We are having a panic attack over Cyber Terrorism. It seems that since EVERYTHING is connected via the World Wide Web, unscrupled people/countries are using that as a tool to steal information. NO KIDDING? We certainly did not have to deal with information theft prior to the WWW. No one/country ever committed theft or espionage prior!
If you put information available, it would seem to me that somewhere there will be someone with no conscience that will be more than willing to find and use that information. I know, I know, what a shocker. Why is it that some people just cannot play by the rules?
If you don't want your neighbor to know, then close the curtains. If information isn't for everyone, keep it off the World wide web. If you think you are so smart that you can protect yourself from these illegal activities, you are obviously incorrect. Bad guys make a living proofing that statement.
One thing is for sure. Given my abilities on the computer, no one will be looking at me when their information is tapped. I often have trouble accessing my own information. Aren't Computers great!?
Monday, February 4, 2013
still illegal
The debate over arms control continues. Not those arms, but the ones you and I have in our closets and dens and garages. Those that we find useful for recreation and hunting and for a few us, the comfort of believing we could use those for self/family protection. Politicians would assert that the guns that should be banned are useless for any legal activity. Opponents would have us believe that it is our right to own those/any weapon we choose. The root of this fight is mans predisposition toward domination and violence. Not all of mankind, but just enough to create controversy.
Advocates believe that we can legislate morality. Opponents know this to be untrue. Advocates believe that if we do a better check of peoples credentials, we will be able to control gun ownership. Opponents know that deranged people do not play by the rules. Advocates think that someone should be keeping an eye on mentally challenged persons and build a data base that would reduce the ability of those to legally purchase firearms. Opponents know that deranged people do not play by the rules.
Our President has stated that his desire would be to make it illegal to purchase clips that would hold more than 10 bullets. That makes perfectly good sense. 10 casualties per incident is just the right amount! Never mind that you could own dozens of those 10 round magazines and changing a magazine requires as little as 2-3 seconds.
It would seem to me that those who would seek to harm others and themselves will always find a way. Some of these occurrences stir our emotions and drive us to unrealistic measures. Some leave us in a state of wonder. All of these occasions, sadly are probably destined to repeat themselves.
Mankind has always been a violent society. The sole reason to create weapons for hunting was lost millions of years ago. We are an aggressive society. We often want what others have and will devise a means to take it. Wheather it be property, money, happiness, fame or some other reason. There probably isn't a way to stop such injustices. Legislation has not proven to be the answer. It has been illegal to take another persons life for many, many years. It still is illegal.
Advocates believe that we can legislate morality. Opponents know this to be untrue. Advocates believe that if we do a better check of peoples credentials, we will be able to control gun ownership. Opponents know that deranged people do not play by the rules. Advocates think that someone should be keeping an eye on mentally challenged persons and build a data base that would reduce the ability of those to legally purchase firearms. Opponents know that deranged people do not play by the rules.
Our President has stated that his desire would be to make it illegal to purchase clips that would hold more than 10 bullets. That makes perfectly good sense. 10 casualties per incident is just the right amount! Never mind that you could own dozens of those 10 round magazines and changing a magazine requires as little as 2-3 seconds.
It would seem to me that those who would seek to harm others and themselves will always find a way. Some of these occurrences stir our emotions and drive us to unrealistic measures. Some leave us in a state of wonder. All of these occasions, sadly are probably destined to repeat themselves.
Mankind has always been a violent society. The sole reason to create weapons for hunting was lost millions of years ago. We are an aggressive society. We often want what others have and will devise a means to take it. Wheather it be property, money, happiness, fame or some other reason. There probably isn't a way to stop such injustices. Legislation has not proven to be the answer. It has been illegal to take another persons life for many, many years. It still is illegal.
worlds keeper?
North Korea is developing nuclear capabilities and we (US) are nervous. We don't think they should have Nuclear capabilities, especially, long range capabilities. Seems that we are afraid that they might use that as a threat to other countries in an attempt to influence those countries toward North Korea's interests. Places like those in the Middle East. Places like we have already done similar things!?
