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Together Forward
Author: Will in Chicago
Date: 2012-12-20 11:00:46
It has been a little less than a week since the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut where a man killed 20 children and six adults before turning the gun on himself. Even with the distance of time, the wound is still raw and many Americans ask how such a tragedy could happen in this country. We wondered why and search for answers to why this shooting happened and what can be done to prevent similar tragedies, a question that we have asked in the wake of other mass shootings since Columbine..
For myself, I was stunned as I have seldom been stunned. I have been a reporter, and covered murders. I have worked as a teacher and been in many classrooms. I have been in schools where several children in the surrounding neighborhood died each year. In one case, I showed up at a Chicago Public School where high school students walked out to protest the shooting of an honors student on a bus as he tried to push a friend out of the way of gunfire.
When I visited Northern Illinois University at DeKalb, Illinois in the wake of a shooting that left five people dead, I saw signs that said "Together Forward." In the wake of Friday's tragedy in Newtown, these words came back to me as I mourned and reflected on the deaths of the innocent and searched for answers.
The outpouring of sorrow and support for grieving families has been profound. There have been condolences offered throughout the world. Yet, we already have some politicizing of the tragedy.
Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), has called for more guns as ways to prevent gun violence. Some people are going even further.
The Washington Post reports that someone in Virginia wants teacher to be armed in the classroom.
In an article in Salon, The answer is not more guns, Alex Seitz-Wald examines the claim that more guns will make it safe and finds the argument wanting:
In the face of the public sorrow over the tragedy in Newtown, the president has called for a task force to look at our nation's gun control laws. According to a report in Reuters:
The story refers to a move by Cerberus Capital Management to get out of the gun manufacturing business.
For myself, I have always believed that dialog is crucial for democracy. If we do not speak up, the loudest voice in the room will often be the one with the biggest bankroll. Whether we are concerned with gun control, worry about Social Security changes under the( fiscal cliff negotiations that now appear to be stalled), global climate change or other issues, we must believe in our own power. As a student of history, it seems that the only thing that truly makes change is people putting pressures on leaders. Indeed, a good and moral leader needs to have the support of the public to help press for change if for no other reason than to help move others along.
I believe that we will be able to address the problems in our society and our world. We will need honest dialog and a variety of approaches. We will need both an outside strategy -- protests and actions by independent organizations -- and an inside strategy -- getting allies into positions of power. Whether it is through one small act , such as petitioning a member of Congress or protesting, or a larger act such as organizing mass movements or running for higher office, we have both the power and the responsibility to change this world. Even though the Occupy movement did not change all that it wished, it changed the national and international dialog on the issue of income inequality. Indeed, income inequality was perhaps the issue that brought down Mitt Romney with his remark on the 47 percent. (That remark was chosen as quote of the year by a Yale librarian who released his seventh annual list of memorable quotes.)
It is our task to remember that we can change the world and work to do so, in our own ways and in our own time. We may not all see the full growth of what seeds we plant, but others will harvest the fruit of the trees that we plant. The answer to horrific death and suffering is not to fall into despair and hatred, but to affirm life. The best way to honor the dead is to build a better world for the living.
For myself, I was stunned as I have seldom been stunned. I have been a reporter, and covered murders. I have worked as a teacher and been in many classrooms. I have been in schools where several children in the surrounding neighborhood died each year. In one case, I showed up at a Chicago Public School where high school students walked out to protest the shooting of an honors student on a bus as he tried to push a friend out of the way of gunfire.
When I visited Northern Illinois University at DeKalb, Illinois in the wake of a shooting that left five people dead, I saw signs that said "Together Forward." In the wake of Friday's tragedy in Newtown, these words came back to me as I mourned and reflected on the deaths of the innocent and searched for answers.
The outpouring of sorrow and support for grieving families has been profound. There have been condolences offered throughout the world. Yet, we already have some politicizing of the tragedy.
Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), has called for more guns as ways to prevent gun violence. Some people are going even further.
The Washington Post reports that someone in Virginia wants teacher to be armed in the classroom.
Va. bill would order schools to arm teachers
By Laura Vozzella, Updated: Wednesday, December 19, 11:54 AM
Del. Robert G. Marshall is proposing a bill that would require some teachers or other school staff to carry concealed weapons in schools.
Marshall (R-Prince William) requested that the bill be drafted in response to the mass shooting last week at a Connecticut elementary school.
Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R ) said this week that there should be a discussion about whether school staff should be allowed to carry concealed weapons to protect children against intruders.
Marshall’s proposal goes beyond the governor’s comments, which were made in the course of a radio interview Tuesday. Marshall would not only allow staff with concealed handgun permits to carry them in schools, but require school districts to designate some staff members to do so. Those employees would have to be certified in gun safety and competence, Marshall said.
In an article in Salon, The answer is not more guns, Alex Seitz-Wald examines the claim that more guns will make it safe and finds the argument wanting:
Researchers at Harvard have conducted numerous studies comparing data across states and countries with different gun laws and concluded, quite simply, Where there are more guns, there is more homicide.
Daniel Webster, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, explained in an interview: It's hard to make the case, as some have done, that right-to-carry laws will lead to an enormous increase in violence. That does not appear to be the case. But it also does not appear to be the case that there is any beneficial effect.
So if you want to argue that the reason we have so many mass shootings, the reason that the United States has a homicide rate about seven times higher than other developed countries, is because we don't allow enough concealed carry of firearms, the data just don't bear that out. And the thought experiment that you do is almost laughable," Webster added.
Colin Goddard, who became an advocate with the Brady Campaign after getting shot multiple times at the Virginia Tech shooting, put it another way: "If more guns would lead to less crime, then why is America not the safest place in the world, with 300 million guns?"
In the face of the public sorrow over the tragedy in Newtown, the president has called for a task force to look at our nation's gun control laws. According to a report in Reuters:
White House readies gun-control plan as more children laid to rest
By Edward Krudy and Peter Rudegeair
NEWTOWN, Connecticut | Wed Dec 19, 2012 6:15pm EST
(Reuters) - President Barack Obama assigned Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday to find ways to curtail gun violence in America to try to avoid tragedies like the elementary school massacre in Connecticut, where the town buried one of its heroes on Wednesday.
With Newtown still in mourning from last Friday's shooting, when a 20-year-old gunman shot dead 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School and then himself, Biden took the assignment to produce recommendations and to report back to Obama in time for the president's State of the Union address in late January.
Obama's initiative addressed national outrage over the shootings in Connecticut, which have prompted longtime gun-rights supporters to reconsider their positions and a major private equity firm to put its gun-making business up for sale.
The story refers to a move by Cerberus Capital Management to get out of the gun manufacturing business.
For myself, I have always believed that dialog is crucial for democracy. If we do not speak up, the loudest voice in the room will often be the one with the biggest bankroll. Whether we are concerned with gun control, worry about Social Security changes under the( fiscal cliff negotiations that now appear to be stalled), global climate change or other issues, we must believe in our own power. As a student of history, it seems that the only thing that truly makes change is people putting pressures on leaders. Indeed, a good and moral leader needs to have the support of the public to help press for change if for no other reason than to help move others along.
I believe that we will be able to address the problems in our society and our world. We will need honest dialog and a variety of approaches. We will need both an outside strategy -- protests and actions by independent organizations -- and an inside strategy -- getting allies into positions of power. Whether it is through one small act , such as petitioning a member of Congress or protesting, or a larger act such as organizing mass movements or running for higher office, we have both the power and the responsibility to change this world. Even though the Occupy movement did not change all that it wished, it changed the national and international dialog on the issue of income inequality. Indeed, income inequality was perhaps the issue that brought down Mitt Romney with his remark on the 47 percent. (That remark was chosen as quote of the year by a Yale librarian who released his seventh annual list of memorable quotes.)
