It's a GOVERNMENT mandate if ever there was one.

We NEED to tax ALL the sports players, they clearly have TOO much spending money buying toys they have no knowledge of how to use...

Its the village thing to do...

LOL!!!

Mr. B, I agree with Bob Costas. He was factually correct in what he said.

He wasn't necessarily factually correct. He said, "If Jovan Belcher didn't possess a gun, he and Kasandra Perkins would both be alive today."

No one knows that Belcher wouldn't use some other method to commit murder/suicide. Nevertheless, Costas should stick to sports and leave political commentary to the politicos. I think he should be terminated.

Bob Costas is a twit. The young lady was shot multiple times. Not once....to me that speaks of uncontrollable rage. If he hadn't had a gun he would have carved her up or just beat her to death. I'm so tired of hearing guns are the problem, or now concussions are the problem. BS folks...how about some individual accountability. I guess it's just easier to blame something or someone else. How about he was just a piece of crap thug that had no real value for life. More coming out on this story that will show a pattern of violence. Don't need a crystal ball for this.

David Brown.... Go tell Nicole Simpson that she would be alive today if OJ didn't have a gun.... He couldn't have been more factually incorrect.

So OJ Simpson WAS innocent!

I predicted that someone would come on here and blame guns instead of the idiot that pulled the trigger....I was right on too!

"rebut Costas's comment by saying that Jovan Belcher could have killed Kasandra Perkins with a knife"

Well David I guess your realization proves the point that the TRUTH really is universal and can cross political boundaries ...

I knew you would come up with that retort too.:) I've heard it all before. God bless you, my brother.

OK Amy- I am calling foul. George Zimmerman is a nice guy who was watching out for his neighbors, what he got was a disrespectful thug beating him up. Don't believe the media hype, Trayvon would be alive today if his parents had taught him how to be respectful.
When Zimmerman approached him, all Trayvon had to say is "Hey man, I don't want any trouble. I am staying with my Dad's girlfriend a couple doors up. If you walk over there with me you will see."
Instead, Trayvon came out of his Ninja-bag and attacked Zimmerman. It's pretty clear from the pics that Zimmerman was fighting for his life. If Zimmerman didn't kill Trayvon, he would have been killed himself AND Trayvon would still end up dead later at someone else's hand.
Ultimately, Trayvon's parents killed Trayvon. Poor parenting killed Trayvon, nothing more.
Lastly,
"Everybody else, sit your butts down, take some jiu jitsu, and stop the madness."
Jiu jitsu is a fighting martial art. How do you "sit down" and learn it? Just wondering.

Gee Racer X...."Don't believe the media hype"....but your hype and the information presented by the Zimmerman's defense team is the TRUTH? Pardon me, but disrespectfulness, and lack of home training, is a crime punishable by death? I respectfully disagree. Hopefully, I'm respectful enough not to be murdered. I hope George Zimmerman rots in prison and then gets murdered by an inmate, Jeffrey Dahmer style.

Really Amy? Seems like you know exactly what happened that night. And for someone who is advocating non violence and gun control please explain to me how that reconciles with hoping Zimmerman gets murdered in jail? I wouldn't exactly define you as the voice of reason...rather fuel to the fire.

John B.
I know exactly what happened that night. An armed, grown man shot and killed an unarmed youth. The dead youth can't defend himself. The murderer has a voice, and he is vilifying the dead child. It's good to be alive!

Yeah, and if Zimmerman hadn't been armed, he would have been the dead one. But, since some young thug would have still been alive, this would have been better, right?

Karsten, Zimmerman's life and Trayvon Martin just being alive would be a different outcome if that big brave neighborhood protector had stayed in his truck, gun or no gun. You're calling the victim a thug, why? Because he stood up to someone stalking him, minding his business and interfering with his civil rights? Isn't that being brave - being a man, defending himself? Zimmerman was the aggressor . . . an armed one. Preemptive killing of someone who might someday, if he lives, become a criminal is still against the law. Also playing God.

