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yallerdawg
yallerdawg's Journal
yallerdawg's Journal
August 27, 2015
Much more at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/08/27/american-exceptionalism-and-the-exceptionally-american-problem-of-mass-shootings/
American exceptionalism and the ‘exceptionally American’ problem of mass shootings
A remarkable indictment of the "American Dream."
Source: Washington Post
By Sarah Kaplan
The United States, according to Lankford’s analysis, is home to just 5 percent of the world’s people but 31 percent of its public mass shooters. Even more stunning, between 1966 and 2012, 62 percent of all school and workplace shooters were American. At 90 mass shooters in less than 50 years, the U.S. has five times as many as the next highest
One explanation is Americans’ high rate of firearm ownership. All five of the countries with the largest number of guns per capita (of which the U.S. is No. 1) ranked among the top 15 countries for public mass shootings, including two countries with reputations for safety, Switzerland and Finland. Many other studies have found a correlation between local gun ownership rates and deaths from shootings.
But that’s not enough to explain why mass shootings happen so much more often here than anywhere else. There are also cultural factors at work, Lankford argues. The things that Americans believe make us exceptional — our emphasis on individualism, our sense of destiny, our wealth-and-fame-based standards for success — also contribute.
The connection begins with something called “strain theory,” developed by sociologist Richard Merton in the 1930s. According to the theory, Lankford says, “deviance occurs because individuals who strive to meet culturally defined goals lack the means to do so.”
One explanation is Americans’ high rate of firearm ownership. All five of the countries with the largest number of guns per capita (of which the U.S. is No. 1) ranked among the top 15 countries for public mass shootings, including two countries with reputations for safety, Switzerland and Finland. Many other studies have found a correlation between local gun ownership rates and deaths from shootings.
But that’s not enough to explain why mass shootings happen so much more often here than anywhere else. There are also cultural factors at work, Lankford argues. The things that Americans believe make us exceptional — our emphasis on individualism, our sense of destiny, our wealth-and-fame-based standards for success — also contribute.
The connection begins with something called “strain theory,” developed by sociologist Richard Merton in the 1930s. According to the theory, Lankford says, “deviance occurs because individuals who strive to meet culturally defined goals lack the means to do so.”
Much more at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/08/27/american-exceptionalism-and-the-exceptionally-american-problem-of-mass-shootings/
August 21, 2015
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3205519/The-Unfaithful-States-America-Ashley-Madison-data-determines-Alabama-far-adulterous-place-West-Virginians-devoted.html#ixzz3jSPYdAqE
We're #1 Again - Most Adulterous State!
We may vote Republican as a state...
...but it sure sounds like there are a lot of potential Democrats down here! 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3205519/The-Unfaithful-States-America-Ashley-Madison-data-determines-Alabama-far-adulterous-place-West-Virginians-devoted.html
The Most Unfaithful States of America: Ashley Madison data determines Alabama is 'by far the most adulterous place in the US', while West Virginians are the most devoted
The personal and intimate information of over 37 million users of cheating website Ashley Madison was leaked online this week.
The data dump of 9.7 gigabytes revealed such details as addresses and emails.
Now a Reddit user has taken that data and, along with Census statistics, used it to compile a list claiming to show the most unfaithful states in the US.
The graph was calculated to show the state that spent the most money on Ashley Madison per capita, down to the least.
Topping the list - by a long shot - was Alabama, followed by Colorado, Washington D.C. and New Jersey.
The personal and intimate information of over 37 million users of cheating website Ashley Madison was leaked online this week.
The data dump of 9.7 gigabytes revealed such details as addresses and emails.
Now a Reddit user has taken that data and, along with Census statistics, used it to compile a list claiming to show the most unfaithful states in the US.
The graph was calculated to show the state that spent the most money on Ashley Madison per capita, down to the least.
Topping the list - by a long shot - was Alabama, followed by Colorado, Washington D.C. and New Jersey.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3205519/The-Unfaithful-States-America-Ashley-Madison-data-determines-Alabama-far-adulterous-place-West-Virginians-devoted.html#ixzz3jSPYdAqE
August 21, 2015
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3167410/Mother-said-shot-unarmed-ex-husband-four-times-self-defense-convicted-25-years-prison-murder.html#ixzz3jPBBqLkS
The judge wouldn't allow the jury to see photos or hear about the ongoing criminal case regarding the victim:
We used to have a legal defense called "Battered Wife Syndrome."
