Jude wrote:

Okay, I read some of your *stuff*

TMB:
Scare quotes are more effective.

You're pretty good at picking out the one thing that will ruffle the feathers of anyone daring to write to you. I'd call that a talent but hardly an endearing quality. Are you an island? A rock?

TMB:
No, I'm a tree. A beautiful cherry blossom tree in bloom, gently waving in the breeze to all of the visitors who come to admire me.

Or, if you're just one who goes to great measures to alienate all who wish to challenge your ideas, you've named yourself appropriately.

TMB:
Thanks!

Child care? Would you want someone to care for your children, if you're forced to be away from home to work, who earns $5/hr as *unskilled* labor? (And gets treated as if they're second class citizens.)

TMB:
No, but I don't make payroll decisions for daycares. If the owner of BusyBee Academy couldn't find employees to work for $5/hr, she'd have to raise the wage to attract candidates, and if the candidates she attracted weren't up to par, she might have a hard time convincing parents to send their kids there. Obviously, a significant segment of the population -- both owners of daycares and parents who use them -- do not view daycare workers as worthy of considerably more than minimum wage.

But this is due in large part to the average daycare being little more than a warehouse. How much is shelving your kid for eight hours a day worth? If the school is teaching your child to read Canterbury Tales in Middle English, then it goes without say that the school will cost more and the salaries of the workers will go up accordingly.

A friend works at a daycare attached to a large corporation, and she earns $11/hour plus benefits -- hardly slave wages. If you don't like your job, find another one.

It's a shitty job but a necessary one in this day and age.

TMB:
It's necessary because people have made it so. It's not necessary if you take a radical stance and plan ahead. Save for the future and live within your means. Children don't fall out of the sky.

Stop downgrading it and accept it as an important issue. Teachers provide child care as well as education. They're underpaid, too.

TMB:
The only people who think teachers are underpaid are teachers. In my former school district -- one that consistently hovers closer to the bottom than the top -- teachers earned, on average, $45,000. That was considerable compensation for the mediocre education provided.

Does someone deserve a salary increase simply because they're a warm body filling a position that, in theory, provides great benefit to society?

Not everyone decides to go to work and leave their kids with strangers for the fun of it. Most of them don't want your damn money. Most of them want to do the right thing and be self sufficient. Quit bitching at the people as a whole and go after the money grubbing, income redistributors called our government.

TMB:
The government is staffed with money-grubbing income redistributors because that's what gets votes. Voters -- you know, those people who don't want my damn money -- like politicians who redistribute income. They like property tax cuts for senior citizens. They like tax credits for parents. They like taking money from unemployment funds to support paid parental leave.

If doing the right thing and being self-sufficient played well in Washington, every politician from here to California would promote such a platform. Those men and women in Congress act as our representatives, and if being money grubbing didn't keep them employed, they'd switch tactics.

Waitresses/Waiters? Fine. If you don't want to tip, go to friggin' McDonalds! I'm sure they don't want your smug attitude in their faces, anyway.

TMB:
I don't want their perky attitudes in my face -- and I wouldn't have to, if they weren't forced to be disgustingly chipper in order to earn a few extra bucks. How demeaning is that?

What about that waitress that's two months away from earning her political science degree? You know, the one that someday may end up being the diplomat that brings peace to the middle east? (Okay, I admit, that's a stretch.) But, what about the pimply faced kid in McDonalds who may have screwed up your order (and got grief from someone like you) but later goes on to win the pulitzer for curing AIDS. They don't deserve to be downgraded by your *observations* on what's wrong with the world. They're bitching because at you because your only solution is to go find another job. How dare they ask for respect?

TMB:
If they wanted respect, they wouldn't work in an industry that places so little value on them, they don't even earn $3/hour.

I hate tipping because it places the impetus on the customer, when it should be the establishment paying its employees a decent wage. Tipping is no longer about rewarding excellent service because you're expected to tip no matter how the waiter/waitress performs. We're made to feel guilty that they survive on tips.

