General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIs there any difference between a maggot infestation and the NRA after a mass shooting?
Both show up to feast where ever there is death, while the corpses are still warm.
Both are an excellent bait food. For fish. For Congress.
No, I guess there isn't much difference between the two.
Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)Vinca
(50,273 posts)nolabels
(13,133 posts)When I was mechanic working for waste company, on a hot day, the things (fly maggots) would sometimes fall off or maybe kind of jump off, and if i was anywhere near, on my creeper or whatever, they were making a bee line for me. They really don't care if the meat is alive or dead, they just want something to chew on.
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)BTW - the visual of that story is Stephen King worthy.
Likable truck mechanic turns into crisis solving folk hero when maggots evolve a limited intelligence and take over Congress.
Non-fiction of course. Don't forget the movie rights!
nolabels
(13,133 posts)It's like both elements are opportunists who find it easiest to prey on the helpless dead victims. You know how the maggots are, always looking for free meals. Something that happens when a hunter can't find his wounded prey and it dies hidden in the bush (or when not so bright men go to war and kill more than they can bury).
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)even a maggot could fire it.
nolabels
(13,133 posts)I must confess, i am a spaghetti western fan, kinda
branford
(4,462 posts)I haven't been able to locate any official statements by them at all concerning the tragedy, including their Twitter, Facebook, and web pages.
You've literally been cursing the NRA in dozens of posts in multiple threats over the last day or two. You are, of course, free to have any opinion about them. However, if you're claiming they're "feasting . . . while the corpses are still warm" concerning the Oregon shooting, and presumably want to enter into some kind of discussion since you authored an OP on a discussion forum, it would be, at a minimum, courteous to actually cite the NRA's statements you find so particularly egregious.
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)branford
(4,462 posts)along with juvenile and emotive outbursts, and don't really care what the NRA (or any other group) actually says, because you can apparently read their hearts and minds.
If you would like to actually have a discussion about what's wrong with NRA positions and policies (a very long list), I would welcome the opportunity. Puerile comparisons to "maggot infestations" and totally unsupported allegations claiming they're "feasting over the dead" in Oregon are certainly not the foundation for any civil discourse.
Whether you like them or not, the NRA-ILA is a laser focused, determined, highly organized, and frighteningly effective lobbying organization with just one purpose, protect the right to keep and bear arms in the USA. If the fight against the NRA is primarily comprised of meaningless babble, it's no wonder every recent poll from Gallup, Pew, and others indicate generational highs in support gun rights and against restriction, with such support steadily increasing.
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)msongs
(67,406 posts)branford
(4,462 posts)Can you provide any citations where the NRA made official statements even remotely "feasting over the dead" in Oregon?
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)the NRA is about firearm safety, and gun owner's rights.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)backscatter712
(26,355 posts)Gormy Cuss
(30,884 posts)The modern NRA exists to protect the lucrative marketplace for arms. Hiding behind 2A preservation is a marketing tactic.
Now the old time NRA, that was a benign club for sports.
branford
(4,462 posts)mostly because their advocacy tends to hurt Democratic candidates (because our party has recently taken such a shrill anti-gun tone).
However, there's more than ample substantive, true material to discuss, debate and criticize, without any need for juvenile insults or strawman arguments. Efforts to counter the NRA with what amount to little more than playground antics and childlike insults are the reason why they are so strong, and opposition to firearm restrictions steadily growing.
I would also note the distinction between the NRA and the NRA-ILA. The latter is the infamous lobbying arm of the organization. The former is still the largest and most respected firearm safety, training, sport and hunting organization in the USA. Even in heavily Democratic and strong gun control jurisdictions, they are still the gold standard in firearms training and use, both for civilians and law enforcement.
Gormy Cuss
(30,884 posts)To create an artificial divide between the two is a handy way to present NRA as benign, helpful organization when it's really not. The lobbying arm is the NRA and it taints everything else that may be perceived as good about the NRA. Members could change this but instead they consent to this lobbying.
branford
(4,462 posts)I certainly never claimed that the NRA is "benign," but you basically proved my point with your post.
The NRA is a old, large and complex organization. If you want to oppose their policies and counter their influence, it's best to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. Using strawman arguments or ignoring the truth is just intellectually lazy and plain ineffective.
