Senate Democrats Drop Assault Weapons Ban

Remaining in the bill: expanded background checks

US NewsMarch 2013 • Views: 33,025

Bad news for anyone hoping for real action from Congress on preventing horrific crimes like the Newtown massacre: Assault Weapons Ban Loses Steam.

After a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Monday, a frustrated Feinstein said she learned that the bill she sponsored — which bans 157 different models of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines — wouldn’t be part of a Democratic gun bill to be offered on the Senate floor. Instead, it can be offered as an amendment. But its exclusion from the package makes what was already an uphill battle an almost certain defeat.

[…]

“My understanding is it will not be [part of the base bill],” Feinstein said. “It will be separate.”

Asked if she were concerned about the decision, Feinstein paused and said, “Sure. I would like to [see the bill moved], but the leader has decided not to do it.”

“You will have to ask him [Reid],” she said, when asked why the decision was made.

Clearly, this news pleases the NRA greatly:

Ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles dropped from Senate gun control bill! foxnews.com/politics/2013/… #StopFeinstein

— NRA (@NRA) March 19, 2013

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188 comments

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:34:35pm

Watch now as the NRA ratchets up the rhetoric in the wake of this “victory.”

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:34:39pm

Well, this will certainly win over some GOP votes.
///

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:35:06pm

It was overreach, and wasted energy. At most there can be a gunshow-loophole fix and a hi-capacity mag ban. We delivered a rallying point to the RWNJs for little gain.

Mattand Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:35:15pm

First, filibuster “reform” and now this.

Fuck Harry Reid and his alleged tough-as-nails rep.

Eclectic Cyborg Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:37:13pm

Maybe they can get it passed after the next massacre…

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:37:19pm

re: #4 Mattand

First, filibuster “reform” and now this.

Fuck Harry Reid and his alleged tough-as-nails rep.

Reid bats around .600. Good enough for the Majors.

erik_t Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:38:27pm

re: #6 Decatur Deb

Reid bats around .600. Good enough for the Majors.

Unfortunately, in the US Senate, .600 is the absolute bare minimum required to agree on which hand to use to wipe your ass…

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:39:51pm

My surprise, let me show you it.

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:40:09pm

re: #3 Decatur Deb

It was overreach, and wasted energy. At most there can be a gunshow-loophole fix and a hi-capacity mag ban. We delivered a rallying point to the RWNJs for little gain.

And now they’re just going to increase the pressure. They dragged this out long enough that public attention moved to other matters and support for the ban waned. Another six months and there won’t even be the political support for background checks.

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:41:24pm

re: #4 Mattand

First, filibuster “reform” and now this.

Fuck Harry Reid and his alleged tough-as-nails rep.

Filibuster reform is a clear failure of Reid and the Senate leadership.

In contrast, being wishy-washy on gun control when the votes probably aren’t there in the Senate, and definitely aren’t there in the House, doesn’t bother me very much at all.

Gun control remains an issue the Democrats embrace when they are tired of winning elections.

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:42:36pm

The AWB, even if it passed the Senate, would never pass the GOP controlled House. With the AWB now offered as an amendment, this allows the other provision of gun control to move forward. If the AWB remained attached, those provision such as extended background checks would not move forward.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:43:23pm

UCF Roommate Details Close Call With a Massacre

Arabo Babakhani thought his roommate at University of Central Florida was just a quiet loner until James Oliver Seevakumaran aimed a gun at him Monday in what was intended to be the beginning of a yet another school massacre.

“I just thought he kept to himself a lot and, I don’t know, I just thought he was a quiet introverted person. The only time he made solid eye contact with me was when he was pointing the gun at me,” Babakhani said.

Babakhani slammed the bathroom door and called 911. The quick response of police derailed Seevakumaran’s plans. He shot and killed himself, leaving behind an arsenal that included homemade bombs, and writings that showed how meticulously he planned his attack.

Charles Johnson Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:45:11pm

re: #11 Gus

Yup, it’s all about the political situation in the House. But I’ll bet this isn’t going to gain the Democrats anything. The House GOP is still going to be opposed to expanding background checks too, because that’s what they do.

I will be shocked if the House passes anything at all.

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:46:47pm

re: #13 Charles Johnson

Yup, it’s all about the political situation in the House. But I’ll bet this isn’t going to gain the Democrats anything. The House GOP is still going to be opposed to expanding background checks too, because that’s what they do.

I will be shocked if the House passes anything at all.

Yes. Also, Reid didn’t have 60 votes. In fact it’s being reported that he has less than 40 votes. Wouldn’t pass the Senate.

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:46:53pm

re: #13 Charles Johnson

Yup, it’s all about the political situation in the House. But I’ll bet this isn’t going to gain the Democrats anything. The House GOP is still going to be opposed to expanding background checks too, because that’s what they do.

I will be shocked if the House passes anything at all.

Think it’s blind optimism to believe that doing away with the ban makes the passage of the rest of the bill any more likely. The NRA’s been screaming like a stuck pig for weeks that universal background checks will be used to build a clandestine national gun registry for the purpose of grabbing people’s guns. Why ease off on that because they managed to get one scalp already?

Dr. Matt Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:51:04pm

I hope the teahadists had to take second mortgages to stock up on high-cap mags and ammunition over the last 4 months.

Eclectic Cyborg Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:51:37pm

I wonder if this will slow down the run on ammo…

///

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:52:25pm

re: #16 Dr. Matt

I hope the teahadists had to take second mortgages to stock up on high-cap mags and ammunition over the last 4 months.

“Greater Fool” marketing at work. Someone is going to be shooting off some very expensive .223 in a year or so.

Eclectic Cyborg Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:53:53pm

Continuing the work related discussion from the last thread:

I work for a company that was taken over by another company about two years ago. The new company has imposed a lot of changes, mostly rolling back benefits, time off, perks and so forth.

I asked a coworker of mine some time ago if he could think of ANYTHING that has improved since the ownership change. He said no. I am in agreement with him.

Of course the new owners also brought in stringent new performance and productivity standards for us to meet as well.

So let’s summarize: They want to pay us less and give us fewer benefits but also want us to work harder and be more productive.

Something’s not right here…

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:55:18pm

re: #18 Decatur Deb

“Greater Fool” marketing at work. Someone is going to be shooting off some very expensive .223 in a year or so.

Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of semi-auto rifles, figuring the ban would make them hot items, now faced with selling them at a loss just to recoup some of the expense.

Amory Blaine Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:56:21pm

Apparently armed guards in schools is the best we have. Another right wing idea.

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:56:22pm

re: #20 Targetpractice

Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of semi-auto rifles, figuring the ban would make them hot items, now faced with selling them at a loss just to recoup some of the expense.

Cue whining that this was the Obama plan all along.
;p

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:56:39pm

Welcome to America, Continuing Home of the Mass Shooting.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:57:15pm

re: #19 Eclectic Cyborg

Continuing the work related discussion from the last thread:

I work for a company that was taken over by another company about two years ago. The new company has imposed a lot of changes, mostly rolling back benefits, time off, perks and so forth.

I asked a coworker of mine some time ago if he could think of ANYTHING that has improved since the ownership change. He said no. I am in agreement with him.

Of course the new owners also brought in stringent new performance and productivity standards for us to meet as well.

So let’s summarize: They want to pay us less and give us fewer benefits but also want us to work harder and be more productive.

Something’s not right here…

We’ve had no real bonuses or raises at the worker level for years, but a company exec got a 7 figure bonus for a deal which fell to shit and ended up costing the company millions.

