tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post6580489658566757144..comments2024-03-17T08:27:53.658-05:00Comments on Stonekettle Station: The Sunday Morning Come to Jesus Moment on Second Amendment SolutionsJim Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-63841344150205631492015-12-27T15:26:12.846-06:002015-12-27T15:26:12.846-06:00You'll never ever get anything like that passe...You'll never ever get anything like that passed. No way. No how. You're just pissing into the wind. If you want to do something that might actually stand a chance of getting through congress, <a href="http://www.stonekettle.com/2015/06/bang-bang-sanity.html" rel="nofollow"> read this</a> Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-80357075237442759832015-12-27T15:17:46.533-06:002015-12-27T15:17:46.533-06:00Jim, you have the bully pulpit to put forth a REAL...Jim, you have the bully pulpit to put forth a REAL Second Amendment solution. We need to restore the Well Regulated Militia part of the Second Amendment. When SCOTUS ruled that this clause was unconstitutional it was because there was no option for a Conscientious Objector to be a part of a Well Regulated Militia. So we SOLVE that. We create CO roles within the WRM so that someone who does not want to ever aim a gun at a person will still have an opportunity to participate in a WRM, ensure they receive proper gun training and handling, are properly tested, and properly "regulated" within the WRM structure. Then, if you want to own a gun you must be a member of a WRM. Now, as for the WRM, they should be required to register with each state they want to operate in, and should be required to show their training procedures, their command structure, and most importantly, that they insure each member to protect the public against improper gun use by the militia's members. None of this is designed to prevent anyone from buying a gun. All of it is designed to ensure that they are properly trained and supervised so that the don't "accidentally" kill someone when cleaning their gun, or don't grab their gun and go off all hot-headed without having a clue how to tell the good guys from the bad guys, etc. Want to have a gun? Be a member of a Well Regulated Militia like the Second Amendment specifies. It's really very simple. spotthebloggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155034944327981450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-35206042063515436612012-10-09T00:48:54.398-05:002012-10-09T00:48:54.398-05:00Much time has elapsed since this was originally po...Much time has elapsed since this was originally posted. I still had tears welling up reading through the stories of the casualties from this event. I am glad Rep. Giffords has recovered and was able to be up on a rooftop watching the Endeavor fly towards its new home in LA. Time goes by.<br /><br />But my heart still breaks for those we all lost and their families. I still occasionally get crazy garbage forwarded to me from retired military friends whose politics long since diverged from mine. For others of more sensible persuasion, I forward links to your site, Jim.<br /><br />Thank you for all your writing. This was especially poignant and I am glad to find it in the greatest hits section. Keep up the good fight.<br /><br />Old Navy Comm OAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-83171284449740586182012-10-09T00:20:09.604-05:002012-10-09T00:20:09.604-05:00Rens,
I know this is long after, but just ran acro...Rens,<br />I know this is long after, but just ran across this in my wandering through older posts.<br />"Who will rid me of this turbulent priest" is attributed to King Henry II of England talking about Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in his cathedral as a result. Henry later allowed himself to be flogged in the cathedral as part of his penance for having inspired, albeit supposedly without meaning to, the murder.<br />Old Navy Comm O (and Anglophile and history buff)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-47269798008302142982012-04-02T16:51:17.138-05:002012-04-02T16:51:17.138-05:00I didn't see anything in Jim's post that m...I didn't see anything in Jim's post that made me believe I should take a guoiand kill anyone who didn't agree with him. He didn't tell me to use second ammendment solutions. What is your point?sundaysuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01320570627763923498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-55067189927456244672011-06-19T07:01:14.050-05:002011-06-19T07:01:14.050-05:00very well said..pure common sense ..at the end of ...very well said..pure common sense ..at the end of the day people are dead people are hurt and all because some wacko (insert whatever political affiliation) killed them and was ready to reload and start over<br />second amendment solutions are not the answer<br /><br />found your blog via a friend posting the constitution blog..loved it its not surprising it has gone viral..its true hahaha....god guns and glory<br />love your sense of humorberbransanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05799355913679412421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-4744698214639943572011-04-15T14:16:51.638-05:002011-04-15T14:16:51.638-05:00This post, this one right here, now I know, I like...This post, this one right here, now I know, I like your writing!!