tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post4024204283553789233..comments2024-03-24T18:43:18.706-04:00Comments on Darwinfish 2: Target Practice **Updated**bluzdudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-67536474658573302422012-12-18T18:31:44.749-05:002012-12-18T18:31:44.749-05:00I always knew you were a smart one... Must be a sa...I always knew you were a smart one... Must be a same-birthday thing.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-32945693905800997682012-12-17T22:40:01.053-05:002012-12-17T22:40:01.053-05:00Great post Bluz. I was talking to my husband tonig...Great post Bluz. I was talking to my husband tonight making many of these same points you mentioned. There is no need for people to have assault rifles.Jessica R.http://www.leelafish.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-30131875123988011132012-12-17T22:14:23.897-05:002012-12-17T22:14:23.897-05:00Now all we need are 60 senators with enough backbo...Now all we need are 60 senators with enough backbone to defy the NRA.<br /><br />Oh, and welcome back!bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-10455204267111921372012-12-17T22:09:12.937-05:002012-12-17T22:09:12.937-05:00I have been pretty sick for the last two weeks, an...I have been pretty sick for the last two weeks, and haven't kept up with your blog. But I'm back now, and wrote my own post on this subject, if you care to check it out. I was married for 11 years to a man who collected weapons. He had a hair-trigger temper and if I had stayed married to him, he probably would have eventually killed me. Guns have no place in the hands of mentally ill or mentally damaged people. The sensible and caring people of America SHOULD DEMAND ACTION ON GUN CONTROL! If not now, when? and if not us, who? The NRA has held Congress hostage for way too long. Here is something for your readers to ponder: A man carries a bomb in his shoe onto an airplane, and now everyone in America has to take their shoes off at the airport. <br /><br />NOW IS THE TIME, SO LET'S DO IT! To hell with the NRA!!Judiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02778815502961000469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-70354487016045105632012-12-17T19:45:12.690-05:002012-12-17T19:45:12.690-05:00I think it should be open to interpretation, just ...I think it should be open to interpretation, just like the rest of them. Free speech isn't absolute... we can't libel, slander, or yell 'fire' in a crowded theater. There's no reason the right to bear arms has to be completely unregulated, but for the maniacal, single-minded pressure of the NRA and its adherents.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-10875452252333667962012-12-17T18:53:41.621-05:002012-12-17T18:53:41.621-05:00I do think people get a little too "don't...I do think people get a little too "don't take away my 2nd amendment rights," which I don't think is what too many if any are asking for. But people also need to realize that times and people change. Just because something was in the constitution, does not mean it needs to stay in there forever or at least remain unaltered. If there were no changes, women, blacks and people from 18 to 20 could not vote. I don't know if I am saying we need to change the amendment (add a new one?), but I too don't get the need for the assault weapons either. Thanks for your explanation!Faciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12165861407055831754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-4572598680332347872012-12-17T18:36:00.969-05:002012-12-17T18:36:00.969-05:00Word.Word.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-49757020714211008642012-12-17T18:33:15.542-05:002012-12-17T18:33:15.542-05:00I’m no gun expert, but this is my understanding. ...I’m no gun expert, but this is my understanding. Semi-automatic means the gun will fire once for every time you pull the trigger, without re-cocking or anything. You just squeeze’em off. Fully automatic means you can hold the trigger down and bullets will continue to fire. I believe both would be considered “assault weapons,” but I’m not sure how specific that term is.<br /><br />The school shooter used a Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle for which he had a number of 30-round clips. He also had 2 other handguns with him, but never fired them.<br /><br />I’m not sure what we can do about the mental health aspect of the situation. I never read anything about any of these recent shooters where they were seeking “help” of any kind. And as long as this is still America, we can’t go around locking up every moody, sullen teen-aged boy… we’d run out of room in no time flat.<br /><br />I think we have to take the 2nd Amendment and give it no more reverence than we do the rest of the Amendments, which we have tugged at and pushed and stretched freely, to suit our ever-changing world. We need to do something about these weapons of mass murder… “WMMs,” if you will. There is no legitimate civilian use for these things and we make it entirely too easy to obtain.<br />bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-48152789406207912142012-12-17T18:32:03.792-05:002012-12-17T18:32:03.792-05:00Ah, so that means you usually disagree with me but...Ah, so that means you usually disagree with me but are holding back, for the sake of civil discourse. I’m good with that. Otherwise, please feel free to point out that I’m right.<br /><br />Just kidding… thanks for your level-headed response. I do think we have to take context into account with the Constitution and try to find a middle ground, where it’s no longer quite so easy to slaughter innocent children. We just have to stop yelling from extreme positions and have the will to move a bit. It’s the only way things can get done.<br /><br />Or, we can just keep killing each other, pointing fingers and perpetuating the cycle of tragedy.