How does that work again?

wrenchwench Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:57:16pm

re: #19 Eclectic Cyborg

So let’s summarize: They want to pay us less and give us fewer benefits but also want us to work harder and be more productive.

Something’s not right here…

Not right from your perspective. Looks great to the 1%, whose share grows in exactly this way.

wrenchwench Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:58:51pm

re: #24 Kragar (Antichrist )

We’ve had no real bonuses or raises at the worker level for years, but a company exec got a 7 figure bonus for a deal which fell to shit and ended up costing the company millions.

How does that work again?

That works great, just not for you nor the 99% of people like you.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:58:52pm

re: #23 Varek Raith

Welcome to America, Continuing Home of the Mass Shooting.

Think of all the money we’re saving on the “Days since last mass shooting” sign by never needing to change the numbers.

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 12:58:58pm

re: #24 Kragar (Antichrist )

We’ve had no real bonuses or raises at the worker level for years, but a company exec got a 7 figure bonus for a deal which fell to shit and ended up costing the company millions.

How does that work again?

Executive compensation = embezzlement made legal. Next question?

CuriousLurker Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:00:15pm

OT: Sorry for going off-topic so early in a thread, but I couldn’t resist—this is just too delicious and I don’t have time to make a Page (photos at the link):

The House Across From Westboro Baptist Is Getting a Rainbow Pride Paint Job Right Now

By the end of today, the inhabitants of the Westboro Baptist Church compound in Topeka, Kansas, should have a new view out their windows, just past their FAG MARRIAGE DOOMS NATIONS sign: a new gay-rights center across the street, painted in brilliant rainbow colors, with a pride flag flying from a 30-foot flagpole.

Right now, a crew of volunteers is at work on the siding of a house opposite the headquarters of the publicity-hunting hate-preacher Fred Phelps.

The center is the work of a roving do-gooder named Aaron Jackson, a 31-year-old community-college dropout whose other projects have included opening orphanages in India and Haiti and buying a thousand acres of endangered rain forest in Peru. This year, his charity, Planting Peace, also intends to de-worm every child in Guatemala. […]

“I’ve been accused in the past of being all over the place, and they’re probably right on some level,” Jackson told me last night by phone. “Right now we are standing up to bigotry and promoting equality.”

So while considering the Westboro Baptist Church, he began dinking around on Google Maps late one night. He pulled up the church, at 3701 SW 12th St. in Topeka, and took a virtual walk around the block. In the front yard of a house across the street, he noticed a For Sale sign. […]

More at Gawker…

Gotta run. ;)

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:01:24pm

The Almighty has spoken:

The traditional 10th anniversary gifts for a failed war are profound regret and oil.
— God (@TheTweetOfGod) March 19, 2013

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:01:36pm

re: #29 CuriousLurker

Thanks for the story/link.

May the bigots of WBC choke on their own bile.

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:02:00pm

re: #20 Targetpractice

Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of semi-auto rifles, figuring the ban would make them hot items, now faced with selling them at a loss just to recoup some of the expense.

They should consider it an object lesson in capitalism and STFU.

NJDhockeyfan Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:02:22pm

Good afternoon lizards!

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:02:28pm

re: #22 Feline Fearless Leader

Cue whining that this was the Obama plan all along.
;p

Ayep, I expect alot of gun dealers are gonna start seeing brand-spanking new rifles, bought as recently as a couple weeks back, showing up with owners trying to get rid of them.

On the other hand, you’ll probably be able to find some damned good deals for a brand-new Bushmaster rifle on Ebay soon.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:02:55pm

Ted Cruz: Multiple sclerosis commemoration is part of a Democratic plot to ‘malign’ me

As Politico noted on Tuesday, the Senate passes hundreds of ceremonial resolutions each year to commemorate things like the 10-year anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, Vietnam Veterans Day and Black History Month.

Because the resolutions are only ceremonial, they are usually passed with a voice vote so that the Senate can move on to more important business.

Last week, however, Cruz made the unusual move of refusing to let a Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week resolution pass.

Spokesperson Sean Rushton explained that the Texas Republican “will not grant consent to call up and pass a resolution or bill at the last minute without time for review.”

But after news of his opposition was reported, the senator’s office said it was proof that Democrats were out to get him.

Yeah Ted, its all about them trying to make you look like a dick, and you fall for it every time apparently.
/

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:03:12pm

Yeah, no surprise here. There never really was the political will for this and the POTUS knew it. Presidential Memoranda vs Executive Order. He threw some political bones at those who wanted to address the issue, gave much needed credit to the victims and survivors at Newtown.

Nothing will change, kids will still die.

Dr. Matt Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:03:46pm

re: #20 Targetpractice

Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of semi-auto rifles, figuring the ban would make them hot items, now faced with selling them at a loss just to recoup some of the expense.

Correction: Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of substantially marked-up in price semi-auto rifles…

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:04:42pm

re: #36 FemNaziBitch

Yeah, no surprise here. There never really was the political will for this and the POTUS knew it. Presidential Memoranda vs Executive Order. He threw some political bones at those who wanted to address the issue, gave much needed credit to the victims and survivors at Newtown.

Nothing will change, kids will still die.

Most of them were doomed anyway—they’re dying in ones and twos from handguns.

Amory Blaine Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:05:01pm

re: #30 Lidane

The Almighty has spoken:

China is sucking all the oil out of Iraq. So in a backwards kind of way, American companies are getting the oil.

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:05:01pm

re: #36 FemNaziBitch

Yeah, no surprise here. There never really was the political will for this and the POTUS knew it. Presidential Memoranda vs Executive Order. He threw some political bones at those who wanted to address the issue, gave much needed credit to the victims and survivors at Newtown.

Nothing will change, kids will still die.

But we have a President and not a Dictator. Comes with the territory.

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:05:18pm

re: #37 Dr. Matt

Correction: Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of substantially marked-up in price semi-auto rifles…

True. Wonder how many gun shops did a year’s worth of sales selling guns for twice the price to wannabe “speculators”?

Dr. Matt Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:05:54pm

Ted Cruz should modify his business card title to ‘Professional Dickhead’.

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:06:20pm

re: #37 Dr. Matt

Correction: Not to mention the fools who went out buying up a bunch of substantially marked-up in price semi-auto rifles…

And now the subtle part of the Obama plan comes into play as all these weapons flood into the under-controlled secondary market and get bought up on the cheap by the drug cartels to be stockpiled for the forthcoming invasion.
//

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:07:39pm

re: #43 Feline Fearless Leader

And now the subtle part of the Obama plan comes into play as all these weapons flood into the under-controlled secondary market and get bought up on the cheap by the drug cartels to be stockpiled for the forthcoming invasion.
//

That was obviously the plan all along.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:09:28pm

This latest development obviously proves that Obama is a Time Lord.

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:10:50pm

re: #35 Kragar (Antichrist )

Ted Cruz: Multiple sclerosis commemoration is part of a Democratic plot to ‘malign’ me

Yeah Ted, its all about them trying to make you look like a dick, and you fall for it every time apparently.
/

Yeah, that’s totally it.

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:12:12pm

It’s so true.

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:12:43pm

re: #45 Kragar (Antichrist )

This latest development obviously proves that Obama is a Time Lord.

Are we sure he’s not the latest regeneration of The Master?

engineer cat Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:13:18pm

well, as we have heard from the nra, why have laws anyway?

criminals never pay any attention to them

Bulworth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:13:19pm

re: #35 Kragar (Antichrist )

I see Cruz has been in the Senate and inside the Beltway long enough to know to cry

Librul biaz against ME

whenever he’s the subject of negative attention.

He catches on fast.

