May 26, 2022·edited May 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Thank you, Robert, for your powerful piece tonight. The mass shooting in El Paso in 2019 deeply affected Beto and made him a stronger, more resolute person especially around the issue of gun control. He is ready to speak up and confront those who are doing nothing. Yes, I will donate more to Beto and also to non-Republican candidates seeking to replace Republican state senators and representatives so that Beto can have an effective governorship. Minority rule in Texas has got to stop. This afternoon I had wine and conversation with three women friends. They are all quite a bit more conservative than I am. We did discuss the shooting and politics quite freely because we are such good friends. I was a bit surprised that they thought the former guy was basically out of the picture now. Didn't sound like any of them would ever vote for him again. I told them of my vow to not vote for any Republican at any level of government because they are taking away women's rights and doing nothing about gun safety. We also discussed President Biden and I believe I left them with a more positive picture of President Biden especially around foreign policy and bringing NATO back together. I also attributed the fiasco of the withdrawal from Afghanistan as a failure of intelligence weakened by the former guy's administration. We had a long discussion on abortion and whether constitutionally the federal government had any role in what the states decide - the states rights argument which I countered with the Guarantee Clause, Article IV Section 4. It guarantees that states must have a republican (i.e. of the people) form of government and Congress had a duty to bring rogue states into line. It was a respectful, animated conversation which I enjoyed very much. We all agreed and were thankful hat we were able to discuss all this so openly. We finished on an optimistic note when l shared with them my dream of government measured by a Well-Being Index rather than GNP. Well-being for all the people. We, the People, all of us this time -- working together for the well-being of all.
This was, by far, Mr. O'Rourke's finest political moment so far and if Mr. Cruz called me an a**h*** I'd take it as a compliment; he is among the foremost current experts in that classification.
The profanity being yelled from that stage was a stark contrast to the impassioned words of our next governor. To me, the contrast was exquisite - a bunch of corrupt NRA shills screaming profanity in a school gym - these thugs are completely classless. Beto has been known to drop a few f bombs from time to time, but he was absolutely on point at that "press briefing" - a farcical fake event, if there ever was one.
I agree and it once again shows a lack of appreciation for irony on the part of the stage crew. I hope you're right about the next governor but fear that it will take something more abysmally stupid than usual to take support away from Mr. Abbott. That is a very high bar.
I love the idea of a Well Being Index. Let us know more when you figure a way to measure it. WBI, yes. GNP is a joke. It measures something so large it is essentially irrelevant to most people. It certainly doesn't have much to do with healthcare, or the cost of child care, or the cost of food...etc.
I would like to add something about the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This subject should start with the fact that TFG announced that it would happen. Our naive bozo of a president undermined the existing Afghan government before Biden was even elected. Then Biden finally ended a failed war that lasted 20 years. The withdrawal cost the US only 13 lives. Compare that with the end of any war. And...the US conducted one of the largest and most successful airlifts in history. On every measure we did much better in the last few weeks of that war than we did for the previous 20 years. So yes, the "intelligence" community failed to predict what would happen next. But if they had asked you or I - I suggest we could have told them that a corrupt government would fall quickly - just like in Vietnam.
What is happening in Afghanistan is on the Afghans. We can't change their culture. It is awful. But we haven't done much to help women all across the Middle East have we? Saudi Arabia treats women as chattel and we have had a cozy relationship, right? Amazing isn't it, since the 15 of the 19 perpetrators of 9/11 were Saudis?
I am encouraged that you could have a political conversation on such a civilized basis. Kudos.
Here are a couple of widely accepted indices of quality of life already widely used. Of these two my own preference is the Human Development Index used by the U.N.
There is a long accepted Quality of Life index you can find out more about here on Wikipedia:
The Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) is an attempt to measure the quality of life or well-being of a country. The value is the average of three statistics: basic literacy rate, infant mortality, and life expectancy at age one, all equally weighted on a 0 to 100 scale.
It was developed for the Overseas Development Council in the mid-1970s by Morris David Morris, as one of a number of measures created due to dissatisfaction with the use of GNP as an indicator of development. PQLI might be regarded as an improvement but shares the general problems of measuring quality of life in a quantitative way. It has also been criticized because there is considerable overlap between infant mortality and life expectancy.
