Uechi-Ryu.com

Andrew said: " but the point that I focus on is how we fear too much."

Who is we? No fear here in Virginia.

The issue with the first grader is the mother who left her son with a crack head in a crack house with a loaded and unsecured handgun.

Rich

Maybe a good word to substitute for fear is insecurity. From my experiences of growing up overseas, I got the impression that we (meaning folks in the U.S.) are very insecure. Just the other day, I was chastized by a friend because I allowed my 10-year-old son go to the restroom by himself in a public place.

Also, when my son was in the first grade and lived less than half a mile from school, I allowed him to walk by himself (there were no busy streets or traffic lights). His teacher and a principal call me in for a meeting and told me that I shouldn't let him walk to school by himself. Come on! We live in Kansas. Do I really have to be that insecure?

Finally, I have a nut down the street who has five locks on his front door and a security system. He also has an arsenal. Holy smokes! My initial thought is he must be very rich but the dude spent so much on his insecurity that he can't even afford a DVD player.

Just my two cents. -Andrew

Andrew Evans wrote:Do I really have to be that insecure?

Nope... You don't have to do anything to protect or defend your family. Your choice. From the same position, I could wonder why anyone where you live would study martial arts... I mean... You live in Kansas, fercryinoutloud.

Finally, I have a nut down the street who has five locks on his front door and a security system. He also has an arsenal. Holy smokes! My initial thought is he must be very rich but the dude spent so much on his insecurity that he can't even afford a DVD player.

First of all, what evidence do you have that he is a "nut". Is there some mental health diagnosis to which you are alluding? If this is true, then Federal law prohibits his owning firearms. How many locks does one have to place on their doors to become a "nut"? Is one too many? How about two? I know lots of people that have two. Is three pushing it towards the abyss of being a "nut" by your definition? I know quite a number of rural folks that have three locks on their doors. The break must be at four... Is it four? Please tell me why two is OK, but four or five make someone a "nut"? Has this "nut down the street" ever been broken into before? Do you know for sure whether they have or not? Perhaps it didn't happen there, but someplace they lived before they could afford to move to the utopia of Kansas.

And secondly, what constitutes an "arsenal" to you? Are you making the common error perpetrated by the mainstream media of calling an armory (a supply of arms for defense or attack) an arsenal (an establishment for the manufacture of arms and military equipment). Please give us your expert definition of "arsenal". How many firearms does someone have to own before they have an "arsenal" in your opinion. Is one enough to be an "arsenal"? How about two? Can I have three without being an "arsenal" by your definition? (Most gun owners I know have at least three... a rifle, shotgun, and handgun) It must be that magic number four again... Does four turn someone's house into an evil "arsenal" by your definition? Does that mean that having multiple rifles for different purposes, multiple shotguns for different purposes and multiple handguns for different purposes is right out in your opinion? It appears that anyone with that many must have an "arsenal" by your definition! It also seems that also qualifies someone as a "nut"! Wow... You're a mental health genius.

Thirdly, you claim that because of this person's "insecurity" they spent all of their money on a home security system, extra locks for their home, and firearms... leaving no money for a DVD player. I read that and think that this "nut down the street" is a good, responsible, caring person who has obviously put his family's safety above mere creature comforts. He (or she) has obviously taken the safety, well-being, and protection of their family very seriously and taken whatever measures they have felt necessary to insure their family's safety, well-being, and protection. If someone (perhaps you, perhaps someone else) were to neglect their own family's safety simply to save a little money for some completely unnecessary entertainment item, I'd have to seriously question the sanity of that decision for the sake of the safety of the loved ones and innocents involved!

Finally, I have a DVD player. Most of the crap that can be played on one is... well... hollywierd CRAP. Hindsight being perfect, the money would have been much better spent and much better used to buy ammunition rather than support the anti-American hollywierd types. Instead, it's used for us to play our own homemade DVDs from our own video camera, for our own memories. It rarely supports anyone from hollywierd. (Tom Selleck's movies are played from time to time... )

Just my two cents. -Andrew

That and a buck will buy you a cup of coffee...

