The saying is a derivation of the original quote “Guns Don't Kill People. People Kill People. ” has existed pre 1950’s. So can we also say cars don’t kill people, people do; Islam doesn't kill people, people do; cigarettes don’t kill people, people do; drones don’t kill people, people do, etc.
In wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton CT, shouldn’t we stop this misguided thought? Actually, the weapons used in this tragedy did kill innocent children and adults. Yes we know there was a human being who pulled the trigger but removing gun involvement is not the answer. Debated statistics from pro-gun, anti-gun and “sick of gun deaths” proponents all fall under the heading gun deaths. If you Google or Bing gun (firearms) deaths the results are massive and speak of gun related deaths. If you do the same search of people deaths you are most likely to get a listing of obituaries.
The 2nd Amendment rightfully named because it is probably the second most debated Amendment behind the 1st Amendment is the primary defense of those who are on the side of guns don’t kill argument. They use this as the 1st line of defense to say no one has the right to take away gun ownership, especially the government. They even use a political candidates stance on guns as a pretext on whether the candidate is worthy of being in office.
How much do people actually know about the oft quoted 2nd Amendment? Do we even know why it exists? The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The famous Amendment actually has its roots in England when King James II tried to take away the citizens right to have arms. King James II only wanted the militia to bear arms. He lost that fight as the country was becoming more Protestant over Catholic. It only makes sense when America was formed this natural right would exist here to. In no particular order, early American settlers viewed the right to arms and/or the right to bear arms and/or state militias as important for one or more of these purposes: · deterring undemocratic government; · repelling invasion; · suppressing insurrection; · facilitating a natural right of self-defense; · participating in law enforcement; · enabling the people to organize a militia system. I think we can agree when guns are used in commission of daycare, mall, church, movie, etc assaults these acts do not fall under any of our “Founding Fathers” views. This is the charge of anti-gun and “sick of gun killings” proponents. Pro-gun proponents are worried everyone wants to take away their guns leaving them helpless to defend themselves. There are some people who want all guns removed from regular citizen’s ownership. In between are those who just want something to be done to deter these senseless murders and the acts of violence attributed to guns.
Here is what I know, the United States leads the world in gun violence but we always point to Mexico, Africa and Arab nations as savages for their gun violence. Is there a need for assault rifles, guns, semi or full automatic weapons in churches, daycares, schools, supermarkets, malls, etc.? The U.S. has passed legislation legalizing the carrying of firearms in National Parks, daycare centers, schools and churches to name a few. The thought behind this is citizens are being stripped of their right to protect themselves. There are even thoughts we should arm principals and teachers with guns to stop violence. The saying “America has a God complex” may need to change to “America has a gun complex” because there may be more gun owners than church goers.
Ask yourself these questions. Do we ban all guns? Do we make harsher, stiffer gun laws? Do we do nothing?
If we ban all guns like we did alcohol during Prohibition, we know criminals and those who really want guns will possess them. In Japan most guns are illegal, with onerous restrictions on the few that are legal. Police also have far broader search-and-seizure powers but Japan also has a remarkably low rate of firearm deaths. In 2008, when the United States experienced over 12,000 gun-related homicides, Japan had only 11, or fewer than half killed Friday in Newtown, CT. That same year in the United States, 587 were killed just by accidental gun discharges. In 2006 in Japan, a nation of 128 million people, only two were killed by guns.
The U.S. has one of loosest gun control measures so tightening them wouldn’t be a bad thing would it? Do we need to allow guns everywhere if the prevailing thought is for home and family protection? I am not talking about those who hunt for sport with proper licenses who are obeying the law. Does the Stand your Ground law make us safer or vigilantes?
If we do nothing what does that say for the victims of these senseless murders? Are young people dying at an alarming rate due to America’s gun culture? I hope there is no debate in that. Of course we want to blamed rap music, video games, ignorance and depending on the background of the person or their mental state. In the end, we all make a choice whether to pick up a gun or firearm every day and use it to do harm. Shouldn't we look at the current laws and controls? They do not seem to be a deterrent.