<br />bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-21266034622546165312012-12-17T17:09:49.116-05:002012-12-17T17:09:49.116-05:00Unfortunately, the 70 percent don't control al...Unfortunately, the 70 percent don't control all the money the NRA donates to political campaigns.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-17411480435470876332012-12-17T11:50:02.293-05:002012-12-17T11:50:02.293-05:00I am still trying to figure out how I feel about g...I am still trying to figure out how I feel about gun control, mostly because I don't know that much about the different types of guns, how hard it is to get them, etc. Did that guy use an assault weapon? And what the heck classifies as an assault weapon?!<br /><br />I like your dad's idea, though. And I do think we have to make it really tough to get guns. But if this guy had not been diagnosed with a mental illness, what would have stopped him from buying a gun? I am also not sure if the mom is to blame; I mean if the kid was just "odd," that may not have been enough of a reason for her not to have guns, but I don't know. We have a couple of kids at school with autism/aspergers. They have outburst but have never hurt anyone. Still, I don't think there should be guns at their house because you never know.<br /><br />Cassie's comments just depress me. And to take it one step further/to one of your comments, what about the people who need help but refuse to get it? Many of those people are ticking time bombs. That scares me more than just about anything in this situation.Faciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12165861407055831754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-25440986835058844892012-12-17T11:36:44.712-05:002012-12-17T11:36:44.712-05:00I don't usually comment on your political post...I don't usually comment on your political posts, as I abhor politics and the vitriolic discourse that usually comes with it. But I totally agree with everything you said. This tragedy has rocked me to my core, being the mom of 2 elementary school aged kids. And I just cannot fathom a society that does not understand the need for a limit on assault rifles. The 2nd Amendment was created to limit a newly formed govt by having a checks and balance system through the citizenry. It was also a much different society back then, where this was probably necessary. The complete blind and unwavering adherence to the wording of this amendment in this advanced society is ridiculous and myopic. Nobody's trying to take away your toys, boys. We are just trying to protect our children. Please let the current society and govt DO that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-21825516730814875922012-12-16T22:38:01.470-05:002012-12-16T22:38:01.470-05:00It must be that other 30% of the NRA that vehement...It must be that other 30% of the NRA that vehemently opposes every single limitation to complete gun freedom, from assault weapons to Teflon (cop killer) bullets, because of that infamous slippery slope. <br /><br />If what you say is true, it's time for the 70% to take control of their organization, and help get some common sense rules passed.<br /><br />Tough times, buddy... Thanks for being a voice of reason, both here and at Carpetbaggery.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-76667556016374090892012-12-16T22:24:16.941-05:002012-12-16T22:24:16.941-05:00Every year, 100,000 people are shot. 30,000 die. E...Every year, 100,000 people are shot. 30,000 die. Every year it happens all over again.<br /><br />On 9/11, 3,000 people died and we invaded two countries.<br /><br />Many other countries (Japan, Switzerland, Israel) have very strict gun-control laws, low levels of gun deaths, and -- shock -- remain thriving democracies. People should have a higher regard for the resilience of America's democracy. It does not need armed protection to survive.<br /><br />Heck, 70 percent of NRA members support things like background checks on ammo purchase, closing gun show loopholes, and limiting large-capacity clips.<br /><br />Hopefully, this will break the log jam and cause changes in our politics as 9/11 did.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-17734000013164181032012-12-16T22:20:51.497-05:002012-12-16T22:20:51.497-05:00Thanks for commenting, Rich
I don't think tha...Thanks for commenting, Rich<br /><br />I don't think that "banning guns" is going to go anywhere. It's is a time for pragmatism rather than blind idealism. As you say, there are far too many guns in the field for a ban to mean anything. That's why there should be some kind of rational measure that addresses mass killing situations, like doing something about automatic/semi-automatic weapons and high capacity clips, like you said.<br /><br />Obviously, with all the material currently in play, it would take a generation to have an effect. But that's the reason to act right now rather than putting it off yet again. How many more innocents have to die?bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-13133681448591440462012-12-16T21:32:16.553-05:002012-12-16T21:32:16.553-05:00There's no easy answer. Ban guns tomorrow? I...There's no easy answer. Ban guns tomorrow? I have 2 shotguns, passed down from my grandfather and are completely legal, but the govt doesn't know they exist. How many other guns are out there like that? Ban ammo? Most shooters reload their own ammo and the real gun nuts have years worth of stock. <br /><br />I know you mentioned that you thought it unlikely, but I believe this individual would have created a catastrophe without guns. <br /><br />Whatever the answer is, it needs to happen soon because it will take a generation before the affects are truly felt. As a hunter and gun owner I'd like to see much stricter penalties for existing gun laws and a ban on semi-automatic rifles and military grade ammunition.