The UN Human Development Index is a more widely used means of measuring well-being.
Here is the Wikipedia explanation of the Human Development Index:
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education (mean years of schooling completed and expected years of schooling upon entering the education system), and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. A country scores a higher level of HDI when the lifespan is higher, the education level is higher, and the gross national income GNI (PPP) per capita is higher. It was developed by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq and was further used to measure a country's development by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s Human Development Report Office.
Bill, There are already examples of countries like Great Britain using a WBI. Dr. Martin Seligman, often called the father of Positive Psychology, has a theory of Well Being with 5 elements PERMA P-Positive emotions E-Engagement R- positive Relationships M - Meaning A-Accomplishment . Dr. Seligman using his theory has set up the Soldier and Family Fitness program for the U.S. Army, around a million soldiers and their families, which measures Well Being of all of them. The other branches of the military have also set up similar programs. So, yes, it can be measured and is being measured. Learn about it at https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/learn/wellbeing What I'd like to do is see if it can be set up in communities and towns and build it up from there.
Thank you, this is a great resource and i fully endorse it. I am still thinking about how to actually attach specific measurements and indexing to these multiple dimensions of well being. However, i fully endorse the need to consider and interrelate all of them in considering well being. Perhaps those far more skilled than i in social sciences and human development will provide us with the tools to measure, index, and consider the intersection of these multiple dimensions. Again thanks for a great resource.
Yes, on us. I wish I had the clout to be able to energize somewhere between one and ten million people to sit down peacefully in front of Congress and STOP PAYING TAXES until there is gun legislation requiring universal background checks and banning assault rifles. We would encourage companies like Apple, Starbucks, and others to stop giving their employees' payroll taxes to the government and pay any of their employees who would like to join those millions for as long as it takes. I'm 79 years old and I'd be willing to sit there until I die.
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. If we fail to vote. than we deserve what we get! It is all too easy to blame others for our own failures. I couldn't vote for any Republican any more because they all vote in lock step and take no responsibility for anything except reducing taxes for the haves and demonizing Biden [unfortunately too many dems do the same thing by finding fault with Biden] I will vote for any dem, altho in at least some cases reluctantly because they are a party of cowards, because the alternative is too scary to contemplate. I am 80 and haven't many years left, but I worry for our children, grandchildren and more. WE need to think about and plan for tomorrow and at the same time remember the lessons of yesterday to avoid repeating oo many of them.
IT IS WE WHO NEED TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE TIME AND EFFORT YOU PUT INTO DOING THIS NEWSLETTER. I EXPECT THAT YOU HAVE TO PUT UP WITH A LOT OF NEGATIVITY AND POSSIBLY THREATS FROM THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH YOU.
The biggest impediment to voting is that most states do not make it easy or convenient to vote. In red states there are kinds of obstacles in place.
One simple change would be the option to mail in ballots. Another obvious and easy change is to have walk-in weekend voting.
This country is unique in how it finds ways to adversely influence voting turnout. If Republicans had been forced to play fair and ensure a level playing field in past elections, they would be a minority in power and strength. They know it and we do too.
May 26, 2022·edited May 27, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Yesterday, my posting made reference to Republican Associate Justice John Paul Stevens’ rebuke of the 2008 DC v. Heller ruling. Here I wish to highlight conservative Chief Justice Warren Burger (a Nixon appointee), who, shortly after his 17-year tenure on the High Court, confidently asserted that a particular reading of the 2nd Amendment was a “fraud on the American public.”
For some context, this “particular” reading is one that embraces the fraudulent interpretation of the 2nd Amendment to mean that our Founders had intended for everyone 18 years or older to be able to buy, say, a semi-automatic firearm and nothing could be done to restrain that right in any way.
Because I am writing from an iPhone, I can’t post a link. Nonetheless, a few keywords will lead to provocative reading that includes, in my view, a highly credible word-for-word analysis of the 2nd Amendment.
Thank you, Barbara Jo, for the reference and Lynell for the link.
