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02/21/18 09:01 AM #74    

 

Paul Richard Hain

Janis, you evaded my question.  What is your proposal to protect schools and how will it help save lives?  Welcome Steve!  Since you both are now addressing the issue, let's look at what you have said.

The AR-15 is capable of rapid fire. "AR" does not denote, Assault Rifle.  It means Armalite Rifle, its original manufacturer. The AR-15 was styled to have modular capability like an M-16.  But, the difference isn't in looks.  The M-16 is a "select fire" weapon.  That means it can fire as rapidly as a machine gun.  An AR-15 cannot. I don't have any particular affection for an AR-15.  So, we can have a dispassionate discussion about it.  Is your intent to single it out and pass legislation?  A proposal to save lives is more comprehensive than discussing the AR-15, and that is what I was hoping to get from you.


02/21/18 10:39 AM #75    

 

Paul Richard Hain

Steve, I found the data on the number of rounds fired by each of the last 10 mass shooters.

Shooter              Location         Duration      Rounds/minute

Seung Cho       Virginia Tech        11min           15

Adam Lanza     Sandy Hook         5-9                15-31

Farook &Malik   San Bernadino    10                  21

Nidal Hasan      Fort Hood             10                 21

Jiverly Wong     Binghampton         4                  25

Harris/Klebold   Columbine            47                 4

James Holmes  Aurora                   5-9               8-14

Harper-Mercer   Umpqua               9                   9

Dylan Roof        Charleston            7                   11

Jeff Weise         Red Lake               9                   5

Source: Countering The Mass Shooter Threat, Michael Martin, 2017, p 36

Harper-Mercer, Hasan and Wong used a hand gun.  All the others were AR-15's.  Adam Lanza fired at the highest rate.  He had a 100 round magzine the police decided jammed repeatedly.  In all cases, the rounds fired per minute is certainly less than the AR-15 is capable of.  The shooters could have used other less capable weapons than an AR-15 and achieved the same Rounds/minute.

According to the same source, James Holmes picked the one out of seven theaters in his town, furthest from his home and the only one that displayed a handgun ban sticker on its door.  The average time for police to arrive after called was 4-9 minutes.  None of the victims were armed.  The shooters were confident they would meet no resistance.


02/21/18 11:41 AM #76    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Paul, I agree a proposal to save lives is more comprehensive than discussing the AR-15 and needs to be more comprehensive than protecting our students in schools as evidenced by recent mass shootings.  

Begin with a comprehensive licensing procedure which requires an extensive background check before the purchase of any gun and every gun purchased must be registered;

Ban the sale and possession of all semi-automatic weapons;

Provide for the surrender of all semi-automatic weapons within a period of time for recompense by the government following which, unless authorized, possession of a semi-automatic weapon will be a federal offense.  

As pertaining specifically to schools, there should be one place of entry for each building which will be secured and will require that anyone other than students and staff members receive permission to enter by stating their reason for entry.  Upon entry they will be given a visible pass which must be worn while they’re on the premises.  

Same as school zones are established for reduced speed limit, and to be drug-free and free of sex offenders, these zones should be free of weapons of any kind, and if discovered by authorities, be seized and impounded, and the possessor fined.  If necessary the protections against search and seizure could be relaxed within the school zone.  

If these recommendations would be considered violations of the 2nd Amendment, I would propose amending the 2nd Amendment to specifically exclude from its protection the possession of both automatic and semi-automatic weapons.  

Paul, these are my recommendations to not only make our students safer, but everyone safer for the general welfare and common good of our country--

this is about our safety and our liberty--

The 2nd amendment does not take precedence over the other amendments

or the other Constitutional protections.

My recommendations may be a fantasy today-- in this gun-crazed society,

but with patience and perseverance, and the leadership of our young, in time sanity may reign.

 

 


02/21/18 04:12 PM #77    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

What kind of country do we want to live in?

If we listen... some defend automatic weapons, weapons of war (not for self-defense), - in civilian hands.

Apparently we’re not a country that values safe spaces.

 

 


02/22/18 07:25 AM #78    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

AR-15 Violence is Raging in America.

NEVER AGAIN!

The script may be flipping...

is it possible we’re moving toward acting on gun safety?  

The Parkland students are undaunted -

they are speaking truth to power -

they expect legislative action.

