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Forum Post: Put your best arguments together and call talk radio.

Posted 9 years ago on June 15, 2014, 4:03 a.m. EST by StillModestCapitalist (343)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

There are a lot of good entries here. But this forum isn't reaching enough people. It never will. So put your best arguments together and call talk radio. Be prepared. The vast overwhelming majority of hosts are die-hard conservative partisan puppets. They will try very hard to discredit every word that you have to say unless it supports their die-hard conservative war on EVERYONE else. However, they are not unbeatable. I've already gone toe to toe with a number of them including Eric Harley, Gary MacNamera, and Andy Dean. My calls were never taken on Hannity or Limbaugh. I'm pretty sure they know who I am. I've given them fake names more than once but I can't hide my location and I don't have two hours to spare on each attempt to get through. None of these pigs intimidate me one little bit. But after well over 800 calls to talk radio and well over 20,000 entries online, I'm getting burned out. I'm going to take it slow until this fall when I have more time for this.

I hope a few of you start calling talk radio if you haven't already. You are welcome to use anything I've posted anywhere online that you feel is relevant. I know that we share some views. I was a regular here in 2011. A lot of my entries were deleted. Only a few remain searchable. ModestCapitalist. http://occupywallst.org/forum/rich-pigs-this-global-crisis-and-subsequent-protes/ http://occupywallst.org/forum/the-instinct-to-gather-and-store-in-order-to-survi/ http://occupywallst.org/forum/dont-believe-this-crap-about-the-rich-paying-37-of/ http://occupywallst.org/forum/slammersworld-is-a-god-damn-liar-thats-right-he-is/

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[-] 5 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

Florida man guilty in shooting over loud music. More guns? (Nationwide) How many more people must be shot and killed over parking spaces, fireworks, cell phones, lost fights, loud music, and other petty issues before the gun freak morons of America finally grow brains?

How many more 'law abiding gun owners' must suddenly lose their tempers and take lives over such petty issues before the gun freaks of America finally realize that 'more guns' is not the answer to all things violent?

How many more events like those referred to above must make the news before the blithering idiot talking head pundits of America like Ted Nugent, Sean Hannity, Wayne LaPierre, Glenn Beck, Andy Dean, Sarah Palin, and virtually all of their fans finally realize that even 'law abiding gun owners' are capable of spilling blood with their firearms?

How much longer will it be before they finally begin to comprehend basic human nature, consider the many variables of any given day in America, and finally realize that a 'gun permissible zone' does not magically negate the possibility that someone within that zone may suddenly lose their temper and take lives over petty issues like those referred to above?

[-] 4 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

Gun control works when it's given a chance. ABSOLUTE PROOF. (Nationwide)

The vast overwhelming majority of gun homicides in America are committed by common criminals with easily acquired low-end hand guns. Not by 'assault rifles'. Not yet anyway. But we are well on our way as a nation, to making another HUGE mistake. The 'assault line' is now the fastest growing segment of the gun industry. Sales have skyrocketed. Again, I'm aware of the history of the term and the debate over semantics. But if it's a semi-automatic rifle with an extended capacity magazine, a pistol grip, a flash suppressor, and a bayonet lug, it was NOT designed for hunting. It was designed to mimic the performance of a military combat firearm like an M16 set to 'semi-auto'. That makes it by function, an 'assault rifle'. The extended capacity magazines are fundamental. In fact, there are no statistics to indicate that more than 10 rounds are necessary for home or self defense. None whatsoever.

Hasn't anyone ever wondered why 'fully automatic' machine guns haven't been used to commit ANY of the top ten most deadly mass shootings in US history? Hasn't anyone ever wondered why their use by common criminals, gang members, and psychos is so incredibly rare? The answer is simple:

IT'S BECAUSE 'FULLY AUTOMATIC' MACHINE GUNS ARE HEAVILY REGULATED BY FEDERAL LAW. THEY CAN NOT BE PURCHASED LEGALLY BY ANYONE WITHOUT A FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE. THE EFFORT AND COST INVOLVED TO OVERCOME THIS 'GUN CONTROL' OBSTACLE IS VERY HIGH. MUCH HIGHER THAN THE EFFORT AND COST INVOLVED TO ACQUIRE A SEMI-AUTOMATIC 'ASSAULT RIFLE' OR 'EXTENDED CAPACITY' MAGAZINE. THIS 'GUN CONTROL' OBSTACLE HAS BEEN PROVEN EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE.

