So.

webbew1 comments on Mar 20, 2018:

During our peak, from the 1940's through the 1970's, we actually were the greatest nation in the world. The greatest Representative Republic operated under Democratic ideals since the Roman Empire. Now we're just a piece of shit Oligarchy ruled over by Plutocrats and Theocrats.

dahermit replies on Mar 20, 2018:

You have it right.

So.

crazycurlz comments on Mar 20, 2018:

Sorry to call you out, Element, I understand your frustration, we all are living it. But your attitude is like we're dead in the water. This is home and there isn't a more beautiful document on the planet than our Constitution. It's dynamic and just because we've all let it go to waste with our ...

dahermit replies on Mar 20, 2018:

@ElementX74 I agree with you. When I was a kid in school the current platitude was: "America may not be perfect, but we have the highest standard of living in the world." That is no longer true. We have the highest standard of living in the world for our rich. The "greatest country in the world" title, vacillates between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. History demonstrates that all countries that have grown to be world powers have flourished and then faded away...we are in the process of diminishing now. The robber barons have gotten a grip on our system and this time, they are not going to let it go. crazycurlz thinks that things can get better, but that is likely wishful thinking. Money trumps everything else in politics...our democracy is/has failed as did every other democracy in Western history.

Moral obligation.

dahermit comments on Mar 19, 2018:

The corporate entiy is not conducive to generosity. If an upper-but not the top, manager gave away some of his product, inasmuch as corporations are centered on the bottom line over all else, he could not justify the expense to his superiors. They constantly look for ways to increase/maximize ...

dahermit replies on Mar 19, 2018:

@JayJackson "...all pharmaceutical companies have P.R. firms working on ways to be good citizens." That is bullshit. P.R. firms agenda is to promote a positive image whether warranted or not. If a corporation were "good citizens" they would not need P.R. firms to tell the public that it is raining when the corporations are pissing on on them.

What are your thoughts on nurture vs nature?

jjhagen comments on Mar 18, 2018:

It's at least 50% nature. Seeing two boys growing up in the same environment turn out as dramatically different as my two did...

dahermit replies on Mar 19, 2018:

Siblings of the same sex do not get the exact same genes. Only identical twins have the same genes. Therefore, same-sex siblings are very different from one another whereas twins, even raised apart and unknown to each other have demonstrated some disturbing similarities.

Eating Insects Could Be the Future of Culinary Innovation - Reason.com

dahermit comments on Mar 18, 2018:

When looking at the teeth of animals in regard to what they eat, meat-eathers have jagged meat-incising teeth. Herbavoirs have large flat teeth for grinding plants. Insect eaters, on the other hand, had smallish (smaller than herbavoirs), grinding teeth. We, seem to have the kind of teeth that ...

dahermit replies on Mar 18, 2018:

@Donotbelieve Yes, could be. That pilot who was shot down around Serbia during the Yugoslavian break-up told about eating ants. He mentioned that they had a sour taste...was prepared to eat them due to Air Crew Survival training he received in the Air Force.

Eating Insects Could Be the Future of Culinary Innovation - Reason.com

dahermit comments on Mar 18, 2018:

When looking at the teeth of animals in regard to what they eat, meat-eathers have jagged meat-incising teeth. Herbavoirs have large flat teeth for grinding plants. Insect eaters, on the other hand, had smallish (smaller than herbavoirs), grinding teeth. We, seem to have the kind of teeth that ...

dahermit replies on Mar 18, 2018:

@Donotbelieve They contain Formic Acid...acids generally have a "sour" taste.

Could Society Benefit From A Paradigm?

Robotbuilder comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Brother, can you paradigm? ;) How would you create a moneyless system? Barter is a possibility, but that has its limits. Money is to commerce as superhighways are to transportation: it's a convenience, a quicker way to get things done. Of course, there's the Star Trek solution: replicators, ...

dahermit replies on Mar 14, 2018:

Perhaps you are looking at it the wrong way. The only physical money I use currently is a few bucks to buy coffee. I do not carry any more than that, pay my bills from my bank's bill pay system...electronic money. So in a sense, I do live in moneyless (currency less) system with all my funds just existing as theoretic exchanges between my retirement income sources, the bank, and my payees.

With or without music during sex?

dahermit comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I like a military band marching around the bed when I do it.

dahermit replies on Mar 14, 2018:

@FrayedBear A blind military band.

What makes a person "intelligent?"

dahermit comments on Mar 13, 2018:

"There are so many different ways to be intelligent." Can you post a link to a study that gives evidence of that...or is that just a platutude?

dahermit replies on Mar 13, 2018:

@silvereyes I never considered "Kinesthetic (body)" ability to be an "intelligence". I have seen too many good athletes who appeared to be unintelligent. Perhaps the word "intelligent" is much like the word "pornography"...in that like the old quote goes: "I cannot define pornography, but I know it when I see it." For me, the score on an I.Q. test, albeit subjective, is a good enough as a pragmatic system. Case in point, if I were an employer and wanted intelligent people to perform some complicated task, I would conduct I.Q. tests as part of the interview process...I would be totally unconcerned about athletic or musical ability.

Why do people hide their feeling/emotion? How do you let emotion out?

dahermit comments on Mar 13, 2018:

A person who is emotional is not rational. If a person is not rational, nothing they say or do has any validity. A person who must exprees their emotions is a weak person...anoying to be around.

dahermit replies on Mar 13, 2018:

@Dispirited In this rare case, serious. I am a high-functioning Asperger's Syndrome person. I cannot relate to emotion...only logic.

What makes a person "intelligent?"

Sarahroo29 comments on Mar 13, 2018:

The first is common sense. The second is being able to understand that there are different ways to look at things. Also by the way the they speak and write.

dahermit replies on Mar 13, 2018:

"common sense" is a platatude. Define what you think "common sense" is, please.

Every gain has a cost.

MacTavish comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Too high a price? Everyone having their own vehicles and no infrastructure for mass public transportation other than large cities. I spent two years in Germany and never needed a car, taxis and buses and trains were affordable and commonplace. The buses went everywhere and were well utilized by the ...

dahermit replies on Mar 12, 2018:

@MacTavish Unfortunately, the mass of humanity has not done its part.

Income inequality

dahermit comments on Mar 12, 2018:

It is not possible to "wipe out global povery". Consider if every last person in the U.S.A. were granted one million dollars each. Who would/could you get to mow your lawn? In order for a money-based economy to function (and the rich be truely rich), is that there is a large differential between ...

dahermit replies on Mar 12, 2018:

@markdevenish A lower class of living...no running water, no toilets, paying rent for a stair step instead of an apartment, tofu instead of meat, soybean meal porridge as a staple, etc. The world's output divided by ALL the world's people may very well reduce your standard of living far more than what you imagine. One of the reasons we (U.S. citizens) have a high (not the highest) standard of living is that the peasants in other countries have their labor and agricultural output taken at robbery prices.

