211 Thoughts to “Open Thread………………………………………Friday, Jan. 14”

  1. Steve Thomas

    Moon-howler :@Marin
    Good. Guns aren’t toys.

    Moon,

    It’s no secret that I am as Pro-2nd Ammendment as they come. Long ago I decided that my children will not have toy guns, even though I do plan to introduce my daughter to shooting at an early age. My thinking is, she must know that pointing a gun and pulling the trigger is serious business, and not something to be used as “play”. So, if my daughter has occasion to see a gun, she will know automatically that it is real, and not a toy.

  2. Big Dog

    http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/274032

    I,too, would have been nonviolent until the snarling dogs were set upon me,
    and fire houses turned full force in my face and billy clubs brought down
    on my head and little girls blown up in my church.

    To remain nonviolent in the middle of that hell was to be a true Saint.

  3. @Steve, I agree with you. I am a gun owner and I grew up with guns in the house. I also grew up with lots of toy hand guns. Brothers…you know, those rascally creatures. That was in the day when cowboys and Indians was quite the thing. Every self-respecting kid had a derringer.

    I decided when I had children that I didn’t want toy guns in the house. Despite my best efforts there always seemed to be a rogue toy gun in the toy box. I don’t know how it happened. But I gave it my best shot.

    One kid grew up to be very interested in guns. He actually got hooked in scouts. Go figure. That is fine. He never thought guns were toys. Mission accomplished.

  4. Steve Thomas

    George S. Harris :Does this mean that if you live in Virginia or transit Virginia, you must carry your birth certificate or some other document showing you are a citizen? How long before Virginia sets up checkpoints at all entry points into the state to check your legal status? How long before you must get some state sanctioned ID card to prove your legal status? George Orwell, you were just a few years off.
    This is the same Scott Lingamfelter who was telling Corey Stewart to bug off and keep his nose out of state business. Now I see why–Scotty wanted all the headlines!!!

    George,

    If all states would comply with the “Real ID” act, then any state issued identification should suffice to prove a legal right to be present in Virginia, or any other state, when conducting business or interacting with law enforcement. While there is no legal requirement to carry ID with you at all times (unless you are a resident alien. You are required to carry your greencard), if you don’t carry ID, you really can’t complain if law enforcement goes a little further to verify who you are.

  5. Morris Davis

    Dr. King had the gift for crafting phrases that hit home and endured; what today’s strategic communication practitioners might call “sticky” in that they stuck in your mind whether you agreed with Dr. King or not.

    My favorite is: “That old law about ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing.”

  6. marinm

    I disagree with the implementation of REAL ID and the expansion of “stop and ID” laws.

  7. Steve Thomas

    @marinm
    The goal of any initiative can be perverted for the purposes of power. The core principle of REAL ID is to ensure that there is a nation-wide (minimum) standard for verifying identity, residency, immigration status, etc., prior to issuing a state id. Under the commerce clause, the Federal government has a responsibility to ensure that my VA drivers license is considered a valid form of ID in another state, for the purposes of conducting business, interactions with law enforcement, etc. The other altenative is to make everyone get a passport or other federally-issued ID, which I too oppose, otherwise, VA could refuse to accept ID’s issued by other states.

  8. Big Dog, thank you for that nice addition to the blog. I hope everyone takes time to look at the link you left.

  9. marinm

    Steve, actually I disagree with you. Using your example we could then argue that the Commerce Clause would allow Congress to set the minimum age of driving – lets say 16. What about states like South Dakota where it’s 14? Interestingly Congress has never used the Clause to enforce a minimum age. They allow the states to set the minimum and the states through a licensing compact agree on reciprocity with each other based on some guidelines.

    So, why get the federales involved? The states have had it figured out for years.

    What benefit do I get as a citizen based on the intrusive system you are advocating? Basically, what’s in it for me?

    Do we also need to staple REAL ID cards to our kids (or neck lanyards as a sort of chic fashion forward dog tag, I guess) so they can be ready for our intra-state checkpoints?