Amory Blaine Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:13:24pm

Houston-Area Tea Party Leader Had Ties to Fascist Party

As recently as 2003, the president of the Greater Fort Bend County Tea Party had a very different title: director of propaganda for the American Fascist Party.

James Ives, a prominent Tea Party activist who has hosted statewide rallies and political debates and has been a regular contributor on conservative radio, was the AFP’s fourth in command, commenting about the party’s principles on a fascist message board. An image of Ives in what appears to be a black uniform with yellow shoulder patches can be seen in a 2006 promotional video for the party.

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:14:17pm

re: #41 Targetpractice

True. Wonder how many gun shops did a year’s worth of sales selling guns for twice the price to wannabe “speculators”?

Tons. I know a couple. They’ve been laughing all the way to the bank. One tried to be ethical and not raise prices at first. Still made a ton of money. Realized how stupid they were being the only one in the area that didn’t raise prices and went ahead and did it.

Definitely a sellers market.

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:14:56pm

re: #45 Kragar (Antichrist )

This latest development obviously proves that Obama is a Time Lord.

Yes, but does he have the right shoes on?

Bulworth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:15:10pm

the AFP’s fourth in command, commenting about the party’s principles on a fascist message board.

Ah, he must be a leftist then since all fascists and Hitlerians are all teh leftists and libruz, according to wingnuts.

///

engineer cat Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:16:17pm

sitting here contemplating the futility of sitting here contemplating the paths not taken

john lennon said “Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be”

i suppose…

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:16:21pm

re: #34 Targetpractice

Ayep, I expect alot of gun dealers are gonna start seeing brand-spanking new rifles, bought as recently as a couple weeks back, showing up with owners trying to get rid of them.

On the other hand, you’ll probably be able to find some damned good deals for a brand-new Bushmaster rifle on Ebay soon.

Gunbroker. Ebay/PayPal doesn’t allow firearms.

Bulworth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:19:26pm

re: #56 William Barnett-Lewis

No gunz on Ebay and PayPal?

Why do Ebay and PayPal hate Americia?

engineer cat Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:20:34pm

Obama is a Time Lord

according to wingnuts, obama is a highly significant and powerful transformative figure about to impose radical change on Our Nation

and here i thought he was a middle of the road president doing the best he can struggling with one of the most difficult jobs in the world under a system designed to frustrate centralized power

i wonder which version is correct?

Amory Blaine Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:20:47pm

re: #54 Bulworth

Ah, he must be a leftist then since all fascists and Hitlerians are all teh leftists and libruz, according to wingnuts.

///

He responds to the article by claiming the fascist group is left wing.

From his response:

“I was not made aware of this story or contacted by the author for my comments until the day before the story was published, and was not made aware of the story being published until 20 minutes prior to its placement on the Tribune’s website. It is clear that the author did not do her due diligence in researching the background of my involvement in the now-defunct left-wing group, and decided to proceed with publishing the article despite its lack of credible sources and background research. The author and publication even used an old personal photograph, which was pulled from a basic search site, and altered it to fit the narrative (and likewise, made mention of an obviously photoshopped personal photo in the 2006 video, used and made without my consent or knowledge).

NJDhockeyfan Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:21:06pm

House Ethics Committee opens probes into Don Young, Rob Andrews

The House Ethics Committee will launch full-scale investigations into two veteran lawmakers, Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Rob Andrews (D-N.J.) in its first major probes of the 113th Congress.

It seems every week something like this appears in the news.

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:21:33pm

re: #58 engineer cat

Obama is a Time Lord

according to wingnuts, obama is a highly significant and powerful transformative figure about to impose radical change on Our Nation

and here i thought he was a middle of the road president doing the best he can struggling with one of the most difficult jobs in the world under a system designed to frustrate centralized power

i wonder which version is correct?

Which ever one gets you a higher Nielson rating or more hits on your web-site. Of course.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:25:14pm

Broken record time:

Homosexuals already have full marriage equality: youtu.be/udEriTBid9w via @youtube
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanJFischer) March 19, 2013

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:25:38pm

Reid needs to no long be Senate Majority leader.

Bulworth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:26:46pm

re: #62 Kragar (Antichrist )

I hope we can preserve this deadbrain tweet, and the many others from Fischer, in some sort of time capsule to be extracted from the earth 50 years from now.

Political Atheist Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:26:51pm

re: #13 Charles Johnson
You are almost certainly right, nothing will pass.

Interesting (sadly) dynamic. While the assault weapon ban does not enjoy the same level of popular support the universal b/g check does-Even the 90% support level does not turn the NRA or the legislature around on this. Neither even blinks an eye at being that far out from the will of the majority.

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:27:10pm

OT, but relevant to everyone’s interests:

Supreme Court upholds first-sale doctrine in textbook resale case

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:28:27pm

Tomas Young, Dying Iraq War Veteran, Pens ‘Last Letter’ To Bush, Cheney On War’s 10th Anniversary

Some might not agree with what is written here and in his letter. But as a veteran, he has earned that right 1000 times over. He was left paralyzed from the chest down after being hit with an AK-47 round that sever his spine. He has faced multiple surgeries. He announced in February his intention to end his life in April. He currently is in hospice care, “I made the decision to go on hospice care, to stop feeding and fade away. This way, instead of committing the conventional suicide and I am out of the picture, people have a way to stop by or call and say their goodbyes.”

Image: Tomas-Young.jpg

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:29:31pm

re: #66 Lidane

OT, but relevant to everyone’s interests:

Supreme Court upholds first-sale doctrine in textbook resale case

Good. Their price gouging is sickening.
One year I paid 460 bucks for three books.
THREE.

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:29:39pm

re: #65 Political Atheist

You are almost certainly right, nothing will pass.

Interesting (sadly) dynamic. While the assault weapon ban does not enjoy the same level of popular support the universal b/g check does-Even the 90% support level does not turn the NRA or the legislature around on this. Neither even blinks an eye at being that far out from the will of the majority.

Hopefully, the Senate manages to get a clean background check bill passed, without too much internal strife among the Democrats. Then it goes to the House to die.

The only thing that can be done in Congress at this time is to try to make GOP/NRA intransigence more visible.

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:30:24pm

re: #64 Bulworth

I hope we can preserve this deadbrain tweet, and the many others from Fischer, in some sort of time capsule to be extracted from the earth 50 years from now.

Pity they can’t be buried and used to help plants grow. One shortcoming of the electronic age.

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:30:33pm

re: #68 Varek Raith

Good. Their price gouging is sickening.
One year I paid 460 bucks for three books.
THREE.

A gratifying case where, for once, the big copyright interests lost in court.

darthstar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:31:16pm

Appeasing Republican lawmakers is hard work! (And it never works)

The Mountain That Blogs Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:31:20pm

re: #68 Varek Raith

My worst semester of undergrad I spent about $900, the vast majority of which went to four books. Damn you, organic chemistry.

NJDhockeyfan Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:31:29pm

The attack on the Death Star was an inside job!

Youtube Video

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:31:54pm

re: #63 Varek Raith

Reid needs to no long be Senate Majority leader.

Reid’s one of the old guard, who want to keep believing in the idea that both sides can work past their differences and mutually respect the other in order to get things done. Thing is, the GOP is having none of that and is exploiting it in every way it can. The “bipartisan” deal made on filibuster reform, for example, we supposed to facilitate the nomination process so as to ensure that Obama’s nominees were getting fair votes. But the GOP’s already filibustered several nominations and is threatening to filibuster more in coming weeks.

And all those who got screwed over on real reform have already given their “I told you so“‘s.

