Why Is There A Love Affair With Guns In America?

I've been asked this question off and on for years. Surprisingly, I've been asked this by a few relatives of mine.
I don't know quite how to answer in some circumstances. Not because I don't know the answer, but because I'm so totally shocked at the obvious ignorance of the questioner that I'm left speechless.
Okay, let me make that a bit more clear. They don't actually ask the question the way it's stated in this blog's topic. They typically ask me something like, "Why are you so 'one note frankie' about the 2nd Amendment?" or even less annoying, "I think the 1st Amendment is more important than the 2nd Amendment, don't you agree?"
No, I don't agree. It's just that they had to put one of them first and the second one seemed so obvious to them they almost didn't put it in at all.
There was discussion about not even having a "Bill of Rights" because they thought it was so obvious what they were after. Just read this simple, well-written part of the Declaration of Independence:

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.

Originally, "pursuit of Happiness" was "right to own property" which wasn't included because they feared those words, cannonized into the body of U.S. law, would make the abolition of slavery impossible, or incredibly difficult. Had they been able to foresee the civil war, prophesied by Joseph Smith, they might have included the words anyway. Some knew that "Happiness" is a fleeting thing which can't be defined accurately by anyone, especially by, or for, those who suffer with severe bouts of depression.
So, I won't bore you with more. Instead I'm going to point you to an article written by Randy Cassingham on his "This Is True" blog.
You can read a much better answer to this blog's topic by following this link:
http://www.thisistrue.com/blog-guns_in_america_why.html
Notice that I'm not just copying it here. I'd have to get his permission. Just linking to it is my way out of that dilemma. So, have at it, and when you are done, you will either understand why we own guns in America, or you will be confused and still wonder. If you are part of the latter group, I'm sorry for having wasted your time. But more than that, I'm sorry you aren't bright enough to understand the simpleness of there actually being evil in the world, but maybe more importantly, that God gave us liberty, and the constitution is a tool to help us keep it.
Yes, I'm offensive, but only if you give me the power to control your 'offense button' for you.
I'm Karl, and in this, I'm definitely right!

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This could have just happened...

I believe in the afterlife. I don't, however, believe in this version, however have a curious enough of an existentialist view of things to be able to suspend reality long enough to appreciate the humor of this artists rendition of what might have happened.

So, without further ado, take a gander at this one:

Now comes the wonderment I have of the OS and the vast number of implications that consideration brings... But alas, I haven't the time nor the patience to "go there"

Yes, still Karl

2 Stories of Modern "Miracles"

The first story is about me and the second is in a video.

First Story: I wear contacts, and as I type this, glasses, too. My right eye doesn't focus at all. My left eye is aging and doesn't do very well focusing.

When I was in high school, I found out that I had Keratoconous (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratoconus for an explanation, and to see how my vision was affected, though my pattern was different, see this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUq80t5Ya2o at Youtube). I had transplants in both eyes in my early twenties, then just over 2 decades later, I had a second transplant in my right eye, and a few years after that, had to have a cataract (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract if you don't know what it is) implant. The stories about how all that came about isn't important for this story. The point was that after my vision, that had slowly deteriorated over decades, was restored, I felt elation and joy at having a gift restored. I have an abiding love for God for creating the beauty all around me. I love color and the detail in creation.

My story of sight restored is nothing when compared to never having had the gift of sight. I knew what I had lost, but I never really completely lost my sight.

Second Story: Imagine having been born with hearing. Now imagine that the miracle of modern medicine, which is also a gift from God. Imagine having the chance to have your hearing given to you for the first time. 29 year old Sarah Churmann was in that situation. The following video is of her hearing for the first time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsOo3jzkhYA&NR

I know there are the cynics who would say these are not examples of miracles, just manifestations of the superior intelligence man has evolved into. Or the faithless who might see the negative side and state foolishly, "Why would a god, if there is one, allow you both to go through those infirmaties in the first place?"

To either, and any others who can't see these as miracles, and because more of an answer would capitulate the argument to the idiots among us, I say, "Uh, you're dumb!"

Yes, It's now obvious:

I'm Karl

The Most Ethical Administration?

Certainly The Most Corrupt Administration Ever!

Chicago mob politics on a national level, and attempting to spread to the international level.

Of course, they will have a very difficult time being more corrupt than the United Nithings. Find out what word means at these 2 sites (same article; one at the source and the other a reprint):
 - http://www.israpundit.com/archives/40000
 - http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/palestinian_statehood_and_the_united_nithings.html

Chicago politics are the most corrupt because they have no conscience and they are brazenly open and shocked when anyone thinks they are doing wrong.

