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I listedned to the statement from the professor and will review his research further. While I am not a supporter of military assualt guns, nor do i personally own a gun, I don't understand how the professor can intepret the 2nd amendment as being solely for slaveholders.
The initial words as written in the 2nd amendment included "the right to bear arms shall not be infringed" I understaand the words were changed to State from country to address Patrick Henry's concern. That does not mean the 2nd amendment was written solely to support slave parties. If the second amendment would have been accepted as originally drafted there would still be the same basic "right to bear arms."
It is a stretch at best and diengenuous at worst to interpret the change in Madison's words to "State" (to support the South's request/demands) as now meaning the 2nd Amendment was ONLY written to support slave holders rights.
The case for disallowing guns should be argued on the merits surrounding the case that stand scrutiny.The interpretation as put forth by Bogus and Mr. Hartmann does not stand the test.
Let Senator Reid be replaced as leader of the Majority by vote of his caucus!!!!!
Let's get ALL the Senate Dems on record re abuse of the filibuster.
I'm ready to support primarying the Dinos at every opportunity financiallly as I did for Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown.
Is there anyone one that can explain to me what a "electoral college" is? I need the "for dummies version" I tried googling it and It still doesn't make any sense to me. I also find it a little weird that you have a Federal election but there is different rules in different states, am I understanding that right. And why do you need a whole week to vote? Here it is one day.
Our president is dealing with obstructionists. They didn't stop his re-election. Now, you will see a new Barack, not as subdued with more focus on his agenda for change. The filibuster reform is essential for this to happen. I wrote my senator Boxer after watching Bernie Sanders do a most wonderful filibuster speech last year. I asked her why don't we make it law again to actually require speech to filibuster? I am glad that this might actually happen?
We cannot remain idle as watchers. We must act. Everyone of us must stand and do their part for change. I have decided to run for city council in Santa Cruz. We must defeat a planned desalination plant here. Desal's are the most energy inefficient water treatment system designed and contributes more to global warming than any other. I am a staunch environmentalist and support the tertiary solution. If you are interested in local California politics read bushforsccouncil.99k.org
Who or what is Leighmf?
Why can't all federal election districts be restricted to Postal Zip codes only?
I have posted on Facebook several times on the urgency to affect filibuster reform now, since the window that would allow change by a simple majority in the Senate is closing. These posts have gotten no "likes" or comments, no response whatsoever. It seems most people do not realize this window will soon be shut for, at least, another four years.
DAnneMarc....I knew you would like NRBQ, check out Dr Feelgood! I played drums in a couple of blues rock garage bands back in the 70's...we played at Frat parties and such, I recall playing one New Years Eve at a really beat Roadhouse, it was a riot! Rumor had it that the owner burnt it to the ground a couple years later.
Filling and busting sounds so antithetical to the Constitution. “We the People” could change the definition to “I don’t like this legislation and here are the reasons “. LOL, you know I am smiling about this ideal because it introduces a huge new element to democracy. We the have a chance to jump right past the lobbyist. To be sure those with money will not like this ideal.
Next, make the list of anti-reasons for a bill readable; put it on the television screen, and after the House Speakers hammer, We the People get some time to vote plus very likely give closure to a controversial issue. In other words it is the people who “Show the will for the Bill or against the bill”. And perhaps even show the will to rewrite the bill in an open transparent way. What hoot?
From my view this suggestion is near to happening because of the political subterfuge is too wild, the deception has gone far enough it is time for technology to benefit to put away that rhetoric especially by certain politicians that say what the American people want but are way off in what the American people really want, or need. Money speaks is a huge wide open decision from the Supreme Court that is wrong as an example. Further, Impeachment for those in the Supreme Court could be expedited.
Considering it would take say a hundred million email hits that might take a while longer than fifteen minutes. At least the American people have been given a chance to be heard. Or, as we are in the Gaussian bubble anyway just a sample in the fifteen minute period as a pilot try out. But here is the kicker; only tax paying citizens vote in the filibuster run off, codes issued by the internal revenue Service, and home land security. Watch all these big shots hustle to pay taxes. LOL.
And since we have the Internet, now the general population has the chance to participate. A new law, yep, the one where emails are tabulated. Yes, we will have to get the spam masters to help out to prevent the creeps from entering into and corrupting the system. That’s why America needs to remodel the post office to high tech “fiber optics”. With several layers of identification protection, the IRS, Home land security, and the post office give a combination pin codes used for government participation. Actually even personal DNA, which, if found as violated can result in criminal action leading to convictions to life in prison for any violators.
Old Blue, So what if a Republican Senator wants to stand there and talk about the car elevator he wants to install in his vacation home, it doesn't matter, we still know he's the ass- wipe trying to block things like elimination of tax breaks for companies outsourcing jobs. More importantly the voters in his state will know too.