It is our task to remember that we can change the world and work to do so, in our own ways and in our own time. We may not all see the full growth of what seeds we plant, but others will harvest the fruit of the trees that we plant. The answer to horrific death and suffering is not to fall into despair and hatred, but to affirm life. The best way to honor the dead is to build a better world for the living.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 12:47:35
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 12:47:35
Good morning, bloggers!!! Please pardon the multiple blog entries as I had some problems saving the blog last night. (About two internal server errors and my own clumsiness.)
In addition to the blog, here is a very interesting science story from Space.com:
In addition to the blog, here is a very interesting science story from Space.com:
Potentially Habitable Planet Detected Around Nearby Star
by Mike Wall, SPACE.com Senior Writer
Date: 19 December 2012 Time: 12:01 AM ET
A sun-like star in our solar system's backyard may host five planets, including one perhaps capable of supporting life as we know it, a new study reports.
Astronomers have detected five possible alien planets circling the star Tau Ceti, which is less than 12 light-years from Earth — a mere stone's throw in the cosmic scheme of things. One of the newfound worlds appears to orbit in Tau Ceti's habitable zone, a range of distances from a star where liquid water can exist on a planet's surface.
With a minimum mass just 4.3 times that of Earth, this potential planet would be the smallest yet found in the habitable zone of a sun-like star if it's confirmed, researchers said.
"This discovery is in keeping with our emerging view that virtually every star has planets, and that the galaxy must have many such potentially habitable Earth-sized planets," study co-author Steve Vogt, of the University of California, Santa Cruz, said in a statement. "They are everywhere, even right next door."
Comment by 
Raine on 12/20/2012 13:42:55
Raine on 12/20/2012 13:42:55
Very good stuff, Will. Thank you for the words. 
good morning!
good morning!
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 12/20/2012 13:49:21
velveeta jones on 12/20/2012 13:49:21
Morning. Great post Raine!
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/20/2012 13:50:48
TriSec on 12/20/2012 13:50:48
I spent minutes on this wee little ditty for our friends in the GOP:
Here we come a-waffling
Among the cash so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
Trying not to be seen.
REFRAIN
Food and drink come to you,
And to you your Lobby too;
And God bless you unless you are a Muslim or a queer;
And God send you a profit for the year.
We are corporate beggars
That beg from store to store;
We crush the neighbours' children,
Whom you have seen before.
REFRAIN
Call up the owner of this place,
Demand his golden ring.
Let him bring us up a pile of cash,
And special laws we shall bring.
REFRAIN
We have got a little purse
Of stretching leather skin;
We want all of your money
To line it well within.
REFRAIN
Here we come a-waffling
Among the cash so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
Trying not to be seen.
REFRAIN
Food and drink come to you,
And to you your Lobby too;
And God bless you unless you are a Muslim or a queer;
And God send you a profit for the year.
We are corporate beggars
That beg from store to store;
We crush the neighbours' children,
Whom you have seen before.
REFRAIN
Call up the owner of this place,
Demand his golden ring.
Let him bring us up a pile of cash,
And special laws we shall bring.
REFRAIN
We have got a little purse
Of stretching leather skin;
We want all of your money
To line it well within.
REFRAIN
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 13:52:57
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 13:52:57
Morning
Just stopping by a minute then out the door but I will be back later
Oh and Bob Marshall is an ASS of the highest regard. Gonna have to check into when he's up for re-election.
Just stopping by a minute then out the door but I will be back later
Oh and Bob Marshall is an ASS of the highest regard. Gonna have to check into when he's up for re-election.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/20/2012 13:54:56
Nice!
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 13:54:56
Quote by TriSec:
I spent minutes on this wee little ditty for our friends in the GOP:
Here we come a-waffling
Among the cash so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
Trying not to be seen.
