@autodidact
Thank you--for both your service and for your wise commentary.

Sir,
You have just clearly illustrated the most fundamental aspect of these gun toting big guys.. Never had a lead come at them. My father was a decorated wounded WW2 vet (leyte) who never told us his actions but refused to let us have weapons. Your words will never be heard by any of these boys as children know all.
Thank you for your service and eloquent portrayal of the realities which few have witnessed.

autodidact
use small words if you want to impress the wingnuts.. you almost had them there in your palm.. for a moment..

Autodidact,

First, thanks for your service to the country.

Second, you're right on the money about these douchebags being able to last a minute in combat.

My dad was a USMC rifleman [Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima with the 3rd Marine Div]. He never boasted or bragged about what he saw or what he did for this country on those beautiful but blood soaked Pacific islands - he just seemed really really sad about what happened.

But, then again, you can always tell the real heroes - they're the ones who NEVER have braggartish war stories!

Yes autodidact, thank you for your service. You bring up a point I often think of; who do these guys think they are?

Just where do they plan to revolt and how will these overweight car driving men make it to the revolution on time with all their gear?

Someone I know talks about taking a gun and living in the hills, like some poor boy trying to avoid going into the Confederate Army.

Why do the untrained ones always think it is so easy to kill another human being, especially if that person is unarmed?

Actually, his cherry-picked interview targets are just selected in an attempt to keep alive the stereotypes of leftards about gun owners. Nothing to see here but propagandistic apologetics for the current one-Party State's attitudes towards guns. Meanwhile they're in the process of spending a quadrillion on keeping limosine liberal corporate welfare queens (such as Warren Buffet) from losing their shirts. A quadrillion here, and a quadrillion there, and pretty soon you're talking about some real money.

I agree with Gregory Butler, real heroes who have faced real danger in combat are never braggarts about it. They realize how fortunate they are to have come back home and they are respectful of those who gave their lives for our country. I have an uncle who did two tours of duty in Viet Nam and my wife has an uncle who did a tour of duty there. Neither one of them ever brings their service up and, when it is mentioned, they are very humble and reticent to talk about it. That is how John Kerrey gave his cowardice away. Not only did he manufacture three purple hearts to get out of combat after four months, he went back to film a re-enactment at the spot where he shot the unarmed boy who was running away from him in the incident where he submitted himself for a medal. Dianne Sawyer has written about having a date with Kerrey in the 1980's where he took her back to his house to show her the home movie he had shot of the re-enactment. I am sure that none of the commenters on this thread who are so certain of the cowardice of the people in Blumenthal's video are hypocrites themsleves. I am sure you were all enraged by Kerrey's boastfulness and saw it as clear evidence of his cowardice. As I am sure that you are credulous of Blumenthal's unsubstantiated claim that he saw a RPG being sold.Perhaps he saw a replica being sold but he didn't say it was a replica. Frankly, I think he's lying.

That's horrible. Why in heaven's name was the thing loaded? I doubt the 7-year old would be able to load it but nevertheless this guy broke two, maybe three cardinal rules minimum. I would punish the husband and not tar others with his gross negligence.

The husband, or whoever loaded the gun, is responsible. There are common sense storage issues involved. One of those is that you don't keep a gun loaded and unsecured if you have kids in the house. I keep all of my ammunition locked up. I also keep one gun loaded, but it is locked up as well.

Your friend's case was a tragedy, caused by her husband. However, thankfully, such cases are becoming fewer and fewer. Gun accident rates are declining yearly, despite the fact that the number of households with guns is increasing yearly.

You've noticed that too...

@ Hawnzz
We all have noticed...

That's right, even the men will have so much money, wallets won't be enough!

Actually, Lucky Violinist, if the Feds keep spending at this rate, eventually, we'll need a wheelbarrow of cash to buy a purse.

How myopic of you. You need to remove your head out of the sand long enough to understand some of the things that are going on around you instead of someone telling you what they want you to see.

Anyone that thinks that obama is just a little left of center is not only myopic but nearly totally blind and devoid of intelligence.

