Right wing internet tactics.

This is from the film "(Astro)Turf Wars".  It shows a training session for how to sabotage the dialogue and "control the debate".

But one of the first lessons in anti-propaganda tactics is to learn how people practise it and be able to spot it.  Then, you can say "that is propaganda and not really worth paying attention to".  Additionally, you can use critical thinking skills to spot the flaws in their arguments.

In this case, the trick is called "stacking the deck" or "card staking" where one emphasises on argument while eliminating another.

But, the next time you see a book with polarised reviews, you can be aware that it has probably been hit by this tactic.

The film is worth watching.

Re: study showing increased theft of cars with NRA stickers?

While most of you might not believe it, I actually have a pretty good reputation for research and knowledge of this topic. In regard to that I received the following question from Baldr Odinson:

Some time ago, I remember seeing a study that showed that cars with NRA or gun stickers were more likely to be robbed.

Do you know about this study or where I can find it?

My Response:

Yeah, I did a couple of google searches and it seems there is a problem, but whether it has anything to do with proudly announcing
 gun ownership is another matter.

There is this statement:
http://www.nssa-nsca.org/index.php/2012/01/nsc-response-to-rumors-about-gun-thefts/

As with anything the gun lobby says, I wouldn't buy it.  My guess is that there is a problem.

But, there is also a problem with "stolen" guns from what I was told when I asked ATF about that topic.  The BATFE agent I worked with at USAO-DC said that most traffickers will say the guns were stolen when asked.

The bottom line is that until there is some real accurate information out there, the debate will never really reflect the reality for either side.

In other words, at this point there is nothing more than anecdotal evidence there may be a problem with having your car broken into if you parade your "pro-gun" stance.  I would also toss in that most "crime guns" are allegedly stolen per the above conversation with BATFE.   Also, there was more proof that guns in the home were detrimental to family safety, which was why federal gun violence research funding was ended.

Personally,I do not believe a firearm is the best choice, or even a realistic option, for any form of defence.

Now, if you want to re-enact D-Day...

OK, I know it might scare the shit out of the locals, but this would be the perfect place to reenact D-Day. I mean if you want to keep your living history "real", then do it somewhere realistic instead of someplace on lake Erie.

I heard it on the Internet...

Yeah, yeah.  I don't really like memes, but this is pretty good for those who lack critical thinking skills.

Should I trust some bozo on the internet whose qualifications I don't know?
Or should I trust someone whose knowledge I trust

Better yet, why should I believe something that I have fact checked and found to be wrong?

That's not intellectually honest.

Why having a gun won't help in an active shooter incident

From Tom Diaz who says:

This video uses examples to illustrate why in most cases, "good guys with guns" are not going to save lives...they are going to take them. Yes, there are always a few contrary examples, but by and large, most ordinary people are going to freeze, react so badly they get shot themselves without affecting the outcome, or shoot the wrong person.

This video is not aimed at changing the mind of people who won't face facts. That's hopeless. It's intended to educate activists and to confirm the instincts of most ordinary Americans that more guns is a bad idea.

Texting during a mass shooting

You should be proud at the level of carnage in the US since that it how your "Second Amendment Right" is expressed (mine would be that you all get to do drill and spend time on a military base).  Anyway, someone said the number of school shootings is around 35, but that is only what gets reported in the news.

BTW, I know people text their families and friends during active shooter incidents, but that as this points out--that doesn't fit your idea of how these incidents go down.

Quote of the day.

"The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence."

- Charles Bukowski