Supreme Court to look at Second Amendment and D.C. gun law
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments regarding the Washington, D.C., extremely strict gun law. At the same time, the High Court is expected to rule about the exact meaning of the Second Amendment — does it refer to individuals’ gun ownership rights or does it refer only to the broader state interest in maintaining a militia?
Let me be perfectly clear on how I feel about guns, gun laws, etc.: The United States would be a better country if we could somehow confiscate about 90-99 percent of all handguns.
We can’t do that, of course. The logistics would be exponentially worse than the right-wingers’ call to gather up all illegal aliens and ship them back “across the border” (ANY border, I guess).
Since we can’t confiscate most handguns, I suppose the next best thing is to regulate ownership and even handling of handguns, i.e., various security and safety regulations about storing and using handguns. This, too, is nearly impossible. I am aware, of course, that many people see gun ownership as almost a “divine right” of U.S. citizenship. I don’t. Simply put, the Second Amendment clearly links gun ownership with maintaining a militia. How many of us are ready to respond as a militia, grabbing our guns to march off in defense of the village?
Get serious here. Very few good things come of private handgun ownership, outside of careful, safe target shooting and perhaps some hunting. Most often, handguns lie around unused, or are picked up and misused by kids, or by family and friends against each other.
I’m 60 years old and I’ve never owned a handgun. I have lived in some very dangerous settings where I could have faced harm to myself and/or my family — and not once did I have or need a handgun.
I especially love the arguments people use for “conceal/carry” gun laws: If the bad guys know any potential victim they meet may be “packing heat,” it will deter violent crimes, or something like that. Then I notice in most states which allow concealed weapons, most businesses, schools, churches, government buildings, and other public venues BAN carrying firearms. Which leaves us with this reality: People eager to carry concealed firearms to fell “safe” generally end up carrying them in the trunks of their cars, not having anyplace to go where they can carry the guns.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
[tags]gun laws, Second Amendment, concealed weapons, armed citizenry, armed militia, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
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Quality Galco holsters are just one of the many product lines available from 5.11 Tactical Outdoors. If you’re in law enforcement, or simply a hiker, camper, or lover of the outdoors, you’ll find a wide variety of durable, professional quality gear at 5.11 Tactical Outdoors.
[tags]Galco holsters, 5.11 Tactical clothing, tactical outdoor gear, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
Candidate Thompson answers religion questions in predictable fashion
I found this account of Fred Thompson’s answer to questions about religion in government interesting. Interesting, but very predictable.
The encounter took place following Thompson’s appearance at a South Carolina gun show. He wasn’t thinking about religion and politics, but he certainly proved that he was able to stick to the required rhetoric — no one gets elected president in America if he denounces this country’s sort of watered down “civil religion” version of “Judeo-Christianity.”
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this: American voters would NEVER elect a candidate who openly said something like: “I believe our Constitution calls for a strict separation of church and state and I, personally, am an [agnostic, atheist, Deist, Muslim, Buddhist, any other openly non-Christian, non-Jewish, non-theistic religion].”
I, personally, am a “mainline Christian,” with strong evangelical leanings, for what it’s worth. I believe that the phrase “separation of church and state,” though found no where in the Constitution, expresses the essence of what our Constitution requires.
But more importantly, the average American voter, I strongly suspect in very unscientific fashion, THINKS he is a Christian of one sort or another. And many of them consider themselves openly “fundamentalist” or “evangelical” — meaning that they espouse a completely literal understanding of the Bible and want to believe our presidents do, too.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
[tags]religion, politics, separation of church and state, Constitution, Fred Thompson, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
Nation’s oldest city shows off its art every ‘first weekend’ of the year
If you’re interested in art and have a free weekend anywhere near Florida, you ought to take a close look a the St. Augustine Artwalk. Take a look around the Art Walk website, then start mapping your route and hurry on over there.
The city was founded in 1565, and the First Friday Weekend Art Walk reflects the centuries of practice the friendly folks of St. Augustine have in showing guests a really good time. The Friday and Saturday evening event involves more than 20 participating art galleries. The local St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolley Tours Company has donated free, complimentary shuttle service for Art Walk attendees who prefer a fun ride to get them to most of the galleries.
The Art Walk includes a wide variety of photography, painting, and music. (Check out the Art Walk website for links to the various galleries and local artists who participate.) The self-guided tours begin at 5 p.m. each first Friday at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street, in St. Augustine. Art Walk hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday of each scheduled weekend. (The First Friday Weekend Art Walk website has a schedule listing Art Walk dates from December 2007 through all of 2008 — or you can simply remember to schedule your visits to St. Augustine on the first weekend of each month to take advantage of this cultural event.)
