swt61

Ken, I know Dusty is not homophobic. I know that he is not disparaging gay marriage. Dusty doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and I know that. That said... This statement really hurt, although I realize it was not intended to. That is a sore spot for me, and I guess I feel that should be obvious. I've had other peoples values shoved down my throat my entire fucking life! I thought I made it clear in this thread that I did not want to impose my values on others, but instead wanted and welcomed everyone's ideas. Do I think that gun control might be part of the solution? Yes. Am I willing to mandate (like I held such a power) such a solution without hearing all sides for any other options. No. This was about turning a ridiculous thread into a meaningful discussion on solving a very real issue. Maybe I am too sensitive to be involved in this thread. Bowing out now.

I don't know where you're going with this, but if you don't believe that a heterosexual belief system has been imposed on me my whole life you're sadly mistaken! I do not have the right that you do to marry who I chose. I could be fired for being gay, without any legal recourse. I believe I'm in the last minority group to not be given that protection. I can go on. I'm fully aware of what it is like to have beliefs I disagree with imposed on me. I have learned to bend, and have learned to try to educate. I also have not gotten personal in this thread, and I really don't appreciate you going there.

Ken you make an excellent point.

So if self defense is really the main concern with gun control, what about incapacitating weapons? One could defend themselves with stun guns and the like. And yes these too could be used inappropriately, but I doubt we'd see mass killings if all the perps had on hand were non lethal weapons. Dusty, you're solution if I'm understanding you, is to ignore these horrific mass killings because they don't directly affect us, and go on with life as though nothing happened? It's completely possible that because I'm gay I'm over sensitive. I do tear up at sad TV shows and movies, hell, even commercials. These kinds of tragedy's tend to affect me deeply. So maybe I'm just not able to put myself into the mindset of a less sensitive psyche, but I think we can do better. I think it's our obligation as concerned, caring human beings to keep trying to do better. I don't know any of the people involved in this terrible situation, but I can't turn my head and forget it's happening. I DON'T EVER WANT TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT!

Good luck Jacob!

OK, I have to admit that's a valid concern.

Very small indeed. But to me the more important question is, should that make me feel better? I do not wish to disrespect anyone. If anyone feels I'm doing so (other than HPA) then I truly apologize. I don't expect or even want everyone to share my opinion. What I do want is a healthy dialog. I think that the sharing of opinions is key to coming to some understanding. This was not really possible on Head-Fi, but I know most of you much better, as I consider most of you friends, and as such I think it's possible to share our ideas in an adult manner. If I'm wrong feel free to tell me to drop it. I will, and won't be offended.

Dan, I'm actually not a hardened proponent of gun control, because I too do not know if it will work. But I'm willing to try it. We gave prohibition a try, and when the Government finally had to admit it was an utter failure, we repealed it. This is not something that is set in stone. I also believe that gun control on it's own has very little chance to do any good. But as a part of a bigger solution it might do some good. I'm not trying to impose my will. I'm willing to try other options. The unbending branch always breaks. I'm very open to hearing other options, but I think putting this on the back burner is irresponsible. It's time to acknowledge that we have a serious problem. Probably not to a slave. You shouldn't feel guilty. As well as ridiculous, I found his first post very offensive. The fact that he doesn't get that it is offensive does little to diminish those feelings.

I do not like those rights being taken away. I'm using that to point out that things do indeed change, even when we don't like it. Dan suggested that taking rights away is a sign of a police state. Using that ideology, I then counter that we are already in a police state.

We had some rights taken away after 911. We do not live in the world we once did. As Nate stated, it was once your right to own slaves. It was once your right to beat your Wife and children. It was also once your right to smoke cigarettes in the presence of others, who did not like breathing the second hand smoke. Times change, and the world changes with them.

OK, I hear your argument. But with all the guns on the street for committing crimes or for self defense of said crimes, how is a grade school student supposed to defend him or herself from the misuse of these weapons? Do these kids not have the right to feel safe? Do you have another solution?

I disagree with this. I think now is the perfect time. It's way too easy to put this out of our minds during calm periods. This will happen again, and again. There is no perfect solution, or it would be obvious, but exactly how many people, especially children have to die before we put forth some serious measures to try to stop this. If people have to give up some freedoms to save children I personally am OK with that. I know not everyone agrees, and I respect their opinions. Maybe gun control is not the answer, but it just may be time to find out.

I'm not calling anyone out. Just trying to clear up what was said and by who. We have some very responsible gun enthusiast on this forum, and I'd be sad to see that hobby taken from them. Unfortunately there are many who are not responsible with their weapons. I do not have the answer, but I like the idea of secure gun clubs. There of coarse is no perfect solution that will please everyone. My heart goes out to those suffering from this latest tragedy.

While the "boobie cacoon" does not excite me, translating that into my world, and the booty cocoon, I can understand your desire to experience this. Fingers crossed for you Santa!

I completely agree. Again, completely agree. Except you called out Crappy when he sounds like he agrees, it was Catscratch that thought gun control wasn't the answer.

R.I.P.

Is that an old 235 straight six Mikey? What is it in?

Get 'em Santa! That started my day off right Wayne! Thanks for sharing. Fucking Scrooges!

He's just man. Just do what I do and picture them in their underwear. Oh wait, never mind, that doesn't really work that well for me.

Home made Guacamole and chips.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

R.I.P. Dave.

I'm just mad about saffron.