For example, whether you like it or not, the NRA is indeed the gold standard in firearms safety and proficiency training, as well the largest sponsor of firearm sport and hunting activities. That is one of the primary reasons why they are politically influential, and more importantly, can get the 95+% of non-NRA gun owners and others in the USA to the polls in opposition to gun control.
If gun control advocates want to counter the NRA's ancillary ideological influence when it participates in these more benign areas, those opposing the NRA need to establish credible alternatives. If the only real position espoused is the elimination of guns, rather than actual firearm safety and training, this will be a practical impossibility, and the influence of the NRA will continue to spread and grow.
Gormy Cuss
(30,884 posts)Most nonprofits and not-for-profits segregate lobbying activities into legally separate entities for practical reasons. 501(c) organizations for example can lose their tax exempt status if they're engaged in political activities.
The NRA-ILA is the NRA. Period. As to the NRA being the gold standard for firearms training, there's nothing remarkable about that. What is remarkable is that the NRA-ILA promotes an irrational fear of crime (essentially race-baiting) and that it promotes unfettered arms ownership.
branford
(4,462 posts)for whatever reason they want. The simple fact is that an organization that only claims 5-6% of American gun owners as members manages to affect to firearm zeitgeist in this country so thoroughly that they've become the boogeyman of the gun control movement.
Regardless of your feelings on the matter, a great many Americans own guns and support gun rights, and if the NRA didn't exist, something else comparable (or worse) would take its place. I would also note that the two biggest gun control victories in recent memory, the Heller and McDonald Supreme Court decisions (and more lower court decisions), resulted from the actions of the Second Amendment Foundation, not the NRA.
How do you propose to counter the influence of the NRA and other gun rights groups? Do you believe disingenuous strawman arguments and childlike insults, like those expressed in the OP, are a viable strategy?
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)You have no idea of the NRA's position, so you make shit up and post it as fact.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)more guns, and please don't blame our precious guns for the actions of gun fanciers.
Of course, the NRA does not allow visitors to bring gunz into the headquarters building because they know how many sick gun toters are out there (except for the posh shooting range with a separate entrance where people can practice shooting targets that resemble people).
branford
(4,462 posts)As I said, nothing but strawman arguments and allegations, attempts at mind reading, and claims of clairvoyance.
Let me also disabuse you of the myth that carry is not permitted at NRA meetings or in their headquarters. Although I'm neither a NRA member nor supporter of the organization, this claim has been repeatedly debunked. The only time that legal carry is sometimes not permitted at NRA functions is when a particular venue doesn't permit carrying of firearms, which at times occurs at their conventions or special events because they require such large and varied spaces, and the NRA always complies with local laws and regulations concerning firearms, even when they oppose them.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/21/1172739/-I-Called-the-NRA-Today-Oh-Boy
(check the update!)
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)standing there -- knowing his son, raised in the gun culture, was just released from prison after shooting a motorist in a road rage incident -- was laughable.
Sorry, don't have the transcript of them talking about armed guards, more gunz on campus, etc. But, I'm sure you have the video on your computer. Besides the written transcript is not nearly as revealing as those vile -- angry looking -- people pushing gunz after Sandy Hook? They'll be doing the same thing in a few days, and you know it.
branford
(4,462 posts)You're posting here to defend the OP and oppose my criticism.
All you need to do is simply provide just one actual citation to an official statement by the NRA that comes close to "feasting over the dead" in Oregon. Given the OP's and your opinions and beliefs about the organization, the task seemingly could be easier.
I also note that you appear to have abandoned your claim that the NRA doesn't allow visitors to carry firearms in their headquarters if otherwise permitted by law.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)like this.
branford
(4,462 posts)dumbcat
(2,120 posts)And still they keep throwing up strawmen.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)When challenged over their outright lies.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)"One should keep their thoughts to themselves and let people think they are a fool rather than express them and prove the people right".
Words to live by.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)As you been informed numerous times before, it's not the NRA banning firearms from their conventions, it's the venue owners because of liability issues.
Where the venue owners have no issue with people carrying firearms, the NRA has welcomed them.
Now, go ahead with your usual deflection, snark, and insults instead of actually addressing my post.
Bucky
(54,013 posts)Nice try, but NRA is still lower than maggots
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)The NRA and his best friend the maggot walk into a bar.
