Showing posts with label gun laws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gun laws. Show all posts

Saturday, March 24, 2018

DEMOCRACY!





I used to teach at Morristown H.S. ! trending on Twitter!








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Thursday, March 15, 2018

From Hillary Clinton (and me) to Students

This is from me to the students, personally.
No one has the right to curtail your right to protest, not your teachers, school administrators, or even your parents.



As a new high school English teacher in the late 1960s I sat in the cafeteria while the students at Morristown HS (NJ) walked out to protest the war in Viet Nam. We had been told we would be fired if we walked out with them. Most of us agreed with the students. If I had walked out and been fired, I probably would have been beaten to a pulp by my then-husband who collected my paycheck every pay day.
I learned three things in those years.
1.  American students, even the very young, are very aware of current events.
2. High school students, on the cusp of adulthood, are in dangerous territory. They can die for their country soon enough  - or die in school as it happens these days. We should listen to what students say. They bear the burden.
3. It's not a good idea to let another person hold sway over you. I left that husband. After that, no one told me what I could say, to whom, or under which circumstances.
Having learned that, I was able to support Hillary Clinton, raise money, campaign, and vote for her.
Republicans and NRA supporters may call you names. They say you are whining while never having been sequestered in school when automatic fire is all around.
At Sandy Hook, babies were killed. Promising little first-graders just beginning their educational adventures. Those little ones were too young to mount a protest.
But this time, you did it! You are articulate, informed and unafraid! You are courageous and intrepid.
So from me, the girl who stood in the freezing mud on campus in 1965 to protest the "credibility gap" and marched in Washington against the war, I say - "Here's the torch!"  Proud to pass it on to a generation so well-prepared for the fight!
Note to Betsy DeVos: "Tests" are not what you think they are. This is a test. The schools don't fail, and the kids don't fail either. The kids pass with flying colors. Most of the schools do, too. You fail.
Slide 1 of 56: BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Nicole Rivera, 14, a Freshman at Arlington High School, center, rallies with other students in front of the Massachusetts State House in Boston to demand action on gun violence as part of a nationwide school walkout on March 14, 2018. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)






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Thursday, June 23, 2016

Hillary Clinton: If You Support the Sit-In

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At around 11:30 a.m. yesterday morning, Representative John Lewis started a sit-in on the floor of the House to demand a vote on gun violence prevention legislation.

He’s been joined by Democrats from across the House and Senate. They intend to hold their positions until they shame their Republican colleagues into taking up legislation to expand background checks and prohibit suspected terrorists from buying guns. We need both to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists.

It’s been more than 24 hours, and they're not giving up. Neither can we.

Let them know you've got their back -- add your name to show you're with them:

Thank you,

Hillary


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Monday, June 20, 2016

Republicans Cave to the NRA and Change the Subject to The Cavs

The Republicans were like,"Let's blow off these votes and get on to the important thing - the Cavs."  For shame! As soon as the vote was over and recorded Rob Portman got up and started talking NBA finals.

Oh! And CNN has decided that Trump firing Lewandowski is the only newsworthy story of the day - nothing about the Senate votes. Good grief!

This came a few minutes ago.
It is heartbreaking.
We just voted on two commonsense gun reforms overwhelmingly supported by the American people.
Like clockwork, Republican Senators voted in lockstep with the NRA -- and against action to save thousands of American lives from gun violence.
Enough. This painful cycle of violence, shock, heartbreak, and prayers -- only to be followed by inaction -- is unacceptable.
But I'm not giving up -- and I know you won't either.
We're going to continue fighting for gun reform.
And we're going to do everything in our power to take back the Senate -- and replace Republicans who side with the NRA with Democrats who demand action on gun reform!
Please add your name now to say you won't back down, not now, not ever. I need you and our PAC for a Change community to stay in this fight. Are you in?
I'M IN »
Thank you for not backing down on gun reform -- no matter how much the NRA tries to stop us.
In Friendship,
Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senator
And this.
Like clockwork, another American community is torn apart by a horrendous mass shooting made possible by easy access to tactical-style weapons.