The Soviets and us wrote the book on muscle flexing. Together we have enough nuclear warheads to virtually make mankind extinct. I guess the difference is that we are smart enough to only use our might as a threat? All the might that we possess has not been much of a deterrant to other countries of late. We constantly engage in skirmishes in remote parts of the world only to expend considerable money, material, and lives with no clear victory. It would seem that after WWII we have become soft. We have had a string of embarrassing "wars" with no clear victory. Korea, Viet Nam, and a dozen other military debacles. While we exhibit the ability, we do not exhibit the desire for quick, decisive results.
Could it be that with North Korea and others, we fear that they might have the courage to back up any bravado? What makes us so certain that we are the only country capable of proper use of end of the world power? I am not advocating Korea's nuclear power is a good thing, rather I question our ability to really be the worlds keeper.
The Soviets and us wrote the book on muscle flexing. Together we have enough nuclear warheads to virtually make mankind extinct. I guess the difference is that we are smart enough to only use our might as a threat? All the might that we possess has not been much of a deterrant to other countries of late. We constantly engage in skirmishes in remote parts of the world only to expend considerable money, material, and lives with no clear victory. It would seem that after WWII we have become soft. We have had a string of embarrassing "wars" with no clear victory. Korea, Viet Nam, and a dozen other military debacles. While we exhibit the ability, we do not exhibit the desire for quick, decisive results.
Could it be that with North Korea and others, we fear that they might have the courage to back up any bravado? What makes us so certain that we are the only country capable of proper use of end of the world power? I am not advocating Korea's nuclear power is a good thing, rather I question our ability to really be the worlds keeper.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
WHAT THE?
I missed the Ignauration ceremonies on TV the other day. Words cannot begin to express how distraught I am. Yeah.....Right.
Fortunately we have so much money that little multimillion dollar frivolities are no big deal. The fact that elderly people resort to eating DOG FOOD because they can't afford anything else should not stop those chosen few from partaking caviar and champaign while patting themselves on the back for a job well done.
It's bad enough that we are subjected to such incompetence in our Government, but, don't expect me to watch those same numbskulls party it up. To sum it up.......WHAT THE #@*"$!!!
Fortunately we have so much money that little multimillion dollar frivolities are no big deal. The fact that elderly people resort to eating DOG FOOD because they can't afford anything else should not stop those chosen few from partaking caviar and champaign while patting themselves on the back for a job well done.
It's bad enough that we are subjected to such incompetence in our Government, but, don't expect me to watch those same numbskulls party it up. To sum it up.......WHAT THE #@*"$!!!
Tub of Gas
The Republicans had Hilary Clinton on the grill yesterday. From the excerpts I saw on the news, the grilling had more to do with politics than any real substance about security. I especially liked the guy that came right out and said if he were President he would have fired her. The arrogance exhibited by these guys was unbelievable. Their total lack of respect was shocking. The clear attack on Mrs. Clinton was politically motivated. Possibly an attempt to lay groundwork for character debate in the event she runs for President in the next election.
The sad truth about the attack on the Embassy is that a house in the middle of a City in a Country that dislikes the US and has well armed Idiots roaming the streets is like standing in a tub of gasoline with a lit match. Not much good is expected. What would it take to protect a facility from mortar and rocket attacks. Seems to me distance is the best answer, Stay out of the gas filled tub.
The sad truth about the attack on the Embassy is that a house in the middle of a City in a Country that dislikes the US and has well armed Idiots roaming the streets is like standing in a tub of gasoline with a lit match. Not much good is expected. What would it take to protect a facility from mortar and rocket attacks. Seems to me distance is the best answer, Stay out of the gas filled tub.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
pound of prevention
So we had another unbeleiveable shooting. This time in Connecticut at an Elementary School. I cannot begin to comprehend what comes loose in someones mind that makes them do something like this. I cannot help but wonder if the unlimited access to violence on Television, internet and video games hasn't in some way numbed some people to what violence really is. After all, everyone that is killed in those media are back the next time we boot up and we can do it all over again. Or is it simply that little value is put on life these days, others as well as our own.