Instead of complaining that customers tip too little, why not demand that the restaurant industry treat its employees like employees instead of contractors? Oh, but then, waiters and waitresses wouldn't have the potential to bring home more money in tips than they would from a steady wage.

Have you ever taken anyone under your wing? Personally taken the initiative to teach one person how to be constructive with out getting in their face? We are our brothers keeper. Oh, not their financial suporters but we owe others the benefits of knowledge we've acquired without slapping them in the face with hatred for their shortcomings. What are you personally doing to make things better?

TMB:
What are you doing? A list, please.

While you have some valid points on some issues, you go a little too far when you become a Sanctimonious, Misanthropic Bitch.

TMB:
Yes, and I only go too far when I make comments with which you disagree. I know the routine.

Okay, I'm through spouting off. And I'll bet you're not quite as bitchy in person.

TMB:
I'm even worse. You can't click the back button in real life.

Hi. The way you crush some of the idiots here is absolutely inspiring.

TMB:
That was so sweet. Thank you.

I have respect for anyone who can belittle assholes like that.

TMB:
Stop it. You're embarrassing me.

Although some of your writing here is mildly amusing, overall it's just repulsive.

TMB:
I thought we were having a moment. What changed? Is it me? It is, isn't it?

Having read some of the more disgusting articles, I've come to believe that you're suffering from more than mere anti-sociality. You claim that the world is against you, when really you're against the world. You write articles about how homosexuality is wrong, how deaf people are stupid, and other disturbing topics. How can you consider anyone else to be an asshole when you are stereotypical and prejudice?

TMB:
Oh, God, you're right. Why didn't anyone tell me this before? I've made a fool out of myself for the past six years. The shame I'm feeling now is unbearable.

I always like a good bit of negativity, but not in a discriminative way. Your site would be truly genius if it weren't for stuff like that. I'm not trying to insult you with this e-mail, I just want to make you aware of how you're sounding. You don't sound like a sophisticated scholar ... in fact, you sound more like an ignorant and prejudice asshole.

TMB:
I can change. I mean it. Take me back. I'll get rid of all that discriminative stuff. You're turning me into a new woman.

I have just read your say on child porn. You are obviously highly intelligent, so I was a bit dumb-founded by the ignorance expressed in this piece. While I agree with many of the sentiments you expressed, I find your sympathies to child-porn viewing offenders a little off-putting.

TMB:
What sympathies? Expressing concern at the imbalance in resources spent on prosecuting actual child molesters and tracking down viewers of child porn (such as one defines "child porn") makes me sympathetic to the latter group? I don't want to have afternoon tea with them.

It is common knowledge to those involved in prosecuting child sex offenders that possession of child porn, ie, sexual interest in children, goes hand in hand with paedophilic behaviour.

TMB:
Then, if they've abused a child, prosecute them for that crime.

You say that crusaders should be more worried about "Gramps, or Uncle Mikey" than the harmless fellow wanking off to child porn, but Gramps and Uncle Mikey are are in fact highly likely to be wanking off to child porn themselves when not molesting family members.

TMB:
I hate to repeat myself, but: Then, if they've abused a child, prosecute them for that crime.

The link is proven, and irrefutable.

TMB:
Not all child molesters view child porn, and not everyone who views child porn molests children. Most instances of child sex abuse are mundane and don't involve a Danish sex ring.

And it makes sense if you stop to think about it. Web sites about pets are probably viewed by.. guess who?.. people who have pets!

TMB:
Or they've visited by people who have no pets and have no intention of owning any pets, but think Yorkies are just damn cute dogs.

I've never stuck my hand in a blender, nor have I been decapitated by a helicopter, blown my head off with a shotgun or killed a prostitute, but I have visited Rotten.com on occasion. You can be curious without having any malicious intent. If someone does have malicious intent -- hey, I'm a broken record -- prosecute them for that crime.

