What is an "assault" rifle?

This question comes up every time there's a tragedy like the one that happened today at the synagogue in Pittsburgh.  The shooter in this most recent of attacks used an AR15.  The AR in this case stands for ArmaLite, the name of the company that makes the weapon. Gun rights advocates insists it is not an assault rifle. To be an actual assault rifle it has to be used on full automatic which it is not.  Full auto weapons are indeed illegal.  Therefore that is not the issue.  Gun control advocates say BULL. So it's not used on full auto.  For pete's sake look at it. Compare it to the military M14.  There's practically no distinction.  Furthermore if the AR15 is not an assault rifle, then it must be a hunting rifle but any hunter will tell you they would never use one on any kind of game.  It's purpose is to hurt or kill people whether or not it is automatic or semiautomatic. 

So the issue is hotly debated.  One thing I know.  When these types of weapons were banned under the Brady Bill, there were few if any mass shootings.  When a republican congress voted down the Brady Bill thus allowing the sale of AR15 type weapons, mass shootings increased dramatically. 

What are your thoughts on this?

Two more things

1. Some time ago I posted a rhetorical question (actually not rhetorical since I really wanted an answer to it). The question was "Hey, you republican gubernatorial candidates for CT governor, who do you plan to hurt when you slash or even eliminate the state income tax?

I didn't hear from anyone of course but since then Stefanowski has secured the nomination and I know the answer to the question: everyone-expecially state employees and retired teachers.

Since I'm a retired teacher, I take strong issue with his on-the-record position, to wit "Oh, gee, CT teachers.  Even though for years and years and years the state has cannibalized your pension found, you expect me to do the right thing and honor my obligation???  TOUGH!

So there you have it.  Just one more republican scum bag shafting who ever gets in his way.

Lamont gets my vote.

2.  Today it was revealed that bombs have been sent to the homes of former presidents and some democratic candidates.  Some people are blaming Trump.  Are they right?  Is that fair?  Yes and yes.  Trump has from day one fostered a climate of hatred and intolerance.  He is indirectly but absolutely responsible for things like this.  Impeach him-now.  Failing that VOTE!

Two Things

1. Grandson Cole is 11 years old today.  Can't believe how fast they're growing. Seems like just yesterday that oldest grand child, Brooke, was born. She's now 14.

Happy birthday, Cole.

2. It was bound to happen again.  Yesterday I took a tumble in the yard and sprained my right ankle.  It's better today but still pretty sore.  Great. At exactly the wrong time of year. So much to do outside.  Oh well.  This is about the 10th time I've sprained an ankle.  Some worse than others.  This fortunately is not the worst.  When it first happened I maxed out the pain score at 10 but within an hour and plenty of ice it went down to a 4.  Now it just hurts when I bend my foot too much. 

An open letter to Republican Senators of the United States

Dear Republican Senators,
Well, congratulations boys-and precious few ladies.  You got Trump's guy in.  In spite of very compelling testimony by Dr. Ford and some rather troubling veiled threats and angry outbursts by Mr. Kavanaugh you've chosen to confirm.  I hope you, and more importantly, the nation can live with it.

Remember, this man along with the rest of the court is going to be making some very important decisions that will affect women directly.  How do you think that's going to go?

I sincerely hope that those of you who have daughters don't ever experience that moment when she returns home some night and tearfully reports having been abused.  Are you going to tell her to suck it up and deal with it? Boys will be boys.  And if for some odd reason a case of this nature makes it to the Supreme Court, well, now you know how that's going to go, don't you.

Let's hope that never happens.

One more thing: Just a reminder-it's OK to embrace the conservative agenda but firmly reject Trumpism.  The Make America Hate Again mantra doesn't have to be yours.  Do you think you can do that?  Me neither.

Oh, well. Onward we go.  Dr. Ford's experience is not to be in vain.  I think she's poured fuel on the flames of change.  We'll know more in November, won't we?

That's it for now.

Sincerely,
etc. etc. etc.

Happy October

Happy October.  A lot can happen in October ranging from beautiful autumn weather, cool evenings, warm days, beautiful colors all the way to hurricanes and snow storms.  Enjoy!

To learn more about the month of October, click here georgeswebpage.com/almanac