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:32:00pm

re: #68 Varek Raith

Good. Their price gouging is sickening.
One year I paid 460 bucks for three books.
THREE.

One semester, my grad school books would have cost me almost $1200 if I’d gone to the university bookstore. I got a combination of new and used copies of all of them on Amazon for less than $500.

The textbook scam is insane.

Charles Johnson Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:32:26pm

OT: This is very cool — Google Images now lets you search for animated GIFs.

google.com

Shiplord Kirel Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:34:08pm

Don’t let ‘em fool you! This is just a ploy by the Muslim/Zionist/Obama/Gay cartel to make us complacent and keep us from continuing to stock up! Show them you are not as gullible as they think! Be in line outside Gander Mountain at 0600 sharp for business as usual! Snap up every round they have, damn the price! What’s more important, a few thousand bucks or your family’s safety? What’s that? Freezing weather where you are? Sleet, hail, howling winds? You wimp, you’re probably a liberal plant! Why do you hate America?

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:34:12pm

re: #67 Gus

Tomas Young, Dying Iraq War Veteran, Pens ‘Last Letter’ To Bush, Cheney On War’s 10th Anniversary

Some might not agree with what is written here and in his letter. But as a veteran, he has earned that right 1000 times over. He was left paralyzed from the chest down after being hit with an AK-47 round that sever his spine. He has faced multiple surgeries. He announced in February his intention to end his life in April. He currently is in hospice care, “I made the decision to go on hospice care, to stop feeding and fade away. This way, instead of committing the conventional suicide and I am out of the picture, people have a way to stop by or call and say their goodbyes.”

Image: Tomas-Young.jpg

And the warhawks won’t care.
:(

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:34:33pm

re: #66 Lidane

OT, but relevant to everyone’s interests:

Supreme Court upholds first-sale doctrine in textbook resale case

You mean the capitalist corporations don’t want a free market?

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:34:49pm

re: #77 Charles Johnson

OT: This is very cool — Google Images now lets you search for animated GIFs.

www.google.com

They also have an image search function, where you can copy the URL of a picture, or upload a picture from your computer, and it will do a search for related images.

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:35:17pm

re: #80 FemNaziBitch

You mean the capitalist corporations don’t want a free market?

:0

No, no, no, no, and no.
Also, no.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:35:28pm

Fischer: ‘Smart People Are Conservative’

Yesterday, Bryan Fischer blasted those in the Republican Party who think that the party’s hostility to gay rights is turning off young voters, saying it was “idiotic” for the GOP to “pander” to the “least mature, least intelligent, least informed, least experienced, least educated members of our movement.”

He returned to the topic today, reiterating his view that it makes no sense to moderate the GOP’s message in order to appeal to young people because young voters eventually become more conservative as they get older.

“When they mature, when they gain more life experience, when they gain more judgment,” Fischer explained, “they become what? They become more conservative because that’s what smart people are; smart people are conservative”:

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:36:00pm

re: #83 Kragar (Antichrist )

Fischer: ‘Smart People Are Conservative’

No, Bryan, Smart people learn Science.

Charles Johnson Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:36:10pm

re: #81 Kragar (Antichrist )

They also have an image search function, where you can copy the URL of a picture, or upload a picture from your computer, and it will do a search for related images.

Yeah, that’s how I found the source image for that Andrew Breitbart bobble-head picture they posted at Breitbart.com.

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:36:10pm

re: #83 Kragar (Antichrist )

Fischer: ‘Smart People Are Conservative’

That must make my IQ over 9000.

Usually refered to as anyways Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:36:48pm

US Marines killed in training explosion

Seven members of the US Marines have been killed and several others injured in an explosion at a US military depot in Nevada.

The blast occurred during a late-night training exercise at the Hawthorne Army Depot, an ammunition storage facility in the Nevada desert.

Initial reports from the scene suggest a 60-millimetre mortar round exploded during a live-fire exercise.

Seven marines were killed, with at least another seven injured and airlifted to hospitals in Reno, about 150 kilometres to the north-west.

US defence secretary Chuck Hagel was receiving updates on the accident, Pentagon spokesman George Little said, adding that the incident struck a nerve with Mr Hagel, himself an infantry veteran of the Vietnam war.

“This brought back memories of a training accident when he was in the US Army when two soldiers were killed in a training accident, so he takes these incidents very much to heart,” Mr Little said.

Other politicians expressing condolences in the aftermath of the accident included Nevada governor Brian Sandoval and US Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

More…

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:37:30pm

Today’s obligatory cuteness

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:37:32pm

re: #76 Lidane

One semester, my grad school books would have cost me almost $1200 if I’d gone to the university bookstore. I got a combination of new and used copies of all of them on Amazon for less than $500.

The textbook scam is insane.

As I understand it, the case that was brought to the supreme court by Wiley had the following fact pattern:
1) Textbooks were legally purchased overseas.
2) These legally purchased textbooks were imported to the US and re-sold.
3) Wiley sued for copyright infringement.

The arrogance of big copyright is in suing on this fact pattern. The dysfunction of the US legal system is that this case went all the way to the supreme court (and a non-unanimous decision).

In any sensible legal system, the first court to see the case would have dismissed it and sanctioned the plaintiff.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:38:38pm

re: #85 Charles Johnson

Yeah, that’s how I found the source image for that Andrew Breitbart bobble-head picture they posted at Breitbart.com.

I’ve found it useful for tracking down model modifications and paint scheme details. Sometimes you’ll find a picture for a neat conversion, but its been copied from a copy. I’ve been able to discover original sources a few times and been able to get missing details on how they did the work.

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:39:05pm

re: #88 FemNaziBitch

Today’s obligatory cuteness

I already took you for a walk!

Romantic Heretic Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:41:45pm

re: #45 Kragar (Antichrist )

So that’s what The Master looks like after his latest regeneration. /

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:41:58pm

A scam? Textbooks are a god damned racket.

So true.

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:42:11pm

re: #83 Kragar (Antichrist )

“When they mature, when they gain more life experience, when they gain more judgment,” Fischer explained, “they become what? They become more conservative because that’s what smart people are; smart people are conservative”

That’s funny. I’m about to turn 40 and I’ve only gotten more liberal in the last five years.

It’s a definite evolution from the time when I wrote an undergrad thesis arguing in favor of outsourcing and offshoring labor while saying that the government didn’t need any more regulation of either one because there were already enough laws on the books.

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:42:12pm

re: #84 FemNaziBitch

No, Bryan, Smart people learn Science.

We arez smartz ‘cuz we read da bible!

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:43:49pm

re: #94 Lidane

That’s funny. I’m about to turn 40 and I’ve only gotten more liberal in the last five years.

It’s a definite evolution from the time when I wrote an undergrad thesis arguing in favor of outsourcing and offshoring labor while saying that the government didn’t need any more regulation of either one because there were already enough laws on the books.

I called myself a conservative for years until I got mature enough to see how full of shit they were. About the same time scale as you. I turn 40 this year, began shifting around 2007-8.

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:45:01pm

re: #94 Lidane

That’s funny. I’m about to turn 40 and I’ve only gotten more liberal in the last five years.

It’s a definite evolution from the time when I wrote an undergrad thesis arguing in favor of outsourcing and offshoring labor while saying that the government didn’t need any more regulation of either one because there were already enough laws on the books.

Yep, same here.
From 16 to about 24 I was Republican.
Now at 29, I’m a liberal.

NJDhockeyfan Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:46:14pm

Test of anthrax vaccine in children gets tentative OK

(Reuters) - A presidential ethics panel has opened the door to testing an anthrax vaccine on children as young as infants, bringing an angry response from critics who say the children would be guinea pigs in a study that would never help them and might harm them.