Given the city’s wonderful location along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, St. Augustine is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Schedule your trip to the city’s historic streets the first weekend of the month and enjoy this cultural treat.
[tags]St. Augustine Artwalk, First Friday Weekend Art Walk, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
Long presidential race seems more like living in ‘fantasy land’ than ever before
Okay, I am now at an age where I can say something like this: Presidential races in America are 99% B.S. -- and the current so-called "race' may be more B.S. than any I remember.
The first presidential race I can dimly remember was for the 1952 election. I was a small child at the time (first grade? second grade, maybe?), and as a good boy from a solid Republican family, I joined my peers in shouting "I Like Ike." (To be honest, as a nearly life-long Democrat, I might STILL say "I Like Ike" if he were alive and running today, just because I think he was a remarkable individual.)
The first presidential election which had any personal impact on me was the 1960 race. I was in junior high (what they now designate as "middle school") and I was in the "accelerated" or "gifted" students classes. We got into some serious debates about missiles, the Cold War, the Soviet Union, labor unions, etc. I was a supporter at this point of JFK.
The first presidential election in which I voted (you had to be 21 then, not 18) was 1968. I was deeply into a religious fundamentalism/political conservatism of the time. I made the one absolutely most regrettable presidential vote of my life. Yes, I voted for Nixon. I almost went for Hubert Humphrey, but at the last minute I let my Bible college buddies convince me that a vote for Nixon was a vote for God and righteousness in the White House.
Yeah, right.
Since that election, I have voted consistently Democratic for the presidency, though I have voted for a few Republicans on the local level, mostly people I knew or had met personally.
Which brings us to the current presidential hoedown. Swing your partners, ladies and gents, for the world will end if we don’t start presidential elections, say, a year or two ahead of the actual election day. Our nation and our world will crumble if we can't have a media-anointed "winner" in each of the major parties before January or February 2008. (Here's a very useful guide from the federal government which gives a nice overview of issues and events related to the 2008 election. Check it out.)
Of course, we all know that it’s going to be Hillary Clinton against Rudie Giuliani, right? And I’ve posted a couple of times in recent months that I think Hillary is unelectable, primarily because she is 1) a woman, and 2) the wife of Bill Clinton. I simply don’t think the “real” electorate out there, all the closed-mouthed grumps who avoid polls and opinion pages, is simply not ready to elect a woman president. And, many of the same folks would be outright opposed to having Bill Clinton as “First Spouse” or whatever.
But, I could be wrong. If it comes down to Clinton and Giuliani, Clinton might have the simple edge that she’s 1) actually done something as a political leader in the Senate, and, 2) has a last name folks can spell.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers. (Side note: For those of you keeping track who might wonder about my short presidential history — I turned 60 in August.)
[tags]presidential race, presidential politics, Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
‘Great White Way’ may be dark for the holidays
Shed a tear, I guess, for alas, Broadway may be dim and dark for the holidays. Due to ongoing union strikes involving the stagehands, which apparently have broken down again, all those folks who come to New York City to see a Broadway show for the holidays may have to pass this year.
But here’s a thought: Outside of New York City, just how many of us are interested in Broadway shows these days anyway? Seriously.
I recall a recent Broadway category on “Jeopardy” and the three contestants knew less than a third of the questions/answers among them. They repeatedly stood there making no attempt to buzz in and respond as the clues were read.
Oh, well, don’t look at ME — I didn’t have the slightest clue about the, uh, clues, either.
Which brings me to the point: With the widespread variety in today’s entertainment market, from websites to podcasts, to “old fashioned” CDs and DVDs, who in the world takes Broadway seriously anymore? I have no idea how many people care about or watch broadcasts of the annual Tony Awards (Broadway’s Emmys and Oscars). But I’d bet good money there are radically fewer people watching than there were a decade ago.
Sure, I’m sorry about anyone suffering economic hardships because the strike on Broadway has left them unemployed — especially at the holiday season — but don’t expect me to take the whole Broadway scene seriously. Remarkably, I live outside New York City along with most of the world, and I have little interest in obscure plays starring obscure actors.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
[tags]Broadway strike, entertainment, live theater, actors, live acting, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
Stem cells from skin cells — scientists revolutionize controversial research
You’ve undoubtedly read about the breakthrough in the news, seen about it on TV, and already know the story: Researchers have released groundbreaking work in which they produced what appear to be human stem cells from human skin cells.
