Dianne Feinstein Cites Support For Assault Weapons Ban (VIDEO)

The terms "assault weapon" and "military style" are way too vague. Who defines what's included? Lots of guns could be called that and banned. It could also be tied up in costly lawsuits for years. This is NOT the way to handle responsible gun control. We need to focus on prevention though background checks and mental health issues, and do something that will actually affect criminals... better coordinating of investigations and harsh, mandatory sentences for gun crimes. We also need to address the animosity we have for each other. Instead of being Americans first, we treat each other like enemies over issues, party, religion, and every other difference. Until we change that, our children will continue to grow up in an atmosphere that breeds violence. Passing a quick law to ban something is a bandaid. Lip service to look like you're doing something about the problem, and allotting a bunch of tax dollars that could be used more productively doing almost anything else. Makes no difference in why some do the things they do or how they get away with it.
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The Fiscal Cliff Sparks Anger Among Conservatives (SLIDESHOW)

It never matters to Congress what the people need or what's the honorable, responsible course of action. Nor does it matter that they rarely, if ever, actually do the job they were elected to do. Yet they have no trouble hoovering salary, perks, retirement, health care, protection from their actions while they strut, play party games, bend over for corporations and special interest, and treat half of the country like foul, bitter enemies. Just once I'd like to see them put away the fake animosity, stop the rhetoric, sit down at the table, discuss the actual needs of the people, agree and shake hands. Just do their job. But then, I guess that's expecting too much. On the other hand, we have the best congress money can buy!
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Repealing the Second Amendment Would Make Us 'Better Than This'

Limiting rights and heaping restrictions on lawful citizens won't make us "Better Than This." The only way to do that is to open our eyes to the reasons our country is violence-prone and do something about it. We live in an "us vs them" society. Whatever differences we have, political party, class, race, language, religion, sexual orientation, and a string of others, are twisted into reasons for us to forget we're Americans and turn us into bitter enemies. In every forum, social website, around the water cooler, in lunchrooms and board rooms, across the dinner table, in the media, even in the halls of Congress, everywhere you turn people are expressing and fostering intolerance. We need to knock it off. Start acting like neighbors. Pulling together. Stop teaching our children the bi @s of their parents. Change the way we interact. THAT.... will make us "Better Than This." If we don't, things will just get worse no matter how many laws we make and rights we lose.
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The Real Scoop on Papa John's and Obamacare

Franchise owners listen to corporate officials, especially when they're the founder and spokesman for the whole business. When you teach people that it's common sense to lower hours so you don't have to pay for insurance, and condone finding loopholes in the law, at least some will follow your lead. While the bottom line is important, the most valuable asset any company has is it's staff. Take better care of your employees, treat them as the important resource they are and they will work harder, be more productive and loyal. Show them the only thing you care about is the almighty dollar and your customers will see it. You'll lose money.



Blaming the backlash of your own words on a reporter is as irresponsible as the message you sent. The enormous cost of your latest advertising gimmick would be much better spent instilling better company values in all your franchises, being a leader in showing the world that a business cares enough about it's crew enough to treat them as human beings. Your bottom line will improve, instead of dwindle as more and more folks get to know the real you and look elsewhere for a common product.
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Gabby Douglas Covers ESSENCE 'Women Of The Year' Issue In Glamorous Black And Gold Dress (PHOTO)

Not to take away from Gabby, who is amazing and beautiful... if this was an article about Michael Phelps in a magazine devoted to promoting how gorgeous, talented and intelligent people with his flesh tone are, it wouldn't matter how gifted a swimmer he is. There would be negative remarks. So many Americans think it's ok to celebrate one pigment over others, as long as it's not the lightest one. And anyone who shares hues is immediately identified as only one end of the spectrum.



If this sounds silly, it is. In reality, we're all a blend of something. That's not who we are, and should have very little bearing. We're Americans, first and foremost. Those among us who excel represent not only themselves and their families but all of us. The hue makes no one better than another, It's what's inside that drives us, makes us improve, makes us beautiful. Gabby and Michael know this. We need to be reminded, and believe it.
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Neil Armstrong Dead: First Man On The Moon Dies At 82

Neil, you were one of the heroes of my youth. Your words echo in so many minds and hearts. Pioneer, explorer, adventurer. You lived a great life, and now you have leaped beyond the moon and into the heavens. Rest well, Mr. Armstrong.
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Mormons' Love-Hate Relationship With America

It's interesting... take a provocative headline, a loosely written, scattered article with quotes by a couple of kooks, an attempt to turn the suffering of Americans into an anecdotal sideline.... and the comment gates open wide for every rumor, juvenile retort, regurgitation of the same 'ol spin and bi as, mixed with a smattering of actual h@. tred. In a blog filled with folks who claim to be progressive and tolerant, in a country founded on principles of freedom. My ancestors simply wanted to live in peace and worship according to their faith, the way all Americans are guaranteed by the Constitution. They were mobbed, beaten, imprisoned, murdered and driven from their homes in the winter by neighbors, fellow Americans and Christians. People who should have known better.



I'm no different than you. We often share the same views on a host of varying subjects. And gratefully I don't have to keep a lookout for mobs. But reading comments like these makes it very clear the underlying intolerance is still there. Feces based on gossip is still being flung. People who are otherwise decent have a bad experience, see something on the net, read it, believe it and use it to cause damage. They equate different with dangerous and feel justified in being offensive.



We have a long way to go before we live up the the ideals of the founding fathers. Before we treat each other with tolerance. Before we are worthy of the name Americans.
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