    Of course another reason to reject REAL ID (the list is long) is that they federales will eventually use it to track down our guns and take ’em away. 🙂

  10. Big Dog

    M-H, Thank you.
    Knowing something of the temper of the times, having spend much my
    of youth in the Deep South, I’m convinced Dr. King’s leadership and his calls
    for nonviolence in the community saved us from a bloody race war
    that would have destroyed our country.

    ( Of course, it was fire hoses that were used on peaceful marchers)

  11. Big Dog

    Suggest today’s Not Larry Sabato blog and his “Weenie of the Week”
    award to Virginia Delegate Chris Peace for the introduction of HB 1467.

  12. Big Dog, if memory serves me from earlier discussions, we were in the same area at the same time, many years ago. I was in DeKalb County. That was deep south back then.

  13. Steve Thomas

    @marinm
    Marinm, in disagreeing with me, you are making my point. If we want to continue using our DL or other DMV-issued ID as a means of proof of identity, rather than just what the DL was intended for (for driving), then we will need at least some minimum standard for proof that the person applying is who they say they are. We use our DL to board a plane, cash a check, buy alcohol and tobacco products, purchase firearms and ammo. Our DL and SSN’s are now used as proof we are who we say we are, I don’t like it, but it is what it is. Now, if CA is issuing licenses to illegal aliens, and these people begin moving into other states, should VA just go ahead and accept this as proof, or do we have a different standard for them?

  14. There is no perfect answer. REAL ID has already been hacked. So, if we go to a “standard” ID, that simplifies the crooks’ job. If we don’t, either we accept one state’s substandard ID or state that we will not accept it as proof of ID.

    One of the strengths of NATO during the Cold War was that the USSR had to develop countermeasures for numerous weapon systems. We only had to develop countermeasures for the Soviet systems…..

  15. Raymond Beverage

    Big Dog, which bill by Pease? HB 1467 is a transient tax one, and he is not a patron. Thanks!

  16. juturna

    Yippee… but this is the end. 🙁

  17. Tomorrow might be the day to buy some apple stock. It was down 6-7% today in Europe.

    Earnings will be out tomorrow after the bell. Supposedly they are impressive.

    Hmmmmm at close to $350 a share, I guess i won’t be getting too many.

  18. juturna

    Of Big Love. I was commenting back to Laf but wasn’t clear about it….

  19. marinm

    @Steve Thomas

    Steve, I’ve used my state militia ID to board a flight at Dullas. Since I’m not driving I don’t see the sense in using my operators license. How about my government CAC? Back in the day when I was at Customs and Border Patrol I could use my contractor badge. And, even then it’s only a card that can be duplicated or forged and unless you scan it in or check it for its watermarks a cursory look will still allow forged creds to be used to pass a non-intrusive checkpoint.

    Interesting you brought up SSN’s as I’ll tell you a funny lil story. I wanted a concealed permit here in Virginia because it gets cold and I need an arm with me even in Virginia’s winters. So I downloaded the form and filled it out. On the SSN part I put in NOT LISTED. I now had two options. I could go down to the courthouse, show my ID to a clerk and sign it to submit it OR I could go down to my local bank and get a notary to do it. So, I went down to the local Bank of America and got the notary to sign off on my chit. I mailed it in with my payment.

    I didn’t get a response in 45 days and so I called the Clerk’s office and asked for my de facto permit (Virginia is a shall issue state) and the clerk that answered told me they were waiting on a fax or copy of my drivers license. So, I emailed the elected Clerk and told her that her office was asking for information not permitted under the Code of Virginia and asked for my defacto permit to be issued. I got a very nice appology letter back and in two days I had the judge sign off on my official permit. 🙂

    No SSN. No ID (shown to the government but you can argue that the notary is an “agent of the government”

    Now, you bring out a question about CA illegals (that I’ll answer even though you ignored my question) getting operator licenses in CA and using them in Virginia. Yes, I think they should be allowed to operate. A drivers license means just that – you can operate a vehicle. If the local health department or welfare office is using them as ‘proof of citizenship’ then lets look at THOSE laws/rules/requirements and not take a plunger to the rear of every US CITIZEN because we want to make it hard on illegals. I’m with you that we need to do something about illegals but I disagree on doing so over the backs of citizens. And, REAL ID is an intrusive system designed to impact Americans more than it does illegals.