Now known as "Battered Persons Syndrome" as more politically correct terminology.
From wiki - Battered person syndrome:
The highlight in the excerpt above describes exactly what Tracey Grissom describes happened at the dock when she shot her ex-husband. "He had this face..." Probable cause.
The ongoing tragedy of domestic abuse. It goes on and on.
No "Battered Wife Syndrome"? *GRAPHIC*
An update on the ongoing tragic saga of Tracey Grissom.
She remains in Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama, just north of Montgomery. If you are interested, her Facebook page, maintained by her friends, logs a record of her ongoing medical issues and Alabama correctional facility treatment (and what happens there). Tragedy is the proper descriptor.
As recently reported in the "Daily Mail"
REVEALED: How judge withheld these abuse pictures that could have saved mother-of-two from 25-year jail sentence by proving she did NOT shoot dead violent husband in cold blood
By Belinda Robinson For Dailymail.com
Published: 15:55 EST, 19 July 2015 | Updated: 09:26 EST, 10 August 2015
A mother-of-two who was jailed for 25 years after being convicted of murder had vital pictures of her abuse withheld by a judge that she says could have proved that she shot her estranged husband dead in fear of her life and did not murder him.
Tracey Grissom, 32, shot her ex-husband Hunter Grissom four times at the Binion Creek boat landing in Northport, Alabama, in 2012.
But a judge decided not to include the evidence of the brutal domestic abuse that she suffered and she was convicted of murder after eyewitnesses said her ex-husband Hunter was 'running away from her not running toward her'.
By Belinda Robinson For Dailymail.com
Published: 15:55 EST, 19 July 2015 | Updated: 09:26 EST, 10 August 2015
A mother-of-two who was jailed for 25 years after being convicted of murder had vital pictures of her abuse withheld by a judge that she says could have proved that she shot her estranged husband dead in fear of her life and did not murder him.
Tracey Grissom, 32, shot her ex-husband Hunter Grissom four times at the Binion Creek boat landing in Northport, Alabama, in 2012.
But a judge decided not to include the evidence of the brutal domestic abuse that she suffered and she was convicted of murder after eyewitnesses said her ex-husband Hunter was 'running away from her not running toward her'.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3167410/Mother-said-shot-unarmed-ex-husband-four-times-self-defense-convicted-25-years-prison-murder.html#ixzz3jPBBqLkS
The judge wouldn't allow the jury to see photos or hear about the ongoing criminal case regarding the victim:
We used to have a legal defense called "Battered Wife Syndrome."
Now known as "Battered Persons Syndrome" as more politically correct terminology.
From wiki - Battered person syndrome:
Battered person syndrome is a physical and psychological condition of a person who has suffered (usually persistent) emotional, physical, or sexual abuse from another person.[1] It is classified as ICD-9 code 995.81 "Battered person syndrome" not elsewhere classified (NEC).
The condition is the basis for the battered spouse defense that has been used in cases of physically and psychologically abused spouses who have killed their abusers. The condition was first researched extensively by Lenore E. Walker, who used Martin Seligman's learned helplessness theory to explain why abused spouses stayed in destructive relationships.[2]
The condition is the basis for the battered spouse defense that has been used in cases of physically and psychologically abused spouses who have killed their abusers. The condition was first researched extensively by Lenore E. Walker, who used Martin Seligman's learned helplessness theory to explain why abused spouses stayed in destructive relationships.[2]
In recent years BPS has been questioned as a legal defense on several grounds. First, legal changes in many states now make it possible to admit a history of past abuse into evidence. Second, not all battered persons act the same. Third, it pleads pathology when there may in fact be completely rational reasons for the victim's assessment that their life or that of their children was in danger. For example, if life-threatening attacks were preceded by a certain look in the eyes in the past, the victim may have had probable cause for believing that another life-threatening attack was likely to occur. Fourth, it does not provide for the possibility that a person may be abused but have chosen to kill for reasons other than on-going abuse – for example, jealousy or greed. Fifth, it paints survivors of domestic violence exclusively as passive victims rather than resourceful survivors. [12][13][14][15]
The highlight in the excerpt above describes exactly what Tracey Grissom describes happened at the dock when she shot her ex-husband. "He had this face..." Probable cause.
The ongoing tragedy of domestic abuse. It goes on and on.
August 20, 2015
•A male candidate is smart, while Hillary is “calculating, scheming, crafty, manipulative.”