Well then...case closed. Amy and GGY know exactly what happened that night. No need for a trial. Let's just hang Zimmerman.....

John B, what I said has been reported. No delusions there. And you think my delivery sucks? Maybe I should take that as a compliment, considering the source. Thank you!

Reported by whom? MSNBC? Let's just do away with courts and let MSNBC decide everything.

Reported by various reasonably creditable news outlets, broadcast and print. GZ should have stayed in his truck. The only thing right he did that night was to call 911.
His other stupid, dangerous actions took a life.

Obviously Tammy, you're a mother, and keeping your family safe is paramount. Let's talk about all the young children who are killed by guns that law abiding citizens have in their home. Is it still worth it? If my kid is going to your house, I ask if you have a gun in your home. If yes, my kid will not go anywhere near your house. I'm not cool with people who have guns. I think you're the bad too.

@Amy
The short answer is YES!

As to your choice to keep your children away from homes where guns are located? THAT'S your choice too. As well as it's ours to stress to OUR children to be TOLERANT and understanding of those who keep their minds closed refusing to LEARN.

Unfortunately OUR children have to coexist with yours in the long term, but being brought up with responsibility as a cornerstone, they will be better prepared to do so...

Good for AutoZone. FIRE HIM! Obviously, he's too stupid to discern how to behave in the civilian world. If the robber had shot him and crippled him, he would have sued the company and put them out of business. That's another George Zimmerman waiting to happen. Let him go get some therapy.

Wow, you're right, let's not kill the criminal, let's let him kill other people. Because criminals have more rights than others. Please.

What we need are more stories where the POS that attempts a crime winds up dead at the hands of some armed citizen. Those are the stories that warm my heart...

Why of course the employee should be fired We just CAN'T stop robberies because the customers pay for the losses when they purchase...

The Village pays one way or another FORWARD HO!

Exactly R. Correct as always. Where common sense went, I have no idea.

Amy (or whatever your name is), what are you telling criminals? By making these misplaced rules, you reduce your position of surprise and retaliation to the criminal. They would much rather rob a place that has no weapons versus a place that does.

Think about it for a minute...

North Georgia Weather (or whatever your name is), I'm not telling criminals anything. I'm telling decent, law abiding citizens to be safe from themselves. Don't own guns. Newsflash Dude! Criminals rob places that have things of value. Hence, they rob banks, jewelry stores, etc. Fortunately for me, I won't die for material possessions, nor would I kill anyone for taking anything that I can replace with money.

@ Amy

So if that's true ...

The government's never-ending desire to tax us into oblivion, take from the worker bees and give it to anyone else will solve all our problems.

Because when NO one has anything and we ALL are left with NOTHING, there will be nothing to steal and crime goes away!!! Foolish us, we had no idea it's because the village loves us that it MUST destroy us!

Please remain in your (our?) homes while we assist in the transition, it's for your own protection...

Amy (or whatever your name is), click on North Georgia weather and you'll find my name. I only go by NGW to promote the weather blog. And what about you?

I would argue not enough guns...especially in these cases....

I'm a little fuzzy on this statement....

Wow Tammy,
This comment: "Is lack of home training punishable by death? YES!!!!", makes you a cold and heartless woman. I'm frightened to be living in a community with people like you and Racer X. It's this same mentality that breeds and nurtures the George Zimmermans of the world. I pray to God the gun control laws get stricter. Otherwise, more children are going to lose their lives, and more people like you, are going to lose their freedom.

Amy- Lack of home training is not punishable by death, but being stupid is. Life is hard, it's even harder when you are stupid. Stupid mistakes get people killed all the time. His parents did not teach him how to be smart, how to make good decisions and because of that Trayvon is dead. Trayvon quite obviously attacked Zimmerman which, as it turns out, was a stupid thing to do. I believe Darwin has done a study on this subject.

Make poor choices out in the world and death may come sooner than later.

