archenemy

Population decline would be the result of violence and war, would it not? Just kidding. Where can I go to find out more about the pop growth rates around the world and the breakdowns of immigration vs. organic growth?

I agree that the developed world population is important to control. But I understand that we are already not reproducing fast enough to even replace ourselves. Didn't the US growth mostly occur as a result of immigration?

Yes, that is why I used the example.

Maybe because the parent is the one who would be making the choice, not the individual? That's like the choice about what gender to give birth to--something is just a little off about it.

that's an interesting question. I didn't think of that.

Especially during a leap year. I think the winter conditions makes more sense than anything else. Why was that not adopted in No Amer?

Agreed, it is certainly not a new arguement in ethics. But the human behavior I am supportive of is the one that says homosexuality is not a disease to be cured.

Do I hear $90

Good. That disgusting psuedoscientific bullshit should be discouraged. Unacceptable.

I like your thoughts--thanks for posting them. I think that the recent wars in the middle east are not all only for oil, but also for religion and ideology. I think Iraq was not the only progressive nation--Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are a couple of obvious candidates for that title as well. Some of the smaller nations in the area were (and are) also progressive. My hat is off to you for supporting your beliefs so strongly.

please share w/ me any secrets you discover... Why, do you have kids? 2 - had a significantly harder time getting out last year, in part b/c my son was so young - the year before though when it was just my daugher was wild fun though so i'm hopeful it'll get better soon RuMR seems to have succeeded in the kids/climbing venture.

Ballroom.

I don't understand why folks consider the fact that Gore isn't a scientist a negative for this information. Most of us are not scientists. Most of us don't understand the scientific jargon used in science based journals. That's why it's helpful when a non-scientist who has spent years understanding the science and spent years finding a way to present the information to other non-scientists is such a positive thing. His presentation is undeniably moving and educational. His passion for his convictions helps his presentation; it is too bad some folks downgrade his heartfelt belief (resulting from his intensive investigation) as simply "slanted information".

kevbone puts the "tard" in mustard.

mustard.

Yeah, but yer funny.

Good point.

My guess is you can't admit when you're wrong. We were talking about Sadam being put to death - i.e. capital punishment. But you can keep moving the goal posts if it makes you feel better about all this nonsense. Did you really forget this quote/question? All these other options that everyone who is soooo smart talks about--where are they in use? Where are all the smart people living happily without any violence (including the threat of violence) in their culture? If that works so well, why aren't we all doing it? And I can certainly admit I am wrong. I am wrong in thinking that we were discussing something important--our views toward violence. You labeled it as "nonsense"; so I guess I am wrong. My bad.

Scandinavia, Holland, Britain - many European countries have outlawed capital punishment and yet the violent crime rates have not gone up and in fact are lower than what we see here in the US. There are other systems and they work. Furthermore, subsequent decreases in violence cannot be attributed to this change in policy. Most often, decreases in violent crimes (I mention these because they are most often the common capital crimes)are attributed to increases in economic and political security. You asked for an example and I gave you one. I didn't argue about cause and effect. Face it - there are other models of criminal justice that work and that do not involve capital punishment. End of story. My guess is that you may jump to conclusions a little quickly. I believe the example was for other options to violence. Capital punishment is not the only form of violence. Scandinavia came into being by birthing itself in one of the most violent campaigns the world has seen. Your example does not match the request in the least.

Scandinavia, Holland, Britain - many European countries have outlawed capital punishment and yet the violent crime rates have not gone up and in fact are lower than what we see here in the US. There are other systems and they work. Do a little homework before throwing your hand up in and saying "Earth is violent, we need to kill the killers." Here in the US, you are MUCH more likely to be put to death for killing a white man than a black man - what does that tell you? There are also several well documented cases of people being exonerated for crimes after their executions. Is that really the system of criminal justice you want to defend to fulfill a need for revenge? If homework is learning about history, you may wish to read a little about Scandinavia honey. First of all, a number of the countries in Europe only outlawed capital punishment because it was required in order to become a member of the EU. It was not because they suddenly became enlightened. Furthermore, subsequent decreases in violence cannot be attributed to this change in policy. Most often, decreases in violent crimes (I mention these because they are most often the common capital crimes)are attributed to increases in economic and political security. Countries in the EU enjoyed this increase--as far as I have heard. I lived there before the EU was around, so that part I can't speak from first hand knowledge. What I can say from first hand knowledge is that even though Scandinavia has a brutal violent history, they have been pretty calm and safe during my lifetime--even before outlawing capital punishment. As for black and white crime: that is a different discussion altogether. That is not an issue here, I believe. And as for your statement that I am defending the system; you have deeply misinterpreted my intentions here.

590 RPL lovely.

Well said.

Yes, especially if it's filmed and posted on youtube.

Woo hoo! I just got me a Sage this year!!! A thing of beauty, I love it and would take it with me everywhere if I could just so I could look at it when I wanted to. Truly wonderful. The action is so different from my other rods that it is taking me a bit to get used to it, but I love it. Did I mention that I love my Sage?

Ah ha!