The report, however, released on Tuesday by the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, said researchers would have to overcome numerous hurdles before launching an anthrax-vaccine trial in children. It now goes to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, who will decide whether to take the steps the commission recommended.

The one anthrax vaccine approved in the United States, called BioThrax, is made by Emergent BioSolutions Inc of Rockville, Maryland. The company reported $215.9 million in sales of BioThrax, its only licensed product, in 2012.

The ethics commission took up the issue after a biodefense panel recommended in 2011 that the anthrax vaccine be tested in children. That endorsement, by the National Biodefense Science Board, came with the caveat that such a study also get the go-ahead from a bioethics panel.

It did, albeit conditionally.

Big Steve Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:48:37pm

So in the category of strange bedfellows…..the Supreme Court issued a decision today (Link) on a case where a person was purchasing college text books, legally made, in Asia at a fraction of what the same book costs in the US and then shipping them over for resale. The publisher argued that they had a geographical disclaimer against doing this. The Supreme Court didn’t buy it and said a legally made book is legally made. Interestingly the majority was Alito, Roberts, Thomas, Sotomayor, Kagen, and Breyer. Dissenting were Ginsburg, Kennedy, and Scalia. It actually makes me feel better about the court that they don’t always align ideologically

100

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:48:58pm

This has been going around a while, I just saw it.

American is not the Greatest Country in the World

Youtube Video

101

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:49:29pm

re: #98 NJDhockeyfan

We sure did a great job of scaring the shit out of everyone over a rather ineffective and not likely to be used weapon.
Terrorism!

102

The Mountain That Blogs Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:50:23pm

re: #99 Big Steve

Looked more like a generational thing. Everyone under 65 was in the majority, while everyone older (except Breyer) was in the minority.

103

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:50:32pm

re: #99 Big Steve

So in the category of strange bedfellows…..the Supreme Court issued a decision today (Link) on a case where a person was purchasing college text books, legally made, in Asia at a fraction of what the same book costs in the US and then shipping them over for resale. The publisher argued that they had a geographical disclaimer against doing this. The Supreme Court didn’t buy it and said a legally made book is legally made. Interestingly the majority was Alito, Roberts, Thomas, Sotomayor, Kagen, and Breyer. Dissenting were Ginsburg, Kennedy, and Scalia. It actually makes me feel better about the court that they don’t always align ideologically

Hmm. If a legally made book is legally made how come DVD and other media still have Region codes?

104

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:50:43pm

There’s a reason most of the world’s powers don’t have bio/chem weapons.

105

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:51:33pm

re: #97 Varek Raith

Yep, same here.
From 16 to about 24 I was Republican.
Now at 29, I’m a liberal.

I have a hard time with the labels. As the meanings change. The needs of the country change. The conditions of the country change.

We need to be flexible and able to adapt to the present and not be stuck in some ideology that may no longer apply.

106

Big Steve Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:51:45pm

re: #97 Varek Raith

Yep, same here.
From 16 to about 24 I was Republican.
Now at 29, I’m a liberal.

When I turned 50 I became a Popeye-ican…….”I yam what I yam and that’s all what I yam.”

107

Vicious Babushka Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:52:05pm

DERP DERP BULLSHIT

.@_ccm .@viciousbabushka who said that? How many people do you know who work 100 hours a week? Aside from business owners and executives?
— DTTS (@TYCapitalism) March 19, 2013

108

Bulworth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:52:16pm

re: #96 Kragar (Antichrist )

Well, let’s see, Phylis Schlafly is about 99 years old which means….

109

HoosierHoops Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:52:29pm

re: #83 Kragar (Antichrist )

Fischer: ‘Smart People Are Conservative’

Then what is his excuse?

110

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:52:39pm

re: #96 Kragar (Antichrist )

I called myself a conservative for years until I got mature enough to see how full of shit they were. About the same time scale as you. I turn 40 this year, began shifting around 2007-8.

I’ve always voted Democratic at the presidential level, but in the past I was definitely more of a Blue Dog. I’ll even admit that many years ago, I would occasionally vote both Libertarian and Republican at the state and local levels, thinking I’d vote for the person over the party.

Not anymore. Starting with the 2008 election, I’ve voted straight Dem. And I’ve definitely drifted to the left. Not a fan of the Blue Dogs anymore, but here in Texas that’s often the only real choice. =P

111

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:53:06pm

re: #87 Usually refered to as anyways

US Marines killed in training explosion

Seven members of the US Marines have been killed and several others injured in an explosion at a US military depot in Nevada.

The blast occurred during a late-night training exercise at the Hawthorne Army Depot, an ammunition storage facility in the Nevada desert.

Initial reports from the scene suggest a 60-millimetre mortar round exploded during a live-fire exercise.

Seven marines were killed, with at least another seven injured and airlifted to hospitals in Reno, about 150 kilometres to the north-west.

US defence secretary Chuck Hagel was receiving updates on the accident, Pentagon spokesman George Little said, adding that the incident struck a nerve with Mr Hagel, himself an infantry veteran of the Vietnam war.

“This brought back memories of a training accident when he was in the US Army when two soldiers were killed in a training accident, so he takes these incidents very much to heart,” Mr Little said.

Other politicians expressing condolences in the aftermath of the accident included Nevada governor Brian Sandoval and US Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

More…

I just had to fb message my marine neighbor boy. Who is 20 years old and I still think of as a 5th grader.

Now I am worried.

112

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:53:16pm

re: #104 Varek Raith

There’s a reason most of the world’s powers don’t have bio/chem weapons.

Simple economics. Costs too much to sustain them if you don’t plan on using them.

Of course when you need to justify a bloated defense budget…

113

Vicious Babushka Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:53:45pm

Zedushka’s toe started bleeding so he went to the ER (he is diabetic), now he has an infection and has to get intravenous treatment.

Oh what fun.

114

Bulworth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:53:54pm

re: #107 Vicious Babushka

John Galt worked 100 hrs/week, until he went Galt that is.

115

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:53:58pm

re: #107 Vicious Babushka

DERP DERP BULLSHIT

I did a 7ish years ago.
Paid minimum freaking wage for all 90 some odd hours. For almost a year.
It was bullshit.

116

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:54:16pm

Give a cat a cheeseburger and you feed him for a day. Teach a cat how to make cheeseburgers and you feed him for a lifetime.
— Albert Einstein

117

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:54:50pm

re: #112 Kragar (Antichrist )

Simple economics. Costs too much to sustain them if you don’t plan on using them.

Of course when you need to justify a bloated defense budget…

I assume the unpredictable nature of chem/bio plays a role too, yes?

118

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:55:03pm

re: #116 Gus

Give a cat a cheeseburger and you feed him for a day. Teach a cat how to make cheeseburger and you feed him for a lifetime.
— Albert Einstein

It’s true, I read it on the internet!

119

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:55:23pm

re: #116 Gus

Give a cat a cheeseburger and you feed him for a day. Teach a cat how to make cheeseburger and you feed him for a lifetime.
— Albert Einstein

Shouldn’t that be:
Give a cat a cheeseburger and you feed him for a day. Teach a cat’s staff how to make cheeseburger and you feed him for a lifetime.
— Albert Einstein

Cats. Going Galt before it was in style - since they knew to take worker staff along.

