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07/04/22 12:32 PM

#6084

07/04/22 12:52 PM

#6085

Cheryl Corazzi (Essex)

Bill, if that video doesn't make you aware of what the United States mean, then you don't belong here. Please fellow alumni remember we are all in this together. Peace out!

07/04/22 04:28 PM

#6086

Marie Gaines (Harris)

WONDERFUL INFORMATION I DID NOT KNOW! THANKS FOR SHARING! GOD BLESS ALL THAT GAVE IT ALL FOR US! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

PEACE, PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS CONTINUE! AND, AGAIN, THANKS FOR SHARING!

07/05/22 04:26 PM

#6087

There have been some 308 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year. America has become the worldwide epicenter of such tragedies. How could that happen? Americans own far more firearms per capita than any other civilized country. Guns have become the number one killer of young people in the U.S.

Another heartbreaking massacre just occurred in Highland Park, IL. The shooter used an AR-15 type assault rifle to murder and maim innocent children and adults in a crowd gathered to watch a parade celebrating Independence Day. The perpetrator fired a large number of rounds in a relatively short period of time.

Politicians live in trepidation of passing any real-teeth laws for fear of losing their elected positions. Many place their own self-interests above serving the people and supporting public safety. The few brave and honest ones, do not. No one I know is proposing to take away your guns, or mine. Just stop the sale of attack rifles (define that as you may) designed for war as the next step. And start a buy-back program.

In a reverse of the 8 in 10 supporters of a 108 year-old-law in New York, the "supreme" court just ruled the state doos not have the right to regulate who may carry a concealed gun. We're going the wrong way.

Of course, no single piece of federal legislation will completely stop the mass shootings—everyone knows that. But cumulative laws might help.

07/05/22 04:54 PM

#6088

Willard Brownson

Dick,

When you can name one country in the entire world that has a military that uses A$15 rifles then you can call them a military weapon

07/05/22 06:17 PM

#6089

Marie Gaines (Harris)

STILL PRAYING FOR US ALL! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

07/05/22 10:01 PM

#6090

Marie Gaines (Harris)

GREAT INFORMATION! KEEP THEM COMING!

AND, GOD BLESS AMERICA

07/06/22 10:24 AM

#6091

Rowland Greenwade

Dick, I hope you can agree that whatever our Constitutional rights are --pick an amendment - 1, 2 4 5, 14 15, etc - do not rest on what a public opinion poll thinks. Whether it is our "right", or it is not...But, it is in black and white in the Constitution. If laws would stop such mindless killings, then look an the Ilionois or NY laws...most progressive the the country. These killings are AWEFUL!!! But, maybe even you can agree that guns don't kill people, other bad people do. Just as automobiles driven by drunk drivers, don't kill people, the drivers do! Keep safe in Montana with your opinions.

Best as always,

Rowland

07/06/22 01:03 PM

#6092

Dick, I agree with you that this was another senseless tragedy.

Rowland beat me to what I was going to say, people kill people, guns don't. IL has very strict gun laws, but Chicago still has some of the worst killing statistics.

We need to bring God back into schools and everyday life, parents who teach their children the value of life and hold them responsible for their actions.

Wishing you well from South Dakota.

Nelson

07/06/22 02:28 PM

#6093

These are a very few of the gun laws in the United States.

The laws are based on Federal, State, and local laws. The different states and local jurisdictions have their own laws and can pass new ones.

Making new laws doesn’t help if you don’t enforce the ones we have. Stop and frisk took tens of thousands of guns off the streets in major cities but isn’t done now even though over 20,000 people were killed by guns in 2021. More than two-thirds of the country's 40 most populous cities saw more homicides last year than in 2020, according to a CNN analysis of police department data.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives regulates the sale of all types of firearms, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, and machine guns. The agency issues license to dealers and conduct criminal background checks on buyers. To qualify for a license, a dealer must meet specific requirements set forth by the ATF. These include having premises where the business operates, keeping records, and reporting changes in ownership. The dealer must also pass inspections conducted by local police departments.