And what defines "child porn"? As it stands, there's no distinction between looking at a two-year-old being raped or a naked 17-year-old willingly showing off her goods. Someone who takes great delight in the former, I would hazard to guess, is more likely to engage in legitimate sexual abuse (none of that statuatory rape BS) than someone who thinks perky 16-year-old titties are swell. It's entirely possible that a father who forces himself on his prepubescent daughter could spend less time in prison than a guy who downloaded the entire collection of Red Hot Teens. Who is the bigger threat?

Look, no offence meant. I was really beginning to like you after reading several of your other peices. I happened upon your site by chance (thanks to my inefficient search engine while at work) and I found myself reading your views, many of which mirror my own. You're fiesty, you're a feminist, and you've got amazing energy. Just please be careful you don't unwittingly cause harm with it.

TMB:
That's some power I've got.

There are impressionable people out there who would go away feeling sorry for child porn viewers (and paedophiles) after reading your views. They may then give up fighting to protect children, and you would - in some small but not insignificant way - have aided paedophiles and harmed children.

TMB:
Fighting to protect children is a wonderful, beautiful, noble cause -- if we spent more resources on helping the children in our own backyards. The ones who slip through the cracks of the foster system. The ones whose parents refuse to believe that their brother or sister could possibly harm them. The ones whose abuse has been dismissed over the years because it was at the hands of someone with authority.

Arrests of child porn viewers make it to the front page of newspapers, even though it's a relatively insignificant offense, allowing people to think there IS a real fight to "protect children." We like a good show. It doesn't matter if little is being accomplished.

As a mother I feel quite disappointed. I'm also sure from reading this that you don't have children, or you would possibly have sounded less callous toward them.

TMB:
Because mothers lose all sense of perspective and rationality when they reproduce?

Kind regards, Rachel Lewis (35, journalist, feminist, and mother) Brisbane Australia)

TMB:
What a list of accomplishments. I guess you do know best.

Obviously you have some sort of deep resentment towards men. You may not see it but it's definately there. It's the same type of resentment that ugly fat stupid women have against other good looking or sucessful women. This resentment is usually aimed at women who get jobs that exploit their beauty, and the men who exploit it. Like the girls at hooters, or beauty contestants. But I just laugh at women like you because you will never have a good time like them, no one will ever call you smart or beautiful because the truth is you aren't and you'd rather be bitter than take responsibility for it. Quit wasting everyones time with your selfabsorbed pitying and become a useful part of society, or just get recycled with the trash.

TMB:
I'm not self-absorbed. I'm super absorbing.

Ok first I nor a lot of other people "...expect the world"!

TMB:
No, they only want their half.

Second child care and restaurant business is NOT "...unskilled labor"!

TMB:
Anyone can take care of children. Anyone can wait tables. Walk into a daycare or restaurant, fill out an application, and you'll soon find yourself newly employed, unless you're heavily tattooed or bear the marks of a life of hardcore drug use. There's no shame in being unskilled labor, Summer, but don't delude yourself into thinking the work you do requires anything more than the bare essentials of mobility, and with the ADA, even that's optional.

Who is going to watch your little "Jane" when you choose to go to work?

TMB:
The same people who cared for me: family. What a strange concept in this individualistic, I-don't-need-no-man-or-mama society.

Even if it is going into an office or choosing to work at home. Do you have any children?

TMB:
None that I can legally admit to.

If so you KNOW how hard it is! If not you will see.

TMB:
So hard, teenagers can do it. And do it well, if you ask them.

You will want at least one-two days off by yourself or with your spouse. So who is going to watch Jane?

TMB:
Don't you people talk to your family members?

You don't want some crack head off the streets to care for your daughter for two or more hours while you get "...watered down rum and coke". You would want some one who is trained and skilled and know what they are doing.

TMB:
Given that anyone past puberty can bring a new life into the world and care for it without too much interference from child services, what kind of special skills and training do you have that the average parent doesn't? Feed them. Wipe their asses. And stop them from biting the other kids. It's not actuarial science.

I agree with you that if I wanted more money I could go to school (which I have) or find a better paying job. But don't call it "unskilled labor"!!!

TMB:
Even if it is?