Boot camp

dahermit comments on Mar 12, 2018:

What does your Constituion say in regard to the requirements to be president? Does it say that a person has to have served in the military? Do you want your congressman to sponser a bill to amend the Constitution?

dahermit replies on Mar 12, 2018:

@azzow2 Go ahead...get your congressman to introduce a bill calling for an Amendment to make it mandatory that a presidential candidate has to have served. All it takes is a 2/3 majority vote of the states to amend the Constitution.

Every gain has a cost.

MacTavish comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Too high a price? Everyone having their own vehicles and no infrastructure for mass public transportation other than large cities. I spent two years in Germany and never needed a car, taxis and buses and trains were affordable and commonplace. The buses went everywhere and were well utilized by the ...

dahermit replies on Mar 12, 2018:

@MacTavish As I have posted elsewhere, there are no answers...or at least any that the world's society would except. The human population would have to be culled by a huge majority. All conservation/green/renewable, etc. can only slow the RATE (modestly) of destruction...not stop it.

Ladies: What clothes a man can wear that you find horrible?

AmiSue comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Polo shirts, shorts, sandals, baseball caps, sweats, dirty sneakers. Any clothing not appropriate for a given environment. It pains me to see adult men - and women - dressed for cleaning out a garage or sleep when they are out in public.

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

Don't look! Some of us have no sense of fashion or what clothes are considered appropriate. I am a logical person without the means of determining what "society" considers currently "cool". I consider such things as trivial and superfluous. But then, I am a high-functioning Asperger's Syndrom person who it is said dresses like Humpty Dumpty (chartreuse pants, purple coat, green shirt), however, that is not entirely true. I wear (always), cargo shorts, earth-tone pocket Tee, white socks and white athletic shoes in the Summer, cargo pants, sweatshirt, with athletic shoes in the Winter. I abhor suit coats and ties (who in their right mind wears a jacket in the Summertime?)although I wore them all the time before retirement. In short, I do not give a rip about what "society" thinks (or considers appropriate) about my choice of clothing or anything else. "They" after all are idots.

Every gain has a cost.

lerlo comments on Mar 10, 2018:

The invention of the toilet. The water gets recycled and cleaned. Mankind isn't debased by having to soil the earth. No cost that I can see (other than to build the bathroom but we already had houses so that's no real added cost. I'll come back to the "too high a price" question

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

@lerlo The treatment of sewage is related to urban life. If the sewage were just discarded into the street (as in medieval times), the flies would carry pathogens to the people and there would be massive outbreaks of disease. Therefore, the sewage has to be treated because we live in cities and the population density makes it imperative. In some third world South American countries they still allow pigs to run loose to eat the "night soil" that is thrown out from the houses (no indoor plumbing), and the pigs efficiently take care of it. However, that would not work in urbanized environments because the number of pigs needed would make that system impractical due to the problem with pig feces.

Every gain has a cost.

HeathenFarmer comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Vaccines.

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

Vaccines reduce the number of human deaths, while at the same time accelerating the human world population and its inherent destruction of the environment.

Every gain has a cost.

LeighShelton comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Human progress has the highest price

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

I know what you mean...but unless you flesh out your idea, it will be lost on many who dwell here.

Every gain has a cost.

Rugglesby comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Civilisation has more cosst than benefits, it only happens to help some take advantage of others, we are less free than many animals.

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

I agree...when we were roving bands of hunter/gatherers, it was hard for the biggest male to exert dominance over the others. If he exerted too much control...took their food and females, the others would just sneak away and start their own bands. "Civilization" changed all that...no more freedom to hunt and gather in a subsistence enviornment...now you need money and the big monkeys have us by the balls.

Every gain has a cost.

SamKerry comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Agreed. Most innovation has an initial detrimental cost. Eg electric cars help with lowering emissions. But their manufacture is not totally green - yet. Some innovations have no impact though. Eg the original water wheel - if you don't count the cost of felling trees a detriment. There's a new ...

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

The original water wheels did have a cost...they often blocked the spawning migration of many species of fish. Here in Michigan (Big Rapids, dam removed...lake gone, river back et. al.) many small power plants (water wheels), have been removed from rivers to allow the Spring spawning runs of fish.

Every gain has a cost.

Stephanie99 comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Health care advances. Rehabilitation for offenders. Job training programs. These have upfront costs but ultimately save money.

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

Job training programs that train people for jobs that only pay a hand-to-mouth existence. What do the long-term studies show? How many offenders eventually re-offend despite completing a job training program? Or, is it just assumed they work?

Every gain has a cost.

lerlo comments on Mar 10, 2018:

The invention of the toilet. The water gets recycled and cleaned. Mankind isn't debased by having to soil the earth. No cost that I can see (other than to build the bathroom but we already had houses so that's no real added cost. I'll come back to the "too high a price" question

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

The effluent from sewage treatment plants always is piped into a waterway. The treated effluent is NOT inert...if contains nutrients that cause algae blooms and other problem. THAT is the cost of sewage treatment plants.

Every gain has a cost.

MacTavish comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Too high a price? Everyone having their own vehicles and no infrastructure for mass public transportation other than large cities. I spent two years in Germany and never needed a car, taxis and buses and trains were affordable and commonplace. The buses went everywhere and were well utilized by the ...

dahermit replies on Mar 10, 2018:

Even such public transportation comes at a cost...not to the public in general, but to individuals. Public transportation involves more time in transport than a car, less convenience which can be problematic for the old and infirm...my groceries only have to be carried to my car trunk which unloads at my house. I do not have to struggle with bags of groceries on public transportation.

Please remember that by definition half of the population has an IQ at or below 100 and they are ...

silvereyes comments on Mar 9, 2018:

It matters little when plenty of smart people vote based on their emotions. And, IQ is meant to measure deficits in intelligence. It isn't meant to be used as a measuring stick between humans or as a determination for the worth of their opinions.

dahermit replies on Mar 9, 2018:

@silvereyes The point is that it is not "who" becomes the judge of intelligence, but what. Despite having been "designed" to determine the lack of intelligence, I.Q. tests have been used to gauge intelligence since WWI by our government for one. An I.Q. test was given to all army recruits for many years. Was called the "General Technical Score" Certain jobs required that the recruiting score at a certain level in order to enter certain fields. A group of us were interviewed as to becoming officers due to our G.T. scores. Also, for a Combat Medic to go to Neuropsychiatric School, he had to have above 120 G.T. score. Also, Mensa gives it own I.Q test...those not scoring high enough are not admitted to the organization. So to say an I.Q. test was "designed to identify those with low intelligence" is a moot point in that it is used to identify those with it...like Marylyn Vos Savant. So, it is very much used to I.D. intelligent people. One does not need an I.Q. test to determine low intelligence...all it takes is to see if they can or cannot be potty trained (< 30 I.Q.).

