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Member Since: 10/19/08Send This Person a Message Give this person a Gift Add This Person as a Friend
Her STRENGTH and FAITH remains intact A hero to the community OUTSTANDING IN ALL RESPECTS You are a remarkable person A Perfect Example Of Ones Past Not Dictating Ones Future Computer Is Acting Stupid Sorry For The Extra Tributes A Lady Who Makes The World A Better Place A Great Mother Friend A SPECIAL LADY Wonderful Lady and Friend True Warrior Sherry is one strong lady Courages Amazing Woman very proud and strong women caring thank you for being you SOZA Sister in all that she does caring for others in what she does May the Lord allow you to follow in the steps of a great care giver in the LEN field
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PL, Fellow memberSummary: Always willing to listen to her valued opinion. Shares the same life values as I do.
Polly K.
PL Friend, PL FriendSummary: She made me feel welcome on PL. I'm proud to be her friend.
P.L. friend, P.L. friendSummary: Dolphinblue displays graciousness and concern for others and is an honest,straight forward,fine friend.
Tyler S
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pl, studentSummary: Sherry is a very strong person with a great attitude! She would be an asset to any team :).
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"Have a safe and peaceful July 4th my dear friend, be safe!"
Great to hear how well Gavin is doing. Prayer does work!
Comment Wall
Add this person as a friend to write on their Comment Wall.
almost 4 years ago
2948 Comments
You do the same and have a safe and wonder weekend.
God Bless
almost 4 years ago
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almost 4 years ago
52776 Comments
Hey Sherry,
Hope your well and have a great weekend.
almost 4 years ago
82 Comments
thanks for the add
almost 4 years ago
86 Comments
Thanks for the add : )
almost 4 years ago
however you lke it enjoy. john
almost 4 years ago
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Thank you for add me as a friend, I know from "B" of my Heart, good people still out there.
almost 4 years ago
10208 Comments
Sherry stopping by to say hi ,and see how everything is going? Have a great rest of the week.
almost 5 years ago
70 Comments
Happy 4th of July, I hope you had a great weekend!
almost 5 years ago
18372 Comments
As we all gather with friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July, let us not forget the men and women who have fought to make sure our freedoms stay intact. Stop for a moment and pray for these brave men and women who are fighting and giving up their lives to keep us free.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed" Paragraph 2 Declaration of Independence
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood
almost 5 years ago
13850 Comments
Happy 4th of July to you
almost 5 years ago
10208 Comments
Sherry have a safe and happy 4th of July. Have a great week.
almost 5 years ago
36 Comments
Happy 4th. And GOD bless.


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Tag Archives: operating expenses
When It Comes to Data Quality Delivery, the Soft Stuff Is the Hard Stuff (Part 4 of 6)
In my previous post I emphasized the importance of demonstrated project management fundamentals as a key enabler of effective data quality delivery. In this blog, I will discuss why an understanding of corporate financial concepts is so important to data quality success.
Despite the continued evolution of data management technologies and the growing awareness of the challenges and promises of data quality, business buy-in is still a major barrier to the widespread adoption of data quality as another lever to achieve operational effectiveness. One of the key reasons for limited adoption is a clear linkage between data quality and a business's performance, which is measured in a myriad of ways from operational metrics to managerial reports to formal KPIs. But, eventually, the enterprise's performance is summarized in three key financial statements; the income statement, the balance sheet and the cash flow statement. Positioning data quality impacts or improvements in the context of these financial statements begins to "connect the dots" and moves data quality from the abstract to the concrete and from the theoretical to the practical. To illustrate this point, let's take a look at the impacts and implications of a simple data quality issue like "undeliverable" billing addresses. (more…)

subset: commoncrawl


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Quarterly Report: 2010, July - September (Q1), Pelican
Lawrence Blood
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First Class City
Agreement Date:
City of Pelican
Assessment Status:
Assessment Date:
Exp Date:
Last Updated:
Community Sanitation Overview:
Pelican is located on the northwest coast of Chichagof Island on Lisianski Inlet. Most of the community is built on pilings over the tidelands. Pelican has a maritime climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 51 to 62; winter temperatures range 21 to 39. The City recently acquired the piped water system from Pelican Seafoods, A subsidiary of the Kake Tribal Corporation. City water is derived from a dam and reservoir system on Pelican Creek, and is treated with chlorine. 58 of 75 residences are connected to the piped system. The City completed a piped sewage system with ocean outfall in 1989; about 75% of homes are connected to it. The system uses four 10,000-gallon septic tanks and the City hires a disposal truck from Juneau to pump sludge about four times a year. The City provides garbage collection services, recycling, and incinerates the refuse at the landfill. Electricity is provided by Pelican Utility Company.
RUBA Status & Activities This Qtr:
RUBA staff assisted the community after an extreme rainfall event where approximately ten inches of rain fell within forty-eight hours which caused flooding and weakened the water supply flume. On August 20, 2009, approximately thirty feet of the flume collapsed leaving the community without drinking water and hydroelectric power. The community issued a local government disaster declaration and requested that the Governor declare a disaster emergency that provides financial assistance for the response and recovery from the event. On September 30th, Gov. Parnell granted disaster relief money to repair Pelicans drinking water system. RUBA staff will stay abreast of the situation and provide assistance as requested. The community continues to submit supporting documentation on a quarterly basis consisting of monthly financial reports. The documents received during the last quarter, confirms that Pelican still successfully meets all essential capacity indicators.
RUBA Activities for the Coming Qtr:
RUBA staff will continue to provide assistance as requested. A community visit is scheduled for October 2009 to conduct an updated RUBA assessment.
Essential Indicators:
26 of 26
Sustainable Indicators:
23 of 27
Total Score:
49 of 53
Essential Indicators
All revenues and expenses for the utility are listed in the utility budget.
The utility has adopted a balanced realistic budget.
Monthly financial reports are prepared and submitted to the policy making board.
The utility is current in paying all water/wastewater electric bills.
The utility has on hand a year's adequate fuel supply or it has a financial plan to purchase an adequate supply.
The utility is receiving revenues (user fees or other sources) sufficient to cover operating expenses.
Sustainable Indicators
The utility is receiving revenues (user fees or other sources sufficient to cover operating expenses and Repair & Replacement (R) costs.
YTD revenues are at a level equal to or above those budgeted.
YTD expenditures are at a level equal to or below those budgeted.
A monthly manager's report is prepared.
Budget amendments are completed and adopted as necessary.
Finances Comments
The City of Pelican is operating with a balanced and realistic FY09 budget. The water, sewer, and garbage budgets are part of the overall city budget. All utility revenues and expenses are listed in the utility portion of the budget. Both City and utility expenses and revenues are in line with budgeted projections. User fees do not produce sufficient income to cover operating expenses or repair and replacement (R and R) cost. Other sources, such as the general fund, are used to subsidize utility operating expenses and savings are used for unexpected repairs. The City engages the auditing firm Altman, Rogers and Co. on an annual basis. The Council is provided with monthly financial reports including a monthly profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and budget vs. actual profit and loss. The community has a bulk fuel storage facility which is owned by Pelican Seafoods, a subdivision of Kake Tribal Corporation. The city has adequate funds available and purchases fuel as needed from Pelican Seafoods, which maintains a sufficient level of fuel reserves to accommodate the community's need.
Accounting Systems
Essential Indicators
The utility has adopted a collection policy and actively follows it.
The utility bills customers on a regular basis.
An accounts receivable system is in place which tracks customers and reports past due accounts and amounts.
An accounts payable system is in place.
The payroll system correctly calculates payroll and keeps records.
A cash receipt system is in place that records incoming money and how it was spent.
The utility has a cash disbursement system that records how money was spent.
Sustainable Indicators
A chart of accounts is used that identifies categories in a reasonable, usable manner.
Monthly bank reconciliations have been completed for all utility accounts.
The utility has a purchasing system that requires approval prior to purchase, and the approval process compares proposed purchases to budgeted amounts.
Accounting Systems Comments
The City of Pelican has adopted and actively follows a collections policy. Utility bills are distributed on a monthly basis. The account receivables system documents customer payments and reports past due accounts with corresponding amounts. The City actively pursues delinquent utility accounts. The City is currently using QuickBooks Pro for their accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. The City Clerk and the Assistant City Clerk are both proficient in QuickBooks. The Mayor recently attended a RUBA sponsored QuickBooks class. The City maintains a written receipt system to record incoming funds and other transactions as a backup for the QuickBooks system. The City Clerk completes monthly bank reconciliations. The City uses a purchase order system for all purchases and maintains a cash disbursement system to track expenditures. The City provides water utility services to the local population for the following fees: Residential (unmetered) = $5.60 per month Commercial = $10.40 per month There are currently no fees for sewer use and the water rate is one of the lowest in Southeast Alaska.