In addition, many states require dealers to register each weapon sold.

Who is not allowed to own a gun in the U.S.?

Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning a gun. However, under current law, felons may own guns if they have served their sentence and completed all terms of supervision. Felons must wait seven years after completing parole or release from prison, whichever comes first, before applying for a federal firearms license. A prisoner cannot legally possess a gun even after this waiting period unless he receives permission from his parole officer. This rule applies to both misdemeanants and non-violent offenders. Non-violent offenders may still be barred from possessing a gun if they have
been designated mentally defective.

Where is it illegal to own guns USA?

State and local governments regulate gun control. States determine what type of weapons can be owned and how much ammunition can be bought. Some areas ban specific weapons entirely. For example, California forbids people from carrying concealed weapons, except for retired law enforcement officers. Other places only allow citizens to carry unloaded firearms while hunting.

Local regulations on owning a gun

City and county governments have varying degrees of control over the ownership and possession of guns. Some cities prohibit the carrying of knives, clubs, or other dangerous objects outside of the home. Others only limit the size of ammunition magazines. Still, others ban the possession of loaded firearms in public parks. County ordinances vary widely. Most counties require residents to obtain permits before purchasing a gun. Others restrict sales to people 18 years or older. Some require
purchasers to undergo background checks.

Other restrictions

In addition to the above rules, certain types of firearms are restricted based on age and mental health status. Specific handguns cannot be sold to minors, adults too young to serve in the military, and those deemed unfit due to severe mental illness. Guns are also banned for those who suffer from several disorders, including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Persons suffering from depression are allowed to carry concealed weapons while receiving treatment.

07/06/22 02:35 PM

#6094

On a more serious note

07/06/22 06:48 PM

#6095

DICK I MOVED THIS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING LINK ON THE HOME PAGE.

AS ONE OF THE ADMIN OF THE SITE, AN READ OUR BACK AND FORTH

I THINK IT FITS BETTER IN THIS AREA

To go to this forum click on this link. Subjects up for controversial discussion!

07/06/22 07:04 PM

#6096

Bill--I don't see our discussions there. Why move them?

07/06/22 11:14 PM

#6097

People are literally living paycheck to paycheck and many of us have had to dip into our savings and retirement accounts just to be able to pay the bills.

What’s worse is that these democrats don’t give a shit.

In fact, while we peasants are struggling to keep our heads above water the democrats snuck a massive 21 percent increase in pay for themselves in one of their massive multi TRILLION dollar spending bills.

07/06/22 11:16 PM

#6098

DICK

We have added a new forum that is intended to be used by Members that WANT to participate in this kind of subject matter.

WARNING: LOOK at this forum if You get upset with other Members' comments. YOU CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE, DON'T make OFFENCE comments that you disagree with.

To go to this forum click on this link. Subjects up for controversial discussion!

07/06/22 11:40 PM

#6099

TEXAS declares this is a full-blown “invasion.”

What’s Happening:

The media has all but ignored it, but the border crisis continues to rage. So far, over 2 million border jumpers have crossed into the country.

Despite pleas from Texas Gov. Abbott, the Biden administration does nothing.

Now, the impact of this crisis is hurting communities all over the state. And one sheriff had to declare this is a full-blown “invasion.”

Kinney County, Texas, declared the “existence of an ‘invasion’” along the Texas border with Mexico. The declaration calls on Texas Governor Greg Abbott to also “acknowledge the existence of an invasion on our border with Mexico.” Five other counties spoke in support of Kinney County’s declaration…

The officials stated the county has been forced to “militarize our school campus with vehicle barriers to prevent high-speed chases from entering campus and injuring children.”

“As a Texan, this is not acceptable,” County Judge Tully Shahan wrote. “We will no longer allow the sovereignty of Texas to be invaded by those unwilling to obey our laws.”

The border crisis is only getting worse. Criminals, including smugglers and drug cartel members, are overrunning communities along the border.

It’s gotten so bad, that authorities had to erect barricades of a kind to prevent high-speed chases from running down children on school campuses.

