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Drop by Drop
Author: BobR
Date: 08/12/2013 13:04:19
Drop by drop, the rain fills the ocean. The drops fall upon the ground, feeding tiny rivulets that become the streams and brooks and creeks, that flow into the mighty rivers of blood that fills an ocean of death. PBS commentator Mark Shields delivered the stunning statistic that more people in the U.S. have died at the barrel of a gun since 1968 than have died in all of the wars since this country began:
Yes, by "all" they've included suicides and accidents. This is valid because we are constantly being told that guns will keep us safe. From whom, I wonder? Certainly not from ourselves.
We like to think of ourselves as the greatest nation on earth. Greatest at what? Not at healthcare, not in education... Take a look at this 8th grade test from 1912. Do you think the average high schooler these days could pass this? America is getting fatter and lazier and dumber; a simple look at programming on any of the cable channels will tell you that. We rely on technology and other crutches. We see the rich taking more and more of the wealth and vote for candidates who say they will do more of the same because they're "job creators". We believe the propaganda because it makes us feel better.
Meanwhile, we are slowly returning to a feudal society where the serfs work for scraps for the kings, where life is cheap. Unfortunately, the swords of olde are now high-powered weapons that can kill easily, at a distance, without requiring the bearer to learn swordplay or have the strength to do battle. An accident is no longer a cut - it's now brains splattered on the wall. Suicide is a quick pull of the trigger. Idiocracy + a bleak future + simple effective tools of death = a pile of bodies higher than the generals on the battlefield could muster.
But let's not infringe on our "God-given" right to bear arms. Perhaps the fundamentalists are correct - perhaps He IS a vengeful god, smiting us for our sins. Except he is standing back and letting us smite ourselves. Judge, jury, executioner.
Is that 2nd Amendment right really worth it? The U.S. is certainly one of the greatest countries in the world - at killing ourselves with guns. Whatever one's belief is with regards to the 2nd Amendment, one fact is simple. It is NOT keeping us safer; it is NOT preventing deaths. It is only freeing us from life itself. It is only creating death.
And drop by drop - a river of blood.
"You know, Judy, the reality is — and it’s a terrible reality — since Robert Kennedy died in the Ambassador Hotel on June 4, 1968, more Americans have died from gunfire than died in all the — all the wars, all the wars of this country’s history, from the Revolutionary through the Civil War, World War I, World War II, in those 43 years."
In considering all gun deaths in America since 1968, not just homicides, they gleaned their figures from databases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FBI
Yes, by "all" they've included suicides and accidents. This is valid because we are constantly being told that guns will keep us safe. From whom, I wonder? Certainly not from ourselves.
We like to think of ourselves as the greatest nation on earth. Greatest at what? Not at healthcare, not in education... Take a look at this 8th grade test from 1912. Do you think the average high schooler these days could pass this? America is getting fatter and lazier and dumber; a simple look at programming on any of the cable channels will tell you that. We rely on technology and other crutches. We see the rich taking more and more of the wealth and vote for candidates who say they will do more of the same because they're "job creators". We believe the propaganda because it makes us feel better.
Meanwhile, we are slowly returning to a feudal society where the serfs work for scraps for the kings, where life is cheap. Unfortunately, the swords of olde are now high-powered weapons that can kill easily, at a distance, without requiring the bearer to learn swordplay or have the strength to do battle. An accident is no longer a cut - it's now brains splattered on the wall. Suicide is a quick pull of the trigger. Idiocracy + a bleak future + simple effective tools of death = a pile of bodies higher than the generals on the battlefield could muster.
But let's not infringe on our "God-given" right to bear arms. Perhaps the fundamentalists are correct - perhaps He IS a vengeful god, smiting us for our sins. Except he is standing back and letting us smite ourselves. Judge, jury, executioner.