<br />I live in Tucson. I have had a hard time being here the last 2 years. I work for a defense contractor, surrounded by retired military. I get frowned upon at work because I didnt retire, I left the Navy after 9 years,to pursue something different. I am frowned upon because I believe in personal freedoms, opinions and choices. I love nature and advocate for environmental protections, animal shelters and god forbid, yes, same sex marriage!! I love the fact that my home state, Vermont, passed that law allowing it. <br />I carry a 9mm with me to work, I work in remote regions close to the border here, it is not the safest place I have been, and being authorized to protect my self, I do. I have never picked up my hand gun for any other reason than for target practice, ensure its safe and to clean it. It kills me when AZ passed their new gun law to allow CC without any training. Goodness, I remember gun quals with people who had years of training, and I was still scared to be next to them while they held a loaded fire arm. Great, so now I can go to the grocery store and for all I know, everyone in the store has a gun. <br />This shooting killed me. One, because it happened only miles from my home, and two, because never in a million years would I ever think that taking a fire arm to a public place to shoot a politician would be a resolution to anything. <br />Yes, I hate hearing the garbage that comes out of Sarah Palin's mouth, and Glenn Beck, but it means I one, stop reading, two turn the channel, or three ( and this happens alot) laugh and shake my head. <br />The second thing that absolutely destroyed me over this entire tragic even that happened here, is coming to work that Monday, and to hear my co-worker, a retired E-8 from the AirFOrce, make the comment "thats what she gets for being a liberal"<br />Are you fucking kidding me???? A man who served 25 years in our military, sworn to support and defend our Constitution and this country, and that's what you have to say about a Congresswomen being shot in the head?? So what about the other deaths?? Oh, they were "tragic bystanders, but they were there to support her". I lost so much respect right there for a few co-workers, vets of this country, but people so blinded by the media and press and so brain washed with the nothing that you can not be a true American if you don't believe in the Republican party!Fuck off!!<br /><br />Our youth are bombarded by hate, the internet has only amplified it. We sputter words of hate, and our "2nd Amendment Solutions". I believe everyone has the right to bear arms, yes. Doesn't mean everyone has the brain to handle that. And this tragic even just goes to show that. <br />And no matter what they all say, for every one that has said to the public "take up arms against our government", "take America back" ect ect ect, uttered any words of violence and uprising, and doesn't think those words were not taken literally by this young man that day, get a fucking reality check!! <br /><br />I love this post! Because it is the down and dirty of what our country is going through right now.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00370336840259128989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-43525090001528773992011-04-11T12:22:29.403-05:002011-04-11T12:22:29.403-05:00I refer you to Cameron's comment above, as he ...I refer you to Cameron's comment above, as he has saved me a ton of typing. Very similar situation and beliefs. My father is a retired Army warrant officer; I grew up as a military brat, loving every minute of it. I even get homesick when I step foot in a military installation. He served two tours in Vietnam, went to Korea and Japan. I have great admiration for him, even though our political ideals are polar opposites. My daughter and I moved in with him after the death of my son and subsequently, my mother, and I have to admire his restraint in allowing us to put Obama signs in the yard during the election period. He won't say much, but I suspect he's a closet racist. But he's 80 now, and old school, and like Cameron said, you can't change that, and really at that age, what's the point?<br /><br />I have no idea how I found your blog, as I'm an incurable news hog and I am reading constantly, so somewhere, I ran across your link. I have to say, I love it, I'm still reading, and I'm so grateful also to find a place with like-thinkers. It's akin to not having anyone to talk to for years, and suddenly finding a friend you *can* talk to! Most everyone I know personally seems to range from Republican to downright Tea Partiers, so I keep politics completely off my own facebook page in order to just keep it a family page where we can share life and photos and stories.<br /><br />Your post on the Arizona shootings was nothing short of phenomenal. Thank you.<br /><br />For now, I'll be a lurker, while I finish reading. I haven't laughed so much in years...your writing style is just too precious!Iggie7589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-90187513526385754632011-04-02T15:29:39.384-05:002011-04-02T15:29:39.384-05:00Jim, new to your blog as well via Mudflats. Great ...Jim, new to your blog as well via Mudflats. Great piece, like your style. Very powerful. Your writing is like a refreshing pool of cool, clear sanity. <br /><br />BTW, your woodwork is exquisite.Rebeccanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-34402834372554317272011-03-31T22:30:15.120-05:002011-03-31T22:30:15.120-05:00I saw it, Cameron. Thank you for your comment and ...I saw it, Cameron. Thank you for your comment and for sharing your thoughts with us all. Welcome aboardJim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-86735671310569090842011-03-31T21:26:28.155-05:002011-03-31T21:26:28.155-05:00Jim,
