Michael's Rant

follow the link and read the story. my subsequent rantings will then make more sense.

http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9722006-7.html

in the light of the recent tragedy at virginia tech the proponents of the anti gun movement have been having a field day. they don't seem to be making any headway at the legislative level which is surprising. i have heard every kind of whining about guns and rhetoric about their intrinsic propensity toward evil that can be conjured.

many of the naysayers keep going back to the one and only word in the second amendment that they can be twisted to subvert and confuse the american public. MILITIA. what our founding fathers intended was for the citizens of this great country to be able to defend themselves from any kind of tyranny. whether from abroad or domestically. if you read anything that they wrote outside of the constitution and bill of rights pertaining to this issue it is quite clear that they intended for the average citizen to be armed.

in fact, the second amendment is the only guarantee that the people have to uphold all of the others. without our ability to defend ourselves from even our own government the bill of rights would not be worth the piece of paper its printed on. the first set of quotes below are from the framers of the constitution.

Quote:

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks. —- Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785.

Quote:

One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them. —- Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796.

Quote:

We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; —-Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.

Quote:

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. —-Benjamin Franklin

Quote:

[The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation…(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. —-James Madison,The Federalist Papers, No. 46.

Quote:

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive. —-Noah Webster

Quote:

Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American…[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people. —-Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

Quote:

The whole of that Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals…[I]t establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of. —-Albert Gallatin to Alexander Addison, Oct 7, 1789

here are some quotes from more current legislatures on the subject of the second amendment. i believe these are very clear interpretations of the founding fathers intent.

Quote:

"What the Subcommittee on the Constitution uncovered was clear--and long-lost--proof that the second amendment to our Constitution was intended as an individual right of the American citizen to keep and carry arms in a peaceful manner, for protection of himself, his family, and his freedoms." Senator Orrin Hatch, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on the Constitution, 97th Cong., 2d Sess.

Quote:

"The conclusion is thus inescapable that the history, concept, and wording of the second amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as well as its interpretation by every major commentator and court in the first half-century after its ratification, indicates that what is protected is an individual right of a private citizen to own and carry firearms in a peaceful manner." - United States Senate, Report of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on the Constitution, 97th Cong., 2d Sess.

Quote:

"Certainly one of the chief guarantees of freedom under any government, no matter how popular and respected, is the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. This is not to say that firearms should not be very carefully used, and that definite safety rules of precaution should not be taught and enforced. But the right of citizens to bear arms is just one more guarantee against arbitrary government, and one more safeguard against a tyranny which now appears remote in America, but which historically has proved to be always possible." Sen. Hubert Humphrey

many people blame our rampant crime problem on the proliferation of guns in our society. if guns caused crime then i don't think senator hatch would have said this for the record.

Quote:

"If gun laws in fact worked, the sponsors of this type of legislation should have no difficulty drawing upon long lists of examples of crime rates reduced by such legislation. That they cannot do so after a century and a half of trying--that they must sweep under the rug the southern attempts at gun control in the 1870-1910 period, the northeastern attempts in the 1920-1939 period, the attempts at both Federal and State levels in 1965-1976--establishes the repeated, complete and inevitable failure of gun laws to control serious crime." Senator Orrin Hatch

some of you probably think that the writers of the constitution have it wrong and our current legislatures don't have the sense to change an antiquated law. some say that in todays realm of american military might, police presence, etc, that we don't need an armed citizenry. here are some quotes from non politicians on how important the right to self defense of the citizens, not only from each other, but the government is.

now this is one of my favorites. i wanna see the liberals chew on this for a moment. it should give them a stroke and put them out of my misery.

Quote:

"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can exercise their 'constitutional' right of amending it or their 'revolutionary' right to dismember or overthrow it." Abraham Lincoln

how about a quote from gandhi... this should completely melt down the peace freaks.

Quote:

"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the Act depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest. If we want the Arms Act to be repealed, if we want to learn the use of arms, here is a golden opportunity. If the middle classes render voluntary help to Government in the hour of its trial, distrust will disappear, and the ban on possessing arms will be withdrawn." Mohandas K. Gandhi

if gandhi doesn't do it for the liberals lets move on to mlk, jr and his quotes about self defense.

Quote:

"Finally, I contended that the debate over the question of self-defense was unnecessary since few people suggested that Negroes should not defend themselves as individuals when attacked. The question was not whether one should use his gun when his home was attacked, but whether it was tactically wise to use a gun while participating in an organized demonstration." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Quote:

"As we have seen, the first public expression of disenchantment with nonviolence arose around the question of "self-defense." In a sense this is a false issue, for the right to defend one's home and one's person when attacked has been guaranteed through the ages by common law." Martin Luther King, Jr.

these should satisfy those with any religious qualms over the use of a gun for self defense. whether of life or liberty...

