Eagledad

>>"Pro-life" is still regulating a womens rights to choose for her own body, even to the point of allowing the women to die

>>I do not know of any studies that back up any of the rest of what I said, but given humanity's obsession with violence throughout history that seems to be a far more likely scenario than video games affecting people.

>>During this time of celebration of life and love and family and friendship, we couldn't even go 24 hours without obsessing about things that kill. It's really sad.

Yes Beav, in my case all the women I've mentioned came to their change of mind without any encouragement from men. But I'm also seeing men who I would have never thought would want a handgun looking for one now. I'm not sure it's a gender thing, but seeing this number of women change their opinion has certianly alerted me to a possible trend. I was just wondering if it was just a local thing, which appears it probably is. Barry

>>Except you and Beavah keep saying it is..>Eagledad: If a Troop has mixed age patrols, and the Boys themselves, or the PLC makes that decision, than it would be boy led. If you, being an adult, are making the decision, I think I would be more than implying that isn't Boy leadership. Correct or no?

I've already confessed that my anti-handgun wife now wants to get a handgun, training, and a license for conceal and carry. Since that time, I have heard several close friends (more women than men) say the exact same thing. These are folks that four weeks ago wouldnt even consider a hand gun in their house. But last night just blew me away. Our close liberal friends that we hang out with called and invited my wife to attend a conceal and carry class that they are organizing themselves. This is a huge class. These are my liberal friends who were just a few months were lecturing me of the dangers of the population carrying hand guns. I must say, they are only enhancing my opinion that liberal decisions are reactionary to feelings of the moment. I will be honest, I dont know what has changed their liberal minds because I havent talks to them yet. Im still shaking my head. We are getting together for New Years Eve, so I will see what I can learn and pass it along. But I personally know of at least a dozen folks who are going to attend a conceal and carry class with the intention of getting a hand gun. Is this local? Are any of you folks seeing the same thing? By the way, Im not one of them. I may take the class with my wife out of curiosity, but I havent felt any desire to get a handgun for additional protection. I guess Im just not as reactionary. Strange times. Barry

>>A big mistake I have seen both here and in the UK, is that many (Not all.) Adults seem to not to be able to look down the road.

I dont think so, I have two hunting buddies who use completely different semi auto rifles that shoot the same bullet. The non-military style hunting rifle only has a 5 round clip, but other than that, both rifles perform identically. Why does the other buddy use a military style rifle, he says he likes it. So it comes down to looks. Isn't the difference between the military style Hummer SUV and the Vovle? As for the clips sizes, I guess your explanation makes sense, but its hard for me to understand that the time between loading clips makes a difference in massacres. But as I said, Im not an expert in these things. I guess Im just skeptical that the main source of gun restrictions data for most folks here is MSNBC.

Well I guess I must be asking the tough questions. Which kind of implies to me this is more about touchy feely political correctness jargon from politicians to gain more power. It reminds me of the fixed knife bans in the BSA. Not really safer, but it looks better. Barry

>>Basic use: As someone once stated, if you need more the a 10 round clip to mow down a deer, it is time for you to find a new hobby..

So if a gun looks like a military style firearm, it is an assault weapon? A private owner could have two semi auto rifles that shoot the same bullet, but the one that looks military should be banned. Does anyone else have a better definition because I dont see how a gun can be banned simply by its looks? Do semi auto hand guns come under assault? Barry

>>Sorry too early, I wanted to type assault weapon; don't know why I put automatic.

>>I'm amazed how people assert things such as "Same age patrols tend to have an environment of slower scout growth..." or "Mixed age patrols should encourage the patrols to recruit new scouts every year to keep ages balanced".

The culture of a troop with Mixed age patrols should encourage the patrols to recruit new scouts every year to keep ages balanced. Even scouts who start new patrols should recruit a balance of ages. Keep in mind that mature patrols can only take 2 new scouts without risking the group dynamics. Same age patrols tend to have an environment of slower scout growth because there is less older scout role models, but the one time New Scout Patrols are recommended is when the new group of scouts out numbers the 2 per patrol maximum. Temperary NSPs in that situation give the new scouts about six months to get use to the troop routines before switching into existing mixed age patrols. The PLC should be responsible for healthy patrol dynamics. But the SM shouldn't be afraid to advise until the PLC has the maturity to understand and carry that responsibility. It's also important to understand that the adults are learning and maturing as well. There goal is to put the adults out of business. Barry

Government taking our guns would not have stopped the the Sandy attack because guns will still be out there. If some mental case wants to take a large group of folks with him to eternal hell, he will find the weapon. Think reasonable folks. Just because someone here doesnt like the NRA doesn't mean they are right. Ignore your biases and come up with practical ideas. Even mental cases don't go where there is armed resistance. Barry

Oh for Pete sake, Oklahoma city has been armed off duty police this for several years in middle and high schools. I expect most large cities have. And what practicle realistic gun restriction could be proposed that would have prevented this tragedy? Folks are interested in pushing politics more than realistic solutions. Barry

Who?

>>But for scouters to carry these weapons on troop outings, is something I cannot respect at all - and I hope BSA doesn't either.

Here is an interesting Op piece on this subject. ""Only one public policy has ever been shown to reduce the death rate from such crimes: concealed-carry laws."" A lot of folks don't care for Ann because her factual articles are blunt in tides of emotion. Ann's facts are rarely wrong because she is one of the best facts researchers among media professionals, which is why she drives narcissist crazy. It is an interesting read. http://www.anncoulter.com/ Barry

>>So what would have happened in Aurora if say 20% of the folks in that movie theater were armed???

>>It would be useful for the rest of us if the gun enthusiasts could put forth a few convincing arguments as to why big guns and big ammo magazines etc have a useful purpose in our society.

Local option. Barry

>>Exclusion of homosexuals has nothing to do with trying to reduce pedophiles and everything to do with conservative Religious notions on sin, and the need to hold this sin as worse than any other sin.

Thank you for the kind words allangr. Insights are reflections of humbling experiences. I didnt mention the forth step of "performing because its not really important for this discussion. "Performing" is the most rewarding step for the adults because the scouts have taken true ownership of their program. You will know when the group has reached the performing step because the scouts actions are automatic and without a second thought or being asked. It will appear as if the scouts read each others minds. Adults cant make that step happen, it only occurs when the scouts have truly become a functional team. Yours isnt the first time Ive heard a scout say the rainy campout is their favorite. Rain is scary for young first time campers who havent yet experienced real survival in challenging conditions. But when they master that challenge, the young boy feels like a man who can conquer the world, and they brag about it to their friends next Monday at school. Now that you understand the true power of challenges, don't be surprised by the funny looks from the other adults as you smile when rain approaches. Barry

>>Once you get away from the San Francisco gay pride parade, they aren't about sex.>Let's face it, if you hope for your child to have kids someday they are going to have sex.