Funny, but we have a very similar image of you. Sitting on your sofa, never served in the armed forces, inactive within the community (except to bash a teacher because you are inept as a parent), not wanting to hear what is really going on in the world, voting with no idea what you are voting for, and completely secure in your delusional perceptions of reality. How about that. Only difference is that I did serve, I know what is going on in government, I vote on issues I am well informed about, I know that my child's education is my responsibility, I believe in the Constitution, and I am involved in my community BUT YOU really are clueless.

I hope beyond hope that our country finds some way to come together rather than continue to polarize like it has. The first civil war was more than bloody enough to teach the lesson we need to find another way. We have a Constitution that Conservatives believe in and will fight for. Any thought of Revolution will come from Liberals as they are the people trying to change government into something it is not. We can only hope they see the error in their pursuit. With all I am I hope that we never see a war within our borders. In war, the life expectancy of an infantry solder is just over 1 minute. Airborne like I was, just a few seconds. I am well aware of the consequences of violence. I am also well aware that you would rather face a holocaust with no weapons. That is your right to choose for you, not for me. Cattle for the slaughter is not my idea of civil obedience.

because your unfamilier with this subject I'll temper my reply. Yes at that time you will have to keep in mind that was level of technowledgy. Today, the criminal mind with the illegal availablity of firearms to them on the black market, or by theft, have the ability to have greater and superior firepower than the police have themselves. To expect a homeowner to limit his available responsive firepower in this light to a single shot, when today burglerers arrive in teams is just insane. About 2 years ago a 12 year old girl, a member of midwest school skeet shooting team was home alone. Her dad at work, when 2 men entered her house to burglerize and potentialy harm her. She grabbed her dads 12 gauge and ended up mortaly shooting both as they attempted to climb the stairs to get her. Yes, she was trained in firearms use and safety, and because of this that then 12 year old is alive and well today. this country is vastly differant than the rest of the world. I agree that for the most part I don't like or agree with the changes that have been wrought upon us by Pearl Harbour, 9/11 or our own misguided actions. We for the most part are product of what fate has dealt us, as is most of this modern world. Untill we are somehow allowed to return to a more restfull state in this country (as in the 50's,) I see no change comeing in our society.:)

HEY WILD BILL- sorry see below.

Replying to DennisK:


First of all I would like to say to hobbycam; Robbie7; and Up-2-IT - thank you gentlemen for your support and kind words. To MtnMan, thank you so much for the statistical graphs that you posted. They were very easy to decipher and had great information. Thank you also for your recommendation about a firearm to take with me on my trip. I had thought about a shotgun early on, but my husband nixed that idea and told me that I did not need one, and was going to take a Glock .380 with me.....but after learning that Glocks don't have safetys, and seeing the trouble in the video getting it out of a holster, (or in withough shooting yourself) I think I am perfectly capable of making my own decision about what I will be comfortable taking with me. I will be visiting a lot of National Parks and Monuments on my trip, and I really don't think that they would appreciate seeing me traveling around with a shotgun slung over my shoulder....although it would be a better weapon against a moose or bear. If anyone has a suggestion for a good, all purpose, handgun that is easy to use, safe to operate, and has reasonble stopping power....let me know.

Now, DennisK, to answer your question...what I proposed for education in the schools, if you will refer back to my post, was to teach the children if they find an unsecured gun, to leave it alone, and go find an adult. I believe that is exactly what Eddie Eagle does. Someone suggested teaching children the safe handling of guns as a school program. THAT I am against. The people who are raised by hunting, or gun owning parents, are exposed to those guns on a regular basis, and conversations about the handling of guns, being actually taught how to handle guns, given practice handling the guns, and loading/firing/cleaning of guns is an ongoing learning experience....under the direct supervision of that parent/family member for years upon years. Gun safety in schools, in my opinion, should be short, sweet, and have the message to keep your hands off the firearm...especially with very young children. I think having a required "hands-on" educational program on gun safety in the schools would cause a great outcry from those parents that are anti-gun with regard to forcing their children to learn about something that they are violently opposed to. Maybe a better way to educate the children would be to have a series of special field trips on weekends that would be optional, where they would be taken to a gun range, and be able to see the guns in action, hear the noise, and have a demonstration of just exactly what a bullet can do, by shooting at a water balloon, or something that would disintegrate when hit.

