Republicans' Right to Carry

Republicans across the country in different states are pushing for more "right to carry" laws so virtually any of us can have a gun, a weapon on us anywhere, everywhere, at any given place or time in our cities and on our streets. This is what that gets us.

We Need to Bring Back the Assault Weapons Ban

The GOP, the Vote, Guns and You, America

Guess which it wants to have less of, if not even do away with?

The GOP Just Now on Guns, Voting and America

God help us, folks.

The only thing this doesn't also show is their racism. Oh, and their love of power. Over all else.

Republican Party Priorities

There's only one political party in the nation that is so patently, provenly bad and unpopular that they have to--and do--actively disenfranchise fellow American citizens.

End vote and voter suppression.

Require background checks for all weapons purchases, coast to coast, for mental stability and criminal history.

Put back into effect the Assault Weapons Ban.Require a waiting period for weapons purchases. Simple, important things we need to do as a nation. Oh, and vote out Republicans. For sure.

Quote of the Day -- On America, Americans and Assault Weapons

"After Bill Clinton banned assault weapons in 1994, mass shooting deaths dropped by 43%.

After the Republican Congress let the ban expire in 2004, they shot up by 239%. This isn't rocket science: we need to ban assault weapons again." --Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania Democratic Party candidate for the US Senate.

What to do About Guns in America?

What do we do about weapons in the United States? 3 things, at minimum---all common sense and not complicated. These won't solve all our problems, no, certainly not but they'll go a long way to curing some of our nation's ills and keeping people from getting shot and/or killed.

1) Require background checks, coast to coast, for ALL weapons purchases, for mental stability and criminal history, 2) Put into law a waiting period for receiving a gun after purchase and 3) Ban assault weapons. Again. Period.

On Guns -- and Shootings and Killings -- In America

There aren't two sides to this issue of guns in America.

There's sensible people who know we need solutions and then there are the weapons supporters, putting guns and gun ownership over human life. That's it. That's all there is.

Quote of the Day -- On Guns In America

"Today it's a tragedy in Boulder, Colorado. This past weekend it was a house party in Philadelphia. And last week it was an armed attack on Asian American women in the Atlanta area.

It doesn't have to be this way. It’s beyond time for our leaders to take action." --Gabrielle Giffords @GabbyGiffords

Republican Party Policies

38,000 gun deaths a year in US: who needs gun control?

2 cases of voter fraud in 2020: let’s pass 253 new voter suppression laws --Ari Berman @AriBerman

Republicans Reached a New Low Yesterday

On the same day 7 women and 1 man were gunned down by a 21 year old madman in Atlanta, Georgia after purchasing a 9mm handgun EARLIER THAT DAY at a local gun shop, 172 Republicans voted against the Violence Against Women Act. The very same day. Unconscionable.

Republicans are NOT for Americans or America. They are for themselves and their own political party and money and power, period. That's it. Know this, America. Then let's vote them out.

Guns In America

On that Atlanta, Georgia slaughter of more innocent American citizens earlier today: Tom Winter @Tom_Winter "NEW: Two senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter tell NBC News that the gun -- a 9mm handgun -- used by Robert Aaron Long in yesterday’s shooting spree in Georgia was purchased legally and it was purchased yesterday prior to the shooting." Reported w/ Mike Kosnar

igorvolsky @igorvolsky "Waiting period laws that delay the purchase of firearms by a few days reduce gun homicides by roughly 17%. 10 states + DC do have waiting periods for at least some types of firearm purchases. Georgia is not one of them." Again and as ever, thanks, NRA. Thanks, Republicans.

After the Atlanta Murders Today

"Every Republican official who has ever called it the 'Chinavirus' or 'Kung-Flu' has played a part in the violence being directed towards the Asian American community right now. #StopAsianHate" --Kaivan Shroff @KaivanShroff

Thanks Mr. Trump. Thanks, NRA. Thanks, Republicans.

Quote of the Day -- Insane Guns Edition

"The big increase in the murder rate in 2020 has carried over to 2021. Early data shows murder 18% in first 3 months of 2021.