Tax Problems
Essential Indicators
The utility has a system to accurately calculate, track, and report payroll tax liabilities.
The utility is current on filing tax reports.
The utility is current on making tax deposits.
If there are any past due tax liabilities or recorded tax liens, a lien release has been issued or a repayment agreement has been signed and repayments are current.
Tax Problems Comments
The City of Pelican uses QuickBooks Pro to calculate, track, and report payroll liabilities. The City of Pelican is current with tax reports and tax deposits. The city uses direct deposit for federal payroll tax payments and RUBA staff visually inspected the city's last four quarters of 941 Federal Tax Returns. The city has not received any DOL letters within the past year, however did receive an IRS letter because their deposit was applied to the wrong quarter. The situation with the IRS has since been resolved.
Personnel System
Essential Indicators
The utility has a posted workers compensation insurance policy in effect.
Sustainable Indicators
The utility has adopted and uses a Personnel Policy, which has been reviewed by an attorney, AML or Commerce for topics and language.
The utility has adequate written job descriptions for all positions.
The utility has adopted and follows a written personnel evaluation process that ties the job description to the evaluation.
The utility has an adequate written hiring process.
The utility has personnel folders on every employee that contain at least: I-9, Job Application and Letter of Acceptance.
The utility has a probationary period for new hires that includes orientation, job training/oversight, and evaluations.
The utility provides training opportunities to staff as needed and available.
Personnel System Comments
The City currently carries workers compensation insurance through AML/JIA. The policy runs from 07/01/08 through 06/30/09. The policy covers work-related accidents and occupational diseases up to the Alaska statutory limits for each occurrence. A copy of the workers compensation policy is posted in accordance with state statute at the following locations: City Hall, City Shop, and the Community Library. Pelican has an implemented personnel policy. The City has written job descriptions for the utility department; however, they have not been updated for several years. The city is lacking in adequate job descriptions for all other municipal positions. The City has a formal evaluation process only for new hires and the evaluations are not necessarily tied to the job description. A satisfactory hiring process is documented in the City's municipal code. There are personnel folders for every municipal employee which contain recommended documentation including an I-9 and job application. The City only uses letters of acceptance for utility positions. The City has a probationary period for new hires that includes systematic orientation, job training, oversight, and performance evaluations. The City provides training opportunities as needed.
Organizational Management
Essential Indicators
The entity that owns the utility is known; the entity that will operate the utility is set.
The policy making body is active in policy making of the utility.
The policy making body enforces utility policy.
The utility has an adequately trained manager.
The utility has an adequately trained bookkeeper.
The utility has an adequately trained operator or operators.
The utility has adopted the necessary ordinances (or rules and regulations) necessary to give it the authority to operate.
Sustainable Indicators
The utility has adopted an organizational chart that reflects the current structure.
The policy making body meets as required.
The utility complies with the open meeting act for all meetings.
Organizational Management Comments
The City Council meets monthly, complies with open meeting requirements and is active in policy making for the utility. The City operates a small level T (treated) drinking water system. The City has two operators working on the utility systems who have the necessary level of certification. The operators have OIT level certifications, which is appropriate given the classification of the facility. The utility operator John Hafendorfer has the following certificates: Water Treatment OIT Expired Water Distribution OIT Expired The utility operator Allen Stewart has the following certificates: Water Treatment OIT Exp. 12/31/09 Wastewater Collection 1 Exp. 12/31/09 Water Distribution OIT Exp. 12/31/09 The utility has adopted an organizational chart which is included in their utility business plan.
Operation of Utility
Essential Indicators
The utility operator(s) are actively working towards necessary certification.
The utility has a preventative maintenance plan developed for the existing sanitation facilities.
Sustainable Indicators
The manager receives a monthly O&M report from the utility operator and routinely "spot checks" the facilities to see that the maintenance items are being completed.
The utility has a safety manual and holds safety meetings.
Utility facilities have not suffered any major problems/outages due to management issues that are unresolved.
The utility is operating at the level of service that was proposed.
The operator provides status reports to the manager on a routine basis.
The utility has completed and distributed its "Consumer Confidence Report".
The utility is not on the "Significant Non-Complier" (SNC) list.
The utility maintains an inventory control list.
The utility maintains a critical spare parts list.
Operation of Utility Comments
The water utility operators have achieved the necessary certification to operate the utility and are considering further training. The current water system is experiencing some difficulties due to the age of the system, but is operating at the proposed level of service. Buildings attached to the water system need to run water constantly during the winter months so the main line will not freeze. Most of the City is served from a single water pipe. It is common to walk down the boardwalk and hear and see treated, unused water pouring from underneath city structures. The City recently had a major break in the water distribution system; however, the city had the financial resources to fix the problem without a significant interruption in service. The wastewater system is also experiencing problems due to the age of the system, types of pumps in the system, and the available power supply. The community is currently in the construction phase for upgrades to its water and wastewater systems which will solve many of the ongoing problems. The utility operators consult with the Mayor on a regular basis and provide verbal status reports monthly. The Mayor, who also serves as the utility manager does visit the facilities and conducts random spot checks for maintenance items. The utility completes and distributes its Community Confidence Report (CCR) in compliance with State and federal regulations. The operator maintains an adequate level of supplies and some spare parts for the utility, however does not maintain an inventory control or critical spare parts list. The operators have a safety manual and preventive maintenance plan for the sanitation facilities. These are included in the utility operations manual. The operators meet daily and conduct regular safety meetings on a monthly basis which is annotated in a safety log recording the date, topics discussed, and the personnel present at the meeting. In addition to the safety meetings, the operators routinely discuss potential risks and safety procedures before starting a job.
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The retro movement in car design has been going strong for the last several years, buoyed by the success of such cars as the Mini Cooper and the Chevrolet Camaro. The movement's newest member is the Fiat 500, a tiny Italian car that harks back to the original 1957 model. The new Cinquecento (which is Italian for 500) has managed to keep the classic look even as it has grown larger and been updated for modern drivers. The American 500 is a lightly massaged European model with what Fiat calls necessary tweaks for American customers: a stronger suspension, wider seats, and more cupholders. Inside you'll find modern technology with a retro feel: behind the two-tone dash is available Sirius satellite radio and a voice-activated Bluetooth-linked infotainment system. Under the hood is Fiat's 1.4-liter four-cylinder MultiAir engine, which is good for 101 hp. That may not sound like much, but the engine only has to move about 2400 pounds, so the 500 has relatively brisk performance and returns decent, if not stellar, fuel economy. For drivers who don't want three pedals, the optional six-speed automatic can be manually shifted, and it has a sport mode that adds a little bit of spice to the driving experience. Although the 500 is designed to seat four passengers, rear legroom measures just under 32 inches, which means space is tight. The benefit is that, at 139.6 inches, the 500 will fit into almost any kind of parallel parking spot.
Certified Pre Owned Price


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Gift Finder
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Well just over two months ago there was a bit of a domestic at my flat, my now ex girlfriend decided to go on a technology rampage. She smashed my PS Vita, my phone and then attempted to smash my TV fortunately she didn't do too much damage, broken corner and snapped optical port at the back from stretching the lead that was plugged in.
After things calmed down I called my insurance comapny to get it repaired, they sent someone around and basically told me they would repair it for me under my cover. The TV itself still worked fine fortunately (was last years entry level 3D set) so I kept using it and waiting for the repair, after two months I called the insurance company again, they advised me that it could be another month yet and due to the abnormal wait time they would source a replacement instead. About half hour later a guy calls me up asking if I would accept the replacement TV they offered, the flagship LG TV for the year! Obviously I accepted this and then he said he would sort out the paperwork and then take payment... Uh oh! Turns out I had to pay £12 delivery charge, when asking him about the old one he told me that I can dispose of it myself.
Well yesterday the TV was delivered and it really is a thing of beauty, read so many people moaning over on AV forums and have tested the films they mentioned 24p issues and cannot see the problems, so possibly been fixed in a recent firmware update. The screen is so bright and crisp, the 3D is much better than last years effort and the minimal bezel is simple amazing. All in all, I'm kinda glad I had a crazy girlfriend!


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Oracle Customer: DENSO Europe
Location: Weesp, Netherlands
Industry: Automotive
Employees: 12,000
Annual Revenue: $1 to $5 Billion
Oracle Customer: DENSO Europe
Location: Weesp, Netherlands
Industry: Automotive
Employees: 12,000
Annual Revenue: $1 to $5 Billion
DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global supplier of automotive thermal, power train control, electric, electronics, vehicle information, and safety components. With more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 35 countries, DENSO Corporation supplies automotive parts to the world's major carmakers. Last fiscal year, the organization spent 9.4% of its consolidated revenue, globally, on research and development.
DENSO Europe, headquartered in the Netherlands, operates production plants and sales offices in 15 countries throughout Europe and North Africa. Its interconnected laboratories and testing centers in Germany, Sweden, Italy, and the United Kingdom develop pioneering automotive technologies that meet the requirements of European car manufacturers.