While doing additional research, I came across the U.S. Dept. of Justice Office of Justice Programs website which contains an abstract titled "Second Amendment Does Not Guarantee the Right To Own a Gun (From Gun Control, P 99-102, 1992, Charles P Cozic, ed. -- See NCJ-160164)" which summarizes the basis of Chief Justice Warren's argument: "The need for a State militia was the predicate of the "right" guarantee, so as to protect the security of the State."
An even simpler argument: if the Framers of the Constitution had wanted to guarantee the right of the citizens to bear arms without regulation or military service, they would have omitted reference to a well regulated militia. In other words, the Second Amendment would have been "The right of the people to keep and bear arms."
The fascist "Originalists" on Supreme Court argue that they are abiding by the original written words. But, as we all know, they are LIARS, selectively choosing only the words, provisions and sections that support their malevolent purpose. It is the highest form of judicial malpractice or, to use a more appropriate word, treason.
I am hopeful that the pending decisions of the radical Supreme Court will result in a second Blue Wave come November that will retain the House, increase control the Senate and reduce Republicans' control of State legislatures and governorships.
Andrew, I write mostly to thank you for your thoughtfully reasoned response and the accompanying reference. As for your remark regarding the Supreme Court, though its radical rulings could contribute to “a second Blue Wave,” I would submit Democratic leadership must appeal, nationwide, to the base, to Independents, and to moderate Republicans with a message that relates both Democratic accomplishments plus the massive legislation that passed in the House with virtually no Republican support that remains stalled in the Senate due mostly to Republican obstruction.
Additionally, Senate Democrats also must pass whichever Budget Reconciliation provisions (BBB) can gain support from 50 Senators and present the legislation to voters as a down payment of more to come if Dems hold the House and pick up at least 2 Senate seats. The legislation already has passed in the House. We’re simply waiting on the Senate.
Stephen, As Mimi, who is part of this thread, states, “Not just the word ‘militia,’ but ‘well regulated militia’” phrasing, in my view, that enables restrictions.
May 26, 2022·edited May 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
It is a lie that there are no solutions to gun violence. Here are reasonable, common sense solutions we could implement without banning guns. We don’t lack answers only the will to do what is necessary.
I continue to emphasize the goal is to reduce gun violence it is not about banning guns or taking any guns away from responsible gun owners.
Here is a list of common-sense reforms that would not eliminate gun violence but would have a significant impact and reduce gun violence deaths of all kinds including accidents and suicides:
1. Universal and enforced expanded background checks for all gun purchases
2. Passage and rigorous enforcement of Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation (red flag laws). 56% of all mass shootings (4 or more deaths related to a single incident) are carried out by individuals with a direct relationship to domestic violence. The removal of a gun from anyone’s possession requires due process and is a temporary order until they are deemed by a court no longer to be a threat to themselves or anyone else (due process). This measure alone shows it dramatically reduces gun violence deaths from all cause including suicides.
3. Licensure and registration of all guns with a requirement that to have a license for concealed or open carry you must take and pass a course on gun safety and responsible gun and ammunition storage and safe use of a weapon
4. Higher barriers to ownership of certain more dangerous and deadly weapons, including safe storage and training requirements. This does not ban those weapons but may impose specific age limitations, and training requirements, or other readonable hurdles.
I understand these would not eliminate all gun violence but they would make a difference. I also understand that we are unlikely to be able to do all that but a start on them would be a good place to begin.
Understand this is not banning guns but it is about common sense gun safety.
Thanks for the comprehensive list. can we add something about ammunition? No one needs 1,000 rounds, or even a 100. How many bullets does it take to kill a deer when hunting?
I just made my first donation to Beto O’Rourke’s campaign. Late to the party, I know. Courage needs to be rewarded. He, Mallory McMorrow, Stacy Abrams and other Dems are our future. Thank you, Robert.
It's the money. Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz will demonstrate whether they care about the kids with their decisions to speak or or not to speak at the NRA confab in Houston. Does anyone think that the NRA has anything but the accumulation of more and more money on their minds? They have successfully pursued their current for profit model since Wayne LaPierre took over. Back in the day - the NRA didn't mind teaching about gun safety, having shooting competitions, and a focus on sporting guns. How in Heaven's name could they have evolved into protecting the right to carry AR-15's around town by unlicensed + uninsured idiots?