Because people, such as myself, have to deal with different kinds of children--screaming, quiet, rude, children with sicknesses, etc. etc. etc.

TMB:
You have to? There's a gun to your head? You made the choice to expose yourself to a wide range of children in order to earn a living. If you find it that stressful and unfulfilling, get a job at Macy's.

Eventually when you have children (if you ever do) YOU will be grateful for the people (like myself) who will watch your singing daughters (who act like little boys because their mom told them they could!) for the little $5.00 an hour price!

TMB:
If your bitterness and resentment are representative of the pool of child care workers, I don't see why I would be grateful. I can be just as bitter and resentful, and it'll cost me nothing.

And if you're insulted that you earn as little as minimum wage for the horror of caring for children with distinct personalities and needs, consider that people will pay significantly more an hour for legal or accounting services. You earn what people think your services are worth. This isn't Mother Russia.

Those child care providers will be smiling and happy the whole time--because we love children no matter what "problems" they have!

TMB:
That's not the impression I'm getting.

And one question... You must come from a very wealthy family or you have a lot of money don't you?

TMB:
Oh, yes, I'm rolling in it. I can't wait for summer, so I can drive my new Hummer to the house Mother and Father are having built in the Hamptons. And maybe they'll help me buy the two-bedroom apartment next to mine, so that I can use it for storage. All of that stuff I bought during my last trip to Europe -- I just don't know where to keep it all!

The reason I ask is because you obvious don't have a job outside of your computer!

TMB:
This from the girl who took the time to read an article, become enraged by it and send an unsolicited response. I guess caring for kids isn't that time consuming.

You're still around?

TMB:
You're writing to me.

You're kidding me?

TMB:
I don't kid.

I haven't perused your page, and I don't plan on perusing your page. When someone offers such stupid, uneducated opinions as "child porn is ok" I have no need to peruse their page.

TMB:
Maybe if you perused it just a little bit, you'd know I never said that child porn is okay. But then, that would take away your righteous indignation, and it's so darn cute.

As far as your change of domain name I liked it better when you were at "bitch.shutdown.com" which easily lends itself to "bitch.shutup.com" and "bitch.sitdown.com" which is what you should do if you're going to offer asinine, and harmful, opinions like the one above.

TMB:
For someone who won't peruse my site, you seem to know a lot about it. It's like picking at a scab, isn't it?

Hmm, before I proceed, I must say, I am amazed at how much intelligence is wasted on ignorant individuals like you.

TMB:
Intelligence is wasted only on those with whom you don't agree. Hey, I guess I did learn something in that philosophy class.

There is no doubt you are as smart as you portrayed yourself to be. Why not apply what you have up in ur head to something positive?

TMB:
I thought bringing attention to the the Deaf world was something positive? How many people would have gone through life blissfully ignorant of a culture built around ears that don't function if it weren't for my article?

"Deaf As I Wanna Be"? What was your point? I am Black AND Deaf.

TMB:
Are you a Lesbian? God, I hope so. I've never met a Black, Deaf Lesbian before. All of those capital-letter identifiers would make my day.

How beneficial is it for you to apply the lifestyles of the Deaf people around where you live at to all the others?? I mean, come on. Do you tend to subject Deaf individuals with retardation?? "Deaf people, as I come to learn, are largely undereducated and underemployed because they avoid the evil hearing World in favor of the warm womb of militant Deafism." Who came up with that theory? Definitely not Einstein!

TMB:
In fact, it was Einstein. Look at how much you're missing out on by attending Deaf schools.

Any intelligent individual, Deaf or hearing, would know no such theory exist as an explanation for such thing like this. Take it from me, we do avoid the the evil Hearing world. How can we avoid them if its the majority? The world consists of the hearing people. Despite what you think, Hearing people portray a part in our lives. An important part, I think. For an instance, I am Deaf and I come from a hearing family. They are family, why would I avoid them? They are not as evil as u think they are.

TMB:
Impressive. You brought on a headache in fewer than ten seconds.

