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Friday Night Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 06:51:39 PM EST
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R.I.P. Mayor Ed Koch. Here are some reactions from prominent New Yorkers. He died on the day a new documentary about his life and three terms as Mayor opened.

President Obama has offered a compromise on birth control.

At least 60 Harvard students have been forced to withdraw from the school in the aftermath of a cheating scandal. [More...]

What's on your agenda for the weekend? I'm going to try and set up my region-free blue-ray player so I can watch DVDs from Great Britain without having to wait months or years until they are released in this country, and watch stuff not available here at all, like the Norwegian version of The Killing and Seasons 3 and 4 of Made in Chelsea.

Does anyone know what the latest is on Java and whether it's safe to reinstall it? All my computers are acting weird since I disabled it in my browsers and uninstalled it from my computers. Especially Wordperfect, which is a must for work. The AOL mailbox in 9.7 is so tiny I can't read the list of mail and I don't like their online version because you have to click a box to mark something as spam (as opposed to just deleting it.) And some video programs won't open because a java file is missing. Windows XP was so much better than Windows 7, and 8 is supposed to be even worse. (And no, I haven't been able to get a new IMac yet.)

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    May Ed Koch rest in peace. (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 02:45:05 AM EST
    A good friend of ours, who was born and raised in Queens and lived in New York until 1999, had this rather interesting perspective about Hizzoner: "He was really one of the great mayors in his first two terms, but became one of the worst in his last."

    Koch always kind of reminded me of our own longtime mayor of Honolulu (26 years!), Frank Fasi, who was an Italian-American originally from Hartford, CT. Both were feisty characters -- some would say abrasive -- who weren't shy at all about telling you what was on the minds. Love 'em or loathe 'em, you most always knew where they stood, and when they shook your hand and gave you their word, they kept it.

    Winter wonderland in Astana. (5.00 / 3) (#18)
    by observed on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 10:32:11 AM EST
    The weather is gorgeous---even romantic---tonight.
    Usually early February has the coldest temperatures of winter. Last year we were in the middle of a -40ish cold snap on Feb. 1. It's been unseasonably warm the last couple days, with temperatures close to freezing, and even melting water during the day.
    Right now it's just below zero, snowing lightly, and like a fairy tale. This is one of the nicest nights I've experienced here.

    Everything is relative, eh? (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by oculus on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 12:37:41 PM EST


    Parent
    Wow, have you been there ... (none / 0) (#29)
    by sj on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 03:49:16 PM EST
    ... over a year already?

    Parent
    yes, since Fall 2011 (none / 0) (#31)
    by observed on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 04:07:15 PM EST


    Parent
    Jeralyn (none / 0) (#1)
    by DFLer on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 07:45:11 PM EST
    Have you seen the latest cyber alert from Homeland Security? See this ZDNET article. Summary: The US government is warning to disable a common networking feature after bugs left tens of millions of hardware devices vulnerable to attacks by hackers and malware.

    Basically, the security threat is the Universal Plug and Play.

    UPnP is a common networking protocol that is part of the firmware of all routers, including home networks. One doesn't need UPnP to program a router set-up, as it can all be done manually, for the most part. So one should disable the UPnP by accessing the router routines through your computer. UPnP is also used in other devices, computers, media servers, printers , that are networked

    More info re that and the fix here at ZDNET

    Here are the instructions (none / 0) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 08:42:24 PM EST
    from Netgear on how to disable it. I just disabled it and it took like 5 seconds.

    Parent
    Good (none / 0) (#11)
    by DFLer on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:52:19 PM EST
    easy and like I said, not needed.

    Parent
    ok, so I just read the ZNet (none / 0) (#2)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 08:18:55 PM EST
    article and downloaded Windows application ScanNow for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) to see if I'm at risk and the program won't run because the java files are missing.

    I'll go check my desktop and the router files.

    I have disabled my Java for the last few weeks (none / 0) (#5)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:10:31 PM EST
    following the prior warning.  I enable it for a moment when I need to file something in a federal appeal (because the appellate courts' filing system requires it) and then turn it off again.  That seems to be working for me.  You could do the same, J, if you need to have Java operating for a few moments to run some other routine or program.

    Parent
    you just disabled your browser (none / 0) (#7)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:31:24 PM EST
    I also uninstalled all versions of Java from my computer. That's why the programs won't run, it's not the browser. I'm not willing to reinstall java until the problem is fixed, and it doesn't seem to be yet.