"Thanks to Oracle's JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 9.0 implemented by Cadran Consultancy, we significantly improved the efficiency of key financial processes. For example, we accelerated receivables by 70% to 80%. We also achieved a return on investment within three years, since we were able to standardize and automate financial processes throughout DENSO Europe and eliminate the high costs for external consultants." – Pim de Groot, Director, Finance and Accounting, DENSO Europe
"Our aim was to optimize accounting performance, add technical functionality such as support for international financial reporting and cross-border payments, and ease regulatory compliance," said Pim de Groot, director, finance and accounting, DENSO Europe. "Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 9.0 provided all this with a user-friendly, intuitive interface. The implementation has served as a pilot project within DENSO Corporation, and its continued success paves the way for further deployment throughout DENSO worldwide."
DENSO Europe completed the implementation process within the estimated time and on budget, taking nine months from project start to going live across all seven European sales branches.
"The implementation went very smoothly," De Groot said. "We recognized that such an implementation represented a significant internal change, so we devoted considerable attention to our staff by organizing trainings and incentives centered on Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne and using JD Edwards EnterpriseOne User Productivity Kit. As a result, we ensured that users understand, support, and endorse new ways of working."
Oracle Partner
Cadran Consultancy
"Collaboration with Oracle Platinum Partner Cadran was very important, especially in the run-up to the implementation, where a great deal of trade knowledge was necessary to ensure that DENSO Corporation and DENSO Europe were on the same page," De Groot said. "We appreciated Cadran's hands-on approach, pragmatism, flexible attitude, and profound knowledge of Oracle applications. They spoke to us using the language of our business, so we were very satisfied with the collaboration."


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- Morgan Barnes
- Sydney Nsw
- Australia
Law Enforcement Officer, government agency
This conversation is closed.
Has the time come for the U.S Second Amendment to be repealed or amended?
After yesterdays tragic shooting in Newtown CT and the worst year ever for firearm related deaths and mass killings , has the time for the US Government to tell the Gun Lobby it is over and repeal or amend "the right of the people to bear arms".
Should it be repealed on the grounds that when originally written it was for a smaller population to defend the "State" and meant for Muskets and flintlocks not semi automatics and military hardware, which makes it no longer viable on account of relevance to this day and age.
That Militia should be held to Law Enforcement agencies, Military and government controlled Para military agencies, with a show need, clause for people such as certain Primary producers etc.
Is it time to tell the NRA and the Gun Lobby there will be no more "collateral" damage no matter how much you donate to the "Party"
What would be the best way for the government to enforce such a law???
And please no Guns do not kill people, people kill people debates it was people who invented firearms in the first place.
The time has come to realise it is mainly our children who pay the ultimate price for lack of diligence in monitoring a problem that has been there for far too many years.
Closing Statement from Morgan Barnes
Firstly I would like to say I did not flag or delete anyone's comments I am perfectly capable of speaking for myelf however I did get frustrated and had some comments deleted myself.
As I write this President Obama has signed 23 executive orders inline with Colleen's post from yesterday from New York.
I have to admit I am a little disappointed that we could not of just discussed the issue in a more calm, critical and logical manner and be able to offer solutions as well as recognised the underling causes, as this is a forum for open ideas and thinking, Then again we are dealing with human nature.
To those of you from the International community thank you for your imput and allowing people to see the different views helds in different parts of the world on this subject.
I will not deny that the Constitution and The Bill Of Rights are the backbone of America, but remember it was written by man not given by god and man can take it away or amend it, if he really wants too.
I am a believer that in the 21st Century we should use it to advance humankind to address the problems of the world and improve it for all. It won't be easy but we have to start somewhere or we risk implementing our own destruction.
I hope that this be a positive start and and an even more positive step in which the US can show the way.
Once again I thank you all for your contributions
"In a progressive country change in constant : change is inevitable "Benjamen Disraeli
Don Levy
Jan 13 2013: The original premise of the 2nd Amendment is valid and was written to enable citizens to protect themselves from a hostile government. It was also based on the need or desire to have local militia, for which citizens would be able to provide their own weapon - which at the time was a single shot musket. What has gotten completely out of control is the way zealots, especially among those on the pro-gun side of the equation, have corrupted the meaning and intention of the 2nd amendment. I see less of a need to repeal than it is to legislatively update and clarify. It seems clear to me that setting some limitations on what one has the right to own, carry, and use is hardly the same as banning all guns. To hear the NRA, any limitation begins the slippery slope towards taking away the right entirely. If that is truly the case, then what is the legitimacy of any law or regulation? My right to own a car does not also grant me the right to drive it any way I want at any speed. My right to consume alcohol and my right to drive, does not grant me the right to drink and drive. My rights are not being infringed when the greater good of society is protected. Regulating the possession of high-powered weapons and lethal ammunition designed solely to kill other human beings, is not the same as banning all weapons or voiding the second amendment. Given the statistics on gun related deaths here in America, the argument that gun ownership makes us safer rings hollow.
- +6
Jan 13 2013: What are those statistics, Don?
Don Levy
Jan 14 2013: Here are a few links, including one from the University of Utah Medical Medical School. The datablog entry in the Guardian references the FBI and there is also a US Dept of Justice databank that outlines gun-related homicides versus that by other weapons, with gun use far higher than other weapons. The US also ranks 4th in the world for gun related deaths, behind South Africa, Colombia and Thailand (http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mur_wit_fir-crime-murders-with-firearms).
- +1
Jan 14 2013: Thank you Don,
These links provide raw data. What is missing if we use only raw data and jump to a conclusion ie: "people are killing people with guns, therefore we need to ban guns" is the context in which these incidents are taking place, Since 75% of gun murders are taking place in inner city gangs, does it make sense to say that guns are the causal agent or that banning guns is the cure? Chicago has stringent gun laws and one of the highest per capita incident of gun homicides in the nation. Why, if those policies fail so miserably on a small scale, is it imagined that they will work on a large scale?
The other statistic that is missing, since a ban effects all legal gun owners, is the one that demonstrates that legal gun owners are committing a disproportional number of murders.Jan 14 2013: Marianne, I didn't read where Don was mentioning a ban on all guns. Maybe I missed that part. I think all logic shows that banning all guns would not resolve the issue. However, placing restrictions on 'military style' weapons could reduce the mass shootings. Will people in gangs and other criminals still carry those weapons - of course. That is why they are criminals. However, the people who have legal access to weapons who feel the need to go out in a blaze, might not have such a tragic affect if they were not allowed high capacity cartridges or sub uzi's.
I do not begrudge anyone owning a gun. I support their right. However, I question the sanity of owning an assult weapon.Jan 13 2013: Just who are the zealots who have interpreted the constitution? Those who say the arms in the 2nd Amendment just meant muskets? What about the sabers?
Aren't all weapons high powered in the sense that they can kill human beings? All ammunition is lethal regardless of design.
So we limit the rights of the individual for the perceived safety of society? I have not speaking of the rights of an individual that has caused murder or mayhem on society. I am speaking of an individual who has a legal right to possess a firearm. of his choice, except now it can not fire automatically, or be of more then a certain caliber, under go investigations, get licenses, etc., etc. And now you are proposing more etcs.
Just how safe how safe does society need to feel.
I under go what used to be considered felonious sexual assault to board an airplane just so society can feel safe?
Hundreds of posts here have listed statistics of murder and mayhem on society. Gunfire is not on top of the list. Any act of harm is illegal. Lets address those illegal activities instead of addressing a legal activity.
PS. FYI. You can drink as much as you want and drive as fast as you want on your own property and you don't even need a license. Have a great time!Jan 14 2013: So Don,
Zealots? Is that all there is in that quiver? Name calling and demonization only plays to your choir.
Do you want a real answer to your question? "To hear the NRA, any limitation begins the slippery slope towards taking away the right entirely. If that is truly the case, then what is the legitimacy of any law or regulation? "
The 2nd Amendment was written to reserve the right of armed revolt against the government. The way it is written states that at no time shall that right be diminished. Like it or not, we live under a social contract called the US Constitution. According to any form of contract law, we all must abide by it unless you can overthrow it by either force or mutual agreement. The reasoning behind the 2nd Amendment is not really that unclear whenever it gets to the Supreme Court because they have such vast writings from the people who wrote it that their exegesis supports the premise, that the people have reserved the right to armed revolution. It only follows logically that if the government regulates it, that the government will have a conflict of interest. By the way, it never mentions guns at all.
Jan 14 2013: This was a reply to Don's previous tome. I tried to address his points.
I am aware of the 2nd and the Federalist Papers addressing the tenor of the times. I hold myself to be a strict constitutionalists. I am wary of those who interpret the constitution, like judges who believe they know better then Jefferson and Madison; the elected who know better then the electorate and academics who know better then anybody.