But 2950 - My impression of a talking fillibuster is that the senator doing the talking is rambling on about anything but the issue at hand. (I've never sat through one and I doubt that anyone else has either). Often a fillibuster is used to actually prevent a proposal from ever reaching the level of debate. It's a stalling tactic, pure and simple, and I doubt that our "informed electorate" will ever pay much attention to the fine detail of a fillibuster as American Idol is far more interesting. As long as the Democrats are willing to address it as a problem they should go all the way and kill the concept entirely. It must be remembered that the Democrats will not always hold a majority in the Senate, so there is no net long term political advantage to either party in doing away with this anachronism. In the short term the gridlock in Washington that is so frustrating to Americans could be significantly reduced. And as to holding the tea baggers and their outrageous positions up for public scrutiny prior to 2014, that's easy. All it would take is for Obama to grow some gonies and use the power of his "bully pulpit" at every available opportunity to explain in words of one and two syllables to the Great Unwashed what it is that people like Paul Ryan are trying to get away with in the House. Personally, the image of Barack Obama holding his lighted Bic under Mitch McConnell's wagging scrotum of a chin delights me, but we all know he's far too "nice" a guy. After 2008 Barry had the hammer and blew it. He was just handed a second chance and I'm anxious to see if he will now "walk the walk" or roll over for another Republican mugging in the name of "bipartisanship".
Thanks buddy
WOW! I've just checked out NRABQ. It is apparant that they don't have the prophetic inspiration or divine mandate that Jerry and the guys had--BUT THEN WHO DID? However, concerning talent, dedication, and sheer potential these fellas are off the chart. This is exactly the kind of band I've always wanted to hook up with myself!
I cant thank you enough 2950-10K! Being a Musician myself--along with a laundry list of other past times--I can assure you I will be a loyal fan in short order. Thanks for the education! Rock on!!!
btw I don't mean to be a party POOPER; but I need to visit LA LA land. I bid you all a wonderful evening! Be safe, be happy, and sweet dreams.... GOOD NIGHT!
I miss you Kend! I was just telling my wife how empty my evening has been without your input. Thanks for asking!~
for once I am speechless I have no idea what you are talking about. i don't get all the American news. I miss bugging you guys.
Does anyone miss me? Anyone?
New Rhythm and Blues Quartet? I LOVE RHYTHM AND BLUES~And feel like an Idiot. I'm going to check out NRABQ immediately. Thanks buddy!
Thanks Palindromedary. Unfortunately, I don't have enough information to warrant a suspicion. Someone opened a new account in my fathers name a week after he died. The person worked for the bank and had an Arab sounding name. The bank refused to provide me with any more information saying that it was an "...Internal matter that had been resolved."
Of course, that wasn't good enough for me which is why I wanted to alert the Department Of Homeland Security. The idea that a terrorist organization could be using my fathers name infuriated me. I wanted answers. I was shocked and dismayed that the agency I was told was created to address such concerns wasn't the least bit interested. My friend not only assured me they couldn't help me; but after I insisted she brought the matter to the attention to her supervisor, he concurred with her. How is my local Police Department going to address such an issue. I had no choice but to let the matter go--not unlike the way President Bush let the Bin Laden family fly out of the country unimpeded after 9/11.
I appreciate the suggestion of seeking out Leighmf's council; but, quite frankly, without the Authority to compel the bank to open up its records, this whole matter is dead in the water. Besides, I now have control over my father's affairs and will keep a close eye on them myself. Thanks anyway!
The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet was known as the worlds best bar band for about three decades, check em out on utube. It's music with an infectious beat...they had the best rhythm section in the history of rock n roll. I never could sit still, nor my friends, when seeing these guys perform, and I got to see them countless times.
I'm sorry 2950-10K. NRBQ head? Please share. Pardon my well established ignorace; but, what is that? If I may respectfully ask? LOL
Thom, you are a Saint. I just heard you talk down a person who wanted to take down the government a la David Koresh! I can't express my gratitude to how you saved us unnecessary loss of life and grief.
You are spot on that the only redress available to common citizens that is effective and stands the test of time is non violent protest. Please continue what you are doing and may God bless you!
DAnneMarc: I saw The Grateful Dead perform once way back in the spring of 77, long time ago I know, but as I recall it was great evening. I'm more of a NRBQ head.
Think about it Old Blue, at least with the talking filibuster the Republican is forced to stand there on the floor of the Senate and explain for example why tax breaks for companies outsourcing jobs is a good thing for America. Try selling that to the vast majority of voters in this current economy. The Republicans would be forced to back down or commit political suicide.
Thom is absolutely correct, filibuster reform will force issues like this out into public view where they belong. If a Democratic proposal makes it through the Senate we all know what will happen in the House, the Teabaggers are in fact willing to commit political suicide and come 2014 informed citizens can vote for the party wanting to end tax breaks for companies outsourcing American jobs.
I agree with stecoop01. Proposed legislation should stand on its own merits. There's a reason why a minority is a minority; the people have sided with the views of the majority. The Senate is supposed to add some gravitas to legislative process. That's why Senate terms run six years while Representatives get two. I never could understand why an individual in the Senate should be given the power to impede the process. Even a "talking fillibuster" is counter productive. Down with the whole idea of the fillibuster, says I !
Republicans in the Senate will gleefully eliminate the filibuster rule if they ever become the majority in the Senate; they have already proven they do not want to play politics fair. They would eliminate the filibuster rule on the first day and overturn all the legislation they could. These are devils we are dealing with not fair men and women. If Senator Harry Reid does not install a serious filibuster change he will see the Republicans filibuster everything that comes down the pike. These are not reasonable legislators who have the best interests of the public in their hearts. The reasonable Republicans have all been run out of town by the crazies on the Far Right.