Really, Joe? No concern for that?

Gov. Abbott had previously called on Biden and Harris to address this growing crisis. He said neither office responded.

Now a Kinney County sheriff is declaring this crisis an actual invasion and calling on the governor to do the same.

The county is relying on Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution and Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution.

If the state declares the border crisis an invasion, they might handle it very differently. They will consider border jumpers enemies that they can use force to repel.

It’s unclear what the governor will do or how this “invasion” will be addressed. Rest assured, though, that Biden will probably sue to overturn this declaration.

He refused to do anything when it was just a “border crisis.” He will certainly do little, even if it’s an “invasion.”

Key Takeaways:

The border crisis rages, with criminals and smugglers overrunning communities.
Kinney County sheriff declared the crisis an “invasion.”
He is calling on the Governor of Texas to do the same.

07/07/22 08:33 AM

#6100

Rowland Greenwade

Bill for once, I must agree with Dick. We did not get to be in our mid-later 70's if we did not get our feelings "hurt" occasionally. Speaking for myself, I think our members can take serious discussion when it happens. To Dick: With opinions such as yours, you probably NEED the 2nd Amendment rights for protection in Montana.

Best to All

Rowland

07/07/22 11:04 AM

#6101

Dick in July before the election you stated the following:

Hello Nova, Thanks for your comments. I don't beleive the debaters represent the majority of democrats and I'm not certain how many of those on stage would really support open borders or even actually grasp what that mistake would mean.

I guess the majority of democrats did want open borders

07/07/22 11:18 AM

#6102

Just keep posting Dick. If pepole don't like what you say. They can always just delete it.

07/07/22 11:58 AM

#6103

The AR-15 rifle
Posted Wednesday, July 6, 2022 06:34 PM from 3.145.191.191

DICK I THINK WE ARE SAYING THE SAME THING EXCEPT IN THE WORDING OF IT

The AR-15 rifle is America’s most popular civilian rifle. Recently, we’ve seen this fine piece of machinery come under fire from gun control groups across the country. Any responsible gun one will tell you this weapon gets a bad rap, and has in fact been available for civilian use for decades (minus the time period it was banned). Here’s a brief history of the now infamous AR-15.

The AR-15 was created by ArmaLite, a firearms engineering company founded in the early 1950’s. The “AR” simply stands for “ArmaLite Rifle” and was first built in 1959, primarily used by the United States armed forces.

Only a couple of years later, ArmaLite sold the design to Colt. And in 1963 Colt started selling the semi-automatic version of the rifle for civilian use. Though we classify this style of rifle as an “AR-15,” the name is a registered trademark of Colt. However, dozens of versions of the rifle are made under various names by a number of different manufacturers.

Civilian vs. Military

One thing that seems to get lost in the conversation about this weapon is the difference between semi-automatic AR’s for sale to civilians vs. a fully automatic version used by our armed forces. The rifles are almost identical in external appearance, so an average person that knows nothing about the AR believes the civilian rifle is the same rifle being brought onto the battlefield. The civilian rifle fires ONE round per squeeze of the trigger, whereas the military version allows multiple rounds to be fired per squeeze of the trigger. In addition, the hammer and trigger mechanisms are designed differently and the bolt carrier and internal lower receiver of semi-automatic versions are milled differently. Parts are not interchangeable.

The Ban

From 1994–2004, features such as collapsible stocks, flash suppressors, pistol grip, and bayonet lugs were prohibited for sales to civilians by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, including the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

Those AR-15s that were manufactured with the restricted features, as well as the accompanying full capacity magazines, were stamped “Restricted Military/Government/Law Enforcement/Export Only”. The restrictions only applied to guns manufactured after the ban took effect. It was legal to own, sell, or buy any gun built before 1994, so essentially anyone who wanted to obtain a pre-ban AR could do so. Hundreds of thousands of pre-ban ARs were sold during the ban as well as new guns redesigned to be legal.

The Assault Weapons Ban ended in 2004, lifting the ban on the restricted features.