•A male candidate values privacy, while Hillary is “secretive, suspicious, paranoid, uncommunicative.”
•A male candidate takes strong positions, while Hillary is “polarizing, divisive, alienating.”
•A male candidate deserves the benefit of the doubt, while Hillary is “untrustworthy, corrupt, deceitful, dishonest, unethical.”
•A male candidate is an achiever while Hillary is “over-ambitious, will do or say anything to win.”
•A male candidate is diplomatic while Hillary is “inauthentic, disingenuous, fake, unlikable, insincere...”
Much more at #HillaryMen: http://www.hillarymen.com/latest/2016-gender-bias-thesaurus
The 2016 Gender Bias Thesaurus: T is for Testy (Hillary), F is for Firm (Bush)
By Peter Daou and Tom Watson
The 2016 presidential race has been a display of semantic gymnastics, with a dictionary’s worth of adjectives devoted to coverage of Hillary Clinton. These terms (cold, calculating, defiant, testy, secretive, etc.) appear as word clusters in the media – created, transmitted and repeated for maximum persuasion. They are amplified through social channels and rapidly congeal into conventional wisdom.
The mainstream media are prime purveyors of these word clusters, providing a broad-based dissemination platform for reporters, columnists, pundits, politicians, political operatives and insiders, who indoctrinate the public through endless repetition of specific words and storylines.
The mainstream media are prime purveyors of these word clusters, providing a broad-based dissemination platform for reporters, columnists, pundits, politicians, political operatives and insiders, who indoctrinate the public through endless repetition of specific words and storylines.
•A male candidate is smart, while Hillary is “calculating, scheming, crafty, manipulative.”
•A male candidate values privacy, while Hillary is “secretive, suspicious, paranoid, uncommunicative.”
•A male candidate takes strong positions, while Hillary is “polarizing, divisive, alienating.”
•A male candidate deserves the benefit of the doubt, while Hillary is “untrustworthy, corrupt, deceitful, dishonest, unethical.”
•A male candidate is an achiever while Hillary is “over-ambitious, will do or say anything to win.”
•A male candidate is diplomatic while Hillary is “inauthentic, disingenuous, fake, unlikable, insincere...”
Much more at #HillaryMen: http://www.hillarymen.com/latest/2016-gender-bias-thesaurus
August 19, 2015
Of course, you all know Alabama is 2 to 1 Republican to Democrat. That won't change without substantial entries in the obituary columns.
We are going to help deliver a Hillary nomination March 1 - the SEC Primary - and we are going to help give Hillary an easily beaten Trump in November. The easily beaten part will be up to the rest of the country, but y'all can get 'er done, right?
See, Trump is very popular in Alabama as described by political consultant Jon Gray of Strategy Research:
Oh, he's got that right! We rarely think about the words comin' out of our mouths!
Thank you, Jon Gray. Sums it all up in a way I can understand!
Famous "First in Alphabet" polling has started!
Up yours, Iowa and New Hampshire! Should Canadians even be allowed to vote in USA?
I guess if NYC gets too... 
http://wkrg.com/2015/08/12/alabama-republicans-favor-trump-by-wide-margin/
Among Alabama Democrats, Hillary Clinton has an enormous lead over Bernie Sanders, 78-percent to 10-percent.
The Alabama primary is March 1, 2016.
3,500 people statewide responded on August 11 to the telephone poll. It has a margin of error of two-percent.
The Alabama primary is March 1, 2016.
3,500 people statewide responded on August 11 to the telephone poll. It has a margin of error of two-percent.
Of course, you all know Alabama is 2 to 1 Republican to Democrat. That won't change without substantial entries in the obituary columns.
We are going to help deliver a Hillary nomination March 1 - the SEC Primary - and we are going to help give Hillary an easily beaten Trump in November. The easily beaten part will be up to the rest of the country, but y'all can get 'er done, right?
See, Trump is very popular in Alabama as described by political consultant Jon Gray of Strategy Research:
“He says what he wants to say,” said Gray in explaining Trump’s popularity. “He doesn’t worry about who he’s going to offend. He doesn’t worry about the words coming out of his mouth. He’s communicating a message. And in Alabama, that’s historically how people in Alabama have been.”
Oh, he's got that right! We rarely think about the words comin' out of our mouths!