Like clockwork, Congress convenes to honor the victims with a moment of silence.

And like clockwork, this Congress does nothing to prevent the next tragedy. The hateful attack in Orlando is antithetical to American values. We stand for love, tolerance and unity -- not hatred, violence and division. After countless mass shootings, including in Roseburg, and now Orlando, I have said our thoughts and prayers are not enough. It’s time to act.

Last week, I took part in a Democratic filibuster in the U.S. Senate for gun safety reform.  We took over the Senate floor because the Republican majority refused to act. Republican leaders seem to care more about their NRA rating than keeping Americans safe, and that is unacceptable.

Because of our filibuster Republicans agreed to have a vote on commonsense gun safety laws proposed by Senate Democrats.

But, tonight, like clockwork, Senate Republicans refused to stand up to the NRA and failed to vote to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists.

I want you to know that although Senate Republicans refuse to act, I refuse to be complicit. I refuse to let these mass shootings continue to take place like clockwork.

Thanks for standing with me,

Ron Wyden
Last week, I joined Senator Chris Murphy and fellow Democrats on the floor of the Senate for a historic 15-hour filibuster to demand action on commonsense gun reforms.

Our request was simple. We asked Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans to schedule a vote on two bills -- one that prevents terrorists from purchasing guns and one that expands background checks. And after 15 hours, Senate Republicans finally caved and scheduled a vote for ton‌ight.

The vote just ended, and it pains me to say that toni‌ght, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans voted against these two commonsense gun reform measures and blocked them from passing. I’m appalled that Senate Republicans chose once again to side with the NRA. I’m appalled that they chose to do so right now, in the wake of the worst shooting in U.S. History.

Today, I’m launching an emergency petition to hold Republican Senators accountable for voting against these commonsense gun safety measures (and I need you to join me): Click here to sign my emergency petition denouncing Senate Republicans who voted against gun reforms.

It’s clear that we need immense public pressure to get Senate Republicans to budge on this issue. So with this petition, we’re calling out every Republican senator who voted “NO” toni‌ght.

Please add your name to my petition calling them out.

Thanks,

Maria Cantwell
Enough. -H
U.S. Senator
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Tonight's Vote: Stand With Senate Democrats and Call Your Senators!


Our thoughts and prayers are not enough.
So many of us repeated that refrain after the tragic murder of 49 at an LGBT club in Orlando last weekend -- there have been far too many shootings in the last few years, and too little done to prevent them.
For too long, Republican members of Congress, under marching orders from the NRA, have blocked any form of gun violence prevention legislation -- including reforms that are patently obvious, like prohibiting suspected terrorists from buying guns and expanding background checks to more gun sales. We need both to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists.
Last Tuesday, Senator Chris Murphy -- who was serving as the congressman from Newtown, Connecticut when a shooter killed 26 people at an elementary school -- stood on the Senate floor and announced that he was beginning a filibuster that would not end until Republicans called for a vote on these reforms. He was joined by dozens of senators, from both sides of the aisle -- and it worked. The Senate is voting on important gun violence prevention measures today.
Speaking up matters. Stand with Senator Murphy and the Senate Democrats by adding your name today:

Thanks,
Hillary
Here is a tool to help you contact your Senators.
I wanted to make sure you knew what’s going on! Tonight, the Senate is voting on a bill on gun violence prevention. Share this opportunity with your community and tell your Senator to vote in favor of gun violence prevention. To stand with Hillary and join the action, sign up at this link. You’ll get a call with a quick tip on what to say, and then you’ll be immediately connected to your Senator’s office:
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/forms/gvp-calls/

One call from a constituent could change the way this vote goes - let’s make sure it goes in favor of gun violence prevention.


Or you can call this number:1-855-285-3803. You will be connected with one of your Senators.  Do it a second time to connect to the other Senator.
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Friday, June 17, 2016

An Open Letter on Charleston from Hillary Clinton

Hillary has penned her thoughts on this sad and tragic anniversary.  If we had done something after Sandy Hook, which horrified the nation, Charleston might have been avoided. If we had done something after Charleston last year, Orlando and the nation might not be in mourning today. So when does it stop?  Thank you Hillary, Brady Campaign, and Democratic senators for fighting to regulate gun and high-capacity clip sales.