REFRAIN
Food and drink come to you,
And to you your Lobby too;
And God bless you unless you are a Muslim or a queer;
And God send you a profit for the year.
We are corporate beggars
That beg from store to store;
We crush the neighbours' children,
Whom you have seen before.
REFRAIN
Call up the owner of this place,
Demand his golden ring.
Let him bring us up a pile of cash,
And special laws we shall bring.
REFRAIN
We have got a little purse
Of stretching leather skin;
We want all of your money
To line it well within.
REFRAIN
Nice!
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 13:55:25
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 13:55:25
Morning my homies!
Comment by TriSec on 12/20/2012 14:21:01
TriSec on 12/20/2012 14:21:01
Menwhile, somewhere in Worcester...
The tortured opening notes of "Wonderful Christmastime" come across the local radio station.
The pencil in TriSec's hand snaps in two like a rifle shot; he turns with the fury of a thousand suns all going supernova at the same time.
BUT Massachusetts has strict handgun and assault weapon rules. His fury wasted, TriSec lets out a sigh through clenched teeth, and meekly goes back to work.
Minutes later, the radio plays "Linus and Lucy" and all is well.
The tortured opening notes of "Wonderful Christmastime" come across the local radio station.
The pencil in TriSec's hand snaps in two like a rifle shot; he turns with the fury of a thousand suns all going supernova at the same time.
BUT Massachusetts has strict handgun and assault weapon rules. His fury wasted, TriSec lets out a sigh through clenched teeth, and meekly goes back to work.
Minutes later, the radio plays "Linus and Lucy" and all is well.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:22:59
Aaaaand scene!
Well done! Bravo!
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:22:59
Quote by TriSec:
Menwhile, somewhere in Worcester...
The tortured opening notes of "Wonderful Christmastime" come across the local radio station.
The pencil in TriSec's hand snaps in two like a rifle shot; he turns with the fury of a thousand suns all going supernova at the same time.
BUT Massachusetts has strict handgun and assault weapon rules. His fury wasted, TriSec lets out a sigh through clenched teeth, and meekly goes back to work.
Minutes later, the radio plays "Linus and Lucy" and all is well.
Aaaaand scene!
Well done! Bravo!
Comment by Raine on 12/20/2012 14:40:25
Why Thank you... but Today Will did the Thursday honors.
Raine on 12/20/2012 14:40:25
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning. Great post Raine!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:42:54
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:42:54
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:44:36
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:44:36
TriSec has gone strangely quiet. I wonder if he's entered into some sort of fugue state brought on by the chemo side effects and the Xmas songs working some strange and evil synergy on his body.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 14:51:46
I am sure that TriSec will be back. He may just be figuring out what he can have to eat and drink today.
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 14:51:46
Quote by Mondobubba:
TriSec has gone strangely quiet. I wonder if he's entered into some sort of fugue state brought on by the chemo side effects and the Xmas songs working some strange and evil synergy on his body.
I am sure that TriSec will be back. He may just be figuring out what he can have to eat and drink today.
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:52:02
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:52:02
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:52:44
Oh dear.
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 14:52:44
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
TriSec has gone strangely quiet. I wonder if he's entered into some sort of fugue state brought on by the chemo side effects and the Xmas songs working some strange and evil synergy on his body.
I am sure that TriSec will be back. He may just be figuring out what he can have to eat and drink today.
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Oh dear.
Comment by Raine on 12/20/2012 14:54:16
Raine on 12/20/2012 14:54:16
Well, she has a point, Sarah is irrelevant.
Comment by TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:02:55
TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:02:55
No, just enjoying the Boston Pops on the ol' ipod after the criminal assault on my eardrums by the McDevitt Middle School Cacophonic Orchestra the other night.
(Actually, they were mostly in tune...they were having problems with tempo. The lounge version of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" was rather interesting...)
(Actually, they were mostly in tune...they were having problems with tempo. The lounge version of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" was rather interesting...)