120

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:55:36pm

“Make a man a fire and keep him warm for a day, set a man on fire and keep him warm for the rest of his life”

― Terry Pratchett

121

Big Steve Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:55:58pm

re: #103 Feline Fearless Leader

The quoted the law enacted by Congress ““[N]othing in this Act shall be deemed to forbid, prevent, or restrict the transfer of any copy of a copyrighted work the possession of which has been lawfully obtained.” and further reasoned that the law, which had several revisions of which none introduced geographical distinctions, was not implicitly or explicitly intending to allow geographical distinctions.

122

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:57:20pm

OH, OH, SOMEONE IS GOING TO HELL! ROTFLAMO

123

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:57:23pm

re: #121 Big Steve

The quoted the law enacted by Congress “”[N]othing in this Act shall be deemed to forbid, prevent, or restrict the transfer of any copy of a copyrighted work the possession of which has been lawfully obtained.” and further reasoned that the law, which had several revisions of which none introduced geographical distinctions, was not implicitly or explicitly intending to allow geographical distinctions.

This defect in the law will probably be addressed the next time copyright term needs to be extended. //

124

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:58:07pm

re: #120 Varek Raith

― Terry Pratchett

I independently came up with that one back in 1995 or so when dealing with volunteer executive board meetings and retreats. Lot’s of “can take a horse to water” and “teach a man to fish” adages being tossed about. I don’t think I amused the facilitator with my sense of humor about such things. A lack of seriousness on my part is my guess.

125

Kragar (Antichrist ) Tue, Mar 19, 2013 1:58:33pm

re: #117 Varek Raith

I assume the unpredictable nature of chem/bio plays a role too, yes?

You have to take that into account for sustainability. How long will the supply hold up? How will you deploy them effectively? What collateral damage would you expect to take? How safely can you maintain your stockpile?

Fun fact: Windex triggers as a nerve agent to most general issue field NBC test kits.

126

Romantic Heretic Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:00:24pm

re: #79 Varek Raith

I am now imagining beating the the floor with the Bush Administration like the Hulk did to Loki in The Avengers

Youtube Video

127

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:01:53pm

re: #125 Kragar (Antichrist )

You have to take that into account for sustainability. How long will the supply hold up? How will you deploy them effectively? What collateral damage would you expect to take? How safely can you maintain your stockpile?

Fun fact: Windex triggers as a nerve agent to most general issue field NBC test kits.

So…
I have chemical weapons under the sink?
Good to know.
/

128

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:04:26pm

re: #125 Kragar (Antichrist )

You have to take that into account for sustainability. How long will the supply hold up? How will you deploy them effectively? What collateral damage would you expect to take? How safely can you maintain your stockpile?

Fun fact: Windex triggers as a nerve agent to most general issue field NBC test kits.

We keep asking the guy here at work who is using a blue Mio supplement why he is drinking Windex. Since he’s a former Marine we figure he is just developing an immunity to iocaine powder or something to that effect.

129

Political Atheist Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:04:37pm

re: #104 Varek Raith

There’s a reason most of the world’s powers don’t have bio/chem weapons.

The soldier who survived mustard gas and
pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran..

130

kirkspencer Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:05:03pm

re: #89 EPR-radar

As I understand it, the case that was brought to the supreme court by Wiley had the following fact pattern:
1) Textbooks were legally purchased overseas.
2) These legally purchased textbooks were imported to the US and re-sold.
3) Wiley sued for copyright infringement.

The arrogance of big copyright is in suing on this fact pattern. The dysfunction of the US legal system is that this case went all the way to the supreme court (and a non-unanimous decision).

In any sensible legal system, the first court to see the case would have dismissed it and sanctioned the plaintiff.

How simplistic. I really wish it were that black and white. It is also not quite what happened.

1) textbooks were legally purchased overseas.
2a) textbooks were legally imported.
2b) textbooks were resold. Legally? that’s the crux.

We had two elements, both written into copyright law, in conflict. The lower court ruled that the Right of First Sale dominated. The appeals court reversed, saying the Territorial doctrine dominated.

We don’t hear a lot about territorial doctrine in the US for a lot of reasons. The (very simplistic) summary is that the copyright holder gets to say where his material is sold. That doesn’t make the conflict obvious, of course, as you could still say, “Duh, but once I’ve got it I can sell it where they don’t want it sold.” But it is an accepted standard of the international copyright law that the seller can say, “for sale in XYZ only.”

Regardless how this law came out it was going to have major ramifications, both obvious and not. Here’s one small example: DVD regionalization. I hope I don’t have to point out the issues there?

131

darthstar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:07:36pm

re: #77 Charles Johnson

OT: This is very cool — Google Images now lets you search for animated GIFs.

www.google.com

And Grumpy Cat defeats Chuck Norris!
i.chzbgr.com

132

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:08:44pm

re: #131 darthstar

And Grumpy Cat defeats Chuck Norris!
i.chzbgr.com

133

goddamnedfrank Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:10:13pm

re: #38 Decatur Deb

Most of them were doomed anyway—they’re dying in ones and twos from handguns.

And threes and tens. Even if you only analyze mass killings, handguns have always been the problem. An AWB likely wouldn’t have saved anybody, and considering that the intentional homicide rate is at an historic fifty to sixty year low point right now, would have just fueled anti gun control arguments when the rate inevitably rises again. Target the problem handguns and over time society has a decent chance of lowering the already low rate even further.

134

Dr. Matt Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:11:54pm

“We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate … our Independence Day!”
~George Washington, July 4th, 1783

135

Varek Raith Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:12:47pm

re: #133 goddamnedfrank

And threes and tens. Even if you only analyze mass killings, handguns have always been the problem. An AWB likely wouldn’t have saved anybody, and considering that the intentional homicide rate is at an historic fifty to sixty year low point right now, would have just fueled anti gun control arguments when the rate inevitably rises again. Target the problem handguns and over time society has a decent chance of lowering the already low rate even further.

Of course, “already low rate” means “one of the highest in the industrial world”.

136

darthstar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:12:55pm

re: #132 Gus

=)

I had to click, since Chucky showed up on a grumpy cat gif search.

137

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:12:58pm

re: #117 Varek Raith

I assume the unpredictable nature of chem/bio plays a role too, yes?

They’re a bitch to make and store. If you make too many of them they’re a real bitch to get rid of. Been to APG (Edgewood) and to Johnston Island.

138

engineer cat Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:13:41pm

re: #128 Feline Fearless Leader

We keep asking the guy here at work who is using a blue Mio supplement why he is drinking Windex. Since he’s a former Marine we figure he is just developing an immunity to iocaine powder or something to that effect.

drinking windex worked for rasputin i guess

139

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:14:26pm

You know the quote?

Tread only time
Take only memories
leave only footprints
kill only time

I’ve been trying to research the origin. Seems elusive. The consensus seems to be the origin is “unknown”.

Anyone here know better?

140

Feline Fearless Leader Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:14:34pm

re: #137 Decatur Deb

They’ve a bitch to make and store. If you make too many of them they’re a real bitch to get rid of. Been to APG (Edgewood) and to Johnston Island.

The French are still having fun with disposing of dud gas rounds from World War I coming to the surface in farmer’s fields. Along with dud explosive rounds as well of course.

141

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:14:52pm

re: #130 kirkspencer

How simplistic. I really wish it were that black and white. It is also not quite what happened.

1) textbooks were legally purchased overseas.
2a) textbooks were legally imported.
2b) textbooks were resold. Legally? that’s the crux.

We had two elements, both written into copyright law, in conflict. The lower court ruled that the Right of First Sale dominated. The appeals court reversed, saying the Territorial doctrine dominated.