To those who feel like I am belittling their choice, I really am not I, tried to leave my personal opinions out of this piece and pose questions and a few statistics. The latest event to become a part of these statistics are the victims of Sandy hook Elementary school. By now we have all seen the pictures of the innocent children and adults gunned down senselessly. The President of the United States said this tragedy cannot be routine and it has been all too often. There have been no less than 7 killing sprees this year. I wish we didn't have to ask these questions about gun control and gun laws? In the end can we agree guns do kill people?
Thank you for reading my blog post. If it sparks a civil debate I am happy. Please leave comments if you would please. May God bless all those who have been affected by firearm deaths.
Every year car manufacturers bring out a new model, and if they are lucky, we get hooked on the model number. For example, when you hear 300, you think Chrysler; 550, you think Mercedes; 318 you think BMW. Now for those who grew up around Hip Hop in the late ‘80’s, early ‘90’s, you remember the number 5000. It wasn’t the model of a car but a term. "Audi 5000" was made a popular street term by Flava Flav of Public Enemy. Audi 5000 meant leaving, outta here, finished. Fast forward to 2011 and Audi is none of those things, bringing to America, the 2012 Audi A7. The A7 has been turning heads in Europe for quite some time. Now it’s America’s turn and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. I did a piece on the 2011 Atlanta International Auto Show sponsored by AJC and in it I covered the A7. I was fortunate enough to link back up with Mr. Stacey Settle, Senior Audi Brand Specialist, of Gwinnett Audi, who gave me an in-depth tour and test drive of the $80K A7, Audi’s version of a 4 door coupe. Mr. Settle and I spent over 20 minutes going over the interior. This piece of fine engineering comes with a WiFi hotspot that is connectable to up to 8 items, Google Earth overlay navigation, Google Connect system for Internet Access, 2 SD card slots, wireless phone connections, Heads Up Display (HUD), 180 mph on the dash, night vision infrared (including heat seeking ), and so much more. We talked a little about Audi’s competition- Hyundai and its Equus. Don’t take my word for it. Watch and listen as Mr. Settle takes on us an interior tour you won’t see in a brochure, read online, or get from a novice brand specialist. We went over the sunroof, lighting console, and interior headliner made of a poly composite stain resistant material. The cavernous glove compartment and center console are not your grandfather’s compartments; they are chock full of tech goodies. We talked about how to acquire the A7, either via preorder or by walking into a dealership. Did you know Gwinnett Audi is the only Audi dealership giving you a complimentary 10 year/ 10k miles powertrain warrantee with each purchase? This normally will cost you between $1600 -$2000. I checked and didn’t see it added to the sticker price anywhere. The trunk opening and closing is a push button operation. To see a glimpse of the convertible S7 he mentions click here lions, tigers, and bears OH MY!!!!! Watch this beauty come out of the showroom.
Now it was test drive time. We go over the different packages contained in the car. You also get to hear the sound system. You may wanna turn your speakers down a little. I learned about the 3 different ways of driving the car: automatic, manual or paddles on the steering wheel. Ready? Let’s gooooooooo!
I learned a little about the Quattro technological history present in the A7. I also get to show you the HUD in action. We also get a glimpse of the fingertip encryption pad used to control the navigation console and also the voice activated system.
I would like to thank Gwinnett Audi for their hospitality. I would especially like to thank Mr. Stacey Settle for keeping his word and granting me an up close and personal view of the A7. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I hear the 2012 A6 is due out in August and I am hoping Mr. Settle grants me the privilege to spend some time behind the wheel of it. What I like most about Gwinnett Audi and Mr. Settle is there is no pressure to buy. They answer all your questions, take time to go over every nook and cranny of the car, and treat you like a person versus a sale. Now of course, they are in the business to sell you a vehicle; Gwinnett Audi has 37 lenders connected to them to help you get financed so you can take one of these beauties home. Shout out to my camera girl, the Golden Child, who made the cockpit filming possible while I drove. Please go test drive this beauty. You won’t be disappointed.