See that? Gun control has prevented virtually every common criminal from acquiring their dream gun: A fully automatic machine gun. Hell. Even Adam Lanza failed to lay his hands on one. His idiot gun fanatic mother failed to acquire one. It's a damn good thing too.

Again, 'gun control' works when you give it a chance. The example I just gave is absolute proof of that. Unless you die-hard gun fanatics have some 'other' theory regarding the utter failure of virtually every common criminal, gang member, and psycho to acquire a fully automatic Uzi or any other machine gun. Or grenades for that matter. That's right. HEAVILY REGULATED.

Hand guns on the other hand have been sold in huge numbers to tens of millions of private citizens at relatively low cost. Tens of millions have been sold at gun shows and by private citizens with no back round checks. Hundreds of thousands more (possibly millions) have been stolen from irresponsible gun owners who failed to store or secure them properly. As a direct result of all this, they have become incredibly easy to acquire on the street.

I'm proposing that we acknowledge our colossal failure to prevent this, learn from our mistakes, and pass a few reasonable measures of 'gun control' soon in order to prevent millions of 'assault weapons' and tens of millions of 'extended capacity' magazines from ending up on the streets like ordinary hand guns have already. Also to reduce the flow of ordinary hand guns and give the authorities a chance to confiscate them from CRIMINALS at least as fast as they are easily acquired.

I do acknowledge that lower end firearms will always be easier to acquire than higher end firearms regardless of government regulation. Cost will always be a factor but that cost will always be relative. It will always depend in large part on the number of specific types and models produced. That number will always depend in large part on the retail market and the demand of consumers. The Federal regulations pertaining to fully automatic machine guns in America have been proven to be EXTREMELY effective. They are very expensive and very difficult to acquire legally. As a direct result, they are not possessed by the vast overwhelming majority of common criminals, gang members, and psychos in America. However, the loosest regulations in the developed world pertaining to virtually all other firearms in America have already made ordinary hand guns incredibly easy to acquire on any city street. They have already made 'assault rifles' relatively easy to acquire from gun shops, gun shows, and the largest retailer in the world. The 'extended capacity' magazines have become more common as well. If we don't get our sxxx together soon, those 'assault rifles' and 'extended capacity' magazines will eventually become almost as common on the streets as ordinary hand guns are now.

The sooner another AWB ban goes into effect, the better.

[-] 3 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

The correlations between gun laws and gun crimes in America. (Unaffiliated Nationwide.)

Again, you die-hard conservatives begin by redefining the base of the issue and diverting as much attention as possible from details which are vital to understanding. You do so on every major issue. Below are some of the relevant factors with regard to gun crime which you chose to ignore.

The reported statistics do indicate that gun crime rates in America, in general, have been falling since 1993. That's no secret. It's been reported hundreds or thousands of times on television and radio. It's been acknowledged and discussed in dozens of debates that I've taken part in. Surely, thousands across America. It's no secret. It's also been reported thousands of times that there are far more guns in America now than there were 40 years ago. All of the above is common knowledge. However, those statistics and apparent correlations are nowhere near as simple as you die-hard conservatives believe. In fact, much of what you believe is the exact opposite of reality.

Over the last 20 years or so, more and more states have been adopting more strict gun laws. Some even have their own bans on assault weapons (defined by law). These more strict gun laws do not place limits on the number of guns that citizens are allowed to own. They do not involve black vans showing up in the drive ways of gun owners in order to confiscate their arsenals. They simply add logical steps and verification to the process of acquisition, possession, use, and transport in order to prevent criminals, those under the influence, those unqualified, and the mentally ill from acquiring them so easily and using them so irresponsibly. The only outright 'bans' involve the sales and transfers of very specific types and models. Types and models which far exceed the level of firepower necessary for hunting or self defense.