Meanwhile, last week, 203 members of Congress voted to make it 'easier' for prohibited purchasers to purchase guns & traffic firearms." --igorvolsky @igorvolsky Doesn't portend well for the nation. Certainly doesn't bode well for the Kansas City metropolitan area.

A Very Important Anniversary Today

Three years ago today, 17 students and educators were killed and 17 more were injured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas—the deadliest high school shooting in US History. 

In just a day, countless students, teachers, staff, and family members were burdened with unimaginable grief and trauma. No parent should lose their child to an unspeakable act of hatred. No child should fear for their safety in the place they’re meant to learn and flourish.

Today, we remember the Parkland 17. And we will continue honoring all victims and survivors with action. 

Please join us. Let's work together on this. We are, we must be, better than this.

GUN CRAZED AMERICA

Now is the Time to Discuss Gun Safety & Insist on Appropriate Gun Laws !!!

USA: It Sucks to be You?

 I saw this article today.

Study ranks Canada #1 in the world for quality of life

Check that out.

Canada was recently ranked the second most beautiful country in the world, and now it is being hailed for its quality of life.

In fact, Canada took the top spot for the category in the latest 2019 Best Countries Rankings by U.S. News and World Report. What's more, this is the country's fourth year in a row in the ranking's top spot.

America?  Shall we compare?

• Guess what neighbor to the North has universal health care?
• Guess what neighbor to the North didn't tie health care to profit?
• And who's people don't go bankrupt from health care costs?
• And who's number 1 cause of bankruptcy for citizens isn't health care costs?
• And also has far less guns and weapons?
• And far less shootings and killings?
• And doesn't pay out an obscene amount every year for "defense"?
• And doesn't have an idiotic, self-serving, greedy, uninformed leader of their nation?

So...   Ladies and gentlemen?

Can we learn anything?

Maybe?

Could we?

Please?

Excellent Article Out Now Far Too Many Americans Won't Get

 There is an excellent article out from last July at The Atlantic that, as I said above, far too many Americans won't even understand, let alone accept.

Do Americans Understand How Badly They’re Doing?

In France, where I live, the virus is under control. I can hardly believe the news coming out of the United States.

This is a great question and I'm certain the answer is no, Americans no way know how badly they're, we're doing. It mostly covers here how awful our situation is regarding this President, our/his "leadership" and this pandemic but there's so much more we are doing and do so very badly, so poorly. Here are some of the worst.

• This President and election alone have put us in "banana republic" territory with his trying to deny our vote, our votes and election
• There there is our only-nation-with-it, for-profit health care system and our bankruptcies from it all and then our really obscene and grossly immoral wealth inequality
• Because of our health care system, Americans go bankrupt from those costs and expenses. So much so that it's the number one reason and source of bankruptcies in the nation
• And don't get me started on our insane number of guns and weapons and shootings and killings for no reason whatever
• Additionally, there's this idiot, self-possessed, self-absorbed, greedy, ignorant, reckless, literally dangerous President we've had ostensibly leading us these last 4 years
• Then we far outspend what we should on what we call "defense", bankrupting us in other ways so we can't and don't take care of our infrastructure. More insanity.
• We have horrible wealth inequality
• We nearly literally shovel yet more money, and great quantities, at that, to the already-wealthy and corporations

No. No way Americans have any idea we have it bad, badly and so wrong. So stupidly wrong. So unnecessarily wrong.

Links:

U.S. becomes first nation to cross 10M COVID-19 cases as third wave of infections surge

Things I'll never get used to in the USA

What to do if There are Armed People or Groups at the Polls Tomorrow?

Hoping this doesn't become necessary for us tomorrow but just in case.

What should you do if you see armed groups near a polling place or voter registration drive?

Well, you could be intimidated and go away. Or try to pretend they're not there or that it is perfectly normal. Or you can call it out for what it is, voter intimidation, and demand that it stop then and there.