Jan 14 2013: Sorry. my reply was to Don, also.
Today we are looking at a very practical conundrum. It is questionable what portion of the population can recognize giants like Madison, Locke or Jefferson.
I think we need to find out exactly what per cent of the population consider the Lorax the pinnacle of morality.
Don Levy
Jan 14 2013: I entered the conversation to offer an opinion and participate in the discussion. I hoped to join a discussion that allows both sides to think and consider ideas. For example, I am now thinking about the point about the potential conflict of interest. So thank you for raising it. I am not of the opinion that there should be a repeal, which was the overarching conversation starter. In fact, I agree with the basic premise and stated that at the top.
- +2
The overall issue of armed violence is complicated and encompasses many factors beyond weapons and guns and controlling legislation. I joined this conversation because the topic is important and worthy of the wisdom and insight that can come from open dialog. I will leave it at that.
Mike Colera
Jan 14 2013: Don,
- +1
The issue is most important and well worth the discussion. The frustrating thing for me is that the illegal violence continues albeit, it is supposed to be improving. Yet, The issue of the 2nd repeatedly comes up, restrictions are placed against legal gun owners, and these effects made no appreciable reductions in violent crime. Reductions seemed to have come from more policing efforts and new law enforcement techniques. I am at a loss to understand why some raise this cry for action concerning the 2nd. Over zealous gun holders cry out that certain elements are out to disarm them and take over the country. Repeated attempts at doing something to the 2nd begins to lend credence to cry's of the conspiracy theorists.Jan 14 2013: That's a swell answer, actually, I take back the dinosaur comments.
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Jan 14 2013: James, History shows us that once power is ceded, those to whom it is ceded never give it back voluntarily. I have not been arguing here for my guns, but for my rights.
What is really been demonstrated, is that the prohibitionists display an almost complete unawareness that they are the provocateurs in this discussion, and that as such, they needed to answer the questions that they have provoked. They have failed miserably throughout this thread.
Instead, they seem to assume that since, in their own imagination, they occupy the moral high ground and that their postures always represent moral enlightenment, that those who do not concede are working out their primitive fears.
They have demonstrated this in that they don't ever have to give a reasoned explanation to the myriad of contradictions to their theory that have been presented to them, simple things like the failure of the exact policies that they are clamoring for, to get them the result they theorize about, such as Chicago gun laws.
They simply denounce Constitutionalism as backwards and go on to assure us that their conclusions as just so OBVIOUS, that we should all submit to their superior revelations.
Jan 14 2013: Rights, like constitutions are just human constructs. I actually agree with most of the values that sit behind most modern human rights. While I agree with self defense, I'm not sure having an ak47, or stingers, or land mines in private hands is the same as freedom of speech, or is necessary or a good thing for society.
If stingers were widely available I assume you would have fanatics shooting down planes.
You mentioned Nazi Germany. Part of the problem there was the armed private militias, like the sa. I wonder if us citizens may have more to worry about with freedom fanatics and anti government people than the government.Jan 14 2013: I don't disagree that there needs to be alternative things to try. I have no problems with background checks, and fingerprinting is done in my state for handguns. I would have no problems with mental health screens as well, especially if they put those into place for police officers as well. After that however, after putting a lawful citizen through all that, they should be able to purchase whatever they want. I understand the limit them mentality, I just don't believe it will change things. I would be much more open to menatl health issues, and intitatives to reslove the problems of this nature.
Jan 14 2013: There is quite an extensive psych screening for police and law enforcement .
Jan 14 2013: Really? In what country? Certainly not here? Are you sure you've got your facts straight? I have several family members in law enforcement, and the only one that had to take anything was federal. Are you really so sure?Jan 14 2013: I called my family members it seems some, and I repeat some police forces require pysch tests, but not all. They also told me if I google it [and i did] you will be amazed at the number of sites showing you how to beat the test. Yeah, REAL extensive.Jan 14 2013: In the US, the arrangement to have the trained psychiatric personnel administer the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Test to law enforcement candidates, rapidly deteriorated due to the problem that so many of the LE personnel test results showed they tested the same as criminals, also showed other severe personality disorders. LE Unions argued that they tested that way because they "had to learn to think like the criminals" that they were fighting.
It is now common to have LE personnel administer the tests to their brothers, and I have even know officers that couldn't pass it until they were "tutored" by other LE personnel.
Most of what I know about this, came directly from an elected Sheriff and a former Colorado State Trooper who had been involved in the hiring process, also the psychiatrist that did all the testing for one state, that I will not mention.Jan 14 2013: Timothy,
I was curious, so I googled "How to beat the law enforcement tests".
I got lots of sites with instructions... "tips on how to deal with testing", "strategies for police applicants", "police quiz preperation", "police prep info", etc. etc. The only thing I could find were sites which appeared to be educational sites to prepare an applicant for the tests.
Could you provide links to sites which show a person how to "beat" the tests?Jan 14 2013: When I went back there I found several sites that did everything from telling you what to expect to how to answer the questions, but I may have misspoken as the one site I didn't go to was titled "how to beat the police pysch test" and was a police site that once you started to read it said you couldn't beat it. So I just stole the title, my mistake. but the jist is, not all police, in this country especially, have to take pysch tests, and when they do, lots are thrown out on their ears, and are then upset because theyv'e been police officers for years.Jan 14 2013: Timothy,
I really respect and appreciate you for clarifying that information.Jan 15 2013: I have been following this conversation from the start and I have come to a couple of conclusions. The point is not about the caliber of a weapon or preventing people from owning weapons, but about the mortality rates in gun crime as opposed to other violent crimes. People get beaten to death too.
I am from New Zealand a country that has extremely strict regulations around owning weapons (not a country that bans weapons or prevents decent, sane, non-criminal people from having them), and given that I work within the police/Ministry of Justice field, I have a much better understanding of how many murders occur and how they were killed, so I feel that I am in a position to say that guns are more likely to kill than knives or bare hands because of their lethal nature. The damage to human tissue is extreme. The wounds from a gun shot are also a lot more serious and as someone else mentioned in this discussion, lets not forget the survivors who have been shot and left extremely disabled.
I am not telling people they should not own guns, I am saying that the reality is, that in countries where there are a lot more regulations, guns are less likely to be in the wrong hands. Hands of people who go on killing sprees. If you are law-abiding, have had pyschological testing that shows a respect for life, do not have a history of violence and you and your family have been interviewed to establish that nobody in your life is afraid of the idea of you owning a weapon, and you can prove that this weapon will be locked up securely when not in use and under no circumstances will any children in the household have access to the weapon/s or the codes/lock to get into the weapons, then by all means, get yourself a gun!!! The problem is that in all of your states, there are no set or strict regulations. Some states require criminal checks. some states require nothing. For me the argument is about "Regulation." Is that so unreasonable?? Does this infringe on your rights?
Jan 15 2013: While I agree with the general idea behind the regulation, I don't like the idea of asking the family if they're comfortable with you owning guns. That assumes that 1. your family is interested in your well-being, which may not be the case, 2. your family's idea of your well-being is the same as yours, which may not be the case.
Jan 15 2013: That's mild John, what if they asked for a psyche assessment by two independents at your own cost?
Jan 15 2013: That too. I don't know how effective brief psych evaluations would be. However, if the applicant already has had a psych evaluation, and has been diagnosed as paranoid-delusional, bipolar, etc., I'd consider that grounds for denying a permit.
Just in case someone brings it up... I don't think blind people should be allowed to own/use guns either.Jan 15 2013: John that's not funny, this could turn into a white paper monster and before you know it some group gets a lot of power and money and people get branded something that they are not. Government departments get created and the monster gets bigger.
Then something happens and the call goes out for all people by the people to be evaluated.
You were joking weren't you?
Jan 15 2013: Don't worry, nothing I ever say stands a chance of getting implemented. ;-)
I do see how kids in the US get branded as something they are not, just because the school can make claims for extra funding for each "challenged" kid they host.
However, a few of my friends are psychologists. Not in the US. I have been told detailed stories of all kinds of strange cases. I also have two friends with bipolar disorder. A relative of another friend thinks that all his neighbors are plotting (some bizarre plot) against him.
The question remains: how likely is a person to endanger other people out of sheer recklessness. Some mental disorders (or physical ones, like blindness) render a person with a gun a risk to bystanders. Adam Lanza was one such person -- though all the diagnoses that he was bestowed turned out to be incorrect.Jan 15 2013: Hi John,
What I mean by family being asked is essentially your close loved ones, people you share a home with. The may even be a room mate. My experience of the process of getting a gun licence was when my flatmate just wanted to renew his, as he grew up on a farm and enjoyed hunting. Because I lived with him and would essentially be living in the same house where there was a gun, a policeman came over to interview me and asked me a lot of questions around how I felt about knowing there was a gun in the house, how I felt about my flatmate having a gun, whether I had any concerns etc, whether I was every afraid of him or if he showed any violent tendencies, so they really made sure that everyone in the house was ok with him having a gun. We were, as he was a lovely guy with a very gently nature. I had no problem with him having a gun because I was completely comfortable and safe with him.