In general, these states have lower rates of gun homicide per capita. There are anomalies but in general, that's the rule. Once the more strict gun laws are given time to have their desired effect in a given state, they do. It's well documented. These states are considered with all others when National gun crime rates are calculated.

For many years now, there have been extraordinary efforts on the part of law enforcement to reduce the numbers of guns on the street. Hundreds of thousands have been confiscated from criminals or bought back through well publicized events. Tens of thousands have been melted down. Tens of thousands more have been sold to gun shops who then re-sell them to law abiding citizens. Either way, the overall effect is positive. These efforts do effect national gun crime rates.

These efforts have been necessary to counter the constant flow of guns into America and onto the streets. Overall, the efforts of law enforcement are positive but it's a constant battle. One problem is that gun owners often sell them out of their garage or to a friend. They do so with no back round check. Others are stolen from irresponsible gun owners who fail to store or secure them properly. Because of these factors, street gangs and drug dealers are far more heavily armed now then they were 40 years ago. This is well documented.

In order to be prepared for what they often encounter, law enforcement agencies across America have had no choice but to drastically increase their own arsenals and levels of firepower. This helps to compensate for the sheer volume of guns on the streets of most major cities. Also for the wide-spread possession of assault weapons by ordinary citizens.

Another factor regarding those statistics is that street gang members and other criminals are far less likely to report gun crimes. Otherwise, the overall gun crime statistics would be slightly higher.

Regarding the Assault Weapon Ban in effect from 1994-2004. It's been reported to have a slight effect on overall gun crime rates but for the most part, it was designed specifically to effect the trend of mass shootings. In particular, those with higher body counts. This, it did very well. By reducing overall access to assault weapons and higher capacity magazines, psychos were made less likely to acquire them by any means. As a result, the trend of higher body count mass shootings was reversed almost immediately. In fact, that ten year time frame is the only ten year span within the last several decades in which no shooter, acting alone, was able to make the current 'Top Ten' list. Not a single one from 1994-2004.

Unfortunately, that federal ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines expired in 2004. Since then, we have seen the sharpest rise ever in higher body count mass shootings.

Now for a look at the dates of the top ten most deadly mass shootings in US history, the weapons used, the body counts, and the relevance of the now expired AWB.

10. 1949. (Camden NJ, One handgun.)13 dead. Pre-ban.

5. 1966. (University of Texas, Multiple firearms.) 16 dead. Pre-ban.

4. 1984. (San Ysidro McDonald's, One UZI ASSAULT RIFLE with HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES, one handgun with HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINE, and one shotgun.) 21 dead. Pre-ban.

6. 1986. (Edmond PO, Three handguns. One of which (the Ruger) may have been of high capacity. No confirmation.) 14 dead. Pre-ban.

3. 1991. (Luby's Cafeteria, Two handguns. One or both with HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES.) 23 dead. Pre-ban.

Notice that a growing trend was evident as of 1991. Assault weapons and/or high capacity magazines were being used more often to achieve higher body counts.

7. 1999. (Columbine, Two attackers. Multiple firearms and use of explosives.) 13 dead. Mid-ban.

The assault on Columbine High School was the only 'mass shooting' to make the current top ten list mid-ban. Unlike the others, that incident involved two attackers working together with explosives and extensive preparation. The firearms used were not effected by the AWB.

The ban on 'assault weapons' and high capacity magazines expired in 2004.

8. 2009. (Immigration Services, Two hand guns with PREVIOUSLY BANNED HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES.) 13 dead. Post-ban.

9. 2009. (Fort Hood, Two handguns. One or both with PREVIOUSLY BANNED HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES.) 13 dead. Post-ban.

1. 2007. (Virginia Tech, Two separate attacks spaced roughly two hours apart. Two hand guns, 19 magazines, some of which were of PREVIOUSLY BANNED HIGH CAPACITY.) 32 dead. Post-ban.