07/06/22 04:29 PM

#6103 EDIT DELETE

Hello Willard,

Does this count? I did say AR-15 type assault rifle.

Dick

Here's an interesting article from the NRA explaining how many AR-15 were used at the beginning of the Vietnam War.

Remembering The Air Force General Who Helped Usher In The M16 Rifle

Gen. Curtis LeMay.

However, military history buffs and firearms enthusiasts can also point to another hallmark in LeMay’s long career: he’s the man responsible for bringing the AR-15 rifle to the U.S. military, which would go on to inspire the M16 rifle and change the face of military arms forever.

The AR-15, designed by engineer Eugene Stoner of ArmaLite, a division of California-based Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation, was a scaled-down version of Stoner’s initial AR-10, which used the larger 7.62x51 NATO (.308) cartridge. In the late 1950s, Stoner and ArmaLite executive George Sullivan submitted the .22-caliber AR-15 for rifle trials by the U.S. Army Infantry Board after impressing Army Gen. William Wyman.

Though the U.S. military had just adopted the M14 rifle as a replacement to the aging M1 Garands, Wyman’s curiosity was piqued, and he ordered 10 AR-15s and 100,000 rounds of ammo for testing in 1958. Despite mostly positive tests at Fort Benning, where the AR-15 proved to be almost three times as reliable as the M14 during development, Dr. Frederick Carten, an Army Ordnance Corps expert who was opposed to just about everything the AR-15 represented, failed to give the AR-15 a flattering review in his report, and the Ordnance Corps turned away from the innovative rifle. In February 1959, arms maker Colt bought the rights to the AR-15 and AR-10 from ArmaLite for $75,000 plus royalties on future production.

Enter General LeMay. As the famous story goes, the general was attending a Fourth of July celebration in 1960, and was approached by a salesman from Colt, looking to reintroduce the AR-15 as a viable service rifle. The salesman placed two watermelons on a shooting range – one at 50 and one 150 yards (LeMay colorfully opted to eat a third watermelon) – and handed an AR-15 and loaded magazines to LeMay. The general shot the rifle, and was instantly sold – he placed an order for 80,000 AR-15 rifles on the spot for the U.S. Air Force.

However, Congress stepped in and put the order on hold, citing the Army Ordnance Board’s denial of a re-trial of the improved AR-15 by new owner Colt. When a request came in to the Pentagon from Lackland Air Force Base to replace the old M2 carbines with AR-15s, Congress investigated the Ordnance Corps’ refusal to re-evaluate the rifle.

As a result, the Ordnance Corps agree to a new series of tests, completed in November of 1960. After firing nearly 25,000 rounds through three AR-15s, the results were favorable, performing well even in dust, extreme cold, rain and without lubrication. One rifle even produced a 10-round, 1.5-inch group at 100 yards, well within the six-inch requirement. The AR-15 outperformed the M14, and was approved for Air Force trials.

Even then, General LeMay had to apply three times before getting approval to order the rifles for the Air Force. His first attempt, an order of 8,500 rifles initially approved by the Deputy Defense Secretary, was shot down by Congress. The headstrong general took his case directly to President John F. Kennedy, who also failed to approve the order. It wasn’t until May 1962 that LeMay’s order was approved, and with tensions escalating in Southeast Asia, the military found the opportunity to put the new rifle to the test.

AR-15s were used in Vietnam, a move outside the normal procurement process. Reviews from users were favorable, with many preferring the AR-15 to all other service firearms. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara signed off on a purchase of 1,000 AR-15s in December 1961, and the rifle continued testing among South Vietnamese personnel during Project AGILE. The results were similarly enthusiastic.

However, the Ordnance Corps wasn’t done battling the adoption of the AR-15, reportedly rigging the Arctic tests of the AR-15 to ensure it failed. When Eugene Stoner got word of the dramatic failures of his creations, he flew to Fort Greeley, Alaska to investigate, and found the rifle seemingly deliberately tampered with to result in failure. After repairing each rifle, the tests resumed, and the rifles performed as designed.