Quote:

"Moreover, "legitimate defence can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another's life, the common good of the family or of the State".[44] Unfortunately it happens that the need to render the aggressor incapable of causing harm sometimes involves taking his life. In this case, the fatal outcome is attributable to the aggressor whose action brought it about, even though he may not be morally responsible because of a lack of the use of reason.[45]" His Holiness Pope John Paul II

Quote:

"When Hitler attacked the Jews I was not a Jew, therefore I was not concerned. And when Hitler attacked the Catholics, I was not a Catholic, and therefore, I was not concerned. And when Hitler attacked the unions and the industrialists, I was not a member of the unions and I was not concerned. Then Hitler attacked me and the Protestant church — and there was nobody left to be concerned." - Pastor Martin Niemöller, Congressional Record, 14, October 1968, page 31636.

now i have quoted our founding fathers, congress, the supreme court, abe lincoln, martin luther, the pope and others about this subject. if you feel that you are more qualified to render an opinion on the subject than these people i must contend that you are a moron and your opinion does not count.

our founding fathers intended for every man to be armed. if you spend any time researching the subject it is very clear. if more good guys toted guns, the bad guys would be approaching extinction by now. killing people has been against the law since day one in this country and it hasn't stopped anyone from killing, whether with a gun, knife, poison or other method. our countries drug laws are a shinning example of how well legislation works. all narcotics are illegal but if i wanted, i could score almost any illicit substance in less than an hour and i have been out of that scene for many years. just look what prohibition did to this country. everybody kept drinking and organized crime became rampant. to even hope that morality can be legislated is showing extreme ignorance.

the essence of the true problem at v.t. was not one particular lunatics possession of a gun with intent towards malice. the real issue is the fact that the cops nor any of the victims were armed. if just one of the students, professors or cops had been packing the outcome could have been much different.

taking away the right to own guns is not going to stop a true lunatic from killing innocent people. with a 10 minute trip into the local ace hardware stop and a 100 dollar bill a person could make what the v.t. killer did look like child's play. take away a nut cases gun and he may show up next time with a 5 pound bad of flour. you don't want to know what can be done with 5 pounds of flour, except that i'll say that nobody in that building at v.t. would have survived. nut cases are just that. they will go for the easiest tool to cause destruction. don't force them to actually think about ingenious ways to do it. just keep hoping that all they show up with nothing but a couple of guns. it limits the casualties. there are only so many bullets a person can carry.
michael

folks,
all of the anti gun debate and rhetoric that is surrounding the recent shootings at virginia tech and others places is driving me nuts. we seem to be missing the point. the specific tool used in something like this is not the cause. we need to look at our society and how we treat people that have psychological problems. the shooter at v.t. had exhibited signs that he was a danger to his fellow man but nothing was done to follow up on the reports made. the campus police were not even armed and able to defend the people they are charged with helping. that is absurd.
what our founding fathers intended was for the citizens of this great country to be able to defend themselves from any kind of tyranny. whether from abroad or domestically.

Quote:

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks. —- Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785.

Quote:

One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them. —- Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796.

Quote:

We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; —-Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.

Quote:

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. —-Benjamin Franklin

Quote:

[The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation…(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. —-James Madison,The Federalist Papers, No. 46.

Quote:

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive. —-Noah Webster

Quote:

Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American…[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people. —-Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

Quote:

The whole of that Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals…[I]t establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of. —-Albert Gallatin to Alexander Addison, Oct 7, 1789

our founding fathers intended for every man to be armed. if you spend any time researching the subject it is very clear. if more good guys toted guns, the bad guys would be approaching extinction by now.

the essence of the true problem at v.t. was not one lunatics possession of a gun with intent towards malice. the real issue is the fact that the cops nor any of the victims were armed. if just one of the students, professors or cops had been packing the outcome could have been much different.

like i have said before taking away the right to own guns is not going to stop a true lunatic from killing innocent people. with a 10 minute trip into the local ace hardware stop and a 100 dollar bill a dedicated lunatic could make what the v.t. killer did look like child's play.
michael

folks,
this past friday afternoon i decided to trash work for saturday. i told the help to go home and we would try again on monday. saturday morning my feet hit the floor at 6:15 am. i headed off to my 7am prayer breakfast and carol went toward to the atlanta drag strip up in commerce to visit a friend who was in town to race. after my prayer breakfast i headed over to office depot to exchange a point and shoot digital i had bought for the windshield bag on the putt. it had been on sale, so i thought what the heck. the crappy cannon turned out like the last couple of cannons i bought. died in a matter of weeks. traded it for a lumix cause i always wanted to try one of
those.