The bartender turns to the maggot and says "You're ok, but you have to leave that piece of shit NRA outside."
When the NRA starts spewing some toxic bullshit about poll numbers saying guns keep people safe, the bartender calls the bouncer who throws the NRA out the door where he lands in the gutter, his fall cushioned by the million dollar talking points covering his ass.
When things settle down, the maggot high-fives the bartender and says, "Thanks, the place smells better already!"
I always chuckle at that one. Hope you do to.
hatrack
(59,587 posts)The same cannot be said of the NRA.
Response to whereisjustice (Original post)
olddots This message was self-deleted by its author.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,
malaise
(269,004 posts)maggots are part of the life cycle and the NRA is all about death
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)GGJohn
(9,951 posts)Oh, wait, NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)GGJohn
(9,951 posts)you've got nothing, but just for you.
NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,NRA,
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Maybe you need a break. Your posts on this thread are bordering hysterical.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)it certainly wasn't us that started the politicizing of this tragedy.
But, no, I'm quite fine, I'm not hysterical, I'm actually having fun countering all your cohorts lies and innuendos.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)And maybe you are just too sensitive to come to DU after a shooting - you don't sound like you are having fun, you sound defensive and hysterical. You can say you are having fun, but your posts are there for everyone to see.
And firearm owners who support the NRA here on DU deserve slamming. You are supporting an organization that supports republicans. That used to not be allowed here.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)I don't support the NRA per se, I don't belong to their org., never have, never will, but they do have a right to advocate firearm rights and lobby the Congress for laws in favor of gun owners.
Since when?
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Supporting the NRA had someone automatically labeled. Often they were banned, back before juries. But, things have changed, clearly.
And what the NRA does is not harmless lobbying. They overwhelmingly actively support republicans.
And it's clear you only care about yourself and your own opinion. Or you wouldn't post what you do. I don't post for your benefit, but for all those other people that don't want to get into it because of the piling on that happens in these threads from the likes of the gungeoneers.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)unfortunately, it's usually the repukes, the NRA has and does support Dems who share their views on the 2A, unfortunately, our party has abrogated the issue of the 2A to the repukes, and we've lost election after election due to this.
Dems who constantly call for AWB's, mag limits, one gun per month, outright bans, etc. are the problem, not the NRA.
People who think owning a piece of metal is a right because some old white guy 300 years ago said so are the problem. As a Canadian, the whole 'owning guns are a right' is truly a big joke amongst other Canadians. Everytime we see the response to a mass shooting, there is a collective country-wide eyeroll.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)Well, in that case, you have no say in our firearm laws, you have an opinion, but it's irrelevant to our country.
BTW, I served with members of your Armed Forces, I have the highest respect for the professionalism and dedication of your country's soldiers, sailors, airmen.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)But if you think I don't deserve a say in this you are sorely mistaken - your gun fetish causes tons of deaths in our country due to a large amount of smuggled guns. I have every right to fight against your antiquated constitution as it directly affects my country.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)but in reality, you really don't.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I can have my say on the internets as much as I would like. As long as I stay within the rules here at DU of course. So if you don't want to hear what I have to say on the issue because you think it's irrelevent, then you can put me on ignore.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)but you have no say in how we run our country except on chat boards.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I urge Americans to make the changes that they can. At any rate, it's not like you have much say either. About as much say as I had in Harper being prime minister.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)see, I can and do vote, and I vote regularly.
And if you think that the firearms laws in this country are going to change in favor of what you and your cohorts want, well, my advice is not to hold your breath waiting for that to happen..
That's not to say I don't support some new laws, things like UBC's, more stringent prosecution by the feds for violations of firearm laws, let's beef up the ATF to go after the straw purchaser's, let's end the WOD and use the money to better fund mental health services, That alone will greatly reduce the firearm deaths in this country.
What I won't support are feel good, do nothing laws, like AWB's, mag limits, limits on purchases of firearms by law abiding citizens, mandatory insurance, which would do nothing, registration, the govt has no right nor reason to know what I do or don't own, etc.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I guess I'm less libertarian than you are. And that's not surprising.
By the way, your last part cracks me up, because you don't want the government to know, but all the corporations already do, unless you always pay cash and never use a credit card or loyalty card. I'd rather the government knew over a corporation. At least the government is theoretically accountable to the voters. The corporations are only accountable to their rich shareholders.
treestar
(82,383 posts)how other countries work when they have gun laws? Notice the Canadian government has not taken over as a dictatorship.