You missed nothing. You said everything that needs to be said. Greg Abbott is right in only ONE respect, with regard to 18-year-olds and firearms, since 1960: They can join the Armed Forces, and wield firearms IN THAT CAPACITY. In every other aspect of his argument, he is muddled, opaque, deluded.
I also donated - and made a second donation to Moms Demand Action. Shannon Watts responded to the usual Mitt Romney Tweet “hearts and minds, etc.” with a concise list of actions we can take. The friends I’ve spoken to are furious about the continued lack of response by our “leadership” in the Senate. All five of us picked up our phones and called Susan Collins (I know…), Angus King, Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden. We used Shannon’s list 1. Don’t let teens buy guns 2. Pass Federal BG check 3. Pass Federal Red Flag law 4. Close the Charleston loophole 5. Confirm ATF Director 6. Fund community violence intervention programs 7. Stop taking NRA money…
I am behind Beto as long as he keeps screaming. The time for reasoned response is over. It is time to call the powers that be out for what they are: murderers. I am tired of Schumer staying in his lane. He should stop trying to win Republican senators over and start a moral crusade. The R’s will win against reason every time. This has got to be Mano-a-Mano from now on. Schemer’s priority should not be convincing his “colleagues,” but convincing us, the People, with loud, heartfelt opposition to what is happening to us.
May 26, 2022·edited May 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I agree, today is not the time to pinpoint the response of at least 4 police agencies, the school district, the "Sheriff" , the Texas state police ( DPSOA ) & the Feds. Yes,Texas called the U.S. Border Patrol. Up to 80 police officers were present for 40-60 minutes or more sarting with a 911 call at 11:30 a.m. Robb Elementary School time. Around 11:32 am the Shooter "crashed his truck" & entered the "south" entrance after the 18 year old was first engaged with shots fired per ABC NEWS. Need to catalog all police elecronic communications. Update: more than 90 minutes "until after 1 pm" per NYT`s Natasha Frost on 5/26. Never forget Uvalde.
Reporters on site are correctly tearing apart the clearly false Abbott timeline. 911 calls are recorded. Video does exist. Was or was there not a school officer(s) confrontation? Answer: NO! Authorities did not respond to Families beseeching Texas police to take acrion. NO action taken for an "hour" per ABC NEWS. Footage shown on ABC NEWS national nighltly news on 5/26. There were no "negotiations". TEXAS waiting for the Feds, the US Border control? Really? 1 hour? After Columbine?
UsualIy I would hear police reports and updates from the area, but Abbott doing that sort of stunned me. Like he wanted to be the face of that??? Nah, just wanted to “politicize” from a republican view. And distract from the body count….
Thank you, Robert, for your powerful piece tonight. The mass shooting in El Paso in 2019 deeply affected Beto and made him a stronger, more resolute person especially around the issue of gun control. He is ready to speak up and confront those who are doing nothing. Yes, I will donate more to Beto and also to non-Republican candidates seeking to replace Republican state senators and representatives so that Beto can have an effective governorship. Minority rule in Texas has got to stop. This afternoon I had wine and conversation with three women friends. They are all quite a bit more conservative than I am. We did discuss the shooting and politics quite freely because we are such good friends. I was a bit surprised that they thought the former guy was basically out of the picture now. Didn't sound like any of them would ever vote for him again. I told them of my vow to not vote for any Republican at any level of government because they are taking away women's rights and doing nothing about gun safety. We also discussed President Biden and I believe I left them with a more positive picture of President Biden especially around foreign policy and bringing NATO back together. I also attributed the fiasco of the withdrawal from Afghanistan as a failure of intelligence weakened by the former guy's administration. We had a long discussion on abortion and whether constitutionally the federal government had any role in what the states decide - the states rights argument which I countered with the Guarantee Clause, Article IV Section 4. It guarantees that states must have a republican (i.e. of the people) form of government and Congress had a duty to bring rogue states into line. It was a respectful, animated conversation which I enjoyed very much. We all agreed and were thankful hat we were able to discuss all this so openly. We finished on an optimistic note when l shared with them my dream of government measured by a Well-Being Index rather than GNP. Well-being for all the people. We, the People, all of us this time -- working together for the well-being of all.