got back to the house about 9:30am and carol already had two days worth of sandwiches made up and was packing her saddlebags on the twinkie. i snapped the tour pak on the flh and started packing my saddle bags. the '73 flh got a sad look in its eyes when it realized it wasn't getting to go but we reassured it that we would take it out for a ride this week. all the stuff i needed fit in my saddle bags except for the rain gear so carol added some fluff to the tour pak just in case we needed to change into clean cloths or it turned cold on us.

at this point the '07 bagger had just over 6k miles on it and my '78 flh had 2k miles after finishing the build new years eve. i had just done the 2nd oil change so we felt ready to twist on both of them a little harder than we had been doing. i asked the ol lady where to? she said to the coast so toward the low country of s.c. we headed. commerce, comer, elberton, abbeville and greenwood fell behind us. we hit the saluda traffic circle and stopped to figure out how we were going to circumnavigate around columbia and head on toward the ocean.

then carol said she had lost her desire for the coast and sure would like to take a run across the blue ridge parkway. we back tracked to the savanah river basin so we wouldn't have to go through greenville or anderson. besides; running up by strom thurmond lake, lake russel,
hartwell, keowee and all of those other lakes is pretty scenic. we finally hit s.c. 11 and made a quick right to a left on 276 and went up the hill past caesars head (nice set of curves) and into brevard n.c.. we checked into the hampton inn and parked the bikes for the evening. we had almost 300 miles on the day and were ready for dinner.

sunday morning we slept in a little and hit the complimentary breakfast. went back to the room and caught the first baptist of atlanta feed on cbs with dr. charles stanley. with church covered at that point, we got on the bikes and started back north on 276 past looking glass and to the blue ridge parkway. when we hit the parkway we headed west toward cherokee. the
parkway was not very crowded so we got to run it at our pace without getting stuck behind many cars and only a couple of crotch rockets had to break their pace for us.

the ride was very nice as we kept changing seasons according to elevation. down in the low country it was almost full on summer. 80 degrees and full folliage. by the time we hit brevard it was early spring and the azeleas were just beginning to bloom along with about half the trees. on the parkway it was still late winter with only the evergreens and rhodos bearing any leaves. all the trees were still waiting to bud out.

we covered about 70 miles on the parkway and took the cherokee exit. luckily the big bike event of the weekend had wound down and we were able to blow right through the reservation. we hit 441 south and it was a pretty ride to franklin except for seeing a dude off the side of the road covered in blood and his bike just thrashed and covered in mud. rescue was already on the scene so we said a little prayer as we rode on by.

when we hit franklin, 441 was getting busier so we headed west on 64 acrosswinding stair gap. we then turned south on s.r.175/75 and into hiwassee. we then crossed unicoi gap into helen. this was fun. with this being the third full day of riding the flh in the twisties since finishing it i
finally have the correct riding style for this bike dialed in. since i lowered it two inches the floorboards like to scrub in the turns. this bike likes for you to dive into the turn and as soon as the sparks start to fly off the floorboards apply just a touch more countersteer and twist the
throttle and it comes up just enough to clear the pavement and tracks right on through the curve like it is on rails. lots of fun and i was showering the road with sparks in every turn and laughing like charlie manson at an all night slaughter house.

coming through cleveland we had our one close call for the weekend. two teenage girls backed out of the dairy queen right in front of the ol lady. she had to dive into the center turn lane to keep from getting hit by a jeep cherokee that was backing up. as she went to swing back into the proper lane the little girl driving the jeep got it into forward and stabbed thethrottle almost t-boning my wife. by this time i was more than a little aggro, i dropped a couple of gears and twisted on it hard. i ran them down by the time they got to the square and tried giving them a small slice of my mind. they not only ignored me, but they tried to push me around with their
cage. now i was livid so i stopped in the middle of the road, grabbed the cell phone and dropped the dime on them. no sense is getting charged with road rage when i could let the man do his job.

we finished up the ride to the house with no more events and it was very pleasant. after sweeping out the garage since it was 1/2 empty, we parked the bikes and unpacked. i then did the math on our fuel mileage. i very seldom worry about fuel consumption but since folks always seem to ask i kept up with miles and fuel burnt. the '07 bagger with the 96" engine and a stage 1 kit averaged 44 mpg. not bad. the real surprise was the '78 flh. the combo of the evo and revtech 6 speed averaged *54 mpg* . the tank of fuel that got me from brevard to hiawasse over the blue ridge parkway got 51.718 mpg. not only did it get good fuel mileage the home rebuilt cv carb didn't sputter a single time. whether running 80 mph at almost sea level or
getting gouged in third going uphill at 6,000 feet of altitude the bike just ran fantastic.

michael