this post is so far down, I doubt you'll...Jim, <br />this post is so far down, I doubt you'll see it, or know I am here, days after the fact of you writing it. <br />Thank you. Profoundly. From the bottom of my heart. I have been wandering around your blog, quietly, hoping to learn the lay of the land and fit in with this community. Yes, I got suckered into Stonekettle Station by THAT post - you know - the one about America that went through every blog, Facebook and website in America in about 48 hours flat. I was intrigued and fascinated and impressed. So I came over to your blog, carefully read your rules for posting (which I love) and began wandering around your posts. And then I hit this one. This one. Oh Jim. <br />Thank you for blowing the whistle and going to the heart of the matter! Thank you for expressing, profoundly and eloquently the agony in my own heart the day of the shooting. My father, bless him is a man of 83, who served his country in Germany and Korea. He is currently a soft spoken gentle man who is thrilled his Wisteria bushes are blooming, and caring for my wheelchair and walker bound mother like a saint, with grace and humor and a life time of love. He is my hero. And politically he is a rabid conspiracy theorist, who spouts the "Blood of patriots" line every chance he gets. The dichotomy between the gentle tender man and the hateful political ranter is enough to make your head spin. I don't argue politics with him...he has earned my respect with a life time of love and strength, he has earned my respect with his service to his country. And I promised my mom not to bait him or get into political discussions with him, because *I* can hang up the phone - she has to listen to him boiling over afterwards. You keep your promises to your mom, ya know? <br />But oh, how I wish I could give him your words. I wish he could read them. I wish, the next time he was off about marching on Washington, and the blood of Patriots, and Thomas Jefferson being the greatest Christian that every lived (he's in a world all his own, folks.) that I could say to him these words...THIS is what your second amendment solution looks like. Frankly, if I thought I had a chance of truly convincing him, that your words or my paraphrase would change his perceptions, make a difference, I believe I would send him the blog url and ask my mom's forgiveness later. However, it won't. He is an elderly man, frightened by the changes of the world since his childhood, a childhood and an era that he remembers, not how it was, but how he thinks it was, through rose colored glasses of time and distance. All it would do is make him angry, and harden his self righteous belief. I love him, and all I could think, as I read this blog, was that here, this - THIS - is what he cannot see. That this bloody horror is the end of the road down the Second Amendment Solution. <br />Thank you. This has been a grieving knot in my heart and my gut...your words have given my inarticulate anguish voice and release. <br />I will remember these words. <br />And...Chief Warrant Officer, thank you for your service for your country and for me and mine. It is deeply appreciated.Cameronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13378591363411441816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-43179659062212662452011-03-30T15:08:58.001-05:002011-03-30T15:08:58.001-05:00I just discovered your blog yesterday and I have b...I just discovered your blog yesterday and I have been reading voraciously since. I agree with everything you say.<br /><br />As to the current topic: What can we do about this? We are all outraged. We all agree it's shameful, but how do we change it? Part of the problem is that people love conflict and drama. If these personalities didn't get ratings and revenues, they would not be on the air. To simply not watch would leave us ignorant. <br /><br />I welcome civil and rational discourse. I am open to being educated and exposed to viewpoints that are different than my own. <br /><br />Yeah, but neither civil or rational gets the big money. <br /><br />On an unrelated note (though maybe not if you think about it) thank you again, for creating this place. Most of the people I associate with do not share my beliefs. It's nice to go somewhere I am not accused by my very existence and belief system of actively trying to destroy this country. It's nice to know that I too am an American. Even if I disagree on what makes America a great place to live.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17313270782530035018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-5577703542127894882011-03-29T19:30:49.582-05:002011-03-29T19:30:49.582-05:00Wow Jim, I passed English 101 on my way to an engi...Wow Jim, I passed English 101 on my way to an engineering degree but somehow I think your toolbox is better stocked than mine! We have a lot in common, Navy background included, opinions apparently as well. I have no illusions that I can write nearly as well as you do, so I hope you don't mind if I just occasionally link your blog to my FB page. Thanks for sharing a sane view.Dana Teelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-60911685437913772622011-03-28T12:47:03.074-05:002011-03-28T12:47:03.074-05:00Jim, I just discovered your blog through Mudflats....Jim, I just discovered your blog through Mudflats. It is like you are in my brain and able to put my thoughts down into words. It is so refreshing to read your articles and go "yeah, that is what I mean!". Is there any way you could go national and become a regular on Huff Post or something? Your writing takes my breath away and needs to be seen on a broader scale. It is very powerful. Thank you so much!Holly Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14914224692402825438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-43130892869987851452011-03-26T16:35:57.102-05:002011-03-26T16:35:57.102-05:00Excellent. You've had me laughing ("some...Excellent. You've had me laughing ("some trailer-dwelling comb-over sitting in his batman underpants, covered in Pop Tart crumbs and cat hair"), crying at the truth and nodding my head in agreement with the majority of the comments.<br /><br />I couldn't agree more with you, Sundene, rest assured there are more of us who respect teachers than those who don't. Unfortunately, "those who don't" are making a lot of noise. We're trying to stand up for you and other public employees in Ohio. Keep the faith!ChrisA.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03261682245092800969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-19496292145955207362011-03-26T07:23:48.411-05:002011-03-26T07:23:48.411-05:00Greetings, young man.