This was, by far, Mr. O'Rourke's finest political moment so far and if Mr. Cruz called me an a**h*** I'd take it as a compliment; he is among the foremost current experts in that classification.
The profanity being yelled from that stage was a stark contrast to the impassioned words of our next governor. To me, the contrast was exquisite - a bunch of corrupt NRA shills screaming profanity in a school gym - these thugs are completely classless. Beto has been known to drop a few f bombs from time to time, but he was absolutely on point at that "press briefing" - a farcical fake event, if there ever was one.
I agree and it once again shows a lack of appreciation for irony on the part of the stage crew. I hope you're right about the next governor but fear that it will take something more abysmally stupid than usual to take support away from Mr. Abbott. That is a very high bar.
Jimmy Kimmel last night in his emotional response to The Tragedy in Texas and calling on Repubs to own their “ mistake”.His messaging is spot on!
https://youtu.be/OF_GofUF_y4
I love the idea of a Well Being Index. Let us know more when you figure a way to measure it. WBI, yes. GNP is a joke. It measures something so large it is essentially irrelevant to most people. It certainly doesn't have much to do with healthcare, or the cost of child care, or the cost of food...etc.
I would like to add something about the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This subject should start with the fact that TFG announced that it would happen. Our naive bozo of a president undermined the existing Afghan government before Biden was even elected. Then Biden finally ended a failed war that lasted 20 years. The withdrawal cost the US only 13 lives. Compare that with the end of any war. And...the US conducted one of the largest and most successful airlifts in history. On every measure we did much better in the last few weeks of that war than we did for the previous 20 years. So yes, the "intelligence" community failed to predict what would happen next. But if they had asked you or I - I suggest we could have told them that a corrupt government would fall quickly - just like in Vietnam.
What is happening in Afghanistan is on the Afghans. We can't change their culture. It is awful. But we haven't done much to help women all across the Middle East have we? Saudi Arabia treats women as chattel and we have had a cozy relationship, right? Amazing isn't it, since the 15 of the 19 perpetrators of 9/11 were Saudis?
I am encouraged that you could have a political conversation on such a civilized basis. Kudos.
Here are a couple of widely accepted indices of quality of life already widely used. Of these two my own preference is the Human Development Index used by the U.N.
There is a long accepted Quality of Life index you can find out more about here on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Quality_of_Life_Index
The Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) is an attempt to measure the quality of life or well-being of a country. The value is the average of three statistics: basic literacy rate, infant mortality, and life expectancy at age one, all equally weighted on a 0 to 100 scale.
It was developed for the Overseas Development Council in the mid-1970s by Morris David Morris, as one of a number of measures created due to dissatisfaction with the use of GNP as an indicator of development. PQLI might be regarded as an improvement but shares the general problems of measuring quality of life in a quantitative way. It has also been criticized because there is considerable overlap between infant mortality and life expectancy.
The UN Human Development Index is a more widely used means of measuring well-being.
Here is the Wikipedia explanation of the Human Development Index:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education (mean years of schooling completed and expected years of schooling upon entering the education system), and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. A country scores a higher level of HDI when the lifespan is higher, the education level is higher, and the gross national income GNI (PPP) per capita is higher. It was developed by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq and was further used to measure a country's development by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s Human Development Report Office.
Bill, There are already examples of countries like Great Britain using a WBI. Dr. Martin Seligman, often called the father of Positive Psychology, has a theory of Well Being with 5 elements PERMA P-Positive emotions E-Engagement R- positive Relationships M - Meaning A-Accomplishment . Dr. Seligman using his theory has set up the Soldier and Family Fitness program for the U.S. Army, around a million soldiers and their families, which measures Well Being of all of them. The other branches of the military have also set up similar programs. So, yes, it can be measured and is being measured. Learn about it at https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/learn/wellbeing What I'd like to do is see if it can be set up in communities and towns and build it up from there.
Cathy,
Thank you, this is a great resource and i fully endorse it. I am still thinking about how to actually attach specific measurements and indexing to these multiple dimensions of well being. However, i fully endorse the need to consider and interrelate all of them in considering well being. Perhaps those far more skilled than i in social sciences and human development will provide us with the tools to measure, index, and consider the intersection of these multiple dimensions. Again thanks for a great resource.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing Here is a link to how UK handles measuring Well Being.
