Speak Out
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James Gordon May 25, 2013 at 08:35 pm
Stephanie - Research has not been banned. Congress has stated that CDC cannot use federal funds to…Read More conduct research. Significant research has been conducted since 2003. Some quite critical of guns. Google Joyce Foundation if you doubt there are deep pockets funding research supporting gun control.
Stephanie May 24, 2013 at 06:14 pm
There has been a ban on gun research for the CDC and the NIH since 1996. In 2012 that ban was…Read More extended to all departments of Health and Human services in the US. I had no idea. Plus the ATF has not released any useful data or stats since 2003. Anyone (including myself) saying, "studies show..." in relation to gun violence doesn't have a leg to stand on because there are no national recent studies or data collection on this subject. The only data is coming from the NRA or studies allowed by the NRA. Congress, prodded by the NRA, banned research of gun violence. I am sickened that our government has allowed this to happen. How many suicides are there every year? Who knows? There is just no information. It's so bad that teachers in universities have been telling students not to go into gun studies, because there is no money in it. So even if we start research now, there are only 10-15 gun experts in the country and results take years. I'm so disgusted by this. Who bans research? In 1996 death by shooting was the 2nd leading cause of death to young people the first being car accidents. So Congress told our health institutions, taxpayer funded, they could not research that? That is so messed up. No wonder they say crime is down, but the jails are fuller than they have ever been. Studies show gun ownership does this and that. It's all a bunch of garbage, no one knows the truth. I'm not even mad at the NRA, I'm mad at our leaders for banning research. Who does that? I'm so mad I could spit.
James Gordon May 20, 2013 at 02:18 pm
Stephanie:
I don't recall asking for examples of licensees who made bad choices. I do recall asking…Read More if "you have an objective basis for your concerns?" You responded by identifying some anecdotal (as opposed to statistical) evidence that some licensees made bad choices. Your evidence fails to support your position. Here's a brief article discussing the number of licenses that Florida has revoked because of gun related crimes: http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2012/07/25/florida-approaching-1-million-concealed-weapons-permits/
Regarding your questions about G. Zimmerman. (1) I've already pointed out mistakes ziimmerman made, including following Martin. So, no, I would not want him to be the neighborhood watch captain. (2) I can and do avoid places where there are increased risks of violence (ATMs at night, check-cashing stores, prostitutes, drug dealers). That being said, I cannot accurately predict when/where I will need a gun. People are robbed in grocery store parking lots as well as coffee store parking lots. So, I believe the desire to have a gun in those locations is not unreasonable. More importantly though, I don't think people who are licensed to carry guns should repeatedly take their gun on and off all day long. This needlessly increases the risk of a negligent discharge. (3) The forensic evidence strongly supports virtually every element of Zimmerman's account of the incident. The significant element that is unsupported is whether Martin saw and attempted to grab Zimmerman's gun. Given that Zimmerman was already sustaining serious bodily injuries, this element isn't really necessary to believe the propriety of acting in self-defense. As to the two lies you reference, the first related to Zimmerman's finances. It was his wife who made the representations to the court. Zimmerman sat there "like a potted plant" in the words of the court. This obviously reflects poorly on him, but likely will not be presented to the jury. The second lie relates to his passport. A second passport was issued to him after he reported the prior passport had been stolen. The court itself did not believe Zimmerman was lying about the second passport, but that there were more innocent explanations. You apparently believe I think Zimmerman is innocent. I am waiting to see all the evidence before I make up my mind.
Greg Coppes May 9, 2013 at 11:58 pm
In our first meeting here I told you that I believed that any discussion or argument here was not…Read More done to change the minds of those involved, rather it was to influence those who are reading them; third parties.
You have been very helpful in that regard. Anyone reading our exchanges can see you for what you are.
I tried to have a discussion with you and could not even agree on the definition of words with out hours of argument
You have an agenda and you will not allow anything to get in the way of it. That agenda includes trying to circumvent and weaken the 2nd amendment and redefine it's intent.
Mark Paxson May 9, 2013 at 11:51 pm
Once again you misdirect. You made a specific statement about one California piece of legislation…Read More you claimed did very specific things and, therefore, was unconstitutional. I'm not arguing the constitutionality. I'm arguing that the factual basis, the things that legislation does, is wrong. We can't even begin to discuss the constitutionality if the facts are wrong. I have provided the evidence that your facts are wrong. You have yet to counter that evidence. And now you change the conversation to "the constitutional intricacies within hundreds of pages of proposed state & federal firearms legislation written in legalese." You made very specific factual claims about one specific piece of California legislation. I've provided the bill number as well as the analysis. And all you can do is now quibble over whether eristical is a word that I should have looked up.
I will never understand why you and the rest of the right-wingers are so incapable of understanding that if they post "facts" in the context of their arguments that are proven to be false, they believe the problem is with the person who proves them wrong. Seriously, Jeff ... if the factual basis for your claim of unconstitutional provisions is wrong, how can you keep arguing the legislation is unconstitutional? Why is it so hard for you to back up those "facts?" You're proving yourself to be no better than the rest.
