jsadin

It is a bit disturbing, more so because the doc approved a procedure he wasn't sure of than that the medic was using slang (perhaps that's normal to use slang in their area). Kindof shows a lack of a "give-a-crap" attitude on the docs part.

We have a subscription service. I don't see more frequent flyers due to it. What I do find is people are concerned that if they can't pay for their subscription, they won't get an ambulance when they need it.

Ah Michael, you are an interesting individual to be sure.

First off, what AK has said here carries about the same level of force that most people express daily on topics they will never do anything more about than chat.

Again, you miss the point entirely. AK has outright said that certain firearms should be banned because he simply does not like them. This is not him saying "I don't like firearm X". It's him advocating action. Whether he has the ability to carry out any massive, legislation changing action or not is far from the issue here. He has stated, in no uncertain terms, that if given the opportunity he would force his will upon the masses because he "feels" that's the way it should be, facts be damned. That an obviously educated and intelligent person can justify this disturbs me greatly.

But, as is obvious, not forcing us to do so. Dude.

I was enjoying our exchange very much, but your little "dude" comments take away from your generally well written replies. They imply a personal anger towards me and this, after all, is just a friendly debate.

re: abortion

Perhaps not the best choice for me to justify my position, I agree. Don't presume to know why I'm not a fan but would never say it should be banned, tho'.

Please indicate AK's demanding and forcing. As for his pushing his views on you, are you not at liberty to refrain from reading his opinions?

Are you kidding me? Did you read my post? I'm talking about AK supporting the banning of certain types of weapons because he "feels" they are bad. Whether I read his posts or not, it does not change the fact that he would most likely support legislation to ban "assault weapons". I would never support legislation to force people to own firearms, why should I not be disturbed when someone claims to support stopping me from owning them?

So now you are no longer convinced that you are right and that everyone should feel as you do?

I realize that things are not as black/white as I once thought.

Again, by what means has AK indicated he will make every effort to force others to his side? The only effort I've seen him exert is to type a few words about it in a forum that will be read by a handful of ems providers. Perhaps I'm deluded, but I, who don't even agree with him on the topic of gun control, don't feel in the least forced, nor have I seen anyone else being forced. I have read some forceful language here, however, and it hasn't been from him...

Nice try. AK has stated unequivocally that certain types of firearms should be banned. That's not simply stating that you think certain things are "bad"....it's stating you support pushing your ideals on others who don't agree with you. I may not agree with abortion, but I don't make statements that it should be outlawed. I may not agree with organized religion, but I don't call for the banning of churches.

Dude, did you miss this statement?

Therefore, some weapons, such as these need to be banned (yes I said it) or very, heavily regulated.

Sounds to me like he's going to vote to ban firearms that he finds offensive, if afforded the opportunity. Perhaps I'm being a bit assumptive, but I doubt it.

Ahhh...a few minutes of quiet to post here in the city.

I'm going to make an attempt to address the posts made by both Michael and AK. Let's see how I do.

But as I said, I made my opinions clear early on, you evidently only focused on the end. Reading comprehension is so very important, I only wish more practiced it.

Hey now! No need to get snippy. I have, in fact, read the entire thread and had done so before penning my entry. I'm an engineer in real life, so reading for comprehension is a prerequisite.

Here's where my issue comes in with what you've written AK:

No matter what studies are quoted, laws explained, positions defended, I will NOT change my views on high powered assault weapons.

I just have personal issues with high powered assault weapons, my views will not change

Therefore, some weapons, such as these need to be banned (yes I said it) or very, heavily regulated.

You are entitled to your opinions/views, but once you start demanding legislation based on personal bias, that's where I have a problem. Now it's no longer just your opinion...you're forcing others to conform to what you consider right. You can think what you want, be as prejudiced as you want, whatever, just don't push your views on me.

jsadin wrote:

To refuse to accept any input that does not agree with our emotional state is just disgraceful and myopic.

And this last statement of yours, definitely quote of the year.

I agree 100% as it can be stated unequivocally in relation to Christianity as well; bravo my fellow EMT City'er.

Glad you liked my statement (and it sounds like our views on organized religion are pretty close), but it just bewilders me all the more at your position that it's ok to ban/regulate "assault weapons" because you "feel" they are bad.

Interesting enough however, is that despite everyone putting the onus on me to prove why we should NOT have the "high powered"(for Dust) assault rifles, not one of you have stated reasons why we should. Other than blowing out some doors for fun and because the current Supreme Court (totally uninfluenced by any politicians or lobby groups) determined it ok, why do we NEED these weapons? Legitimate question here and remember, I am NOT against gun ownership, I have them in my home, always have, always will, but WHY do we need these assault rifles?