Hillary Clinton: An open letter on Charleston

By Hillary Clinton
Fri June 17, 2016
 Charleston pastor: Gun reform is 'shared responsibility'


Charleston pastor: Gun reform is 'shared responsibility' 01:40

Story highlights

  • Deaths of nine people at Charleston's Emanuel AME Church weren't in vain, Hillary Clinton says
  • Clinton: Let's bridge our divides, fight for change and remember that love never fails
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president. The opinions expressed in this commentary are hers.
One year ago today, our nation lost nine precious lives. They were mothers and fathers, students and coaches, pastors and choir members. They were men and women of faith, each filled with passion and love, and with so much left to give. For many, time has done little to dull the pain of their loss. I still remember my grief and confusion when I heard the news. But their deaths have not been in vain.
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things," Scripture teaches us. "Love never fails."

 Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton
Read more >>>>

Stand with Hillary to prevent gun violence >>>>



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Another Year, Another Massacre: A Sad Anniversary #ENOUGH!

No candidate this cycle, or perhaps ever, has campaigned against gun violence as energetically as Hillary Clinton. As the nation continues to reel from and mourn over yet another mass shooting only last weekend, the anniversary of the last one is upon us.
A year ago today, a man with a heart filled with hate murdered nine people inside the Mother Emanuel AME Church. One of those people was my aunt, Myra Thompson.
Charleston is resilientNobody worked harder than my aunt. She would do anything for her church, Mother Emanuel. And since her death, I have tried to work as hard as she did at everything I do.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my aunt. So when this week, after tragedy struck again in Orlando, I knew exactly how much the victims, survivors and their families would need our nation’s love and support.
In the year since the Charleston attack, Mother Emanuel has shown what it means to be resilient and heal.
Still, it’s hard to believe that a year later, it’s still so easy for hate-filled people to get their hands on guns. But I am filled with hope that after this latest tragedy Congress will find the will to act.
However, I also know hope must be paired with action -- action in the name of the ones we’ve lost. Action for my Aunt Myra. And I won’t stop urging lawmakers to act to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people so that this might be the last time our country comes together to mourn lost brothers and sisters.
With hope,
Andre Duncan
Loving nephew to Myra Duncan
P.S. Share this image to spread the word and say #ENOUGH to gun violence.
One year ago we lost 9 lives in Charleston. 49 in Orlando on Sunday. 26 in Newtown. Too many others. This has to stop. We need to change. -H
The Brady campaign strongly endorsed Hillary for her firm stand on this issue.  Let's stand with them and with Hillary!  #ENOUGH!
Hillary's plan to address gun violence >>>>
STAND06-26-15-Z-02
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, right, holds hands with Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, as she reacts to Fulton's statement during a rally at the Central Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Clinton spoke and then heard from mothers of victims of gun violence. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, right, holds hands with Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, as she reacts to Fulton's statement during a rally at the Central Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Clinton spoke and then heard from mothers of victims of gun violence. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Lucia McBath, left, mother of Jordan Davis, and Maria Hamilton, mother of Dontre Hamilton, react as Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, talks about her son next to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during a rally at the Central Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, with mothers of victims of gun violence. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton attends a forum on gun violence, Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the Tabernacle Community Baptist Church in Milwaukee. From left are, Pastor Don Darius Butler, Geneva Reed-Veal and Annette Holt. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
A woman wipes her eyes as she listens to a forum on gun violence featuring Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the Tabernacle Community Baptist Church in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
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One thing is for sure, I am not going to stop talking about this and I hope you don't either!



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Thursday, June 16, 2016

Filibuster Ends - Thank You, Senators!

It ended in the wee hours of the morning.  We are proud of Senator Murphy and all the senators who joined.