Please remember that by definition half of the population has an IQ at or below 100 and they are ...

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Mar 9, 2018:

High IQ, does not meant common sense. So what is your point? And why it took hundreds of years in america to grant females a vote?

dahermit replies on Mar 9, 2018:

@GipsyOfNewSpain Thank you for your contribution.

Please remember that by definition half of the population has an IQ at or below 100 and they are ...

silvereyes comments on Mar 9, 2018:

It matters little when plenty of smart people vote based on their emotions. And, IQ is meant to measure deficits in intelligence. It isn't meant to be used as a measuring stick between humans or as a determination for the worth of their opinions.

dahermit replies on Mar 9, 2018:

@silvereyes Yeah...Kardashian intelligence, what form is that?

Toxic Masculinity, they don't learn it at home.

JimG comments on Mar 9, 2018:

After about 10 or 11 years old, later for some, kids start emulating their peers more than their parents. My son had a moment like that when he was 11 or 12. His older (13 months older) sister informed me that I needed to kick his butt and why.

dahermit replies on Mar 9, 2018:

That is why I am a firm believer in homeschooling...get the kid away from the adolescent peer group mob inasmuch as it shaped by the least common denominator.

Please remember that by definition half of the population has an IQ at or below 100 and they are ...

silvereyes comments on Mar 9, 2018:

It matters little when plenty of smart people vote based on their emotions. And, IQ is meant to measure deficits in intelligence. It isn't meant to be used as a measuring stick between humans or as a determination for the worth of their opinions.

dahermit replies on Mar 9, 2018:

Alas, but it does. Marylyn VosSavant and Albert Einstien come to mind. Are not their opinions worth more than the Kardashians?

Please remember that by definition half of the population has an IQ at or below 100 and they are ...

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Mar 9, 2018:

High IQ, does not meant common sense. So what is your point? And why it took hundreds of years in america to grant females a vote?

dahermit replies on Mar 9, 2018:

"High IQ, does not meant [Sic, "mean"] common sense." What an I.Q. does is indicate whether or not a person is likely to understand things better than those with a lower I.Q. Aside from that, the statement that "High IQ, does not meant common sense." is a platitude that it is not based on anything beyond anecdotal evidence and is frequently heard in bars.

Tough question here! Why are so many people absolutely certain the bible has NO truth in it if they ...

dahermit comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I am sure that Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt and Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Yup...I believe that. :)

dahermit replies on Mar 8, 2018:

@SeaStar Posted as humor... not to be taken seriously, thus the smiley face.

Cancer cure(s)

dahermit comments on Mar 6, 2018:

If the big plharmaceutical compaies had found a cure, they would market it at a huge profit just as is some other cancer drugs including the one that the CEO jumped up more than 5000%. No, if they had it, they would be becoming rich marketing it to desprite patients. ...

dahermit replies on Mar 7, 2018:

@Silvertongue Not a conventional gasoline engine...THAT is what the old rumor was about. With a Hydrogen Fuel Cell, yes it could, but the technology has not mature at this point. If you are referring to Electrolosis to split the Hydrogen Atoms from the Oxygen Atom, that requires a great deal of energy and THAT technology has not been proven to be practical. In short, if one fills one's gas tank with water (as per the old rumor) one just gets wet spark plugs.

Cancer cure(s)

dahermit comments on Mar 6, 2018:

If the big plharmaceutical compaies had found a cure, they would market it at a huge profit just as is some other cancer drugs including the one that the CEO jumped up more than 5000%. No, if they had it, they would be becoming rich marketing it to desprite patients. ...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

@markdevenish Your post brings to mind that old rumor that someone had found a way to make a car run on water and the government took it over because it would ruin the oil industry. Do do, do, do (sinister "Twilight Zone" music playing in the background). I suppose this is going be similar...like cancer being cured by avocados or something.

Guns.

Freedompath comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I can remember back in my 20-30s, gun violence was rare and police shootings were even rarer (around the Atlanta area). So less guns brings a lot less problems. It want ever be perfect, regardless...but, it can sure be better! I think, for me personally, I feel afraid of a person, that 'loves' ...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

And statistically, you never will and have a much higher chance of dying from a medical mistake (41.6 times more likely) or a drug overdose (10.6 times more likely) or a car crash (6.6 times more likely). So if you spend a lot of time "feeling afraid" of a person who "loves his guns", you are experiencing an irrational fear. Gun enthusiasts, especially those who are involved with the various gun competitions, Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Service Rifle, High Power Rifle, Action Pistol, etc. are not the ones shooting up schools (disenfranchised youths) nor doing the mass shootings.

"So many black families spend all of their time trying to fix the problems of the past.

bjporcella comments on Mar 6, 2018:

As a tall white guy who grew up in a relatively priviledged environment, I am trying not to be critical - but I do believe (based on dealing with the problems I have faced in life) that blaming others (including your parents) for your problems simply doesn't help. You need to do the best with the ...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

Perhaps if you grew up as a Black youth in the grinding poverty of a disadvantaged area (ghetto), where the only successful people seemed to be drug dealers and armed robbers, you may have a different outlook.

Guns.

sassygirl3869 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Why don't you listen to those kids in Parkland, FL-wise beyond their years? They have the right to change.

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

I remember how "wise-beyond my years" I was in high school...roll eyes. By definition they are children. Children are not wise or mature they do and think foolish things. If that were not true, we could make the age of majority 12 (or 11 or 10 or 9, etc.) instead of 18. They are acting emotionally because they are children (just as I was at that age).

I have to do this again, just because it is weighing on my mind after a conversation I had a bit ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

You're 100% correct IMO. The step-dad I grew up with was ex-army and very much a gun nut. I've been shooting since I was 6 and I have 3 shotguns within 20 feet of me as I type this and no other type of gun. With my shotguns I can hunt, defend, and have fun. I've never understood the gun nut ...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

@kauva The fact that the Vietnamese and the Afghans are and have defeated us, your argument is not valid.