Is that 2nd Amendment right really worth it? The U.S. is certainly one of the greatest countries in the world - at killing ourselves with guns. Whatever one's belief is with regards to the 2nd Amendment, one fact is simple. It is NOT keeping us safer; it is NOT preventing deaths. It is only freeing us from life itself. It is only creating death.
And drop by drop - a river of blood.
Comments:
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Comment by 
BobR on 08/12/2013 13:16:54
BobR on 08/12/2013 13:16:54
I apologize in advance for the bright sunny blog this fine morning.. 
Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/12/2013 13:26:57
wickedpam on 08/12/2013 13:26:57
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 08/12/2013 13:53:01
TriSec on 08/12/2013 13:53:01
It's been my mantra for a while...the Founding Fathers were not infallible.
It is entirely possible that with the Second Ammendment, they made a mistake.
But that usually touches off an argument instead of a debate.
It is entirely possible that with the Second Ammendment, they made a mistake.
But that usually touches off an argument instead of a debate.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 14:04:14
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 14:04:14
Morning mon peeps.
Tri, WHAT? How could you even think that as people the Founding Fathers of the Greatest Country of All Time could possibly make an error? You hate Murica don't you? You commie.
Tri, WHAT? How could you even think that as people the Founding Fathers of the Greatest Country of All Time could possibly make an error? You hate Murica don't you? You commie.
Comment by TriSec on 08/12/2013 14:16:43
TriSec on 08/12/2013 14:16:43
Why, I hate 'Murrica so much, I live in freakin' MASSACHUSETTS!!!
Comment by wickedpam on 08/12/2013 14:18:46
wickedpam on 08/12/2013 14:18:46
Yes, like Jackie said premiums went up because the insurance company's want their money
Comment by TriSec on 08/12/2013 14:19:52
TriSec on 08/12/2013 14:19:52
You all heard about this, right?
Welcome RNC!
We here at Team Spilka wanted to take a few minutes to introduce you to our great state. We thought we’d give you a few pointers to help you with your stay in our Commonwealth:
First, be sure to take deep breaths while you’re here and soak up as much clean air as you can; we have some of the cleanest air in the country. In fact we are #1 in the country in clean energy.
For any gay, lesbian or transgender Americans traveling to the RNC meeting, we want you to be sure you know that discrimination is illegal. Also, if you meet that special someone, good news! We were the first state in the union to legalize same sex marriage!
Also, we can save you a few bucks at the airport when it comes to checking your bags. Don’t bother packing your assault weapons; they’re not allowed here. In fact we are in the top two states for lowest gun violence.
For any of the women attending the RNC meeting, if you need access to health care, or wish to go to a Planned Parenthood clinic for a cancer screening or contraception, you won’t have to drive several hours to the other side of the state; you also won’t be harassed on your way into a clinic.
We know that you all are obsessed with repealing the Affordable Care Act (doesn’t 40 votes seem a bit excessive even by your standards?). But we enacted the prototype right here in MA. And guess what? It’s great. Over 98% of our population is insured. Our health care premiums are down, insurance companies can’t discriminate on the basis of preexisting conditions. Young people are able to stay on their parents’ plans.
You may even want to stay and look for work! Our state’s economy is really taking off under our Democratic Governor Deval Patrick and our Democratic legislature. And if you would like to join a union, those are alive and well here, helping ensure a thriving middle class. We are also considered the Innovation State.
In fact you may want to move here so your kids can go to our terrific schools. MA has consistently been rated #1 in education.
So please enjoy our great state. Here’s hoping some of our values stick.
Sincerely,
Team Spilka
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 14:32:21
You must be one of the gays too!
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 14:32:21
Quote by TriSec:
Why, I hate 'Murrica so much, I live in freakin' MASSACHUSETTS!!!
You must be one of the gays too!
Comment by BobR on 08/12/2013 14:35:49
fixity!
BobR on 08/12/2013 14:35:49
Quote by TriSec:
Why, I hate 'Murrica so much, I live in freakin' TAX-ACHUSETTS!!!
fixity!