Filibuster Ends After GOP Agrees to Allow Gun Control Votes: Senator

by Phil Helsel and Richie Duchon




Murphy Ends Filibuster With Reminder of Sandy Hook Teacher's Bravery
Senate Democrats ended a nearly 15-hour filibuster early Thursday after Republican Party leaders reportedly agreed to allow votes on two proposed gun control measures.
Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, said that a compromise had been reached. Votes would be held on whether to ban people on the government's terrorist watch list from obtaining gun licenses and whether to expand background checks to gun shows and internet sales, he added.
"We did not have that commitment when we started today," Murphy said.
The nonstop series of speeches stretched 14 hours and 50 minutes. It followed the shooting massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando.
Read more >>>>
Here is an updated list of participating senators.
filibuster-06-16-16

Curbing gun sales will not prevent another Oklahoma City, Boston Marathon bombing, or 9/11 but can help prevent the next Orlando, Sandy Hook, Charleston, or Colorado Springs.  Trump, McCain, Cruz and other Republicans insist the focus should be on terrorism rather than guns.  Arguably, any attack using assault weapons can be called terrorism, but it is possible ISIS was only the latest convenient excuse for this shooter and banning people from coming here would not have prevented this tragedy. This afternoon, CNN reported this story originally an exclusive to TMZ.  Apparently it checks out.  He could not buy a gun in fifth grade, so that didn't happen, but there were warnings.
It also should be lost on no one that there were 50 shooting victims in Orlando over the weekend. Christina Grimmie's murder was quickly eclipsed by the larger massacre - and that could have been a much worse situation had her brother not tackled the shooter. These problems cannot be addressed with a wall or by banning people, as Hillary Clinton tirelessly points out.

So thank you Senator Murphy, all the senators listed above, and Hillary Clinton for shining light on a realistic solution.
Sign the thank you note to the senators here >>>>

Email from Senator Murphy:
I was the Congressman from Newtown, Connecticut when tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012. As long as I live, I’ll never forget the scene at the firehouse when twenty-six families were told they would not be reunited with their children and loved ones.

For years, Congress has failed those families and the victims of gun violence all across the country.

That is why yesterday, starting at 11:21 a.m., I decided to stand on the Senate floor and talk for as long as I could about the need to prevent gun violence. And with the help of more than 30 of my colleagues, we demanded immediate action to make our communities safer from gun violence:

I can tell you that as the hours progressed, my colleagues heard your calls for change grow louder and louder. And after almost fifteen hours of filibustering, I was proud to be able to announce that Republicans had agreed to our demand for a vote on legislation that would keep guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists and require comprehensive background checks for gun purchases.

That is just one step, and our fight is far from over. But there are millions of voices out there who believe like we do that now is the time for action. And if we keep making ourselves heard, we will save lives.

Add your voice to Hillary Clinton’s and mine to demand Congress take immediate action to make our communities safer from gun violence:

Whether it's shootings fueled by racism, rage against women, homophobia, extremist ideologies, or severe mental illness, I shudder to think what it says about us as a nation if we don't even attempt to make a good faith effort to end this carnage. We need to re-think whether or not that's something we are willing to allow. And like President Obama said on Sunday, doing nothing is a choice, too.

So I am going to stand with Hillary Clinton and continue this fight until Congress has done everything it can to make our communities safer from gun violence.

Thank you for adding your voice to ours.

Chris Murphy
U.S. Senator, Connecticut
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Hillary Clinton Wins Two Enormous Endorsements

While we were all busy encouraging and thanking our senators for their filibuster last night, Oprah - yes the Oprah - was endorsing Hillary.

EXCLUSIVE: Oprah Winfrey Endorses Hillary Clinton in Upcoming Election: 'It's a Seminal Moment for Women'

by Zach Seemayer 9:54 PM PDT, June 15, 2016
Oprah Winfrey is throwing her support behind Hillary Clinton.
Winfrey spoke with ET's Nancy O'Dell at the premiere of her new OWN drama, Greenleaf, and the media mogul opened up about the possibility of America electing its first female president.
"I really believe that is going to happen," said Winfrey, 62. "It's about time that we make that decision.
Read more >>>>
Today, the AFL-CIO gave Hillary their nod.