I have to do this again, just because it is weighing on my mind after a conversation I had a bit ...

Cwag515 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

You are spot on my friend. I do happen to have a m4 but it’s simply my toy. I enjoy the going to the range and shooting it and that’s that. I work in the oil fields elf and the conversation comes up annnnd of course I have to jump in and remind em that the government has c130’s that can take a...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

You have an "M4", the three shot burst-capable, current U.S. Military issue? I don't think so. What you likely have is a look-alike semi-auto, not an "M4"...unless you did the requirements, found a Class 3 dealer, paid the $200 transfer tax.

I have to do this again, just because it is weighing on my mind after a conversation I had a bit ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

You're 100% correct IMO. The step-dad I grew up with was ex-army and very much a gun nut. I've been shooting since I was 6 and I have 3 shotguns within 20 feet of me as I type this and no other type of gun. With my shotguns I can hunt, defend, and have fun. I've never understood the gun nut ...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

Yes, the founding fathers must have been paranoid. Actually providing insurance against "unforeseen" future possible threats...like a Democracy (ours), being converted to a totalitarian government like what is happening in Turkey today (Greece and Roman in history). All democratic governments have eventually been replaced with totalitarian/authoritarian entities...or have you not been paying attention to what is happing in Washington?

I have to do this again, just because it is weighing on my mind after a conversation I had a bit ...

JiunnWong comments on Mar 6, 2018:

because American gun rights are about overthrowing the government. That means the guns need to challenge nuclear missles, aircraft carriers and the secret space based ion cannon. soooooo.....

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

I agree...how could a civilian militia hope to best the most powerful military in the world? I guess we will have to ask the Viet Cong/North Vietnamese and the Afghans.

Gun Control: A Philosophical Analysis | See Chart

dahermit comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I never give my opinion concerning British politics. British politics are none of my business and I would not presume to stick my nose into them. I did not offer an opinion on Britan joining the European Union, I did not offer an opinion when they decided to leave...IT WAS NONE OF MY BUSINESS. ...

dahermit replies on Mar 6, 2018:

@RobAnybody Let me see if I got this right. Our "problem" and Conservative congressmen have put bad ideas in some members of your parliament. So instead of cleaning up your own house, you try to influence us to clean up ours so that your people will stop having bad ideas that "might" cause someone to shoot your kids. Fixated upon U.S. gun murders (about 6,000 per annum), which are not statistically insignificant relative to other untimely deaths (250,000 medical mistakes per annum and 64,000 drug overdose deaths per annum), you would be more concerned about the "bad ideas" from the U.S. that result in those deaths inasmuch as those things, by your logic (U.S. policy affects Australia) is more likely to kill your kids.

Are vitamins good for you? How do you know?

Neurodoc18 comments on Mar 5, 2018:

That depends on your general nutritional status. For example, alcoholics are often thiamine deficient. If they take in a big sugar load, they could get an acute Wernike’s encephalopathy. It’s well known that the British are referred to as “limies” because they found that having sailors suck ...

dahermit replies on Mar 5, 2018:

Who the hell eats a balanced diet?

He disarmed a possible church shooter — then the police arrived and shot him - NBC News

ScienceBiker comments on Mar 5, 2018:

*he said it was there that he encountered an officer with a rifle who told him to drop the weapon. “I started bending down to put it on the ground,” Garces said. “I didn’t want to drop it. It would go off. That’s when he shot me.”* When a convicted felon (which the victim was ...

dahermit replies on Mar 5, 2018:

It was not "a convicted felon" that got shot...it was the guy who disarmed the perpetrator and got shot for his efforts.

A while back I posted the following on a Christian message board.

DotLewis comments on Mar 5, 2018:

I kind of think there are demons but not as entities that exist beyond our minds. Many people have demons, arising from trauma, life experiences, life choices gone bad. When those things overwhelm the good in us, psychopathology can "possess" us. Descriptions of demon possession often have a lot...

dahermit replies on Mar 5, 2018:

What is "psychopathy"?

Gun Control: A Philosophical Analysis | See Chart

dahermit comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I never give my opinion concerning British politics. British politics are none of my business and I would not presume to stick my nose into them. I did not offer an opinion on Britan joining the European Union, I did not offer an opinion when they decided to leave...IT WAS NONE OF MY BUSINESS. ...

dahermit replies on Mar 5, 2018:

@RobAnybody Your disjointed "point" assumes facts, not in evidence. It is the ultimate stretch to say American politics can result in your kids being shot. It is much more likely that your kids can be shot in Australia by other Austiralians despite your much vaunted anti-gun laws...or did murder via guns stop completely in Australia and I did not hear about it. Or in your mind are all Australian gun deaths that fault of American politics?

The invading Christians labeled the indigenous people as heathens.

tioteo comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Conquest and subjugation are part of human history since societies were formed. Some nations are working to overcome this history; others encourage it. Usually this is done in more subtle ways, but it is still done. Until we educate ourselves to overcome this desire to dominate, we will have this ...

dahermit replies on Mar 4, 2018:

It is notable that in all cases of attempting to "convert" native peoples to Christianity, the peoples being the subject of conversion already had their own beliefs and gods.

Breasts

WizardBill comments on Mar 4, 2018:

I’ve always wondered why the USA is ashamed of breasts and also glamorize them at the same time. Breasts are a child’s first meal plan. Stupid thing to have to cover. That cartoon is excellent.

dahermit replies on Mar 4, 2018:

@jacpod I would not think twice nor have a problem with a woman, who like back in my day, would feed her baby in public with a cloth diaper over her baby and breast. Other than that, I would shield my penis by at least turning my back if I have an urgent need to urinate while in public...that is "its primary function" also...well, maybe its secondary function.

Breasts

WizardBill comments on Mar 4, 2018:

I’ve always wondered why the USA is ashamed of breasts and also glamorize them at the same time. Breasts are a child’s first meal plan. Stupid thing to have to cover. That cartoon is excellent.

dahermit replies on Mar 4, 2018:

@jacpod Then why do women cover their breasts at all other times? How is it that if not nursing women are expected (and can be fined for not doing so), to cover their breasts. Explain to me how a nursing woman is doing something magically wonderful when breastfeeding but is a wanton slut when topless on a stripper pole. I did not make the rules...and I have no idea how it is any different.

Breasts

WizardBill comments on Mar 4, 2018:

I’ve always wondered why the USA is ashamed of breasts and also glamorize them at the same time. Breasts are a child’s first meal plan. Stupid thing to have to cover. That cartoon is excellent.

dahermit replies on Mar 4, 2018:

I could never figure out how they change from an object of sexual desire to something with which to feed a child in a brief moment. How can it be that if I observe a bare-breasted woman by accident, I feel that I must avert my eyes lest my look would offend, but should not get the same feeling when a woman chooses to nurse immodestly in public...I cannot keep up with society's rules.