I am American and really dislike it when people talk to Canadians like this. Or any other country's citizens. They can have opinions on gun control. We all know they won't vote in US elections, so there is no point in saying that.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)just as other countries citizens have no legislative say in our gun laws.
I have the highest respect for Canadians, I served alongside members of their Armed Forces numerous times, but I won't tolerate any citizen of another country telling me how we should change our firearm laws because they don't like them.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)Scrapped it's firearm registration program.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)And the only reason it was abolished was the cost ended up being way more than was promised and the right wing conservatives cited the cost when they ended it. 2/3 of Canadians supported the registry when it was ended.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)And as I noted it was a right wing government that cited the 'cost' as the reason, while 2/3 supported it continuing. If there is another mass shooting (it was a mass shooting that ushered it in in the first place) you can bet it would be reintroduced if the conservatives aren't in power. The only reason they didn't like it anyway was the Liberals were the ones who introduced it. It wasn't really about the money. It was about pandering to their base.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)were in force for any of the mass murders involving guns?
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)of arguing over the types of guns used in each mass murder and if each type should or shouldn't be registered. Regsitration generally discourages people who will use it for nefarious purposes in the same way looking at someone in the eye and greeting them when they walk into your store leads to less theft. In liquor stores, ID'ing people when they walk in instead of just when they purchase leads to very low theft rates but if I ID someone, I can't know if I prevented THAT theft. I can't say if it would have prevented any specific mass murder. I can't say if the gun registry has already prevented many. It may have, but I cannot prove a negative. Generally, though, countries with strict gun control have less mass murders per capita.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)Since a vast majority of weapons used in the mass murder events were fully legal, purchased from a federally licensed vendor, the shooter passed the required background checks prior to receiving the firearms. I can not see spending millions of dollars for a system the more than likely would have made no difference. I would rather spend that money on proven things like mental health, universal background checks, strengthening the current NICS and prison overhauls. Funds are limited and feel good laws are last in line for funding.
And it was no trap, you just do not want to admit it would not have changed a thing at all.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)you just won't admit it does change things because you can't point to a specific instance.
So you pretend it doesn't, though statistics state otherwise.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)beevul
(12,194 posts)That would be the smugglers causing that, not our laws.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)The sheer number of guns on your side of the border makes it easier for smugglers. Fewer guns means less smuggling.
beevul
(12,194 posts)I take it you agree with the states suing CO over legalizing MJ there, for making it easy to smuggle into those other states?
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)You can post all the ROTFL smilies you want but drugs are not an equivalent analogy to guns. But you go ahead and use it, and everyone can read it and form their own opinion on the revelevence of your post.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)Are you frickin serious? Ask the Mexican people if there's a comparison between drugs and firearm violence, how about the Columbian people during the time of Pablo Escobar?
Illegal drugs and guns go hand in hand are the source of many murders, in this country and other countries.
treestar
(82,383 posts)drugs only generally harm the people who take them and maybe some bystanders. Guns are a threat to other people.
the gun violence is because of illicit drugs and turf wars over drugs.
Guns aren't the threat, asshole with guns are the threat, a gun will do nothing without human interaction, all it is, is a lump of steel/carbon fiber, that could just lie there for years and years and not harm anyone.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)A little reading comprehension, GGJohn.
Drugs are not comparable in the way that making them illegal does not reduce use. Drugs are a mind altering substance. People will always seek out drugs to numb their own pain. Mind altering substances are as old as civilization.
People don't NEED guns. They are a relatively recent development in history. People won't have any physical effects if they give them up tomorrow. One cannot be addicted to guns. It's quite easy to give up the gunz. Drugs and alcohol though - not so much for those who are addicted.
And yes, guns are related to the war on drugs. Which is why I am for making all drugs legal and regulated. Less guns would be the result.