AFL-CIO endorses Hillary Clinton

By Dan Merica and Eugene Scott, CNN
Updated 1:04 PM ET, Thu June 16, 2016
(CNN)The leadership of the AFL-CIO voted on Thursday to endorse Hillary Clinton for president, according to a spokesman for the union federation.
"Hillary Clinton is a proven leader who shares our values," AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement after the vote. "Throughout the campaign, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the issues that matter to working people, and our members have taken notice. The activism of working people has already been a major force in this election and is now poised to elect Hillary Clinton and move America forward."
The endorsement from the more than 12 million member organization is a boon for Clinton, who after clinching the Democratic nomination for president will face Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump in November.
Read more >>>>

Hillary Clinton Statement on AFL-CIO Endorsement

Today, the AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of labor unions, representing 12.5 million members, endorsed Hillary Clinton for president—the latest sign that progressive organizations are uniting behind Clinton as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Upon receiving the endorsement, Clinton released the following statement: “I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the AFL-CIO.
“The AFL-CIO is one of America’s most vital organizations, having been on the front lines of the fight for good-paying jobs and careers with benefits and dignity for more than a century. AFL-CIO member unions contribute to virtually every sector of our economy and are on the job in every corner of our country—building our infrastructure, teaching our children, sowing our fields, operating our ports, and entertaining us on stage and screen.
“Members of the AFL-CIO know, as I do, that we are stronger together. We are stronger when we are investing in our country and our future. As President, I will make the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Interstate Highway System—because to build a 21st century economy, we need 21st century roads, ports, transit systems, water systems, and electric grids. We will fight for good schools in every ZIP code—because all of our children deserve a chance to live up to their God-given potential. And we will fight to raise the federal minimum wage back to the highest it’s ever been, to finally join all other industrial nations in guaranteeing paid family leave for workers, and at last secure equal pay for women.
“And we know we are stronger when we have each other’s backs. Workers’ rights to organize, to bargain collectively, to be safe on the job, and to retire with dignity and security after years of hard work are fundamental to our country and to our economy. In too many statehouses across the country—and even in the halls of Congress—these rights are under concerted attack by Republicans and big corporations who have forgotten that a strong economy requires a strong workforce. As President, I will stand proudly with the AFL-CIO and fight to protect the rights and values that helped build the mighty American middle class. Workers will always have a seat at the table and a champion in the White House—because when unions are strong, workers are strong, and when workers are strong, America is strong.”
06-06-16-Z-01
Hillary had a wonderful week last week and all the joy was punctuated by the massacre in Orlando.  Hillary has vowed to take on the NRA and the Senate will vote on proposals to close loopholes in the gun laws. It will be a while before people feel joyful again, but we can be thankful to Hillary for her firm stance, to the senators who joined the filibuster, and to the very strong, influential people and organizations who endorse Hillary.

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Saturday, May 21, 2016

Hillary Clinton's Speech at the Third Annual Circle of Mothers Conference

The Trayvon Martin Foundation sponsored the Circle of Mothers conference in Fort Lauderdale tonight.  Hillary Clinton was the keynote speaker.




National Politics

May 21, 2016

Hillary Clinton blasts Donald Trump at Trayvon Martin Foundation event

05-21-16-MH-01 05-21-16-MH-02
Hillary Clinton spoke to the Trayvon Martin Foundation in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night
Before her speech Clinton spoke to 60 mothers who lost a child to gun violence
Clinton fired back at Donald Trump for his statements on Friday to the NRA about gun control

Hillary Clinton attacked Donald Trump’s statements to the NRA about gun control Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale.
“Just yesterday [Friday] at the NRA annual convention Donald Trump said in his very first hour as president — heaven forbid — he would overturn President [Barack] Obama’s action to strengthen background checks,” Clinton said.
Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee, spoke at the Trayvon Martin Foundation’s Circle of Mothers event held for mothers who have lost a child to gun violence. Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, has endorsed Clinton.
“Something is wrong when so many young people just starting their lives are dying …,” Clinton said at the event held at the Embassy Suites hotel. “This election gives us a chance of trying to make it right.”
Read more >>>>>

