Terry - I'll have a read through that link, thanks!
The voter ID thing is easily solved by using a state issued Drivers License or Military ID, or even a "Pedestrian ID" (issued by the state as a formal ID for someone who does not drive). It's odd, those who oppose it argue it's undue burden on the voter. Yet, IDs are required to board a plane, withdraw money at the bank, enter certain buildings (Federal), operate a car or motorcycle. Yet, to vote it shouldn't be required?
Now, I don't expect that any election outcome would have differed, but with the tremendous influx of illegal immigrants into this country, it just might in the future.
As for same sex marriage: personally, I don't care. It's not per my upbringing, but if that's what 2 people want, them I am okay with it. Where I personally believe the problem lies for many elected officials who oppose it, is the tremendous financial impact at the Federal level.
If I were to marry finally as a 55 year old man to another similar aged man, our combined tax basis and deductions change. And, if I were to die, he would have all legal standing to draw my SocSec benefits. This is a financially huge problem. But understand, I am not opposed to forcing this problem to be resolved by preventing same sex marriage. A simple solution for this, and many, many others is to eliminate the IRS and move to VAT plus State tax. It allows. Greater income and freedoms to the individual and States to provide for their residents.
Returning to the thread topic: isn't it odd that we have so many Psychs and the worst mental health system going? Kind of defeats the benefits of testing to then render these folks to treatment by these DRs... Or, they're good DRs and either our laws or system prevent them from being effective?
Case in point: the clown who shot up Seattle the other day. Documented and previously incarcerated nut job. Then why was he left to roam the streets? Why was he not flagged and forced to receive treatment? That's a major problem here. We protect "likely" criminals because we can't prosecute them for what they might do.
As for being afraid to be tested based upon possible restrictions, I gotta believe that's very true. Lots of folks know that they would speak candidly about what they might do if and then suffer the consequences. Look at how outrageously we are treating our school kids suddenly. There are countless occurrences of kids going to school and being suspended or expelled, for having a toy, making a toy, eating a cracker into the shape of a "gun" or even using their finger to point-shoot at another child. Some of these kids are under 9 years old!
And you don't think gun owners see this a major threat to their rights? When ZERO tolerance is implemented, reasonable judgement is vacated. End of podium pounding.
But I still remain open-minded about finding a solution to re-calibrate our kids immediately. I have to suspect there is some influence on them with these reported shootings in these public places, that encourages them to choose them, and to consider these actions. We must fix this.
I will say this, with a few very limited exceptions, the streets and neighborhoods and cities in this country are very safe. The truly "dangerous" areas are within cities where drug and gang activity is highest. But there are random events all over the country that occur daily. That does not make this an unsafe country, just troubled. But we are huge population, widely diverse, and very agitated socially for the past 15 years. W need to, as adults, calm the fcuk down, stop ranting at our neighbor, and begin setting better examples for our young. We've gone overboard trying to "protect" our children from all the sharp corners the world has to offer, that they can't cope with a bit of name calling, pushing or shoving, or even losing a high school football game. What a catastrophe!
We NEED better perspective. And we NEED to enforce the laws on our books. Then decide if they need changing or amending.