Why do only some women flaunt their cleavage?

dahermit comments on Mar 4, 2018:

It is all about getting noticed by men who she considers to be a potentential "Prince Charming". Notice how few girls and women "fall in love" with someone in a wheelchair, over-weight, having a defromity, physically unattractive, or chronically unemployed.

dahermit replies on Mar 4, 2018:

@VictoriaNotes I agree...society in general. I am more aware of the male viewpoint. I have never been that interested in "beautiful" girls/women. I had a crush on a plain looking girl in high school and for many years afterword (I admired how she always acted the lady). I grew up overweight and learned early-on that I was not considered to be attractive and was for the most part ignored. However, in my late twenties and they single, I lost my excess weight and found myself the center of attention by many young women...some of them the same ones that had previously ignored me. I could not adjust to being "hit on" by the now-interested girls, due to the rejection I had been subjected to for most of my life. It was quite the contrast...and complicated by the fact that I am a High-Functioning Asperger's Syndrom person and given to being a loner in the first place, did not usually respond to their advances unless they were persistent. It was a very strange feeling for me to hear that some of those women considered me to be "gorgeous". I am old now and a reclusive, with an equally reclusive wife, but I often think back to those times and how odd it all struck me at the time.

Gun Control: A Philosophical Analysis | See Chart

dahermit comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I never give my opinion concerning British politics. British politics are none of my business and I would not presume to stick my nose into them. I did not offer an opinion on Britan joining the European Union, I did not offer an opinion when they decided to leave...IT WAS NONE OF MY BUSINESS. ...

dahermit replies on Mar 4, 2018:

@RobAnybody The keyword here seems to be "Australian politicians". Not AMERICAN citizens, spout Tea Party shite. Given that, it is absurd to use that to justify a foreign citizen interjecting his/her opinion in what is strictly an American political issue.

What's your favorite horror film?

LeighShelton comments on Mar 3, 2018:

THE THING

dahermit replies on Mar 3, 2018:

John Carpenter's The Thing was one of my favorite movies. However, I do not consider it a "Horror" film...more of a Sci-Fi. I do not care for Horror films at all.

Review of More Than 130 Studies Provides Powerful Evidence That Gun Control Saves Lives

KKGator comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Those against common-sense gun control don't care about the facts. It doesn't matter what evidence is presented to them, they have their position and that's all that matters to them. They don't want to hear anything that goes against what they believe.

dahermit replies on Mar 3, 2018:

@KKGator The Second Amendment: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" Where in there do you see the word "need"?

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Akfishlady comments on Feb 26, 2018:

You know, I lived in Alaska for 20 yrs. It's a wild place, of the most sincere kind. I remember borrowing a shotgun once for ? Maybe I had a bear problem? But my crazy drunken ex came over and started swinging it around. Needless to say I returned it and never went there again. I figured if a bear ...

dahermit replies on Mar 3, 2018:

@Colorado88 In your limited ability to envision various possible elements to a situation, you make assumptions based on that limitation. For instance, despite being alert, I am too old to run or retreat. I must stand and fight. I cannot fight physically, but I can still fight with a gun which does not require the physical strength of youth. Being on alert means that I am ready to access my gun before a thug can close the distance...they almost always try to disable a victim with a disabling blow before robbing them or taking their car keys. Old people like me appear as easy victims to thugs. I will not be a victim. Go away...you are boring me.

Review of More Than 130 Studies Provides Powerful Evidence That Gun Control Saves Lives

WizardBill comments on Mar 2, 2018:

But, but, but, but, the NRA says more guns save more lives!

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

Do you think that the NRA is a for-profit organization?

Review of More Than 130 Studies Provides Powerful Evidence That Gun Control Saves Lives

JackPedigo comments on Mar 2, 2018:

You don't have to work for NASA to know that fewer guns in a society the less violent that society. I am convinced it's not lack of knowledge that keeps the gun people going but just plain greed, stupidity and a total lack of concern for others. It is a willful point of view.

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

Oh, Jesus H Christ! The Central and South American countries have the highest gun-murder rates in the world and yet the strictest gun control laws. Notice that the anti-gun entities always hedge their statement with a modifier: "The U.S. has the highest gun deaths of all the "Western/Developed/Industrialized" countries in the world." Those that think Brazil is not a Western, Developed or industrialized country have never been to Rio de Janeiro.

Review of More Than 130 Studies Provides Powerful Evidence That Gun Control Saves Lives

KKGator comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Those against common-sense gun control don't care about the facts. It doesn't matter what evidence is presented to them, they have their position and that's all that matters to them. They don't want to hear anything that goes against what they believe.

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@jorj Oh, it gets a whole lot worse than cell phones...250,000 deaths a year from medical mistakes. But no one is holding any protest or candlelight vigil for those people. Or the 64,000 that die from drug overdoses. But then, reporting that on the news does not make for as good ratings as tearful interviews of shooting victims.

Review of More Than 130 Studies Provides Powerful Evidence That Gun Control Saves Lives

KKGator comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Those against common-sense gun control don't care about the facts. It doesn't matter what evidence is presented to them, they have their position and that's all that matters to them. They don't want to hear anything that goes against what they believe.

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@jorj The words "common sense" gun control/laws is an ambiguous platitude. It is a senseless uttering in that it can mean any number of things and different things to different people.

What are some double standards that bother you?

cava comments on Mar 1, 2018:

It is easier to buy an AR-15 assault rifle then it is to get a driver's license.

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

"I really don't care what distinguishes them...as I said they are close enough to military grade as far as I am concerned. What are you an NRA troll?" No, he is not an NRA troll...he is someone who expected an intellectual debate, not a tantrum from a person who lacks the capacity to make an intelligent argument, but rants instead.

OK so it's been fun so far but let's try and shake things up.

TjallTjall comments on Mar 2, 2018:

I do not. The arrow of time goes in one direction only, that is if time even exists.

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@GaryDoherty "Time" does exist. It can be shown that it slows down as something travels at high speed. That was proven in the early days of the space exploration...they separated a sample of radioactive material into two parts and orbited one of the samples around the earth. When they compared the radioactive decay of the two samples relative to one another, the one sent into space had decayed less than the one that remained on earth. Also, some of the top minds of today (Stephen Hawkings) have come to the conclusion that it may, in fact, be possible, albeit not practical for humans (just objects).