Comment by TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:05:10
TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:05:10
Regarding Chemo, I have mostly avoided the dreaded "Chemo Brain". Although my train of thought often derails easily, I rarely lose direction. It's getting things back on track that sometimes takes some doing.
And I saw my counterpart at the Troop meeting last night. Mr. Perry, our Troop Treasurer, was just diagnosed witth lymphoma and had his first treatment recently. He did seem a bit slow and unsteady on his feet, but he was there, dammit!
(Scouts are generally a tough bunch - don't mess with us.)
And I saw my counterpart at the Troop meeting last night. Mr. Perry, our Troop Treasurer, was just diagnosed witth lymphoma and had his first treatment recently. He did seem a bit slow and unsteady on his feet, but he was there, dammit!
(Scouts are generally a tough bunch - don't mess with us.)
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/20/2012 15:08:03
Scoopster on 12/20/2012 15:08:03
Mornin' all.
Now here's a religious display I can get behind!
Now here's a religious display I can get behind!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:08:19
Tri's brain on chemo.
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:08:19
Quote by TriSec:
Regarding Chemo, I have mostly avoided the dreaded "Chemo Brain". Although my train of thought often derails easily, I rarely lose direction. It's getting things back on track that sometimes takes some doing.
And I saw my counterpart at the Troop meeting last night. Mr. Perry, our Troop Treasurer, was just diagnosed witth lymphoma and had his first treatment recently. He did seem a bit slow and unsteady on his feet, but he was there, dammit!
(Scouts are generally a tough bunch - don't mess with us.)
Tri's brain on chemo.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:09:09
Waste of pork products.
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:09:09
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all.
Now here's a religious display I can get behind!
Waste of pork products.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:13:26
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:13:26
Since I might be getting a new(er) car this weekend, I've noticed that most newer cars have an enormous amount of electronic gee-gawgery in them. Nice analog gauges work perfectly well, global auto industry. Same the gee-gawgery for under the hood where it isn't a distraction.
Comment by TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:17:08
Say WIll, speaking strictly as a musician...is there any Jewish music in a major key? The kids played and sang an awful lot of Hannukah songs at the concert, and they all seem to be minor key and mournful. Surely there is a joyful noise unto the Lord in some sheet music?
TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:17:08
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Say WIll, speaking strictly as a musician...is there any Jewish music in a major key? The kids played and sang an awful lot of Hannukah songs at the concert, and they all seem to be minor key and mournful. Surely there is a joyful noise unto the Lord in some sheet music?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/20/2012 15:26:57
:dons Browncoat: Of course Firefly is more Shiny then any Star Wars.
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 15:26:57
Quote by Mondobubba:
Yesch! Firefly is better that Star Warsch! :inhaler, cheetoe dust, screaming at mom etc.:
:dons Browncoat: Of course Firefly is more Shiny then any Star Wars.
Comment by TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:33:05
TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:33:05
Our secretive santa person has brought your Loyal Trisec one of those little indoor helicopters. We'll be flying that around the office pretty soon, methinks.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:33:06
Well done, Mala.
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:33:06
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Yesch! Firefly is better that Star Warsch! :inhaler, cheetoe dust, screaming at mom etc.:
:dons Browncoat: Of course Firefly is more Shiny then any Star Wars.
Well done, Mala.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/20/2012 15:37:25
been a fan since it first aired, it was a totally awesome show that Fox screwed up by constantly moving the time slot. It was never on the same night.
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 15:37:25
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Yesch! Firefly is better that Star Warsch! :inhaler, cheetoe dust, screaming at mom etc.:
:dons Browncoat: Of course Firefly is more Shiny then any Star Wars.
Well done, Mala.
been a fan since it first aired, it was a totally awesome show that Fox screwed up by constantly moving the time slot. It was never on the same night.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:37:32
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:37:32
WHAT???