Remember, life itself is terminal, your own actions have some influence on the length of the stay.

Tammy,
I get it. There are parts of these United States of America, where people get killed for being Gay, Black, Mexican, White, and even for being stupid, like Racer X says. It's the world we live in. I really get it. However, it is irresponsible to say being disrespectful is punishable by death. I understand the context in which you've explained it, but the comment stings. I can't justify people just any schmuck having a gun. GZ did a wonderful thing when he called 911 right before TM "attacked" him. He's going to regret that night when it's too late because he's going to prison. I promise you!

Being disrespectful in some situations IS deadly, in reality it's irresponsible to think any other way.

One may not personally care for the facts and real world experiences Tammy has described in this discussion, but her points are indeed sound and should be heeded.

I am making judgements Tammy, and I did read everything you wrote. Three times, as a matter of fact. Let's make one thing clear. I respect you for not being a coward like myself (and several other blabbermouths), and hide behind the keyboard with offensive or opposing comments. Of course, my name is not Amy, and I would never talk like this to people in real life. With that said Tammy, I'm still trying to figure you out. You work with teens, you try to help keep out of trouble, but you seem clueless about how teens think. They know EVERYTHING and yes, behavior is taught by parents, but what teen listens to their parents? I believe most parents are like you and me. We teach our kids the right way, and we want them to make the right choices, and hopefully, their mistakes won't get them murdered. But if the law sees it fit to arrest a 70 year old man for vehicular homicide for an accident; then certainly, GZ should rot in jail and hell for intentional murder.

Here's my problem with this - you hide behind a false name, and admit that you would never talk like this to people 'in real life.' That tells me that you're not really deep-rooted in your conviction, and it makes it kind of difficult to attach any level of respect to what you're saying.

But mostly, this topic comes down to self-responsibility. Both for ourselves, and our family, those we should be teaching. We would not send our children out in a car without teaching them the basics of driving, but we send them out into public without teaching them the basics of how to act. And then we're surprised and indignant when something happens. They wind up in jail, killed by somebody else they have offended, or take their own life because they do something dumb, or are not equipped to handle the real world. And being offended because this is pointed out is not helping anybody. Trayvon acted stupidly. I'm not saying Zimmerman was any better, but Trayvon was a punk that saw an older guy that he thought he could take. Guess he was wrong....

Karsten- You always put things much better than I do. Thanks man.

I'm not getting into the gun discussion, just want to ask Karsten this: you accuse Amy of "hiding behind a false name . . . " Do you have a problem with her not using her real full name because of a difference in viewpoint, or do you also have a problem with John B, Racer X, Mr. B, NGW and others "hiding behind a false name"? I can't speak for them, but no matter what your viewpoint is, there's nothing wrong with using a moniker on these public forums. In fact, it's the smart thing for privacy's sake, and safety's sake. Otherwise, you might get the bad guy mad at you because of your opinion or trash talk and become a victim of gun, knife, fist or cyber attack. (not you, as you seem to be civil except when talking about our POTUS and Dems)

No, I pretty much have a problem with anybody not using their real name. Hard to take somebody seriously. I may not agree with Brian on much of anything, but at least he uses his name, so is worthy of engaging in dialogue. Racer and anybody else are kind of on my side on most issues, so there's no reason to take issue with it. But if Racer X said "I use a fake name on here because I would never interract with anybody the way I do on here since nobody knows who I am," then yeah, that respect level would drop of precipitously.

Oh, and I'm not real concerned about reprisals. Bring it on. If somebody is such a loser that they want to get confrontational in person over some comments on a blog, they have other issues, and probably need to be removed from the gene pool anyway. Just sayin....

Good Grief... you can find my name if you cared to. Nothing is hidden.

Karsten,
You're right. I'm not deep-rooted in my conviction about people running around Grayson/Loganville with guns. I am a child of God. You can rely on your guns for protection. I'll rely on God. We're both alive, so I guess something is working.