Comment deleted
Jan 13 2013: That's very liberal of you, to determine that whatever side you are on, is right and the ones who don't see it your way are blind? Very good.
You want rigid? Here: "Don't speak to me of good men, chain them to the Constitution." Thomas JeffersonJan 13 2013: Why did you change your post Kate?Jan 13 2013: Kate,
The fear saddens me as well. I cannot imagine how it must feel to live every day with so much fear of their own government!
I know LOTS of gun owners, and I have NEVER heard this kind of fear expressed. I am aware that there is a very tiny segment of our society living with this fear based belief, and apparently they are all here on this discussion thread?
Jan 13 2013: Colleen, Isn't it true that what you are really experiencing is that your opponents are immovable and not receptive to what you imagine are your own 'reasonable pleadings" for them to agree with you?
People are entitled to their own thoughts and opinions and evaluations of the status of the nation.
You have not actually refuted any of the facts regarding abuses of power on the government side, you have simply pooh poohed and pretended that there is no connection to the issue.
Then you have tried to diminish the arguments of anti-prohibitionists with "what are you afraid of".
We don't want people like you and Morgan Barnes, tinkering with any part of the Constitution.
Jan 13 2013: Marianne,
I am aware that you are immovable because you demonstrate that fact over and over again, and I am not "pleading" with you or anyone else. You have your perspective, and I have mine.
I support the removal of assault weapons from our communities, and based on the past ban on assault weapons, I believe that will happen without repeal or amendment of the constitution, because that document provides for "regulation" of guns.Jan 13 2013: You might get your way.Jan 16 2013: Perhaps there is justification for "a very tiny segment of our society" to be in fear when something so simple as the size of sugary drink, we can consume, is regulated. Some people rightfully fear losing liberty.
I remember a nation with less regulation where I could buy a happy meal in San Francisco. Show me a world where more regulation offers more freedom and I'll show you a contradiction.Jan 7 2013: YES!!!!! It should have been repealed years ago! I am a New Zealander. A country that sees very little gun related deaths, because we do not all have the right to bear arms and in fact if we want to purchase or have a gun, we have to be interviewed by the police, have our family and friends interviewed by the police, police checks done etc, and then only for hunting. Even our police force does not as a rule carry guns (we have an armed unit that may be called out if necessary) and because of this our police are incredibly skilled at talking offenders down and calming situations. We have had very few police offices killed in the line of duty and those usually not by guns.
When your constitution was written, as I understand it. America did not have its own armed forces. Your country was brand new, as a result of no armed forces, the government relied on local militia to fight against the English. This was a time when farmers and landowners and everyday men where required to take up arms. In other words, this amendment was required at the time and fit the circumstances. This is no longer the case. You have the biggest armed forces in the world, you do not require farmers and grocers to pick up arms and fight for your country, so you should do as the rest of the world have done and make it illegal to own or buy a firearm without a firearms licence, which would be very difficult to get. America is so far behind the times it is a joke. Your constitution needs to be updated bigtime. It is 2013 people, not 1787!!!!
Jan 7 2013: We also have a government guilty of war crimes and human rights violations. You watched as we slaughtered Iraq, just to show some muscle. We detain countless foreigners at Guantanamo for years without charge, many under 18. We assassinate foreign dissidents (and their families) with no judicial oversight or declaration of war, utilizing remotely controlled UAVs. We recently assassinated one of our own citizens, a 16 year old boy who was the subject of a recently dismissed court case. We drop these bombs in Pakistan and Somalia, and now Turkey as we slaughter Kurdish rebels for the Turkish government. We train our UAV pilots by locking onto domestic targets, cars cruising the highway in Texas, without their knowledge.
Us Americans watch our government commit these atrocities, under the rule of both major parties. We voted in a man who promised to end them, but who has only continued full throttle. Last year he signed a bill authorizing himself to detain Americans without charge, which is a blunt violation of our Constitution. Other bills currently sitting in Congress are the Expatriation Act, which allows the government to strip us of our citizenship, and HJ Res 15 which repeals the 22 amendment, abolishing term limits for the president. He would've sign SOPA too had Google not killed it.
We also watch in horror as European economies collapse and our national debt rises above 16 trillion. Our grandparents watched in horror as Hitler ravaged the continent during a similar depression. The United States is by far the most powerful government on the planet. If you'd really like to disarm our people, then I hope you enjoy the New American Century. I don't suspect your country would be able to do anything about it.
Jan 9 2013: Wow, it sounds like your country is even more messed up than I thought and it sounds like you feel a need for some kind of revolution that may require guns to fight against your own government, ah la Egypt, Syria, etc. Your first instinct is the need to fight with violence. When my countries government, (New Zealand), decided they wanted to introduce nuclear power and invite nuclear powered ships into New Zealands waters, the people of my country said "Hell No", We All stood up and shouted our wish to be nuclear free. We picketted, we protested, we papered the country with our views and forced the government to have a reforendum where we overwhelmingly voted against any nuclear power or nuclear weapons in our country. Even though our government did not agree, they were forced to do as we wanted because we made it clear that our government was For the people ,and we the people had some thoughts about how it should be run. Then again, very few New Zealanders do not vote, whereas many of your countrymen don't. We paid for our decision because American placed strong embargoes and sanctions against us and it threatened our treaties but We the people stuck to our guns. All without any violence. The only violence came from France, when us New Zealanders protested the nuclear testing that France was carrying out in OUR territorial waters, so they sent their spies to NZ and bombed the Rainbow Warrior. You could call this an act of war. Instead of fighting back with violence, we just caught their spies within hours of the bombing and threw them in prison, thereby humiliating the French who thought our small country, Hick police force would have no hope of catching their top spies. If our government was to do things that our people are unhappy with, we get rowdy. Violence is not the only way to make change happen.
Jan 10 2013: I suppose picketing would've stopped Hitler and Stalin too. :/ The second amendment isn't just for the past or the here and now. It's for every century in the future, to insure that citizens are as well armed as their government. The fact that the government's weapons well overpower our own is due to a distortion of the amendment. To trust that the government will always respect the will of the masses is foolish, and ignorant of the past.
The rights you take away from people today, you take away from people in the future. If you think the rest of time is going to be all well and dandy if the citizens of the world are unarmed and dependent on their rulers, well... I guess I have to respect your opinion.Jan 3 2013: I think the underlying issue here is that many americans are living in a fantasy construct and seem to believe two things.
1. That the guns are protecting their freedoms, despite all evidence now demonstrating that (because of policies such as the Patriot act, drone surveillance and the TSA) they have considerably less freedoms than pretty much all of the rest of the developed world.
2. That somehow when 'the time comes' , that they're all suddenly going to become Rambo and the locked up single guage rusty rifle in the garage is suddenly going to appear in their hands with unlimited ammo and they're going to take on a fleet of trained military and special forces personnel.
People in general do not have such an ability, despite many believing they do.
More guns = more freedom isn't an accurate representation of reality either.
More guns for everyone equals more guns for the untrained, paranoid, trigger happy and mentally questionable people who are also carrying them like you..
It creates an environment where you don't just have to be on guard for the rare nut-case who's shooting up the cinema, but also the 50 terrified people who are shooting wildly in retalliation with their eyes closed and any conflict that takes place anywhere, where everyone now has the capacity to immediately escalate the incident where dozens of people can get killed, a situation made clear by American gun crime statistics.
That isn't freedom, thats wild-west anarchy and xenophobic paranoia.
Americans, you're not in a diehard movie. Time to accept that.
Jan 3 2013: What is diehard?Jan 3 2013: Xavier, you know how all Americans will react during a shooting !?! .... What can you tell me about me? Are you psychic? That would be to cool!. ... ... Dude. ...Smart and psychic.
Jimmy Strobl
Jan 3 2013: Wow, great insightful response to Xaviers comment here... I love the way the pro-gunners respond sometimes...
- +2
I'll try to answer it for you, excuse me if I'm out of line.
@Ivory: I think he's referring to a film (or rather four films) with Bruce Willis, but he misspelled it. The correct title is "Die Hard", good movies!
@Gary: I don't think that Xavier knows how every American would react, I think he's basing his assumption on classical psychology. That does not mean that he's a psychic.
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Jan 4 2013: Gary,
What is the "proper" use for an assault weapon to the average person?Jan 4 2013: classical psychology, Jimmy, no ... he is basing his assumptions on imagination. ...
specs 2
Jan 3 2013: I'm curious about the self defence argument and why a gun is necessary.
- +2
If somebody breaks into your house - Is that burglar also going to kill you? Is that SOP for burglary?
