Executive Action On Gun Control
Posted by Michelle Moquin on January 16th, 2013
Good morning!
From the NRA’s commercial asking you if Obama’s children are more important than yours, implying that they are if you don’t put armed security in your schools, to repub Steve Stockman and others threatening to try and impeach Obama over gun control, to thoughts of an executive order on gun control sparking a “civil war,” with one gun lover, Buck Yeager touting that he will kill anyone who tries to take away his guns.
Gun control is obviously one of the hot topics, and the crazies are out speaking loud and proud their thoughts on gun control. Thankfully we do have a few sane people talking common sense. Governor Cuomo of NY made a move in the right direction and just passed the toughest gun law in the nation, and…Obama is proposing to take executive action on gun control.
I watched Obama speak this morning – did you see? If not, here’s the write – Obama being bold:
Obama Gun Control Proposals Unveiled, Marking Biggest Legislative Effort In A Generation
WASHINGTON — In a bold and potentially historic attempt to stem the increase in mass gun violence, President Barack Obama unveiled on Wednesday the most sweeping effort at gun control policy reform in a generation.
The proposal, which comes at the end of a month-long review process spearheaded by Vice President Joe Biden, is broken down into four key subsections: law enforcement, the availability of dangerous firearms and ammunition, school safety and mental health.
In an effort to touch on all four of those elements, the president recommended requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales; reinstating the assault weapons ban; restoring a 10-round limit on ammunition magazines; eliminating armor-piercing bullets; providing mental health services in schools; allocating funds to hire more police officers; and instituting a federal gun trafficking statute, among other policies. The cost of the package, senior officials estimated, would be roughly $500 million, some of which could come from already budgeted funds.
Because these recommendations require congressional approval, the administration is supplementing its proposal with 23 executive actions that will be taken immediately, according to the White House. Those actions include requiring federal agencies to hand over relevant data for a background check system; providing law enforcement officials, first responders and school officials with better training for active shooting situations; directing the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence; and many more.
“I intend to use whatever weight this office holds to make them a reality,” said the president, speaking about his full set of recommendations. “If there’s even one life that can be saved, then we’ve got an obligation to try.”
The approach is so sweeping that what would have otherwise been a headline-grabbing announcement received second billing. The president on Wednesday will nominate Byron Todd Jones, the acting director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to take over the post permanently.
In total, the proposal goes beyond what most gun control advocates were hoping for at the start of Biden’s review process, during which he held 22 different meetings with 229 different organizations and 31 elected officials.
“This is a monumental moment. It’s a long time coming and we’re thrilled the president’s putting the full weight of his office behind this,” said Josh Horowitz, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. “We’re ready to push this thing through.”
But putting together ideas is the easy part. Selling them on the Hill will take a bit of legislative craft.
Seasoned political observers have questioned whether it makes more sense to break the package into separate bills or push for one comprehensive proposal. A senior administration official said that the president’s proposal shouldn’t be considered finalized legislative language, but rather a series of recommendations for Congress to consider. The president would be working with lawmakers to move the process forward, the official added, and would be trying to build up public opinion as well.
“I will put everything I’ve got into this and so will Joe [Biden]. But I tell you, the only way we can change is if the American people demand it,” said Obama. “We are going to need voices in those areas and congressional districts where the tradition of gun ownership is strong.”
“It can’t just be the usual suspects,” he continued. “This will not happen unless the American people demand it.”
The gun-rights lobby has already signaled that it will try to block the administration’s effort. A spokesman for the National Rifle Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the president’s proposal. But the organization has already harshly criticized the Obama administration for overreach.
“It is unfortunate that this administration continues to insist on pushing failed solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems,” the NRA said after meeting with Biden last week. “We will not allow law-abiding gun owners to be blamed for the acts of criminals and madmen.”
The group continued its offensive this week, launching an advertising campaignattacking Obama as an “elitist hypocrite” for opposing the NRA’s widely-criticized proposal, made after the Newtown, Conn. shooting, to place armed guards in all of the nation’s schools.