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Dick_Martin comments on Feb 26, 2018:

The numbers I see that seem pretty much right are: * About 25% of Americans have guns. * 3% of Americans own more than half the guns. The gun nuts are a small but vocal group who have nothing else on their mind 24 hours a day, every day. The rest of us have pretty much ignored them. The issue...

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@Dick_Martin This is what you posted: "Do you believe everyone ought to be free to buy automatic weapons of war?" Automatic weapons of war = "Machine guns". And oh...I am not exactly a "young 'un" having been born in 1943.

What are some double standards that bother you?

cava comments on Mar 1, 2018:

It is easier to buy an AR-15 assault rifle then it is to get a driver's license.

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@Highway-Starr So what? 30-06 vs. .223/5.56 both are adequate killers. Both have detachable magazines that can be swapped for a higher round count. Note that I bought a AR-15 DURING the Brady "Ban" with a five round magazine that I replace with a 20 round magazine.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Dick_Martin comments on Feb 26, 2018:

The numbers I see that seem pretty much right are: * About 25% of Americans have guns. * 3% of Americans own more than half the guns. The gun nuts are a small but vocal group who have nothing else on their mind 24 hours a day, every day. The rest of us have pretty much ignored them. The issue...

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@Dick_Martin What are you talking about...the Parkland shooting did not use a "machine gun". The Los Vegas shooter did not use a "machine gun". You are using a lie to tell a lie. Please see a doctor about your apparent senility.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Akfishlady comments on Feb 26, 2018:

You know, I lived in Alaska for 20 yrs. It's a wild place, of the most sincere kind. I remember borrowing a shotgun once for ? Maybe I had a bear problem? But my crazy drunken ex came over and started swinging it around. Needless to say I returned it and never went there again. I figured if a bear ...

dahermit replies on Mar 2, 2018:

@Colorado88 You may not be able to perceive of a person who does not walk around with their head up their ass but I can. What you think is idiotic has no bearing on anyone else.

Something that happened the other day as I am leaving the grocery store I have to share.

dahermit comments on Feb 28, 2018:

If he was homeless, it is likely that he had no place to bathe or clean clothes to put on even if he did have a place to wash.

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

@mistymoon77 He may have been living in his car...no showers in there either.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Dick_Martin comments on Feb 26, 2018:

The numbers I see that seem pretty much right are: * About 25% of Americans have guns. * 3% of Americans own more than half the guns. The gun nuts are a small but vocal group who have nothing else on their mind 24 hours a day, every day. The rest of us have pretty much ignored them. The issue...

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

@Dick_Martin There are no automatic weapons of war being sold to the American public. The AR-15 fires only one shot for each pull of the trigger. "Automatic" weapons have been illegal since the Gun Control Act of 1968. There is no gun sold in the U.S. that is capable firing 10 rounds a second. Such exaggerations I fear, are the result of a mind slipping into senility.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Akfishlady comments on Feb 26, 2018:

You know, I lived in Alaska for 20 yrs. It's a wild place, of the most sincere kind. I remember borrowing a shotgun once for ? Maybe I had a bear problem? But my crazy drunken ex came over and started swinging it around. Needless to say I returned it and never went there again. I figured if a bear ...

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

@Colorado88 Instead of dancing around with your strawman scenario, let us just cut to the chase. Are you proposing that I have no right to defend myself and should run away, or are you contending that a person with a handgun cannot protect himself with a concealed handgun?

Something that happened the other day as I am leaving the grocery store I have to share.

dahermit comments on Feb 28, 2018:

If he was homeless, it is likely that he had no place to bathe or clean clothes to put on even if he did have a place to wash.

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

@mistymoon77 Normal or normally mentally ill? Or did he have a colostomy bag that was leaking gas?

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Dick_Martin comments on Feb 26, 2018:

The numbers I see that seem pretty much right are: * About 25% of Americans have guns. * 3% of Americans own more than half the guns. The gun nuts are a small but vocal group who have nothing else on their mind 24 hours a day, every day. The rest of us have pretty much ignored them. The issue...

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

@Colorado88 His reference to "gun nuts" is offensive to those of us who are involved in the gun sports. It implies that something is wrong with us or all alike in some nefarious way.

What are some double standards that bother you?

cava comments on Mar 1, 2018:

It is easier to buy an AR-15 assault rifle then it is to get a driver's license.

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

You seem to be confused with what a "military grade" weapon is. The weapon is semi-automatic whereas the original Stoner Armalite Rifles were full-auto. The Current U.S. Army Stoner Rifle has a three-shot burst capability. Also, what difference is there between A semi-auto AR-15 and a Remington 742 deer rifle? They are both semi-automatic and use a detachable magazine.

How important is the constitution to you?

JeffMesser comments on Feb 28, 2018:

I find it to be a little too specific in some cases and in serious need of footnotes to aid the Supreme Court in interpretation as to legislative intent. It also failed to give enough avenues for Congressional power. I envision a document of almost bullet point with the Supreme Court deciding the ...

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

Many times the Supreme Court is not so much interested in what the intent of an element of the Constitution, but their own personal biases and party affiliation's interpretation. For instance, a justice recently made some remark about how a certain gun was not used for "sporting" purposes when the Second Amendment was clearly about military arms. To sum, they frequently interpret the Constitution relative to party lines as evidenced by the concern of both parties to appoint as many judges as they can while their party has the White House.

What are some double standards that bother you?

cava comments on Mar 1, 2018:

It is easier to buy an AR-15 assault rifle then it is to get a driver's license.

dahermit replies on Mar 1, 2018:

You can get a driver's license while having a criminal record...a NICS background check that showed a criminal record would stop the sale of an AR-15 or any other gun. Also, note that there is no Constitutional Amendment that gives anyone the right to drive.

How important is the constitution to you?

silvereyes comments on Feb 28, 2018:

I think the sentiment is more important than the details, personally. Everything should be held up to scrutiny. And, our decisions must also evolve to suit the times we live in.

dahermit replies on Feb 28, 2018:

The sentiment of the Bush/Chaney administration was that the Eighth Amendment should be interpreted to suit the times, so they redefined "torture" as "enhanced interrogation techniques". Note that several of the detainees ("suspects" not convicted in a court of law), were "interrogated" until they died at Guantonimo. How did sentiment and changing the meaning of the Constitution to "suit the times...", work out for those people?