2. 2012. (Sandy Hook, ONE PREVIOUSLY BANNED AR-15 ASSAULT RIFLE with PREVIOUSLY BANNED HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES plus two handguns. EVERY SINGLE VICTIM WAS SHOT AT LEAST ONCE WITH THE PREVIOUSLY BANNED AR-15 ASSAULT RIFLE EQUIPPED WITH PREVIOUSLY BANNED '30 ROUND' MAGAZINES. EVERY SINGLE VICTIM.) 26 dead. Post-ban.

Again, 6 or 7 of the top 10 most deadly 'mass shootings' in US history have been carried out primarily, or in part with 'assault rifles' and/or high capacity magazines. This includes #1, #2, #3, #4, #8, #9, and possibly #6. Plus #11 and another 'mass shooting' which took place a few months ago in New Mexico. All four of the most recent top ten most deadly 'mass shootings' were carried out using previously banned 'assault weapons' and/or previously banned high capacity magazines. Record-high body counts were achieved as a direct result. The statistics above do not account for the deaths of the shooters.

The now expired ban saved lives not only by banning the sale of specific models of 'assault rifle' but also by banning the sale of high capacity magazines to private citizens. This effectively reduced access. Again, five of the top ten most deadly mass shootings in US history took place before the enactment of that ban. Two or three of which were carried out primarily, or in part, with specific models and/or magazines that would have been covered by that ban. Another four of the top ten most deadly mass shootings in US history have taken place since the expiration of that ban. Those four were all carried out primarily, or in part, using previously banned models and/or previously banned high capacity magazines. When high capacity magazines are used, they give the shooter the ability to carry more rounds, fire more shots, reload less often, and achieve a higher body count with greater ease. Confidence is almost certainly a factor as well.

The very presence of these 'assault weapons' in our society appears to have a negative influence on some. Adam Lanza and Nehemiah Greigo were both raised by gun fanatics. Both had access to a parent's AR-15 and high capacity magazines which they used to commit mass murder.

With all of these factors and details to consider, it is safe to say that 'more guns equals less crime' is a belief held by the terribly misinformed. The low information voter.

Just for the record: I am not a democrat. I am not anti-gun. I am a free thinking non-partisan owner of multiple firearms who believes in strong regulation. Regulation which no law abiding citizen has any reason to fear.

[-] 3 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

One more thing: Don't sing the Democratic gospel either if you want to be taken seriously by the listeners. There is plenty of corruption on both sides.

[-] 2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

Although some of the criticisms regarding welfare are valid on the surface, they do not address the root causes of social strife and poverty within the black community. Those root causes are racial steering, de-industrialization, concentration of wealth and income, racially targeted marketing, and the relentless dumbing down of America for profit.

In terms of socioeconomics, we made great progress as a nation from the early 50s to the mid 70s. The middle class had grown drastically in terms of sheer numbers, ethnic diversity, and strength. This was due in large part to a massive re-distribution of wealth that took place over the same time frame. Because of that re-distribution and the civil rights movement, the wealth gap between minorities and majorities in America had been reduced significantly. Racial steering and racial tension had both subsided as a direct result. Not entirely but significantly. We were on the right track.

Over the last 38 years, most of that progress has been reversed because of de-industrialization, concentration of wealth and income, racially targeted marketing, and the relentless dumbing down of America for profit. In short, because of GREED.

Because minorities were still at somewhat of an economic disadvantage in 1976, they have been hit the hardest over the last 38 years by the de-industrialization of most major cities and the relentless concentration of wealth and income. As a direct result, racial tension and strife have become major issues once again. Because of racially targeted marketing with no regard whatsoever for the downside, the more negative aspects of black culture in America like gang activity and casual sex with little or no regard for the offspring have literally been promoted by the entertainment industry. In particular, modern rap music. In addition, the relentless dumbing down of America for profit has made Americans in general, far less responsible and far worse at parenting than they were just a few decades ago.

