Posted on 01/02/2007 8:26:21 AM PST by kiriath_jearim
When was the last time a Whig was elected to anything? Parties come and parties go. They aren't even mentioned in the Constitution, and George Washington warned us of the danger of Partisanship.
If the Republicans don't get off their a$$es and fight for the principals of those who put them in office, they will, sooner rather than later, go the way of the Whigs, the Democratic-Republicans, the Know-Nothings and the Federalists.
If I had my way, the parties would have no direct participation in the political process either. Congressional committee assignments would not be party membership based, the parties would be free to hold their own primaries, at their own expense, but that would only mean that in the "Real" election they would by mutual agreement only field the winner of their party's primary. Others would be free to field their own candidates or to run as individuals representing no party at all, with no requirements for "ballot access" which only serve to prop up the parties. The final winner would be determined by a series of run-offs, should no person get a majority of the votes.
A well regulated militia being necessary to hunt squirrels, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall be infringed whenever possible.
Back to this one, are we? OK, here goes... Can I come on to your front lawn and hold a prayer vigil, without your permission? If I'm a Hari Crishna, I hope you like the sound of gongs and cymbols. Hey, if I can't do that, you're inhibiting my Constitutionally protected right to practice my religion. Or, can I invite 200 of my closest friends to protest something that you're doing (or not doing), again, on your private property? If not, you're infringing on my Constitutionally protected right of freedome of association. After all, we're peacefully assembled. Shall I go on?
The Bill of Rights protects the states and individuals against the federal, and sometime state governments (in the case of individuals). And in many cases, those protections from individuals have been extended to individuals by legislation as well (as in the civil rights laws.)
But when you're on my property, you're a guest, and you have to live by my rules, unless you can show me a specific law or SCOTUS ruling that says otherwise. And in the case of the Second Amendment, there are none, whether you agree with it or not.
Mark
"Yeah, It's worth it -- if you enjoy spending Monday thru Friday reloading ammo, and Saturday loading magazines -- for a few minutes of fun on Sunday..."
When I used to shoot competativly, I'd rent out one of the downstairs ranges at the shooting range, in order to be able to set up a combination of poppers and paper targets and to be able to practice shooting from concealment or cover, as well as drawing from a holster. Well, there were 2 downstairs ranges, and the one next door had been rented out by a local PD's tactical team. The captain had set up the range, and brought all the gear and ammo downstairs (about 10 trips!) when he got word late that the training session had been cancelled. He came over to see what I was doing (he hadn't ever fired a Bennelli Super 80 Defender before. He really liked it, especially with the Remington Law Enforcement Only low recoil shells - Damn those things kick with magnum shells! Anyway, the captain played around with my range and some of my toys while he was waiting, and once he got word that his session had been cancelled, he wasn't too crazy about carrying several thousand rounds of 9mm ammo for the MP5s back up the stairs and loading it into his truck, so the two of us spend the next hour loading magazines and emptying them into the targets. Lots of fun! I believe that we went through about 6000 rounds of 9mm and 1000 rounds of 12 ga! It was one of the most fun days I ever had at the range!
Mark
Funny, all the law enforcement types I used to hang around with found the quote quite funny. Of course, I used to hang around with them at the shooting range, where we shot bowling pins and USPSA competition. So I suppose that they weren't your "run of the mill" law enforcement types. But they ranged from local PD, to sheriff deputies, to FBI and Federal Marshalls.
Mark
Mark
Well if I might be so bold as to point at that in today's world you do not have your way. Threatening Republicans with references to Whigs, Federalists, and other parties from well over 100 years ago does little to advance your cause and even less to convince people to listen to your point of view about something as undefined as your "principles". No offense is meant. Indeed yes parties were not mentioned in the Constitution. This means nothing as they obviously grew out of the necessity to get things done. George Washington was surprised many times in his life and the growth of American political parties was only one instance. Again, I mean no offense when I tell you that the many Freepers on this site that reference "principles" over party can't even agree on the content of those "principles". I'd like to see someone try and define a Freeper platform. What a hoot that would be. How the heck do you expect any party or any organization to exactly reflect a conglomeration of thought of every one of its individual members when its membership can't even agree?
My point is that like it or not a Republican or a Democrat will be elected in 2008. 2028 may be different. Who knows, maybe the Whigs will make a comeback. But in 2008 you can refuse to participate by not voting or you can indulge yourself with a vote for someone who can't possibly win or... you can try and shape a party of choice through the strength of your arguments. I spent 20 years as an "unenrolled" or "independent" voter. I assumed that by not joining a party I wasn't responsible for any of the bad things that a party did. Then when the Clintons were in the White House, I saw myself as a mere follower. Someone who was responsible for them because I failed to join with others in opposing them. So now, I have Bill Clinton to thank for becoming a Republican. My own personal "principles" may not be in lock step with all other Republicans but I know I'm a whole lot closer with them than with the Democrats. But that's my story. Good luck to you and your story. I hope you find what you're looking for.
OK, show me a platform that has a broad enough appeal to win. Otherwise you are wasting my time.
Broad enough appeal? Are you high? Seriously?
The Dems don't seem to have a problem appealing to the mindless masses. Are you now telling me that the GOP is so clueless they can't do the same? And yet we STILL need to vote for them instead of finding a Third Party Alternative, or at least try and get more conservative candidates on the OGP ticket?
Yes. You may be wasting your time. Mine too...
"I had a "Kentucky Long Rifle"... I dont know what happened to that weapon ... It was made in aroun 1790 or 1791.)"
That's unfortunate. :(
I have tucked away an old musket my grandfather built from a kit when he was young ... but its no where near the treasure that an original 1790-91 Long Rifle would be!
Surprisingly, quite a few FReepers think controls are OK in parking lots.
Scope of 2nd Amendment's questioned
Address:http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1750014/posts
"-- Back to this one, are we? --"
Feel free to join in Mark.
The citizin soldier (militia) out gunned the established military of the day. The longer range of the long rifles had the same practical affect as an assault weapon today. Having a longer range than the military issue smoothbore allowed the shooter to get off more rounds while the target was in the kill zone than the shorter range smoothbore weapons. They were also the smart weapons of the day. Instead of the spray and pray tactics of massed soldiers the improved range and accuracy of the long rifle allowed the decapitation of an army by the selective targeting of officers.
Thanx for answering for me. The movie "Full Metal Jacket" refers to encased ammo, so even non-gun owners probably know that the core is still lead.
Personally, I only do shotguns, so I wasn't sure at first, but I know about the water pollution tactic because a local gun club near me is under assault by enviro whackos, and they are now resorting to the lead-ground water pollution canard.
"Funny, all the law enforcement types I used to hang around with found the quote quite funny."
I should clarify. When I travel down to NYC or Boston and wear the shirt, they get riled up. Where I live (in NH), most cops don't flinch, because so many citizens are armed. Consequently, crime is very, very low in NH. "Home invasions" are virtually nonexistant here.
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