07 January 2016

Thoughts For Thursday...
It's another nice day staring us in the face out here in the Midwest.
Still on the cold side, but after a few days of it, you start to get "used" to it, and it doesn't feel AS bad  as it should. It does seem a bit easier to keep warm than stay cool though, right?
Our Hooiserland weather will have us with some clouds moving in later on, so not as much sun as yesterday, and temperatures will top out around 40 degrees. A little milder than usual.
I can deal with that.
So, let's get that morning drink poured and sitting at-the-ready, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First off of the tabletop is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.' "
This was spoken by that literary great, ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON (6 Aug 1809 - 6 Oct 1892), and he was poet laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during most of Queen Victoria's reign.
And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred,_Lord_Tennyson
Now, if you're familiar with Charge of the Light Brigade, Idylls of the King, or the "other" Ulysses, you've heard of Tennyson.
He is the 9th MOST quoted writer in Oxford's Dictionary of Quotations.
He was born to a middle-class family, but with a royal ancestry. He started writing poetry in his teens along with two of his elder brothers.
He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, but left short of a degree when his father passed away.
In 1829, he was awarded the Chancellor's Gold Medal for one of his first pieces entitled "Timbuktu".
In 1830, Tennyson published his first collection of poems (Poems Chiefly Lyrical), and in 1833 published his second book which included his well-known poem "The Lady of Shalott".
He published two more volumes of poetry in 1842, with poems such as "Locksley Hall", and "Ulysses" having enduring fame.
During the peak of his fame, he was appointed poet laureate (1850) after WIlliam Wordsworth's death.
In 1855, he penned "Charge of the Light Brigade", one his his best-known works, a tribute to British cavalrymen during the Crimean War.
It's a good read and allows you insight to this marvelous poet (and person).
*** Next up, is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
January 7 -
--- Today is NATIONAL BOBBLEHEAD DAY
(Naturally, they have a MUSEUM for that now.)
---And, it's NATIONAL TEMPURA DAY
(Shrimp tempura - a personal favorite of mine)
*** Next up, We have an ID to the FIRST homicide victim of 2016.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Victim-in-city-s-1st--homicide-is-ID-d-10800379
Now, if you want more back-story, check my archive posts from 12 February and 13 February 2014, and you find out where this all began (along Decatur Rd near Tamara Gardens).
He be dead.
Our first inductee into the 2016 DEADPOOL is Deandrew Jamarcus Moore, who survived that Decatur Rd shooting two years ago.
This time someone got "up close and personal", and took him out...permanently.
February 2014 - Decatur Rd.
February 2014 - Nice park job
As could be expected, Moore had a lengthy rap sheet (that I included back in my 13 Feb 2014 post).
He be jailed.
Now, the shooter in the 2014 incident, one Trameil Jackson (ID'ed as a local gang member) was arrested and is serving a nice LONG sentence.
Jackson was the brother of that ambulance shooter (also back in 2014).
See...it's not that hard to put the pieces of this puzzle together, is it?
And HOW did Chief Hamilton's (new) "Gang Unit" NOT keep Moore on their radar?
This perp was a career criminal, for God's sake.
Slipped through the old fingers, Chief?
Moving on...
*** It's nice to make the RIGHT call on certain crimes, like when I said back on 1 January that the man who was initially charged with aggravated assault in the beating death of another man (with a microwave) in a motel SHOULD be charged with MURDER.
He be charged wif murder
Well, he HAS been charged with murder, and here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Charge-of-murder-for-slaying-at-local-motel-10800336
It's not that hard to "get it right" when dealing with THESE types of perps. What IS hard is waiting for those who SHOULD be getting it right from the jump to make the same call YOU did days before.
*** Next up, I have a new "hero" in local politics, and he can be found at the Indiana Statehouse.
Here's the story that gives you the reason WHY I feel this way:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Bill-would-abandon-gun-licenses-10782504
State representative Jim Lucas has introduced legislation  (House Bill 1056) to ELIMINATE THE LICENSE TO CARRY A FIREARM AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Lucas said seven states have abandoned licensing, noting that: "laws don't affect criminals, who, by nature, break laws." 