Of course, when you hear the words Love Jones you automatically think of the movie directed by Theodore Witcher starring Larenz Tate, Nia Long, and Isaiah Washington. The Love Jones taking place on Sundays elicits the same cerebral memories as the movie. Love Jones Sundays in Atlanta started at Vino Libro restaurant in January 2010 and is the brainchild of and hosted by the incomparable Hank Stewart. Mr. Stewart, who didn’t write his first poem until May ’91, has authored several books and has his own foundation aptly named The Stewart Foundation. Mr. Stewart released his first poetic video about the power, intelligence, and sensuality of women named IT . You know what?! I'm going to stop typing and let Mr. Stewart explain how "Him Smelling Me on You" especially when you are "Chocolate" can make a man exclaim "Damn!" Presently Love Jones Sundays takes place at Mingles Martini Bar & Grill in downtown Atlanta. When you arrive you are greeted with a big smile by Maureen Stubbs, one of Mr. Stewart’s assistants, who takes your admission fee and answers any questions you may have. You are surrounded by the smooth sounds Neo-Soul, Jazz, etc. putting you in the proper mood for the night’s maestros of aural seduction. If you have talent and would like to be showcased, you see Mitsah Henry, Mr. Stewart’s other assistant, and she will add your name to the list of performers for the evening. Mr. Stewart grabs the mic and entices the crowd to drink and eat up because it always makes the performances that much better. Mingles diverse menu boasts fine American cuisine with international flare satisfying the insatiable palettes of the corporate executive, dining enthusiasts, fun-seeking tourists, and city residents. Mr. Stewart then recites the Love Jones Sundays "House Rules". - Please respect the mic.
- Cheer for each performer like it’s your child, and they are giving the Easter Sunday Speech and don’t know the words.
Loves Jones Sundays is mainly known for its spoken word artists. The format is simple: there are performers and a featured artist for the evening. For the next few hours, you are entertained by performers who are gracing the mic for the first time to acclaimed artists who have performed around the world in front of thousands. You can even purchase CD’s and books from the artists who have moved you while in attendance. From time to time gracing Love Jones with his talent is Jay White . I would submit this dude into any poetry cipher just because I know the others would sleep on him; they would say, "Here is another dude with locs in a suit and look he even brought a wooden platform with him." as they laugh amongst themselves. Not only is he an author, poet, movie maker, play director, actor and philanthropist, he even has the tap dancing skills. He does 'almost' as much as the Army does before 9 A.M. After their laughter subsides I would then watch Jay White tell them about "Fame".
I received a call from Kevin Douglas, informing me he was having a birthday party in Charlotte, NC, and I had to be there. Where to stay? Where to stay? My choice due to closeness to the party venue and suite style hotel, my favorite type of hotel, was the Embassy Suites Charlotte (Executive Park South Area). Upon my arrival at the Embassy Suites I was greeted by Denisa. Denisa is one of the nicest front desk persons I have encountered on the plethora of hotel trips I have taken around the world. She greeted me with a great big smile, welcomed me back from previous stays, and checked me in. The amenities at the Embassy Suites are immense. Across from the front desk area is a sitting area with a TV tuned to the latest sports or information channel. As you make your way to the Atrium area, you will notice Embassy Suites signature waterfalls. Mixed in between waterways are tables and an Internet Station. This makes for a great conversation area as well as great photo ops. The 1st floor contains a meeting room, a functional gym, mini bar, dining area, and breakfast stations. The most endearing part of the hotel to the youth is the indoor swimming pool, which stays packed. The crown gem of the Embassy Suites is Omaha Steakhouse, a premiere restaurant known for its steaks and home delivery of its steak product.
Riding the glass elevators to your room, you get an impressive aerial view of the atrium. There is greenery placed on each floor to match the theme of the 1st floor. You get an Eden type effect from the sound of the waterfalls and the greenery giving you peace of mind as you arrive at your room.
Entering your room, you find a spacious living room type area with a couch, business desk, and flat screen TV. As you go towards the bedroom section, you encounter your microwave, refrigerator, sink and counter area. The bathroom is roomy enough for two people to fit in comfortably. The bedroom is a nice size and has great amenities.
I have stayed in quite a few Embassy Suites across the country, but this hotel seems to draw more families. My overall experience has was great. For business travelers, you will love the stay during the week but if you are looking for a quiet environment it can be a little noisy and hectic on the weekends. For families looking for a kid friendly place to stay, look no further this is the property. Embassy Suites job well done.
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