Despite the attempted sabotage of the Arctic tests, General LeMay’s investment in the AR-15 was about to pay off. Secretary McNamara was also a fan of the AR-15 and identified the Ordnance Corps reluctance to perform fair tests and recommend adoption. In response, he stopped all new procurements of the M14 rifle and the following year, ordered the Corps to work with every branch of the military to adopt the AR-15 rifle as the standard service rifle of the entire U.S. military. The M16 was born. ...................(there is more)

What's The Difference Between An AR-15 & An M16?

The massacre at the Orlando nightclub Pulse has recharged the national spotlight on a semiautomatic weapon known as an AR-15, a gun very similar to the one used by the killer. The AR-15 was used in the Sandy Hook massacre, the Aurora theater massacre, and the San Bernardino massacre. What's the difference between the AR-15 and the M16, a military weapon? The AR-15 is basically the civilian counterpart to the M16.

Source: https://www.bustle.com/articles/167436-whats-the-difference-between-an-ar-15-an-m16-theyre-frighteningly-similar

The AK-47 and the M16 are two of the most widely used assault rifles in the world. Both gained popularity and fame for being the standard issue assault rifles used respectively by the Soviet and U.S. militaries during the Cold War. Their ubiquitous deployment today by military, police, security forces, revolutionaries, terrorists, criminals, and civilians alike make them the frequent subject of comparison. Source: https://www.diffen.com/difference/AK-47_vs_M16_Rifle

Is an AR-15 the same as an M16?

The AR-15 is basically the civilian counterpart to the M16. The AR-15 came first, in 1947; the M16 a decade later. They have the same magazine capacity: 30 rounds. The former is heavier, with a shorter range and slower rate of fire, but these are subtle differences.Jun 16, 2016

07/06/22 04:02 PM

#6102 EDIT DELETE

Debunking Myths About Gun Violence

SEE: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2022/debunking-myths-about-gun-violence

MYTH: Mass shootings, like the ones in Texas and Buffalo, are the result of mental health issues.

FACT: While motives in the Uvalde massacre are still unknown, “increasingly, we are seeing people who are frustrated, angry and hateful and using firearms take that out on a particular group,” Crifasi told MarketWatch.

But there’s a distinction between this and a diagnosable mental health issue. It’s also dangerous and irresponsible to link gun violence and mental health. For one thing, mental health issues are far more common than mass shootings: More than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives, according to the CDC.

Fixating on motives and the mental health of those who perpetuate violence distracts from more actionable approaches to reducing gun violence, Crifasi said.

shootings and fatalities, the study suggested.

MYTH: There are more gun deaths in the U.S. because America is a violent society.

FACT: “Most countries don’t have a problem with fatal mass shootings,” Webster told Fox News in LA. “Most countries do not have anywhere close to the rates of homicides that we do. It’s driven principally … because we have decided to make guns readily available to almost anyone, and our interests seem to be more in protecting those who sell weapons and want to own them as opposed to the broader public.”

MYTH: We don’t know what to do to curb gun violence.

FACT: Data collected by researchers about mass shootings show discernible patterns and opportunities for intervention. The data also suggest that many of the ways we’re currently trying to prevent gun violence are wrong—but the good news is that we now have evidence-backed solutions to do better. ( Gun Policies That Save Lives; https://magazine.jhsph.edu/2021/gun-policies-save-lives )

MYTH: More guns in more places will make us safer.

FACT: “If firearms everywhere made us safer … we would be the safest place in the world,” Crifasi said in an episode of Public Health On Call.

“We have more guns than people in this country, yet we are the only country that continues to experience exceptionally high rates of firearm homicide and fatal mass shootings occurring with regularity.”

Comment: This strikes me as an ongoing debate amoung honorable, good people who happen to disagree about a very serious issue. All is well.

07/06/22 03:44 PM

#6101 EDIT DELETE

Hello Bill,

I wonder what your source might be.

I found this--it lists U.S., France, Finland and Switzerland but the graph may not show up in this mnessage. These 3 countries are far behind the US in mass shooting accordig to these data. Defiemass shoooting according to the author.

