Posts Made By: Joe Lentz

I shot a nice 10 pt. buck at about 8:00 this morning with my muzzleloader (no rifle use this far south in MI). First time I've taken a deer on opening day. I'm happy about it of course, but it really shortens my hunting season; normally I expect to spend at least a few days in the woods this time of year. But one deer is all I need, so I'll be sleeping in tomorrow.

You guys really missed the point of the original post. Yes, the subject requires a little serious thought, and at the risk of hurting yourselves, you might have wanted to give it some consideration. This wasn't intended to start a discussion on dietary habits, but rather was an opportunity to stretch your minds a bit.

But some people don't want to stretch their minds, especially when they can act like half-witted-Ted Nugent-wannabees instead. Sadly, I'm beginning to think that PR&P (with some exceptions) all too often functions as sort of a garbage disposal among the forums. At the very least it's increasingly redundant. Too bad.

But judging from the responses in this thread, I reckon some of you will manage to keep yourselves entertained here (with a minimum of inspiration and with the bar close to the ground) for some time to come. Knock yourselves out. My own visits will be less frequent.

Thanks for passing us the update Paul. Sounds like there are going to be some interesting options for the 1026 folks (of which I am one).

Peter Theisinger, the Mars Exploration Rover project manager, says there is a "good" chance that we will get the first pictures from Spirit tonight.

Here's a little more info on the interview:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=584&e=2&u=/nm/20040109/pl_nm/people_oneill_dc

I'm as excited about space programs as anyone here; the present mars program is great! I am, however, concerned about how responsible GWB is being with this new proposal. He wants the credit for announcing a visionary program, yet he won't be the one saddled with paying for it when it becomes the most expensive. This is yet another example of Bush wanting to create an enormous bill to be paid for by others. The days of the GOP being the proponents of smaller, less obtrusive, less expensive government are l-o-n-g gone. This administration has put the final nail in that coffin. That said, I am all for responsible and innovative ways of exploring space.

I agree Ron. Why retire the best scope we've ever had when we don't have anything to replace it with. This makes no sense to me.

>>>>Could this be an indicator of dissatisfaction with Bush's policies?<<<<

Well, I think it is Michael. I don't know what else would account for the high Iowa caucus turnout.

>>>>Is Iowa a precursor to a national motivation of the Dems?<<<<

My belief is that there are a great deal more people who are interested in voting against Bush than there are people who care about primaries and caucuses... sooo.... precursor? I'd say yes.

>>>>The political attack ads will be plentiful, and muddier and stinkier than a pig farm after a Summer thunderstorm<<<<

Well said James. I only hope my sense of humor remains stronger than the smell of the ads.

Great post John. It looks like you've been giving some thought to this subject. I think this observation is right on target:

>>>>The best predictor of what religion a person will adopt is geography.<<<<

With some exceptions, I think it is fair to say that this is an accurate statement. That isn't to say the devout among the various religions would necessarily give it the creedence it deserves, since to do so might require asking potentially uncomfortable questions, such as: How much part is played by mere chance, and how much by divine inspiration? The most useful lessons that can come from this realization though are the value of tolerance among the various religions, and the need for keeping a sense of humor (and humility) about all religions.

Good food for thought John. Looks like a fascinating read. As for your subject heading, "Without music, life would be a mistake". AMEN!!!!!!!!!!

Michael, there is a lot of hate and bitterness in your post, and I'm sorry to see it. It's obvious you have been wronged and that it has left it's mark. But torturing criminals is not worthy of any person or country aspiring to be civilized. If that is done, then we lose our humanity and become that much more like the criminals themselves. Even when capital punishment is imposed, the purpose should be to remove the threat to society, not vengeance.

Now, having said that... if someone (heaven forbid) badly hurt someone in my circle of loved ones, I would want an angry form of justice dispensed, and in the heat of emotion, might care little about how humanely it was carried out. We are complex creatures, composed of intellect and emotion; learning how to balance the two is a constant and complex experience, and one that can be (obviously) be a great challenge. The long running debate about capital punishment is proof of that.

One other thing, I draw a distinct line between crimes of violence and other types of crime. I think lumping them all together, either in debate or in prison, is a huge mistake.