Now that kinda sums it all up nicely, right?
So, why not "reward" the LAW-ABIDING...
I can get on board with that.
“Instead of infringing on the rights of the innocent people, I have House Bill 1056, which basically removes the requirement to prove your innocence,” Lucas said.
“We should not make it mandatory that innocent people have to go out and jump through hoops.”
Well, this nation IS predicated upon the whole "INNOCENT until proven Guilty" deal is it not?
Makes damn good sense to me. I say bring it on!
*** Next, how "smart" is your TV?
Apparently, it's NOT smart enough...yet.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/business/Smart-TVs-swimming-upstream-10797816
Kinda "busy", don'cha think?
Yeah, those so-called "smart sets" are pretty DUMB, so goes this article.
HOW will this be "better"?
Samsung is leading this charge this time in creating an SUHD television, which will allow MORE access to streaming sites on the (where else?) INTERNET.
What have I said for so long about this?
This is what they want you to do...get corralled into Internet TV viewing.
It's creating a very competitive market between the streaming box makers and direct access streaming services.
Now, this is all well and good IF you want your TV to set the mood lighting in your house, or check security cameras in a connected house.
And that's another thing...this whole push to have every house "connected" (to what and to whom?) should be a bit disturbing to most of you out there.
Typical smart-house
Do we NEED to be able to "answer the doorbell" while at work (using a smart phone)?
I've been through a model home that had a computer-controlled center which activated drapes, music, thermostats, etc. And this was back in the 1980s!!!
Only thing "different" about THAT gig...it was a SELF-CONTAINED system, and NOT connected to any outside server, or any form of the Internet.
Now THAT was cool.
Being constantly connected to "big brother" (in one form or another) is not.
I'll keep by "dumb" devices, thank you and leave the potential snooping from outside sources to those who wish to be monitored 24/7/365.
*** Last back to the outhouse...during the Industrial Revolution, we were beset with ALL types of contrivances which made a lot of things better AND easier for mankind in general.
And yes, that was long before the "digital age" was even a gleam in some inventor's eye.
Today, we have even MORE technologies at our disposal (and much if it should be disposed of), but before when humans could keep up with technology, these days we're seeing the technologies FAR outpace our ability to keep up.
And that could be a major problem in the near future.
As we fall behind in understanding the complexities OF these technologies, we will most likely wind up creating MORE technologies to master the former technologies, and that will become one very VICIOUS CYCLE that will be difficult to break, should we even desire to do so (which we probably won't).
Then, the machines will be running US, won't they?
(shades of too many Dystopian films from years past)
We have to not be in such a rush to grab all this new-fangled stuff JUST for that reason, and people have to start asking the right questions of those creating this possible digital nightmare, as to whether all of this is indeed in our best interest.
To be enlightened or even entertained is one thing...to be all but ruled is quite the other, is it not?
man versus machine
We might well find ourselves going down a road from which we may never be permitted to exit at all.
I much prefer those times when we were the masters of all the "things' we created in the world, rather than have US at THEIR beckon call, as things seem to be headed.
When we can understand and properly apply ALL that we have created to the betterment of mankind, the farther we can go as a species, but not before.
Just something to think long and hard about...that's all it is.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

06 January 2016

Humpday Happenings...
It's that good old familiar mid-week crisis known as WEDNESDAY.
And with it, some nice but cold weather.
Expect mostly clear skies today (have a wonderful sunrise showing it's face) with temps reaching to above freezing - all the way up to 37 degrees. (well, it IS January in Indiana)
So, what we start the day with a nice hot cup of whatever is on the menu as we set about tackling the problems that await us, because we KNOW there will be a few.
*** First out of the coffeepot is our first "WHO SAID THAT?" quote of this year:
"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.' "
This is a pretty good quote to carry with us into this new year. So WHO said that anyway?
The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back at Locksley Hall...