I've gotten into quite ...Greetings, young man.<br /><br />I've gotten into quite a routine here. Up at 5 a.m., get that first cup of coffee, explore Stonekettle Station for half an hour or so. I expect that will change a little as I make my way to the end of your current work, but for now it's an interesting way to watch the sun come up - reading, thinking, drinking my morning cup.<br /><br />This post took me by surprise, though it probably should not have, given what I've read of your work so far. I'll admit to weeping as I read the descriptions of those who were shot. It seems I'm in good company there, though, so I don't mind so much.<br /><br />You put a face and heart and soul into words as you described each person and their situation. I think that's what more people need - especially those who already lack a certain amount of empathy and truly do buy into somebody doing their second amendment solution dirty work for them.<br /><br />Thank you for painting this picture with your words. You retrieved the reality, the humanity of the unfortunate victims of this shooting and shared it with all of us.<br /><br />Keep writing, young man. You're helping me to be hopeful about a country I love, which in these times has been rather difficult (I am a teacher, you see, and lately we seem to be the nation's scapegoat).<br /><br />See you tomorrow.sundenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-55027613226009183912011-01-25T21:42:50.308-06:002011-01-25T21:42:50.308-06:00My previous comment is in reply to Jon's. He r...My previous comment is in reply to Jon's. He removed his first comment and reposted to correct some errors. <br /><br />Again, Jon, thanks for posting.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-47424079681509984122011-01-25T21:37:55.966-06:002011-01-25T21:37:55.966-06:00The people of this country need to learn the diffe...The people of this country need to learn the difference between individualism, collective individualism, individual collectivism, and socialism.<br /><br />The people of the world need to learn that there is only one classification for race, and the "X" goes into the box marked for human.<br /><br />Until that time, there will always be an "us" v. "them" mentality.<br />There will always be those who crave the use of force to make their point. Whether it be political, religious, social, or what have you.<br /><br />That is why I will retain my rifles and my pistols. With their high capacity magazines. They will be taken to the field of battle only when the field is spread before my doorstep, and not before. If and when the fight seeks me, I will be prepared. If that day never comes, I will rejoice in my silver days.<br /><br />When peace comes voluntarily and without coercion, then I will gladly lay my arms aside never to be retrieved.Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17233131762426885709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-394938765679651212011-01-25T21:19:26.672-06:002011-01-25T21:19:26.672-06:00Well said, Jon, and I agree. ThanksWell said, Jon, and I agree. ThanksJim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-38131416420067079022011-01-25T21:06:05.519-06:002011-01-25T21:06:05.519-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17233131762426885709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-73796198730705078082011-01-20T17:58:53.811-06:002011-01-20T17:58:53.811-06:00Gotcha, Sir Wright. Thanks.Gotcha, Sir Wright. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-73005728361988340992011-01-20T12:38:19.324-06:002011-01-20T12:38:19.324-06:00Don't feed the trolls, Beemodern. He's eit...Don't feed the trolls, Beemodern. He's either deliberately trying to bait me, or he's too stupid to understand the <i>actual</i> point of the post, either way I'd rather he go back to his little monkey house and fling shit there instead of here.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-22734279770823472082011-01-20T12:04:35.762-06:002011-01-20T12:04:35.762-06:00I've not heard or read anyone saying rightwing...I've not heard or read anyone saying rightwingers or a specific public personality were directly "behind" the attack. That's not been the point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-60817372540480583642011-01-16T10:11:49.140-06:002011-01-16T10:11:49.140-06:00Sorry, just not seeing it. Days go by, and Loughn...Sorry, just not seeing it. Days go by, and Loughner can't be tied to Palin, Limbaugh or Beck. And his reading list included Mein Kampf and the Communist Manifesto.<br /><br />Isn't it kind of obvious that you <i>want</i> some right-wingers to be behind this? <br /><br />Sorry to disappoint you.johngalttweetshttp://twitter.com/johngalttweetsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-56246221759448400132011-01-14T19:51:26.201-06:002011-01-14T19:51:26.201-06:00Well then, PJ, I guess those the folks who advocat...Well then, PJ, I guess those the folks who advocate Second Amendment remedies are in good company.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.com