All of this has taken place because of one particular form of evil. Probably, the most intoxicating form of all. GREED. The desire for extreme personal wealth. It has been and remains the primary cause of de-industrialization, concentration of wealth and income, racially targeted marketing, and the relentless dumbing down of America for profit

It is true that welfare tends to become generational in many cases. It is also true that welfare is often abused. These are it's two most significant downsides. However, if it weren't for the near total reversal of the profound socioeconomic progress that we made as a nation from the early 50s to the mid 70s, then more welfare never would have become necessary to begin with.

In other words, bitch less about the welfare and more about the underlying conditions that often make welfare necessary.

By the way, Americans in general, have also become a bunch of drug-and-doctor, medical-testing, hypochondriac, pharmaceutical junkies willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars every month on health care intervention that is not only unnecessary most of the time but also addictive and destructive when it becomes routine. This commercially brainwashed mentality of mainstream America has driven up the cost of health care drastically. This is why labor unions so often throw bloody hissy-fits over health care benefits.

Again, there is an underlying cause.

You guessed it. GREED.

[-] 1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

There is no proposal to disarm America. More anti-gov wacko paranoia. (Nationwide) Absolute reality: Public record: Clearly documented: Plain English: There have been no proposals by Obama, Biden, Feinstein, or any member of Congress to 'disarm' American citizens or to limit the size of their arsenals. No proposals whatsoever. The only proposals made have been to ban the sales and transfers of 'assault weapons' and high capacity magazines to private citizens and to implement backround checks and registrations with every sale. That's it. Even if all the Federal proposals were to pass, over 2200 specific models of firearm would remain exempt. That selection of over 2200 specific models would include hand guns, shotguns, and hunting rifles. Revolver, lever action, bolt action, pump, and semi-auto would remain available to every law abiding citizen. Sales of firearms in America would remain higher than anywhere else in the world. There would still be approximately one firearm for every man, woman, child, and baby owned by American citizens. America would remain, by far, the most heavily armed nation on Earth. No law abiding citizen has anything to lose except for their continued access to 'assault weapons' and high capacity magazines. That's it. Nothing else. So there is no need for all of this 'anti-government' 'gun-grabbing' wacko paranoia. It serves no purpose except to cause even more partisan hatred and inspire more acts of home-grown terrorism. For example:

The 1966 assault on the University of Texas was carried out by a paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak.

The 1984 assault on the McDonald's in San Ysidro Ca was carried out by a paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak.

The 1998 assault on law enforcement in Colorado was carried out by three paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks.

The 2010 shootings of two Arkansas police officers were carried out by two paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks.

The January 2013 shooting of a bus driver and subsequent abduction of a little boy in Alabama was carried out by a paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak.

The 1995 Oklahoma City bombing was carried out by two paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks.

The 1993 Branch Davidian siege, subsequent murder of 4 ATF agents, and mass suicide was carried out by a bunch of paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks.

The 2012 ambush and shooting of two police officers outside of New Orleans was carried out by a paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak.

The Montana Freemen, convicted of far too many felonies to list from 1983-2010 were a bunch of paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks.

In January of 2013, a paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak posted a video on YouTube literally inviting his fellow paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks to prepare for a civil war. He proudly stated his willingness to "fire the first shot". Finally, he stated his intention to "start killing people" if the existing measures of gun control went "one inch further". Somehow, the wacko failed to see how a formal threat of war made to his own country might effect his standing as a gun owner. As a direct result of that formal threat, his license to carry a gun in public has been suspended. Fortunately for him, the Federal government has shown amazing restraint and mercy by allowing him to skate by with no charges.

As we type, more paranoid 'anti-government' gun freaks are spreading their paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak views all over the web and all over talk radio. They have already driven sales of 'assault weapons', magazines, and ammunition to record highs. They grow even more paranoid by the day.