    Parent
    I can't do that. I can only disable it, (none / 0) (#9)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:34:36 PM EST
    not uninstall it.  Appellate ECF will not operate otherwise, and that's what I do for a living -- and for my clients.

    Parent
    By the way, did you interpret the message (none / 0) (#10)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:41:18 PM EST
    from Anonymous with respect to their attack on the Sentencing Commission website, as I did, as strongly implying that they accomplished their hack by exploiting the Java "Zero Day" vulnerability? In other words, the USSC's IT dept had ignored the warning from the government's own DHS?

    Parent
    Perhaps I should have been more specific (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Peter G on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 11:14:38 AM EST
    The passage to which I refer is this one:
    There has been a lot of fuss recently in the technological media regarding ... the widespread use of vulnerable browsers and the availability of zero-day exploits for these browsers and their plugins. None of this comes of course as any surprise to us, but it is perhaps good that those within the information security industry are making the extent of these threats more widely understood.

    Still there is nothing quite as educational as a well-conducted demonstration...

    Through this websites [sic] and various others that will remain unnamed, we have been conducting our own infiltration. * * *  


    Full text of the Anonymous explanatory video is available here (first ellipsis mine; second, theirs).

    Parent
    Thanks (none / 0) (#30)
    by sj on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 04:06:24 PM EST
    I hadn't read the entire text before.  It sure sounds like your interpretation is accurate.

    And that nod to the 1983 film WarGames was a sly and subtle touch.

    Parent

    As I understand it, one only needs to disable (none / 0) (#12)
    by DFLer on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:55:29 PM EST
    Java in your browsers, not remove Java script form your computer

    Parent
    Despite the stupidity of the similar names... (none / 0) (#13)
    by unitron on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 12:00:21 AM EST
    ...Java and Java Script are not the same.

    Parent
    i didn't remove javascript (none / 0) (#14)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 01:02:23 AM EST
    I uninstalled the Java programs

    Parent
    I'm not sure what you mean by all Java programs. (none / 0) (#19)
    by DFLer on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 10:37:38 AM EST
    This seems to be a helpful page

    And here dated Feb 1

    Parent

    sorry I meant all (none / 0) (#22)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 11:50:37 AM EST
    versions of the Java program. Some of my computers had versions 6 and 7 both and several updates.

    Parent
    To whom it may concern (none / 0) (#4)
    by NYShooter on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 08:43:25 PM EST
    Did you see the bulletins every ten minutes on TV? Did you get your registered letter from "The Dept" warning about Java, and now, this thing? Did a cyber technician come to your house to fix this looming disaster?

    So, just how much of a threat is it? There are something like 30-40-50 BILLION Java applications in use out there. If this threat were really, really, really important don't you think the fix would have been hand delivered by now? Just Imagine that many machines at risk and neither you, nor almost anyone else, outside the shower-once-a-month, live-to-geek squad knows how to fix these dum dee dum dum,  dangerssssss.

    How about those warnings you hear after every new drug is marketed. "Got A Headache? Try our new "Pain-Out-Pills" (may cause cancer, gout, shingles, yeah, yeah, yeah.

    Now, I know some much smarter than me techno-dude is going to flame out, snickering, "just wait sucker, just wait, and then he'll list the million things that will befall me. But, the point is, if it was really THAT important, we wouldn't be having this discussion tonight.  

    that's a silly recommendation for (none / 0) (#6)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:29:56 PM EST
    people who maintain privileged information of others as well as their own data on their computers. Not to mention that malpractice insurance policies now require us to protect against data breaches. And if you've ever been hit by malware or a disabling virus, you wouldn't care whether the chances are 1 in 50 million, you'd just want to avoid it happening again to you. We can never be 100% safe against these things, but to avoid widely broadcast government warnings is silly in my view.

    Parent
    Please, Jeralyn (none / 0) (#15)
    by NYShooter on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 02:01:56 AM EST
    I know I sometimes get close to the edge with my NY ways, but,I assume we're all reasonably intelligent people here on TL, in great measure due to your diligent management, I might add. And, maybe I should have placed a <snark> tag on my post, but I thought most people would "get it."

    Of course people with security needs higher than the average keypuncher should take greater precautions. But, for a great majority of average people what I've found is that they have a much greater chance of screwing up their systems than they have of being attacked by these "bugs."

