Stupid to die or go to prison over pieces of metal and plastic and wood - Page 2

Daren Thompson · June 9, 1999, 04:58 PM

That was good!!!! Good job Dennis!!!! I feel that that would look really good along with FOUP. Is I would pay more money if need be to see that in the USA today alnog with the names from FOUP . What about it guys?

Rob is this possible? Mabey cut down the number of names to list this brillent post (with the permission of Dennis of course) I think FOUP needs a new breath added to it and this may be it.

Good job!!!

Later
Daren

Rob Pincus · June 9, 1999, 06:16 PM

Thanks for that Dennis, it was truly an excellent piece... I printed it out and have it in a (small) stack of similar gems from the internet.

Daren,

FOUP is pretty Well established... to include that long of a message with what we already have would almost preclude any names... 'sides we are having a hard enough time comeing up with people willing to pay $50... Can you imagine trying to find 500 willing to pay over a hundred...

------------------
-Essayons

Bruce in West Oz · June 9, 1999, 07:20 PM

Dennis

As a professional writer and editor, I am awed by your piece. Above all else, it rang true.

May I have permission to print it out and distribute it to the members of my Rifle Club, please -- with acknowledgement of course.

B

zot · June 9, 1999, 07:51 PM

dennis it was beautiful, the problem today
is we have a draft dodging, dope smoking,
cicar stuffing, LIEING SOB for a president,
and I know his actions HAVE influence on the
public, maybe his lack of morality is the
cause of so much immoral behavior in some
kids today? I can't say to my kids,"hey maybe
you'll be president someday", I have to try
and explain what oral sex is ? and why the
president had a cigar in a womens vagina?
this **** isn't what americans gave their lifes for in all the wars we've fought, but
Bill pisses on the graves of all vets as long
as he's in office!!!

Dennis · June 9, 1999, 08:18 PM

Thanks for your kind words. I got rather wrapped up in it I guess and I greatly appreciate your kindness - more than I can express.

As for credit, let's think a minute. I never would have written something like that if it were not for the freedom-loving people of TFL. Here we express ourselves truly among kindred souls.
Therefore, if you want to copy or quote it, feel free. But when you put my name on it how about adding something to the effect of:
"Taken from The Firing Line" - or something that Rich would suggest or approve?

Rich, what do you suggest?

Trapdoor Billy · June 10, 1999, 04:38 AM

Excellent Dennis, what more can i say.

------------------
Trapdoor Billy
Indian Scout and Delaware Cowboy

Bulldog · June 10, 1999, 05:41 AM

Rest assured, Dennis, the Cherry tree is not worthy of that one. I was speachless after seeing this one.

Douglas in CT · June 10, 1999, 06:05 AM

Wow!
Just emailed to my mailing list.

Thank YOU!

------------------
Regards,
~Douglas in CT

Brett Bellmore · June 10, 1999, 08:56 AM

Dennis: A beautiful essay.

Regarding the concentration camps, any of you who think the other side WOULDN'T resort to them, probably hasn't spent much time lurking about the bbs's and chat rooms of the other side.

They don't just think gun ownership contributes to crime. They think it's uncivilized. Brutal. They, the ones pushing this agenda, consider us kin to child molesters. And they WILL do whatever it takes to abolish gun ownership, even if they have to destroy the rest of the Bill of Rights in the process, even if they have to institute concentration camps. And they'll feel not a smidgin of guilt about it, because they are, in their own minds, fighting for the very survival of civilization. And WE are the barbarians at the gate!

[This message has been edited by Brett Bellmore (edited June 10, 1999).]

Dennis · June 10, 1999, 08:11 PM

Copy at will. Please add something to the effect.

Dennis Bateman
on www.thefiringline.com

Douglas in CT · June 10, 1999, 09:42 PM

Gave a copy to my wife to read on the train to work this morning.

I asked how she liked it after she returned home. She said that the chorus "metal & wood" was a bit laboured and needed something else.

"Heck", I said, "I would have be thrilled to have written this myself... if I could have!"

------------------
Regards,
~Douglas in CT

Dennis · June 11, 1999, 12:38 PM

Douglas,
Please tell your wife three things:
1) That's what she gets for reading the work of an amateur! (Big grin!) It might help to explain I was replying to the title of the thread. (That's the only answer I can come up with!)
2) I am open to all suggestions - really.
3) Thank her for me for reading it.

Dennis

[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited June 11, 1999).]

**Mal H** · June 11, 1999, 12:59 PM

I thought the "metal and wood" theme was brilliant. It emphasizes that these are inamimate objects. They are only turned into evil objects or necessary tools or implements for sport depending solely on the gray matter, or lack thereof, controlling them.