"I believe we have a moral obligation…to stand up against systematic racism." —Hillary at the dinner
"Unlike Donald Trump, I will not pander to the gun lobby. We will not be silenced and we will not be intimidated." —Hillary
.'s full comments against during remarks at Trayvon Martin Foundation dinner

 remarks_TMF
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Sunday, November 15, 2015

#SMH At a Loss for Words

This is how the attack began during the concert at Bataclan Theatre in Paris.  Turn your speakers on to hear it.

Published on Nov 13, 2015
New video shows the tense moments outside Bataclan Theatre in Paris where an attack occurred during a music concert.

What you hear are automatic weapons, likely kalashnikovs since several were found in a rental car near an attack scene.

This is what Hillary Clinton said last night at the Democratic Presidential Debate.



Hillary Clinton summed up one of the most important issues of this election at the Democratic debate.

Nov 14, 2015 by Elizabeth Chan



“This is an emergency.”
Since the last Democratic debate—a mere 32 days ago—nearly 3,000 people have died from gun violence in the United States.
Hillary made her voice loud and clear at tonight’s debate: It’s time to act. And she has a plan to prevent gun violence.
  1. Increase background checks.
  2. Put the safety of communities over the profits of the gun lobby.
  3. Keep guns from domestic abusers, other violent criminals, and the severely mentally ill.
Read more and sign on >>>>>

This is what Donald Trump said about the Paris attacks at a rally.

Published on Nov 14, 2015
Donald Trump said Saturday that the terrorist attacks in Paris "would've been a much different situation" if the city had looser gun laws.
"When you look at Paris -- you know the toughest gun laws in the world, Paris -- nobody had guns but the bad guys. Nobody had guns. Nobody," Trump said at a rally here. "They were just shooting them one by one and then they (security forces) broke in and had a big shootout and ultimately killed the terrorists."
"You can say what you want, but if they had guns, if our people had guns, if they were allowed to carry --" Trump said, pausing as the crowd erupted into raucous applause, "-- it would've been a much, much different situation."
Read more >>>>




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Saturday, October 10, 2015

Trend Lines: The Common Core We Ignore

The Clintons, Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea have long recommended that we attend to trend lines as at least as important as headlines if not more so.   Here are some headlines.

Student Is Killed in Shooting at Northern Arizona University

By KATIE ROGERS OCT. 9, 2015
One student was killed and three were injured when an 18-year-old freshman opened fire early Friday in a confrontation at Northern Arizona University’s campus in Flagstaff, continuing a week of violence and threats against college students across the country.
SNIP
The episode came eight days after a rampage that left 10 people dead at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, but the renewed sense of urgency that the episode brought to a nationwide debate over stricter gun laws has done little to temper shootings and other threats of violence on university campuses. On Friday, Texas Southern University was put on lockdown after a shooting that killed one person at a campus housing complex, and Governors State University in Illinois canceled classes after a bomb threat. Bomb threats have also been made at Northern Illinois University and DePaul University’s O’Hare campus this week, NBC Chicago reported.
SNIP
Mass shootings are no longer viewed by researchers as isolated incidents: Experts who have analyzed hundreds of past shootings have said that the probability of another attack was highest in the two weeks after a killing was publicized.
“Somehow this has become routine,” President Obama said last week after the Oregon shooting. “The reporting is routine. My response here at this podium ends up being routine. The conversation in the aftermath of it. We’ve become numb to this.”
Read more >>>>

Activist group builds interactive map of all 149 school shootings since 2013, includes two in Maine

By Seth Koenig, BDN Staff
Posted Oct. 09, 2015, Last modified Oct. 10, 2015, at 8:51 a.m.
shootings map
(Everytown map)
The gun control advocacy group Everytown For Gun Safety has published an interactive map of what it says are all 149 school shootings that have taken place in America since January 2013, essentially since the late 2012 tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
The most recent incident depicted when the map was first released was the now notorious Oct. 1 Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon, where a gunman killed nine people and injured seven others. But since it was published this week, another shooting took place at Northern Arizona University and was apparently added to the data.
The 149 shootings on the map represent an average of nearly one every week since Sandy Hook, Everytown notes, and the map is constantly getting updated as the group’s researchers come upon records of shootings they may have initially overlooked. Or as more shootings take place.
Read more >>>>
Missing from these headlines and the interactive map is this.


