Displaying 1,561 To 1,590 Of 3,237 Comments THANKSGIVING GREETINGS TO ALL MY FRIENDS AT THE PLANET… You have become such an important part of my on-line life (and that is saying something). I was musing on the importance of friendship……and this came to mind. Friendship And a youth said, “Speak to us of Friendship”. The prophet spoke: He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving. And He is your hearth and your fireside. For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace. When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay”. And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart; For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed. When you part from your friend, you grieve not; And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit. For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught. And let your best be for your friend. For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek him always with hours to live. For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness. And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. – Khalil Gibran » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On November 28, 2013 @ 10:57 am THE NRA AND ITS FELLOW TRAVELERS NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT AUSTRALIA HAS TO TEACH THEM ABOUT THEIR PLACE AT THE TABLE The NRA and its associates will work quickly to set the terms of the discussion as one of an assault on 2nd Amendment Rights; as one about the need for arms to protect society, as another excuse for the government, which cannot be trusted, to wrest need arms from the citizenry in its bid for enhanced tyranny. We have heard it all before and I suspect we will hear it all again. Those who promote unrestricted access to arms should not the lessons that Australia has for them. Gun laws in Australia had always been few and sparingly enforced but…. From 1984 to 1996, multiple killings aroused public concern. In each of the six major incidents calls for registration and limitations were beaten back by pro-gun groups. But in 1996, the Port Arthur Massacre created such a level of public reaction that a national act was passed as a national security measure. Prior to this the individual states had governed everything but import rules. Under the 1996 National Firearms Agreement (NFA). Anyone wishing to possess or use a firearm must have a Firearms License and, with some exceptions, be over the age of 18. Owners must have secure storage for their firearms. Each firearm in Australia must be registered to the owner by serial number. All firearms are classified in one of six categories which determine ownership, access and use. The various gun groups in Australia had very little voice in the creation of the law. They had lost their seats at the table because of their zealotry. Our fervent loyalty to the 2nd Amendment and the myths associate to it, growing inter-class hostility, and fear of tyranny will likely give our own groups an extended period of grace. Still, I think their time is coming too. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 16, 2013 @ 4:03 pm I just read this- outstanding. Thanks for bring it to our attention. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 8:25 pm Oh…a policy wonk…like Hillary…well and I suppose you think she’d make a good president? I don’t. I think she will be an outstanding one. The Obamaphobes are going nuts over at HP…I mean really nuts…love it. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 8:24 pm The ObamaPhobes are going nuts over at HP tonight…and you named the reason….that damn guy is competent. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 8:22 pm Three of the US Congress’ finest have been commenting on 9/11. They are saying that the attack was a Muslim Brotherhood plot. Nothing links the MB to 9/11. Nothing. But then they follow-up that claim by noting that the same people who hit the U.S. tried to take over Egypt, supported by Obama, and are now after Syria, supported by Obama….get the connection. SO, my judgment… Bachmann A better choice: or Harpo or Huey » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 3:33 pm Having been handed his lunch at three town meetings….McCain has to lash out at someone….petulant, angry little man….. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 3:28 pm CHOICE WHAT ARE YOU…..AN OBAMABOT!!!!!! Sorry….too much sparring with the trolls today and I have apparently succumbed to the internet version of the Stockholm Syndrome. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY ON THE MARK AND THE MAINSTREAMERS OUT THERE ARE NOT PLAYING THIS UP BECAUSE IT SHORTCUTS THE DRAMA AND DRAMA EQUALS CLICKS….. Thanks for the link. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 3:20 pm TODAY’S RUSSIA, SYRIA AND THE UN PROPOSALS WHAT HAPPENED? A Lot » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On September 9, 2013 @ 3:17 pm Yes…lots of enthusiasm there but then again it is not as real for them as for many here. There is word that a Stand Your Ground Law is now likely to come up again in our State Assembly. It has been stopped in the past by the threat of a veto by our democratic governor. