Threat v. Wish

You would think that someone who claims to teach English would know the different.  On the other hand, the rest of you are idiots.

threat  THret/ noun noun: threat; plural noun: threats

1. 1.

   a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done.

   "members of her family have received death threats"

   synonyms:

   threatening remark, warning, ultimatum More "Maggie ignored his threats"

   • Law

     a menace of bodily harm, such as may restrain a person's freedom of action.

2. 2.

   a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.

   "hurricane damage poses a major threat to many coastal communities"

Another legal definition is:

ThreatsSpoken or written words tending to intimidate or menace others.

In other words, there needs to be an actual menace and/or ability to carry out the threat.  \but, that's one of the reasons for "get away with murder laws".  Normally, if you make a mistake in law, you can still be found guilty, but the "get away with murder laws" allow for your subjective judgement to carry the day.

Even if it is plainly wrong.

For something to be a threat there needs to be actual menace.  That is a mere threat that does not cause any harm is generally not actionable. When combined with apparently imminent bodily harm, however, a threat is an assault for which the offender might be subject to civil or criminal liability. In most jurisdictions, a plaintiff can recover damages for the intentional infliction of severe mental or emotional suffering caused by threats or unlawful communications.

So, I am going to (menacing statement here) is a threat.

On the other hand, saying something like "I wish", "I would have liked" implies something other than a threat. It is more like a desire or wish.

Does that make sense to you, or do I need to dumb it down further?

I should add that wishing don't necessarily make it so, or I would make the world a much better place.

Adam Lanza Speaks from the Grave

From the Trenches

In audiotape of a call Lanza made to an Oregon collegeradio station obtained by the Daily News that was verified as authentic by an old friend, the madman waves a giant red flag that he is about to explode almost exactly a year before the Sandy Hook massacre.

Adam Lanza has spoken from the grave.  

In an audiotape of a call Lanza made to an Oregon college radio station obtained by The Daily News – and vouched for by two old friends – the madman waved a giant red flag that he was about to explode almost exactly a year before the Sandy Hook massacre.

Using the name Greg and apparently taking pains to disguise his voice, Lanza weighed-in on mass murder by comparing “a teenage mall shooter” to Travis, a chimpanzee who became infamous after ripping the face off a Connecticut woman in 2009.

In doing so, Lanza provided a frightening look not seen thus far into the twisted logic and troubled mind of the 20-year-old killer.

Weinstein's "The Senator's Wife" Takes on the NRA

The Brisbane Times

Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein has revealed plans to expose the National Rifle Association in a new movie starring Meryl Streep, saying "they're going to wish they weren't alive after I'm done with them”.

The Miramax Films and The Weinstein Company co-founder's straight-shooting comments went to air on Howard Stern's popular radio show in the US on Wednesday.

Weinstein has since confirmed to Deadline that the movie will be titled The Senator's Wife. Thewebsite reports that Weinstein will focus on the NRA's behind-the-scenes influence in Washington, which helped defeat a bill that would have secured tighter gun control in the US.

Director Harvey Weinstein. Photo: Getty Images

Weinstein is a known supporter of President Barak Obama, who tried to introduce the legislation following the shooting deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Aurora theatre in 2012.

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Weinstein told Stern the film wouldn't be a documentary but a “big movie like a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, referring to the 1939 classic about one man's impact on a corrupt Washington.

Weinstein revealed his plans when Stern asked if he owned a gun.

“I never want to have a gun… I don't think we need guns in this country, and I hate it, and I think the NRA is a disaster area," Weinstein said.

“I shouldn't say this but I'll tell it to you Howard, I'm going to make a movie with Meryl Streep, and we're going to take this issue head on.”

Weinstein said the movie would do so much damage to gun manufacturers that their stocks would “crash and burn" upon its release.

Alabama Man Shoots Himself Accidentally - No Charges

Local news reports

A Vestavia Hills man has been transported to the hospital following what appears to be an accidental shooting.

At approximately 1 p.m. this afternoon, authorities responded to the 1800 block of Laurel Road in response to a report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they found an adult male suffering from a single gunshot wound.

The man appears to have shot himself accidentally, said Gilham. No other injuries were reported.

Colorado Woman Dead from Self-Inflicted Accidental Shooting

Local news reports

A 25-year-old Fountain woman died Friday after being wounded in what investigators believe was an accidental shooting, Fountain police said.

Police found the woman unconscious in her bedroom at a home in the 8500 block of Link Road.

Police said the gunshot wound appeared to be to her abdomen.

The only other person home was her young child, police said.

She must have been one of the increasing number of lawful FEMALE gun owners we keep hearing about.

The Gun-Rights Legacy

I went to visit my mother in New Jersey for a few days and decided to take the opportunity to de-connect. But, without even trying, in that short time I heard about THREE school shootings and ONE mass shooting. I say without even trying because I only watched Good Morning America each day which concentrates on New York news, so. presumably, only the biggest gun stories from around the country would be covered.

The despicable gun nuts are, of course, responsible for this.  They, who ridiculously claim that more guns are making us safer in spite of growing evidence to the contrary, must reap what they sow.  They, who fight for the loosest possible gun restrictions should be very proud of themselves.

When cops and other responsible people are interviewed about this problem, they always say "the way the country is today," or "the way things are now."

This is the gun-rights legacy.

Good news for our reader from Narnia!

It seems they have shut their immigration loophole.

“That’s right, we’re being ruled by a tyrannical lion and, what’s more, he’s immortal. How do you get your head around that?”

Good thing you have a gun to "Second Amendment" the Lion.

Well, other than he's immortal.