But that attack appeared a bit premature. As part of its policy recommendations, the White House called on Congress to act on an old administration proposal to spend $4 billion to keep 15,000 cops on the streets. In addition, the president is calling for a new initiative that would incentivize police departments to hire more school resource officers and encourage schools to hire more mental health professionals. The president’s plan also calls on Congress to allocate resources to help schools, other educational institutions and houses of worship develop emergency management plans.
The White House proposals, even officials there admit, is not a panacea for mass shootings. Among the suggested recommendations on the gun-policy front, only the ban on high-capacity magazines could have had a tangible impact on the Sandy Hook shooting. And it’s unclear just how much of an impact that would have had.
Moreover, the administration is pointedly not going after those weapons and ammunition clips that are currently and lawfully owned. The proposal would instead affect the future production and sale of military-style weapons or high-capacity magazines.
“We are not going to go after existing stock of weapons or magazines,” said a senior administration official. “We are going to limit it to the manufacturing of assault weapons and clips going forward.”
The White House, nevertheless, insists that its package of proposals has teeth. It would provide law enforcement with the mechanisms needed to go after the illegal transfer of weapons, administration officials stress, and it would help prevent those weapons from falling into the wrong hands. It would stem the use of military-style weapons — the White House says its proposal would improve on the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, which was riddled with loopholes — and give resources to schools and communities to deal better with violence when it occurs.
The question, in some respects, is not what’s missing from the set of ideas, but what took the administration so long to get to this point.
“It is not as though we had this whole policy paper sitting on the shelf somewhere,” said a senior administration official. “[We worked] 24/7 for the past month. And we met with a lot of groups and we learned a lot of ideas that came as a result of this process. We tried to be as comprehensive as possible. We are hoping that as the process goes on and as the debate goes on, we might come up with some other ideas.”
******
Obama’s ready to move forward. He’s putting everything he’s got into this – Are you? He’s asking for us to demand change. Make your voice heard. Speak to your peeps in your state.
Thoughts? Blog me.
Mattie: I found a smile on my face too when I read your story. I bet you owe your mother on that one big time. I just HOPE she doesn’t enter your mind every time your partner enters you though. :)
Let me be clear if I wasn’t before. I have no judgment on anyone doing whatever they want to their vaginas to make themselves feel better emotionally, physically or for better health. What I do have a problem with is when someone defines how a vagina should look, or what makes a vagina “attractive,” and then encourages women to “fix” theirs convincing them that their partner will then be more attracted to them.
Susan: Bravo.
Zen Lill: I remember when I blogged a few years back about bleaching your butt hole – not your butt hole of course – That was too funny. I HOPE miss Lily had a wonderful Birthday yesterday. What did you two do to celebrate?
Howie: We all know the downside of being in the hospital, so thankfully you are Home Sweet Home. I HOPE that you are feeling better.
That was quite the chronicle and certainly nothing close to what our history reports. I understand Quu’s viewpoint. And I’m not sure our beloved Earth will ever be a member of the Galactic Club if humans keep behaving as they do. What are your personal thoughts about our current and future positions? I look forward to the rest. Be well, Howie.
Peace out.
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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January 16th, 2013 at 11:43 am
Part 2 of 2 Continued from Yesterday:
The plot to kill FDR began as soon as he refused to accept Churchill’s offer to divvy up the non-whites on the planet between them. The plan was on hold only because the plotters didn’t have a suitable pawn to serve as vice president after FDR’s murder.
That was until they discovered the truly dumber than a box of rocks, Harry S. Truman — A man who would make Dan Quayle and Sarah Palin look like geniuses. Once they secured this man and offered him the vice presidency, they set about getting the present vice president removed.
They tried through various FDR contacts, relatives and associates, to get FDR to drop Henry Wallace. He was especially despised because he believed in equality for all in America and on Earth. Since FDR refused to abandon him they arranged to stall the vice presidency confirmation until they had enough votes to get Truman declared the vice president running mate of FDR for his fourth term.
They got his ex-mistress, Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd to set him up by making sure that they would be alone. Nine assassins were dispatched to murder FDR. Four ensured the five would not be disturbed and grilled the “witnesses” to insure they made the correct statements. The five burst into the room where Lucy and FDR were. They dragged FDR from his chair and stretched him out on his bed. Then they injected a lethal dose of epinephrine into his heart.