Because if it is SOP, then I understand the need for the gun at home. But if it isn't, do you really need to shoot the thief over a TV or a PC or the misc whatnots?
But what if you're not at home when the thief breaks in? Did you bring the gun with you or leave it at home?
If you left your gun at home, then doesn't the thief now have it? Now you need to go out and get another one because somebody might break into your house because you don't have a gun.
if you brought it with you then doesn't make you a threat to the non gun carrying person out there who offended you for some unknown reason and who you're now going to put in his place, because .., well..., you have a gun? And heaven help you if you step on somebody's property. He's obviously just as well armed as you and he'll think you;re a thief and you're gonna kill him. You had a gun after all - what was he supposed think when he confronted you and you pulled it out to defend yourself.
Jan 6 2013: Please see this article: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/my-wife-is-a-hero-georgia-mother-shoots-home-intruder-five-times-after-being-cornered/
By the way most gun owners are responsible law-abiding citizens. Many are trained and store their guns properly.
I guess I have to clarify this post for "specs 2." First, he was armed with a crowbar. Second, she saw him, according to the article, and she had to gather her children, a phone, and yes her gun before she retreated into a crawl space. No I applaud her for doing exactly what she did. He broke into her house and tracked her down. I don't fault her for firing all the round either! I would hope you are never put in this volatile situation, adrenaline pumping, fearing for yours, and your children's lives! This could've been much worse. Give me a break!
Again, he shouldn't have broken in. She didn't have to fire a warning shot. It's too bad he was only wounded, you're right he probably will sue. But she is fully within her rights per castle doctrine.
specs 2
Jan 7 2013: I'm not excusing the robber but don't you think that she could have handled it better instead of shooting an unarmed man.
- 0
He rang the doorbell? Why didn't she answer the door? The whole freaking thing could possibly have been avoided right there.
Why didn't she call the cops before hiding? She had time.
Why didn't she answer the door with the gun? Again the whole thing could have ended right there.
And why shoot him five times? Wouldn't one shot have stopped the guy?
Why did she unload the gun on him? Her only solution was to try to kill the guy. That's not defense. That's an over reaction. She used more than enough force to defend herself and had he died she could conceivably be charged with manslaughter.
After all is said and done she shot an unarmed person because she was afraid of her own shadow and relied on her gun instead of common sense?
And oh yeah - just because many gun owners are trained to store their guns properly, that doesn't mean they do or do more than the required to meet the local requirements.
.Jan 3 2013: Things are very real here brother. ...
2 days ago in Louisiana .. an elderly man in his 80s had to shoot a man, a known drug addict and thief, who was breaking into his home. The old man made his presence known by yelling at his would be assailant through the door. He still broke in and was shot as soon as he walked in. What do you think about this?
Let me add that a few years ago, my bosses dad, who was at least 80, was robbed by 2 men, one kneeled on his chest and held him down while he was looted. ... Any thoughts?Jan 4 2013: Xavier, I'm aware of the loss of freedoms. That is why I champion pro choice freedom.
As it matters to this discussion, pro choice of each citizen to buy guns, semi-autos too, or not.Jan 4 2013: Tell the people in ghettos across the U.S. about xenophobic paranoia. Tell any of the dead victims of home invasions that were killed or raped first then killed. Explain to the father holding his dying child on this weeks New Orleans newspaper about paranoia. This is not Fantasy Island, these things happen. We may seem safe from everyone but nut-jobs in this country, but you never know what can happen and people want to feel prepared.
As far as a fantasy construct, people in America have many different realities.
If you take away guns can you assure me of no black market for criminals, a la drugs. Do you think the police will be one step ahead of the criminals, especially murderers? When have they got there before the crime?Dec 31 2012: I see many sides to this discussion. Some want assault weapons banned and for others all weapons. Some of us say that our mental health institutions need to be changed and perhaps given more funding. Others point to video games and violent movies as the culprit. Some even have gone as far as wanting armed guards in all of our schools.
We need to stop kidding ourselves that just one of these ideas will fix the problem as a whole. If we really want to see change, to see less of these shootings, then we will need to apply each one of these measures. Assault weapons should be banned or limited to some extent, there is absolutely no reason to have such a weapon unless your getting ready to fight a war. In the US in 2009 for every 100,000 of us, 10 people died from gun related crimes. In the UK, which does not allow private gun ownership, .25 people died for every 100,000 citizens in 2011 and for Japan, that number is down to .07 deaths for every 100,000 people in 2008. And lets face it, our movies and video games glorify violence, our children are growing up in a world where there told killing people is bad, but then proceed to pay a game where killing people is the goal. As for the armed guard in every school, while this is an extreme measure, having at least one armed guard in some of our more major schools may not be such a bad idea.
Most of us can agree that our Mental Health Institutions need more funding and support, and some new programs should probably be instituted. However the demonizing of the mentally Ill should not be allowed to continue, and while not everyone is doing this certain groups are. It reminds me of the Nazis, using a scapegoat to blame all their problems on. Finally we need to take a good look at our society as a whole, what should be acceptable and what shouldn't be tolerated. We will only see change if we want change, and we will only see progress if more than just one approach is followed.
Dec 31 2012: There is no need to amend the Constitution in order to address these problems.
All the hard stuff has been largely ignored, I know, I am a street fighter advocate for the mentally ill.
Each time these events happen, there is an outburst of public furor over guns and the rest of it is largely ignored, people go back to their old habits, their gross ingestion of violent slop.Dec 31 2012: Well said Jarred, and I wholeheartedly agree, that there are many underlying issues that need attention. I believe one of the first things we need to do, and the topic of this discussion, as you insightfully recognize, is to get assault weapons out of circulation.
Dec 31 2012: And if you can get the assault weapons ban in place FIRST, then you won't really have to take care of any of the other underlying problems that your generation have allowed to fester in plain sight.
Dec 31 2012: Marianne,
I have been working for over 60 years with abused women and children, with offenders who are incarcerated, facilitating empowering workshops for ALL people, mediating with convicted felons, volunteering in shelters, family centers, guest lecturing at the university on the topic of violence and abuse in relationships....bla.....bla....bla.
STOP being sarcastic....STOP blaming and START becoming part of the solution!Jan 1 2013: Colleen,
The reason that many posters here are bringing up the same issues is not as obscure as you pretend.
It's as if the prohibitionists have taken the 2nd Amendment and equated with the root cause of the shootings in Conneticut. In their minds, they are judge and jury and the posters here are being brought in to help with the sentence. Then like a lynch mob, pose the question to the group "Should we shoot him or just whip him?'
Well, the non-probitionist side is making their case, that "you have the wrong man", and you are letting the real guy get away.
So to continue:
I don't think any of us can remember a time where there hasn't been a bureacracy and a social worker assigned to everyone of our social ills. I hope you did good in your career. It is probably easier to do so in a smaller communtity where there might be more resources.
However, it has also been long known, since as far back as the Peter Grace audit of the Federal Budget to the GAO reports, that a mere smattering of dollars that are appropriated for these problems, end up as measureable services or in the hands of the people or i who need it, with 80-90% being absorbed by the bureacracies themselves.
Some rogue thinkers don't ascribe to the idea that Big Daddy government has all the solutions to all the social problems. The Torah model for taking care of people & famliies who fall out of the economy, is to get them back on their feet in one fell swoop while the policies of the government programs have done little but faciitate the poor languishing in the lower social economic conditions for generations, where they become a breeding ground for violence & crime.
There really was no reason for me to call you a control freak. But how many posters are you currently telling that their input is outside the scope of the subjet?
Jan 1 2013: I'm not "pretending" anything Marianne.
There is no lynch mob or pose here Marianne.....it is a discussion on TED.
The topic is:
"Has the time come for the U.S Second Amendment to be repealed or amended?"Jan 1 2013: That is the question asked by Morgan Barnes, but it is not honest to ignore that the question is posed as a reaction to the shootings in Newtown.
After yesterdays tragic shooting in Newtown CT and the worst year ever for firearm related deaths and mass killings , has the time for the US Government to tell the Gun Lobby it is over and repeal or amend "the right of the people to bear arms".
Without actually making the case, Morgan Barnes has found the 2nd Amendment and gun ownership culpable of the shooting event. That is the same as a lynch mob mentality,because Barnes hasn't made the case, he jumps to a conclusion that he has not established.
The prohibitionists are demanding a shallow solution to a complex problem, which seems to be "Do Something that Violates the 2nd Amendment"...
That is a disservice to the people who will be killed in these horrific mass killings of the future.
Jan 1 2013: There is no "lynch mob mentality" here Marianne.
Many folks are respectfully addressing the question:
"Has the time come for the U.S Second Amendment to be repealed or amended?"
Most responders seem to know that there are other issues to be addressed, and getting the assault weapons out of our communities is only one part of the solution.