We boom our music loud enough in effort to deafen the rest of you? Come on, think of a better theory than that. You really believe that? Hearing people do blast their musics loud, too. So does that mean they are making an effort to deafen the rest of you guys?

TMB:
Maybe they're just reaching out to their Deaf brethren. Grab that extended hand, NuBaGoddess. Bridge the cultural divide.

"All of the kids, their parents and relatives attended Deaf schools that instilled Deaf pride in their Deaf culture..." Sound of Buzzer! All?!

TMB:
It's funny. You don't know what the sound of a buzzer is, so you have to write "sound of buzzer" instead of "bzzzt." You're so handicapped.

As I said once again, I am Deaf and I hail from Hearing family. I am the first Deaf generation of the family. None of them went to Deaf schools. And there are thousands other Deaf children, like me, hailing from hearing families. 95 percent of Deaf children were born to hearing families. Didnt you know that? I didnt think so. You obviously didnt do your research and you got the audacity to sit there and fill our heads with non- proven theories like this.

TMB:
I don't think what I wrote means what you think it does.

"The average culturally Deaf high school graduate- a high school graduation being around teh age of 21- reads at a third-or fourth grade level." Are you sure?? Again, you obviously didnt do your research. I, for one graduated, at 19 and my reading level was definitely not at the third or fourth grade level.

TMB:
'Round these parts, people who graduate after the age of 18 are called "slow."

I have a reading and writing level thats way beyond the College level.

TMB:
Given the state of today's educational system, you're probably right. You Deaf people are bringing everyone down.

And thats not conceit. Its a fact.

TMB:
Its a fact, a fact it is, indeed.

And I can say that there are millions more like me who graduated at 19, some 18, some 17.. some even 16 and their reading levels is somewhat above the normal college reading level. Again, you didnt know that, did you?

TMB:
Where are you hiding all of these wonderfully intelligent and literate Deaf people?

"Gallaudet University is the premiere institution for deaf studies in the world. It is where the Deaf go to be Deaf in peace. It stands alone as the bastion of higher education for those who can't explain the minute musical differences between Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears. Yet, its four-year graduation is five percent, and after six years of continuous studies, only 26 percent of students manage to walk away with a degree."

I am currently a sophomore at Gallaudet. I can speak for myself and the students at Gallaudet when I say this- you are wrong. We do not go there to be Deaf in peace. We go there for the same reasons students around the world go to other universities- earn educational benefits, and apply what we learn to the real world when we get out. Are you sure just because we are Deaf, we cant tell the difference of musical styles, or whatever between Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears? There are some who may not acknowledge the difference.

TMB:
Britney is way cuter.

There are others who are capable of doing so. Yet, you got the nerve to stereotype several Deaf students at Gallaudet's inability to recognize the difference between the two with all the others?. 5 percent?! Its four year graduation is five percent?!?! 6 years of continuous studies?! Only 26 percent of students manage to walk away with a degree?!?!?! Where did u get those bogus statistics from?!

TMB:
Um, Gallaudet University. Does the name ring a bell? In its defense, the university now claims a 42% graduation rate within eight years. Go, Gallaudet!

You obviously asked the wrong people. Or you came up with those statistics yourself, providing the facts of how hateful you are towards people like me.

TMB:
You've got me. Did you know that 73% of Deaf people have a third nipple? And that 51% worship Satan?

Your article just tells me what you really think of us Deaf people- we are stupid, immature, angry and contradicting.

TMB:
And smelly.

Have you ever met any one of us that are the total opposite of these terms? I think not. Because if you did, you wouldnt have had the nerve to type up this article.

TMB:
I'm waiting.

Let me tell you something- Until you are Deaf or culturally comprehend the inside of Deaf culture or have concrete proofs of ur allegations, you do not have the audacity to sit there and tell us how stupid we are, how we cant read and write, how we are trying to hide from the evil of the Hearing world. Here's a suggestion- why dont you try and explore the Deaf culture with open mindeness?

TMB:
Because open-minded exploration occurs only when my conclusions match yours?