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 8:22 pm BRINGING CIVIL RIGHTS CHARGES NO EASY THING Experience has shown it’s almost never easy getting convictions in such high-profile prosecutions. “The Justice Department would face significant challenges in bringing a federal civil rights case against Mr. Zimmerman,” Alan Vinegrad, the former U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, said Sunday. “There are several factual and legal hurdles that federal prosecutors would have to overcome: They’d have to show not only that the attack was unjustified, but that Mr. Zimmerman attacked Mr. Martin because of his race and because he was using a public facility, the street.” As to the last element, the confrontation between Zimmerman and the shooting victim occurred in a gated community, which may not fit the legal definition of a public facility. “From what I’ve seen this would be a very difficult case to prosecute federally because the government would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that George Zimmerman acted because of Trayvon Martin’s race,” said Samuel Bagenstos, a former No. 2 official in the Justice Department’s civil rights division. “If you’re trying to prove racial motivation, you are usually looking for multiple statements related to why he is engaging in this act of violence. I think it’s a difficult case to prove.” The federal jurisdiction in this case, the most likely would be a hate crimes statute. Most of the federal criminal civil rights laws are directed to state actors, so if the the police killed Trayvon a federal case might be possible but Zimmerman was a volunteer. And for those hoping that a civil suit might balance the scale: A civil case is unlikely to be successful for the Martin family, according to Tamara Lave, a professor of law at the University of Miami, and former San Diego public defender, is Florida’s Stand Your Ground law — the legal construct that was key to the legal decisions at the start of the Martin saga, but didn’t play a central role in the criminal trial that led to Zimmerman’s acquittal. The law is written in such a way that Zimmerman can easily use his criminal acquittal to duck a civil case, according to Lave. “One of the things that Stand Your Ground does, is it says that if you prove by a preponderance of the evidence, which is 51%, that you acted lawfully under Stand Your Ground you can’t be prosecuted criminally sued civilly, and he’s just gotten a not guilty verdict,” she said. “And so it’s pretty clear he’s going to win that.” WITH THANKS TO: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/justice_difficult_reviewing_zimmerman_mD0j321KudXObPMncIQJbN AND http://www.buzzfeed.com/evanmcsan/civil-case-against-zimmerman-in-florida-has-little-chance-of ….those angry with the verdict are going to have to face facts- not that fed and the family should not try but the odds are not good. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 8:15 pm Hope you are correct. One of those attending with me, a black pastor, said he was happy that there was no violence last night, but at the same time he was disappointed. Reminded my of your (and others) statements that we would not mourn if Zimmerman were to get a little of his own medicine. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 7:10 pm Indeed, but as my church experience today seems to indicate, even this may not be enough. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 7:07 pm Hey choice- I do hope you are correct. I went to a church service today – which is 15 or so above this comment- take a look and tell me what you think. Last night when the verdict was announced- there was fireworks and lots of gun shots. Today…One of my Missouri “neighbors” told a couple of his friends within my hearing range (he did not know I was there) that “it looks like its open season on coons.” Frightening. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 7:06 pm Unfortunately I am in Missouri where “stand your ground” laws would have passed in the past without a Democratic governor…now…..????? Last night there was fireworks and gun shots in the air when the verdict was announced. Today….One of my Missouri “neighbors” told a couple of his friends within my hearing range (he did not know I was there) that “it looks like its open season on coons.” Frightening. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 7:05 pm And what is especially troubling is that they are doing less and less to hide this. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:59 pm We need a federal intervention and a big judgment in a civil suit. He will have to take the stand for that trial and I hope that there will be lots of support for the family so they can get a first class attorney. But the level of rejoicing among the gunslingers is incredibly disturbing. One of my Missouri “neighbors” told a couple of his friends within my hearing range (he did not know I was there) that “it looks like its open season on coons.” Frightening. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:57 pm Assumed- did we, by chance, meet at HP. I blog there a lot and have been inviting folks to consider the Planet as an occasional place for sane sharing and discussion. I go by murphthesurf3 over there. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:48 pm Nice to have “assumed” with us- yes? Very tired of HP now, but Politico is worse and the “red” sites are almost splatter porn. Such glee. One of my Missouri “neighbors” told a couple of his friends within my hearing range (he did not know I was there) that “it looks like its open season on coons.” Frightening. I went to a service earlier today and wrote about it 12 comments up from this one. Let me know what you think. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:45 pm I remain stunned but not surprised. I went to a service earlier today and wrote a comment about it. Take a look – it’s 11 above this one. Is there reaction in your corner of the world. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:44 pm Unless the federal government weighs in and heavy judgment in a suit lands on top of Zimmerman, I fear that you are correct. One of my Missouri “neighbors” told a couple of his friends within my hearing range (he did not know I was there) that “it looks like its open season on coons.” Frightening. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:42 pm I love Diary of a Wimpy kid and find the films funny as well. Good choice. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:40 pm Please take a look at my longer post 4 above this one. I wonder how you see the events I describe there? I like your approach- it is positive but how does one take it from notion to action? How does your son’s seeking strength in numbers not get categorized as “gang” affiliation. Ludicrous but there is no language the folks on the right shy away from. By the way- I have not seen your writing here before. So welcome- unless you have been a member and I just missed your contributions. We need members who offer challenging opinion. Please weigh in. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:39 pm Open season has been declared. If there is not a strong federal response and a civil suit with a big judgment we have only begun to see how dangerous this ruling is. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:35 pm NO JUSTICE…NO PEACE….. Went into St. Louis today to participate in an interfaith service for justice and peace on the occasion of the jury’s finding in the Zimmerman case. During the service President Obama’s statement in response to the verdict was cited: “I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.” He called on us to honor the slain teen’s memory by preventing similar tragedies in the future. The leaders of the service identified several fronts on which the fight must be fought: A) Gun policy All well and good, but what I thought was missing was PASSION- there was a level of acceptance that I found very disturbing and deeply worrisome Lots of sorrow. A good deal of better anger but very little energy. The crowd was by my estimation 75 percent black,20 percent Hispanic and 5 percent other Caucasian-Asian-Native American. What’s it going to take to rev up the engines? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 14, 2013 @ 6:33 pm I pretty much expected that this would be the outcome…as our discussion at Vox last night presaged. So…here we are. The barbarians are not at the gates, they are behind the walls and are either in charge or demanding they be placed in charge. I am watching several channels at once right now and there are marches breaking out across the country. This is far from over. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 13, 2013 @ 9:50 pm With you all the way in this. Time for a revolution…. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 13, 2013 @ 9:45 pm Open season on minorities in America- in so many ways. voting rights all being trampled there is so much wrong about this I expected it but I am still disheartened. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 13, 2013 @ 8:39 pm ZIMMERMAN NOT GUILTY ACCORDING TO THE JURY NOT GUILTY thanks to Florida law written to protect vigilantes and their guns. If you are a minority in Florida, I suggest you consider moving. This verdict establishes a very dangerous precedent.It’s open season on anyone who fits the profile. I live in Missouri in the country. All around me I can hear gun shots and fire works…..I can guess what they are celebrating. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 13, 2013 @ 7:08 pm WATCH AND CHAT LIVE TONIGHT @ 6:00PM PST: President Obama’s 2013 State of the Union Address PS This would be easier at Vox. Why don’t we use that fomat? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On February 12, 2013 @ 5:59 pmComments Posted By MurphTheSurf3
Your friend is your needs answered.
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
and sharing of joys.
IN NEGOTIATING THE CONTROLS THAT WILL COME….SOMEDAY.
Gohmert
King
commenting on 9/11
Moe
Larry
Curly
Groucho
Zeppo
Dewey
Louie
1) Syria admitted to having chemical weapons having denied this just two days ago.
2) Syria admitted that their removal was necessary: a defacto admission that they were used.
3) Syria did not try to blame anyone else for the attack: rebels or the U.S.
4) Russia accepted that the U.S. case was strong and had to be addressed setting aside its own earlier reporting.
5) The Russian/Syrian statements move the issue back onto the international stage meaning the the UN is back in play.
6) The Russian/Syrian statements strengthen the case for intervention if the offer is not acted upon.
7) The movement back onto the international stage pushes the allies to step up as well.
and chances in a civil suit are not very good either
B) Disenfranchisement of voters
C) Attacks upon those the right has defined as “not us”: blacks, hispanics, GLBT’s, most women, all progressives, the lower middle and lower class.
D) Criminal statutes and detention systems that regard the imprisonment of extraordinary numbers of blacks and hispanics as normative.
social services
due process
economic opportunity
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