This is America, land of want, not need. Why do we need "assault weapons"? We probably don't. I guaranty that I can dispatch anyone out to 4-500 yards with my scoped hunting rifle with one shot, no problem (try that with your average AK-47). The problem lies in the "give 'em an inch and they'll take a yard" mentality. When a type of firearm is banned, it opens the door for the radical antigun groups. Most antigun groups out there have stated openly that their ultimate goal is to ban private ownership of ALL firearms.

BTW, how much stuff do we really "need"? Do we need 4wd V8 gas guzzlers to drive around the city? Do we need fur coats, Oakley sunglasses, North Face jackets, mocha lattes, 50" HDTVs, surround sound or the latest cell phone? 99% of the "stuff" we have is based on want, not need.

Michael

CITY SPONSOR

js, kudos to you for acknowledging that you too have held preconceived notions and emotional responses. Now, how did you treat your preconceived notions and emotional responses before you got old enough to put them aside? And, assuming and hoping you will grow still older and continue to look for facts and concrete arguments to back your stances, how do you currently treat your surviving preconceived notions and emotional responses in a non-myopic, non-disgraceful way?

Before I reached the point of recognizing my emotional responses for what they were, I was like AK; calling for legislation, telling others I'd never change, etc. I was SO convinced that I was right and everyone should feel as I do! Feeling I was right wasn't the issue....trying to force others to my side of the fence was. What I do now is present well thought out and verifiable arguments and let others use my information to formulate their opinions. If all I have to support my position is my "gut", then I don't discuss it. There are two subjects that I never discuss at family functions; politics and religion. I've found both are chuck full of emotional tripe and can ruin a good time in short order. Seemingly intelligent people turn into raving lunatics whenever either of these subjects are broached.

But whatever is disgraceful about someone's having sufficient self-awareness and the attendant courage to characterize his prejudices as prejudices, as you in fact have -- nobly to my mind -- just done? The only difference is that AK specified one of his, and you stopped short of specifying any of yours (which you're of course perfectly entitled to do, though I admit you've piqued my interest).

As I stated, there is nothing disgraceful about having prejudices. Stating that you will make every effort to force others to your side based on nothing but those prejudices is, however, disgraceful.

Wow, didn't realize I'd draw the response I did with my post! All of you deserve responses, but it is late and I'm a bit tired so I promise to sit down and pen something worthwhile tomorrow..ok? I need time to digest everything...

Why not? People use their kids in car seats to try to steal stuff all the time ("hide it under the baby! No one will look there"). Never underestimate the depravity of the human race.

A silly grin (or four/five in a row) does not a defensible position make. The older I get the more I put aside my preconceived notions, emotional responses, etc, and I look for facts and concrete arguments to back my stance. Saying you back a certain position because it's just how you "feel" is way too simplistic for educated discussions. Face to face I could overlook such things due to the personal nature of such encounters, but that is not the case with the written word. Writing affords us endless opportunity to research and defend our spot. To refuse to accept any input that does not agree with our emotional state is just disgraceful and myopic.

Another fine example of our litigious society. Why put in an honest days work for your money when you can sue your way to riches? Nothing stokes my coals more than someone who talks about how they would sue the bejeesus out of anyone for anything so they could retire fat, dumb and happy. How about you earn yer damn keep, jackass?

The only difference in owning an AK-47 vs a 30-06 is the amount of ammo it will hold.

Ballistically they are two different rounds with the 30-06 being the more powerful of the two. I'd rather be shot by the AK. Lessee 220grain bullet at 2800fps or 125grain bullet at 2300fps? Kinetic Energy = 1/2(Mass*velocity^2). You do the math. Anyone who claims so called "assault rifles" are more dangerous than other types of firearms isn't interested in being bothered with silly "facts".

As a gun owner, firearms instructor and homeowner, I have to say there is no excuse for firing through the front door. Going to the gun should be the LAST resort after all other security measures have failed. This person was inside their home and armed and yet felt it was necessary to fire at someone outside the home and unarmed? I'll be interested to hear the exact circumstances, but even if they were in fear for their life from a previous bad encounter, there is no justification for what they have done.

If he exposed her when it wasn't necessary, then he wasn't sued for doing CPR; he was sued for inappropriate sexual behavior. A quick Google search reveals no news articles.

1X10-13 Torr? No problem on our FD run bambilance...