The bit about parenting is true, teens don't always listen but that's why parenting is REQUIRED before the teen years and this is where the village concept looses it...
(The teens do hear you more than you think, but it gets harder to admit that parents may be right.)

Because when the "youngsters" get trained that no one is "responsible" and they take that concept to the turbulent teen years - we as a society are screwed...

So President Obama WAS right, Southerners do cling to GOD and Guns, just in differing ways.

One, the other or BOTH at the same time...

@Karsten - asked and answered: "Racer and anybody else are kind of on my side on most issues, so there's no reason to take issue with it." That's what I thought.

Amy was being honest and you kind of attacked her for that. I doubt most of what's written on these threads would be said in person by anyone writing here. . . polite society and all. If some of you do say this stuff to others' faces, you just may be part of the societal problem of anger and angst which leads to division, road rage and violence. You think Amy and I are cowardly for not using our real names, and I think you're lacking common sense by using yours. Criticism goes both ways.

Some of those you're inviting to "bring it on" may be crazy, quicker and sneakier than you. Bravado can get you killed. Smarter to use your head and maintain privacy for you and safety for anyone around you who may become a victim because of your bravado.

NGW, I don't care to. You're advertising your blog. I'm not judging that, but you're a commercial.

I'm calling double standard here. That bravado stance is what got Trayvon Martin killed and people say he was being stupid - for minding his own business and standing up to someone who was also minding his business - is that stupid or brave, or both? George Zimmerman was also stupid, but not brave. He just became fake brave because he was carrying a firearm. Without that piece, he would have stayed in his truck as he was told to do when he called 911. The gun made him brave . . . and stupid. Now he's a killer, having taken the innocent life of someone's teenage son, and he has in the process ruined his own life and that of his immediate family. But, there's hope for him, maybe he can write a book and get it turned into a movie. For Trayvon Martin, no hope, except heaven. For Martin's family, their hope is for justice. And heaven, eventually.

David, guns travel. You may not step into his house but he shares a common place of worship with you. Aren't you afraid? And the so called brother is a dolt who suffers from alpha male syndrome. Responsible gun owners don't brag about their guns. Not a very good argument to support your stand.

Even with a Georgia Weapons Carry Permit, guns are not allowed in a place of worship.

DB,
I guess we're from the same planet. I do not know people like the ones in this discussion. If I was Kasandra Perkins.....well, I couldn't be Kasandra Perkins because I would move myself and my child to safety, the minute I find out that Jevon Belcher had a gun.

Mr. B, I will make sure I stay away from you. I am more terrified of you and anyone with your mindset than I am of any criminal.

Racer, you reminded me of the old adage..."I'd much rather explain to the cops why there is a burglar with a hole in his chest lying in my floor than have them explain to my loved ones how my family and I have been murdered."

Damn skippy....

There are some people in this world that just need to be removed from it.

DB said "Mr. B, I will make sure I stay away from you. I am more terrified of you and anyone with your mindset than I am of any criminal."
Mr Brown- The irony is that Mr. B is the good guy. Did you ever watch Westerns as a kid? He's the one in the White hat, the one that will step up and stand up for those who can't or won't stand up for themselves.

Where in the world do you live Mr. B? Some ghetto in Detroit? I live in Grayson, GA. I've never been unfortunate enough to be approached by a criminal. I've never touched a gun before in my life, and I decided to get a burglar alarm in my home because the homeowner's insurance gave me 20% discount. Come to think of it, I've never even heard a gunshot in my neck of the woods. Occasionally, I'd get an intruder in my backyard. I call him Roger the Rabbit. I put food out for Roger and he brings the wife, kids, and cousins sometimes. What do people in Loganville/Grayson do with their guns? Keep it warm next to their bodies? Mr. B, I hope your wife is armed just like you. She may end up unfortunate like poor Kasandra Perkins.

So you have never experienced the intrusion of a criminal act personally and yet positions taken seem VERY judgmental against some that might actually have...

