The Real timschochet

Trust me it may sound that way. He doesn’t.

Isn’t this a contradiction? If the justice system was truly politicized and run by lefties, wouldn’t assault rifles be banned?

Then I misunderstood you. What were you trying to say?

Election fraud that would have been solved by voter ID laws? I strongly doubt that.

Strike is usually pretty good about making his point. I normally don’t share his overall conclusions but I rarely question his facts.

I always say everything straight out. No dog whistles. No covert. The reason conservatives support voter ID laws is to shrink minority voting.

Are you really claiming that the high levels of gun violence in the USA (as compared to other countries mentioned) is due to identity politics?

I notice that your proposed wagers always involve me leaving the board forever.

Maine is largely rural, heavily wooded. Didn’t you ever read any Stephen King? Lots of places to hide.

In reading the responses to what I proposed (unsurprising but illuminating) what it really comes down to is your basic philosophy of government. If you view the government as malevolent, will all sorts of intent to impose an ever increasing tyranny or authoritarianism, then you’re never going to agree on any measure that could even theoretically remove your individual rights. On the other hand, if you view the government as sometimes bumbling but generally well meaning with a serious interest in preserving public safety without destroying freedom, then you’re going to be more willing to accept at least moderate proposals for change. It’s basically the same debate that took place over Covid.

I don’t think I agree with you but even if I did it’s too late. We can’t remove gun rights. Too many guns, too many people own them. Let’s be realistic it ain’t gonna happen.

Logically: gun issues involve public safety. Voting issues do not. There’s never been enough voter fraud (of the sort that would change the outcome of an election) that would require voter ID. The reasons that conservatives favor voter IDs is to reduce minority voting. Which is why I’m opposed.

This is also a reasonable response. I don’t want to be knee jerk about this stuff. There’s too much of that already. But I think that there is more that we as a society can and should do about these incidents without infringing on the rights of lawful gun owners.

This is a reasonable response. And I admit I don’t know how and when it is proper to determine that someone is mentally ill. But this guy supposedly was talking about shooting up a military base. It seems like something like that should be enough to take his guns away.

I don’t see any problem with Mike Johnson or anyone else offering prayers. But I also would like to see legislative action taken.

I don’t have a problem with private sales. So long as there’s background checks. I’ve always thought so since I’ve thought about this issue. Voting ID is a different topic and I don’t see the relevance. Can we put aside my supposed hypocrisy and simply focus on whether or not it makes sense to have universal background checks? I don’t see a good argument why it would not but you’re welcome to offer one.

I want to talk about guns. I think we can all agree that a mentally ill person should not be allowed to purchase guns. But in order to make that happen, we have to have universal background checks. We can’t allow a private sales loophole in which no background checks need to be performed. And we have to have a single, national database for all firearms. Which means universal registration. In addition, if someone is determined to be mentally ill, as this guy apparently was, I believe the police should enter his home and seize all of the firearms he already possesses. Although this is a violation of civil liberties I’m willing to overlook it in the name of public safety. Would any of these ideas violate the 2nd Amendment? I don’t think so but I’m willing to defer to experts. I believe that they COULD make a positive difference.

Talking about my wife’s situation isn’t a political discussion, you idiot. What a waste of time. I’m going to bed. Have a nice night

Except that none of it was made up. And that has nothing to do with you bringing up my wife’s alcoholism.

Yes I accused my wife of driving my kids while drunk. Yes I was wrong and it never happened. Yes I was so miserable at the time that I posted my situation on an internet site hoping to get good advice. Stupid wasn’t it? But I did get good advice at the time. I never once that that somebody would be a jerk enough to mock me with it years later. What any of this has to do with this terrible mass shooting I have no idea.

I was wrong about that. It never happened. I lost my temper and accused her of it but it never took place. That was a terrible time in my life. I have no idea why you decided to rehash it. For personal enjoyment? Seriously I don’t get you. But whatever; you’re the one that has to be you 24/7.

I don’t need you or anyone else to care. But I don’t know why anyone would bother to bring it up as a form of mockery either.

I see that now. I thought someone else was going through what I had gone through. I was trying to be empathetic. Guess I’m just stupid. You guys have your fun. I’ll see my way out.

The false part was her driving my kids around drunk. That never happened. And that was a personal, very painful time for me. I posted it at FBG looking for help and advice. I don’t understand why he would bring it up now in the middle of this discussion? Is it supposed to be funny?

Thank you for posting that. I find many of your statements crude but I’m guessing you’re simply looking to get a rise out of people. I wish the best for your wife and for you.l. I’ve been involved in the program and it will work for her if she has a good sponsor and does the steps. Best wishes, seriously.