Only a paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak would fail to see the rising wave of paranoid 'anti-government' gun freak fanaticism as a threat to American Security. It damn well is a threat. THAT is why the DHS has taken steps to respond to further acts of home-grown terrorism. I sure as hell won't blame them for it. Any suggestion that our government intends to turn against the masses by force, thereby causing a civil war, mass chaos, and total economic collapse is ABSURD. NOTHING BUT RADICAL ANTI-GOVERNMENT WACKO PARANOIA.

One final point: Backround checks serve only one purpose. That purpose is to HELP PREVENT CRIMINALS AND PSYCHOS FROM ACQUIRING MORE GUNS. However, current loopholes in the Federal law allow criminals and psychos in all but six states to purchase guns from non-licensed sellers with no backround check. These transactions represent approximately 40% of all gun sales in America. Proposals have been made to close these loopholes. But the NRA won't even support simple backround checks on every sale public and private. They remain FLAT-OUT against any such proposal. That is ABSOLUTE PROOF that their #1 goal is to SELL MORE GUNS. Those disgusting bastards (the NRA lobbyists) don't even care who buys them. Common citizens, criminals, psychos, or terrorists. It makes no difference to the NRA just as long as more guns are sold. CH'CHING!

[-] 1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

A word about the first Great Depression. It really was a perfect storm. Caused almost entirely by greed. First, there was unprecedented economic growth. There was a massive building spree. There was a growing sense of optimism and materialism. There was a growing obsession for celebrities. The American people became spoiled, foolish, naive, brainwashed, and love-sick. They were bombarded with ads for one product or service after another. Encouraged to spend all of their money as if it were going out of style. Obscene profits were hoarded at the top. In 1928, the rich were already way ahead. Still, they were given huge tax breaks. All of this represented a MASSIVE transfer of wealth from poor to rich. Executives, entrepreneurs, developers, celebrities, and share holders. By 1929, America's wealthiest 1 percent had accumulated 44 percent of all United States wealth. The upper, middle, and lower classes were left to share the rest. When the lower majority finally ran low on money to spend, profits declined and the stock market crashed.

Of course, the rich threw a fit and started cutting jobs. They would stop at nothing to maintain their disgusting profit margins and ill-gotten obscene levels of wealth as long as possible. The small business owners did what they felt necessary to survive. They cut more jobs. The losses were felt primarily by the little guy. This created a domino effect. The middle class shrunk drastically and the lower class expanded. With less wealth in reserve and active circulation, banks failed by the hundreds. More jobs were cut. Unemployment reached 25% in 1933. The worst year of the Great Depression. Those who were employed had to settle for much lower wages. Millions went cold and hungry. The recovery involved a massive infusion of new currency, a World War, and higher taxes on the rich. With so many men in the service, so many women on the production line, and those higher taxes to help pay for it, some US wealth was gradually transferred back down to the majority. This redistribution of wealth continued until the mid seventies. By 1976, the richest 1 percent held less than 20 percent. The lower majority held the rest. This was the recovery. A partial redistribution of wealth.

Then it began to concentrate all over again. Here we are 38 years later. The richest one percent now own 40 percent of all US wealth. The upper, middle, and lower classes are sharing the rest. This is true even after taxes, welfare, financial aid, and charity. It is the underlying cause. No redistribution. No recovery.

The government won't step in and do what's necessary. Not this time. It's up to us. Support small business more and big business less. Support the little guy more and the big guy less. It's tricky but not impossible.

For the good of society, stop giving so much of your money to rich people. Stop concentrating the wealth.

Those of you who agree on these major issues are welcome to summarize this post, copy it, link to it, save it, show a friend, or spread the word in any fashion. Most major cities have daily call-in talk radio shows. You can reach thousands of people at once. They should know the ugly truth. Be sure to quote the latest figures which prove that America's wealth is still being concentrated. I don't care who takes the credit. We are up against a tiny but very powerful minority who have more influence on the masses than any other group in history. They have the means to reach millions at once with outrageous political and commercial propaganda. Those of us who speak the ugly truth must work incredibly hard just to be