Messages

I think a lot depends on WHO is buying the gun, which is a great reason to have background checks and waiting periods.

You're repeating exactly the thing Snarky pointed out the problem with. And me before him.
1. People aren't born criminals. Before they committed their first gun related crime, they also had clean records.
2. A lawfully purchased gun is another gun in your society. One that can be stolen, one that can be used against you, or one that you can use against other, in an unforseen state of desperation or depression. How do we know you will never use that gun? We only have your word for it. There is no icon labeled "good guy" hovering above your head.

Hmm, I didn't think I had suggested that people are either born good or bad.  My apologies if I insinuated such a stupid thing.

I do see your point, but like I said before, I don't really have a solution for the problem.

Snarky,

I think a lot depends on WHO is buying the gun, which is a great reason to have background checks and waiting periods.

I'm not saying guns should be available in every corner shop and Wal-Mart, as they are right now.

I don't have a solution for the violence and gun issues, but I do know that I will exercise my right to own one, so that if I ever need it, I have it.

If you don't feel right about owning a gun, don't own one.  There are self-defense classes and other techniques for defending yourself.

In all situations, resolving the conflict or just escaping to call the cops is always the best course of action.

But having a weapon onhand is insurance against a situation where you can't make peace or run away.

Let me cite a specific example.  A year or so back I posted a thread about a very insecure and clingy girl who became certain within a staggeringly short amount of time that we were soulmates and should be married.  

She had a pysco boyfriend who was possessive to the point of making her check in and out with him before she went anywhere, and as soon as he found out that we (me and her) had been talking, he promptly made a trip to see me at school one day.

I stepped out in the hall to speak with him, and he immediately came up in my face and was making threats and so on.  After I managed to explain that it was HER who was coming onto me, and that I wasn't interested anymore, he seemed remotely satisfied, but made a threat along the lines of, "if I even so much as THINK that there's anything going on, I'll be back."  Fortunately, that confrontation resolved without any real problems.

But after that, I started carrying a bat in the backseat of my car.  The reason is because you cannot predict the behavior of these kinds of people.  Things happen faster than you can imagine, and before you know it, he might have a group of his buddies there to beat the crap out of me if he invented some reason in his drugged-out mind to do so.  If could talk my way out, great.  If I could escape better.  But if it came down to me versus a group of trailer trash punks, I'd rather have a bat or a gun than nothing at all.

This guy is in prison for meth now, and I haven't seen or spoken to her in a long, long time, but I still keep the bat in the car.

The moral of the story is that, in a world (or nation) full of crazy people who have nothing to lose, you never know WHO you're going to inadvertantly piss off, or how far they'll go.  

Disco,

I'm hardly wealthy-looking, and I don't drive a nice car.  I said a GUN is for intimidation purposes.  A bat is useless agaisnt a gun for ANYTHING. 

And further more, I don't worry about being robbed at all.  If all they want is a TV or some other gizmo in my house, no worries.  I can get another.  I'm worried about people who come after ME.

CJ,

If I was in Pet's situation and had a gun, I would've done exactly what he did.  I would've been polite and brief with him, and then ignore him.  When he came up to the table, I would've apologized for whatever I did that pissed him off and hope he goes away, and then call the police if needed. 

The gun isn't there for me to be mr. tough guy.  It's there when all else fails.

Moox,

I too carry a baseball bat in my car.  I don't have a knife, though.  I think you're right: American crime is much different from European crime.  I think it's because we're just a lot more violent and crazy.  Or something.

Pet Terry,

Do you think that I would get a gun just to harrass people with long hair in bars? 

Makeout,

You can't always get away from bad associates.  They usually follow you, and these situations can pop up out of absolutely nowhere.  Here again, this may have something to do with Americans generally being on the edge 24/7.

How would a gun give someone protection? It doesn't really protect you from other guns. In fact even more weird: How will carrying a concealed handgun give someone protection?

Babar, that's an excellent question.  Guns don't actually protect you from other guns.  I mentioned before that the best use of a gun is intimidation.  When somebody breaks into your house, ideally all you have to do is point it at them.  But it really depends on what kind of crook you're dealing with.  Is a petty crook who only wants your TV?  Or is it a psycopath who is jacked up on meth and is utterly unpredictable?

The same goes for carrying a concealed gun.  It depends on the circumstances, but it would be useful if you ever found yourself in certain kinds of trouble with crackheads/gang members/muggers, or any other kinds of people that lurk the streets of my quiet home town.