    Maybe they should use a color code system like homeland security did when warning about terror attacks. At least then regular folks would have an idea of how serious the threat is. How many people on the street would answer, "Yes," if you stopped and asked them," have you heard about this or that computer threat, and have you taken the proper steps to protect yourself?" You know the answer, it would be Jay Leno in Cyberspace.

    In a nutshell, do you think giants like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, and/or Java would respond to a serious threat to Billions of machines worldwide by posting a notice in some tech sites, and then, basically just moving on? No, if they thought it was serious as some think it is they would do like meteorologists do in "tornado country." They would blast it out in every mode of media available....over and over and over again.

    So, ok, maybe I was a little flip about it. And, as you stated, those that should do the fix, well, they should do the fix. I was speaking to most average "Joe's."  And, fwiw, I basically plagiarized the note my brother emailed to our family and friends. He got his PhD from MIT and has a refurbished Cray supercomputer at home for personal use. He showed me technical journals listing thousands of precautionary steps computer users "should" take. Obviously, some threats are more important than others.

    Of course, you're right....for the circumstance, and people, you described. And, for most people most of the time, and  after asking someone knowledgeable about the seriousness of the threat I think my advice could save many, many hours of needless work, and worry for many many people.

    Finally, I hear you, and I agree with your concerns. I will really, really try to reign in the speed-o talk and be more cautious in the future. I promise.


    Parent

    Montana Medical Marijuana founder (none / 0) (#8)
    by Peter G on Fri Feb 01, 2013 at 09:32:31 PM EST
    Chris Williams was sentenced in federal court Friday to five years (for carrying firearms) consecutive to 130 days' time served (for growing and distributing significant quantities of marijuana). The government claimed (weakly, it seems to me) that he was operating well outside the terms of the Montana law, and therefore not protected by the federal hands-off policy.  Williams rejected plea bargain offers before trial, believing a jury would not convict him, but he turned out to be wrong about that. Under pressure from the judge, the government agreed to make a deal with him after trial.  All but one of the gun charges were dropped, as well as the mandatory minimum based on the number of plants (all of which would have otherwise required a "minimum" of 85 years).  The parties instead agreed to a  a five-year minimum (one gun) with a ten-year cap and no min for the mj, on condition that he not appeal. So the sentence he got was pretty near the absolute least possible under what was agreed to.

    A good argument for staying under the radar. (none / 0) (#17)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 10:11:42 AM EST
    Seems the government is going after the most visible advocates of legalized mj.  Courage is seldom rewarded.

    Parent
    Turns out Obama was telling the truth about skeet (none / 0) (#21)
    by Angel on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 11:29:19 AM EST
    shooting after all.  Photo at HuffPo.

    "POTUS shoots clay targets on the range at Camp David on Aug. 4, 2012," reads the tweet, with a link to the photograph.

    lol; I'll save you some time... (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 11:55:44 AM EST
    Granted, some may consider this overkill...

    oops.  here's the real pic.

    Parent

    Haha! PULL...hilarious. (none / 0) (#25)
    by Angel on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 01:00:05 PM EST


    Parent
    Ya know, I'm no expert on skeet/trap, (2.00 / 2) (#26)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 02:23:33 PM EST
    but looking at the pic a couple things I notice...

    First, the times I've done it, the clays were thrown much higher up in the in the air than he's aiming, he looks like he's shooting at something about head-high. From what I remember you're supposed to try to hit the clay at about it's apogee as that's when it's easiest because it's not going up or down, it removes that up/down variable from the equation.

    That said, if you wait too long to fire, the skeet will be heading down to the ground, so you might have the gun almost level like the pic if you wait way too long. Only trouble is the guy throwing the clays is at that level, so, he, eherm, could catch a face full of shot, so generally you are taught not to fire at such a low angle. Of course he could (should) be throwing from a protected hut, but you still don't want to be shooting in a manner that could hit the hut he's in.

    Also, this must have been literally the first time he ever shot a shotgun, as the thump and resulting bruise on his cheek he got from pressing it so tightly on the stock would have ensured he never put his cheek there again.

    Also, the stock is kinda far out on his arm rather than in tight the bones of his shoulder. That'll hurt, especially as he's not wearing a shooting jacket. Shooting jackets have pads on the shoulder. They let him shoot skeet without a jacket?