“What Donald Trump brings to the table is his unique flavor. He’s very confident. He’s a celebrity. He’s very comfortable in his own shoes. Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a very famous president Ronald Reagan, all were celebrities who were comfortable with speaking their mind, even if people disagreed with them.”
Gray says the poll shows there is no clear cut top challenger to Trump at this point.
“NASCAR is a great analogy,” said Gray. “They’re all trying to pull out and there’s some drafting behind Donald Trump and they’re waiting for an opportunity. But they’re not on his bumper! They’re a long way away.”
Gray says the poll shows there is no clear cut top challenger to Trump at this point.
“NASCAR is a great analogy,” said Gray. “They’re all trying to pull out and there’s some drafting behind Donald Trump and they’re waiting for an opportunity. But they’re not on his bumper! They’re a long way away.”
Thank you, Jon Gray. Sums it all up in a way I can understand!
August 19, 2015
Still no 2016 State Budget!
This is after the end of the special legislative session which was specifically called to pass a 2016 State Budget!
Gov. Bentley (R) has proposed a variety of targeted tax increases which could fix the budget shortfall of at least $200 million dollars.
The Republicans of the super-majority in both Houses are afraid they will not be reelected if they raise any taxes. The governor will call a final special session in September for the State Legislature to meet its constitutional obligation to submit an annual budget (some legislators are arguing they met the obligation but governor vetoed the draconian government cuts). The voters of this state are notorious for opposing any tax increases. Our legislators will hear from their constituents they oppose tax increases - if they hear anything at all.
There is no organized Alabama Democratic Party to help the cause.
After October 1, the residents of Alabama will likely discover what it means to have virtually no services from their state government, other than essentials like collecting taxes so at least elected state officials will continue to get paid. Since they saved their jobs.
No 'appetite' for taxes? Gov. Bentley says the lack of appetite is for cuts to state services
Some lawmakers believe the solution is to cut the budget by $200 million. Some lawmakers led by state Senate leader Del Marsh, support legalizing gambling and taxiing it to fix the long term problems with the General Fund, a solution that would not solve the problem by Oct. 1.
Marsh has maintained that if the House of Representatives pass a tax package and send it to the Senate it will likely die. Marsh has said repeatedly he does not believe the Senate has an "appetite for tax increases.
Marsh has maintained that if the House of Representatives pass a tax package and send it to the Senate it will likely die. Marsh has said repeatedly he does not believe the Senate has an "appetite for tax increases.
"Do I believe when you go up to people and ask them do you support raising taxes the answer you get is yes? Of course not. What fool is going to say yes?" Bentley said as the audience laughed. "So when I hear people in the Senate say there is no appetite for raising taxes I say of course not."
"But there is an appetite for not closing down hospitals. There is an appetite for making sure children are immunized," Bentley continued. "There is an appetite for making sure we don't fire pediatricians at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. There is an appetite for making sure we have enough troopers on the road."
"But there is an appetite for not closing down hospitals. There is an appetite for making sure children are immunized," Bentley continued. "There is an appetite for making sure we don't fire pediatricians at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. There is an appetite for making sure we have enough troopers on the road."
August 16, 2015
TEBOW!!!
Makin' Chip Kelly look good!
First appearance in uniform on the field playing in front of a crowd in 2 years! Standing O with entrance in 3rd Quarter. Has to quiet crowd for play call on first series. This is first pre-season game!
Starts 4 for 4, couple 1st down passes. Later, one great throw/catch by local favorite!
Play got slow, PA Defense takes back ball multiple times (Tebow effect?) and says, "Try again, Tim!"
Tebow scores! Runs in ball on keeper, diving over corner for official review!
Tebow is back!
August 14, 2015
More good news just for us!
Machinists' union endorses Clinton for president in 2016NEW YORK, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton on Friday won the endorsement of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for the 2016 U.S. presidential election, making it the second national union to give the Democratic front-runner the stamp of approval.
Clinton is trying to win over labor - often a key source of volunteers and funds for Democrats - as part of an effort to build a broad coalition within her party and avoid a potentially damaging, drawn-out primary fight. The winner of the primary contest will face the Republican nominee in the November 2016 election.
Clinton has already won the backing of the American Federation of Teachers.
Clinton has already won the backing of the American Federation of Teachers.
August 13, 2015
Hillary vs. Republican Party on Women's Health Issues
August 12, 2015
Tarantino's "Hateful Eight" Trailer
Looks like epic cinematography and filmmaking!
Still got that 'grindhouse' feel! 
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