An autopsy was done and the doctors discovered that the account given by the attending physician could not have happened as they claimed because the entry of the hypodermic needle which entered his heart did so with his arms out stretched. This indicated that his hands had been forcibly restrained pointing away from his head. (can you say assassination?).
Mrs. Roosevelt was informed. She was going to order an autopsy to be publicly known. But she was told by the culprits that if she did it would come out that he had the “stroke” while making out with his mistress. The very woman he had sworn to give up over a decade ago. She was angry to discover that he was betraying her even though they hadn’t slept in the same bed since she discovered his indiscretion decades ago.
FDR’s medical records went missing after his death which ended any chance of them being discovered.
Michelle, You asked for my opinion. Here is some of it:
The White Man will resort to anything, including assassination, genocide and falsifying history to keep themselves on top of OTW’s. They will never make it easy for President Obama to accomplish anything that will help the middle class or god-forbid, the poor.
They go so far as to claim that Social Security, which is in a separate fund, which was paid for by the labor of all our working lives is one of the reasons that the United States is in financial deficit of trillions of dollars.
This is bull. If the Rich paid their fair share of taxes over the years, we would be sitting pretty. Look how much the Military spends each year, fighting wars that we should not have gotten involved in at all. We attacked Iraq for weapons of mass destruction after 9/11 happened when they had nothing to do with Osama Bin Laden — the true culprit.
Now we are stuck in the Middle east because we can not leave countries such as Iraq or Afghanistan behind because they will immediately be taken over by their radical religious fanatic factions. Iran will swallow up Iraq. Once a vacuum is left behind, it will be filled by Iran — a very powerful and soon to be Nuclear Power.
They are backed by rich Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia which have money growing on trees to fight against legitimate governments left behind in our departure.
The Middle East has always been a place of war and it seems to me that it will continue to be so. The White Man is profiting from this “War On Terrorism”. Private companies such are selling food and water to the Military. Armies have always been able to feed themselves before — why now? Because the Rich White Man is profiting from this.
HOWIE
January 16th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
That’s an awesome narrative, Howie, have to read again to wrap my head around all that. wow. I guess FDR had no performance issues (one of his 3 legs was doing just fine apparently) if he managed to keep a mistress interested for that long, I’m intrigued…always want to hear more, you have great story-telling skills.
Misch, I did see it and I was particularly happy that he was telling us Americans to demand it and to get our reps to do as we ask…we always wanted a govt for the people and by the people, that’s his offer, so either stand up and be heard or lemming your way along…but if you do, no complaining bc you chose it with this pres, luv it. Please, step up and speak up!
I took Lily to Terranea resort for a gorgeous sunset and dinner, she wanted to do something ‘fancy’ with just me, lol, she has her mind on studying for mid-terms and is a titch stressed, so I drank a potent margarita FOR her (where she got that conscientious studying behavior is anyone’s best guess, sure was not me/C : ), & her surprise massage appt is on Saturday, she’ll be loving that, she’s a bit spoiled but very deserving of it, I’m a tough task-master in terms of expected behavior and politeness/manners/cleanliness and she’s a great kid, I’m fortunate. (oh and she also wants my car when she’s 16, my mechanic thinks that’s a brilliant idea, & I’ll be ready for my Fisker Karma in 18 mos or so!)
Luv, Zen Lill
January 17th, 2013 at 9:36 am
I wanted to repost this:
re#2 1/14 health info – and add this: if you visit a doc they do assume you want to leave with a magic bullet (antibiotics) so before you even go, try to the following, I am telling you it is the season, if you google wild oregano (and drink super brew below) you can avoid being laid out be a very funky flu…I’m no doctor (I’m better, I’m a naturalist who knows her shizz!) please stay healthy, and keep your peeps healthy, too. A few minutes of brewing everyday and a shop to buy fresh ginger and apple cider vinegar and some oregano oil (pricey but well worth it) could spare you.