    The gun also looks like it's set up for a rightie, the shell ejects right and the muzzle vent does too. I believe George H and Bill C were both lefties, no? Maybe they brought their own guns to Camp David.

    Also, now that I'm really looking at the pic, it seems to me that his eye looks too low to actually be aiming the dam thing.

    Also, he's standing straight dam up, the recoil would have knocked his shoulder and hisself back.

    OK, I'm stopping now.

    Parent

    Oh for goodness sake, the man never claimed (5.00 / 4) (#28)
    by caseyOR on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 03:32:31 PM EST
    to be a champion, or even a regular, skeet shooter. He was responding to a question about whether he had ever fired a gun, not whether he fired guns regularly.

    It is possible that, as the host, he has gone skeet shooting a few times with guests who are more into the sport than he. And so he has imperfect form.

    I am so sick of these stupid controversies that the press gins-up and the rightwing grabs onto for dear life. And if Marsha Blackburn is so anxious to go shooting with someone maybe she should call Dick Cheney. I hear he's a riot when he goes shooting. Just don't forget to duck.

    Parent

    Champion and/or form has got nothing (2.00 / 1) (#33)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:02:54 PM EST
    to do with it. It literally only takes a shot or two before you learn how to make it not hurt so much, and clearly he was not at that stage when this pic was taken.

    If you gotta be a pander bear by saying you "do" skeet shooting "all the time" you oughta at least be able to have some credible back up. And no, what looks like his first shot, evah, is not a credible back up to "all the time."

    It kind of amazes me he said what he said, did he really think it would make any difference at all? All it's done is make people trust him less.

    Parent

    The point is that he was telling the truth about (none / 0) (#27)
    by Angel on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 03:31:55 PM EST
    having shot skeet.  President Obama never claimed to be an expert in the sport, but go ahead and criticize his form, etc., all  you want, we've come to expect that from you.  

    Parent
    Somethings are just too obvious not to comment on. (2.00 / 1) (#32)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 04:57:23 PM EST
    He said he shoots skeet "all the time." And he may do so, but this particular picture must have been his first shot ever, because it shows someone who clearly had never, ever, done it before.

    It's not about "good or bad form" when you're shooting a 12 gauge, it's about not hurting yourself (or others) while you do it. Kinda like not missing the nail your holding and thereby hitting your finger with the hammer you're swinging. It's not about form, its about not hurting yourself.

    And, imo, his face and shoulder hurt after this shot.

    So if he's like other people with nerve endings and stuff, and if he has continued to shoot, he has stopped doing what he's doing in the pic.

    After googling around I see that others are questioning a lot more than I am, but I do believe he did shoot the gun for the pic.

    fwiw, the actual point is he how big a pander bear he's being, and, perhaps, stretching the actual truth just a wee bit. Not that that any different from any other pol of course...

    Parent

    Is there a new "truthers" group (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by christinep on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:13:02 PM EST
    to add to the rest?

    We have all been known to puff?  In my profession, it is even an accepted term: Puffery.  Who knows how good a shot the President is.  From the photo, tho, we do know that he has shot a gun ... probably, skeet shooting.

    So, what is the issue? Are we talking perfection or something? Or, are we really saying something about our own motive as writer?

    Thank goodness that there is no evidence that he is Cheney....

    Parent

    To be fair (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by CoralGables on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:23:34 PM EST
    it could be trap. And from what I gather most the world couldn't tell you the difference and even more wouldn't care one way or the other.

    Parent
    Sure enough. I had to google to find out what (none / 0) (#39)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:29:29 PM EST
    the difference is. The few times I've done it, out in the desert, there was just a spring-loaded thrower that you stood behind and actuated by pulling a rope. Pretty much just "shooting clay pigeons" and not anything formal like "trap" or "skeet."

    Parent
    OK, it is now verboten to discuss (none / 0) (#36)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:18:25 PM EST
    pandering and possible lack of complete veracity by a POTUS.

    What is your profession? I don't think I've ever much heard the term "puffery" before.

    Parent

    Law (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by christinep on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 06:01:29 PM EST


    Parent
    My profession is different. (none / 0) (#50)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 06:51:38 PM EST
    "Puffery" leads to people not trusting you.

    Parent
    Really? You don't sell? (none / 0) (#51)
    by Yman on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 07:18:50 PM EST
    Pretty much any business that needs to sell goods or services does it ... "the best pie in PA!", "The world's best burger!", "Our clients love our services", etc., etc.