The students are resolute...

some are already voting,

the rest are just around the corner...

students who were “hunted” at school

with weapons of war...

We have more than 2nd Amendment rights in this country...

It is time for a sea change.  

 

 


02/22/18 11:19 AM #79    

 

Marvin Irving Blusteln

In a way guns are no different than speed.  We don't quibble about speed limits and their purpose.  I am sick of all the excuses used to defend rapid fire guns whick are made for the purpose of killing and nothing else.


 


02/23/18 04:44 AM #80    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

More “good guys” with guns. More guns.  Always more guns.  

The NRA wants to put weapons in our schools.  The NRA doesn’t work for Americans-- the NRA works for corporations that make a profit selling guns.  

The American people overwhelmingly support common sense gun reforms that would protect our children without turning our communities into militarized zones.  

The NRA and the mob of politicians they’re propping up are standing in the way of legislation for gun safety.

No disrespect intended, Parkland’s school resource deputy, a “good guy with a gun,” got on his radio and took a position where he could see the entry of the Parkland school building... he heard the gunfire and never entered the building.  He did not engage - he stood outside as the mass killing went on inside.  

It is perplexing to understand what more guns in schools will accomplish... Parkland’s “good guy with a gun” was trained, armed, and in uniform; he has recently received two nominations for deputy of the year.  I am amazed how much understanding he is receiving when he did not fulfill his sworn duty, and that the students are not allowing themselves to be distracted from their focus on gun safety legislation..

Trump is unrealistic about teachers and concealed carry... 

Following the massacre Parkland's school resource deputy was suspended pending investigation so he retired.  I am sure he is going through personal hell.

Now, at his request, a contingent of six police officers are positioned to guard his house...

where does this end?

HOW DO WE DEFINE INSANITY?

 

FOR OUR INFORMATION:

BULLETS FIRED FROM ASSAULT WEAPONS PENETRATE BULLET PROOF VESTS

 

 

 


02/25/18 12:03 AM #81    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Happy Birthday, Leonard Smock.

You're one of the young'uns in our class...

"younger and wiser"...

we might follow your lead--

Spring Training has begun

2018 midterms approach...

in the midst of it all

Best wishes to you in "new Virginie".

 

 


02/25/18 01:05 AM #82    

 

Robert Kleinzweig

Hello, my name is Robert Kleinzweig and I am a graduate of Niles West High School, class of 1964.  You might remeber me as I was the guy who came to the 50th reunion in a Wheelchair.  I have been reading the posts, but never respinded until now.  The reason is that I had nothing to say until now.  

I am a parent to three sons who have graduated Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High school and I am very disturbed, let alone to the point of taking my life.  I am taking steps to identify someone who can help me with my problem.  I have contacted the Jewish Family Service and they have recommended I talk to someone from the main office in Boca Raton, but I don't know if this is the correct.  

All of my boys were involved with Cross Country and Track, at Douglas High School, but they don't seem to be disturbed about the events that took place in Parkland.  My oldest son, Jeff, is in Thousand Oaks outside of Los Angeles and my yougest son, Eric, is in Tel Aviv, Israel. The only one, David, lives in Pompano Beach, which is in Fort Lauderdale.  All three of them seem to have friends from Douglas high school, but they are oblivious to the fact that I am grieving this loss.  I have been retired for 10 years as a recruiter, and I don't know what to do, as they have been telling them  that I have this loss that pains me to my soul.. 

I was born in Poland and lived in Germany for the first five years of my life.  I lost all of my family in WWII.  My parents have been deceased and my only living relative has one son who lives in Chicago.  If anyone has a referral or recommendation for me, I would truly value this referral.  The loss of 17 children whose parents would have been saddened by their loss.  To say that this is a 'sad' event don't realize that this is more than sad, it is unconscionable.   . 

 

 

 .  