Because I guarantee you, you will find the things you say were definitely inaccurate. There are so many like me who will gladly prove you wrong, effortlessly. It would be like placing u in front of a firing squad. Us against you.

TMB:
Once a bunch of you get going, is there much of a draft?

Our facts coming out of our heads faster and stronger than thebullets itself. The only difference with actually putting u in front of a real firing squad and us, is you will be able to live with a chance to retreat back to ur ignorant statements and learn from them.

TMB:
If a tree falls in a forest and only Deaf people are around to hear it, does it make a sound?

-Deaf and Proud of it!

TMB:
Did you stick a sharp object in your ears and twist it until you lost your hearing? Then, why are you proud of something with which nature cursed you?

Several more things- You are a hypocrite by saying we avoid the Hearing world. Dont you think you are avoiding facing the world with your name and ur face?

TMB:
No. I'm smart.

If you have those kind of thoughts and feelings, why not get behind this stupid name and tell us who u are and why the hell you are expressing that much anger with different issues?

TMB:
Because there's too much porn on the Internet. Someone has to class it up a bit.

Ken Glickman.. you dont find him amusing, huh? Maybe its because you do not understand him.

TMB:
I don't. I'm not Deaf, remember? It's like asking me to understand Cedric the Entertainer.

No need for me to elaborate on it, because you do know what I am talking about. Try learning sign language.

TMB:
Try learning lip reading.

What's wrong with you?

TMB:
Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Why is it that being negative is COOL and IN?

TMB:
Ask Entertainment Weekly. They made the announcement.

Why can't people be more positive?

TMB:
Because we're in desperate need of someone like you to guide us.

Look at the fucked-up world that we live in.

TMB:
That's not too positive. How can you be a spokesperson for the positivity movement with an attitude like that?

Do we really need more people like you, Ms."Boo-hoo-hoo, the world sucks, I'm going to be a negative bitch, and rant and rave about how the world is today like I'm some 75-year-old war veteran who been through it all".

TMB:
No, but we don't need you, either. Prepare the razor.

You need to wake the FUCK up and stop acting so old and sad, and act like you're in your 20s and not 75. Have a Happy New Year!!

TMB:
Oh, act like I'm in my 20s. Okay. "I hooked up with 10 guys last week because it shows how empowered I am, like Trishelle and Brynn from 'The Real World'! I use THEM, they don't use ME!" Is that better?

hey, there bitch, I've read some of your "essays" and i share some thoughts with you, but why everything is negative to you, you complain to much, motherfucker.

TMB:
I take it cursing was the topic of last week's English lesson?

Does writing all that shit makes you feel better? I know everybody has freedom of speech but your talk is getting to repetitive and really boring and dull.

TMB:
I'm sorry, motherfucker. What should I fucking write about that's not so goddamn boring and dull? How about those fucking douchebags in Venezuela or those fucked-up assholes in the Ivory Coast?

You are like everybody else in this world , even luckier, you have two eyes , two arms, a hairy pussy, a brain to think, why don't you go outside, instead being one of those internet cyber-nerds,

TMB:
Unless you're sending this e-mail through telepathic channels, you might want to look in a mirror.

you can be anything you want and if you had chosen sitting in front of a screen most of your time a nd let the world pass by, i tell you i wouldn't like to meete somebody like you ( mybe only to say hello and fuck off)

TMB:
You should tell your English teacher that you need to expand your vocabulary, fuckhead.

You should try living in a "third-world" country where nothing changes, absolutely anything.

TMB:
I'm from Jersey City. I already lived in a third-world country.

Anyway, try chilling out, go out and get trashed with your friends cuz you're turning in a Daria-wannabe, get a pet, a dog would be great for you.

TMB:
Did Daria just premiere in Peru? Because the insult is about four years too late.

Adios, In Bloom, Lima-Peru, 15/12/02

TMB:
There's no 15th month, stupid.

chill out, fucker, not everything is fucked up

TMB:
You could teach Karyn a few things with that pottymouth of yours.

Simple (I guess it's simple) question: would you ever date ablack man or adopt a black child?