<br /><br />In all the talk about the tragedy, I stumbled across this blog. The blogger is a mother of a child similar to the shooter. She talks about how little help there is for her child. http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/12/thinking-unthinkable.htmlRich Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17213349122739254868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-43490352763986703462012-12-16T20:29:52.058-05:002012-12-16T20:29:52.058-05:00You'd be amazed at how many people WANT the he...You'd be amazed at how many people WANT the help but can't get it. They closed so many psych wards here in Pittsburgh alone and they're left to fend for themselves on the streets. When Mayview closed a few years ago, we have been overrun with psych patients that we aren't capable of caring for, simply because we're not trained. But they come to us, because, frankly, they're desperate for help. They just have no way of paying for it, which is sad.They should be taken care of. Cassiehttp://www.whosmydaddy.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-31409859680067068222012-12-16T11:29:14.978-05:002012-12-16T11:29:14.978-05:00Unfortunately, in order to get help, a person has ...Unfortunately, in order to get help, a person has to A) acknowledge that they need help and B) agree to get it. <br /><br />It would certainly be nice to fix the root cause, but it seems pretty unlikely. In the meantime, we can address automatic and semi-automatic weapons and large ammo clips right now. Results will take a while and we'll have to be patient, (which is not our country's strong suit) but how is anything going to be fixed if we do nothing? Our present course is not working.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-84252417447651438052012-12-16T11:25:54.988-05:002012-12-16T11:25:54.988-05:00Yes, the ever-popular slippery slope argument. Th...Yes, the ever-popular slippery slope argument. The thing is, it's only a possibility. To not take action to address a dire problem because of something that MIGHT happen is the height of irresponsibility and selfishness.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-40457822938003427552012-12-15T20:30:46.683-05:002012-12-15T20:30:46.683-05:00Don't worry, there was one today.Don't worry, there was one today.Cassiehttp://www.whosmydaddy.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-16834936631102258792012-12-15T19:13:59.792-05:002012-12-15T19:13:59.792-05:00I completely agree with your post and everyone'...I completely agree with your post and everyone's comments. I think there is another component to these shootings....mental illness, that you alluded to when you suggested more rigorous screening of gun purchase applicants. There needs to be more access to mental health assistance in this country and it's time to remove any stigma about getting help. I don't know what causes someone to suddenly snap and go off the deep end and massacre innocents. But I'd like to think that some of these people maybe would have been stopped either by getting help or by being on someone's radar.Deb Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01071356558083822955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-42437207148712820042012-12-15T16:36:20.600-05:002012-12-15T16:36:20.600-05:00I agree that an across-the-board ban would be wron...I agree that an across-the-board ban would be wrong- criminals will still find ways to get guns. The assault rifles shit should be completely illegal. Some gun enthusiasts(my brother included, sigh) will argue that taking these away is a slippery slope to unraveling our democracy. But I think I'd rather take the leap of faith that we will not turn into a dictatorship by banning assault rifles, and keep these and 100-round clips away from the psychos.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-47577177562796472162012-12-15T16:34:13.341-05:002012-12-15T16:34:13.341-05:00You know, I'm surprised we don't hear abou...You know, I'm surprised we don't hear about more hospital shooting, especially how things can get so emotionally high strung in there. I mean, it happened on ER all the time. Just ask Bagger... He was there!bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-83950329878500509542012-12-15T16:25:00.039-05:002012-12-15T16:25:00.039-05:00I've fired one weapon in my life, a M-16 A-1 r...I've fired one weapon in my life, a M-16 A-1 rifle when I was in the Army. I haven't shot one since. Don't need to. What's the point?<br /><br />A three year old who lived in the houses behind mine shot himself in the face after his dad left his gun sit on the counter for no more than 3 minutes. True story.<br /><br />I'm constantly afraid that I'll be shot at work. Is there a term for that in the psych world? I mean, how often do we get pissed off patients? A lot. How many times are the family members equally nuts? A lot. How many metal detectors do we have? None. You can go into any hospital at any time, and most entrances are not guarded or even manned. Our employee entrance only requires to swipe in on the weekends and at night. So M-F from 6AM to 11PM anyone has access through our discrete employee entrance. <br /><br />Why should congress really care about gun control? They have to be patted down, go through metal detectors and have secret service. We common folk do not. We're left to fend for ourselves with the crazies.Cassiehttp://www.whosmydaddy.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329507352453931374.post-61980689161096871232012-12-15T16:11:10.092-05:002012-12-15T16:11:10.092-05:00The NRA: Compensating for penile inadequacy fear s...The NRA: Compensating for penile inadequacy fear since the country was born.bluzdudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05991272670722362652noreply@blogger.com