This is quite hopeful. Thank you for your comment.
Beautiful Note to end on, Cathy. Your whole message is an inspiration. Thank You.
Thank you for your kind words, MaryPat
True words.
Glory be on you.
Yes, on us. I wish I had the clout to be able to energize somewhere between one and ten million people to sit down peacefully in front of Congress and STOP PAYING TAXES until there is gun legislation requiring universal background checks and banning assault rifles. We would encourage companies like Apple, Starbucks, and others to stop giving their employees' payroll taxes to the government and pay any of their employees who would like to join those millions for as long as it takes. I'm 79 years old and I'd be willing to sit there until I die.
Hold that thought! A tax strike may be appropriate in the future. Like if someone cheats their way into the presidency . . . .
Contact the anti gun organizations to mobilize STOP PAYING TAXES protest.
I'll do it tomorrow! Thank you!
Let me know if I can help in any way
I will be 73 in June and I will sit with you!
I disagree. The Republican goal is to kill all government except their jobs.
Me too
I'm almost 77 and I'd be glad to sit/stand with you!
Kind of like no taxation without representation, Bonnie?
That should’ve our standard. We surely are not getting much representation from the Republicans!
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. If we fail to vote. than we deserve what we get! It is all too easy to blame others for our own failures. I couldn't vote for any Republican any more because they all vote in lock step and take no responsibility for anything except reducing taxes for the haves and demonizing Biden [unfortunately too many dems do the same thing by finding fault with Biden] I will vote for any dem, altho in at least some cases reluctantly because they are a party of cowards, because the alternative is too scary to contemplate. I am 80 and haven't many years left, but I worry for our children, grandchildren and more. WE need to think about and plan for tomorrow and at the same time remember the lessons of yesterday to avoid repeating oo many of them.
Thanks, Hillard. We must all follow your example.
IT IS WE WHO NEED TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE TIME AND EFFORT YOU PUT INTO DOING THIS NEWSLETTER. I EXPECT THAT YOU HAVE TO PUT UP WITH A LOT OF NEGATIVITY AND POSSIBLY THREATS FROM THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH YOU.
THANK YOU!
I have voted every time the doors opened, still will but I feel alone with all the putrid red all around me
The biggest impediment to voting is that most states do not make it easy or convenient to vote. In red states there are kinds of obstacles in place.
One simple change would be the option to mail in ballots. Another obvious and easy change is to have walk-in weekend voting.
This country is unique in how it finds ways to adversely influence voting turnout. If Republicans had been forced to play fair and ensure a level playing field in past elections, they would be a minority in power and strength. They know it and we do too.
Yesterday, my posting made reference to Republican Associate Justice John Paul Stevens’ rebuke of the 2008 DC v. Heller ruling. Here I wish to highlight conservative Chief Justice Warren Burger (a Nixon appointee), who, shortly after his 17-year tenure on the High Court, confidently asserted that a particular reading of the 2nd Amendment was a “fraud on the American public.”
For some context, this “particular” reading is one that embraces the fraudulent interpretation of the 2nd Amendment to mean that our Founders had intended for everyone 18 years or older to be able to buy, say, a semi-automatic firearm and nothing could be done to restrain that right in any way.
Because I am writing from an iPhone, I can’t post a link. Nonetheless, a few keywords will lead to provocative reading that includes, in my view, a highly credible word-for-word analysis of the 2nd Amendment.
Here's a 2019 article (gifted) https://wapo.st/3LT6DPA
YouTube Video of CJ Warren Burger (1991): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eya_k4P-iEo
Lynell, Thanks for the links. That was very thoughtful.
😉
Thank you, Barbara Jo, for the reference and Lynell for the link.
While doing additional research, I came across the U.S. Dept. of Justice Office of Justice Programs website which contains an abstract titled "Second Amendment Does Not Guarantee the Right To Own a Gun (From Gun Control, P 99-102, 1992, Charles P Cozic, ed. -- See NCJ-160164)" which summarizes the basis of Chief Justice Warren's argument: "The need for a State militia was the predicate of the "right" guarantee, so as to protect the security of the State."