 


02/25/18 08:18 AM #83    

 

Sharry Rugendorf (Falcon)

Robert.  I just called you. Please call me

We love you.  Sharry.  312 498 1946

Thanks for reaching out


02/25/18 08:36 AM #84    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Robert, I am glad you reached out to us.  I agree that what happened at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas HS is more than sad, it's unconscionable... I feel your pain... please stay in touch on the forum or write to me at the message center on this website.  I'm here for you. Janis

 

 


02/25/18 01:06 PM #85    

 

Sharry Rugendorf (Falcon)

Robert  call me  Sharry Falcon  312 498 1946

 


02/25/18 02:31 PM #86    

 

Sharry Rugendorf (Falcon)

Robert K. is now getting the proper medical care he needs. Thanks to his post on the web site the Indians  were there to help. Once agin I will disappear. Sending love Sharry

 


02/25/18 02:35 PM #87    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Thank you for good news, Sharry.  

Take care, Robert-- we’re here for you.

Janis

 


02/25/18 03:43 PM #88    

 

Paul Richard Hain

Dear Robert,

You are among caring classmates on this site.  Personal issues kept me off the Forum this past week, and I just now read your moving message about Douglas High.  It has been a painful subject for me, as well.  Part of getting older is when our children and young people dismiss our concerns as, "being depressed or just emotional."  So, they brush off the things that affect us as of little consequence to them.  If that is true, then virtually all of our classmates reading this Forum are equally off our rockers.  But, we're not!  I have never heard of another high school graduate class that has so many caring people who write or "Lurk," on a blog that has remained active for five years!  Now would be the time for some of those lurkers to write Robert a personal or public message of support.  This is about our humanity, not politics.

The truth of the matter is, we have experienced life, with its joy as well as its pain, while the last two or three generations have not.  No sorrow reaches deeper than when you explained what happened to your family in WWII and how that shaped your love for life and depressed feelings when seeing the totally unforgiveable, merciless murder of 17 sweet and innocent lives.  You know the pain that has happened in your life.  You have reason to feel depressed, but you know what Robert?  The world, and your family needs men of conscience, like you to bring attention to the killing.  All of us on this Forum need guys like you.  You have passion in your heart and you told us about it.  Thank you, sincerely.  

We may not have yet discovered how to stop these senseless murders, but all men and women of goodwil need to speak up and not be silent.  I am grateful for your message.  We learned the history of man's inhumanity from our youth from those who experienced it.  Younger generations have not been taught about it.  To them it is just another bad story among the overcrowded, rapid-fire news media these days.  Fast-paced lives cause people to quickly pass over a tragedy unless it hits their lives. They are not bad people, they just have not learned life's lessons yet.

I cannot add anything better or more than what our other classmates have already written and offered to you. They each did a magnificent job.  I, too, am more than willing to talk further.  If you wish to do that, you can send a private message to me through the "Message Center" feature on this website.  And . . . Robert, I remember you in high school, but not specifically how our paths crossed.  I am glad to hear you are getting good support and wish you good health and happiness. 


02/25/18 06:41 PM #89    

 

Sharry Rugendorf (Falcon)

  Posters.   Lurkers    Readers  and   Political Analysts 

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍  Thumbs up for your help today

In all the years you have used this site I have never heard a thank you to Scott Mermel or Jim Dikowsky, who designed, engineered, and run the site. Did you ever ask how the site is funded or paid for?  Please take a minute to thank Jim and Scott for making this site available to you.  Scott will need to fund this site again in 2020 so don’t send him a donation yet,

This morning at 8 a m Robert  Kleinzweig reached out for help on this site. Then I received several texts about what was I going to do, I guess I was called because I’m the fixer. I called Scott and asked for Roberts phone number. Then I called Robert and texted him.. He did not answer. Then I called the police.  In a matter of hours the Palm Beach Sheriffs Dept. and the Boca Raton police tracked Robert down at his home. Robert was very cooperative and depressed  and went peacefully with the sheriffs deputy to the hospital. Both the sheriff and police kept me informed every step. I’m sure by now his family was notified. From start to finish 4 hours.

I have seen Robert twice in 50 years. He seemed as happy as anyone else at the reunion. If any of you ever need help you can reach out to me but not on this site. I am gone from the site because I find it very boring.

I want to wish you all good health love and peace.   Sharry Falcon  312 498 1946   I’m on Facebooks  if you need to reach out or take me to dinner.