I'd like to know the vacuum levels and exactly how much gamma radiation is being emitted. If we're talking pulling a vacuum of 1X10-5 or greater, you better figure out where to put a roughing pump, foreline pump and a diffusion pump or ion pump (I wouldn't want to try to run a turbo pump, mag-lev or not, in a moving ambulance - good way to destroy $10k).

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. MMMMMmmmmmmmmMMMmmmmmm.............

Anyone remember the movie "Trainspotting"? Nothing like heroin suppositories.

Hang in there Ruff. It's a bear to have to start over, but this change may point you in a new direction that brings you much happiness. Chin up and all that....

Jim

All I'll say is, don't cheap out on yer boots. If Matterhorns fit you best and are the most comfortable, swallow the $250 pricetag and buy 'em. There is nothing worse than uncomforatble footwear and you can mess up yer feet.

Elbeco twill pants fit me best and wear well. $45 through Galls.

Big (read - gigantic) Motorola P200 portables. Weigh about 3000lbs and have a range of about 20ft. Good as a striking weapon, however....

That's why I'm a great believer in a good neighbor buffer! Seriously tho', if everybody just "gave" a little bit, the whole situation could have been avoided. "Kids, I'd rather you didn't have your ball land in my yard", "Sorry maam, we'll do our best to keep it on our side of the fence and if it does happen to go over there, we'll get it right away". How difficult is that? People are wound way too friggin' tight. The kids in my neighborhood leave their bikes in my yard during the day while they're at school so they can ride them home from the bus stop. I could really care less and if I have to, I move them while I mow the lawn and then put them back when I'm done. Keeps my house from getting egged during halloween anyway.

Sorry for the formatting, but if you import this into a spreadsheet it works well. FR = first responder. (From JEMS 2006)

State FR EMT-B EMT-I EMT-P

Alabama NC 5,689 777 3,539

Alaska NC 2,066 1,236 299

Arizona NC 9,817 140 3,878

Arkansas 0 3,959 160 1,419

California NC 70,000 150 14,500

Colorado NC 10,380 1,240 3,320

Connecticut 7,269 10,229 923 1,720

Delaware 0 22,074 0 1,460

DistrictofColumbia NC 2,366 35 354

Florida NR 9,740 NR 17,947

Georgia NC 413 8,415 5,050

Hawaii NC 211 0 256

Idaho 620 2,673 841 412

Illinois 6,033 34,102 1,472 11,305

Indiana 1,157 15,426 1,333 2,600

Iowa 2,397 6,637 1,760 1,606

Kansas 1,147 6,444 1,639 1,890

Kentucky 1,467 12,156 0 2,233

Louisiana NR NR NR NR

Maine 265 3,436 801 937

Maryland 10,980 15,609 654 2,180

Massachusetts NCr 17,362 708 3,250

Michigan 9,006 10,655 1,201 7,146

Minnesota 16,744 10,670 257 2,125

Mississippi NC 1,606 86 1,085

Missouri NR NR NR NR

Montana 1,667 2,929 4 327

Nebraska 992 6,861 217 842

Nevada 865 3,171 2,583 1,167

NewHampshire 329 2,270 1,091 722

NewJersey 0 22,074 0 1,460

NewMexico 857 3,521 1,412 1,134

NewYork 12,468 39,252 3,798 5,947

NorthCarolina 2,676 18,241 2,784 1,252

NorthDakota 1,605 1,727 297 366

Ohio 2,708 22,091 2,604 13,853

Oklahoma 2,711 4,534 829 1,648

Oregon 2,500 4,173 1,425 2,520

Pennsylvania 4,947 30,245 0 17,217

RhodeIsland NC 1,653 2,063 279

SouthCarolina NR 3,157 961 2,417

SouthDakota 0 2,935 265 328

Tennessee 4,198 3,496 5,666 4,065

Texas 4,198 27,502 3,666 10,561

Utah NC 7,680 2,338 1,031

Vermont 837 1,517 794 155

Virginia 1,512 23,854 1,762 3,336

Washington 1,211 14,520 876 1,858

WestVirginia 737 3,743 0 1,347

Wisconsin 10,000 9,850 250 2,545

Wyoming 4,394 2,743 779 139

From JEMS 2006

Tough times for you brother. Be strong and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

In case anyone is interested, here's a link to an organization a young lady I know started many years ago to help women learn how to defend themselves against rape. Nancy Bittle is a great person and I've met her on several occasions back when we both worked for Digital.

Armed Women Against Rape and Endangerment (AWARE)

http://www.aware.org/index.shtml