster on 09/09/2013 17:24:51
Quote by @BBCMarkMardell:
Jeremy Bowen says Syria has accepted Russian offer - US response now critical. WH briefing due soon.
The "Russian offer" was for Assad to allow full and clear inspections of all purported chemical weapons by the UN, and for any that are discovered to be destroyed.
Now, this is gonna be interesting to watch. Not because of what Obama's reaction will be. I have a feeling we already know he'll go along with this and any military intervention will be postponed pending the outcome. I'm talking about the GOP idiots in Congress. Remember back during the leadup to Dubya's war - Saddam was extremely open and forthcoming about allowing inspections of everything by the UN. And Dubya went in anyways, and all his Congresscritters were bloodthirsty. Now, when Obama back down from invading/bombing in favor of inspections, I fully expect every single one of those Reps and Senators opposing the war powers resolution to IMMEDIATELY switch to being in favor of it, and to start whining incessantly about Obama's weak leadership.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 17:25:07
Raine on 09/09/2013 17:25:07
Anyway... Some good news!
Be FREE CHICKENS!
200 of them are going to the Woodstock farm animal sanctuary.
Be FREE CHICKENS!
200 of them are going to the Woodstock farm animal sanctuary.
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 17:27:46
I'd like to disagree with you, but I think you are right.
That said -- I want Syria to sign that treaty. This is big news. (see my post below)
Raine on 09/09/2013 17:27:46
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by @BBCMarkMardell:
Jeremy Bowen says Syria has accepted Russian offer - US response now critical. WH briefing due soon.
The "Russian offer" was for Assad to allow full and clear inspections of all purported chemical weapons by the UN, and for any that are discovered to be destroyed.
Now, this is gonna be interesting to watch. Not because of what Obama's reaction will be. I have a feeling we already know he'll go along with this and any military intervention will be postponed pending the outcome. I'm talking about the GOP idiots in Congress. Remember back during the leadup to Dubya's war - Saddam was extremely open and forthcoming about allowing inspections of everything by the UN. And Dubya went in anyways, and all his Congresscritters were bloodthirsty. Now, when Obama back down from invading/bombing in favor of inspections, I fully expect every single one of those Reps and Senators opposing the war powers resolution to IMMEDIATELY switch to being in favor of it, and to start whining incessantly about Obama's weak leadership.
That said -- I want Syria to sign that treaty. This is big news. (see my post below)
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 17:52:18
Raine on 09/09/2013 17:52:18
I'm watching the WH Press briefing -- IT is looking more and more like we aren't going into Syria.
I'm still terribly concerned about the other human rights abuses that are happening there. I suppose tho that until we can explicitly say that rape as a war weapon violates human rights treaties...
(you know, women will never be that important in war theatre.)
I'm still terribly concerned about the other human rights abuses that are happening there. I suppose tho that until we can explicitly say that rape as a war weapon violates human rights treaties...
(you know, women will never be that important in war theatre.)
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 18:11:39
Stupid dust.
(BTW -- where is Mondo?)
Raine on 09/09/2013 18:11:39
Stupid dust.
(BTW -- where is Mondo?)
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 18:16:45
Good question, wo ist Herr Mondo?
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 18:16:45
Quote by Raine:
Stupid dust.
(BTW -- where is Mondo?)
Good question, wo ist Herr Mondo?
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 19:03:04
Raine on 09/09/2013 19:03:04
Well -- look at this ish.
George Zimmerman has been taken into custody -- something involving a gun.
George Zimmerman has been taken into custody -- something involving a gun.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/09/2013 19:08:17
Yeah....
Scoopster on 09/09/2013 19:08:17
Quote by Raine:
Well -- look at this ish.
George Zimmerman has been taken into custody -- something involving a gun.
Quote by The Associated Press @AP:
BREAKING: George Zimmerman's wife calls police, saying he threatened her and her dad with a gun, police say
Yeah....
Comment by wickedpam on 09/09/2013 19:09:30
someone has anger management issues...
wickedpam on 09/09/2013 19:09:30
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
Well -- look at this ish.
George Zimmerman has been taken into custody -- something involving a gun.Quote by The Associated Press @AP:
BREAKING: George Zimmerman's wife calls police, saying he threatened her and her dad with a gun, police say
Yeah....
someone has anger management issues...
Comment by Scoopster on 09/09/2013 19:24:42
Scoopster on 09/09/2013 19:24:42
Ooooh that reminds me! I have two supah-sekrit π-r8 invites ready to go for those who would want them! PM me your email address on the book of faces if you're ready for the goods!
And don't worry I will get more..
And don't worry I will get more..
Comment by Raine on 09/09/2013 19:48:25
Randi is sounding little 
Raine on 09/09/2013 19:48:25
Randi is sounding little