Apparently you have chosen your name nearly perfectly - itty bitty

You must think that the patriots in the Rev. war were terrible freaks also - people like you would have been the ones that favored staying with the wonderful structure of the English Empire and undermined the efforts of those fighting for our future freedoms. I know many, many people that own guns and not one of them would be a threat to law abiding citizens but they do value their freedom and their country and would and have defended it.

What woiuld liberals do to us? - if you are blind enough to make that statement then you are also blind to the situation that is unfolding around us in this country. Even now the government's take-over of so many of our businesses and the endless regulations strangle the dreams of many of the hard working people that want to work for a future instead of expecting the government to hand it to them as a give away. In one of the businesses that I have run the paperwork and inspections that covered two pages ten years ago have increased to thirteen double row pages last year and will increase to seventeen next year which made the time consumed in just filling out paperwoprk alone costly let alone the cost of the new regulations.......it is no wonder that businesses close down or move their operation out of country where survival is possible.

That's because liberals carry purses instead of guns

@Grundy

What a bunch of garbage. It's a sad testament to the state of liberalism in this country when a man like Obama can be labeled as anything but "left of center." He supports the death penalty. He supports the right of an individual to own a gun (just look at his response to DC v. Heller). He opposes gay marriage. He had an opportunity, a few months ago, to nationalize the banking system in this country, and he didn't do it. He hedges his language on abortion. He hedges his language on torture. He doesn't support a single-payer health care system. If anyone needs to remove their head from something, it's you, because you either don't know what you're talking about, or you're intentionally spreading half-truths and hysterical exaggerations, which is just as bad.

Grundy, I'm not gonna be rude to you (I'm sure there's plenty enough out there that will) but I have to contest you on a few points. The first being that Obama is way left of center. In an election with the highest turnout (by far) in US history he won by a relatively wide margin in the popular vote, and an overwhelmingly large electoral margin; winning in places as solidly red as Indiana and Iowa. He even received 43% of the vote in TX. By definition that makes him the center. I just don't think you recognize that the center of the electorate has changed. No one, not Obama, no one, is suggesting that all guns should be banned. The majority of people do believe that guns should be regulated; something that is stated in the 2nd. Most believe that local communities should have a lot of latitude in doing this, but most people also think that It isn't safe to have back pack sniper rifles floating around anywhere. That is where the center is now.
Second, the Rev war parallel is specious. That was fought because liberals defied the centuries old practice of monarchy and taxation without representation. Conservatives, including Ben Franklin's own son, sought to maintain the status quo. You and I have representation at every level of gov't from local school boards, straight through the presidency. You and I have the right to speak out, to assemble peaceably, and to vote the bums out every few years. None of that is being threatened. The last administration had a much more extreme view of the theory of the unitary executive than this one does.
Third, you make a valid point that sometimes the paperwork can be overly burdensome for business and it's something that really should be streamlined; but what does that have to do with gun control?
Finally, I think you're painting every social program with the same brush that some people paint every gun show with. I've been to some and I never saw Nazi memorabilia. I don't think any respectable show would even allow them to be vendors. Most the people at the shows I've been to are obviously right wing, and red neck (you can't deny the awesome mullet watching at gun shows), but I don't hear them talking about armed revolution. It's the same with social programs. I don't feel like I was taking advantage of the system when I received unemployment when I was laid off. It kept the lights on until I could find another job. Without the help it would have been a lot harder for me to get back to being a productive member of society so I could start to pay back into the unemployment system. Are there people that take advantage of corporate welfare and personal welfare? Sure, but on the whole, social programs, as imperfect as they are, are there for a good reason.
Anyway that's my response.

Wow, Grundy is Grumpy! (and ignorant too)

Doesn't is say "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..." Doesn't that mean gun owners should be part of a well-regulated militia in order to keep their weapons? Doesn't this country have what could be considered a well-regulated militia (The National Guard)? It is remarkable how so many people miss that whole first part of the amendment, but then choose to defend the second part of it with such zeal. My point is, gun ownership is not a right, it is not something that is God given...gun ownership is a privilege, and something that the government is well within its rights to regulate.