    So, I’ll again ask the question — as a US citizen, what benefit does REAL ID get me? For the loss of privacy, the hassle of implementation, and the cost of the system and program what does Joe Sixpack get out of it?

    * BTW, today is my daily reminder for people to stock up on high capacity magazines and ammo before they ban ’em!! 🙂

  20. Big Dog

    Ray, Va. HB1465

  21. Lafayette

    juturna :Of Big Love. I was commenting back to Laf but wasn’t clear about it….

    Oh, I knew EXACTLY what you meant. Let’s celebrate with some Russell Stover’s. 🙂

  22. juturna

    Did either of you try that chocolate recipe?

  23. Emma

    I’m saving it for Valentine’s Day.@juturna

  24. @Steve Thomas
    At the rate of xenophobia growth in the Old Dominion, I wouldn’t be surprised if Virginia required a state issued passport within the next decade or so. People like Letiecq, Corey Stewart, Scott Lingamfelter, etc. will keep pushing until they drive out every immigrant, legal and illegal. Then perhaps they will be happy. And, of course, those holding public office will be reelected again and again.

  25. @ Steve Thomas & marinm –I have had a “real ID” for most of my life–it’s called a mlitary ID card. Have been very proud to carry it for the last 60 years. If Virginia keeps going the way it is, I would seriously consider moving elsewhere.

  26. Big Dog

    M-H, I was there when Lester “Ax Handle” Maddox (George Wallace wannabe)
    was Gov. of Georgia. Deep-Deep South. Remembered getting razed for
    reading the Atlanta “Covers Dixie Like the Dew” Constitution because
    it was considered way too liberal.

    But still grab my loaded chili dog, fried peach pie and big orange at the Varsity
    everytime I pass through.

  27. I left when I was a young teenager. My family lived there for 3 years. Wonderful times. I lived off of Briarcliff and LaVista. I left long before you did.

    I ran in to the KKK in either Riches or Davidsons.

    What was the other newspaper named? I do remember the Atlanta Constitution.

  28. Everybody needs to send Elena a get well soon message. I got a frantic call from her tonight saying she had the ^&*( effen chicken pox now, right along with her kids. She thought she had had them as a child. She did but a very light case. Apparently the first time was not the charm.

    So a pox is on the house of Elena.

  29. My wife had the chicken pox during her first pregnancy. A friend brought her kid over, neglecting to inform us that the child was sick with the pox. Mrs. Squid had also had a mild case in her younger years. Our sympathies.

    Don’t forget to play “connect the dots” when you get bored, Elena. 😉

    So sorry. She recommends the Aveeno Oatmeal baths for relief from the itching. And plenty of fluids.

    1. @Cargo,

      Was her 2nd case a mild case also? Elena feels pretty roughed and her kids are fairly sick also.

      That is criminal that the woman didn’t tell Mrs. Squid her kid had the chicken pox. A pox on her house.

  30. marinm

    Adult onset chicken pox is “teh suck”. Elena, I hope you and family recover quickly.

    George, why do we need a Virginia state passport? As if there is ever a reason to leave this grand state. And, no one wants you to leave. We need people to (stay) pay taxes for those that don’t. 🙂

  31. New TV show 10 pm

    Harry’s Law starring Kathy Bates

  32. Her first case was mild, as a child. Her second one was a full blown attack. Yep. It sucked to be her. And we haven’t talked to that woman since…….

  33. Emma

    Get well soon, Elena. My husband got a severe case of pox (never had it before) when my two oldest kids were small. He was miserably sick then, so we feel your pain. No fun when you’re also taking care of everyone else.

  34. George S. Harris

    Elena–hope you are feeling better soon. Aveeno Oatmeal baths are a great idea. Rest, fluids, and, of course, chicken soup. ;-0

  35. Cindy B

    Get well soon, Elena!

  36. Censored bybvbl

    Elena, hope you and your family have a speedy recovery from the pox.

  37. Lafayette

    Hope you feel better soon, Elena. Chicken pox suck!