We don’t hear a lot about territorial doctrine in the US for a lot of reasons. The (very simplistic) summary is that the copyright holder gets to say where his material is sold. That doesn’t make the conflict obvious, of course, as you could still say, “Duh, but once I’ve got it I can sell it where they don’t want it sold.” But it is an accepted standard of the international copyright law that the seller can say, “for sale in XYZ only.”

Regardless how this law came out it was going to have major ramifications, both obvious and not. Here’s one small example: DVD regionalization. I hope I don’t have to point out the issues there?

Thank you for the clarification. I did deliberately over-simplify the legal issues because I fundamentally disagree with the idea that a content seller can control the downstream market the way Wiley wanted.

DVD regionalization should still be legal under this court precedent, since there is no apparent reason this ruling would prevent content makers selling product in one region that will not work in another region.

142

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:16:41pm

OK, new Pope is moving up in my rankings.

143

goddamnedfrank Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:22:36pm

re: #135 Varek Raith

Of course, “already low rate” means “one of the highest in the industrial world”.

Handguns are the vast majority of the problem at all levels from street robbery to most multiple murders, an AWB addresses perception instead of reality.

144

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:24:59pm

With the computer “age” there is no NO way to ban anything. People will find a way, legal or otherwise.

even guns.

145

Romantic Heretic Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:25:01pm

re: #113 Vicious Babushka

Zedushka’s toe started bleeding so he went to the ER (he is diabetic), now he has an infection and has to get intravenous treatment.

Oh what fun.

Sending healing vibes your and his way.

146

kirkspencer Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:26:25pm

re: #143 goddamnedfrank

Handguns are the vast majority of the problem at all levels from street robbery to most multiple murders, an AWB addresses perception instead of reality.

Just a query. Are you saying that if we don’t deal with handguns we shouldn’t even bother?

147

darthstar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:28:32pm

re: #142 FemNaziBitch

OK, new Pope is moving up in my rankings.

It also gave him an opportunity to complete his first miracle…making a blind man lame.

148

wrenchwench Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:29:48pm

re: #142 FemNaziBitch

OK, new Pope is moving up in my rankings.

With the pope nic he took, he had to do that.

149

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:31:24pm

re: #146 kirkspencer

Just a query. Are you saying that if we don’t deal with handguns we shouldn’t even bother?

If we don’t deal with handguns and the reasons people misuse them, we’re doing kabuki.

150

Political Atheist Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:33:29pm

re: #135 Varek Raith

Of course, “already low rate” means “one of the highest in the industrial world”.

True enough, but we don’t really see that these places were so peaceful in their first couple/few centuries of existence though.

151

allegro Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:37:27pm

re: #142 FemNaziBitch

OK, new Pope is moving up in my rankings.

So he was nice to a blind guy and his dog for a few minutes.

Um, impressive.

152

Charles Johnson Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:37:50pm

RT @markm1962 “I tried the mind-meld but they have no brain. Time for the neck-pinch. They’re gonna regret this.” twitter.com/markm1962/stat… !!
— Angie Coiro (@Angie_Coiro) March 19, 2013

153

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:38:43pm

re: #152 Charles Johnson

*arches eyebrow* Fascinating.

154

darthstar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:38:53pm

Huh, so there’s a new movie about a black president losing the White House in a military attack.
— Tom Tomorrow (@tomtomorrow) March 19, 2013

155

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:39:01pm

Good luck with that rebranding scam, Reince:

RT @familypolicy: Sen. Portman doesn’t really love his son. Love means telling the truth about sin, not embracing and endorsing it.
— Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) March 19, 2013

156

goddamnedfrank Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:39:09pm

re: #146 kirkspencer

Just a query. Are you saying that if we don’t deal with handguns we shouldn’t even bother?

In as much as you care about actually influencing the intentional homicide rate, yes. Handguns will always be more conducive to criminality, used far more often, more concealable and thus easier to sneak past society’s defenses. If you ban so called assault weapons you’ll just drive the smaller number of mass killers who use them back to the more efficient handguns, which they’re usually carrying anyway and using more often already. You’ll have done basically nothing to influence the intentional homicide rate and have handed the anti gun control crowd a powerful argument when the rate goes up again - that disarming law abiding citizens was demonstrably counter productive. Crack down on handguns and you stand a chance at actually effecting a positive change.

If you look at the most frequently used firearms in crime and recovered by police from crime scenes, no model of assault weapon or rifle is even in the top ten. It’s all semi automatic handguns, revolvers, and the Mossberg 500 pistol grip pump action shotgun.

157

Political Atheist Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:39:32pm

re: #149 Decatur Deb

Take away the suicides and more than half of gun fatalities go with them. Go a little further and really hit the gangs where it hurts-Drug trade neglected neighborhoods and we do get down to a far more comparable level.

158

kirkspencer Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:42:12pm

re: #149 Decatur Deb

If we don’t deal with handguns and the reasons people misuse them, we’re doing kabuki.

Ah.

So you’re one of those people who drive off volunteers cleaning areas. You know, the ones who gripe because the workers are carrying small loads instead of filling their arms - never mind that the area is still getting cleaned.

small steps still move.

159

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:42:42pm

First Pluto, now the apostrophe.

How is a person to cope in this Brave New World?

160

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:43:23pm

re: #157 Political Atheist

Take away the suicides and more than half of gun fatalities go with them. Go a little further and really hit the gangs where it hurts-Drug trade neglected neighborhoods and we do get down to a far more comparable level.

Yup—attack gun killings by medicalizing all drug use, raising the minimum wage, and reducing the 40-hour workweek compensation rules. That’s Monday—by Wednesday fix the mental health system.

161

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:43:38pm

MT @spaceflightnow: Awesome view of 1st stage and nose cone falling away from #Atlas5 as it launches #SBIRS #GEO2 twitpic.com/ccqpan
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) March 19, 2013

162

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:44:02pm

Warheads! ZOMG!

163

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:44:49pm

re: #158 kirkspencer

Ah.

So you’re one of those people who drive off volunteers cleaning areas. You know, the ones who gripe because the workers are carrying small loads instead of filling their arms - never mind that the area is still getting cleaned.

small steps still move.

No sweat—fix the minority of gun assaults with long weapons. Just don’t give yourself a warm fuzzy for having solved a national problem.

164

goddamnedfrank Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:47:40pm

Here’s the most frequently recovered guns from Chicago between 2008 to 2010, used in a crime within a year of purchase. It’s very similar to the list from the Time article, all handguns and the Mossberg, no assault weapons and no rifles in the top ten.

165

Political Atheist Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:48:38pm

re: #163 Decatur Deb

Your point touches well on why existing laws have not been more effective. Maybe if suicidal persons had zero access to guns their success rate would fall. But you can’t ban fast buses and tall bridges. I still maintain that working on what makes a killer-of others or themselves is the fundamental solution. Cure more than treatment.

In the meantime sure, universal b/g checks via instant check, jail straw man sellers, limit capacity.

166

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:49:55pm

re: #165 Political Atheist

Your point touches well on why existing laws have not been more effective. Maybe if suicidal persons had zero access to guns their success rate would fall. But you can’t ban fast buses and tall bridges. I still maintain that working on what makes a killer-of others or themselves is the fundamental solution. Cure more than treatment.

In the meantime sure, universal b/g checks via instant check, jail straw man sellers, limit capacity.

Disgustingly doable.

167

kirkspencer Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:51:20pm

re: #163 Decatur Deb

No sweat—fix the minority of gun assaults with long weapons. Just don’t give yourself a warm fuzzy for having solved a national problem.

I cannot think of anyone who supports it who thinks the AWB is the end-all and be-all of gun control. What they - we - think is that it does two small things of benefit.

First, it solves a problem. Long guns are used - not as often - for both crime and suicide. The small percentage stopped still results in hundreds of lives saved.