Very young children do not have any conception of cause and effect unless they actually see, taste, or smell something. I believe that they see the gun as a toy and don't fully appreciate what the bullet is, and what it can do. Of course, field trips are no substitution for years and years of learning at the side of a responsible adult, but it might be a start.

With older children, say Middle and High School students, I believe that there are other things to consider. These young people are at the age where they believe that they know everything, don't take direction and discipline well, and are smarter than most any adult. A lot of these children would possibly think that they are "good to go" in handling a deadly weapon after a short course. And then there are those, unfortunately, who have emotional problems that will be empowered by the knowledge that they are gaining, and may use that knowledge....

I have no opposition to educating children and young adults about firearm safety, but before we open that pandora's box, let's think it out carefully, consider the ramifications and possible negative outcomes of that education, and then be sure we want to go down that path. If the answer is yes, then let's put together a comprehensive educational curriculum that is ongoing, age-appropriate, and comprehensive in its scope. I would also suggest that education on how NOT to use a firearm should also be taught. I believe coping skills for children in learning to deal with bullys, abuse, and the other things that this society throws at them is just as important. Let's teach our children tricks to survive and become adults that do not have emotional scars from growing up. Long gone are the days of the Lone Ranger, Father Knows Best, and other "kiddie" shows that taught good moral lessons. Let's also institute a mandatory educational program for parents to learn how to deal with their problem children, or the children of other families that are causing problems to their children. Give them resources that they can go to, put a program in place that has professionals of every discipline that will help them. Education them in juvenile law, and what resources are available to them through the court system.

Education is a great idea, but it's not a simple solution, and won't be easy. It will take a great deal of participation, and commitment by educators, students, parents, and outside professionals. Additionally, it's great to talk about education, but the time is now to begin working toward implementing it. I am concerned that if we don't, the "knee-jerk" reactionaries will make it a moot point.

What you don't seem to understand is that this is a black and white issue. There is no gray area. There can be no compromise. Anti-gunners are idiots with no logic who think that a police force who gets to a location in 15 to 45 minutes is enough to stop a criminal act that happened in less than 5 minutes. Gun owners know better and that's why they own guns.

Either we have the Constitutional right to own and bear ALL types and sizes of guns (fully automatic weapons are already banned anyway) or Liberals will definitely twist the Constitution's meaning and start removing the right to own some types of guns (Step 1), then later boost that leverage into removing the right to own some others (Step 2), then increase that to eliminate semi-auto ammunition clips down to only four or five rounds each and require registration of them (Step 3), then take the right to have more than 25 rounds of ammunition in your possession (Step 4), etc. until they finally take everything except bird caliber pea-shooter shotguns and put ALL the law-abiding American public in eminent danger of criminal and terrorist attack at a level never before seen in history. The 2nd Amendment is then completely gone but it was taken bite by bite instead of all at once. That's how Liberals work their rights attacks.

There is a female Congressman from New Hampshire who has the brass balls to present a law for consideration that would ban Conservatives from settling in her state (based on previous voting history apparently) and allow the state to expel Conservatives because they suppress the progress that the government could achieve if Conservatives weren't present. What the hell? Is that Democracy? Is that compromise? Is that Constitutional? Is that even patriotic or American? How big of a step would it be for her to then present and get a law passed by her all-Liberal state government to expel all gun owners from her state and confiscate ALL their possessions by government eminent domain? Does anybody see that as no longer being a Democracy?

We gun owners must fight to keep everything intact as it is today or this Socialist complete de-arming of our citizenry will be the result. If those in the middle don't believe that, so be it. It's fact. If those in the middle can see through the media wool thrown over their eyes and join us, then good for them.

Liberals know that the owners of 300 million guns in the U.S. would stand up in defiance against an all-out cancellation of the 2nd Amendment but they are sleepy and don't notice when a right is being chipped away a little at a time. The NRA and other staunch 2nd Amendment supporters know in advance what Liberals are up to and MUST stand firm against it starting or we end up as a bunch of sitting ducks waiting to be picked off by criminals just like you are.