**Rich Lucibella** · June 11, 1999, 01:23 PM

Dennis-
I was more moved by this post than I have been by any written piece in a very long time. I didn't respond earlier because I've been basking in the others' reactions.

This is a truly inspired work and I'd be proud to have a reference to The Firing Line under your name...in *very small print*. Nothing should share the limelight with the oratory or the author.
Rich
p.s Someone please email me a formatted copy of Dennis' post. I have an idea.

Coinneach · June 11, 1999, 01:35 PM

Rich,

A copy is on the way.

Like I said in the accompanying email, the reaction from my coworkers has been amazing.

Dennis, you may have written the 20th Century equivalent of the Declaration of Independence. IMNSHO.

**Rich Lucibella** · June 11, 1999, 07:48 PM

Coinneach-
Thanks very much for the prompt response.

Dennis, your essay may now be found in our Library....click on the link at the top of the page. I think it's in pretty good company!
Rich

Dennis · June 11, 1999, 11:03 PM

Again, thanks for the kind comments. Frankly, I was hoping you'd enjoy it, but I'm
a rather overwhelmed at the response.

Here I was worried that the Glocksters would be angry that I left out the "plastic"!

(I DO like my G34, guys!)

The nice folks at the “Texas Concealed Handgun Instructor Association” put it on
their site. If you’re interested in Texas CHL info - they have a bunch! Looks like
they also have a heck of a CHL school out there in Kerrville, Texas. Give ‘em a
look-see at http://www.txchia.org/index.html

Rich, saying that my post is in good company is pushing modesty to an extreme.
Whew! Thank you.

CR’s thread title is what pushed me over the edge. “Stupid to die or go to prison
over pieces of metal and plastic and wood.” That and his comment to the effect
that surrendering probably means losing - permanently.

We on TFL seem to appreciate our heritage. And we know what the Second Amendment is really about - and, Mr. President, it ain’t about duck hunting with a rifle!

Dennis

[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited June 12, 1999).]

boing · June 13, 1999, 03:28 PM

Wow!

Dennis, you've taken the feelings we've all had in our hearts, but couldn't always articulate, and channeled them directly from Spirit into words. It's pure.

In these times, if anything belongs in TFL's library, this is it. Great idea, Rich.

I can't believe I missed this thread for so long. Shame on me!

-boing

Mike in VA · June 14, 1999, 02:11 PM

Allow me to add a belated bravo, Dennis! I won't dabble in hyperbole and I can't add more than what's been said, but that is a fine piece of writting, sir.

Best regards, M2

PS - I put it into MS Word, formatted it and printed it out on nice stock & showed it to my wife and told her it was by the guy I had dinner with in Austin a while back (Best regards to Mrs. B, too). Blew her away. It's on my office wall.

Hal · December 27, 2002, 05:37 AM

BTT

I can't think of a better thread to be at the top of the page for posterity than this one.

AR-10 · December 27, 2002, 07:54 AM

A blast from the past fit for the front page.

Thanks Hal.
Thanks Dennis for such a fine inspirational sentiment.
Thanks to you Rich for creating the vehicle that brought it to us.

BogBabe · December 27, 2002, 08:45 AM

Hal, thanks for bumping this. I had never seen it.

This is definitely worth saving for posterity.

**Mal H** · December 27, 2002, 10:20 AM

Metal and Wood "... worth saving for posterity."

Absolutely! In fact we saved a copy up in the TFL Library; it's been there all along.

Glad you brought this back up Hal. It does deserve a place at the top.

Dennis is the Poet Laureate of TFL. That is only one example of his artistry.

For those who don't know it, there are also some well known TFL personalities in this thread who later changed their user names:
cornered rat is none other than Oleg Volk
Kodiac is George Hill

Schuey2002 · December 27, 2002, 02:32 PM

Wow!

I am absolutely speechless...

Calamity Jane · December 27, 2002, 02:43 PM

I discovered Dennis' incredible essay in the library of TFL about a year ago. And it never fails to awe and stir me.

Thank you, Dennis. Yours are the words of a warrior poet.