No one suggests "violating the 2nd amendment"
"A disservice to the people who will be killed in these horrific mass killings of the future"???
Oh my goodness......think about that statement Marianne!!!Dec 31 2012: Well since no one appears to be even close to it, I'll just offer one that I know to be true, and shouldn't offend your delicate sensibilities. It's fun. Handgun's, rifles, submachineguns, heavymachineguns, assault rifles, explosives, all offer a different experience. Don't know why, not prepared to say, but explosions are REALLY fun. Considering fun and excitement on it's own isn't a big problem with this country, or people in general for that matter, it seems unlikely to me that this isn't a legitimate reason.
For me, mental health is the only issue here. All answers with people are derived from... you guessed it! People.
Dec 31 2012: I suggest Matt, that if you ask the loved ones of those who have been killed, they would not agree that it is "fun"..
Jan 2 2013: Of course not, however, not every assault gun carries with it a tag indicating the # of confirmed kills. I can't get behind this kind of thinking, we as a society give these same weapons to 17 year old kids of all backgrounds without worry. Other countries do it as well, without issue. Training is important but there are SEVERAL cases in your local papers across this country that has veterans losing it and killing people with assault rifles while other ones, like me, don't have a problem. Clearly the answer is not so simple, we have a purely reactionary society and it's quite good at overreacting, if this wasn't children it probably wouldn't have had as much attention.
Mental health is the only issue at stake here.Jan 1 2013: Some may consider anything to be fun, including stealing, raping and killing. The fun argument is invalid.
Jan 2 2013: The majority of people would agree that those three are not fun. That's how society works of course, the majority decides whether or not a minority pushes them to.
I completely understand the people that want them removed on principal alone, they don't go to the range, they've never had to use one, they don't want to, they have no interest in them. All those personal choices doesn't change the fact that it is somewhat fun to fire more and more powerful weapons, particularly for young males.
I've heard it echoed over and over here that there is no reason to "need" the weapons in question (I hate that wording by the way, to need weapons, you could say the same thing in varying factors about just about anything else. Instead ask, why do people want them), but people want them for reasons we've discussed or at least introduced here and this one which is wholly ignored, probably because people aren't interested in shooting. Now, is that an invalid reason to own weapons?Jan 2 2013: Matt,
I don't see people arguing for "removal" of guns "on principal alone". You don't really know what the reasons are, unless you genuinely read and try to understand the comments, which it appears you are not doing.
Your argument... "somewhat fun to fire more and more powerful weapons", feels kind of frightening and not a very good argument.Jan 2 2013: I agree Matt..."not every assault gun carries with it a tag indicating the # of confirmed kills."
How is that related to the topic question?
You say..."we as a society give these same weapons to 17 year old kids of all backgrounds without worry."
What 17 year old kids are you refering to?
I agree that some people "overreact".
Is that what you are doing because you think guns are "fun", as you stated in a previous comment?
Kris Rosvold
Jan 16 2013: You say: "The time has come to realise it is mainly our children who pay the ultimate price for lack of diligence in monitoring a problem that has been there for far too many years."
- +4
As a former gun owner, US Navy Marksman, and student of the US Constitution, I agree with the words quoted above...just not the direction that you are trying to take that sentiment.
The consideration from the Constitutional point of view is that the FIRST act of every single dictator in history has been to attempt to dis arm the citizens of the nation they are trying to take over.
I've done a lot of research over the years and two very interesting facts stand out:
1) Our gun laws (about purchasing weapons) as they exist today, WORK. The have prevented felons and psychos from being able to buy a weapon. They worked in this case and they have worked with VERY few exceptions in the cases of other school shootings.
2) Virtually every single case of a psycho (yes, I KNOW it's not politically correct but if you shoot up a school or a mall, you are by definition a psycho!) shooting up a school was made possible by some legal gun owner NOT securing their weapons and said weapons were STOLEN by the psycho because they were prevented from buying them.
Here's my suggestion: 1) REQUIRE legal gun owners to SECURE their weapons whenever the weapons are not on their person with a shrouded trigger lock and or gun SAFE (NOT a display cabinet)
2) REQUIRE gun owners to take a use and safety class every 2 (two) years that is at least 40 hours.
3)Require gun owners to have liability insurance.
Every one of these school shootings, IMHO, has been a direct result of legal gun owners displaying gross negligence...


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Frederiksen is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual abuse, both Class A felonies, officials from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Floyd County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday in a news conference at the Floyd Community Center. "It's a glorious afternoon," said Floyd County Sheriff Rick Lynch.
"This is the happiest day in the last seven years," Richard Christie, Evelyn's paternal grandfather, said during the news conference. "Justice will be done."
KCRG.com Extras
Authorities at the news conference said the official cause of Evelyn's death was sharp force injuries, including wounds to the neck. Before the news conference, the cause of her death was not disclosed. Authorities said Evelyn's body was found fully clothed, but with signs of sexual assault.
Evelyn's paternal grandmother, Linda Christie, thanked investigators for their work, including those who searched for Evelyn in 2005, and the media for keeping the case in front of the public.
Asked if she could forgive Frederiksen, Linda Christie said it was too early to forgive. "He raped and killed my granddaughter," she said.
Watch the Press Conference
The Search for Evelyn
The search for Miller began July 1, 2005, when her mother, Noel Miller, reported her daughter missing about 6:45 a.m.
After an extensive search involving hundreds of area residents, Evelyn's body was found July 6 in the Cedar River about two miles from her home. No one had previously been charged in her death, which was ruled a homicide.
Noel Miller was working overnight and left Evelyn and two younger sons with Frederiksen, her then-fiance, who told authorities he was asleep when Evelyn disappeared. He claimed Evelyn was well when he went to sleep and did not know where she was.
Later, two Charles City men -- Danny Slick and Randy Patrie -- told law enforcement that they had seen Evelyn at about 2 a.m. on the morning of her disappearance. They said Evelyn answered the door when they arrived and said she was fine when they left.
Frederiksen: "I'd never do anything to Evelyn"
In a September 2005 interview with KCRG, Casey Frederiksen and Noel Miller, Evelyn's mother, said they were frustrated with how the investigation had been going. Frederiksen said he felt like he was being targeted by investigators.
"I'd never do anything to Evelyn so I don't know why they're doing this to us. It's hard enough we can't even grieve yet because they're not giving us time to," Frederiksen told KCRG.
Frederickson said police examined his computer hard drive and that lead to rumors about the content of that hard drive. "For the past four years, we had a digital camera. So, it was all of our memories and pictures of our boys and our daughter."
WATCH: 2005 Interview with Casey Frederiksen
Frederiksen Arrested
Frederiksen pleaded guilty in 2006 to three federal child pornography charges, and received a 14-year sentence on those charges in August 2006.
"I know I done wrong, and I'm sorry for it," Frederiksen said during his sentencing hearing, adding that he was "getting help."
Frederiksen had left his computer hard drive with a neighbor the morning Evelyn disappeared. The neighbor later turned over the hard drive to authorities.
Frederiksen was also sentenced in 2009 to 10 years in prison on methamphetamine charges. He has been incarcerated in the federal penitentiary in Marion, Ill., and was anticipated to be released in 2026.
Noel Miller had lost her bid to get custody of the two young sons she had with Frederiksen, who were put in foster care shortly after Evelyn's murder. She reportedly now lives in California. In 2007, she was charged with going armed with intent, when she placed a 9-1-1 call to police, was found with a knife concealed under her sleeve. She served two days in jail on that charge
Slick, 31, was convicted to a year and one day in prison for lying to federal authorities during the Miller investigation. He was released in October 2009.
Reaction on Facebook:
Timeline of Events:
Read the Criminal Complaint
Editor's Note: This contains graphic details & other information that some readers may find disturbing.


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Greg Van Dyke
Associate Director of Admissions
Head Cross Country Coach
Michigan, Sioux Falls Christian, and Unity Christian (Orange City, IA)
Sheldon, IA (Unity Christian High School)
BA: Dordt College 2002; History-Secondary Education, Coaching Endorsement
Dordt College Co-Curricular Activities
Favorite Thing about Dordt College
The relationships that I formed with professors and friends during my four years on campus. I loved the fact that almost everyone lives on campus and you build such a great community through all kinds of Dordt activities. As a Dordt College graduate, I'm intrigued and encouraged by the strong alumni support we receive!
How Do You Spend Your Free Time?
I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends. My favorite activities include running and golfing.
Personal Note
I'm excited that you are looking at Dordt College as a possible option for your future as a college student. I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have about Dordt College, so feel free to email me or give me a call. I encourage you to come visit our campus so that you can see what Dordt has to offer you. God's blessings in your college decisions.


