Random Thoughts on Various Subjects

1. THE NRA SPEAKS

The NRA finally spoke out about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticutt, saying that public schools need more armed guards along with some condemnation of cultural factors in these tragedies like Hollywood and video games. Libertarians think this is just a fascist answer favoring gun free zones instead while progressives cite the fact that Virginia Tech has its own police department, but this did not stop the massacre there which stands as far as I know as the worst in US history.

My own take on this problem is that these tend to be utopian notions. These mass shootings are not going to stop. This is because human nature is inherently wicked. The only effective way to end them is to resort to some sort of fascist police state where all guns are confiscated, and citizens must pass through armed checkpoints. That solution probably will come about because of that same problem of human wickedness. Even then, terrorism will be an issue as it is now. Israel is helpless against suicide bombers.

My view is that society needs to accept this inherent evil in people instead of pretending that evil is just some momentary fixable flaw. It isn't. The best we can do is mitigate against these unfortunate events. People also need to remember that massive casualties can result from something as simple as a book of matches and some gasoline. 9/11 was perpetrated ultimately by some box cutter knives on an airplane. Inmates are able to make bombs inside of prison. Trying to isolate evil in an object like a gun is stupid. The brain intent on evil is the true weapon of violence.

2. FACEBOOK'S FAKE LIKES

If you are a Facebooker, you will notice that you suddenly like things that you really don't like. This is not some accident. Facebook now sells this service to companies as advertising. So, you are some Marxist left leaning hippie type who despises global capitalism? Too bad because you like Walmart now, and all your fellow commies know it, too. Thanks, Facebook!

This atrocity is in the beginning stages, so people aren't aware or gotten thoroughly enraged yet. But they will be mad when they realize what Facebook is doing. I am beginning to regret being there, and now, they own all my data. What will I do?

There is also Like fraud being perpetrated by scammers and spammers using malware. Between "legit" fraud from Facebook to outright fraud from third parties, Facebook is looking like a corrupt enterprise. Google should pounce on this.

3. DAWKINS AND RAISING KIDS AS CATHOLIC

Richard Dawkins recently made the claim that raising kids as Catholic was a form of child abuse. I often wonder what kids would be like being raised without a conscience, and I see Adam Lanza in my mind. As someone who has become acquainted with a lot of Catholics both sincere and lapsed, that Catholic upbringing makes a huge difference. As someone who is also very acquainted with atheists, I find second generation atheists to be much worse than converts to freethought that were raised in a faith tradition.

Love it or hate it, the Catholic Church is really good at giving you a conscience. You can't be raised Catholic and not get it. You might go on to do bad things in your life and be a bad person, but you will know it. And you will always feel that sting of conscience. How is this a bad thing?

Dawkins is a fool.

4. THE FISCAL CLIFF

At some point, lawmakers will feel they have catered to their base in a sufficient manner. Then, they will betray that base and give Obama what he wants. And the media play right along with this political theater.

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