(I posted a blog entry about a related issue just a few days ago.)
From all accounts, this is revolutionary. It may finally lead to amazing breakthroughs in treating such until-now-incurable diseases as Parkinson’s, for example. And it would eliminate the controversies surrounding the earlier stem cell research using tissue from human embryos.
By all accounts, the techniques used and needed methods of bringing about usable therapies from this discovery are in the very early stages. So it probably isn’t cause for rejoicing by those immediately affected by the various incurable diseases it may eventually cure.
But it’s hope. It gives light for the future to those suffering and to the families of those suffering from many dreaded diseases.
Hooray for science, I say!
[tags]science breakthrough, stem cell research, stem cells from skin cells, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
Being a ‘Postie’ is just about the most fun I’ve had as a writer
A few months ago I heard about an online business called PayPerPost. I think I read about PayPerPost first in Darren Rowse's well-known ProBlogger blog, sometime in 2006. The concept intrigued me, because I come from a news writing and reporting background. I saw the idea as a simple way someone with the ability to write blog posts might make a bit of steady income.
I realized from the start the pitfalls such a business would have: It was open to ethical concerns on the part of both bloggers and blog readers. That is, would I be forced to write about products or services I knew nothing about, simply to put ad copy into my blog? Would my readers feel they were getting ads shoved at them when they wanted blog content? The answers I’ve found are "nope" and "nope."
In one way or another, all blogging almost always has been commercial. Unless you’re sitting around with a T1 Internet connection and a spare computer to use as a webserver of your very own, you have to pay the costs of setting up and maintaining a website, as well as pay in some way for the time and thought it takes to blog. In short, PayPerPost, I have found, is a nice way to help pay the rent, online and off-line rent that is.
The good folks at PPP (as they call themselves) are careful to screen their advertisers for legitimacy — and they have stringent requirements simply get a blog approved so that you can be a "Postie." They are looking for serious bloggers, not just folks to post one ad after another.
On the "up side" for me personally — I’ve discovered some useful products and services. I have no problem personally recommending any of the advertisers for whom I have blogged. I have either bought and used the product or service, or researched them and feel good about their product or service. Also, most of the PayPerPost "assignments" don’t require me to "pitch" a product or service, simply to tell about it. In most cases, I am encouraged to remain "neutral" -- it just happens that most PPP stuff I’ve done so far has won me over in the use of the product or service, or in my research!
I love you guys and gals at PayPerPost. You’ve given me a way to inform my readers about some good, useful products and services. At the same time, I’ve made enough to pay my webhosting account this month — and this is just about the most fun I’ve had writing in a long, long time!
[tags]blog posting for money, making money online, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
Best laid holiday travel plans go astray when weather turns sour
Earlier this week our President gained a round of quick applause when he announced the opening of East Coast military flight zones to commercial air travel in the interest of helping this year’s traditional Thanksgiving weekend travel crunch. Those who were paying attention pointed out that his move wasn’t something all that new, and probably would have little impact beyond another Bush effort to garner good PR.
The real villain for holiday travelers is that old nemesis which dogs everything from manned space launches to summer picnics — The Weather.
As I write these words, I’ve been flipping between cable news channels and network news programs. Without exception, all agree that this year’s Thanksgiving weekend travel is not starting out well and will probably not improve much — because everything from fog to rain to snow showers is socking in the nation, with little sign of weather improvement for Sunday’s return travelers.
Good effort, though, Mr. President. At least you’re trying. Now if we could just get you to rethink that Iraq business …
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
[tags]Thanksgiving travel, air travel, travel congestion, holiday air traffic, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
The Gallery Collection puts beauty back in holiday greetings, sends gift to troops
The Christmas Cards business has become beautiful again, thanks to The Gallery Collection and a good thing they are doing for the holidays in connection with Soldiers Angels.
The Gallery Collection, the leading mail order publisher of premium quality personalized greetings cards, just announced they have donated a holiday greeting card to Soldiers Angels to be sent to each soldier, wishing them Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and providing a blank card and envelop for them to write home.
The Gallery Collection specializes in fine quality, truly beautiful business and personal greeting cards. They have eliminated the common, not-so-pretty commercialized holiday cars of recent years and truly have put beauty back in holiday greetings with their exceptionally lovely cards — and through their special gesture to honor our troops for the holidays.
Soldiers Angels is a nonprofit organization founded by a soldier’s mother which provides aide and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. military and their families worldwide.
[tags]The Gallery Collection, Christmas cards, business holiday cards, Soldier Angels, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]
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