But the analogy that poster used had no bearing on my point on gun smuggling.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)But your stating that people don't NEED guns is false, out where we live, firearms are necessity, for predator control, hunting for food, and I know this isn't a need, but target shooting is quite fun and relaxing to me after a hard days work on our farm.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I get the whole farm thing - both my grandparents had guns on their farms for protection - although they hardly had to use them (they hunted, and sometimes had to scare a bear off). But handguns on farms are not necessary in the least. I think the Canadian laws are a great example of common sense gun laws. Heavy regulation of hand guns and less regulation with long guns. Banning of automatic weapons. Mandatory safety courses and licensing to buy a gun. People here still manage to have plenty of guns for their farms or for hunting, but we have a lot fewer mass shootings because it IS more difficult for those who want guns for nefarious purposes (especially those who 'snap') to get one.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)that the reason you have much, much fewer mass shootings is because of a whole different culture.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)for propagating this belief in Bowling for Columbine. We don't all leave our doors unlocked either.
Our culture is different, but not really THAT different. All of your TV programs are ours too. We watch your news. Your movies. Play your video games. Keep current on your politics. Surf the same sites on the internets.
I do think there is a slight difference in that we are far less individualistic - because of our climate we've had to be. When someone gets stuck in the snow in a blizzard, you help them out because you could be next.
I do think our universal health care is a reflection of that cultural difference.
But overall, we really are not THAT different. Not in the scale of the difference in mass shootings, that's for sure.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)although I was a guest of your govt during my time in the service of our country.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)than ours, AFAIK, your country doesn't have a useless WOD that fuels a lot of our violence, plus you have single payer and a much better mental health care system, and, your country isn't in a constant state of war like ours.
beevul
(12,194 posts)But you knew that.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)beevul
(12,194 posts)You blame Americas gun laws rather than the people that actually smuggle guns into Canada, for some of canadas gun deaths.
Just like OK and NE blame drug problems in their states on CO legalizing MJ.
It is precisely the same thing.
You can say its different to your hearts content, but will forever fail in making it so.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I blame both though. Smugglers wouldn't smuggle if there was nothing to smuggle. It's not every day citizens using these smuggled guns. It's only the criminals. With drugs when they are smuggled, it's normal every day people who are now addicts who are the consumers. If there was no smuggling of drugs, then people make their own or move to another drug that is easier to get (prescription/alcohol). They cannot help it, they must have drugs. One cannot MAKE a gun (well that might change with those printers) and one cannot get it in Canada, therefore it must be smuggled.
I don't see your analogy as the same in the least. Are OK and NE drug deaths from MJ? If not, then it's not the same. At all. And did their MJ drug deaths go up? Somehow I doubt it. Did those MJ drug deaths come from MJ specifically smuggled from CO? If not, then it's just politicians blowing smoke. Is CO the huge country with 10 times the population bordering these poor tiny states? No? not the same.
beevul
(12,194 posts)You blame Americas gun laws for some Canadian gun problems, just like NE and OK blame CO pot law for some of their own drug problems.
The specifics of the problems in question are quite beside the point, its the logic being used to conclude blame that is being discussed.
You are using the exact same logic as the anti-drug warriors use again and again and again.
Its not the same because I say so or underline it, its the same because its the same.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)Great that you are involved in our country's political issues. To bad you have no vote. But firearms owners in this country can and do vote in very high numbers.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I get this from time to time on DU that as a Canadian what i have to say is irrelevent. It always cracks me up - if I had the same opinion as you, you would be saying, "SEE? Even people from other countries feel the same way!" But because I'm not of the same opinion, it's, "You don't belong to this country you have no right to comment."
ETA Have you looked at your signature?
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)One of the great things about this country is we try not to limit speech. I just pointed out the fact that you have no way to actually vote and firearms owners that are citizens do and they tend to vote in very high numbers. Not a good tactic to alienate the many democrat or independent firearms owners. Quite counterproductive in my opinion.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)which is why I understand why democrats run from gun control. So, we make it acceptable to talk about the 2A and gun control online. Soon, it trickles up. There will be a tipping point.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)Years.
treestar
(82,383 posts)Totally irrelevant. I vote too.
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)GGJohn
(9,951 posts)And the vast majority of Americans, 75%-25%, are against a handgun ban.
I vote also.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)and has no bearing on this thread.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)And it may be irrelevant to you, but other people may not have the same opinion. Although I know that doesn't matter to you either.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)others opinions don't sway me in the least.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)And it explains a lot about your position as well.
my position is the same position of millions upon millions of fellow American citizens.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)It's not surprising some fall for it.