He also calls for us to “engage in more frank discussion of race and culture.†OK, sounds interesting, how do you mean? “For far too long we have tiptoed around these issues, fearful of being branded a racist. If black thugs kidnap and rape a woman, ask if there is something in the black culture that fostered that. If an evil white kid murders a bunch of children at the school, ask the same question of the white community … We have to stop hiding from our respective national sins.â€
Raise your hand if you have no idea what a mass murder by a “white kid†(who is somehow not branded a thug) has to do with a hypothetical group of “black thugs†(who are), except that clearly Birdnow is excited to not have to “tiptoe†around his desire to talk about one of them.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:37:59
That never helps.
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 15:37:59
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Yesch! Firefly is better that Star Warsch! :inhaler, cheetoe dust, screaming at mom etc.:
:dons Browncoat: Of course Firefly is more Shiny then any Star Wars.
Well done, Mala.
been a fan since it first aired, it was a totally awesome show that Fox screwed up by constantly moving the time slot. It was never on the same night.
That never helps.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 15:43:29
Well, there are perhaps a few but I am not a musician. I think that there is a lot
Try these:
Here is a remake of a pop song:
I think this fellow has your complaint in mind:
This may not be what you had in mind:
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 15:43:29
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Will in Chicago:
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Say WIll, speaking strictly as a musician...is there any Jewish music in a major key? The kids played and sang an awful lot of Hannukah songs at the concert, and they all seem to be minor key and mournful. Surely there is a joyful noise unto the Lord in some sheet music?
Well, there are perhaps a few but I am not a musician. I think that there is a lot
Try these:
Here is a remake of a pop song:
I think this fellow has your complaint in mind:
This may not be what you had in mind:
Comment by TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:52:36
TriSec on 12/20/2012 15:52:36
So now we need to don "Gay Apparel" in order to "Troll" a Christmas Carol?
I so don't get the gay rights movement.
I so don't get the gay rights movement.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:03:02
I was, well never mind...Will did it already. Now I've got the Driedel Song stuck in my head!
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:03:02
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Will in Chicago:
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Say WIll, speaking strictly as a musician...is there any Jewish music in a major key? The kids played and sang an awful lot of Hannukah songs at the concert, and they all seem to be minor key and mournful. Surely there is a joyful noise unto the Lord in some sheet music?
I was, well never mind...Will did it already. Now I've got the Driedel Song stuck in my head!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:05:32
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:05:32
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:07:25
Sterling Archer in "gay apparel."
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:07:25
Quote by TriSec:
So now we need to don "Gay Apparel" in order to "Troll" a Christmas Carol?
I so don't get the gay rights movement.
Sterling Archer in "gay apparel."
Comment by Raine on 12/20/2012 16:21:52
These things are starting to make my head hurt.
Raine on 12/20/2012 16:21:52
Quote by Mondobubba:
Sandy Hook masacre is Jon Stewart's fault? Really RWLM? Really?
These things are starting to make my head hurt.
Comment by Raine on 12/20/2012 16:28:35
Raine on 12/20/2012 16:28:35
look at this ish.
After issuing it statement the other day:
THIS IS WHAT THEY POST TODAY:
FLUCKERS.
After issuing it statement the other day:
The NRA is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters – and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown. Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting. The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.
THIS IS WHAT THEY POST TODAY:
Any efforts by the president and his Democratic allies to pass gun control legislation in Congress are likely to meet strong resistance from Republicans, some Democrats with rural constituencies and, ultimately, the National Rifle Association.
In declaring gun control a "central issue," Mr. Obama added one of the most divisive political debates to an agenda that already includes his ambitions to overhaul immigration law and the tax code. Mr. Obama directed Vice President Joe Biden to develop a list of potential changes to gun regulations, some of which he likely can put into place through administrative action.
FLUCKERS.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/20/2012 16:29:15
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 16:29:15
you know video games are already rated - how about parents actually follow those ratings and more buy a rated M game for a 12 year old
Comment by Raine on 12/20/2012 16:32:47
This was a point that Chris made.