The problem is that these kinds of people really don't give two craps who you are or what you're doing.  If you look at them in the wrong way, they'll go off on you and try to start a fight.  You pull a gun on them, and they will hopefully back off, at least for a while until they can round up some of their buddies and corner you at another time with their own guns, knives*, chains*, icepicks*, or whatever they're carrying.

Bottom line: Everybody knows everybody else is armed in one way or another.  The goal is to be more armed than them.

*Have been used by drunken maniacs to threaten people I know 

The argument that you need to have a gun in case some robber comes into your house for self-defense or whatever has never sat well with me. If your society is to the point where criminals are entering homes and murdering strangers, there are social issues at play that go much deeper than questions of gun control. A society in which that is a real fear is not a society that I want to be a part of.

But that's basically where we're at.  People are very distrustful of other people, and senseless acts of violence do occur. 

Recently, two young girls were shot to death along a lonely country road in Oklahoma.  In 2005, a co-worker of my dad's got drunk and went to his ex-wife's house and shot her in the throat with a shotgun.  A couple weeks ago, there was a gunfight in a neighboring town that's even smaller than mine where a man was shot dead in his apartment.   These are all things that are happening around me in what is supposed to be a small community rural area.  This is why I figure that if everybody else out there is going nuts with their gun, I should have one just to at least FEEL safer around these crazies.

A lot of people from other parts of the world say "in my country we don't have guns and it's better and safer that way," but in America, if you suddenly impose strict gun control laws (stricter than they already are,) people won't know how to cope with that or adjust.  Yes, guns are really that important to Americans, and they are the first thing that come to mind when you say self-defense.  I agree, a gun's only purpose is to kill, but I wouldn't use mine in that manner unless I had to.

I've also considered becoming registered to carry a concealed handgun.  Why?  Because of protection.  Do I need it?  Who knows.  But there are a lot of crazy mofos running loose in America, and as I've stated before, I've become less and less at ease.

I don't understand the American love affair with guns and ammo, but it has always been here and it'd be a major shock if all of a sudden they disappeared.  Would it be for the better?  Who knows.  It's one thing I can't imagine. 

Ah, but what you fail to realize, Matti, is that if nobody owns guns, and the criminals DO own guns, they will have run of the place, so to speak.

The common people don't buy guns with the intention to murder, they buy them with the intention to defend themselves from those who DO plan to hurt.  Taking that right away just disarms people who want protection, and doesn't stop criminals from getting ahold of guns.  They WILL obtain firearms no matter what, and when the common man is defenseless, the lawbreakers would be able to rape and pillage, as long as they're quick enough to avoid the arrival of the police.  

When there is underlying uncertainty as to whether or not the owner of a house is armed, I think the crooks out there might think twice.  The potential for the owner having a gun is similar to the potential of there being security cameras there:  You never know.  

I've even seen stickers on doors to houses that say "owner is armed."  This will either scare the bad guys off, or let them know how to prepare better.

In the end, the gun in the the common man's closet isn't even there to shoot an intruder, it's there to control him. (or her.)  In most cases you would just have to point it at the criminal to get them under control.

Like most things in our Constitution, the right to bear arms requires responsibility, and the founding fathers may have somewhat counted on us having the intelligence and decency not to totally abuse those rights to the point of actually necessatating their prohibition.

Prog, I actually used national healthcare (and the opposition to it) as an example of how Americans are extremely me-me-me oriented, not so much as a reason for leaving.

But thanks anyway. 

*hopes thread doesn't spiral off into a healthcare system debate*

One of the major issues I have with America is the outright selfishness and greed to grips the culture and government.  The argument that most Americans put up against us having a public healthcare system is that they don't want their money going to pay for other people's doctor visits and treatments.  This sort of disdain for others in need is horrific, but is quite commonplace here.

The culture is generally rank and cynical, with little value for art or expression.  Not to mention the government is completely in the toilet.

I try not to be too idealistic, and I want to have a realistic image of Canada.  I know it's not perfect, I just want to try to figure out if I might be more at home there.  In general, I feel tension walking down the street because so many people are just on edge and are just so mean to each other anymore.  And I live in a comparatively small community.

Dave,

I'm already a US citizen (born here), if your comment was for me.   

Nikolas,

Indeed the money is an imporant point, but I already know the financial costs, and I'm looking for input on the other points which I'm still wondering about. 

I know the competition is huge, but I guess I'm not real worried because I won't be competing with the major players for a long, long time, as I'm starting out at the bottom here.  If I thought I was going to waltz right out there and start working on the level of any of the major composers in Hollywood, I'd be very dissappointed if at least one of you didn't slap me upside the head.   