Why am I single?

dahermit comments on Feb 28, 2018:

"... isn't just looking for sex..." Oh, why didn't you say so...you are looking for a gay man. :)

dahermit replies on Feb 28, 2018:

@SKDeitch The "smiley face" indicated humor.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

TerriCity comments on Feb 26, 2018:

By Michal Addady - September 19, 2016 Gun “super-owners” are on the rise in America. For only 242 million adults living in the U.S., there are about 265 million guns, according to a recent Harvard and Northeastern University study obtained by the Guardian. That comes out to be more than ...

dahermit replies on Feb 27, 2018:

Informational, but begs the question: So what? Do you have a point?

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

EricT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I own 2 shotguns and 2 rifles. None of them are semi auto or have clips larger than 3 rounds. They are all I need for small and large game along with some bird hunting. I am for far more strict background checks to get guns. Age limits, waiting times, etc should all be in the table. We also have to ...

dahermit replies on Feb 27, 2018:

@EricT There is no Constitutional Right to drive a car...there IS a Constitutional Right to own a gun. You obviously were asleep in high school government class.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

EricT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

We are 4% or the worlds population and own almost 50% of the privately owned guns. We have almost 1 gun for every person in the country.

dahermit replies on Feb 27, 2018:

@EricT Calling someone a "Troll" = you don't like what they say.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

gearl comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I have a 22 handgun that I bought when I was 18. It would probably take me ten minutes to even find it in the bowels of the closet. I think the last time I shot it was about 30 years ago. I do have friends that have guns and most also believe in sensible gun control.

dahermit replies on Feb 27, 2018:

@EricT "I won 3 of them and didn't have to pass anything." I call bullshit on that. All the gun giveaways require the gun be sent to a legitimate gun dealer who then does a NICS check. But then you can claim anything on the internet it those who do not know will likely believe it. And, once again... BULLSHIT.

Death or Old Age - Which Do You Fear More And Why?

MarqG comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I have diabetes. My greatest fear is to be living with those complications (blind, in a wheel chair with a loss of my legs, on dialysis) not able to take care of myself and living in a Republican shit hole of a country that won't do anything to help those in need.Death? Meh. We're all gonna die.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

@MarqG I agree with what you say. It is much like 1930's Germany inasmuch as the Republican Capitalists are taking over. With the Republicans holding the House, Senate, Executive Branch, stacking the Judiciary with Conservatives, Gerrymandering the districts, this may have signaled a shift from democracy into totalitarianism. For the life of me, I cannot understand the Left's obsession with disarming themselves. Not only does that idiot command the military forces, all the militia movements I know of are Right-wing. Things can get much worse than they are now and the Democrats seem oblivious to pre-WWII history. It is reminiscent of the naivety of the German people and the Jews when Hitler rose to power...believing that things would not get that bad. It is astounding to me that the Left cannot see or believe the parallels and that Trump actually has more supporters than Hitler had when he took over.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

EllenDale comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I think you might discover that guns, like the money in America, are distributed unevenly across this nation. Most gun enthusiasts (that is, tnose who are willing to be outed) own more than one gun, sometime several dozen. Most households, however, own zero guns. What does that tell you?

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

@EllenDale We had a military when the Second Amendment was adopted. The same thing has been said about the National Guard. However, there has been no repeal of the Second Amendment since the creation of the National Guard.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Akfishlady comments on Feb 26, 2018:

You know, I lived in Alaska for 20 yrs. It's a wild place, of the most sincere kind. I remember borrowing a shotgun once for ? Maybe I had a bear problem? But my crazy drunken ex came over and started swinging it around. Needless to say I returned it and never went there again. I figured if a bear ...

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

@Akfishlady I have made a bunch of assumptions!? Still waiting for that link to the study where carrying a gun causes the chances of being killed by one to up "exponentially".

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

EricT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I own 2 shotguns and 2 rifles. None of them are semi auto or have clips larger than 3 rounds. They are all I need for small and large game along with some bird hunting. I am for far more strict background checks to get guns. Age limits, waiting times, etc should all be in the table. We also have to ...

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

"I own 2 shotguns and 2 rifles. None of them are semi auto or have clips larger than 3 rounds. They are all I need for small and large game along with some bird hunting." You do know of course that you have no Constitutional right to own a gun for hunting?

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Charlene comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I have a big distaste for guns..

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

I have a big distaste for people who tilt their heads to one side while being photographed.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

EricT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

We are 4% or the worlds population and own almost 50% of the privately owned guns. We have almost 1 gun for every person in the country.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

Although that would read well on a bumper sticker, it will not qualify you for Mensa membership.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

EllenDale comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I think you might discover that guns, like the money in America, are distributed unevenly across this nation. Most gun enthusiasts (that is, tnose who are willing to be outed) own more than one gun, sometime several dozen. Most households, however, own zero guns. What does that tell you?

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

"Most households, however, own zero guns. What does that tell you?" It tells me that most households own zero guns.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Dick_Martin comments on Feb 26, 2018:

The numbers I see that seem pretty much right are: * About 25% of Americans have guns. * 3% of Americans own more than half the guns. The gun nuts are a small but vocal group who have nothing else on their mind 24 hours a day, every day. The rest of us have pretty much ignored them. The issue...

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

"The gun nuts are a small but vocal group who have nothing else on their mind 24 hours a day, every day." Having attended and competed in many formal shooting events and observed and actually talked to my fellow competitors, there was a conspicuous lack of the stereotype you seem to have conjured up in your mind. They are generally better educated than you, more intelligent than you, more affluent than you, and much better informed than you.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

gearl comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I have a 22 handgun that I bought when I was 18. It would probably take me ten minutes to even find it in the bowels of the closet. I think the last time I shot it was about 30 years ago. I do have friends that have guns and most also believe in sensible gun control.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

@EricT Neither Sudafed or canned air require a NICS (background) check.

Death or Old Age - Which Do You Fear More And Why?

jlynn37 comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Old age should not be despaired of as it is a privilege not given to everyone.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

@jlynn37 Where did I say that? The post was about which one is feared more. It is too late for me to die young...I am already nearing my 75 birthday. My point is, death is not something I fear, but I have had my share of pain and do not want anymore.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Akfishlady comments on Feb 26, 2018:

You know, I lived in Alaska for 20 yrs. It's a wild place, of the most sincere kind. I remember borrowing a shotgun once for ? Maybe I had a bear problem? But my crazy drunken ex came over and started swinging it around. Needless to say I returned it and never went there again. I figured if a bear ...