And, they keep going from bad to worse! Have you heard about Obama's healthcare czar, the guy who owns a medical records company, getting the contract to set up Obamacare for the Coast Guard? I'm sure THAT's just a coincidence. -- Colin Jack

My answer to Colin: Of course it is, like every other massively profitable coincidence surrounding this, and the past few demoncrat administrations.

I have some good friends who are democrats. How can they justify staying in the party of graft? I know they think they might have an influence for good to save the party. They've said so.

But, did any of the Nephites stay with the Gadianton robbers for the same reason?

Anyone who can think knows it only takes a drop of acid to spoil a cup of drinking water, but a drop of the freshest drinking water will never make any difference in a cup of acid.

YES it is the same type of analogy.

Evil destroys Good every chance it gets. Good has no influence on Evil. Only Evil can change itself, and that change must come, and always does come, from within.

Change in evil is not accomplished by someone who is outside of the evil. Those who think they are making a difference are as a sliver in evil's finger, annoying them to do good and thinking they are making progress, but always failing.

Did I make my point well enough?

Yes, still Karl, aging and in constant pain now.

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There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesome returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact. -- Mark Twain
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TurboTax Is A Problem

At the end of tax year 2009, TurboTax charged me an outlandish fee for e-filing through them. That fee was assessed without my prior approval.

The chairman of TurboTax responded to my outcry with an apology, but that was too late. I have no sympathy and accept no apology from a corporation who knew what they were doing, and did so with forethought and malice.

They showed no sincerity and offered no recompense. A tax form and tax refund should never cost over $140 when I've done nothing more than use their service and had previously agreed to pay them around $80. The terms of our agreement were broken by their lack of integrity.

In a person I can forgive an indiscretion, however a corporation that shows no conscience I cannot and will not forgive.

I now use a competitor and will stay there, unless they break my trust in like manner.

Okay, with that said, I present a further sign of their lack of corporate integrity; an email footer to an unsolicited email that has no method of unsubscription. This matches the definition of SPAM completely. In the footer, they lie about the intent of the law. Here it is for your consideration:

Intuit respects the personal nature of e-mail. This message is legally required under the Gramm, Leach, Bliley Act (GLB). Please note that if you have chosen not to receive marketing messages from Intuit, that choice applies only to promotional materials. You will continue to receive notifications that are legally required or could affect your service or software.

This e-mail was sent to the following address: karlp@ourldsfamily.com
To update your e-mail address, go to: www.TurboTax.com, choose "Sign-in." Then sign in and choose "View/Edit My Account." Enter your username and password and update your e-mail address.

© 2011 Intuit Inc. All rights reserved. Intuit, the Intuit logo and TurboTax, among others, are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Intuit Inc., Customer Communications, 2800 E. Commerce Center Place, Tucson, AZ 85706.

I offer no apology for this post and hope it is shared far and wide.

I'm Karl
Note: see my previous post where I included a note about TurboTax on one of my older blogs: http://klpmusings.blogspot.com/2010/04/congress-matheson-shows-his-true-colors.html

The Problem With Public Housing

The problem with public housing is that the residents are not the owners. The people that live in the house did not earn the house, but were loaned the property from the true owners, the taxpayers.

Because of this, the residents do not have the "pride of ownership" that comes with the hard work necessary. They do not appreciate the value of the property and see no need to maintain or respect it in any way.

The result is the same whether you are talking about a studio apartment or a magnificent mansion full of priceless antiques. If the people who live there do not feel they earned the privilege, they will make this known through their actions.

This picture illustrates the point.

The Resolute Desk was built from the timbers of the HMS Resolute and was a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes. And is considered a national treasure and an icon of the presidency.

Hey dipstick! You are not in a hut in Kenya or public housing in Chicago.

With all due respect, get your *&%&#^% feet off our desk!

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I thought to myself how I could write this? But decided that it's actually a rhetorical question. I had no problem writing it because someone emailed me a picture that struck a chord. I don't know if any other president has acted as our current president has, but frankly, I don't care. They are either dead, or out of sight and mind. Well, other than by the "Blame Bush" crowd of morons and lunatics.

I'm Karl, and I approve of this post, in a round about sort of right-handed way. Okay, I approve Extremely of the disdain I hope to encourage in others towards this administration as a whole.

Who Said That?

Name The United States Senator who knows enough of fiscal responsibility to make the following statement, then decide if you are going to vote for him if he runs in 2012:

The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies... Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that the buck stops here. Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.

This quote is from debate on the floor of the senate on March 20, 2006 made by Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)

Surprised? Me too.