Are we teaching that violence of this nature is just part of NORMAL behavior? Is it really difficult to get some idea that these people are struggling with a fit into society? Are there not some warning signs and if so are we unwilling to get involved? I understand that if someone wants to create mayhem and is capable of planning for it, most would be hard to catch. Such is the nature of deranged people. History is full of such idiots.
Because of recent events and the young age of a large number of the victims, there is a new movement to ban certain guns. Everyone is getting excited and vocal with their opinions. There are those that feel we should ban all weapons. Those that believe that assult guns are the culprit. Those that are certain any ban is the beginning of a new wave of tyranny possibly ending with another holocost. I find it strange that an event like the recent shootings in Connecticut sparks such debate and such a fever pitch. I also find it strange how fast the uproar dies. It was not very long ago that we were experiencing the same outrage over a shooting in a movie theater, but who remembers that? Such a short time dulls the pain and outrage.
Heres what I believe..... Wheather or not we have a RIGHT to own guns isn't the issue. Guns definately don't kill any more people than automobiles and I sure want to continue to drive. In no way will any legislation stop any waka-doodle from doing harm to innocent victims. It is a sad fact that crap will continue to happen. If some person doesn't use it, neither a car, gun, knife etc., will kill another person.
Remember that Pole in the town square and the pile of rocks????? May have the same effect as a pound of prevention....
Are we teaching that violence of this nature is just part of NORMAL behavior? Is it really difficult to get some idea that these people are struggling with a fit into society? Are there not some warning signs and if so are we unwilling to get involved? I understand that if someone wants to create mayhem and is capable of planning for it, most would be hard to catch. Such is the nature of deranged people. History is full of such idiots.
Because of recent events and the young age of a large number of the victims, there is a new movement to ban certain guns. Everyone is getting excited and vocal with their opinions. There are those that feel we should ban all weapons. Those that believe that assult guns are the culprit. Those that are certain any ban is the beginning of a new wave of tyranny possibly ending with another holocost. I find it strange that an event like the recent shootings in Connecticut sparks such debate and such a fever pitch. I also find it strange how fast the uproar dies. It was not very long ago that we were experiencing the same outrage over a shooting in a movie theater, but who remembers that? Such a short time dulls the pain and outrage.
Heres what I believe..... Wheather or not we have a RIGHT to own guns isn't the issue. Guns definately don't kill any more people than automobiles and I sure want to continue to drive. In no way will any legislation stop any waka-doodle from doing harm to innocent victims. It is a sad fact that crap will continue to happen. If some person doesn't use it, neither a car, gun, knife etc., will kill another person.
Remember that Pole in the town square and the pile of rocks????? May have the same effect as a pound of prevention....
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Shopping
Shopping, now there is an activity that is fun. During a recent shopping trip to the local city, I noticed alot of human interactions that were interesting.
A fair number of people simply do not have time to stand in line. Wheather it be to pay for a purchase or to eat at a restaraunt. Sneaking in line ahead of others or voicing displeasure with the pace or length of lines is commonplace. I didn't treat shopping as a timed event. I understand others simply were there first.
Children are not controlled well. I especially enjoyed the little fellow standing on the counter at the fast food eatery. He didn't climb up there, his Mom put him there. Aparently it was easier to tell him No a couple hundred times if he was at face level. Everyone knows that children have short attention spans, so we bring them to the store to play with the merchandise. A number of these were too young to understand the word No. So, parents keep repeating themselves so that eventually these little nose pickers will learn. I also enjoy hearing these precious little cherubs scream at the top of their lungs for what seems like hours. Again, they haven't learned what stop or No mean. I was the odd ball parent. Taught my kids what no meant at an early age. Took them out of the public space when they were having a bad(loud) day. Come on parents, have a little respect for your surroundings.
Parking your vehicle is extremely competitive at the Mall. There are numerous drivers dashing through the parking lot looking for that one space closer to the door. Some even make space where there isn't any. I now know why horns were put in cars, its so you don't have to raise your middle finger to talk to your fellow drivers. Four-way stop signs are a competition. Those drivers with the least courtesy can pick up a few seconds by brazenly going out of turn. This allows them to possibly eliminate a few seconds of driving time and possibly that parking spot one car closer to the door. I have found that I am still able to walk the distance required to get into the Mall, after all, I have to walk around IN the Mall. I have survived numerous stops at the four-way even though I wait my turn. I still wouldn't know if my horn worked if I didn't honk when I picked someone up. But, I must admit, my middle finger still works.