The second amendment malitia...formed to protect us from the expansion of government

I mean, didn't anybody get the joke? Lame as it is?

Hey por356, did you deliberately ignore the ruling in DC vs. Heller that rejected the collective-right militia reading of the Second Amendment or are you just too stupid to understand it. The Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment protect an individual's right. It is remarkable that someone can call others ignorant with such zeal why they themselves are wrong. Next time, read the pertinent Supreme Court precedent. It will prevent you from looking like a fool, again.

Hahahahahahahahah, a center right Democrat? That is almost the stupidest thing I have read all day. The stupidest thing would be a tie between you claiming any criticism of the president is racist or the fact that you are proud to be a communist. So how many people did communist dictators kill in the 20th century? Was it 60 or 65 million?

I agree with you about the absurd breadth of government regulation; but who has been in charge for most of the last 30 years? Republicans that's who. so, if you have an ax to grind about how government interferes with our freedoms and with daily operations of business; well, look to the right.

Wow, I missed this one. Do you think it's possible to contribute to this conversation without making cute comments about the screen names? Although since you seem to have just barely made it through kindergarten, let me put it this way, "Sticks and stones will break my bones.." Well, you know the rest, maybe.....

Mr. Grundy's cynicism and fanaticism is representative of a conservative worldview is an extension of Hobbes (the ne plus ultra philosopher of neo-conservatives).

I will paraphrase this view as follows:

We live in a world where people (out-of-power republicons) stand on the continuum between the laws of the jungle and the laws of of reason believing they have right (ideals) on their side impose their sense of justice on others.

A very recent example of idealism in action is that of Stalinist ideals--not so nifty methinks...

I prefer Kant's take:

Peaceful negotiation, international courts and a common concern for all people.

Lastly, if i remember my Scripture:

Sodom & Gomorrah was a place of abundance; the Sodomites laws included, death to any citizen helping strangers-(what is now called xenophobia), regressive taxes--owners of two oxen were liable for one day's civic service, while those with one oxen were assessed for two days.

These crimes were all the worse (according to Scripture) for being thankless to God for the city was showered with wealth.

Interesting metaphor for all Christians to consider.

Wow, Grundy is REALLY Grumpy. And it's itty bitty kitty to you.

Grundy,

So, if Jesus was here today S/he'd be a Republican?!

Well, Peter had the assault rifle of the day (a sword) with him when Jesus was arrested.....

Also:
Luke 22:36: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."

That truly is the question.

Not much when he faced the liberals in his last days. Liberals then as now tend to see the world outside of their desires of what is acceptable as being terrible and a threat. Jesus had no assault rifle - he was right and didn't fear the oppositiion of the true 'nutjobs' of his day as we don't fear the 'nutjobs' like you of today.

Grundy: "Liberals then as now tend to see the world outside of their desires of what is acceptable as being terrible and a threat." -- That's not liberalism.

Obama hasn't done anything against gun owners and there's no sign that he ever will -- he's allowed the assault weapons ban to lapse, so it seems like he's done a lot of good for the NRA, actually.

The only thing he's done to piss anyone off is pass some massive stimulus packages and continue the Bush policy of propping up these failing companies. Really most of what he's done thus far has been continuing pre-existing policies.

The only thing that explains this movement against Obama is partisan politics with a dash of racism.

Yeah, but how many students could you mow down with a SWORD?

This guy killed 8 and injured 12 more with a kitchen knife. I bet he could have done more with a sword.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1376982.stm

He didn't have one. They weren't invented back then. But while we are on the topic of Jesus, I am curious, do you think he would have favored third trimester abortions, or would he have drawn the line at 24 weeks:?"

In the face of someones argument, a personal attack calling into question their mental state. You sir or madam, have nothing to contribute.

Sounds to me like he realizes having killing tools floating around a house ready to go off the second a child or careless elbow brushes against them isn't such a good idea.

What's next Grundy, planting anti-personnel mines under the carpet in case of burglars?