For those wondering, after reading paragraph #1 above, if I voted for Barack, consider this: I will vote for Barack Hussein Obama just as soon as he admits he enjoyed the sermons of Reverend Wright, who he listened to for 20 years, and apologizes for his hatred of the United States. I'll also consider voting for him when the person he married admits she's never been proud of The United States.

I'm Karl

I sometimes wonder how many times a liberal can change their colors to promote themselves. It's expediency at its best.

Some Types Of Road Rage Can't Be Controlled

These photos are from Thursday, Feb. 17 by someone from Centurion in Pilanesberg game reserve, South Africa.

The guy in the Volkswagen was trying to get past the elephant.

Road rage, it affects us all...

He Did a good job, eh? I'd like to have one of those around when I'm annoyed by an idiotic driver.

Great fun and I'm still Karl

OBAMA: by the editor of the London Daily Telegraph

LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH - March 11th, 2010

Did you know that the Obamas were omitted from the Royal Wedding guestlist this past April?

After reading this article, you'll no longer wonder.

One of the senior contributors to the editorial section of the London Daily Telegraph writes
"Barack Obama has made me want to boycott America"

Source article:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/alexsingleton/100029555/why-barack-obama-has-made-me-boycott-america/

Let me be clear: I'm not normally in favor of boycotts, and I love the American people. I holiday in their country regularly, and hate the tedious snobby sneers against the United States . But the American people chose to elect an idiot who seems hell bent on insulting their allies, and something must be done to stop Obama's reckless foreign policy, before he does the dirty on his allies on every issue.

____________

One of the most poorly kept secrets in Washington is President Obama's animosity toward Great Britain , presumably because of what he regards as its sins while ruling Kenya (1895-1963).

One of Barack Hussein Obama's first acts as president was to return to Britain a bust of Winston Churchill that had graced the Oval Office since 9/11. He followed this up by denying Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on his first state visit, the usual joint press conference with flags.

The president was "too tired" to grant the leader of America 's closest ally a proper welcome, his aides told British journalists.

Mr. Obama followed this up with cheesy gifts for Mr. Brown and the Queen. Columnist Ian Martin described his behavior as "rudeness personified."

There was more rudeness in store for Mr. Brown at the opening session of the United Nations in September. "The prime minister was forced to dash through the kitchens of the UN in New York to secure five minutes of face time with President Obama after five requests for a sit down meeting were rejected by the White House", said London Telegraph columnist David Hughes. Mr. Obama's "churlishness is unforgivable", Mr.. Hughes said.

The administration went beyond snubs and slights last week when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed the demand of Argentine President Cristina Kirchner, a Hugo Chavez ally, for mediation of Argentina 's specious claim to the Falkland Islands , a British dependency since 1833. The people who live in the Falklands, who speak English, want nothing to do with Argentina. When, in 1982, an earlier Argentine dictatorship tried to seize the Falklands by force, the British -- with strong support from President Ronald Reagan -- expelled them.

"It is truly shocking that Barack Obama has decided to disregard our shared history," wrote Telegraph columnist Toby Young. "Does Britain 's friendship really mean so little to him?" One could ask, does the friendship of anyone in the entire world mean anything to him?

"I recently asked several senior administration officials, separately, to name a foreign leader with whom Barack Obama has forged a strong personal relationship during his first year in office," wrote Jackson Diehl, deputy editorial page editor of the Washington Post, on Monday. "A lot of hemming and hawing ensued." One official named French President Nicolas Sarkozy, but his contempt for Mr. Obama is an open secret. Another named German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But, said Mr. Diehl, "Merkel too has been conspicuously cool toward Obama."

Mr. Obama certainly doesn't care about the Poles and Czechs, whom he has betrayed on missile defense. Honduras and Israel also can attest that he's been an unreliable ally and an unfaithful friend. Ironically, our relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have never been worse.

Russia has offered nothing in exchange for Mr. Obama's abandonment of missile defense. Russia and China won't support serious sanctions on Iran. Syria 's support for terrorism has not diminished despite efforts to normalize diplomatic relations. The reclusive military dictatorship that runs Burma has responded to our efforts at "engagement" by deepening its ties to North Korea.

And the Chinese make little effort to disguise their contempt for him.

For the first time in a long time, the President of the United States is actually distrusted by its allies and not in the least feared by its adversaries. Nor is Mr. Obama now respected by the majority of Americans. Understandably focused on the dismal economy and Mr. Obama's relentless efforts to nationalize and socialize health care, Americans apparently have yet to notice his dismal performance and lack of respect in the world community. They soon will.

-- London Daily Senior Editorialist -- Alex Singleton

I'm Karl,
and I support England over Obama. Of course, I'd like to see them reverse their liberty-stealing socialistic tendencies, but that's a topic for another time.