Now that would normally make a thinking person take pause on some level, what might they know from experience that I don't?

Two things
May you NEVER experience that life changing event-ever.

But if you do, may your positions survive the test...

Wake up Amy, for your own sake:
http://www.homefacts.com/offenders/Georgia/Gwinnett-County.html
http://loganville.patch.com/articles/grayson-man-awaiting-extradition-on-rape-charges
Though one may be naive enough to think they have never been approached by a criminal, it doesn't mean it's true. Ask a cop, they look for easy targets.
As far as what people in Loganville/Grayson do with their guns, if they are smart, they are going to the range and becoming proficient with them.
I hope Mr B's wife is armed too. A husband and wife who are both good with a gun make a great team. Plus, there is no rule that it's only the man's job to protect the family. I know some women who are wicked good shots, and even better mothers.

Mr. B- "I'd much rather explain to the cops why there is a burglar with a hole in his chest lying in my floor than have them explain to my loved ones how my family and I have been murdered."
Just one hole? That means large caliber. May I venture a guess? 1911 .45 ACP with Black Talon rounds or maybe Bonded PDX1?

Amy- I LOVE Rabbits, but I can only ever eat one at a time.

R, I betcha Amy was talking about putting food out for a literal rabbit or some other critter. Calm down.

Sorry, been away for a while. Let me try to catch up.

Amy, I live on Lake Lanier in a gated subdivision where we have had many more than our share of break-ins and violent crimes. My wife was armed and very proficient. She passed. I won't go into details but let me just assure you I didn't shoot her.

Racer - Good choice of weapon. Actually, its a Glock 23 with Hornady Critical Defenders. It might be multiple holes but they are well placed. Or it could be all 13 through the same hole.

I love Lapin too. Roasted with carrots and potatoes.

"Racer X", I pray that I never get to the place where my manhood is determined by my use of a firearm. I am secure in my manhood, even though I have never held a gun in my hands.

DB- Manhood is not determined by owning a firearm. It is determined by your ability and willingness to do whatever is necessary to protect those whom you love. For the record, I pray you, nor I, ever have the need to do so.
Oh, and Crocks, if you are a man and wear Crocks (even camo ones), just forget about the manhood thing and please do NOT buy a gun.

Uh-oh. I just looked at my feet. I guess I need some new shoes.

At T.O., Karsten made a judgment about Amy for not using her real name, "hiding behind" he said, to which she honestly admitted. I'm a very honest person, but you haven't noticed. Maybe it's because my honesty has sometimes been directed at you. I have never taken anyone's words out of context and thrown them back for argument's sake or any other reason. Proof, please. You should back up a statement like that. Just sayin' . . . by the way, that's a tired old sayin' If you want to blog you should refresh your phraseology. Besides, I wasn't talking to you, and here you are potshotting. That's a bad habit you have.

Tammy- You said about Amy, "At least she doesn't take peoples words out of context and throw them back at them and make an argument that isn't there for the sake of argument"
What about when you said "Is lack of home training punishable by death? YES!!!! Let me explain." Then you went on with a perfectly reasonable explanation of what you meant.
Amy replied with "Is lack of home training punishable by death? YES!!!!", makes you a cold and heartless woman", this after your logical, well thought out and informed explanation.
"Cold and heartless woman"? I think not. I would venture to say you a likely quite the opposite. If anything, from what I have read, you probably have too big of a heart.
You are a much better Christian than I.

Racer X, I've been through enough of these exchanges to know that T.O. was talking about me regarding that "out of context" statement - not Amy. Maybe she was not being brave and honest because she didn't direct that comment at me, but meant it for me. From what I have read T.O.'s big Christian heart only extends to Republicans or undeclared conservatives. She was trying to soften Karsten's comment, which was blatant . . . "hiding behind".