I used to chuckle to myself when I would run into the Grundys think bushy-mustache, mouth-breather wearing BDU's that he bought- (wasn't issued) at a military surplus store; acting like a magpie-(these birds are attracted to shiny objects and can repeat sounds/words but are incapable of thinking; birds aren't famous for having much gray-matter).

So, Kate, you watched the part where he shows how to shoot somebody from the top of a building and you thought that looked like fun. Thanks for making my point for me.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Why do we have more gun deaths than any other industrialized nation?

I'm glad you have a hobby, it's really important to me that the government doesn't reenact the assault rifle ban ruining this pastime of yours. All laws in our Constitution should be constructed to preserve peoples hobbies, who cares about the limus test of 'is this a detriment to society?' I mean, just because Texas gun shops have armed Mexico's drug cartels and a potentially violent fringe is arming themselves in the US for protection from fantasy hypotheticals they truly think will happen but in reality will never EVER happen doesn't mean there should be any government action at all to curb these developments. KateTheGreat needs to maintain her hobby because it's fun and she ENJOYS it.

What a croc. Collect some stamps or baseball cards, go shoot skeet with a hunting rifle, go shoot bullseyes with a hunting rifle or handgun. No one needs assault rifles, period.

And for the folks on here that posted stuff about 'the goverment taking your guns is the first step to enslavement/imprisonment/control of the population', get real. Whether you have an assault rifle or not, if the government wanted to come and get you they could. This would never happen anyways {to a normal person... maybe one stockpiling armament because of ridiculous fears} but IF it did, I would think a military effort would very quickly subdue some bubba with a high powered machine gun.

Having these weapons available to the general public has NO positive upside whatsoever except fulfilling folks hobbies. If responsible adults aren't willing to sacrifice or modify their hobby to make the US a safer place, then please update the Conservative mantra of 'Country First' to 'Me First'.

yeah connie, that's exactly what I meant...*rolls eyes* no matter what anyone says, you are only going to hear what you want to hear...so thanks for making my point for me. *shakes head* Of course me enjoying target practice is a whole-sale endorsement of murdering psychopaths...your logic astounds me.

Oh of course, you have to disassemble a sniper rifle and stow it in a backpack so that the Deer don't catch you at a state border crossing. Shooting game and targets from the top of a building or clock tower is a fun hobby too!

They're making damned sure that if Obama passes gun legislation 'some nut' will be armed and ready to act. That's not rule of law or the rule of the people, that's terrorism.

first sensible thing i read on this comment page. the system's set up to protect us from nutjobs, but that ends up taking away from the vast majority of gun-loving/collecting Americans who aren't serial assassins. so why can't i have a gun? why can't i have the craziest, wickedest gun i can find? because of one nutjob out of 300 million? well, i'm not a nutjob. i voted obama, i think bush is a war criminal, i'd probably agree with a lot of blumenthal's views. and i don't think systems should be set up to protect us from wildly distorted threats. if you don't have a criminal record, if you're not buying in bulk to ship to mexico, you shouldn't have to suffer. turn off your tv's, go say hello to your neighbor, things aren't as crazy as the news would have you believe. americans have a much better chance dying of heart disease than armed revolution.

Kate - did you watch the video?

The part where he takes the rifle apart, and hides it in a civilian backpack - and explicitly says that he's using a non military backpack so you can take the rifle anywhere?

Basically, that's an assassin's weapon.

And if he was Black, or Latino, or - God help him - an Arab or a South Asian, he'd be in jail right now for that little display.

If he was Muslim, he'd be in leg irons in a secret CIA facility being tortured right now.

Basically, he's selling a terrorist's weapon, and giving terrorist training.

And if he wasn't White, he'd be sitting in a federal prison right now for doing so.

Kate I hope you will not try to repel an invader with a rifle, for that you need a hand gun. Or at least a shotgun. If your home has never been invaded you have no idea how much your hand will shake when you try to shoot with a rifle. Or how quickly a person can get inside rifle range and get you.

"And if he was Black, or Latino, or - God help him - an Arab or a South Asian, he'd be in jail right now for that little display."