Second, it gives basis for proof and continuance. It’s easier to continue than it is to start.

Feel free to denigrate your allies because we’re “not doing enough” if you wish, but don’t be surprised if it makes your allies unwilling.

168

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:54:19pm

FEAR OF HEIGHTS WARNING!!

Crazy dude testing Darwin’s theory.

169

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:55:08pm

re: #167 kirkspencer

I cannot think of anyone who supports it who thinks the AWB is the end-all and be-all of gun control. What they - we - think is that it does two small things of benefit.

First, it solves a problem. Long guns are used - not as often - for both crime and suicide. The small percentage stopped still results in hundreds of lives saved.

Second, it gives basis for proof and continuance. It’s easier to continue than it is to start.

Feel free to denigrate your allies because we’re “not doing enough” if you wish, but don’t be surprised if it makes your allies unwilling.

It’s not that you’re not doing enough—you’re doing the wrong thing. There is a finite amount of political will in play, and an AWB sucks up much of it in a symbolic struggle. Symbolic to the anti-gun effort, and extremely symbolic to the 2A/threeper/NRA set.

170

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:55:13pm

Make that fear of heights. Derp.

171

Targetpractice Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:55:43pm

re: #168 Gus

AGORAPHOBIA WARNING!!

Crazy dude testing Darwin’s theory.

Acrophobia.

And that is one crazy SOB.

172

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:56:48pm

Rand Paul’s staff said he didn’t support path to citizenship. Asked if he supports it: “Interestingly, yes” thkpr.gs/ZPYvkE
— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) March 19, 2013

173

Political Atheist Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:57:35pm

re: #170 Gus

Make that fear of heights. Derp.

Did you see this rooftopping? Today at Petapixel.
The Mother of All Rooftopping Photos, On Top of the Tallest Building in the World

petapixel.com

174

goddamnedfrank Tue, Mar 19, 2013 2:58:54pm

re: #167 kirkspencer

I cannot think of anyone who supports it who thinks the AWB is the end-all and be-all of gun control. What they - we - think is that it does two small things of benefit.

First, it solves a problem. Long guns are used - not as often - for both crime and suicide. The small percentage stopped still results in hundreds of lives saved.

Second, it gives basis for proof and continuance. It’s easier to continue than it is to start.

Feel free to denigrate your allies because we’re “not doing enough” if you wish, but don’t be surprised if it makes your allies unwilling.

If you were legislating road safety and blatantly ignored the ten models of car most frequently associated with traffic fatalities nobody would take your efforts seriously, nor should they. This attempt to justify doing the least effective thing possible out of political expedience or sheer inertia is just weak, and the backlash utterly predictable.

175

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:00:36pm

re: #169 Decatur Deb

It’s not that you’re not doing enough—you’re doing the wrong thing. There is a finite amount of political will in play, and an AWB sucks up much of it in a symbolic struggle. Symbolic to the anti-gun effort, and extremely symbolic to the 2A/threeper/NRA set.

QFT. An AWB has zero chance of getting though this Congress. Thus, having Democratic members of Congress fool around with an AWB is Kabuki, good for nothing but fundraising material for both sides.

A serious effort for gun control in the US would need to be a decades long affair at this point, with most of the emphasis going to informing and changing public opinion. Congress needs to be the last part of the process, not the first.

176

Gus Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:01:55pm

re: #173 Political Atheist

Did you see this rooftopping? Today at Petapixel.
The Mother of All Rooftopping Photos, On Top of the Tallest Building in the World

www.petapixel.com

Something’s wrong. These pics aren’t scaring me like they were before I broke mah leg.

177

engineer cat Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:08:42pm

Rand Paul’s staff said he didn’t

rand paul is a bug in the gop’s design

he’s crashing their system

178

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:11:02pm

re: #175 EPR-radar

QFT. An AWB has zero chance of getting though this Congress. Thus, having Democratic members of Congress fool around with an AWB is Kabuki, good for nothing but fundraising material for both sides.

A serious effort for gun control in the US would need to be a decades long affair at this point, with most of the emphasis going to informing and changing public opinion. Congress needs to be the last part of the process, not the first.

To continue this thought, brief and isolated spasms of outrage after the horrible shooting du jour are worse then useless.

179

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:12:13pm

re: #151 allegro

So he was nice to a blind guy and his dog for a few minutes.

Um, impressive.

He blessed the dog.

THat’s a big deal in the RC world.

180

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:16:19pm

re: #178 EPR-radar

To continue this thought, brief and isolated spasms of outrage after the horrible shooting du jour are worse then useless.

EXACTLY!

outrage leads to half-hearted attempts to stop gun violence thru legislation, which leads to a false scarcity ad campaign by gun nutz, which leads to record prices and record sales.

result: moar gunz in idiot hands.

181

Lidane Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:18:17pm

re: #177 engineer cat

Rand Paul’s staff said he didn’t

rand paul is a bug in the gop’s design

he’s crashing their system

Right now the wingnuts are freaking out over this:

OOPS: Rand Paul makes case against the pro-life agenda —-> thkpr.gs/Yn1Drf
— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) March 19, 2013

182

Decatur Deb Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:20:50pm

re: #180 FemNaziBitch

EXACTLY!

outrage leads to half-hearted attempts to stop gun violence thru legislation, which leads to a false scarcity ad campaign by gun nutz, which leads to record prices and record sales.

result: moar gunz in idiot hands.

Sorta worked out that way.

183

FemNaziBitch Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:24:43pm

re: #182 Decatur Deb

Sorta worked out that way.

everytime.

184

makeitstop Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:25:47pm

re: #176 Gus

Something’s wrong. These pics aren’t scaring me like they were before I broke mah leg.

My stomach is all whoooooooooooooooooa from them.

185

palomino Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:26:58pm

Overwhelming majorities of citizens favor universal background checks. And fairly large majorities support magazine restrictions. Dems should pass this in the Senate, then blame Repubs when they block it in the House. The GOP isn’t gonna win new followers by sticking with a stance of absolute NO on gun control.

Sadly the only thing that would create a pro-assault weapon ban atmosphere would be multiple shootings like Newtown in a short period of time with even larger numbers of dead. At a certain point, even the GOP would have to give in.

186

EPR-radar Tue, Mar 19, 2013 3:31:05pm

re: #185 palomino

Overwhelming majorities of citizens favor universal background checks. And fairly large majorities support magazine restrictions. Dems should pass this in the Senate, then blame Repubs when they block it in the House. The GOP isn’t gonna win new followers by sticking with a stance of absolute NO on gun control.

Sadly the only thing that would create a pro-assault weapon ban atmosphere would be multiple shootings like Newtown in a short period of time with even larger numbers of dead. At a certain point, even the GOP would have to give in.

1) I don’t like to think what the body count would need to be to break the NRA-GOP blockade.

2) Getting legislation passed in the aftermath of such a tragedy isn’t a good way to go.

A decades long campaign of informing the public and swaying public opinion is really the only game in town.

187

Backwoods_Sleuth Tue, Mar 19, 2013 4:54:46pm

re: #139 FemNaziBitch

You know the quote?

I’ve been trying to research the origin. Seems elusive. The consensus seems to be the origin is “unknown”.

Anyone here know better?

The two lines that say “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints” has been attributed to Chief Seattle.

188

labman57 Tue, Mar 19, 2013 11:10:27pm

A familiar pattern has re-emerged. Republicans in Congress tend to be ruthless, whereas the Congressional Democrats continually demonstrate that they are fundamentally gutless.

Spy Mode Auto

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