ROK

>The question was if bad parenting contributed to someone becoming a mass murderer.< No absolutes, but I beleive that bad parenting can create anti-social tendencies. Anti-social behavior is a stepping stone to fulfilling one's needs and wants in ways that are different than the average socially inclined person. By the way, what is the definition of a "bad parent"?

Very good point. A basic human need - stimulation (or variety, or the spice of life). Kids need it too, and if in our busy lives we attempt to meet that need via material wants, trouble will follow. That stimulation/variety/spice needs to be emotional/mental; not material. If you got the cash and can afford all the toys, that's cool. But no amount of that can compensate for emotional stimualtion and growth. Ever notice how many really smart people commit suicide? I've known a couple, and they were very smart, but emotionally stunted, and very lonely. Yes, or how many really rich people are constantly depressed. I wonder how many of the school shootings were commited by children who belonged to school clubs, or sports teams?

Here's an opinion for you... Maybe if we stop teaching our kids to be wussies, they'll be equipped to deal with the bullying. I'm not talking physical. No one should be subjected to continuous physical abuse. My generation (I'm 43) was one of the first in a vastly changing new world where we can afford to give our kids all the things in the world that we never had. It's so easy to overlook teaching our children the value of the smallest things. I gave my son everything that I could, because it made me happy, and on the outside, him too. What it took me a while to realize is that it's hard to value what comes to you for free. We create a scenario where our children can't identify with happiness or self-worth. Without self-worth we become numb. When numb, we will do many different things, just to feel something, anything, to feel differently. Our children are no different than we are.

Man I like you... Whenever I sign on now, I look for your posts. Would love to have a beer, shot, etc., with ya and debate. Your direct-indirectness is awesome... Keep the world interesting

Oren, I got the last one from Dave, two weeks ago, and it kicks ass Be aware that the finger mount that is shown on the package is not what you get though. You get the wrist mount. L&B is beta testing different finger mount units at this time. I do like it. It's easy to see in the bright sunlight, and as was said above, the functions are similiar to the Optima. The playback works really well too. I was told Saturday that a bunch were sent to the Danish army.. Just had to rub it in a little

Two of the shooters this past week were over 30 years old. I'd have jumped on the video game band-wagon, until I saw the ages...

These people are programmed... Three in a week, is no coincidence. The kid killing his head-master may be an exception though.

Perhaps a little analysis is in order

I sometimes see people on here mentioning that they hate the Bon Fire, and I don't see why?

Look out!!!! BF is becoming the NEW SC... See what happens when you say the devils name three times

When you fight an enemy who hides behind, and among women and children, who is responsible for the deaths of the innocents? Should we not pursue our enemy, because of their cowardice? Should we sit back and wait for our enemy to deliver their hatred and scorn for our way of life to our door steps, yet again and again? How about, "oh shucks, please don't kill anymore of our loved ones", we will agree to follow your doctrine? War is unfortunate, the deaths of innocents a tragedy of the highest order, but a war has never been carried on without it being so. Should we pull out and ensure that not one more of our soldiers loses their live for our Country? I only wish it were that easy.

Solitary confinement in a room at body temperature, no windows, no clock (let him wonder endlessly just how long he has been there), a toilet, an attached shower room and the same food put into a trough from outside the cell by gaurds who he does not see. Absolutely no reading material, or entertainment, no correspondence with anyone, and no communication with even the guards or prison administrators, and he can never step foot outside the cell. Constant video monitoring to prevent suicide. He can eat the same food, drink water and stare at walls 24 hours a day until he dies of old age. I know, too easy for the guy but i am just a big softy. Richards And don't forget the pork sandwiches

I remember the first time I posted in SC and got may ass handed to me by that wrestler f**ker. I like it because I learn, I open my mind to others point of view, and really think about both sides. It's good for me because I have to take it without being able to physically retaliate (right jab in the eye). At times, it also shows me just how ignorant I am in regard to some subject matter. Speaking in absolutes, or making uninformed statements can be down right masochistic too... I've been gone a while, but I'm heading for a visit!

Hey!!!!! 40 isn't old! I am sore after about seven jumps though I'm at about a 1:1 right now and will be creeping down a bit real soon. My Tri 190 has done me justice...

