Indecision steals many years from many people who wind up wishing they’d just had the courage to leap. — Doe Zantamada
Today’s independent commentary deals with these people/issues:
- Recess Rallies
- Juan Williams & Trump
- NFL Preseason
- One More Thing
RECESS RALLIES:
There were several “Recess Rallies” across Montana this weekend that brought attention to gun violence and to urge lawmakers for change.
The Missoulian reported that the rally in Missoula was held by the Missoula chapter of Moms Demand Action, was one of many that took place across the nation over the weekend. In Montana, similar rallies were scheduled in Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, and Billings.
I heard there were some counter-protests, maybe because the pro-gun folks felt that their Commander in Chief had ordered them to attend…
The Missoulian also reported that the group is seeking laws such as background checks and “Red flag” laws, which allow the temporary removal of firearms from people who may present a danger to themselves or others.
I did not see anything in the articles I read about anyone wanting to do away with our Second Amendment. People said during the Obama years that he was coming for our guns. That was a Trump-like lie.
I do believe we need to have background checks on all gun purchases and polls show most people support that. We should also pass a national “Red Flag” law which would allow courts to issue orders to temporarily confiscate the firearms of individuals deemed to be a risk to others or themselves. (CBS) There’s strong support for that.
I’ve said for years that nobody needs an assault weapon. The ban that expired in 2004 should be put back into place.
Yes, I own guns and believe in the second amendment.
All across the fruited plains, children are starting to go back to school. During the first few days of school, many schools will practice “active shooter” drills. It’s sad that we even have to have these drills in our schools.
If enacting even one of these ideas would prevent one mass shooting, it would be worth it – don’t you think?
JUAN WILLIAMS & TRUMP:
I wish I was lucky enough that Donald Trump went after me on Twitter. I might get some more followers!
Recently Trump went after Fox News’ Juan Williams on Twitter saying he is “so pathetic, and yet when he met me in the Fox Building lobby, he couldn’t have been nicer as he asked me to take a picture of him and me for his family. Yet he is always nasty and wrong!”
Williams is one of the more moderate voices on Fox News and an all-around good guy.
NFL PRESEASON:
I’m beginning to think the NFL should cut the number of preseason games down to just two. They are not that enjoyable to watch and the teams could probably accomplish more by having practices instead of games.
The games I tried to watch this weekend were full of penalties. One commentator said something like, “This game has more flags than the United Nations.”
One game in particular, the Rams and Cowboys, had 29 accepted penalties. There were only about 60 offensive plays each. The Eagles and Jaguars had 23 accepted penalties.
I know the referees need to get their arms in shape for the regular season, but this is ridiculous.
ONE MORE THING:
I just found out the police are serious about enforcing the posted speed limits in and around Kansas City.
For the first offense, they give you two KC Royals tickets. If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.