Mark Paxson May 9, 2013 at 11:41 pm
You imply far too much, sir. But your further response implies other things. First, that I have…Read More ever questioned your interest in defending the Constitution. I have not. Second, that somehow those who haven't served in the military would somehow have less of a desire in preserving and defending the Constitution.
It's interesting, everybody I know who has served in the military who has expressed an opinion on the issue has stated that above all, they believe in the right of others to express their opinions, that what they were defending when they served was the beauty of the divergent views and opinions that exist in this country. Sadly, most of what you've done on Patch is contrary to that concept. As you have done everything you can to squelch any legitimate conversation about these important issues.
No, sir, I have not served in the military. A fact that I am not ashamed of. And a fact that is irrelevant as to whether or not I have a strong desire to preserve and defend the Constitution. Nothing I have suggested is an attack on the Constitution.
Pamela Smyth May 10, 2013 at 08:57 pm
We thank our teachers from elementary school through graduate school by remembering that spelling…Read More and literacy in the language of one's culture and community matters, that reading newspapers matters, that what we publish online represents their efforts to teach us how to articulate our thoughts and ideas, and how to read with care and consideration the opinions of others with that same thoughtful consideration. We thank our teachers by taking the work they do and the hours and hours of unpaid and free or volunteer work "behind the scenes" and the money they spend out of their pockets to improve the learning environment for their students seriously. Most of all, we thank them by growing up to be civil and to work hard at whatever jobs or tasks we are given in life to the best of our abilities; and if some of that work began with the encouragement and recognition given by a teacher, then that is a joyful word of thanks to all of us who were students and are indeed, today, teachers.
Paul S April 24, 2013 at 11:25 pm
always has been about sex or the promise of perfection or happiness- it's never changed- Robert…Read More Downy Jr's father - Robert D Sr did a movie in the 60's - "Putney Swope" - a good send up of the ad game- I worked as a copywriter in the late 60's and couldn't wait to get out- never disliked a business more than the ad one- yet- some ads are pure genius- many Bud ads definitely- those Honda blowfish ads are incredible - I love a good ad- they are rare
Jeffrey Sabatini April 24, 2013 at 07:22 pm
In the mid 80s & 90s it was "SEX SELLS". The late 90s into 2005 brought us funny ads…Read More that centered around dumb stunts, usually ending up with some poor guy getting hit in the 'boys'. Between then and now, the "heart tug" or "real men cry" ads like the Budweiser "Clydesdale friends forever" ad. Which of course was the perfect follower to Bud's "Mascot dog trains horse Rocky style" and "Donkey gets a shot" ads. All ad hall of fame'rs in my humble opinion.
Sadly, it looks like the ad world has taken two giant steps backwards with the bevy of male & female eye candy flashed over disclaimers of side effects such as : Nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable flatulence, sudden weight gain, sudden weight loss, skin rash, welts & boils, hair loss, blindness, heart arrhythmia, swollen glands, muscle atrophy, Turrets, short term memory loss and how the product should not be used by or in proximity to pregnant women or nursing mothers.
However, I would like to say "feek'n about time" for all the "thank you and honor our military and first responder" theme ads.
But if I could change ONE THING in regard to this discussion... It would be to finally apply "Truth In Advertising Laws" to political ads!
What say you?
Jeffrey Sabatini April 24, 2013 at 06:37 pm
Advertising is an art in itself. The ad spoof movie Crazy People showed how important the right tag…Read More line can be with "Metamucil, use it or you will die!". Or like the motto of my former firearms dealership... "If our guns can't kill it, it's immortal!". Good times, good times.
Nicole Mooradian April 22, 2013 at 01:43 am
We've closed comments on this post; thank you for your contributions.
Carl Petersen III April 21, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Robert Livesay
8 minutes ago
"Herr Carl Petrersen III I have some concerns about your…Read More postings."
.
.
Sounds like someone is a little bit upset over getting proven wrong about his allegations about the cause of our economic crash.
Carl Petersen III April 21, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Carl Petersen III
5 hours ago
Robert Livesay
2 minutes ago
'ou folks that voted for Liberals need…Read More some lessons in economics.'
.
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Is lesson one how the Conservative economic policy of the Bush administration crashed the economy?
Virginia Johnson May 23, 2013 at 04:49 pm
I still wonder why we cannot have Civil Unions instead of "Marriages" for gay people?…Read More Civil Unions offer the same amenities as Marriage but without the Religious aspect of a Christian Marriage.
Arthur Christopher Schaper April 15, 2013 at 04:40 pm
"The disease information being promoted here is intended to justify harming all gay…Read More people."
Sir, that is patently untrue. Homosexuality itself harms people, many of whom are being told to identify as "gay", when the premise of sexuality as identity has been discredited at length.
These tactics of "shame, blame, and defame" are so common from militant gay activists as to be incredible, if not ludicrous.