Hey wait a minute Panther! I was just kidding about Kansas being that safe plus we are not all that rural. Actually, we are pretty hip out here. Just last Saturday, Toby Keith had a concert in Manhattan. That’s the Little Apple to someone from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Yeah, I admit
one had to drive 60 miles from my neck of the woods to see Mr. Keith but hey, I-70 is a lot less congested than a lot of roads back east. As for coffee, the closest Starbucks is only 30 miles in Lawrence.

Now I admit that I might be a little hash on the person down the street but everyday that the weather’s nice it seems as if he’s outside cleaning one of his guns. Please tell me, do folks in the Commonwealth sit on their front porch cleaning their guns? It’s rare out here but when someone starts doing it, it’s time for the kids to come inside.

Maybe it’s time for us to admit that folks on the right are as insecure as the folks on the left. You know the ones who think we should wear respirators to protect us from pollution plus want us to wear helmets while we drive. If you think the behavior and actions of the person down the street are justified, I’m sure you'll also think it’s okay for someone to protect themselves from pollution and car accidents. What’s the difference? Well, one can claim that car accidents are more likely to occur than gun shootings (just don't tell Michael Moore this). Next I suppose we'll have someone saying that wearing tinfoil to protect yourself from radio waves is okay.

Thanks for calling me a genius. However, my use of the word "nuts" is not at all a medical diagnosis. It merely states my opinion (and opinion is a valid defense for libel).

You called Hollywood "Hollyweird." Please don’t make such a superficial remark without telling us what makes it so weird. Does all the violence in the movies bother you? The consumerism and consumption that it encourages? How about the fact that all of the heads of major studios are white balding heterosexual males? I hope you are not that liberal but if you are, I still appreciate your opinion.

As for Tom Selleck movies, you have go to be kidding! His best work was Magnum P.I. Besides, you should go with a real hero like the Governator. Arnold rules!!

Finally, two cents "and a buck will buy you a cup of coffee." Where? I always thought the Commonwealth had a higher cost of living. My closest Starbucks is a lot more expensive. I usually have to take out a loan to drink there...

Andrew said: "Please tell me, do folks in the Commonwealth sit on their front porch cleaning their guns?"

I do here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The solvents can be pretty overwhelming when done inside. Plus, my porch faces south and is a comfortable place to carry out this activity in the fall, winter and spring.

The neighborhood I live in is upscale, but as in most of Virginia, guns are not viewed as 'evil'. Generally, my weapons cleaning will draw a neighbor or two who are interested in what I am doing. Little by little, just about everyone I know has gone to the range with me for basic training in firearms use and safety. The youngest person that has joined me is 10. Younger than that must wait.

Rich

Wow Rich! You brought up a good point. If an ex-Marine who obviously had lots of training did the same thing, I would respect those actions. My example is bad as the person I am referring to is not a model citizen and does a lot of crazy things.

As for the solvents, I agree that the fumes are overwhelming but I prefer to clean my guns in the garage.

Andrew

Andrew Evans wrote:If an ex-Marine who obviously had lots of training did the same thing, I would respect those actions.

Reading this leads one to believe that you believe the action in question (clean one's guns on one's own front porch) is acceptable if that person was military or ex-military. Does that also extend to all government agents? Does it extend to anyone who has "had lots of training"?

My example is bad as the person I am referring to is not a model citizen and does a lot of crazy things.

I know people who think that practicing a martial art is a "crazy thing". They've wondered why anyone would voluntarily place themselves in a situation where someone else is allowed to beat up on them. (Like it or not, that is the atmosphere in far too many dojo, so it's no wonder they have that impression and stereotype.)

What actions prevent this person you have called a "nut" and stated they've done "a lot of crazy things" from being a "model citizen"? Can you give us some examples of what these "crazy things" are that have been done? Can you tell us what makes a "model citizen"?

