Grateful Dead

Brother Badger....

It has indeed been an illuminating and civilized discussion about the gun thing. It occurs to me that we are seeing two mirrored solutions to the same problem. If you were shut in a big barn with a random bunch of strangers you could argue that there were two ideal options for everyone getting along without too much trouble...either (1) everyone has a gun or (2) no-one has a gun. I can see that option 1 might make some sense if that is how your culture has developed, but personally I would always choose and work towards option 2 (much less stressful). But I can see that the more guns that are in that barn, the harder it is for folk to choose option 1. I suppose many of us are lucky enough to live in societies where we are able to have a say in the matter, and to live (or die) with the consequences of our choices. But I will always remain an option 2 guy.

SAN FRANCISCO - SOPHOS computer security firm on Friday warned that hackers are spreading a nasty computer virus with a file promising a PowerPoint presentation of sexual positions from the Kama Sutra. 'Be careful what you do with that mouse,' Mr Graham Cluley of Sophos said in an online post. 'When you click on the file you do get to see a real PowerPoint presentation, but in the background a backdoor Trojan called Troj/Bckdr-RFM is installed which allows hackers to gain remote access to your computer.' Once a computer is infected with the malicious software, the hacker can steal personal information and spy on users' activities or use the machine for nefarious deeds such as sending spam or attacking websites. In scant consolation, the booby-trapped file did present slides of more than a half dozen lovemaking techniques illustrated from the ancient Indian text, according to Mr Cluley. -- AFP

Innocent lives were lost, an elected representative that has the respect of both parties was seriously injured, responsible gun owners are vilified, a background check system didn't work....there are NO winners here.......

Once they have served in the military (and I may be mistaken, but I think all males are required to do a coupla years service) they maintain the weapon they are issued. I recently saw a short news blurb/documentary kinda thing on this. Shooting sports are very big there, with whole families involved, from granny down to the older children. The two or three people they interviewed had their weapons, and their father's and grandfather's. I believe they created the Biathlon which entails cross country skiing and marksmanship skills and it is an Olympic event. The Swiss seem to be a pretty calm bunch, too....haven't heard about any nutcases there shooting up McDonalds or anything, that I am aware of. I expect it's all about respect, and being raised with respect..... Here's to more respectful and rational discussions...and ALOT more good music!!!

One big reason I like hanging here is because we are on the side of respectful discourse, in spite of differing opinions...much too rare in the harsh world of the internet, and much more unfortunately, the "real" world as well. Plus the music, of course. Cookies too, though I'm hankering for cake right about now. Back to quoting Dylan (from my post on "what is a Deadhead") We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view...

some time back, a friend of mine moved to Switzerland, where, apparently, each householder is required to keep a shotgun in good order for times of civic need. This has figured prominently in one or two movies as I recall. I'd be curious how it plays out in real life, as I suspect that even now there are few places more peaceable than Switzerland.

these well thought out and politely stated discussion points. Dean's especially! Love you too Johnman, but I agree with gratefuldean :) About your Iraq nuke question (good one btw) the US is very big on "do as I say, not as I do" with regards to foreign policy. That would be my answer to that question. ********************************** I am not young enough to know everything. Oscar Wilde

I'll drink a beer (well tonight) with ya and make a toast towards no more blood shed **clink**. Oh and wash it down with a little smokie tokie! Which may very well lead to some cookies =) Happy MLK weekend to everyone! "It's got no signs or dividing line and very few rules to guide"

I'm wondering now that I've publically (though facetiously and specifically to make a point) expressed my belief that I've got a right to a nuke (I think I can fit one in my garage if I move a car out)...has some secret gov't internet-spying keyword search now slid me into a "watch, potential terrorist" category? Another shudder. If I get strip-searched the next time I go through security in an airport, I guess I'll know. And I'm with you on who's in jail and who's not thought. If you weren't on the other side of the country, I'd stop on by to hoist a couple and continue the conversation. Happy Friday!