Comment by 
Raine on 08/12/2013 14:36:37
I had a decent nights sleep for the first time in weeks.
Powerful and thought provoking blog this morning.
Raine on 08/12/2013 14:36:37
I had a decent nights sleep for the first time in weeks. Powerful and thought provoking blog this morning.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 14:39:17
Raine on 08/12/2013 14:39:17
That letter is a slice of perfection, Tri.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 14:42:45
It amazes me that people would argue otherwise. the bill of rights and the ensuing amendments are proof that they themselves knew that they were imperfect.
Raine on 08/12/2013 14:42:45
Quote by TriSec:
It's been my mantra for a while...the Founding Fathers were not infallible.
It is entirely possible that with the Second Ammendment, they made a mistake.
But that usually touches off an argument instead of a debate.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 14:55:58
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 14:55:58
I hope everyone is having an A-1 day!*
*Breaking Bad reference.
*Breaking Bad reference.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 15:01:07
Raine on 08/12/2013 15:01:07
This entire BS shit coming out of Russia just reeks of supremacy. They are going after the Gays now and have been -- for sometime -- been concerned about the rise of people in the Muslim religion in Russia.
The Roman Orthodox Church -- with Putin's blessing -- is setting up something very very dangerous.
The Roman Orthodox Church -- with Putin's blessing -- is setting up something very very dangerous.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 15:11:20
OMG Rocky Mountain Mike outdid himself!
Raine on 08/12/2013 15:11:20
OMG Rocky Mountain Mike outdid himself!
Comment by TriSec on 08/12/2013 15:12:39
TriSec on 08/12/2013 15:12:39
I am loathe to even suggest it, but it seems to me that Russia's recent machinations on human rights are actually a boycottable event WRT Sochi.
However, under the IOC rules, that would mean that we'd be banned from the next one, too. (This is a punitive measure instituted after the tit-for-tat boycotts in 1980 and 1984.)
I'm thinking somebody is a little nostalgic for the Cold War, and it isn't the guy on the Vineyard.
However, under the IOC rules, that would mean that we'd be banned from the next one, too. (This is a punitive measure instituted after the tit-for-tat boycotts in 1980 and 1984.)
I'm thinking somebody is a little nostalgic for the Cold War, and it isn't the guy on the Vineyard.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 08/12/2013 15:16:17
trojanrabbit on 08/12/2013 15:16:17
I suppose if someone could show me a sign that said No Catholic Parking I'd be OK with it.
I'd like to pass this off as ignorance, but I can't.
I'd like to pass this off as ignorance, but I can't.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 15:26:29
Dumb-asses could have easily said no church parking and it would have been fine.
Raine on 08/12/2013 15:26:29
Quote by trojanrabbit:
I suppose if someone could show me a sign that said No Catholic Parking I'd be OK with it.
I'd like to pass this off as ignorance, but I can't.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 15:28:14
Raine on 08/12/2013 15:28:14
Romney's grandparents were still considered American citizens.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/12/2013 15:34:34
better yet they could have simply said "Parking for Shopping Center Patrons Only" I've seen that sign in lots of lots, mostly to deter commuters from leaving their car all day and taking the bus or train into the city.
wickedpam on 08/12/2013 15:34:34
Quote by Raine:Dumb-asses could have easily said no church parking and it would have been fine.Quote by trojanrabbit:
I suppose if someone could show me a sign that said No Catholic Parking I'd be OK with it.
I'd like to pass this off as ignorance, but I can't.
better yet they could have simply said "Parking for Shopping Center Patrons Only" I've seen that sign in lots of lots, mostly to deter commuters from leaving their car all day and taking the bus or train into the city.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 08/12/2013 15:36:41
My advice is to have some eye-bleach ready if you venture into the comments on that page.
trojanrabbit on 08/12/2013 15:36:41
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Dumb-asses could have easily said no church parking and it would have been fine.Quote by trojanrabbit:
I suppose if someone could show me a sign that said No Catholic Parking I'd be OK with it.