13-year-old boy accused in fatal shooting of girl, 12


Associated Press
JASPER, Mo. — A 13-year-old boy deliberately shot and killed a 12-year-old girl outside a foster home in rural southwest Missouri where they both lived using a gun he had taken from the house, the local sheriff said Friday.
Officers tried to revive the girl, Teresa J. Potts, but she died Thursday evening near the town of Jasper, which is about 130 miles south of Kansas City, Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser said.SNIPThe boy was an 8th grader and the girl in 7th grade in the Jasper School District, Kaiser said. A crisis team was available to help students on Friday, Superintendent Rick Stark said in a statement."We are all upset and still in shock right now," said Stark, who added no further information would be released.
SNIP
This is the latest in a string of fatal shootings of children by children.
Earlier this week, an 11-year-old boy was charged with murder in the shooting death of an 8-year-old neighbor in a dispute over a puppy in White Pine, Tennessee. This September, an 11-year-old boy fatally shot a 16-year-old intruder in his home this. In Arizona last month, a boy charged with killing his father and another man when he was 8 years old was cleared by a judge to transition into a foster home and enroll in public school. He is among the youngest homicide suspects in the U.S.
Read more >>>>
These last incidents do not make it onto the Everytown map.  They did not happen at schools, but they did happen among school kids. We should all be disturbed.
Parents and teachers are grappling  with issues surrounding implementation and assessment of Common Core Standards in the schools.  Parents and students are struggling with higher ed affordability.  The questions: How can my kid master this material and get good grades?  When she does get the grades, how are we going to afford college?  In the background is the question of whether she is safe at school.
What do kids learn and where do they learn it.?  Quadratic equations, the structure of a sonnet, the periodic table, and atomic structure is the stuff of classrooms.  Budgeting time for homework and money for college is more likely learned at home.  Responsibility,  accountability, social skills, the things we consider values,  are and should be acquired in both places.
Kids look to adults and older kids for examples.  Weapons behavior is only partially about how the weapon works.  That is simple mechanical knowledge.  What are children learning from the gun culture in our society?  Have we all gone numb?
We can protect the Second Amendment while also protecting our families and communities from gun violence.
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You could argue that in 1789 a 13-year-old might have been considered a legitimate member of a well-regulated militia. Argumentation and debate are also learned both at home and in school.  What exactly is the argument we are to have about this?  To what degree have we learned to walk away from this argument  -  or any argument  - rather than bringing a gun to it?
Students and fraternity boys sometimes do foolish things.  An endnote in Lossing's  PICTORIAL FIELD BOOK OF THE REVOLUTION tells a tale of how Alexander Hamilton and his buddies stole a couple of British cannons from the battery.  They dragged them to the quad at what is now Columbia U. (then King's College) and buried them.  Maybe it is not so surprising that he was killed on the banks of the Hudson in a duel.  One suspects he might have felt differently about his guns given a second chance.  So might Aaron Burr whose family immigrated to Chile due to the Veep's subsequent lack of popularity.
Fronting, in linguistics, refers to the placement of items in a sentence, clause, or breath group.  More important items appear at the front of the sentence, and that is what makes passive voice so handy.  If the agent of the action is not the most important item, switching to the passive allows relocation or even removal of that agent.
We do get to have second thoughts and sometimes second chances. We get to re-read.  Some of us do.  The dead do not.

Amendment II

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.
That well-regulated militia is fronted.  The founders were too crafty for that to have been an accident.  It is not only a matter of what children learn and where and how. What have we learned?  Why is it, again, that we keep and bear arms?  That amendment does not even mention hunting.  What is the common core gun standard?



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