    Parent
    Really. (none / 0) (#52)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 08:03:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Really? You don't sell ... (none / 0) (#53)
    by Yman on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 08:08:16 PM EST
    ... goods or services?

    Interesting business.

    Parent

    The actual point is more like (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by CoralGables on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:17:09 PM EST
    how many GOP clowns will spend their time trying to pick a meaningless story apart when there is no story.

    Parent
    Yes, you mean the story about what he, (none / 0) (#37)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:21:07 PM EST
    inexplicably, on his own volition, decided to make very public.

    When the POTUS says something a silly as he did, well, people notice.

    Parent

    Actually (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by CoralGables on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:29:45 PM EST
    I doubt you realize this but you're actually saying the silly stuff. You might also want to look into skeet and trap to realize that just as we now have submarines, we've replaced people with machines to throw those pigeons for those that can afford them. And I assume Camp David falls under that category.

    But don't let me stop you. Please continue.

    Parent

    SUO (1.50 / 2) (#44)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:43:28 PM EST
    As I have learned, never, never question anything Obama says..

    And never question the obviously made up evidence to support his claim.

    Parent

    Speaking of "made up evidence" (5.00 / 3) (#47)
    by Yman on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:57:37 PM EST
    Our very own expert chimes in.


    Parent
    Could well be, it's been years. As I said, (none / 0) (#41)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:36:31 PM EST
    I'm no expert. I'm pretty sure the before there were the modern day remote-controlled "machines" you speak of, there were guys in little huts with spring-loaded throwers and they loaded the throwers and pulled the cord to actuate them. I would hope Camp David has the remote controlled machines, it would certainly be safer.

    Parent
    And my apologies suo (none / 0) (#42)
    by CoralGables on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:39:25 PM EST
    I got carried away

    Parent
    No worries, I did too. (none / 0) (#43)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:43:14 PM EST
    ot, are you the FL TL'r who runs a lot?

    Parent
    I am (none / 0) (#45)
    by CoralGables on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:54:25 PM EST
    do you have access to a pair of new knees?

    Parent
    Ha! Just my own. Knock wood, (none / 0) (#49)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 06:47:10 PM EST
    they're still working pretty well. It's the nerves down my legs being pinched by my bulging disc that's giving me issues, but I've adopted some new stretches and they seem to be keeping that tide mostly at bay, for now anyway. I do some races, mostly 5 & 10K's these days. Ever since my kids were born I really don't have time to train for longer races. How about you?

    Parent
    I train (none / 0) (#54)
    by CoralGables on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 08:32:27 PM EST
    with people running halfs and full marathons but for now I just run on their training days because I enjoy it more for fun than against the clock.

    The pressure is on to join them though, especially after last weekend's ING Marathon down here. I haven't actually entered a road race in a LONG time so any personal bests from my youth are best left in the dustbin of history. (unlike Paul Ryan I still know what I ran both good and bad). It looks like the Saturday morning youthful crew will have me going 5k, 10k, half, and full with them this year though, if the chatter this morning is any indication.

    Parent

    Dam those young legs! (none / 0) (#57)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 10:53:59 AM EST
    Let us know how you do, I probably won't run another race until June at the earliest. I did the NYC marathon about 13-14 years ago. The half is probably my favorite distance, when I have the time to train enough. I used to play rugby, back in the day, and last night we were out and we ran into the local rugby team. After chatting with them, it looks like I may head out soon to one of their practices and see if my legs have any of their mojo left. You and I benefit from the weather, there really is no off-season for running for us. We moved here to CA over 20 years ago now, and it's the best thing we've ever done. Heading to Sycamore Cyn for a trail run this AM. Anyway, let us know how you do!

    Parent
    Somethings are too ridiculous ... (5.00 / 3) (#46)
    by Yman on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 05:56:20 PM EST
    ... not to comment on.

    First of all, Obama did not say he shoots skeet "all the time".  So if you feel the need to pick apart something so trivial and break out your amateur photo-analysis skill, maybe you could get the statement correct.  He was asked if he had ever fired a gun.  He said, "Yes, in fact, up at Camp David, we do skeet shooting all the time."  He didn't say he went skeet shooting all the time.

    Just as importantly, he never said he was good at it, or had developed any expertise.  I see shooters all the time who use bad form, and these are guys who shoot regularly.  