*** Next is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
January 6 -
---Today is NATIONAL BEAN DAY
(Careful how you proceed on this one)
---And it's NATIONAL SHORTBREAD DAY
(has anyone ever seen what a LONG bread looks like? And sub rolls don't count)
---It's also EPIPHANY, or "Little Christmas" as we used to call it.
Here's the WIKI for those who want to recall what this is all about:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)
*** We traditionally take down the tree after January 6, but I've been taking down ALL the other decorations over the last two days.
I don't know what seems to take longer - putting them all out and up, or bringing them all back down.
I mean, you just don't toss all the crap into the bins and call it done. There has to be protocol (and care) if you want the decorations to remain intact for NEXT Christmas, right?
I know what hurts the most about all this...tripping UP the steps on my last go after putting away all those other items. I was bringing up the last batch of books to put back where all those Christmas beanies were, and BAM! There 'ya go.
Bruised my arm well enough, and it hurt like hell last night, BUT, I did get a cold pack on it RIGHT away, which helped, and as long as I don't bump the damn thing, no problem.
Can't wait to see the changing of the colors there...lol.
*** Next up, WE HAVE A WINNER, folks!!!
Start the dead pool, kids!
(sound the trumpets and loose the pigeons).
HOMICIDE NUMBER ONE has finally taken place in Fort Wayne...and JUST where you'd expect - ON THE SOUTHEAST SIDE...how fortunate is that?
Didn't take that long for the blacks to start shooting blacks, did it?
I mean LAST year, it took a whole TWENTY DAYS (and the victim was struck when a bullet came through his house as he was putting his son to bed), That case is one of the 22 (out of 30) homicides that went UNSOLVED last year.
The year before that, it ONLY took two days.
Here's what we know SO far (which isn't much as usual):
http://www.21alive.com/news/local/Fort-Wayne-police-respond-to-shooting-at-apartment-complex--364306831.html
This took place in an old familiar "hot spot" (for years) - the 6000 block of BUNT DRIVE where the WATERLOO GARDEN APARTMENTS just happen to be.
Looks like we have ANOTHER "Eden Green" on our hands?
Police responded to that area around 1845 hrs last evening, where they found a black male in a car (with the engine running).
The man was unresponsive and the window had been shot out. He was pronounced D.O.A.
Witnesses said they saw a black male with dreadlocks running from the scene on foot.
Anyone care to guess what the TOTAL will be at year's end?
I say we can EASILY make 30 again here.
*** And speaking of the FWPD...they FINALLY posted the last three days of activity reports, so, as a PUBLIC SERVICE to you, my faithful readers and followers,. here is the remainder of the list from yesterday:
=======shots fired and armed robberies continued==========
Jan 2 -
16F000476 02:34:47 113 SHOTS FIRED 1700 WELLS ST & PUTNAM ST
16F000722 18:03:38 113 SHOTS FIRED 1100 CAPITOL AVE & OLIVER ST
16F000814 21:31:19 113 SHOTS FIRED 2700 STARDALE DR
Jan 3 -
16F000947 02:35:15 113 SHOTS FIRED 7300 ANTHONY BLVD S
16F000962 03:28:45 113 SHOTS FIRED 4700 HESSEN CASSEL RD
16F000973 04:45:36 113 SHOTS FIRED 2200 KENTUCKY AVE
16F000974 05:02:44 113 SHOTS FIRED 3300 RAYMOND AVE
16F000981 05:42:59 113 SHOTS FIRED 1200 LARCH LN
16F000984 05:55:27 113 SHOTS FIRED 1500 ELMROW DR
16F001123 15:33:40 113 SHOTS FIRED 3500 AVONDALE DR & OXFORD ST
16F001160 17:56:51 113 SHOTS FIRED 4000 HESSEN CASSEL RD
16F001248 22:38:59 113 SHOTS FIRED 3100 CLINTON ST S & DALMAN AVE
16F000982 05:47:43 53 ARMED ROB 1300 STATE BLVD E & ALABAMA AV
16F001249 22:40:16 58 SHOOTING 3200 CLINTON CT
JAN 4 - 
16F001276 00:52:15 113 SHOTS FIRED 2400 SHADY OAK DR & RADCLIFFE CT
16F001679 19:18:51 113 SHOTS FIRED 4800 BUELL DR
16F001680 19:19:54 113 SHOTS FIRED 4600 GAYWOOD DR
=========================================
---Funny thing...the shots reported on 4 Jan at 4600 Gaywood...I HEARD those.
