David Mitchell
I woke up this morning to the news about Jeffrey Epstein's suicide. I have been following that story and all it's disgusting details very closely I thought I would make a comment about that and how disapointing it is not to see him come to trial. But I will just leave it at these comments;
The problem of sex trafficking is a horrifying one, adn again I urge you to visit the website of "Exodus Cry". It is an organization devoted to exposing the (world-wide) problem, educating the public, and helping women (and men) escape the "slavery" of sex traffickers, pimps, and brothels. Another charitable cause worth giving a few dollars or your suppoort. And their Blog is full of unbleiveable stories from across the globe that will absolutely shock you. The overall awareness of the seriousnes of this problem is frightfully low.
There will no doubt be more to come on this Epstein story as the court documents had just been released (a suspected reason for the timing of his suicide). One detail - (in addition to his island in the Carribean - known as "pedophile island" by the locals) is his ranch in New Mexico where he invited many world-renouned scientists to hear his plan to "seed" a new generation of intelligent beings by impregnating intelligent women of the scientific and academic community, is so utterly disgsuting as to defy the imagination. And dozens of famous scientists had actually bought into the idea. Many of them are sudenly back peddaling from their connection to Epstein.
(one last point - I am dumbfounded that there seems to have been no suicde watch on this man, especailly after he was found last week, crying on the floor of his cell, with serious marks on his neck - ?????)
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But today brings a new chapter in the debate about guns, and I am simply flabbergasted at some of your remarks, Mary Margaret.
To begin with, I will agree with your belief that there is evil in the world, and I myself believe there is a thread of connection between most evils. When we were children we called evil deeds that archaic word - sin. But nobody is allowed to use that term anymore, without being called an old fashioned religeous fanatic or a fool.
I choose to be one of those fools! And I choose to believe there is a "higher power" to guide us toward a more peaceful world. And I choose to beleive that that same "higher power" expects us to use the brains He gave us.
I think I made my position on abortion clear. But I don't think in my lifetime we will see any kind of compromise bill against it. So I choose to promote ideas like "VIRA NOVA" and it's "Mother Theresa-like" answer to the problem. (see my post above)
BUT, AS FOR ASSAULT RIFLES, I not only think you are not only waaaaaay off base, but you don''t even appear to be listening to the points of our disccussion !!!!
I did in fact know that 700 rounds per minute (or 600, or 850) was "fully automatic". And I was vaguely aware of the rate of "semi-automatic" - somehwere beween 150 add 190 rounds per minute (if you are really fast with your finger - and thank God "The Donald" signed a bill outlawing "bump stocks"). But there is still a huge difference in single shot (or "double action") firing mechanisms, and semi-automatic.
And it is not just the rate of fire, but the general overal attraction to use these weapons by young exciteable males, who grow fascinated with the idea of a "military style" gun to "go into battle".
*Many of us (incuding your brother, RIP, Kevin Cull, Al Judy, myself, and others) throughout history, were excited to "go to battle". In many young American Indian tribes the younger "braves" were been excited to "go to battle". Its been a fact of nature. But it must be channeled. And I don't think the lonely lifestyles, with no spiritual guidance - nor the video games help the problem any.
But to restate: THERE IS NO REASON FOR ANYONE OUTSIDE OF LAW ENFOREMENT OR THE MILITARY TO POSSESS ONE OF THESE GUNS!
And no one's rights are violated without them - NO ONE'S.
* Even a growing portion of the NRA members are in disagreement with it's (totally corrupt) leadership's position on this. I could spend a whole chapter on Wayne LaPierre's history as a congenital liar.
I am never going to get a perfect compromise bill on abortion, and we are never going to erase the entire problem with guns, or mental health, or better discipline in schools, or happier healthier children, or working single moms (some of the unsung heroes of our socciety) . But we can try and take small steps. Failure to try is capitulation.
I am NOT being and Elitest and I am NOT saying take away all their guns. I am saying there is a rational, reasonable, practical step to take this one part of the problem out of the equation.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
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