Re #2, before you take an antibiotic from your doctor or even go to one, try wild oregano oil first, google it for doing properly for each ailment, it IS nature’s antibiotic. & it is that season, are you brewing up your ginger tea? I posted the recipe last year but I now brew ‘super brew’ and it goes like this: grate 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger into a pan, add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes and strain, meanwhile I brew 2 cups of green tea, once you finish the ginger part, blend the 2 for 4 cups of super brew, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for each cup (4, though you can start with 3 if the taste is just too much, I do the full dose and sweeten with honey/agave) and drink a cup of that a day. I have not been sick in years…
Just trying to be helpful : ) Luv, Zen Lill
January 17th, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Howie, I have to say I don’t know where you are getting your information but I will say I believe every word. White american history is more lies than truth. It is basically as full of bullshit as their bible is.
I am still absorbed in checking some of your references. It is fascinating how amazing your story fits the missing things in history that before your contribution the reader never would have had that duh moment.
January 17th, 2013 at 8:57 pm
Not to be too shrill of your blog Michelle, but I have to say after watching Oprah and Armstrong my convictions about the white race has been confirmed. They always think their shit doesn’t stink.
For Cnn to the locals you can hear the desire to let this criminal get away with what he did because he is white. With phrases like “people” want to forgive. Meaning of course, if you are a white offender, then white people want to forgive you.
The government met to drop perjury charges against Armstrong, but they went after Bonds as if he was selling drugs.
Just more white boy hypocrisy.
January 17th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Thanks Zen Lill for the Oregano posts. I have adopted all your suggestions. Thanks for caring.
Oh, Howie AMAZING!!!!!!!!
January 17th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Rev Up Your Immunity to Fight Colds, Flu and Pneumonia All Winter Long
Colds are potentially more dangerous than most people realize. That’s because they often weaken an already compromised immune system, making the sufferer more vulnerable to the flu and pneumonia.
A nutritional deficiency is the most common cause of depressed immunity, but even people who make a point to eat a well-balanced diet often fall short when it comes to getting enough key nutrients. For this reason, many Americans turn to dietary supplements for extra protection.
But which ones really work?
For answers, Bottom Line/Health spoke to Michael T. Murray, ND, a leading naturopathic physician who has spent more than 30 years compiling a database of more than 60,000 scientific articles on the effectiveness of natural medicines, including supplements.
Here are some of the most effective supplements for preventing and treating colds and related upper-respiratory ailments. Start with the first supplement and add others (all are available at health-food stores), based on specific symptoms…*
Mixed antioxidants. When it comes to fortifying your body to fight off colds, it’s wise to start with a high-potency multisupplement. I recommend one that combines zinc, selenium, beta-carotene (or other carotenes) and vitamins C and E.
This antioxidant mix helps prevent oxidative damage to the thymus gland—a robust thymus is needed to produce T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that recognizes and attacks viruses and other infectious agents.
Typical daily dose: 20 mg to 30 mg zinc…200 micrograms (mcg) selenium…25,000 international units (IU) beta-carotene…500 mg vitamin C…and 200 IU vitamin E. You’ll find roughly these amounts in any high-potency multisupplement. Many people take a multi-supplement year-round.
Astragalus. Few Americans know about this herb, although it’s a standard treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is getting more attention these days because scientists have learned that it contains polysaccharide fraction F3 and other substances that stimulate different parts of the immune system.
Test-tube and animal studies have found that astragalus has potent antiviral effects—important for preventing colds and the flu. In one study, 115 patients who took the herb for eight weeks showed significant improvement in their counts of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Typical daily dose: 100 mg to 150 mg of powdered extract combined with any liquid, three times daily, whenever you have a cold or the flu or throughout the winter months if your immunity is low (for example, due to extra stress).
Caution:
If you have rheumatoid arthritis or some other autoimmune disease, use astragalus only under a doctor’s supervision—the increase in immune activity could worsen your autoimmune symptoms.
South African geranium. Also known as umckaloabo, this herbal remedy is commonly used for bronchitis, an upper-respiratory infection that often follows colds, particularly in winter.
In a study of 205 patients with bronchitis, those taking it had reduced bronchitis-related symptoms, such as a cough and shortness of breath. Other studies have shown similar effects.