As for the solvents, I agree that the fumes are overwhelming but I prefer to clean my guns in the garage.

This leads us to believe that you are a gun owner. If so, do you own long arms, handguns or both? (How close are you to "having an arsenal"? (You never did answer the question of how many guns it takes to meet your definition of an arsenal... )

If you own handguns and wish to carry in the State of Kansas, you must carry openly... Kansas is one of the remaining states that has no concealed carry licensing or provisions. In fact, concealed carry in Kansas is a no-no. Carrying openly in Kansas, while allowed, has the consequence of allowing hoplophobes to call the local constabulary and have you detained and checked out. Carry in you car must be in "plain view" and people have been charged with unlawful concealed carry for having a handgun on the seat of their car. (Wichita) A CCW bill is either ready to be passed by the Kansas legislature or already has been passed... regardless the anti-gun Governor has vowed to veto any such bill. (She only supports CCW for retired police or retired government employees... nothing like creating a two-tiered class system... )

Anyway, You should know that in States that have CCW laws, there are a whole host of things that potential gun-owners must do before becoming licensed. Federal Background checks, photo/fingerprints for the database, safety courses, etc... If this "nut" who's done "a lot of crazy things" has ever done anything illegal, has a mental health commitment history, or hasn't had safety training, those things would have prevented them owning firearms. Perhaps, even though there isn't any CCW provisions, purchasing and having a firearm in Kansas is somehow easier than other places. Even still... to purchase within the last few years, the person would have had to go through the National Instant Check System, that checks nationwide criminal databases, prior to any purchase.

Panther wrote:What actions prevent this person you have called a "nut" and stated they've done "a lot of crazy things" from being a "model citizen"

Please cease your constant reminder of me calling someone a nut. Your obsession with NUTS is making me homophobic.

This leads us to believe that you are a gun owner. If so, do you own long arms, handguns or both?

I'm kind of old school in the way that we keep our gun ownership private. Just like any other treasures, we don't go flauting them around. Sorry but it's none of your business.

She only supports CCW for retired police or retired government employees.

Is this true? Where did you find this? It doesn't make sense to me either.

Andrew Evans wrote:Please cease your constant reminder of me calling someone a nut. Your obsession with NUTS is making me homophobic.

You started out by calling someone "nuts" and then proceeded to state that person had done a "lot of crazy things". Those are judgements you've made. I want to know why you made them. If you're going to make such statements, be able to back them up. I hope that IJ hasn't read your comment about becoming homophobic... there's enough of that debate in other threads. Keeping with this thread and your comment about homophobia, the Pink Pistols are an excellent organization. You don't have to be either homosexual OR a gun owner, you just have to support the Rights of those two groups. Wanna see my membership card?

I'm kind of old school in the way that we keep our gun ownership private. Just like any other treasures, we don't go flauting them around. Sorry but it's none of your business.

You made it our business when you misused firearms terms, then called someone names for owning more firearms than you evidently felt they should, then made a statement about your preference for cleaning firearms. If you have the knowledge, let us know... if you don't, either get it or shut up. YOU made it our business with your comments. If you don't have the knowledge... fine, but admit it. If you DO have the knowledge, then show it! I don't go around "flaunting" my "treasures" , but I can show that I know what I'm talking about or at the very least give sources and cites to back up my beliefs/opinions. I ask no more or less from anyone else, I've even stated such in the rules that accompany this forum.

Is this true? Where did you find this? It doesn't make sense to me either.

Yes, it is true. The information and documentation is readily available with a little research. There are quite a number of very good resources, even on the internet, that can help in this research.

I apologize to any members of the GLBT community reading my previous posting. My statement above is in jest plus it's a HINT as to who the person is.

I admit I was avoiding the question. However, the person I have in mind happens to be a lawyer and loves to sue people. Worse yet, he will probably picket my church if he came across this thread. I'm sure this person has even visited your state on several occasions. Anyone knowledgeable in issues affecting the GLBT community probably can guess who he is.