A fair number of people simply do not have time to stand in line. Wheather it be to pay for a purchase or to eat at a restaraunt. Sneaking in line ahead of others or voicing displeasure with the pace or length of lines is commonplace. I didn't treat shopping as a timed event. I understand others simply were there first.
Children are not controlled well. I especially enjoyed the little fellow standing on the counter at the fast food eatery. He didn't climb up there, his Mom put him there. Aparently it was easier to tell him No a couple hundred times if he was at face level. Everyone knows that children have short attention spans, so we bring them to the store to play with the merchandise. A number of these were too young to understand the word No. So, parents keep repeating themselves so that eventually these little nose pickers will learn. I also enjoy hearing these precious little cherubs scream at the top of their lungs for what seems like hours. Again, they haven't learned what stop or No mean. I was the odd ball parent. Taught my kids what no meant at an early age. Took them out of the public space when they were having a bad(loud) day. Come on parents, have a little respect for your surroundings.
Parking your vehicle is extremely competitive at the Mall. There are numerous drivers dashing through the parking lot looking for that one space closer to the door. Some even make space where there isn't any. I now know why horns were put in cars, its so you don't have to raise your middle finger to talk to your fellow drivers. Four-way stop signs are a competition. Those drivers with the least courtesy can pick up a few seconds by brazenly going out of turn. This allows them to possibly eliminate a few seconds of driving time and possibly that parking spot one car closer to the door. I have found that I am still able to walk the distance required to get into the Mall, after all, I have to walk around IN the Mall. I have survived numerous stops at the four-way even though I wait my turn. I still wouldn't know if my horn worked if I didn't honk when I picked someone up. But, I must admit, my middle finger still works.
Cliff...again
I found it interesting that our "lawmakers" decided to recess for the holidays without finishing work to prevent the "fiscal cliff". I understand there is still time, though. What pisses me off, well several things , there doesn't seem to be any urgengy applied to this (or any other problem). The primary concern seems to be winning between Republicans and Democrats. Its a game played with vast egos and apparently small minds. These people cannot seem to grasp the fact that they mismanage our country while they play these games. I watched a little of the channel on tv that shows the legislature. Several impassioned speeches were given that we should work together (we being R's and D's) to solve this problem or that problem.
Each speech seemed to end the same way, placing blame on the opposition party for not having solutions.
The Fiscal Cliff problem and solution seems to have become just two peoples issue. Obama and Behner (I probably didn't spell that right but what the heck he doesn't do much right either). That is a scary proposition given the fact that they were instrumental in digging us such a deep hole in the first place.
The fundamental solution is simple. Raise Taxes and curb spending. The details of that solution are not simple. I, for one, understand that I must pay for the stupidity of our leaders past decisions. I will pay my fair share to continue to live a good, free life. But, only if there is a plan to bring us back to solvency that is practical and obtainable in the short term. Lawmakers......get off your ass and start doing your job.
Each speech seemed to end the same way, placing blame on the opposition party for not having solutions.
The Fiscal Cliff problem and solution seems to have become just two peoples issue. Obama and Behner (I probably didn't spell that right but what the heck he doesn't do much right either). That is a scary proposition given the fact that they were instrumental in digging us such a deep hole in the first place.
The fundamental solution is simple. Raise Taxes and curb spending. The details of that solution are not simple. I, for one, understand that I must pay for the stupidity of our leaders past decisions. I will pay my fair share to continue to live a good, free life. But, only if there is a plan to bring us back to solvency that is practical and obtainable in the short term. Lawmakers......get off your ass and start doing your job.
New thoughts.
Just finished a couple of crazy weeks. Thanksgiving at my parents in Mena, Arkansas. Finishing up winterizing at the Marina. A brief hospital stay to get my Ticker repaired, Christmas and all the related activities. I am ready for some semblence of normalcy. Got lots of new thoughts to publish.
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