December 27, 2002, 08:45 AM	#47
BogBabe Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2001 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 565	Hal, thanks for bumping this. I had never seen it. This is definitely worth saving for posterity. __________________ "We are free not for the collective, not for utility, not for practicality, not for beauty or divinity or dignity or art. We are free because we cannot be otherwise, ever, no matter what. We are free because we cannot be chained by anyone without our consent." --Greg Swann, Let 'em eat steak

December 27, 2002, 02:43 PM	#50
Calamity Jane Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 899	I discovered Dennis' incredible essay in the library of TFL about a year ago. And it never fails to awe and stir me. Thank you, Dennis. Yours are the words of a warrior poet. __________________ CJ “The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

June 9, 1999, 04:58 PM	#26
Daren Thompson Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1998 Location: Elizabethtown,KY,USA Posts: 459	That was good!!!! Good job Dennis!!!! I feel that that would look really good along with FOUP. Is I would pay more money if need be to see that in the USA today alnog with the names from FOUP . What about it guys? Rob is this possible? Mabey cut down the number of names to list this brillent post (with the permission of Dennis of course) I think FOUP needs a new breath added to it and this may be it. Good job!!! Later Daren

June 9, 1999, 06:16 PM	#27
Rob Pincus Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Hotels Posts: 3,668	Thanks for that Dennis, it was truly an excellent piece... I printed it out and have it in a (small) stack of similar gems from the internet. Daren, FOUP is pretty Well established... to include that long of a message with what we already have would almost preclude any names... 'sides we are having a hard enough time comeing up with people willing to pay $50... Can you imagine trying to find 500 willing to pay over a hundred... ------------------ *-Essayons*

June 9, 1999, 07:20 PM	#28
Bruce in West Oz Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 1999 Location: Western Australia Posts: 995	Dennis As a professional writer and editor, I am awed by your piece. Above all else, it rang true. May I have permission to print it out and distribute it to the members of my Rifle Club, please -- with acknowledgement of course. B

June 9, 1999, 07:51 PM	#29
zot Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 1999 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 566	dennis it was beautiful, the problem today is we have a draft dodging, dope smoking, cicar stuffing, LIEING SOB for a president, and I know his actions HAVE influence on the public, maybe his lack of morality is the cause of so much immoral behavior in some kids today? I can't say to my kids,"hey maybe you'll be president someday", I have to try and explain what oral sex is ? and why the president had a cigar in a womens vagina? this **** isn't what americans gave their lifes for in all the wars we've fought, but Bill pisses on the graves of all vets as long as he's in office!!!

June 9, 1999, 08:18 PM	#30
Dennis Staff Emeritus Join Date: November 23, 1998 Location: a small forest in Texas Posts: 7,079	Thanks for your kind words. I got rather wrapped up in it I guess and I greatly appreciate your kindness - more than I can express. As for credit, let's think a minute. I never would have written something like that if it were not for the freedom-loving people of TFL. Here we express ourselves truly among kindred souls. Therefore, if you want to copy or quote it, feel free. But when you put my name on it how about adding something to the effect of: "Taken from The Firing Line" - or something that Rich would suggest or approve? Rich, what do you suggest?

June 10, 1999, 04:38 AM	#31
Trapdoor Billy Member Join Date: October 11, 1998 Location: Bear, DE,USA Posts: 53	Excellent Dennis, what more can i say. ------------------ Trapdoor Billy Indian Scout and Delaware Cowboy

June 10, 1999, 05:41 AM	#32
Bulldog Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 1999 Location: Texas Posts: 564	Rest assured, Dennis, the Cherry tree is not worthy of that one. I was speachless after seeing this one.

June 10, 1999, 06:05 AM	#33
Douglas in CT Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: Beautiful Coastal Connecticut, USA Posts: 104	Wow! Just emailed to my mailing list. Thank YOU! ------------------ Regards, ~Douglas in CT

June 10, 1999, 08:56 AM	#34
Brett Bellmore Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 1999 Location: Capac, MI, USA Posts: 1,927	Dennis: A beautiful essay. Regarding the concentration camps, any of you who think the other side WOULDN'T resort to them, probably hasn't spent much time lurking about the bbs's and chat rooms of the other side. They don't just think gun ownership contributes to crime. They think it's uncivilized. Brutal. They, the ones pushing this agenda, consider us kin to child molesters. And they WILL do whatever it takes to abolish gun ownership, even if they have to destroy the rest of the Bill of Rights in the process, even if they have to institute concentration camps. And they'll feel not a smidgin of guilt about it, because they are, in their own minds, fighting for the very survival of civilization. And WE are the barbarians at the gate! [This message has been edited by Brett Bellmore (edited June 10, 1999).]

June 10, 1999, 08:11 PM	#35
Dennis Staff Emeritus Join Date: November 23, 1998 Location: a small forest in Texas Posts: 7,079	Copy at will. Please add something to the effect. Dennis Bateman on www.thefiringline.com

June 10, 1999, 09:42 PM	#36
Douglas in CT Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: Beautiful Coastal Connecticut, USA Posts: 104	Gave a copy to my wife to read on the train to work this morning. I asked how she liked it after she returned home. She said that the chorus "metal & wood" was a bit laboured and needed something else. "Heck", I said, "I would have be thrilled to have written this myself... if I could have!" ------------------ Regards, ~Douglas in CT

June 11, 1999, 12:38 PM	#37
Dennis Staff Emeritus Join Date: November 23, 1998 Location: a small forest in Texas Posts: 7,079	Douglas, Please tell your wife three things: 1) That's what she gets for reading the work of an amateur! (Big grin!) It might help to explain I was replying to the title of the thread. (That's the only answer I can come up with!) 2) I am open to all suggestions - really. 3) Thank her for me for reading it. Dennis [This message has been edited by Dennis (edited June 11, 1999).]