That's a great idea! How about the "Boned Skulls", or BS for short

Small note about night jumps... I love em, but found out the hard way why you should remove your goggles as soon as you're under canopy. Nice approach into a really dark LZ. Final turn to land with no wind, about 50' above the ground, my goggles totally fogged over and I couldn't see. Flared a bit to late, landed blind, and performed some interesting acrobatics. It hurt. Walked up to the observation deck about the same time as the pilot and he said that he had to stick his head out of the window just before touching down because the same thing happened to him. Next time, the goggles are coming off...

Should be safe to do so... You turned in your knife, right?

I'm sorry there's so little discussion of the question I raised. According to Hawkins121 (when he's not insulting neighbor sovereign nations): * Government provides all life * Government provides all jobs * Government provides all wealth * Government provides all physical security * Government gives permission for recreation * Any powers over the governed are acceptable so long as government wants it. Back in pre-history we used to attribute these sorts of statements to the EVIL EMPIRE, the soviet communists. Now the party of Ronald Reagan has BECOME what it claimed to loathe. That makes one wonder how much they LOATHED the soviets and how much they simply ENVIED the soviets. You know, I read Hawkins list three times and it DOES describe what the government is looked at to provide on one side, and perhaps take away on the other. It depends on the interpretation... Both views scare me. Are we lost as a society? I find myself agreeing with my political opposites, and have realized how fanatical behavior on either side just provides the smoke screen necessary to facilitate the means to an end that neither wish for, or perhaps are prepared for. A government, of the people, by the people, for the people. Man I hope that we have a worthy choice next time around. I don't give a damn if they're Democrat, Republican, Liberal, or whatever...

I was just busting your balls, but with a few people that I know, it's more about "something" continuously being taken away. Not so much the item, but the taking. I'm a member of the NRA and a couple of other groups because they lobby and help beat the takers back. We're constantly inundated with how "free" we are as a society. Freedom of speech, freedom of the pursuit of happiness, etc. We get so wrapped up in our fantasy world that we can't feel the hands in or pockets, or the feet on our collective necks.

Yeah, but I didn't like it, so there!!!!

I agree. Everyone should be disarmed. It'll make it much easier for us tough guys to take our rightful places in society. I can handle the thought of knife amnesty, but damn, that toothbrush amnesty has got to go!

This has got to be the funniest thing I have ever seen! I actually spit coffee all over my desk. I'm buying a bottle for who ever did this.

QuoteLt. Watada showed some balls. It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in. The guy that walks into a grocery store with a can of gas and sets the building on fire has balls too, but it doesn't make his actions right. I am sure he knew he would be called many names and might serve time in jail. I fully agree with what he is doing. Then I suggest you never take an oath. Especially one where people depend on you to stay strong for them regardless of your own personal beliefs. Beliefs that when voiced, may send your fellow soldiers to their deaths. Beliefs that may have a psychological impact on someone who looked up to you, causing them to lose that one second edge when in combat because of a nagging doubt. I have no issue in fighting to protect the US, but not an unjust war like this one. As it's been said many times, when you raise your hand, you wave your right to decide what is "just", or "not just". You follow your orders, and complete your mission. Some of the most respected people who we now view as heroes were viewed as traitors at one point or another. They had the vision and the courage to stand up for what they believe is right. Very true, but you can't apply in hindsight what we know today. In other words, because Nathan Hale regretted only having one life to give for his country, doesn't mean that anyone whom ever opposes a cause is right, or heroic No matter what a contract says you have to be able to be at peace with what you do. There is nothing more valuable then that, Nothing.Never sign a contract, unless your at peace with what you are signing for. With this, I agree, but after you sign that contract, you're obligated to fulfill your end of the bargain, and live with it. If not, all contracts would be worthless. I understand where each of you are coming from and there are some valid points, but everyone needs to understand that as a soldier you are obligated to do a job. A very important job. You don't have the luxury to pick and choose. You understand this when you volunteer to protect this Country. You don't get to change your mind half way through. If we let democracy into the military, we'll be less effective than a hundred waring little villages. Our strength as a Nation will be compromised. Dissidents in the ranks is a cancer that cannot be tolerated.

If the Confederate won and seceded, they would have been Heroes, not pink-flamingo dotted trailer park dwellers. God I love this Country! Why don't they make two- story trailers for us rich rednecks with jobs???

Traitor: One who betrays another's trust, or is false to an obligation, or duty. (right on the mark) I may have been a little harsh with the "terrorist" label, but don't tell me that every American hating faction in the world won't use this guy as a tool to bash the hell out of us. Enabling the cause makes one just as guilty as those who pull the trigger.