    After googling around I see that others are questioning a lot more than I am

    Wow, ... really?  Funny you don't mention who is "questioning" a lot more than you, but if Obama posted a video of his live birth in Hawaii with a notarized time stamp, there would always be certain "others" who would claim it was a baby body-double hired by his communist father while his mother was actually giving birth in a Madrassa in Kenya.

    Only slightly less ridiculous than your baseless claims.

    Parent

    What annoys me no end is that, of all (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by Anne on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 08:43:56 PM EST
    the things the media - and some of the duller knives in the Congressional drawer - could focus on, it has to be this; skeet shooting - does he or doesn't he?

    Jeezus.

    Parent

    Haha (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by lilburro on Sat Feb 02, 2013 at 11:06:29 PM EST
    Good point.  

    I haven't been following this too closely but the subtext of the question and subsequent argument seems to be that to propose a gun control law one must have experience with guns?  

    If so that is quite a high and new standard as a lack of first hand personal experience has never stopped government before from making laws regarding women's access to contraception or gays' access to marriage.  Ahem.

    Parent

    Really makes you wonder what in the heck (none / 0) (#58)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 10:57:29 AM EST
    he was thinking when he opened his mouth about it.

    Parent
    Uhhhmmm, ... answering a question? (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by Yman on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 11:06:42 AM EST
    Pretty typical for an interview.

    Parent
    "It" being "all the time." (none / 0) (#60)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 11:13:59 AM EST
    (Cue the parser-bear defending the pander-bear)

    Parent
    Well, hard to know with you (5.00 / 3) (#61)
    by Yman on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 11:54:10 AM EST
    You have a tendency to make vague accusations in a backhanded manner, ... with no evidence, to boot.

    Cue the quote-distorter-bear.

    Parent

    yes, but (2.00 / 1) (#63)
    by TeresaInPa on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 12:44:18 PM EST
    you are a mind reader so you should have no problem.  Just assign the other person his/her feelings and motivations, political leanings etc... and all is right in y-man world.

    Parent
    No "mind reading" involved (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by Yman on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 01:14:20 PM EST
    You wanted Gregory prosecuted because you think he's in favor of gun control, not because you favor strict enforcement of DC's gun laws.  it was right there in your comment (Gregory's a "liberal jackass", ... "self-righteous snit-fit").

    Unless, of course, you want to actually deny it and go on the record as favoring strict enforcement of Dc's gun laws ...

    (silence).

    Parent

    you know what's silly (2.00 / 1) (#62)
    by TeresaInPa on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 12:39:34 PM EST
    saying "we" when you mean "they".

     When you fire a rifle the wrong way once you don't usually do it again because it hurts.  I'd say there is a good chance that photo-op was the first time, or the first time in a long time that he shot.  So what?  The whole debate on gun control is as stupid as the debate we have on everything else in this country.  Both sides sound like idiots because politicians who know nothing insist on talking and their supporters insist on backing them up.

    Parent

    You know what's even sillier? (5.00 / 3) (#65)
    by Yman on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 01:21:53 PM EST
    Pretending Obama should have said "they" when he was clearly a participant.  You know what's even sillier?

    1.  Pretending you have the first clue about how many times he's shot skeet.

    2.  Calling it a "rifle" when it's not.

    3.  Pretending you know this is the first time that Obama fired a gun.

    4.  Calling it a "photo-op", when there was one picture released (after conservatives demanded proof).

    5.  Trying to sound "reasonable" by blaming "both sides", when the truth is there is nothing remotely similar to the rhetoric and paranoia coming from the NRA and many of their supporters.

    6.  Criticizing politicians for "knowing nothing" on this issue, when you know very little yourself.


    Parent
    O.K. now I'm curious (none / 0) (#66)
    by MO Blue on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 04:46:55 PM EST
    If what Obama was shooting was not a rifle, what was it?

    Parent
    It would have been better to google (none / 0) (#67)
    by MO Blue on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 04:52:22 PM EST
    for the answer before I asked the question. According to google you use a shotgun for both skeet and trap shooting. Is that correct?

    Parent
    Correct (none / 0) (#68)
    by CoralGables on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 07:44:04 PM EST


    Parent
    Yep (none / 0) (#69)
    by Yman on Sun Feb 03, 2013 at 08:11:02 PM EST
    With the possible exception of Annie Oakley, you need to use a shotgun.

    Parent
    Friday Night Open Thread | 69 comments (69 topical)

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