An even simpler argument: if the Framers of the Constitution had wanted to guarantee the right of the citizens to bear arms without regulation or military service, they would have omitted reference to a well regulated militia. In other words, the Second Amendment would have been "The right of the people to keep and bear arms."
The fascist "Originalists" on Supreme Court argue that they are abiding by the original written words. But, as we all know, they are LIARS, selectively choosing only the words, provisions and sections that support their malevolent purpose. It is the highest form of judicial malpractice or, to use a more appropriate word, treason.
I am hopeful that the pending decisions of the radical Supreme Court will result in a second Blue Wave come November that will retain the House, increase control the Senate and reduce Republicans' control of State legislatures and governorships.
Andrew, I write mostly to thank you for your thoughtfully reasoned response and the accompanying reference. As for your remark regarding the Supreme Court, though its radical rulings could contribute to “a second Blue Wave,” I would submit Democratic leadership must appeal, nationwide, to the base, to Independents, and to moderate Republicans with a message that relates both Democratic accomplishments plus the massive legislation that passed in the House with virtually no Republican support that remains stalled in the Senate due mostly to Republican obstruction.
Additionally, Senate Democrats also must pass whichever Budget Reconciliation provisions (BBB) can gain support from 50 Senators and present the legislation to voters as a down payment of more to come if Dems hold the House and pick up at least 2 Senate seats. The legislation already has passed in the House. We’re simply waiting on the Senate.
I have read his comments and unfortunately those who tout the 2nd Amendment as an excuse for any type of weapon seem to overlook the word “ militias “
Not just the word “militia “but “well regulated militia.”
Precisely, Mimi. Thank you for your comment.
I fear the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers may see themselves as militia.
Lynell, Perhaps so, but not, quoting Mimi who is part of this thread, as “well regulated militia,” a phrase, in my view, that enables restrictions.
Stephen, As Mimi, who is part of this thread, states, “Not just the word ‘militia,’ but ‘well regulated militia’” phrasing, in my view, that enables restrictions.
Great idea. Donation made to Beto. A voice of sanity in what could be the Great State of Texas
This has been my mantra to others for weeks now, "This is on us" , and I add, "especially those of us that do not vote". On a brighter note, last evening it was announced that New York will become the first state to begin holding gun manufacturers and companies accountable for their roles in mass shootings and gun violence. https://www.everytown.org/press/breaking-federal-court-dismisses-challenge-to-new-yorks-landmark-gun-industry-accountability-law/
I hope it works. There will be a pre-emption challenge in federal court, but let's have that fight!
Endless thank yous, Rob and Jill, and donation just made to Beto.
Thanks, Linda. Please give my warm regards to Bob.
It is a lie that there are no solutions to gun violence. Here are reasonable, common sense solutions we could implement without banning guns. We don’t lack answers only the will to do what is necessary.
I continue to emphasize the goal is to reduce gun violence it is not about banning guns or taking any guns away from responsible gun owners.
Here is a list of common-sense reforms that would not eliminate gun violence but would have a significant impact and reduce gun violence deaths of all kinds including accidents and suicides:
1. Universal and enforced expanded background checks for all gun purchases
2. Passage and rigorous enforcement of Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation (red flag laws). 56% of all mass shootings (4 or more deaths related to a single incident) are carried out by individuals with a direct relationship to domestic violence. The removal of a gun from anyone’s possession requires due process and is a temporary order until they are deemed by a court no longer to be a threat to themselves or anyone else (due process). This measure alone shows it dramatically reduces gun violence deaths from all cause including suicides.
3. Licensure and registration of all guns with a requirement that to have a license for concealed or open carry you must take and pass a course on gun safety and responsible gun and ammunition storage and safe use of a weapon
4. Higher barriers to ownership of certain more dangerous and deadly weapons, including safe storage and training requirements. This does not ban those weapons but may impose specific age limitations, and training requirements, or other readonable hurdles.
I understand these would not eliminate all gun violence but they would make a difference. I also understand that we are unlikely to be able to do all that but a start on them would be a good place to begin.
Understand this is not banning guns but it is about common sense gun safety.
Thanks for the comprehensive list. can we add something about ammunition? No one needs 1,000 rounds, or even a 100. How many bullets does it take to kill a deer when hunting?