I'd like to pass this off as ignorance, but I can't.
better yet they could have simply said "Parking for Shopping Center Patrons Only" I've seen that sign in lots of lots, mostly to deter commuters from leaving their car all day and taking the bus or train into the city.
My advice is to have some eye-bleach ready if you venture into the comments on that page.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/12/2013 15:53:11
livingonli on 08/12/2013 15:53:11
Good morning everyone. It's going to be fun for me to wake up early tomorrow for my bankruptcy hearing.
Comment by TriSec on 08/12/2013 15:56:57
TriSec on 08/12/2013 15:56:57
Our old church goes the other way...it's across the street from the Connors Pool, and even though they allow pool parking, it's only in one row. The rest of the lot is signed "NO POOL PARKING", not "NO SWIMMER PARKING".
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 16:04:35
It's Texas, they are kinda stupid there.
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 16:04:35
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Dumb-asses could have easily said no church parking and it would have been fine.Quote by trojanrabbit:
I suppose if someone could show me a sign that said No Catholic Parking I'd be OK with it.
I'd like to pass this off as ignorance, but I can't.
better yet they could have simply said "Parking for Shopping Center Patrons Only" I've seen that sign in lots of lots, mostly to deter commuters from leaving their car all day and taking the bus or train into the city.
It's Texas, they are kinda stupid there.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 16:24:14
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 16:24:14
It is Erwin Schroedinger's 162nd birthday. Cats everywhere are happy he's dead (or not).
An epic poem about Herr Doktor.
An epic poem about Herr Doktor.
Comment by livingonli on 08/12/2013 16:31:31
livingonli on 08/12/2013 16:31:31
Refresh comments is not working again.
Comment by livingonli on 08/12/2013 16:33:20
livingonli on 08/12/2013 16:33:20
Refresh comments is not working again.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 08/12/2013 16:59:44
Scoopster on 08/12/2013 16:59:44
We're back! 
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 17:12:18
Raine on 08/12/2013 17:12:18
Are we back?
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:31:47
Yes!
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:31:47
Quote by Raine:
Are we back?
Yes!
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:37:54
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:37:54
Yes, yes we are.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 17:38:07
^^ We're back!! ^^
Suck it, schrodinger's cat
Raine on 08/12/2013 17:38:07
^^ We're back!! ^^
Suck it, schrodinger's cat
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 17:44:28
Raine on 08/12/2013 17:44:28
A verdict has been reached in the Whitey Bulger case....
Comment by wickedpam on 08/12/2013 17:51:20
but didn't we exist is both places thus proving schrodinger's cat?
wickedpam on 08/12/2013 17:51:20
Quote by Raine:
^^ We're back!! ^^
Suck it, schrodinger's cat
but didn't we exist is both places thus proving schrodinger's cat?
Comment by livingonli on 08/12/2013 17:53:23
livingonli on 08/12/2013 17:53:23
Yay, I'm back!
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:54:11
Now you are getting all Heisenbergy and I don't mean you are cooking meth.
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:54:11
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
^^ We're back!! ^^
Suck it, schrodinger's cat
but didn't we exist is both places thus proving schrodinger's cat?
Now you are getting all Heisenbergy and I don't mean you are cooking meth.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 17:57:25
Whatevah...
Raine on 08/12/2013 17:57:25
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
^^ We're back!! ^^
Suck it, schrodinger's cat
but didn't we exist is both places thus proving schrodinger's cat?
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:58:18
Whitey does want to keep his Stanley Cup ring, but not the 822 grand.
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 17:58:18
Quote by Raine:
A verdict has been reached in the Whitey Bulger case....