Told Wifey it was like close to TWENTY consecutive rounds being shot off.
(someone's got a hi-cap mag for Christmas or an assault rifle?)
What is curious however, is that I also heard shots back on the 2nd around 0328 hrs. Woke me up, too.
I heard SIX distinctive shots and it was VERY close to us.
(my guess would be a wheel-gun, probably a .357)
Not a peep on THAT being called in (and I was going to, but I figured there are others that might).
Nice to know I can be wrong when it comes to the minority locals. They don't seem to give a rip.
Guess we can add them in with our councilman , mayor, and local black community leaders.
*** Next up, I hear we SOLD MORE CARS than ever before.
Here's the story link:
http://www.businessinsider.com/us-auto-industry-set-new-sales-record-2016-1
Now, those "experts" can tout whatever reason THEY think might be the reason here, but I have my own "theory", if you will.
An improved economy (which is still FAR from being out of the woods yet), cheaper gas (that could rise back up any week, given the volatility of the Middle East, and easier auto loan terms from banks.
(all well and good)
How about we say that much of it is because cars are being built "less good" than before, and fail sooner, precipitating the need to a new car?
Add in all those RECALLS, and it makes for a good story, right?
I'm just saying there are more factors here than explained.
*** Next, the NORCOs got themselves a hydrogen bomb (hope they irradiated that pudgy little bastard of a dictator along the way. Here's the story:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35240012
Hey, perhaps with all that underground testing, they might cause massive quakes in N. Korea and kill themselves off.
Beats having to deal with a despot with an itchy "trigger-finger".
It's a good read and provides a timeline of the NKs progress toward a nuclear state of the recent years.
*** Next, I wasn't going to dump this here today, but I figured "what the hell"...
WAAAHHH...I want my LEGACY!
I saw Obummer's noontime presser yesterday, and all I have to say is this:
"Doesn't matter HOW silver the tongue of a snake-oil salesman is...he's STILL selling snake-oil."
Not a bad act, but when he glosses over the whole Chicago death toll due to GANG violence (with some guns), my "sincerity-meter" bottomed out on EMPTY...sorry.
And while I don't agree 100% with everything the NRA has to say, I find the truth-detector strangely silent whenever our "Crybaby-in-chief" takes the podium in the East Room of the White House.
Crocodile tears do not a convincing argument make. The additional 230 proposed FBI personnel would be better served if they were to take on home-grown terrorism instead.
*** Next to last up today...this is the LAST day for Kevin Leininger of the News-Sentinel, but he's not retiring, just changing venues to Concordia Lutheran Seminary.
Here's a great story that chronicles his times at the N-S:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/Columnist-reporter-Leininger-leaving-News-Sentinel-after-36-years
Cindy Larson does a great job with the story, and I want to thank Kevin for all HIS help getting "our" story out down here over the years.
Thank Kevin...it was very much appreciated.
*** Last back to the donut shop...some things in life are quite predictable...like the homicides on the SE part of Ft. Wayne, or can be as unexpected as tripping UP a basement stair after 10+ uneventful travels up and down prior to that without a single hitch.
We can always plan for what is predictable with a level of certainty that we're ready for what awaits.
But, we can never ready ourselves for what we can never see coming, and that's a big deal.
We WANT to be ready for what life tosses at us, so we can work through it, and move on, but that's not always the case, is it?
Many times, in the pursuit of dealing with life's vicissitudes, we learn to adapt to a situation, so we can better attune ourselves for continuing forward in life.
Physical challenges can be the most challenging, because although we know we're aging, our minds are still firmly stuck in "25-ish land", where we seemed a lot more invincible.
Well, we all have our "Kryptonite" to deal with, right?
It can be health, financial woes, job or career woes, problems with the house or cars...whatever.