Hey, Tammy, how's that application for government assistance or grant (assistance) going for you to further your education? Off topic, I know, but your "out of context" comment reminded me that I read this in another post of yours. That context thing was often used by Republicans in the campaign to try to explain away their foot-in-mouth (actually candid) statements. Rs also are anti-govt. programs except when beneficial to them. That's the definition of hypocrisy and double standard.

GGY- As far as I am concerned, Tammy and Karsten are beyond reproach. Any argument you might have against them is futile with me. Good luck to you in your other endeavors.

Racer X, and yet you must have read my comments, giving them some modicum of value, huh? I would expect nothing less of you in cheerleading for T.O. and K.T. You all are cut of the same cloth, based on your comments. That's contrary to the teachings of Jesus, to only hang with and side with those of like minds and life stations. That's easy to do. Harder to do is to pay attention and be open-minded to the opposition - you may still disagree but could also learn something. But it's hard to have a conversation in writing or in person with name-calling and insulting, because then you're having to be on defense. Then there is the tactic of potshotting - basically, sticking your nose in someone else's exchange, not to discuss, but to take aim and insult or falsely accuse. Those elements don't do anything but shut down constructive debates. Read back through the posts and see who's doing that. This thread has been fairly tame, but others not so much.

I see things are slow at the broom factory again today................

John B, another of the favored posters hiding his true identity. What's your excuse? Karsten doesn't need to know, but I would be interested. This applies to you: "Then there is the tactic of potshotting - basically, sticking your nose in someone else's exchange, not to discuss, but to take aim and insult or falsely accuse." You're one of the pro potshotters.

GGY...if I were to take potshots I would come up with a list of adjectives such as pompous, arrogant, self absorbed, boastful, self-centered, superior, vain....and a few others to describe the tone of your posts. For the record, I agree with about 50% of what you post but your delivery sucks. Please refer to the list of adjectives. Merry Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you this year.........

John B, I'm stunned. That's quite a list of adjectives. I think that means you agree with very little of what I say. You have never stated agreement with 50% of what I say. I do remember you agreed with my "Go Dawgs!" post, but you had to add an insult even to that. People rarely like the delivery from someone they can't refute with facts. I'm not in a popularity contest here. Here's your potshot after my comment: " I see things are slow at the broom factory again today." It's your delivery that sucks, sir. You have never seen me write such an insult at even T.O. , and to me, her delivery is all of what you described, plus it sucks. (But you like it b/c you agree with her.) Still, I don't call her names and insult. The truth hurts, so I can see why you dislike my style. You're a naughty boy. Santa won't be good to you. You'll have to be good to yourself.

The more you post the more you prove my point...please keep posting.....

At your service, John B. You also prove mine. And you're such a gentleman about it ;)

Jimmy, thanks for the irrational suggestion. I will continue to trust God to protect me. He has done an excellent job thus far.:) My only worry is irrational folks like you.

Jimmy,
How is it irrational to be afraid of something that's designed to kill people? And no, I would never put up such a ridiculous sign in front of my house. My sign says, "VICIOUS PIT BULL." BTW, I'm afraid of pit bulls too, they should be outlawed just like guns; but that's another story.

As to the sign kit comment above, the truth can often be entertaining but rarely irrational…

No need to worry about me David...some day when God is busy protecting somebody else, a well trained legally carrying gun owner like me might save your life...It might just be that it was his will that I be there to protect you. As for Amy, fear of a pit bull is much more rational than fear of a firearm. A gun in a holster, on the hip of a trained person cant do you harm without deliberate action on behalf of the carrier. Dogs, not just pit bulls, unfortunately have been known to 'go off' on their own and attack even their owners without apparent provocation.

Hey Tammy,
I'm good with the dog thing. I was about 11 years old, riding my bike, and this dog started to chase me. I fell off the bike and the stupid animal continued to chase me. It caught up with me, never bit me, but I swear I saw the little mongrel laughing at me. It's been over 30 years and that day still haunts me. I adopted a cat from Petco a few years ago, but he ran away after 6 months with the family. I guess it was never meant to be.