As is repeated over and over but people like you don't grasp - if the government take guns, any or all, away from the law-abiding citizenry, law-abiding innocents are then at the mercy of law-breaking criminals who still have abundant illegal weaponry to use for criminal purposes.

If carrying a handgun legally makes me feel more powerful and more resistant to criminal activity, that's the point. I have a wife and two year old toddler and whenever we leave this house near dark, I always carry concealed. Depending on where we're going I carry concealed in the daytime too. When held at gun point during a robbery by a sociopathic PCP drug user who may just shoot us all after the robbery so we can't identify him, I desperately need something equally as lethal as his illegal gun to save my family. That is not a stick, band director's whistle, or pepper spray. If two or three invaders use an axe on my front door and comes in with shotguns or large caliber revolvers, I want the power to stop the intrusion.

If you have a wife and children, and truly love them more than yourself or a fairy tale pacifist ideology - like a husband and father should, you prepare to protect them from potential death or severe physical impairment with lethal power just like I do.

No government has the right to only allow me to use a single shot 28" barrel bird-caliber shotgun that has to be reloaded after each shot when there are 3 or 4 attackers confronting me - but that's what they want to achieve - either in one fell swoop which the public would not allow - or piece by piece which much of the public wouldn't notice.

It's clear with terms you use, such as gun owners being Rambo, that you are a pacifist Liberal, so quit hiding behind a "supposedly" undecided position. I do not change personality over guns but I have the right to become angered by those who would confiscate my guns and allow my family to be killed because I have no way of protecting us.

This really brings back memories!!!

BABY BOOMER GAME
MEMORY TEST!

(Have a paper and pencil handy to record your answers.. Your mind isn't as sharp as it once was!)

(who says???) (it's just gotten older, that's all)

This is NOT a pushover test. It's a Baby Boomer era test!

There are 20 questions. Average score is 12 .

This one will be difficult for the younger set. (DUDE!)

Have fun, but no peeking!

Good luck, youngsters ,


1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?
A. Flintstone's vitamins
B. The Buttmaster
C. Spaghetti
D. Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil


2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...
A. Sugar Ray Robinson.
B. Roy Orbison..
C. Gene Autry.
D. Rudolph Valentino..
E. Fabian.
F. Mickey Mantle.
G. Cassius Clay.


3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and....
A. It's you.
B. He is us.
C. It's the Grinch.
D. He wasn't home.
E. He's really me and you.
F. We quit.
G. He surrendered.


4. Good night, David ..
A. Good night, Chet
B. Sleep well.
C. Good night, Irene.
D. Good night, Gracie.
E. See you later, alligator.
F. Until tomorrow.
G. Good night, Steve..


5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...
A. When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons.
C. When you clean your tub.
D. If you paint the room blue.
E. If you buy a soft water tank.
F. When you use Lady Clairol.
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent.


6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's
friend...
A. Stuart Whitman.
B. Randolph Scott.
C. Steve Reeves..
D. Maynard G. Krebs.
E. Corky B. Dork.
F.. Dave the Whale.
G. Zippy Zoo.


7. Liar, liar...
A. You're a liar.
B. Your nose is growing.
C. Pants on fire.
D. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher.
F. On the wire.
G. I'm telling Mom.


8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights never ending battle for truth, justice and.....
A. Wheaties.
B. Lois Lane .
C. TV rating.
D. World peace.
E. Red tights.
F. The American way.
G. News headlines.


9. Hey kids! What time is it?
A. It's time for Yogi Bear.
B It's time to do your homework.
C. It's Howdy Doody Time.
D. It's time for Romper Room.
E. It's bedtime.
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour..
G. Scoopy Doo Time..


10. Lions and tigers and bears..! ..
A. Yikes.
B. Oh, no..
C. Gee whiz.
D. I'm scared...
E. Oh my.
F. Help! Help!
G. Let's run.