I will not be bullied with the "hate" card - It does not work against me, and more people, those who have lived the "gay" life, and the growing number who are leaving it.
I have been refering to a set of behaviors, a "lifestyle" which based on research, reporters, and scientific inquiry should be called a "death-style".
To cry out "hate, demonize, bigotry!" cannot stop the truth from being told on this issue.
"I will be as uncompromising as justice and as harsh as truth, and I will be heard!" -- William Lloyd Garrison.
and
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dan Johnson April 14, 2013 at 09:38 pm
From the link: "Although further study is needed, the claims of drastically increased overall…Read More mortality in gay men and lesbians appear unjustified."
Previous stigmatizing information was based on premature deaths from HIV, ignoring that most gay people do not have HIV.
And yet we don't use disease information to deny equal fundamental rights.
The disease information being promoted here is intended to justify harming all gay people. But at best, it demonstrates the importance of education about disease transmission, and the importance of encouraging committed monogamous relationships with the support of family and friends, through marriage.
navigio April 4, 2013 at 07:27 pm
You forgot the link to the declining performance.
Did you not understand my point that tuition is…Read More not the same as cost of education?
I picked an LAUSD school at random:
http://search.lausd.k12.ca.us/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=sarc4&which=4507
search for 'expenditures per pupil from unrestricted sources' and see the district average. thats what actually gets to the school that is not set aside for something specific like additional intervention.
btw, out of curiosity, do you believe educational achievement would increase if we raised class sizes?
ATC April 4, 2013 at 06:28 pm
Once again, navigio, Facts matter; Stop making things up.…Read More
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d09/tables/dt09_059.asp
http://www.edreform.com/2012/04/k-12-facts/
http://www.capenet.org/facts.html
http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/private-schools-cost-less-you-may-think
Ken March 27, 2013 at 01:42 am
I see I have no response. And I'll bet the majority of people would respond "of…Read More course".....
Sorry folks, to the first airport in Oregon ( Medford,35 miles over the Northern border) , and flight time to San Diego (Southern border) from SF are nearly identical. WTH! Congratulations Bay Area...you are in Central California....Teachers need to teach and be allowed to do so.
The Captain March 27, 2013 at 01:30 am
Like I said, proves my point most definately, and Mrs. Java had a burning comment but couldn't…Read More disclose herself-Patch staff are Trolls and proven. I rest my case! Psst, change is coming, that's fine, that's only cause you mean emails will be matched and confirmed with thd person, you know Mrs. Java, like you did - post a comment, "First Name, email, and password-thank you for joint Patch :) ha ha, so easy. That would be better, but it seems you cant afford it yet! Ohh wait, trouble, if trouble is what you're trying to get us into, can we include you Mrs. Java for your Trollness ... I think you should. Common there's nothing wrong with being fair. Let's keep that in mind for the "change" woooo hooo, little baby cry.
LGCRC Coffee drinker March 26, 2013 at 02:05 am
all of you need to step way to the left or get ready to get run over.
we are coming. Change is upon…Read More us.
Lean Forward
TGD February 19, 2013 at 04:37 pm
Jim C
10:49 am on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
"What is absurd is for an organization to take…Read More sides on a controversial issue that is not even part of their core mission......And to say that they should speak out on the AWB because there have been shootings on school campuses is just silly. Should they have a position on air pollution because it affects people breathing on campus? Should they have a position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because some students are Jewish or there is a Palestinian club on campus? Should they have a position on the gear ratios in a '68 GTO because there is, after all, auto shop on campus?"
......................................................................................
Should they have a position that there maybe drug and alcohol abuse on campus? Should they have a concern about there maybe a convicted sexual predator hired as a teacher? How silly. They should concentrate on school dances and bake sale fundraising and STFU.
Jim C February 19, 2013 at 03:49 pm
What is absurd is for an organization to take sides on a controversial issue that is not even part…Read More of their core mission. This will cause a significant percentage of people to drop their membership to the PTA. It's bad stewardship, plain and simple.
And to say that they should speak out on the AWB because there have been shootings on school campuses is just silly. Should they have a position on air pollution because it affects people breathing on campus? Should they have a position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because some students are Jewish or there is a Palestinian club on campus? Should they have a position on the gear ratios in a '68 GTO because there is, after all, auto shop on campus?
The PTA has, for the most part, been an organization where people of many backgrounds could get together and work for the betterment of schools and the education of the kids. This move divides people and, in my opinion, will hurt the PTA in the long run.
The Teller of Truth February 19, 2013 at 03:46 am
Well look whos buttin in and trying to start arguements over here in beautiful La Jolla.
(White on…Read More rice buddy!)
Kelly Bonanno February 27, 2013 at 12:37 am
I had no idea that metal bowls make them turn brown faster. I'm a huge avocado lover. Great info,…Read More thank you!
Larry S January 30, 2013 at 09:39 pm
Thank you, Jennifer. That movie scares me more than any horror movie :)
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