FYI  Kretchmar call me back❤️❤️❤️❤️👄


02/25/18 08:45 PM #90    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Thank you, Scott Mermel and Jim Ditkowsky-- you make it possible for us to be “here for one another."  You have provided our class a unique and valuable way to be connected and a means of communication. Janis

 


02/25/18 09:14 PM #91    

 

Bonnie Blnkoff (Riley)

Thank you Scott and Jim! Thank you Sherry for being the remarkable person you are. Robert K ———-thank you for being brave enough to reach out!! 


02/25/18 09:48 PM #92    

 

Nancy Doyle (Sudlow)

Scott and Jim, if you are lurking, thank you for creating and managing this site. I do lurk, occasionally post, and have learned from others in our class. Thank you, Sharry, and those of you who reached out to Robert today. Robert, I hope you are feeling a little bit better just knowing so many people care.

02/26/18 09:32 AM #93    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Good morning, Robert.  It's a new day.  I hope you rested well last night.

I understand depression.  I feel disenchanted and a sense of powerlessness with what's happening these days-- a kind of "What's this world coming to?"

Posting on the forum provides an outlet for us to express our concerns and feelings-- it's better than journaling because someone's out there reading and it's special knowing there's the chance someone might respond.

I am grateful for the forum....

Sometimes there's only a trickle of posts... but enough to keep classmates coming back...

then sometimes there's a surge of interest which brings the joy of camaraderie and engagement... like what we think and feel matterrs...

I'm glad you've been reading the forum and felt comfortable to reach out and share your feelings.

Please stay in touch. Janis

 

 


02/26/18 10:32 AM #94    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

     Gun Violence in America is a  

           MADE IN AMERICA 

                problem

More assault weapons = more gun deaths

       (simple as that)

The presence of assault weapons is an invitation to violence.

Armed teachers will be the first people shot--

by the shooter or by law enforcement.

 

 


02/26/18 12:12 PM #95    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

We knew who Trump was and yet we elected him.

He promises everything and cuts the budget

(while he continues to spend his weekends in Mar-a-Lago)...

says he would have run into Douglas HS even without a weapon...

(guess his bone spurs no longer bother him).

He hosted a disco party just miles from Parkland

after visiting just one wounded student in the hospital.

                 TRUMP's PRESIDENCY

          is a  MADE IN AMERICA  problem...

Trump says we should embrace the NRA for solutions... Unbelievable!

We need to stop the NRA.

The 2nd Amendment is wagging the dog of our cherished American freedom.

I am embarrassed to know the historic representatives of our generation

are Trump, Bill Clinton, and George W...

all three born in 1946... they could have been our classmates.

 

Thank goodness and more power to Parkland's students...

they are an inspiration and lead us with wisdom.

They (and their contemporaries) have lived their entire lives

with the threat of assault weapon violence in their schools and life activities.

 

Spring Training is going full tilt...

at the same time

Americans must make our voices heard about assault weapons

and vote with our young in the midterms.

 

 


02/26/18 03:19 PM #96    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Re-reading my posts I am reminded America is a deeply fractured country.  Every morning I wake up wondering why it’s so difficult to find common ground with peers with whom I share so much history.

Many yearn like estranged twins to be one people-- while engaging in what’s like a competition between squabbling siblings...

All the while Donald Trump exacerbates the division in our country...

and flaunts power over conservative ideology...

For the good of our country, we need officeholders and citizens who consider themselves patriots to challenge Trump (and the NRA) and to stand up to be American heroes.  

I wonder if one day Americans will be barred entrance from countries which label us a violent nation.

I relish the joy young people bring to my life, and struggle with them lest they work too hard and rest too little until they are spent.  

I deeply regret the tension and anxiety that paralyze the U.S...

my apologies for a long day of sharing this strife on the forum.  

 

Please tell me: How do we make it easier to afford the educational and technical training workers need in a knowledge based economy?

 

 

 


02/26/18 06:50 PM #97    

Theodore John Forsberg

To Bob- glad you are doing better- keep getting better-

To Sharry- you are the greatest- caring, sweet and a real fixer- don't fade out the sight needs you-

To Jim and Scott- Thanks for all that you do to maintain the sight-

To all the political activists on either side of the aisle- keep talking- we can solve the problems

And to all the lurkers keep on reading and occasionally jump in - its good to hear from you


02/26/18 07:16 PM #98    

 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Good to hear from you, Ted.

Who couldn’t guess you were senior class president, Mr. President?

 

 


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