It is required from all of us that we learn to accept all the stuff we can't change, have the desire and the will to affect change where and when we can, and to be courageous enough to comprehend both and act accordingly.
It would become nice if a lot more people focused on that once in a while.
This old world might become a better place for a change.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

05 January 2016

Tuesday Tidbits...
You can certainly tell it's WINTER outside THIS morning, can't you?
We call that "COLD", and we can probably blame this on global warming...LOL.
Still, it was nice to see a smattering of snow yesterday, however fleeting that it was.
It caused a lot of issues along the highways around our city, because people can't seem to "adjust".
Our Hoosierland weather today won't be much warmer with temps onl;y getting up to the 30-degree range.
We might see more of the sun, though, so that's a plus.
We'll take it as a win.
So, let's get a nice hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa as we see what has been going on elsewhere.
*** First off of the sofa is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
January 5 -
---Today is NATIONAL BIRD DAY
(Must be WINTER birds - we have this one covered on our patio)
---And, it's NATIONAL WHIPPED CREAM DAY
(makes you long for times when you raided the fridge (as a youngster) and shot some Reddi-Whip in your mouth for NO reason whatsoever)
*** Next up (because it's Tuesday), is our weekly salute to the morons in our fair city who just HAVE to play with guns (and fireworks).
SHOTS FIRED / ARMED ROBBERY CALLS - 12/28 - 1/1
===============================================
DEC 28 -
15F171063 20:41:16 113 SHOTS FIRED 2100 WELLS ST
15F171130 23:24:30 113 SHOTS FIRED 300 JACOBS AVE
15F171132 23:24:47 113 SHOTS FIRED 2100 WELLS ST
15F171059 20:22:08 53 ARMED ROB 1900 ARDMORE AVE
DEC 29 -
15F171513 20:09:22 113 SHOTS FIRED 3600 CALHOUN ST S
15F171531 20:53:19 113 SHOTS FIRED 1800 YALE DR
((NO armed robberies))
DEC 30 - 
15F171604 00:41:17 113 SHOTS FIRED 3400 CENTRAL DR & OXFORD ST
15F171840 14:15:11 113 SHOTS FIRED 3700 CENTRAL DR
15F172081 23:37:56 113 SHOTS FIRED 12300 JEFFERSON BLVD W & AMBER RD
15F171693 07:48:17 53 ARMED ROB 300 STATE BLVD W
15F171907 16:53:51 53 ARMED ROB 6100 ROTHMAN RD
DEC 31 -
15F172392 18:29:07 113 SHOTS FIRED 7600 PAULA PKWY
15F172402 18:45:27 113 SHOTS FIRED 4800 REED ST & PETTIT AVE E
15F172420 19:33:53 113 SHOTS FIRED 4300 PAULDING RD E
15F172437 20:03:09 113 SHOTS FIRED 2000 TAMERA GARDEN AVE
15F172461 20:55:29 113 SHOTS FIRED 3100 CRESCENT AVE & ANTHONY BLVD N
15F172475 21:52:26 113 SHOTS FIRED 1800 MCKINNIE AVE & ANTHONY BLVD S
15F172495 22:34:01 113 SHOTS FIRED 4100 BLUFFTON RD & ENGLE RD
15F172513 23:31:38 113 SHOTS FIRED 4200 ANTHONY BLVD S & MCKINNIE AVE
15F172521 23:43:43 113 SHOTS FIRED 1200 PONTIAC ST E & BOWSER AVE
15F172271 13:26:21 53 ARMED ROB 900 STATE BLVD W
15F172465 21:13:18 53 ARMED ROB 2200 MAPLECREST RD
JAN 1 -
16F000003 00:03:28 113 SHOTS FIRED 2600 WELLS ST & RUSSELL AVE
16F000004 00:03:31 113 SHOTS FIRED 5000 HEMLOCK LN
16F000007 00:05:30 113 SHOTS FIRED 2100 WELLS ST
16F000008 00:07:25 113 SHOTS FIRED 3200 WALDEN RUN
16F000010 00:09:45 113 SHOTS FIRED 7000 PENROSE DR
16F000029 00:35:09 113 SHOTS FIRED 9100 BRICKSHIRE PKWY
16F000043 01:01:15 113 SHOTS FIRED 4000 WARSAW ST
16F000075 02:13:19 113 SHOTS FIRED 800 POPLAR ST
16F000088 02:38:40 113 SHOTS FIRED 1100 HAMILTON AVE
16F000096 02:56:25 113 SHOTS FIRED 1700 WAYNE ST E
16F000313 17:18:39 113 SHOTS FIRED 5300 SHERRILL DR
16F000375 20:34:22 113 SHOTS FIRED 3000 CENTRAL DR
16F000398 21:39:32 113 SHOTS FIRED 4000 SMITH ST
16F000419 22:32:48 113 SHOTS FIRED 1800 GRISWOLD DR
16F000428 23:03:06 113 SHOTS FIRED 1100 WALLACE ST E
((NO armed robberies)) 
...but numerous fights,vandalism, and thefts.