I think for my own, as do millions upon millions American citizens.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)It does. It works very well.
GGJohn
(9,951 posts)but it's only conjecture on your part.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Study upon study shows so. You are the one who 'believes'.
beevul
(12,194 posts)Or have you just been spoonfed different propaganda?
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Because we got to analyze Canadian propaganda. It was eye opening.
But I'm definitely not special. I had a slap chop.
If you can point out the anti-gun equivalent of the NRA, then I might agree with you.
beevul
(12,194 posts)Agree with me on what?
If there were actual demand for an anti-gun equivalent on the same scale as there is demand for orgs to protect gun rights, I suppose there would be one. That kind of speaks for itself IMO.
Its not the fault of the nra that the 'million moms' shrank to 7 moms and a pizza.
I'm almost afraid to ask what that means, or whether theres a toque involved.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Definitely not a Canadian invention, lol.
And it only seems like there is no demand because the NRA drowns out all opposing groups currently. And they have industry behind them because it makes them money. No money in anti-gun groups means no country-wide organization. Follow the money.
beevul
(12,194 posts)laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)The roach says Fuck You, piece of shit.
The hook worm says Fuck You, piece of shit.
The maggot says Fuck You, piece of shit.
The NRA gets excited and says:
I love shit! I am shit! But why just one piece?
I love those jokes. Humor it's the universal language even an NRA parasite can understand.
rock
(13,218 posts)Maggots not smell bad! (True fact, the rotting meat that they're found in may fool you but they have no detectable smell.)
Recursion
(56,582 posts)Even maggots thrive less on death than the NRA.
Even for people who believe in the 2nd amendment: I firmly believe there is no greater threat right now to the right to keep and bear arms than the NRA.
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)PatrickforO
(14,574 posts)In science experiments, rats that are overcrowded and live in poor conditions tend to strike out viciously at each other. Rats that live in good conditions with plenty to eat and enough fresh water and some living space tend to live peacefully with each other.
If we look at the current inequality of wealth and income, the dramatic decline in the purchasing power of the middle class, people still victimized by insurance companies rationing their healthcare and big pharma soaking them for drugs that should be affordable, threats to Social Security, how college is increasingly out of reach for our children, the forever war, domestic spying, and the increasing number of environmental disasters, we see that Americans resemble these rats that are overcrowded and live in poor conditions.
I mean, think about it: most Americans have less than $10k in savings, are a paycheck away from actual hunger and are stressed out by low wages, maybe working more than one job, with no real economic security. Combine this with the current state of racist overreach by law enforcement, and you have some very unhappy 'rats.'
This unhappiness, this stress, is I believe the root cause of much of the gun violence. Don't get me wrong - I'm all for gun control, but if we remove these stressful conditions from the American people in general, it may do more than any gun control legislation to alleviate the increasingly serious problem of gun violence. It's happening every day now, pretty much, but many Americans, perhaps as many as 150 million, live in daily uncertainty and huge economic stress. A living hell.
So institute policies that alleviate this 'living hell' and maybe we will be more peaceful as a people. Funny, I think we have a candidate who is advocating these kinds of policies...
workinclasszero
(28,270 posts)whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)A groups of worms, maggots and NRA are feasting on a corpse recently shot dead.
The maggot turns to the NRA and says - "hey, dude slow down, your hogging all the food, there won't be enough for everyone else".
Clearly hurt, the NRA then gets up and leaves.
Later on the NRA returns with an assault rifle and bullet proof vest and proceeds to shoot every one at the table.
The dying maggot asks the NRA, "why?"
The NRA looks at him and says, "because the second amendment," and finishes off the poor maggot with a final shot to the head.
The NRA then quietly goes back to finishing his dinner in the peace he so desperately wants to bring to the world.
The End
Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Perhaps it will all bring us a little bit closer together on the issues of right wing nut jobs, their guns, their sovereign nation, neo-confederate bullshit, and their impulse for violence as a means to solve every problem.
Until then, enjoy picking up the dead and burying them in your backyards because nowhere is safe with NRA around.
deathrind
(1,786 posts)School shooting this year...and people still claim it is not a "gun problem"...by that logic there is no drug problem either.
Orrex
(63,212 posts)So there's that.
[font color="white"]Bracing for the 'Hide.'[/font]