11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone....
A. Over 40.
B. Wearing a uniform.
C. Carrying a briefcase.
D. Over 30.
E. You don't know.
F. Who says, 'Trust me'..
G. Who eats tofu.


12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's
stockings...
A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Staubach
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway


13. Brylcream.....
A. Smear it on.
B. You'll smell great.
C. Tame that cowlick.
D. Grease ball heaven..
E. It's a dream.
F. We're your team.
G. A little dab'll do ya.


14. I found my thrill...
A. In Blueberry muffins.
B. With my man, Bill..
C. Down at the mill.
D. Over the windowsill.
E. With thyme and dill.
F. Too late to enjoy.
G. On Blueberry Hill.


15.. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...
A. Clark Gable.
B. Mary Martin.
C. Doris Day.
D. Errol Flynn.
E. Sally Fields.
F. Jim Carrey.
G. Jay Leno.


16. Name the Beatles...
A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo


17. I wonder, wonder, who.
A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?


18. I'm strong to the finish...
A. Cause I eats my broccoli.
B. Cause I eats me spinach.
C. Cause I lift weights.
D. Cause I'm the hero.
E. And don't you forget it.
F.. Cause Olive Oyl loves me.
G. To outlast Bruto.


19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today.
A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera.
B. Smile, you're on Star Search.
C. Smile, you won the lottery.
D. Smile, we're watching you.
E. Smile, the world sees you.
F. Smile, you're a hit.
G. Smile, you're on TV.


20. What do M & M's do?
A. Make your tummy happy.!
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket.
C. Make you fat.
D. Melt your heart.
E. Make you popular.
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
G. Come in colors.


Below are the right answers:
1. D - Wonder Bread
2. G - Cassius Clay
3. B - He Is us
4. A - Good night, Chet
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D - Maynard G.. Krebs
7. C - Pants on fire
8. F - The American Way
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
10. E - Oh my
11. D - Over 30
12. C - Joe Namath
13. G - A little dab'll do ya
14. G - On Blueberry Hill
15. B - Mary Martin
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
19.. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
20.. F - Melt in your mouth not in your hand

I got 1 wrong - #11

Sarge69

I simply was asking permission to post....seemed like to me that this thread was a male only one...trying to be considerate is all, and not post where I was not wanted.

Anyway, I watched the film, and agree that untrained people, in a stressful situation can be a negative, and that the test was probably weighted a bit for dramatic television effect. That being said, it did give some food for thought about how an untrained, non-professional would react in a stressful situation. My husband was a police officer for 23 years and was trained to overcome the natural inclination of humans to run away from a life-threatening situation. I know I cannot truthfully say that I would have been any better in that test than the subjects were, and I have handled firearms my whole life.

We have firearms in our house, I know how to use them and have a concealed carry permit, although have not felt the need to carry a gun with me. Do I want armed teachers in schools? - absolutely not, that is not their function, and their mindset is not geared to "taking down" an armed intruder. Do I want children to be taught gun safety in school? - absolutely not. A lot of children have parents that are dead set against guns and gun ownership. A child of those parents may very well find a friend whose parents have a gun, and talk his friend into getting the gun and "practicing" with it without supervision, thus setting up a recipe for disaster. If you want to have any kind of firearms education in schools, teach children if they see an unsecured firearm - not to touch it, and go find an adult.

Yes, there needs to be responsible ownership, but I do not believe that you can legislate responsibility. There are background checks for gun ownership now, and I have no problem with a national data base to identify those people who have mental illnesses, their rights to privacy be damned, so that they cannot legally purchase a firearm. I also have no problem with having to wait long enough for a thorough background check to be done on someone. I have read posts about other countries that have very strict gun laws having less crime. I don't know the statistics, but someone posted a video on this site about two foreign police officers, that were not carrying guns, and were severely beaten by a mob of drunks. If a mob of drunks can do that to police officers, what chance do I have for my safety. Certainly would make me feel very secure.