Jan 2 -
((INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE))
WTF???
Jan 3 -
((INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE)) 
WTF??? (part deux)
================================
FIREWORKS CALLS - 12/21 -12/27
============================
DEC 29 -
15F171411 16:11:48 44FW 4700 MANISTEE DR
(same address as LAST week on the 22nd - maybe a FWPD car parked in the area would help?
DEC 30 -
15F171999 19:17:45 44FW 1800 YALE DR
===============================
---You may notice that we don't have a COMPLETE week listed, and there's a good reason for that - The FWPD website is AGAIN not forthcoming with INFORMATION. The LAST day they have the activity logs posted is for 1 JANUARY.
Maybe THESE guys should run the show?
Someone forgot to post the last THREE DAYS...an oversight or by design? You decide.
Oh, and the "discussion forum" is STILL "down for maintenance".
That makes well over SIX MONTHS running now.
No one bothered by that anywhere in or around this city?
The FWPD claims it's TRANSPARENT?
How so?
(well, Bob...we can see right through the chief's subterfuge for one thing).
And there we are...never at a loss for ineptitude or the selectively dim-witted in Fort Wayne...are we?
*** Next up, the FWPD "lucks out" by being able to capture the perp responsible for the Lassus robbery up on the NE side Sunday night. Here's the story link:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/crime/Fort-Wayne-gas-station-robbery-suspect-found-quickly
Now, this capture of one Mark Collar (heh, Collar got collared...that's 'effin funny) was NOT due to good police work, sad to say.
It was thanks to a witness who managed to get a photo of the vehicle and license plate that led to the eventual arrest.
Police did a lookup on the plate and tracked it to an apartment on W Creighton Ave, where police waited for Collar to show up. He tried to leave the area when he spotted the patrol car, but was pulled over and taken into custody.
And this all happened within 3 hours of the robbery.
But the story I mentioned yesterday had NO details and police were not disclosing any information...why was THAT?
They had the perp IN CUSTODY the same night...why NOT release the information? You'd think it would be a feather in someone's cap, right? There's got to be something more at work here, and it's starting to smell like bad fish.
NO QandA on the FWPD website,no up-to-date activity logs, and the LAST month they have the crimes stats for the city is last NOVEMBER.  They can't be THAT short-staffed or forgetful...can they?
*** Next up, Obummer is doing his "gun-violence" gig as can be told HERE:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/us/Obama-to-unveil-gun-violence-plan-10767099
HERE is the TRUTH.
If passed (without a whimper), then expect MORE background checks (like we don't good enough laws already?), and that our Whiner-in-Chief "believes" he has the LEGAL authority (emphasis on the authority) to make this law.
Thing is, we don't beat back the BAD guys by enacting MORE laws against WE, THE PEOPLE...we do it by arming the GOOD guys with guns to take OUT the bad guys...pretty simple, yes?
The odd thing here is the whole "what comprises a firearms dealer"? If I want to sell one of MY guns to my nephew in VA, then I am being FORCED to become a FFL DEALER, and would have to conduct a background check. That's the short version.