I'm prepared to struggle, I just need to figure out where the best place to go about it will be. 

I've also kicked around the idea of maybe living somewhere smaller within a tolerable drive of LA, though I'm still debating the practicality of that.  Granted, I probably wouldn't have to drive there EVERY day, but it's hard to say. 

It's been a while since I last posted, but I'm back.  Usually, when I post I'm interested in finding out people's opinions or advice on this matter or that. 

This is a big one.  An important one.  Perhaps the most importantest of them all!  (Well, maybe not.)

Anyway, there comes a time in every young man's life when he must finally spread his wings and leave home.  I'm turning 20 this fall and entering my last year of college as well (obtaining an associates in music technology), so I see that this time for ME is on the horizon.

As some of you may or may not know, I'm an aspiring film composer (you know, the person who writes the musical score to movies), and I've finally managed to get a few credits to my name now, with more in the near future. 

I've completed all my jobs so far via the internet, which is most certainly NOT an ideal way of working.  Ideally, I need to be in the same physical vicinity as the filmmakers. 

This brings me to my big problem: Where to go? 

At first the answer seems simple: Los Angeles. 

The problem with LA is that I really, really don't want to live in such a big city.  I'm from small town America, so LA seems pretty imposing.  Of course, I know that negativity gets the headlines so we're only going to hear nothing but how many murders took place there today. 

So my first set of questions is to those of you who live in LA, or have spent time there: 

1. What's the best aspect of living there?

2. What's the worst aspect of living there?

3. As a general rule, are the people friendly or unfriendly?

Now, the problem gets even more complicated as soon as I say that I've also seriously considered Canada.  I think it goes without saying that I've had my fair share of issues with the way America is and what it's become. 

I understand Toronto is a major film hotspot in Canada, and I might be persuaded to consider it even more seriously if I can get some input on the following questions:

1. What's the best aspect of living there?

2. What's the worst aspect of living there?

3. Are the people there friendly or unfriendly?

4. How do the films compare in all ways to American films? (This is something that's very important to me because I want to migrate towards films that are more about, you know, being expression and artwork, instead of stars, money and explosions.  It's sort of hard to find a lot of Canadian films where I live so I'm not able to make my own judgement yet.)

5. Is Canada significantly different enough from America to justify moving there based on social and political reasons, not including career?

I'll probably come up with more questions later on, but this are my basic starting points.  I've been thinking about it all for quite a long time, and it wouldn't be complete without the input of my brothers and sisters in Blue Cuppery.

I'd appreciate your input.   

Emerald,

I don't see how being called a faggot would insult you but you say the insult is meaningless, when it obviously isn't to you if you are insulted by it. 

I've been working at a restaurant for a while now, and something happened the other day that has really got me thinking.  Most of the waiters and waitresses are in the 16-20 age range, and so this shouldn't be surprising. 

Now, I didn't see this happen, but I saw the aftermath.  Apparently, one of the co-workers called one of the waiters gay, either as a joke or meant as an insult.  (Not really sure, as I didn't see it happen.)  Upon being called gay, he responded furiously, "Don't talk to me you stupid bitch," out-front where customers could hear. 

A little while later, he was back in the kitchen and the manager was scolding him about saying something like that in front of customers.  All the waiter could respond with was, "But I'm not gay."  Even though that was not relevant to the talk he was having with the manager.

I have wondered for a long time why being called gay is such a terrible blow, especially to adolescent males.  But they use it as an insult ALL the time, and to them, it seems to suggest that you're less of a male if you're gay, or at least that's what I've assumed they think.  Either way, listening to them talk is a constant stream of "Faggot," "Gay," and "Queer."

What potential do they see in that to be an insult?  And if it's such a terrible thing, why do they dwell on it?

An excellent "dark comedy" as they're called, is the film "About Schmidt."  It's a film that is funny because of it's simple truthfulness about life and how it works, with streaks of darkness about how ugly that truth can be.  It's a film that will definately make you re-evaluate your own life.

Another good recommendation would be "Pleasantville."  Again, very funny in spots but with a strong sense of underlying meaning and truth.  Also an excellent commentary on the notion of heaven, Eden, and "sin."

That leads me to my third recommendation, "The Truman Show."  Jim Carey provides the humor in another movie that comments on religion and god.

DEAR MR./MRS. MONKEY,

I HAVE AN IDEA FOR A USE OF YOUR EXTRA MONEYS.