Panther, so what if I misused gun terms. I suppose you are going to offer to show me your degree in English along with your membership cards. Are you going to be nit picky or can we move on?

I really would like to know what you have against Hollywood. But more importantly, don't you agree that the Governator has better movies than Tom Selleck?

Andrew Evans wrote:Panther, so what if I misused gun terms. I suppose you are going to offer to show me your degree in English along with your membership cards. Are you going to be nit picky or can we move on?

This has nothing to do with having a degree in English. Your response has again avoided the issue and tried to redirect the issue. What this has to do with is your first making derogatory comments against someone for being a gun-owner without backing up those comments, then stating essentially that gun Rights are really non-issue for you, then later claiming indirectly to be a member of the group of people who are gun-owners, and finally getting asked to give some information to backup your statements, claims and positions.

I don't mind moving on, but I won't until you start backing-up these statements.

I really would like to know what you have against Hollywood. But more importantly, don't you agree that the Governator has better movies than Tom Selleck?

Hollywood is out of touch with reality. Sure, fantasy is their business, but Hollywood is generally run by radical left-wing Communists who are using their medium to push the propaganda of their political agenda. There are a very few who go against that grain, but they are a very small percentage.

Ahnold is entertaining, nothing more. I don't support things from Hollywood that go against my values and beliefs. Tom Selleck believes in freedom, liberty and Rights... and doesn't stand for special treatment for Hollywood and other "elites". I support him, because he supports my beliefs. I boycott others because they are traitors to this Nation, the Constitution, and everything I believe in.

I was making comments about a certain person based on many factors. The focus was on insecurity and not on gun ownership. Derogatory comments? Not at all. Just my opinion. Besides being called a nut is better than being called "radical left-wing Communists."

Let me answer questions you might have. Yes, I am a gun owner. Yes, I have more than one. Yes, I use to be an NRA member. Yes, I believe semi-automatics are okay for hunting. Yes, I have shoot small game. No, I have never shot a deer, elk, bear, etc. Do I think it's okay to shoot Bambi? Two words- Wildlife Management.

As for me saying "that gun Rights are really non-issue," I don't recall saying that. I was turned-off by your nit pickyness about what you perceive about my mix up of arsenal and armory. According to my Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, an arsenal for making or STORING weapons.

How many is too much? It depends. You're right as to what the person experienced. If someone had a gun pointed at them, it probably makes sense for them to own a gun in every room of the house. I concede that point! But I still think the particular person I was referring to is still a nut. That is just my two cents! You pointed out that two cents "and a buck will buy you a cup of coffee." If you really want, I'll be more than happy to mail you $1.02.

Now that I provided more answers and even offered to buy you a cup of coffee, can we get back to Hollywood and what you can the radical left-wing Communists? Isn't this section somewhat related to the movie industry?

Come on, are they really radical left-wing Communists? I can see you calling Moore that and Jane Fonda but who else? Please provide facts and links.

By the way, Arnold is more than an entertainer! He has done a lot for martial arts and bodybuilding. See http://www.wuma.com/aboc.html and http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuildi ... s_tip.html
He served on the Presidential Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for Pres Bush the first. See http://www.joinarnold.com/en/leadership ... ouncil.php Heck, I even have a certificate sign by him.

Andrew,

If you come to Massachusetts or I ever get to Kansas, I'd be happy to have you buy me a cup of coffee... However, I insist on buying the "herbal tea".

Arnold is OK.

I could and would respond to who else in Hollywood is ultra-left-wing (probably just to the left of Stalin ), but I'd spend days writing the list and then they'd get upset because it would be such a large post it may crash the server!