Although doctors who specialize in herbal medicine typically recommend this supplement for patients who have been diagnosed with bronchitis or sinusitis, I advise taking it if you have a cold because it reduces symptoms and helps prevent a secondary bronchial infection.
Typical daily dose: 20 mg, three times daily, until the symptoms subside.
Beta-glucan. This class of compounds is found in baker’s yeast, medicinal mushrooms (such as maitake) and a variety of grains. Supplemental forms have been shown to stimulate the activity of immune cells. They also stimulate immune signaling proteins, which help the body fight viral infections.
In a study of 54 firefighters (who are susceptible to colds because of frequent exposure to smoke and other fumes), those who took a beta-glucan supplement had 23% fewer upper-respiratory infections compared with those who took a placebo.
Typical daily dose: 250 mg to 500 mg daily. This dose is effective for treatment of viral infections as well as prevention (for example, when you feel a cold coming on).
I recommend Wellmune WGP (it contains a substance derived from yeast that has been shown to strengthen immune cells) or Maitake Gold beta-glucan supplements—the research is more solid with these than with other products.
Echinacea. This herb has been the subject of more than 900 studies. A few years ago, researchers reported that it was not effective for colds—probably because these scientists were using products that had insufficient amounts of active compounds. In my experience, echinacea is very effective both for prevention and treatment.
Example: One study, involving 120 patients who had just started to experience cold symptoms, found that only 40% of those taking echinacea went on to develop a full-fledged cold compared with 60% of those not taking the herb.
When patients in the echinacea group did get sick, their symptoms started to improve after four days versus eight days in those taking placebos.
Typical daily dose: One-half to one teaspoon of liquid extract, which can be added to a glass of water or taken straight, three times daily, when you have a cold or feel one coming on.
Buy a product that is made from the fresh aerial portion of the plant. This information will be printed on the label. You will receive a higher concentration of active compounds. People who have allergies to plants in the daisy family (which includes ragweed) should not take echinacea.
ADD A DOSE OF STRESS RELIEF
It’s important to remember that virtually everyone is more likely to get sick during times of stress.
Reasons: Stress increases blood levels of adrenal hormones, which suppress the immune system. In addition, stress triggers the release of cytokines and other substances that decrease the activity of white blood cells and inhibit the formation of new ones.
What to do: In addition to getting regular exercise and sleeping at least seven hours a night, make a habit of doing activities that improve your mood. Deep breathing, meditation or simply having a good time with friends will all help you stay healthier.
DITCH THE SUGAR!
If you want to stay healthy this winter, cut way back on sugar. This is important because the simple sugars in sweets and sweet beverages (including fruit juices) diminish the ability of lymphocytes to fight off viruses. When you consume sugar, the immune system weakens within just 30 minutes—and it remains in a depressed state for more than five hours.
It’s not clear why sugar has such serious effects on immunity. It’s possible that elevated blood sugar prevents vitamin C from attaching to and entering white blood cells, which makes the immune system less effective.
My advice: Have no more (and preferably less) than 15 g to 20 g of sugar in any three-hour period. Sugar-content information is, of course, found on food labels. A four-ounce glass of fruit juice, for example, will have about 12 g of sugar.
*Consult your doctor before trying these supplements—especially if you have a chronic medical condition and/or take medication.
Some of these remedies may interact with medication. Most supplements need to be taken for at least six weeks to reach their full effect.
Source: Michael T. Murray, ND, one of the country’s best-known naturopathic physicians.
He serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle and has written more than 30 books, including The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Atria) with coauthor Joseph Pizzorno, ND. http://www.DoctorMurray.com
January 17th, 2013 at 9:31 pm
Michelle, if a man loves the woman what her vagina looks like is insignificant. But if he has a preference for a particular look, that would only apply to looks because unlike other preferences, looks won’t make it feel good on your dick.
So if it looks “good” depending on a man’s preference that will have on affect on how it works out in bed.
Of course if the man is a dud in the sack, who the fuck should care what he prefers. —— I thought I’d say that before Alycedale wrote in to tear me a new asshole.
Dennis