  38. Sarah Palin continued to embarrass herself last night.

    I decided last night that the only people accusing her and her buddies Rush, Sean, Levin, and Beck of accomplice are coming from within the right.

    No one accused her in any periodical I read. Shoot, I would have defended her if I read in the Post that the shooting was HER fault.

    Its time for her to just stop. Twice if just one more time too much.

  39. Steve Thomas

    @Moon-howler

    While I too believe it is time to stop, Sarah Palin was on the lips of several left talking-heads in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. References to the “crosshairs” on her website in the lead up to the November elections were made by Mathews and Olbermann, and blame implied by both. My uncle was repeating their mantra at our family reunion, and was blaming Sarah Palin by name for the shootings.

    But, with what we know about the shooter, I think the facts have exonerated Sarah Palin. I don’t think she’s lost support with those who support her, nor gained any with those who oppose her. Time to let this go, on both sides, and focus on the real issue.

  40. Steve Thomas

    George S. Harris :@Steve Thomas At the rate of xenophobia growth in the Old Dominion, I wouldn’t be surprised if Virginia required a state issued passport within the next decade or so. People like Letiecq, Corey Stewart, Scott Lingamfelter, etc. will keep pushing until they drive out every immigrant, legal and illegal. Then perhaps they will be happy. And, of course, those holding public office will be reelected again and again.

    Mr. Harris,

    Had Obama not been elected President in Virginia, you might have a stronger argument. I wouldn’t classify the push for real enforcement of immigration law as “xenophobia”. I would say it is the manifestation of years of frustration at the Federal Government’s failure to enforce the laws, an immigration system that has many flaws, a high unemployment rate (although Virgina’s current rate is below the pre-recession rates of many other states), the influx of gangs, and high-profile crimes committed by some here illegally. Also, we must also consider the opinion held by many that the Fed has overstepped its role in many areas, while neglecting its role in others.

    Saying all these actions by the legislature are a reflection of “xenophobia” denies the complexity of what I believe the electorate is feeling.

  41. Big Dog

    Agree with you Mr. Thomas.

    Something that must also be considered is the massive cost of illegal
    immigration for local jurisdictions (schools, public safety, health care, etc.).
    The local taxpayer is left to pay the bill for the failure of our Federal government
    to control the border.

  42. marinm

    I agree with Mr. Thomas’ statement.

  43. regarding Ms. Palin–

    I don’t like Keith Olbermann. I rarely post him on thie blog–not never but rarely. I believe he is often rude and inflammatory. However, the following video is worth watching.

    He has not blamed Sarah Palin for the massacre, to my knowledge. There is much hoopla about who said what, but I don’t believe he is guilty this time.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#41126031

  44. Moon, Just because you didn’t read it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Krugman blamed her within hours of the shooting. Others piled on. Sorry you missed it.

  45. marinm

    I think Krugman will probably be PO’d with this. http://www.cnbc.com/id/41131176

  46. Steve, I think the crosshairs are worthy of discussion. I think it is poor judgement for anyone to use crosshairs or rifle scopes as a motif on political literature or a website.

    We never know who our audience is. I think assigning cause/effect is dead wrong. We don’t know what demons set off Jared L or who set off his demons. We probably never will. Someone might have said buttered toast to him, for all we know.

    From every experience, regardless of how bad, if we are resourceful, we can find some good. Hopefully that good might be a reminder for all of us who speak publically to temper our speech and to chose our words wisely. I have a long way to go so its a good goal to adopt. I know it will be a work in progress.

  47. Cargo, I don’t go looking for things. I never commented on Krugman. I had actually at one point read his opinion piece. I didn’t see him blame her. I didn’t see him say Palin was responsible for the Tucson massacre. I read his own words, not about his words. I assume you mean Climate of Hate?

    While I believe Krugman’s words were strong, much of what he said didn’t culture in a vacuum. Think about our conversation yesterday. This is merely an extension.

    You guys really need to realize how you are perceived. At what point does perception become the reality?

  48. Why would Krugman be pissed off?

    And how does one Shed rules? Surely they meant ShRed?

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