Again, we see the inability of those in power to fully understand the PROBLEM behind these mass shootings, while pushing for their "solution", which all but denies that the REAL problem exists, and goes after the METHOD used for that problem in the first damn place.
Nothing is mentioned AT ALL about dealing with the MENTAL HEALTH issue, which is the crux of this whole matter, because SANE people don;'perform mass shootings...do they?
BUT, sane people CAN put an end to a mass shooting by taking out the perp...right?
*** Next, While we're in the middle of a battle over 2nd Amendment rights, there comes a story that makes even ME wary of the submission of such laws. Here's the story link:
http://wane.com/2016/01/05/bill-eases-law-on-alcohol-offenders-obtaining-gun-permits/
One way to cull the herd.
Okay, so the state legislature wants to consider a bill regarding the ability to obtain and possess a firearm with a prior alcohol-abuse history. Time to tread lightly here?
I can understand the reasoning behind the bill, but I also have to think long and hard of having a DRUNK WITH A GUN, because, if for no other reason, "shit does happen".
And when you're half shot-in-the-ass thanks to booze, the SIMPLE task of cleaning a gun, or even displaying one can have LETHAL consequences, because the owner suffers a lack of responsibility due to inhibited cognitive skills. It does make a case for Social Darwinism...lol.
The math is easy to do here, and like the lawmakers say, there are already redundancies (it IS the government), to prevent such things. In Indiana, a second DUI rolls over to a felony, and we know how that affects gun purchases or ownership.
Under such current laws, a person IS restricted from driving when convicted of a DUI (not that this stops them, as evidenced by court records and arrest histories),
And yes, drunkenness can lead to violent behavior, so why hand someone a firearm during such a time like that?
NOT the brightest crayon in the box, right?
This is just a very touchy thing to try and tackle, (imho). It could work, or it could blow up in the state's face.
*** Next, the state is again messing with our license plates, but it's not a big deal.
What is planned is an EXTENSION of the lifespan OF the plates. Here's the story link:
http://wane.com/2016/01/05/new-rule-extends-life-of-indiana-license-plates/
I remember back in Philly, I had  tags seemingly forever (think it was every 5 years, and that was back in the 70s and 80s)
Cheap-ass decal plate
Here in Indiana, it's planned to change out tags every SEVEN years, rather that the (former) five years currently in place. This was extended from THREE years in the early 80s,. and before that, it was annually.
Classic embossed plate
And those were the GOOD Plates - embossed and with reflective digits, made in the USA by prison labor!
(something to be proud of, right?)
Nowadays, we basically have a DECAL on a thin cheap-ass piece of some crap metal or alloy.
And I don't even think they're made by prisoners in every state any longer (too severe punishment?)
But PRISONERS still make them - hallelujah for that!
Hell, if there's a fire, the decal MELTS off the plate, but an older plate would remain intact for identification.
We CHEAPEN the deal, and then commend ourselves for being so "efficient"...yeah, that ALWAYS works.
*** Last back to the comfy chair...I have no idea why some people (especially those living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in our nation's capital) can't seem to get a proper grip on something we call REALITY.
It's all about THEIR agenda, and what they "think" is GOOD for the REST OF US.
What about our right to THINK FOR OURSELVES?
When did that suddenly go out of vogue?
Isn't being able to do THAT a fundamental belief and a freedom we're supposed to be enjoying?
By the looks of things, it would appear NOT.
We are constantly allowing others to dictate so much to us all, and little to none of it matters a whit when it comes to making our lives safer OR better. It DOES make those who pass the laws look better and feel better about themselves.
But what about US? We're not having any dog in this hunt, and if anyone should, it NEEDS to be us.
We need to speak out, talk back, push back., and rail against the principalities that would deny us what we have been taught and what we KNOW to be RIGHT...and JUST.
I guess we can expect such things from those in power when it pertains to this secular scourge that is entrenched in our nation, but that doesn't mean we lie down and take it as it comes.
OUR voices need to be heard...and often, if we're ever to take control of that which we have given over to the wrong people. And it needs to be done before further harm is made to our country.
Just something to think about.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.