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Constantly monitor the pH of your aquarium. Precision pH monitor immediately detects changes in aquarium pH. Powered by a 9V battery (not included); "LOBAT" indicator signals for a replacement. Accuracy of ±0.01 and and large, easy-read display shows pH to 1/100th of a unit. Lab-grade epoxy electrode features a BNC connector. The PINPOINT pH Monitor comes complete with probe and calibration fluids. Measures 3" x 5". For salt or fresh water use.
Replacement probe, adapter kit, and calibration packets also available.
Protect your American Marine Pinpoint Monitor from damage during transport with optional Armor Hard Carrying Case.
Please click on "More Information" for directions for use.
|User's Guide
American Marine is proud to introduce PINPOINT™, the only truly accurate and affordable continuous pH monitoring system. Powered by a 9-volt battery (not included). PINPOINT will continuously monitor and display pH for months before battery replacement is visually indicated on the display as "LOBAT."
NOTE: The pH monitor unit is NOT waterproof and must be operated on a dry surface. Liquid contact on the printed circuit board will cause corrosion and void warranty.
Your PINPOINT™ pH Monitor is now ready for calibration.
Two Point Calibration (use only high-quality, fresh calibration fluids).
For maximum performance the PINPOINT pH Monitor should be calibrated immediately. Proper calibration requires the use of 2 different fluids; one of which must be #7.00. Any combination of either (#7.00 and #4.00) or (#7.00 and #10.00) will give equally excellent results.
All calibration fluids should be room temperature 68°- 86°F (20°- 30°C).
Continue the calibration between both fluids. The two-point calibration is fully complete when monitor will display both calibration fluids correctly without any adjustment necessary.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Important Points to Remember


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Jacob Volkmann Says He Blacked Out, Had Seizure on Day Before WSOF 3 Win
According to the lightweight, he was taking a nap prior to the WSOF 3 weigh-in when a knock at the door caused him to stir. Dehydrated from cutting weight, Volkmann arose and walked across the room to answer the door, only to soon find himself in a much different state.
The maid knocks on my door and keeps on knocking, and I [thought], Id better not get up too fast. So I got up and walked toward the door, and by the time I got my hand on the door, I blacked out, Volkman told TJ De Santis during a Wednesday interview on Beatdown on the Sherdog Radio Network. Next thing I remember, I was shaking on the floor, having seizures.
Volkmann, who defeated Lyle Beerbohm in a unanimous decision at the June 14 event, surmised that the large scratch on his back clearly visible during his bout came as the result of his fall the day prior.
I banged my head, and I must have hit my back on the door handle, Volkmann said. I didnt tell anybody, because I didnt want them to say I couldnt fight because I just had a seizure. I had bills to pay, so I really didnt have a choice.
Sherdog.com verified with Nevada Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer that Volkmann made no mention of the incident to the regulatory body ahead of his bout at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Volkmann, a licensed chiropractor in his home state of Minnesota, performed a self-assessment and felt he was no worse for wear.
Mentally and physically, I felt fine. I didnt feel cloudy. I kind of did a self-analysis based on my medical background. I just wanted to make sure that my cognitive was there and my mental state was up to par, said Volkmann. I was mentally able to fight, still. The thing about chiropractic education is that the first two years are the same as an M.D.s education. You just branch off after two years.
It was a byproduct of being dehydrated. I dont think I need a CAT scan or [anything], Volkmann continued. Theres nothing cloudy. My memory is fine. I dont feel sluggish at all. Im good to go.
With the incident and his victory over Beerbohm now behind him, Volkmann hopes to return to the WSOF cage sooner rather than later.
Ideally, [I would fight again] in three months, but their August and September cards are full, at least thats what [matchmaker] Ali [Aziz] told me, said Volkmann. So, hopefully [Ill be back] in October. If somebody drops out, Ill try to get a short-notice fight. I would love to get back in there in two months if I could, but well see.


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All departments offering graduate degrees in the College of Humanities and Sciences provide graduate students with advising either through a single adviser, the student's graduate committee or a departmental graduate committee. For details, students should consult the departmental director of graduate studies or the department chair.
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Travel: New England Traditions
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From swan boats in Boston to sugaring in Vermont, generations of New Englanders know these traditions mark the change of season. (Photo Credit: Carl Tremblay)
A Taste of the Growing Year
Flower shows give us our first blast of bloom.
For New England gardeners, flower shows are our sneak previews. We flock to the interiors of convention centers, warehouses, basketball arenas. Outside, the weather's usually bad; indeed, we prefer it that way. We'll wade through deep snow if necessary, our tickets already in hand, eager to get inside, ahead of the crowd.
A few feet past the entrance, though, we stop, stunned by a blast of bloom, overwhelmed by this tsunami of green. Add the burble of falling water, the cooing of doves, the scents of lemon blossoms and eucalyptus, rose geranium and damp ground, and we forget that the floor is concrete, the sky a maze of ductwork and spotlights. This is our first taste of the growing year, and it nearly chokes us.
What to look at first? Some turn left, others right; children disappear, to be found only later, happily watching butterflies or koi or Lady Amherst pheasants. There are scores of gardens, and every one, large or small, woodland or patio, vegetable patch or parterre, is perfect. Every leaf is in place; spires of delphinium and foxglove reach for the sky; streams cascade over rocks and magically return to their starting points.
We see it and we want it–that's the exhibitors' art. And the vendors', too. When we've examined every rose-covered pergola, each flowering tree, the water lilies and the bonsai, when we're sure there's nothing we haven't seen, or bent to smell, we wander off down the aisles of offerings. We stop and admire a greenhouse the way someone might a luxury sedan at an auto show, but, being New Englanders, we settle for buying a single gardenia blossom the way our fathers always did.
Finally, when our feet tire, we head back toward the door. Pulling on our coats, we step into the slush and drizzle. Some of us have bunches of pussywillows, an orchid, another dahlia. These aren't souvenirs of the show–they're our tickets to spring, the one we know now is just around the corner.
–Roger B. Swain
The Delicious Time
Maple weekends offer a taste of the sweet life.
Sugaring season is fleeting, and sugarmakers, those who rush to the woods to collect sap, know this. When leaf buds sprout, the sap gets bitter. And that's it. But, for the rest of us, this year's celebration of liquid gold has just begun. When the sap starts flowing, sugarhouses across New England open their doors to the public, sharing the tradition with young and old alike.
Please Note: This information was accurate at the time of publication. When planning a trip, please confirm details by directly contacting any company or establishment you intend to visit.


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First drive: the new Kia Sorento
The purveyor of our Reasonably Priced Car freshens up its seven-seat 4x4. Wait, come back!
Posted: 05 Oct 2012
OK, how long will this take?
We'll be quick, promise. Kia - the makers of our very Reasonably Priced Car, the cee-apostrophe-dee - has instructed its Men With Spanners to make merry underneath the Sorento in an attempt to bring it in line with its other rather good offerings.
Hang on, the 'new' Sorento only came out three years ago.
That's quite right, it's only been three years since the last 'new' Sorento was wheeled out before the world's press. And to be honest, it was a bit unfortunate, largely because it came at the point when Kia started to make really good, worthy, class-rivalling motors. That last one, erm, wasn't. Hence this 'new' one.
So what have they done?
Quite a bit, actually. There's an entirely new platform underneath: showcasing their ardent appreciation for British bubble-gum poppers 'Steps'*, the front subframe has been reshaped into an 'H' shape, there's additional reinforcement at the rear, there are high performance dampers all round, larger suspension bushes and longer trailing arms at the back. See? Different.
Talk to me about torsional stiffness. I need to know torsional stiffness!
It's a full 18 per cent stiffer than the last Sorento, largely because a quarter of the new Sorento's body is constructed from ultra-high-strength steel. If you pout while driving, you could qualify it as 'Blue Steel'...
What's it like?
Bouncy. Despite Kia's best efforts to inject some sporting enthusiasm into the Sorento, it's a big, heavy, four-wheel-drive SUV. Our spirited test drive took in some corners, many of which were drowned out by the tyres screeching their displeasure. The steering was fine, and for such a big lug - it weighs nearly two tonnes - the body roll wasn't as bad as we expected. But it bounced along the road and didn't really encourage quick driving.
But you don't drive cars like this with a crash helmet on. Cool it, and the Sorento is actually really friendly - smooth, refined, cosseting and like a big, warm blanket. The engine struggled a tad - a 2.2-litre diesel with 194bhp is the only option - while the six-speed auto struggled to remember what it wanted most of the time. But it's huge inside, offers seven seats as standard (two little 'uns in the back) in the very back, and even comes with full-time 4x4. And did we mention its refinement?
Should I care?
Yes, actually. It's better than before, and prices start at £26,495 for the bog-standard one with cloth. You can, in Kia's own words, 'dress them up like Christmas trees', but it'll cost ya. A nice effort, but the Hyundai Santa Fe has just undergone a similar refresh too, and the last model was a good 'un...
*Largely untrue, but wouldn't it be funny if they did?
Vijay Pattni