I really don't care about other countries, I care about my country. I have watched, over the years, incivility, brutality, and disrespect for rules, morals, and human life take hold in this country. I truly believe that we, as a country need to reinstate rules, boundaries, and limitations on our children from a young age, and hold parents responsible for the behavior of their children. When I went to high school, we did not have metal detectors, and armed police officers in the schools. We did not have the garbage on the television and in movies that glorify bad behavior, violence, and the thinking that "anything goes."

I believe that the violence that is sweeping our country is indicative of a breakdown in social values that needs to be addressed, along with keeping guns out of the hands of those not fit to have them. Until the underlying reasons for the violence are addressed, it will continue unabated. Placing more restrictions on those of us who are responsible gun owners will make the criminals and mentally deranged more empowered. How sad it is to say that I feel the need to have a firearm to protect myself from the marauding element that is running amok out there. However, until my government can assure me that they can stop criminals and mentally ill people from obtaining a gun, I have the right to protect myself, and will fight to keep that right.

Being a woman, I am aware that I have an extra risk to deal with when it comes to being a target for a criminal. I try to be aware at all times of the people around me, and the situations that I may come across. I intend to take a solo trip in a year with a pull-behind trailer across the United States, and will take a firearm with me on that trip for my protection. I have no intention of being a "soft target" for someone that will see me traveling alone and think I am easy prey...I think everyone should have the right to decide whether or not they want to take responsibility for their own safety, or leave it to others to provide that for them. The people who are not comfortable with guns will never understand those of us who are, and choose to have them. The criminal elements that are out there have no respect for human life, and I for one do not intend to be a statistic in the newspaper. Whether I would be able to actually shoot someone....I honestly don't know, and hope I never have to find out, but I have the constituional right to have a firearm as long as I am qualified, and choose to do so.

hobbycam

Thanks - Now For My Soap-Box Again

Thanks for your well stated posts. But I think, you, as well as I know that it is pushing a cart up a greased hill trying to talk sense into some folks.

I laugh at some statements pertaining to Americans who are drunk, arrogant and wearing hats 'with maple leafs' - Hmmm, I thought that symbol belonged to Canada, and I'm not bashing our northern neighbors with that so don't try to bring that in. Just stating the OP isn't familiar with it so credibility is lost there.

American troubles for the past 10 to 15 years has been in the schools to start with; where children are exposed to the views of the teachers who are mainly extremely liberal and pass on those views to the kids. We DESERVE RESPECT instead of saying WE EARN RESPECT, telling the kids that HAVE THEIR RIGHTS to do just about anything they want rather than RESPECT THE RIGHTS of others. Changing history by tell kids THE WHITE MAN TOOK EVERYTHING from the native Indians in America instead of THE INDIANS GAVE IT UP FOR TRINKETS. It's all about DEMANDING RIGHTS instead of ENJOYING AND RESPECTING RIGHTS. We freaking feed the kids now for Breakfast and Lunch also. Hmmmm, I ate breakfast at home and paid a small fee for lunch in the mid to late 50s. As one poster said about English on airline crews, I remember when that came into being as before that it was mainly French.

When I went to school, I was taught pure and simple that life was going to be hard unless I ( the student ) studied, learned History, Geography, Social Studies, Math, English and a foreign language like French, Spanish or German. Now they just try to communicate in some common language with students from a multitude of different cultures and catering to each of them and nothing is learned. The state of Connecticut once had a referendum on changing the state language to Spanish. Can you imagine ?

I absolutely refuse to press a number to speak English and you'll find that if you don't press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, the recording reverts to English. This ain't a Spanish language country, you live here, SPEAK ENGLISH. Accommodate another language but don't shove it down my throat.

I just read in the paper that the detainees at Gitmo are getting a 5+ million dollar award because they were subject to torture there. HELLO ? Just imagine if a little water torture revealed intentions of the 9-11 disaster? Would the end justify the means in that situation?

I could go on and on what pisses me off now-a-days but just let me say that we cannot afford to bend to DEMANDS all the time instead of EARN YOUR MONEY and RIGHTS, don't DEMAND them without working for them.

For Christ sake, this country and it's liberal, socialistic path is really pissing me off.

There, I feel better. Let the flaming begin as I make another cup of Dunking Donuts coffee.

Sarge69