Whitey does want to keep his Stanley Cup ring, but not the 822 grand.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/12/2013 17:59:51
ok, I'm gonna stop this here, cause the next post about matrixing is gonna fly way too far over my head.
wickedpam on 08/12/2013 17:59:51
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
^^ We're back!! ^^
Suck it, schrodinger's cat
but didn't we exist is both places thus proving schrodinger's cat?
Now you are getting all Heisenbergy and I don't mean you are cooking meth.
ok, I'm gonna stop this here, cause the next post about matrixing is gonna fly way too far over my head.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 18:01:18
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 18:01:18
Boston media, why aren't you breaking the Bulger verdict story? I'm looking at you Boston.com!
:waits for Tri's response with baited breath:
:waits for Tri's response with baited breath:
Comment by Scoopster on 08/12/2013 18:03:41
I'm watching the live video feed on the home page there.. Looks like they're waiting outside the courthouse for the verdict.
Scoopster on 08/12/2013 18:03:41
Quote by Mondobubba:
Boston media, why aren't you breaking the Bulger verdict story? I'm looking at you Boston.com!
:waits for Tri's response with baited breath:
I'm watching the live video feed on the home page there.. Looks like they're waiting outside the courthouse for the verdict.
Comment by Scoopster on 08/12/2013 18:04:39
Scoopster on 08/12/2013 18:04:39
Guilty of Racketeering & Conspiracy thereof..
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 18:15:55
Watching MSNBC and it looks like not all the verdicts have been read.
Raine on 08/12/2013 18:15:55
Quote by Scoopster:
Guilty of Racketeering & Conspiracy thereof..
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 18:18:50
hmmm....
Raine on 08/12/2013 18:18:50
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
A verdict has been reached in the Whitey Bulger case....
Whitey does want to keep his Stanley Cup ring, but not the 822 grand.
It wasn’t clear who gave Bulger the ring. Bulger paid for the wedding of NHL player Chris Nilan, who won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens, to Karen Stanley, daughter of Bulger’s late girlfriend Teresa Stanley. Nilan and Karen Stanley are now divorced.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 18:19:16
Well then he's going to die in jail.
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 18:19:16
Quote by Raine:Watching MSNBC and it looks like not all the verdicts have been read.Quote by Scoopster:
Guilty of Racketeering & Conspiracy thereof..
Well then he's going to die in jail.
Comment by Scoopster on 08/12/2013 18:22:58
List of the counts & verdicts here.
He didn't get convicted on everything, including a good number of the murder charges, but yeah he's goin' away for good.
Scoopster on 08/12/2013 18:22:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Watching MSNBC and it looks like not all the verdicts have been read.Quote by Scoopster:
Guilty of Racketeering & Conspiracy thereof..
Well then he's going to die in jail.
List of the counts & verdicts here.
He didn't get convicted on everything, including a good number of the murder charges, but yeah he's goin' away for good.
Comment by Raine on 08/12/2013 18:22:58
I hope I am doing this right, Mondo.
Thanks for this article, it made me feel a little more confident in how I've been doing WRT Linda.
Raine on 08/12/2013 18:22:58
Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine, I give this two huge thumbs up.
I hope I am doing this right, Mondo.
Thanks for this article, it made me feel a little more confident in how I've been doing WRT Linda.
Comment by TriSec on 08/12/2013 18:29:30
TriSec on 08/12/2013 18:29:30
*grunt*
I've been checking hourly since the jury started deliberating. So of course, I get bogged down in a big problem today and miss it.
No surprise, though.
I've been checking hourly since the jury started deliberating. So of course, I get bogged down in a big problem today and miss it.
No surprise, though.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 18:29:34
There is not right way or wrong way. Only some things to keep in mind. You are doing what is right for Linda.
Mondobubba on 08/12/2013 18:29:34
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine, I give this two huge thumbs up.
I hope I am doing this right, Mondo.
Thanks for this article, it made me feel a little more confident in how I've been doing WRT Linda.
There is not right way or wrong way. Only some things to keep in mind. You are doing what is right for Linda.