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

@Akfishlady "I might be wrong but the odds of getting killed by someone with a gun goes up exponentially if you have a gun." Show me a link to that "fact"...it is standard anti-gun, unsupported rhetoric. Is my life worth my car...etc.?, I will not willingly surrender anything I own to a thug on principle. As for your "doubt" "...that carrying a gun, unless you have it on your lap, will offer a line of defense if someone surprised you in that situation." is so much speculation. I am, in the very few times I am off my property, situationally aware...no one is going to surprise me...I can assure you of that. I practice and shoot every day the temperature is about 45 degrees (I have an outside range)...seven days a week, thousands of rounds a year. The difference between you and I is that my life revolves around shooting and guns and I have honed my skills to a high degree whereas you get your ideas from anti-gun propaganda you have read.

Death or Old Age - Which Do You Fear More And Why?

MarqG comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I have diabetes. My greatest fear is to be living with those complications (blind, in a wheel chair with a loss of my legs, on dialysis) not able to take care of myself and living in a Republican shit hole of a country that won't do anything to help those in need.Death? Meh. We're all gonna die.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

It is not likely you will be living in a "Republican shit hole". When the Republicans remove all the social safety nets, you will not likely last more than one Winter on the streets.

Death or Old Age - Which Do You Fear More And Why?

jlynn37 comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Old age should not be despaired of as it is a privilege not given to everyone.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

No arthritis or hemorrhoids yet, eh? I would just as well avoid those "privileges".

Unification Church (AKA Moonies) Plans Mass Wedding Complete AR-15 Rifles Near A School In ...

Ktcyan comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I thought the Moonies were long gone. Maybe they need to be Wacoed.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

Right...how many of their innocent children do you want us to shoot, burn to death?

This happened just the other day.

Simon1 comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Idiots he robbed them the left no one hurt, they start shooting he comes back they are lucky they didn't get hurt but they did make the situation worse by shooting at him .

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

While what you say is true, how many convenience store robbers shoot the clerk and any close witnesses to avoid possible prosecution? I would not wait for him to indicate if or not he was going to shoot me...they should have shot him earlier in the confrontation. As it was, by waiting until he was leaving put them at risk of prosecution.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Dispirited comments on Feb 26, 2018:

i don't own any but that is my personal choice. i will when i inherit some from my dad although when i do, they will be put up and locked away at all times (with no ammunition in the house) unless someone wants to target practice who are not dumbasses. i grew up around them and how to properly ...

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

I can see how open carry could scare you, but my concealed weapon does not seem to bother any of my fellow customers at Walmart...they actually appear to be oblivious to it. So, it must be the "idea" of someone carrying concealed (perceived threat) that bothers you, not the reality.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

gearl comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I have a 22 handgun that I bought when I was 18. It would probably take me ten minutes to even find it in the bowels of the closet. I think the last time I shot it was about 30 years ago. I do have friends that have guns and most also believe in sensible gun control.

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

"sensible gun control" is but an undefined anti-gun platitude. "Sensible gun control" can be anything from limiting the number of guns purchased in any one day to a ban on certain guns. Therefore, it is meaningless.

Statistics published recently suggest 42% of US households have at least one gun.

Akfishlady comments on Feb 26, 2018:

You know, I lived in Alaska for 20 yrs. It's a wild place, of the most sincere kind. I remember borrowing a shotgun once for ? Maybe I had a bear problem? But my crazy drunken ex came over and started swinging it around. Needless to say I returned it and never went there again. I figured if a bear ...

dahermit replies on Feb 26, 2018:

"I just think packing a gun is a recipe for disaster." In my case, it is less a recipe for disaster than being punched, kicked in the chest when on the ground when someone wants to carjack my vehicle. At 74, I am getting far less able to survive such an incident while at the same time, looking more and more like an easy target.

The Truth About Assault Weapons

MikeFlora comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Same old bullshit gun lovers have been spewing. My favorite is the argument about it being used in only 2% of the crimes. I don't want banned because it is only used 2% of the time. I want it banned because almost all of the 2% is mass shootings. That's the truth.

dahermit replies on Feb 25, 2018:

@MikeFlora Yawwwn...once again, the federal appeals court is not the Supreme Court, which has the final say. And, Yawwwn....the original posting was not about the Constitutionality of certain semi-automatic weapons.

The Truth About Assault Weapons

MikeFlora comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Same old bullshit gun lovers have been spewing. My favorite is the argument about it being used in only 2% of the crimes. I don't want banned because it is only used 2% of the time. I want it banned because almost all of the 2% is mass shootings. That's the truth.

dahermit replies on Feb 25, 2018:

@MikeFlora And many did not use "assault weapons", or high-cap magazines (Texas Tower shooter used a bolt action to kill 16, wound many). Therefore, a complete ban (on the manufacture of new and the 100% compliance of the surrender of all in existance) on "assault weapons" and high-cap magazines will not stop mass shootings...the very best that could be hoped for is a reduction in mass shootings. "I am not going to argue with you." is a childish response in a debate. The fact that a Federal Appeals Court ruled on the issue is a moot point inasmuch as only the Supreme Court has the final authority to rule on Constitutional issues...which also is a moot point inasmuch as the point my oringianl post did not raise the question of Constitutionality. "...weapons designed to kill or maim...", is a statement right out of the anti-gun handbook...a platitude short on fact and long on emotion. Get on your chair, there is a mouse on the floor.

The Truth About Assault Weapons

MikeFlora comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Same old bullshit gun lovers have been spewing. My favorite is the argument about it being used in only 2% of the crimes. I don't want banned because it is only used 2% of the time. I want it banned because almost all of the 2% is mass shootings. That's the truth.

dahermit replies on Feb 25, 2018:

It is all about the amount of fear something generates relative to its actual threat. 250,000 deaths due to things like medical mistakes per annum, 64,000 deaths per annum due to overdoses and it hardly makes the news. If the threat is not statistically significant compared to other threats, then it is by definition, irrational...but I will not try to convince some silly woman standing on a chair because a mouse ran past her. 32,999 killed in auto accidents each year...2,000 of which are children. Ban cars and driving? As for it (AR-15) being used in almost "all" the mass shootings that is just anti-gun bullshit: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0057.htm

If we're serious about drawing distinctions between "acceptably dangerous" and "unacceptably ...

dahermit comments on Feb 23, 2018:

"Bump stocks are a workaround designed specifically to exploit vagueness in the 90s legislation." Specifically, what 90's legislation?

dahermit replies on Feb 24, 2018:

@JimBen No, what I am going to argue is that some people are not bright enough to get the point. My point was that the "Bump Stock" was not a work-around for anything in the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act ("designed specifically to exploit vagueness in the 90s legislation.") It was meant to get around the Gun Control Act of 1968 which make automatic weapons illegal (not the '90's Brady Act). I guess you are the one smoking something.