June 11, 1999, 12:59 PM	#38
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	I thought the "metal and wood" theme was brilliant. It emphasizes that these are inamimate objects. They are only turned into evil objects or necessary tools or implements for sport depending solely on the gray matter, or lack thereof, controlling them.

June 11, 1999, 01:23 PM	#39
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Dennis- I was more moved by this post than I have been by any written piece in a very long time. I didn't respond earlier because I've been basking in the others' reactions. This is a truly inspired work and I'd be proud to have a reference to The Firing Line under your name...in very small print. Nothing should share the limelight with the oratory or the author. Rich p.s Someone please email me a formatted copy of Dennis' post. I have an idea.

June 11, 1999, 01:35 PM	#40
Coinneach Staff Alumnus Join Date: February 23, 1999 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 4,272	Rich, A copy is on the way. Like I said in the accompanying email, the reaction from my coworkers has been amazing. Dennis, you may have written the 20th Century equivalent of the Declaration of Independence. IMNSHO.

June 11, 1999, 07:48 PM	#41
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Coinneach- Thanks very much for the prompt response. Dennis, your essay may now be found in our Library....click on the link at the top of the page. I think it's in pretty good company! Rich

June 11, 1999, 11:03 PM	#42
Dennis Staff Emeritus Join Date: November 23, 1998 Location: a small forest in Texas Posts: 7,079	Again, thanks for the kind comments. Frankly, I was hoping you'd enjoy it, but I'm a rather overwhelmed at the response. Here I was worried that the Glocksters would be angry that I left out the "plastic"! (I DO like my G34, guys!) The nice folks at the “Texas Concealed Handgun Instructor Association” put it on their site. If you’re interested in Texas CHL info - they have a bunch! Looks like they also have a heck of a CHL school out there in Kerrville, Texas. Give ‘em a look-see at http://www.txchia.org/index.html Rich, saying that my post is in good company is pushing modesty to an extreme. Whew! Thank you. CR’s thread title is what pushed me over the edge. “Stupid to die or go to prison over pieces of metal and plastic and wood.” That and his comment to the effect that surrendering probably means losing - permanently. We on TFL seem to appreciate our heritage. And we know what the Second Amendment is really about - and, Mr. President, it ain’t about duck hunting with a rifle! Dennis [This message has been edited by Dennis (edited June 12, 1999).]

June 13, 1999, 03:28 PM	#43
boing Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1998 Location: WNC Posts: 1,072	Wow! Dennis, you've taken the feelings we've all had in our hearts, but couldn't always articulate, and channeled them directly from Spirit into words. It's pure. In these times, if anything belongs in TFL's library, this is it. Great idea, Rich. I can't believe I missed this thread for so long. Shame on me! -boing

June 14, 1999, 02:11 PM	#44
Mike in VA Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 1998 Location: Santa FE, NM Posts: 2,163	Allow me to add a belated bravo, Dennis! I won't dabble in hyperbole and I can't add more than what's been said, but that is a fine piece of writting, sir. Best regards, M2 PS - I put it into MS Word, formatted it and printed it out on nice stock & showed it to my wife and told her it was by the guy I had dinner with in Austin a while back (Best regards to Mrs. B, too). Blew her away. It's on my office wall.

December 27, 2002, 05:37 AM	#45
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,563	BTT I can't think of a better thread to be at the top of the page for posterity than this one.

December 27, 2002, 07:54 AM	#46
AR-10 Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,182	A blast from the past fit for the front page. Thanks Hal. Thanks Dennis for such a fine inspirational sentiment. Thanks to you Rich for creating the vehicle that brought it to us.

December 27, 2002, 10:20 AM	#48
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	Metal and Wood "... worth saving for posterity." Absolutely! In fact we saved a copy up in the TFL Library; it's been there all along. Glad you brought this back up Hal. It does deserve a place at the top. Dennis is the Poet Laureate of TFL. That is only one example of his artistry. For those who don't know it, there are also some well known TFL personalities in this thread who later changed their user names: cornered rat is none other than Oleg Volk Kodiac is George Hill

December 27, 2002, 02:32 PM	#49
Schuey2002 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2002 Posts: 854	Wow! I am absolutely speechless...