Parents need to take responsibility for that stuff.
Raine on 12/20/2012 16:32:47
Quote by wickedpam:
you know video games are already rated - how about parents actually follow those ratings and more buy a rated M game for a 12 year old
Parents need to take responsibility for that stuff.
Comment by 
BobR on 12/20/2012 16:34:46
Nothing like making a bunch of Jewish characters out of pork products.
BobR on 12/20/2012 16:34:46
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all.
Now here's a religious display I can get behind!
Nothing like making a bunch of Jewish characters out of pork products.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/20/2012 16:34:50
I always thought Chris was pretty smart
:p
wickedpam on 12/20/2012 16:34:50
Quote by Raine:This was a point that Chris made.Quote by wickedpam:
you know video games are already rated - how about parents actually follow those ratings and more buy a rated M game for a 12 year old
Parents need to take responsibility for that stuff.
I always thought Chris was pretty smart
:p
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:36:27
Yeah I am getting a headache behind my eye from all that simple minded, reductionist, binary horseshite.
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 16:36:27
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Sandy Hook masacre is Jon Stewart's fault? Really RWLM? Really?
These things are starting to make my head hurt.
Yeah I am getting a headache behind my eye from all that simple minded, reductionist, binary horseshite.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 16:40:23
Sorry about that. Here is a remake of a pop song:
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 16:40:23
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Will in Chicago:
I donated blood yesterday at my synagogue. The Red Cross apparently did not realize at first that non-instrumental Christmas music might be a bit odd in a Jewish synagogue. (Someone chatted with them and they went to the instrumental version of songs.)
Say WIll, speaking strictly as a musician...is there any Jewish music in a major key? The kids played and sang an awful lot of Hannukah songs at the concert, and they all seem to be minor key and mournful. Surely there is a joyful noise unto the Lord in some sheet music?
I was, well never mind...Will did it already. Now I've got the Driedel Song stuck in my head!
Sorry about that. Here is a remake of a pop song:
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 16:42:30
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 16:42:30
There is a possible motive in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting from the Huffington Post:
Adam Lanza's Motive: Did Fear Of Being Committed Lead To Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting?
Nancy Lanza, the mother of the Sandy Hook shooter, was in the process of having her son committed to a psychiatric facility when he went on the mass shooting spree, a lifelong family acquaintance told Fox News.
A senior law enforcement official also confirmed that 20-year-old Lanza's anger over his mother's plan is being investigated as a possible motive for the Newtown shooting.
"From what I've been told, Adam was aware of her petitioning the court for conservatorship and (her) plans to have him committed," said Joshua Flashman, 25, who grew up not far from where the shooting took place. "Adam was apparently very upset about this. He thought she just wanted to send him away. From what I understand, he was really, really angry. I think this could have been it, what set him off."
It's unclear whether Adam's mother, Nancy Lanza, was really filing the paperwork, because court officials say that such records are sealed. But she would have gone through a longer process to get legal rights to commit an adult to a hospital or psych ward against his will.
Comment by Raine on 12/20/2012 16:57:45
So far, the only people who appear to have gone on record are his Aunt and the lawn guy--plus e a few people who say they knew her at the bar/restaurant.
It makes no sense. So many reports say that he was a introvert -- to have a break like this just doesn't seem right-- especially with anonymous sources. We keep hearing that he was an Aspie, and yet we have no proof of this. BTW, it is not a mental illness if that is true-
What I want to know -- and I would like reporters to ask this:
Have you told this to law enforcement?
I want to know if the people responsible for investigating this have this information.
Raine on 12/20/2012 16:57:45
Quote by Will in Chicago:
There is a possible motive in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting from the Huffington Post:Adam Lanza's Motive: Did Fear Of Being Committed Lead To Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting?
Nancy Lanza, the mother of the Sandy Hook shooter, was in the process of having her son committed to a psychiatric facility when he went on the mass shooting spree, a lifelong family acquaintance told Fox News.
