[Shadow]

Sometimes I think people are getting complacent, or too intimidated to fight back. We're fast becoming a nation of sheep, afraid to stand up for our rights, etc. I think 911 had a lot to do with this, it's really warped our thinking, IMHO.

Hey Doc, thanks for the response and thanks for hanging around

I think you hit the nail on the head with the above observation The comment has been attributed to Ben Franklin, that he who is willing to give up freedom for safety, deserves neither (paraphrased).

I couldn't agree more.

We got smacked pretty bad on September 11th. We let our arrogance and impunity, not to mention our unwillingness to share information amongst the plethora of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, get the best of us and the result was horrendous

But instead of getting our act together and striking back with everything we had, concentrating our intelligence and combative resources on a specific goal and target (still elusive I might add), and knocking thier proverbial dicks in the dirt, we instead allowed our goverment enact policies and take special license with our country. We let them regulate and pass legislation that would under normal circumstances, never have been accepted by the American public We did exactly what you said, we became "sheep" and were willing to give up some freedoms, not necessarily rights, but freedoms, in the name of safety and security. The fact is, we're likely no more safe and secure today than we were then.

The key to safety is good, accurate intelligence gathering, understanding and dissemination It's better, but we still have a long way to go

All the physical security in the world, will not necessarily stop a dedicated terr. It may deter them, but in the end, probably not stop them until we understand what we're dealing with.

You might notice that whenever our government wants to infringe upon the American taxpayer or impose another restriction on our customary (notice I did not say "Constitutional") freedoms, and any time they want to pass another tax that might otherwise be frowned upon, they do so under the guise of "Homeland Security."

When you tug on the taxpayers heartstrings, be it by use of the military, law enforcement, teachers, or general safety and security, you in turn, open the purse strings by doing so.

I've even noticed my own Sheriff's Office, with vehicles from the marine enforcement unit, marked with the words "HOMELAND SECURITY" WTF? Used to be that SHERIFF's OFFICE was sufficient:??

Oh well, the point I'm trying to make is, we as citizens need to keep a more keen eye on our elected officials, and when they become too cocky or rediculous in thier actions and vote, get rid of them

Well, I'm beginning to ramble a bit too much.

Yeah, like I don't

Enjoy talking with you guys, and this forum, I must say, has a much more "warm and fuzzy" feel to it than, for example, Corvetteforum, which, as I'm sure most of you have noticed, as soon as there's a hint of disagreement, the little Richard Cranium mods jump in and lock the thread. I don't bother posting on there anymore, as I feel this forum allows a lot more latitude, as in, freedom of speech.

Every place is different.

I guess we're lucky here that as a smaller forum dedicated to both the Vette and the Floridian, we have a more "family" feel. We have our momments and people have left over disagrements, but in the end, those who stick it out, even if we don't always agree, are treated like 'kin(ok, maybe the bastitch stepchild)) Ever seen a family that agreed on everything? BORING!

We try to give more latitude here than most places simply because that's the way the site owner/administrator wants it.

We try, if necessary, to debate rather than argue. Arguing doesn't solve much in the long run.

I'm on some other major forums and I understand the attitudes you mention. Some people just don't handle a litte "authority" well But they are what they are and I'm not going to put them down for it. It's the way they want to run thier show. They'll just have to do it without me (like I'd really be missed).

Well, y'all have a great weekend. Stay safe, and in the immortal words of Ahhnold S. "I'll be back!"

Well we certainly hope so! It's good having you input here.

As you can see, I'm stuck tied to this computer (taking a break between work cycles to post) and the best I can do to enjoy the day is open the freakin' window and crank up som Jimmy Buffett...but you can bet that's happening

Take care of yourself and have a great weeknd