If At First, You Don't Succeed...
...You're doing about AVERAGE.
My Dad used to tell me that, and Lord knows who said it first (probably a guy named Murphy, who was known for writing LAWS).
We've been on the topic of success and failure this week, and there is just no getting around the fact that most every facet in our lives depends on whether or not we succeed or fail.
Problem is, too many people become dependent upon our government to DO things for them, and, as a result, have sealed their fate as far as FAILURE goes.
Welcome to Entitlement Town, U.S.A.
(where the STATE runs your life, and you're too dumb to realize it)
Now, with that said, let's move along and see how OTHERS fared in the pursuit for personal "success", shall we?
(because we know that all you readers HERE are NOT dumb in ANY way,shape, or form...and learn from any failure thereby challenging yourselves to pursue success instead)
** There was a letter to the editor in today's paper that caught my eye:
(( There’s no place for death penalty in a civilized society
Ohio is the latest state to institute a moratorium on executions, this time because of an execution attempt last month that didn’t work. The decision not to execute the next two inmates scheduled to receive the death penalty is right and again demonstrates the futility and randomness of the death penalty.
While Illinois previously placed a temporary halt to executions because of questions regarding the penalty’s fairness and quality of defense representation, Ohio’s short moratorium was because of its inability to kill the last inmate facing execution.
Technicians working at the state prison were unable to inject that inmate with the lethal dose of drugs. Though Gov. Ted Strickland called off an execution scheduled for today, he did so only after a federal court ordered a delay.
Still, Ohio’s attorney general is fighting the federal order, and the moratorium is in place only until the state develops a backup plan to kill prisoners when the injection doesn’t work.
It is ironic that states struggle with a "humane" way to execute prisoners. Hanging was once the preferred method, before use of the electric chair gained favor, only to give way to lethal injections. Any killing by the state should be prohibited in a civilized society – particularly one where so many factors other than guilt or innocence weigh into the death penalty.))
Now the TITLE of this letter just BEGS to be taken apart at the seams, doesn't it?
So, let's do it.
No place for the DEATH PENALTY in a "civilized" society, hmm?
How about there is NO PLACE FOR CRIME OR CRIMINALS in that same CIVILIZED society. How's THAT work for you?
I mean, how many "civilized" people deal drugs, rape women, shoot innocent people, and take from others what is clearly not theirs?
If by "civilized", you mean they LIVE within a society that plays by the rules, and is law-abiding...I can give you that one.
But that's as far out on that limb as I will go.
When people commit reprehensible acts upon their fellow man, it doesn't matter HOW civilized that society is, the criminal is NOT civilized one damn bit. And just because the criminal can "pose" as a civilized being, does not infer that they truly ARE civilized. For if they WERE, they would not commit crimes against their fellow man...would they?
If we were so damn "civilized", we'd HELP a boy being beaten on a Chicago street, instead of using our cellphone to video the beating, wouldn't we?
Many times, people feign CIVILIZED behavior to fit whatever venue they need it to fit. They turn it on and off light a damn light switch.
So that point is relatively moot to me.
Next, if were to "permit" such criminal behavior to go unchecked, this "civilized" society of ours would quickly devolve into anarchy and chaos. Don't believe me? Take a look around DETROIT. Parts of it look like some damn 3rd world country...certainly NOT all that civilized, right?
That is why we, as a civilized society enact LAWS...for the LAW-LESS.
That is why we hire LAW-ENFORCEMENT officers...to make sure that the LAWS are not broken.
The writer of this (above) letter unquestionably has a severe case of CRANIAL-RECTAL INVERSION.
What are we to DO with such people when the law fails to deter them?
In the most heinous cases, we put them to DEATH.
(and out of OUR misery)
Seems justifiable, especially to the victim and their family.
And it helps our civilized society to remain a bit more civilized.
When you have a malignant part of the body...you EXCISE it. To ignore it, would cause death.
Now, take that analogy to the societal level.
Instead of moratoriums, we should be scaling UP the number of executions...send a REAL message.
(and create much-needed jail space along the way...a real win-win)
We already have way too any people, chilling their asses on "death-row"...for DECADES, when what we NEED to do is pull the switch and stop the drain on an already stressed penal system.
I never knew that a DEATH sentence meant death by OLD AGE....that didn't seem to be in the mix.
Hell, most of us are ALREADY facing that "sentence", just by being ALIVE.
Everyone passes on...some sooner than others, but that's by DESIGN, and not due to the fact that we caused harm or death to another individual. We're not facing that lethal injection (although some would argue the Swine Flu vaccine thing).
Now, we could argue that the penal system really doesn't rehab these criminals, and in some cases, you're right.
Some folks ARE totally irredeemable.
So, what would a CIVILIZED society do?
Well, how about offing the perps?
As long as you allow CRIME, you will be allowing the CRIMINAL...(talk about a "DUH" moment, huh?)
Take the criminal OUT of the equation, and it makes handling CRIME a helluva lot EASIER, don'cha think?
Just a thought...
** And along that line of reasoning...
The FWPD's been busy closing down some drug houses around the city,and have arrested a teen at South Side High School for fighting in the hallway at 1030 hours, when the little thug should have been in class...(well, maybe he doesn't "HAVE any class"...yeah, that explains a LOT, doesn't it?) Well, this teen's ass got a free ride to the "Juvvie Jail".
Another student at Elmhurst High School was caught with TWO guns in his car on school grounds. He has been accused of firearms violation, pointing a firearm and being a dumbass. (okay, the last one I made up, but there SHOULD be a law against "Dumbassery" - from Bob's Lexicon)
** Lastly, a NY state sting operation (by the F.B.I.) at gun shows around the state netted some birds that were caught selling to people (u/c agents) who claimed they probably would NOT pass a background check. The sellers (accused) said: "That's not a problem...just gimme $500, and the gun's yours".
Now THIS is the kind of issue I can get behind.
We do NOT need the WRONG people getting guns.
Hell, on page 4 of the "instruction manual" that accompanied my Taurus PT 145 auto pistol, it clearly states:
DANGER - This product is NOT intended for use by CRIMINALS, or use in the commission of CRIMES, or for any other wrongful purpose. Such uses constitute a MISUSE of the product, and have a high likelihood of serious bodily injury or death for the CRIMINAL, the WRONGDOER, law-enforcement officers, and/or innocent bystanders.
I am NOT making this sh*t UP...check for yourselves at any gun dealer!
Those of you that already own a firearm can bear me out on this one, too.
Personally, I wouldn't mind having background checks at gun shows. The technology exists, so what the hell is the problem?
If you're not one of the BAD guys, it should be fine and dandy to get a gun...ANY gun you can purchase.
But, if you're trying to fly under the radar when it comes to your "past", then I would suggest you go elsewhere, or simply not go anywhere at all. You don't "need" a gun.
But I certainly DO, and will show you, first-hand should "YOU" ever come to my place looking for a gun.
I WILL give you one...bullets FIRST.
But that's just *me*...I'm a TRADITIONALIST...lol!
So there you are...all the news you need to get your morning started by having you get incensed, irate, and other wised PO'ed.
Who says that I don't perform a much-needed service for my fellow Americans, hmm?
(so much for nation Blood Pressure Week, eh?)
I'm just one person...trying my damnedest to remain "civilized"...in uncivil times
Then again...aren't we ALL?
Stay safe out there, America.