A senior law enforcement official also confirmed that 20-year-old Lanza's anger over his mother's plan is being investigated as a possible motive for the Newtown shooting.
"From what I've been told, Adam was aware of her petitioning the court for conservatorship and (her) plans to have him committed," said Joshua Flashman, 25, who grew up not far from where the shooting took place. "Adam was apparently very upset about this. He thought she just wanted to send him away. From what I understand, he was really, really angry. I think this could have been it, what set him off."
It's unclear whether Adam's mother, Nancy Lanza, was really filing the paperwork, because court officials say that such records are sealed. But she would have gone through a longer process to get legal rights to commit an adult to a hospital or psych ward against his will.
It makes no sense. So many reports say that he was a introvert -- to have a break like this just doesn't seem right-- especially with anonymous sources. We keep hearing that he was an Aspie, and yet we have no proof of this. BTW, it is not a mental illness if that is true-
What I want to know -- and I would like reporters to ask this:
Have you told this to law enforcement?
I want to know if the people responsible for investigating this have this information.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 17:01:16
Mondobubba on 12/20/2012 17:01:16
Discovery give gun-themed shows a rest.
Even TLC had the good taste to acknowledge that in light of the tragedy, it was postponing its pilot “Best Funeral Ever†until January, when it will air after a Honey Boo Boo special. And this represents the last time we are ever using the words “good taste,†“TLC†and “Honey Boo Boo†in the same sentence.
Comment by 
livingonli on 12/20/2012 17:13:37
livingonli on 12/20/2012 17:13:37
Good day, everybody. The right-wing just keeps saying more stupid shit and I saw online that Fox and Friends had Santa on as part of the whole "War on Christmas" part and I have to go look at the post but it seems to provide further proof that the people who do Fox's morning show are mentally challenged.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 17:15:50
I hope that the people being interviewed by the press are talking with the police. I think that we should realize that there are a lot of unanswered questions. As I know a few people with autism spectrum disorders, I see nothing in my experiences which provide a connection to the shootings in Newtown.
Will in Chicago on 12/20/2012 17:15:50
Quote by Raine:So far, the only people who appear to have gone on record are his Aunt and the lawn guy--plus e a few people who say they knew her at the bar/restaurant.Quote by Will in Chicago:
There is a possible motive in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting from the Huffington Post:Adam Lanza's Motive: Did Fear Of Being Committed Lead To Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting?
Nancy Lanza, the mother of the Sandy Hook shooter, was in the process of having her son committed to a psychiatric facility when he went on the mass shooting spree, a lifelong family acquaintance told Fox News.
A senior law enforcement official also confirmed that 20-year-old Lanza's anger over his mother's plan is being investigated as a possible motive for the Newtown shooting.
"From what I've been told, Adam was aware of her petitioning the court for conservatorship and (her) plans to have him committed," said Joshua Flashman, 25, who grew up not far from where the shooting took place. "Adam was apparently very upset about this. He thought she just wanted to send him away. From what I understand, he was really, really angry. I think this could have been it, what set him off."
It's unclear whether Adam's mother, Nancy Lanza, was really filing the paperwork, because court officials say that such records are sealed. But she would have gone through a longer process to get legal rights to commit an adult to a hospital or psych ward against his will.
It makes no sense. So many reports say that he was a introvert -- to have a break like this just doesn't seem right-- especially with anonymous sources. We keep hearing that he was an Aspie, and yet we have no proof of this. BTW, it is not a mental illness if that is true-
What I want to know -- and I would like reporters to ask this:
Have you told this to law enforcement?
I want to know if the people responsible for investigating this have this information.
I hope that the people being interviewed by the press are talking with the police. I think that we should realize that there are a lot of unanswered questions. As I know a few people with autism spectrum disorders, I see nothing in my experiences which provide a connection to the shootings in Newtown.