I just made my first donation to Beto O’Rourke’s campaign. Late to the party, I know. Courage needs to be rewarded. He, Mallory McMorrow, Stacy Abrams and other Dems are our future. Thank you, Robert.
It's the money. Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz will demonstrate whether they care about the kids with their decisions to speak or or not to speak at the NRA confab in Houston. Does anyone think that the NRA has anything but the accumulation of more and more money on their minds? They have successfully pursued their current for profit model since Wayne LaPierre took over. Back in the day - the NRA didn't mind teaching about gun safety, having shooting competitions, and a focus on sporting guns. How in Heaven's name could they have evolved into protecting the right to carry AR-15's around town by unlicensed + uninsured idiots?
$$$$$$$$$$
You missed nothing. You said everything that needs to be said. Greg Abbott is right in only ONE respect, with regard to 18-year-olds and firearms, since 1960: They can join the Armed Forces, and wield firearms IN THAT CAPACITY. In every other aspect of his argument, he is muddled, opaque, deluded.
And actively deflecting.
Please consider joining a march with March for our Lives on June 11th. You can also make a donation. https://marchforourlives.com/march22/?amtOpts=&am=3&recurringAmtOpts=&recurringAm=&ms=fl_email_fr_20220526&is_optimized_ask=true&emci=27e142e4-86dc-ec11-b656-281878b8c32f&emdi=f7dece3c-fedc-ec11-b656-281878b8c32f&ceid=1974958
Got it. will promote tonight.
Jill sets us a good example. Just donated.
I also donated - and made a second donation to Moms Demand Action. Shannon Watts responded to the usual Mitt Romney Tweet “hearts and minds, etc.” with a concise list of actions we can take. The friends I’ve spoken to are furious about the continued lack of response by our “leadership” in the Senate. All five of us picked up our phones and called Susan Collins (I know…), Angus King, Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden. We used Shannon’s list 1. Don’t let teens buy guns 2. Pass Federal BG check 3. Pass Federal Red Flag law 4. Close the Charleston loophole 5. Confirm ATF Director 6. Fund community violence intervention programs 7. Stop taking NRA money…
Jill rocks ! Beto’s on my list.
Has been on my monthly list since 2018. Ted cheated then and Abbott never stopped cheating but Beto has the fire and the passion. He cares.
I am behind Beto as long as he keeps screaming. The time for reasoned response is over. It is time to call the powers that be out for what they are: murderers. I am tired of Schumer staying in his lane. He should stop trying to win Republican senators over and start a moral crusade. The R’s will win against reason every time. This has got to be Mano-a-Mano from now on. Schemer’s priority should not be convincing his “colleagues,” but convincing us, the People, with loud, heartfelt opposition to what is happening to us.
The top 20 recipients of gun lobbying donations are all Republicans. They trade $ for children's lives. Obscene
I agree, today is not the time to pinpoint the response of at least 4 police agencies, the school district, the "Sheriff" , the Texas state police ( DPSOA ) & the Feds. Yes,Texas called the U.S. Border Patrol. Up to 80 police officers were present for 40-60 minutes or more sarting with a 911 call at 11:30 a.m. Robb Elementary School time. Around 11:32 am the Shooter "crashed his truck" & entered the "south" entrance after the 18 year old was first engaged with shots fired per ABC NEWS. Need to catalog all police elecronic communications. Update: more than 90 minutes "until after 1 pm" per NYT`s Natasha Frost on 5/26. Never forget Uvalde.
The press conference yesterday felt like Bill Barr's "prebuttal" of the Mueller Report. Something seems wrong.
Reporters on site are correctly tearing apart the clearly false Abbott timeline. 911 calls are recorded. Video does exist. Was or was there not a school officer(s) confrontation? Answer: NO! Authorities did not respond to Families beseeching Texas police to take acrion. NO action taken for an "hour" per ABC NEWS. Footage shown on ABC NEWS national nighltly news on 5/26. There were no "negotiations". TEXAS waiting for the Feds, the US Border control? Really? 1 hour? After Columbine?
UsualIy I would hear police reports and updates from the area, but Abbott doing that sort of stunned me. Like he wanted to be the face of that??? Nah, just wanted to “politicize” from a republican view. And distract from the body count….