Obama Is Not The Problem!

The following is a comment left on an article by Victor David Hanson:

The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president.

The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.

The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president.

Yes, I'm Karl
and I wholeheartedly agree

Bedbugs and Islamic Maniacs

I'm hoping that some of the readers of this blog, if not every single reader, has a brain that can recognize sense. Not common sense, but real, literal, accurate and honest sense.

From that statement, you now know that I don't believe 'sense' is common any more. The politically correct movement has destroyed sense as we once knew it.

Okay, I'm a bit off topic now. Back to the point of this posting...

The video is an Englishman. He doesn't mince words, and if your I.Q. is higher than that of a common stone, you'll get it. If you are offended by the message, you're dumber that a rock, so there's no hope for you.

Human rights travesty
* Duration: 06:45
* Posted by: patcondell
* 5 months ago
* Views 1,488,455
* Translations 7

A New Low For The United Nations

In researching this guy, I find he hates any kind of formal organized religion. He loves Jesus, but can't stand what Christianity has become. I find that pretty common amongst those who have been watching the 'born again' movement. They come across as loving Christ, but they are as intolerant as Muslims, without the 'honour killing' part. But, they do all they can to destroy those who disagree with them in financial or political ways.

Yes, I'm Karl, and I approve of my message.

A short lesson on government spending

Why do the politicians in Washington act as though they are considering something so important and consequential that we, their actual bosses, have no idea the gravity and repercussions facing our economy if they don't get their way.

It seems obvious they are fighting for one thing, and it's not the economy. They are fighting to see how fast the economy can be destroyed and we, the citizenry, can be enslaved completely, or more accurately, totally.

They are seeking a totalitarian government where they control every facet of our lives.

Look at the pie and you will know why and then you'll see how ludicrous and ridiculous their inane and insipid foolish little minds have become.

I'm Karl
and I thank the cartoonist who penned the pie.
Now THIS is a valid reason to pass your math classes in school

Is it Stupidity or is some of this based in Corruption?

Who elects people this smart?

The Wright Brothers did their thing in 1901. The civil war was when?

 

Someone knows how to put on the camo

We had no idea anyone was buried there.

I was taught we weren't supposed to pick and choose

This one says it all

Wow, what are the odds?

Uh, I would have guessed after age 19

Another headline writer that graduated from 3rd grade...

As John Wayne is purported to have said, "Life's tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."


I don't think I should be quite so cynical, but then what would I be? Without my cynicism I would have no worldview at all.

Yes, I'm Karl

I'm For Term Limits

For many years I wasn't for term limits. Why? Because I had trust in the voters that they had the will to elect those who actually represent their views.

I was wrong.

Do you know how much that hurts? It hurts to realize that the majority of the people are now too proud; too wicked to vote for good people.

Another thing I've noticed, from personal experience by watching friends win elections and serve, that once a good person works in politics for a relatively short time, they become part of the problem.

So with those thoughts still fresh, please consider the information below I received in several emails:

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The 26th amendment which grants the right to vote for 18 year-olds, took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified!  Why?  Simple!  The people demanded it.  That was in 1971 before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

I'm asking you to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on your address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.  This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011
1. Term Limits of 12 years of these possible options
  A. Two Six-year Senate terms
  B. Six Two-year House terms
  C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms

2.  No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
 
3.  Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately.  All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.
 
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.  Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
 
The American people did not make the current contract with members of Congress.  Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.
 
If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message.
 
MUCH OF WHAT WE FACE IN TERMS OF PRIVILEGE AND SELFISHNESS IN THIS COUNTRY MIGHT BEST BE CHANGED STARTING FROM THE TOP DOWN.
 
If you agree with the above, pass it on.   If not, just delete
You are one of my 20. I INVITE YOU TO KEEP IT GOING. WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE -- THANKS

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That's the email. I disagree with the penultimate paragraph. For change to come to the union, it must start with the individual. However as I said at the outset, I believe the majority of Americans are wicked, thus unable or unwilling to choose that which is right above that which is easy.

Therefore, I put forth my view that this may be an acceptible answer to prevent the power-hungry career politician to be forced to change careers. Perhaps we can be rid of the likes of our current administration.

One additional thing I would recommend is that those who work for the government not be allowed to work in their position for longer than 10 years. The minions in the federal government are much of the problem because when we elect new presidents, many of them don't replace the previous administration's plants. At least the more conservative presidents haven't. How much good does it do to replace a president if those who actually do the work of government are the worthless and wicked drones who have been working there for years?

In "throwing the bums out" can we please also throw those surrounding the bums out, too?

Yes, I'm Karl and I'm feeling older...