PERMIT ME TO INFORM YOU OF MY DESIRE OF GOING INTO BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. I GOT YOUR NAME AND CONTACT FROM THE TOGOLESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. I PRAYED OVER IT AND SELECTED YOUR NAME AMONG OTHER NAMES DUE TO IT'S ESTEEMING NATURE AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS GIVEN TO ME AS A REPUTABLE AND TRUST WORTHY PERSON I CAN DO BUSINESS WITH AND BY THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS I MUST NOT HESITATE TO CONFIDE IN YOU FOR THIS SIMPLE AND SINCERE BUSINESS.

I AM AKEEM TIMM MADU, THE ONLY CHILD OF LATE MR AND MRS TIMM MADU. MY FATHER WAS A VERY WEALTHY COCOA MERCHANT BASED IN LOME, THE ECONOMIC CAPITAL OF TOGO BEFORE HE WAS POISONED TO DEATH BY HIS BUSINESS ASSOCIATES ON ONE OF THEIR OUTING TO DISCUSS ON A BUSINESS DEAL. WHEN MY MOTHER DIED ON THE 21ST OCTOBER 1984, MY FATHER TOOK ME SO SPECIAL BECAUSE I AM MOTHERLESS. BEFORE THE DEATH OF MY FATHER ON 24TH FEBUARY 2002 IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL HERE IN LOME. HE SECRETLY CALLED ME ON HIS BEDSIDE AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAS A SUM OF US$15,000,000 (FIFTEEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS.DEPOSITED IN A SAFEFIDUCIARY AGENT IN EUROPE THROUGH A SECURITY COMPANY BASED IN LOME TOGO,

THIS AMOUNT IS CONTAINED IN A SEALED TRUNK BOX ,IT WAS REGISTERED AND DECLEARED AS CONTAINING FAMILY TREASURES,SO EVEV AS I AM WRITEING YOU NOW THE SECURITY AND IT'S AGENTS ARE NOT AWARE OF THE CONTENTS CONTAINED AS MONEY IN THE TRUNK BOX .LET ME ASURE YOU THAT THIS TRANSACTION IS 100% HITCH AND FRISK FREE.BASED ON YOUR ACCEPT ING TO HELP ME I WILL BE GIVING YOU A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF PERCENTGEFOR YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS AND THIS WILL BE DISCUS UPON YOUR RESPONCE TO MY MAIL .

HE ALSO EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THIS WEALTH THAT HE WAS POISONED BY HIS BUSINESS ASSOCIATES, THAT I SHOULD SEEK FOR A FOREIGN PARTNER IN A COUNTRY OF MY CHOICE WHERE I WILL MOVE THIS MONEY AND USE IT FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSE ,(SUCH AS REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT)
.
SIR, I AM HONOURABLY SEEKING YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS.

1, TO ARRANGE AND TRAVEL IMMEDIATELY TO MEET WITH THE SECURITY COMPANY AGENT IN EUROPE FOR CLEARING.
2) YOU ARE TO SERVE AS THE GUARDIAN OF THIS FUND.
3)YOU WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR ME TO COME OVER TO YOUR COUNTRY TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION AND TO SECURE A RESIDENTIAL PERMIT FOR ME IN YOUR COUNTRY. I HAVE DOCUMENTS AS REGARS TO THIS CLAIM.

BEST REGARDS.
AKEEM TIMM MADU

Oooh, if monkey doesn't take you up on that, I will!

Oohh, a chance to show off! 

Dell XPS 400 with dual core processors, ATI Radeon X1900, flat screen monitor, 5.1 Surround Sound and a pretty mouse pad.     8)

I'm proud to say I was present at my state's Democractic caucus last night.  The group was divided into the Obamas on one side and the Clintons on the other.  I was in the Obama group, and we greatly outnumbered them.  The race between Obama and Clinton here isn't even close.  He's got her beat by a long shot, which is surprising considering I live in the midwest. 

It was a really energized and exciting evening, and people had the opportunity to go up to the mic and speak out on why they were voting for their candidate, and gave reasons on why those who were in the undecided section should give them consideration.  It's refreshing to see people taking part in their government.

I have a feeling that the majority of the country will have their calendars marked and will be watching the clock in anticipation of the end of the Bush administration.  A shame he'll be walking away from office scot free without as much as a fine or penalty for all he's done to us and the rest of the world.

OK, I'm bored with this argument now.

Then quit posting.  I was well aware of your opinion from the start. 

Also, I don't think this ONE case is going to "clog" the judicial system.  Have you had a look at it recently?