Cher
Rosie O'Donnell
Martin Sheen
Barbra Streisand
James Brolin
Chris Rock
Woody Harrelson
Baldwin Brothers (basically take your pick)
Woody Allen
Ethan Hawke
Natale Maines
Johnny Depp
Tom Cruise
Nicole Kidman
Sean Penn
Warren Beatty
Ed Asner
Susan Sarandon
Sarah Jessica Parker
Richard Lewis

This could go on forever...

In fact, the infamous McCarthy era that has been twisted so people believe that these anti-American villians are seen as "victims" and now get apologies, was RIGHT! The communist infiltration was confirmed by Russian documents after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Communism had infiltrated Hollywood by the 1930s. Director Elia Kazan managed to get out of the party by 1936, but Kazan got enough of a taste to realize that " 'to be a member of the Communist Party is to have a taste of a police state.'" As Kazan reported to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1952, " 'They attempted to control thought and to suppress personal opinion. They tried to dictate personal conduct.'" Kazan's testimony earned him the title of traitor among the Hollywood elite.

Although Hollywood has made movies about the horrific McCarthy days, we shouldn't hold our breath waiting for a movie about Hollywood's involvement in the Communist Party in the first half of the 20th Century and they certainly won't willingly allow a movie to be made and released that documents the current crop of ultra-left-wing political views that permeate the industry.

The most pivotal decade in the formation of celebrity liberalism was the sixties. Fear of being blacklisted had kept celebrities quiet on political issues in the fifties, but things began to relax. This is evident in the movies of the decade. Movies started to explore topics of racism while stereotyping white men, mocking religion, mocking the competency of the military, and glorifying crime. According to James Hirsen (who has extensively researched and documented this in his book), "organizations on the far left … looked at the sixties as key to their efforts to bring down the establishment." Hollywood also gained a new ally: the rock star.

The contempt toward America has only deepened since then. Celebrities continue to dine with dictators, protest our nation's war efforts, tell us what to wear, what to drive, and insist that we don't pay enough taxes.

The formation of Hollywood politics has created a hostile atmosphere toward those with alternative viewpoints. If you want to know why celebrities are generally liberal it is because it is the liberals who have the power and it is the liberals who do the hiring and the firing. If you want a recipe for unemployment in Hollywood, start by supporting gun rights, businesses, limited government, lower taxes, and the unborn. Soon everyone will know you for the evil, war-mongering, money-loving, animal-torturing, homophobe racist that you are. Celebrities promise to be inclusive of all opinions and ideas except one: conservatism.

And in the immortal words of Ann Coulter,
"Liberals can't just come out and say they want to take more of our money, kill babies, and discriminate on the basis of race."

Well, I’ll be in Boston this summer. Are you close to there? It will be my first time there as an adult. And yes! Herbal tea is also my warm beverage of choice.

Is it possible you actually think folks to the left of Reagan (instead of Stalin) are radical communists? I believe a good portion of these Hollywood folks isn’t as far to the left as you would think. I do not believe there’s a left-wing conspiracy. Now, I’m sure many of the "cultural elite" are socially liberal. This is obvious based on their wild lifestyles of drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll.

However, I can’t really picture a rich person being fiscally liberal and wanting to be taxed. Why would Michael Eisner, the head of Disney, allow for sweatshops instead of good ol’ high paid American workers? See http://www.nlcnet.org/campaigns/shahmakhdum/truth.shtml Something tells me that he and the other overpaid Hollywood leaders are only interested in making money. I seriously doubt that they really want to share the wealth.

Most of those folks on your list are millionaires. I honestly find it hard to believe that a communist can also be a millionaire. Heck, I’m sure if any of those folks on your list had lines of clothing, chances are it is made by extremely low paid workers. Yes, you can buy a real sweatshirt made with real sweat on it. By the way, I am saying this while wearing LL Bean clothing made in the U.S. of A!

As for content, I’m able to find all sorts of media. Mocking the competency of the military? Don’t just focus on MASH. There are good flicks out there. I recently watched “When We Were Soldiers” with my disable veteran father who served with the First Cavalry in the Battle of Ia Drang. That movie touched both of us.