Over 70% of mass shootings in developed countries happen in the US, international analysis shows

by Taylor & Francis Group June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022 – Mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all 139 incidents occurring in developed countries between 1998 to 2019. During this time, 62% of all 1,318 fatalities from the attacks also happened in the states.

These are the findings of a shocking new study, published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice.

It shows some 101 attacks occurred in the US during this period, leading to 816 deaths.
In comparison, France had the next highest number of mass shootings, with eight; and these lead to 179 deaths.
Half of the 36 developed countries studied have not had a single mass shooting in the last 22 years, and only five had more than two incidents. In stark contrast, the US has a mass shooting every single year – it is the only country to do so.

The research has been carried out by a leading expert on such confrontations, Assistant Professor, Dr Jason R Silva, from William Paterson University, who has analyzed the differences in characteristics between US mass shootings and all other countries – with mass shootings being classified here as “a public incident involving four or more fatalities, with at least some victims chosen indiscriminately”.

Emerging patterns show:

91% of perpetrators were born in the country they attacked
99% were male
One-third had military experience
7% had a history of law enforcement experience

The study is calling on further research to help inform policy on the issue. And Dr Silva, based at the University’s Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, says it is important to learn lessons from incidents for future approaches.

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07/07/22 01:00 PM

#6104

Rowland Greenwade

Bill, damn, I take back eveything I posted. We do not have to debate the future of the nation/world on RHS's site. Let's just agree to disagree and "sometimes" infer that of our classmates' opinions come from a cookoo clock...what/whicher they may be!

While I pointed out that we are 70+ people, I know we cannot "just get along", although we should. May the last man/woman stand at our funerals. I am who I am from where I came from. I would like to think, probably wrong, that this was Roswell, you guys, and RHS.

For those who might think I am a life long R, I would remind anyone who was in Mr. French's 10th grade History class that I was the "floor leader" for JFK in our presidential debates. We won, Nixon lost!

Biden ran an a "uniter." Are you more united today? Don't think so.

Please take these dicussions back to the "dark side."

Again, Bill, thanks for all your do. Humbly, I was wrong. Always listen to the First Seageant:

Rowland

07/07/22 05:41 PM

#6105

Marie Gaines (Harris)

JUST KEEP THE POSTS AND COMMENTS COMING!! LOVE THEM, AND LOVE YOU ALL!

AND, GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

07/07/22 06:21 PM

#6106

Wow! Didn't realize there was such a heated discussion going on within this site regarding firearms. In fact, I immediately went and opened my locked vault where all of my firearms are located. I invested in a vault door to protect entry into my 18ft. long room 3ft. wide completely constructed of concrete room. Why, to protect my property from theives! Lol You know, people who don't obey laws. Low and behold all my firearms were in the exact place I left them the last time I handled them. Not one got out and injured a soul. I was so worried, reading some of these remarks, about how guns are responsible for injuring and killing americans. I can attest that not one of my firearms has ever injured anyone and guess what, not any of my fellow sportsmen who hunt, shoot targets, load their own ammo and just enjoy the shooting sports has had their guns jump from their possession to harm anyone. Add them up and you will find that those folks number in the millions! You see, one item that is never discussed is the fact that all 50 states have felony laws against murder! Yet the discussion is always about guns if that was used in the murder. The bad guys don't care about laws! Any law that is passed just ends up affecting the law abiding american. Peace to you all. Have a great summer.

07/07/22 09:46 PM

#6107

THIS IS ONE REASON I STARTED THIS LINK ON THE HOME PAGE,

To go to this forum click on this link. Subjects up for controversial discussion!

EVERYONE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE WITH EACH OTHER AN STILL GET ALONG.

07/07/22 10:23 PM

#6108

Marie Gaines (Harris)

KEEP THE POSTS COMING! LOVE HEARING FROM ALL SIDES!

AND, I AM ACTUALLY LEARNING SOME THINGS!

ANYWAY, KEEP THEM COMING!

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