Here's some advice from the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University Law Center:

"First, document what you see," then consider the following questions:
What are the armed people doing?
What are the armed people wearing?
Are they carrying firearms? If so, what type? If not, are they carrying other types of weapons?
Are they wearing insignia? If so, what does it say or look like?
Are they bearing signs or flags?
Do they seem to be patrolling like a law enforcement officer might do?
Do they seem to be coordinating their actions?
Do they have a leader?
Are they stopping or talking to people outside of their group?
Do they appear to be provoking or threatening violence? If so, what are they doing specifically?
Are people turning away from the polling station after seeing or speaking with them?
You can also dial 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or 911 to report what you see.

Here is Kansas law:

A group of people who consider themselves part of the able-bodied residents referred to as members of the militia under state or federal law is not legally permitted to activate itself for duty. A private militia that attempts to activate itself for duty, outside of the authority of the state or federal government, is illegal.

How do I know if a group of armed people is an unauthorized private militia?

Groups of armed individuals that engage in paramilitary activity or law enforcement functions without being called forth by a governor or the federal government and without reporting to any government authority are acting as unauthorized private militias.They sometimes train together and respond to events using firearms and other paramilitary techniques, such as staking out tactical positions and operating in military-style formations.They often purport to have authority to engage in military and law enforcement functions such as protecting property and engaging in crowd control.

These groups often engage in behaviors that show their intent to act as a private militia, such as wearing military-style uniforms, tactical gear, or identifying insignia; wielding firearms or other weapons; and operating within a coordinated command structure.Other factors—such as statements by leaders or members’ efforts to direct the actions of others—also may suggest that a group is acting as a private militia. Groups of armed individuals may engage in unauthorized militia activity even if they do not consider themselves to be “members” of a paramilitary organization.

Does the Second Amendment protect private militias?

No. In fact, the Supreme Court decided in 1886—and repeated in 2008—that the Second Amendment “does not prevent the prohibition of private paramilitary organizations.” District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570, 621 (2008) (citing Presser v. Illinois, 116 U.S. 252 (1886)).

Is it legal to act as a private militia in Kansas?

No. All 50 states prohibit private, unauthorized militias and military units from engaging in activities reserved for the state militia (the National Guard), including law enforcement activities. Kansas’s laws are described below:

Kansas Constitution: The Kansas Constitution forbids private military units from operating outside state authority, providing that “[t]he military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.”
Kan. Const., Bill of Rights, § 4. Kansas Statutes–Prohibition on private military units:Kansas law makes it illegal for groups of people to organize as private militias without permission from the state. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 48-203 provides that “[n]o independent military organization, except a corps of cadets at an educational institution, shall be permitted to bear arms without first securing permission of the” governor as commander in chief.

Meanwhile, Missouri Law:

Generally the same as all other states.

Missouri Constitution: The Missouri Constitution forbids private military units from operating outside state authority, providing that “[t]he military shall be always in strict subordination to the civil power.”
Mo. Const. art. I, § 24. MissouriStatute–Prohibition on paramilitary activity: It is a felony inMissourito“teach[]or demonstrate[]to any other person the use, application, or construction of any firearm, explosive, or incendiary device capable of causing injury or death to any person, knowing or intending that such firearm, explosive, or incendiary device be used in furtherance of a civil disorder.” Mo. Rev. Stat. § 574.070(2)

So, no, the 417 Missouri Militia, the 4/8 Militia, KS 1st Regiment, ist Mechanical, the 620, the 913 Militia, Allied Patriots, 785, KSM, Disciples, RPP, NWK, the Klan, Christian Identity, American Identity, ASTRU, Blood and Honor, Firm 22, Millstone, Patriot Front, Vanguard, Straight Way, the Proud Boys, Vipers, Forever Enduring Always Ready, Sons Of Liberty, Crusaders, the Boogaloos, Oath Keepers, Patriot Prayer, 3 Percenters or some lone wolf wannabe revolutionary cannot show up as "Poll Watchers" or strut around outside with their ARs and AKs.

Me? I'm calling 911 and asking for police.

Again, hoping it's not necessary.

Vote, folks!! Let's do this!

Vote!! And VOTE BLUE!!

#BlueWave2020

Important Quote of the Day

Click on picture for larger picture, easier reading.

On Guns: Facts in America and What We Must Do