I am replying to your post Kate because I can't directly reply to others. The above quote is absolutely ridiculous. Latinos, blacks and any other minority in this country, unless they are convicted felons could do the same exact thing. He broke no laws doing that. You people need to look at the laws and quit making fools of yourself.

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Why do we have more gun deaths than any other industrialized nation"

Good question, because several countries, including Switzerland, have much higher per capita gun ownership than the United States yet have much lower rates of gun death? Furthermore, why are gun deaths highest in states that have the strictest gun laws? And why do countries such as the UK have higher violent crime rates than the US after they banned guns? Get back to me when you can answer those questions and when you can quit trying to tar every lawful gun owner as some psycho in waiting.

"What a croc. Collect some stamps or baseball cards, go shoot skeet with a hunting rifle, go shoot bullseyes with a hunting rifle or handgun. No one needs assault rifles, period. "

Hey, casey, owning guns is my right, as protected by the Second Amendment. I don't have to justify a need to exercise my rights, regardless of how much anti-gun chicken little's whine about it. And you might want to quit citing that whole Mexico canard. The ATF recently testified that less than 20% of all guns used by cartels are from the United States. I have news for you. You can't buy automatic weapons right off the shelf at a gun store, unless you jump through about a million legal hoops, and they don't sell RPGs or bazookas at gun shows, regardless of what Max Blumenthal claims. You people need to look up the pertinent federal laws before you make your ignorance of gun laws so obvious next time. And by definition assault weapons are those that have selective rates of fire. Those are not available to the average citizen in the United States. The Brady Campaign definition of assault weapon is based purely on cosmetic features. Why is it that those that are the most ignorant about guns are those that are the most vocal about banning something of which they know nothing about?

Yes, let's call someone a coward because they don't want lunatics in clocktowers to gun down their children.

Grundy, why are you so scared that you can't live without the right to own a collapsible sniper rifle or assault rifle? You ever heard of psychological transference?

If you can't tell the difference between a high-powered assult weapon or a weapon designed for a sniper to disguise, then stand on top of a building and fire and the kitchen knives, you have a serious problem. The fact that you would even make the comparison is demented.

At least you are partially right - there are alot of problems with people having gone through our 'public education' system. Too many of them can't read and if they can read a little they don't seem to be able to understand what they have read. Some things are just skipped in their reading lists - like the important papers of this country, and some classics like '1984', 'Animal Farm' and 'Brave New World' so that they would be capable of understanding some of the things that are going on in our country today.

You sound like those wonderful people to the north of the US, who having no gun ownership opportunities and rights, will depend on those 'freaks, lemmings and gun nuts' to save their sorry behinds when the time comes because they will be hiding under their beds crying "What will we do?", "Where is the government to save us?"

Tragic? Yes, tragic that more of them couldn't have been home schooled for a better and less expensive education.

Nothing like the comments from the uninformed that don't even know the meaning of the words that they use - 1st- get education, 2nd-get understanding of the education, 3rd- get some experience of living, 4th-gain some wisdom through the first three. Finally- know when to speak and when to keep you ignorance to yourself.

Grundy, get off your high horse and realize 1) You are not the moral center of the universe 2) You discredit yourself when you make assumptions about a persons level of "experience" in life or education 3) Don't like the Gov. telling you how to live? some people don't like YOU telling them how to think 4) don't dress up differing opinions in the cloak of "ignorance" because you disagree, even though, you ARE the smartest most important guy in the play pen. Finally, learn how to be civil and quit being a general prick beneath the guise of internet anonymity.

Grundy-- Liberals want education, they want an educated populace because people with an understanding of history and humanities tend to vote Democrat. Your argument, if it wasn't already a logical fallacy, falls apart right there.

Saying that someone is unable to argue with you is called Poisoning the Well. At this point, however, I think any reasonable person can make the statement based on this page alone that you're unwilling or unable to form a reasonable argument.

You also seem to have a problem with transference, Grundy. This is in response to your calling others cowards because they didn't want to own a gun, and now in response to you not knowing when to keep your ignorance to yourself.