TMB:
If I don't want to give birth to a white child, why would I spend money to adopt a black one? I don't want to braid nappy hair or apply lotion to ashy legs.

And, no, I wouldn't date a black man. Let the sisters have their share. There are so few good black men to go around.

Also, what is the most ethnic man you have ever been with?

TMB:
A Mongolian Jew of Swedish-Mauritanian-Filipino extract who grew up in Honduras. What wild times we had.

fuckin hell - you replied to my pretentious fuck-twaddle bait pretty quickly - obviously not as busy as you claim 2 be, ducks!

TMB:
Oh ... no ... it was pretentious fuck-twaddle bait? I fell into your trap. I can't believe I didn't pick up on it. In this quest to entertain people, I allowed myself to be bamboozled. Stupid, stupid me. I hang my head in shame.

i'm so proud to be on stupid people already, and after only writing to you the once - i thought it would take ages. I even got a complete stranger (called 'whydontyouallgetalife' or somethin equally ironic) sending me an instant mssg to inform me that I'd been completely ripped apart by your good self. fuck, i feel like a demi-god!

TMB:
You should. You tricked The Misanthropic Bitch. You reeled me in, hook, line and sinker.

Cheers, Bitch (is it alright if i call you Bitch? - y'know, shorten it a little - I feel as if we have a special bond already! XxXxXx)

TMB:
You should just call me Punch, for I am a fool.

oh yeh, and i don't have any little babies, it's just that was virtually the only bit of your site I read before mailing you (ahh - the enthusiasm, you see!) Oh, and I vaguely remember seeing some pro-abortion shit (a bit late coming in with that one aren't you - say by about 40 yrs?) and something about you hating your government, which is why i had you down as a left-winger. God I love self-justification. I could put the world to rights.

TMB:
Oh, you could. Would you like to take over my site?

Oh yeh, and the pizza was amazing - i just had to tell you. Right now I'm having tea and buscuits like one of these dodgy European types. Heh heh.

TMB:
Tea and buscuits? That's so sophisticated. You really need to start writing for me.

p.s. Sure that instant mssg wasn't from you? Didn't want me to admire your, um, handy work, perchance?

TMB:
You've got me. Nothing gets past you.

p.p.s. PLEASE PLEASE PLLLEEEASE put this one up aswell. I'll do anything: your gardening, your ringpiece, ANYTHING! Oh, the throes of fame...

TMB:
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, um, something something.

Now I'm not saying that I am more clever or intuitive than you are, but in your essay about the infantilization of the American youth I had mixed feelings. You bring up good points about people being offended and editors playing God, yet I guess I really don't like that you leave a lot out of your gun argument. I know we've had it pounded into our heads from birth that it is our God-given right to own a gun and that the second Ammendment says so but I think you don't realise that the right to bear arms is not meant for every alcoholic child abuser to own a firearm for self protection.

TMB:
Burn, strawman, burn.

It is clearly in reference to a time when another country could invade America with guns and it allowed everyone to have a gun to protect themselves from that.

TMB:
It was as much to protect us from our own rulers, which doesn't seem like such a bad idea, recent events considered. It's hard for a citizenry to revolt if all they have are pitchforks.

We've grown up as a nation (or so the optomist in me wants to believe) and gun liberties are taken to the extreme. It's cute to think that eliminating hate and the like would limit murders but if guns were limited what would people kill with?

TMB:
Boxcutters. Airplanes. Bombs. Strychnine. Automobiles. Swords. I'm just thinking out loud here.

It would be a hell of a lot harder to mass murder 20 people with a butchers knife than with a semi-automatic weapon designed specifically for the purpose of killing many people at once.

TMB:
It's not a knife-and-gun world, kid. Anyone with an Internet connection knows that.

It's lovely to believe that guns can be used constructively as mainstream Christian media has taken to heart, but it's totally unexceptable to say that the items used to kill people everyday should not be so freely thrown around.

TMB:
Bowling for Columbine is fiction. Like Nightmare on Elm Street and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Guns are not freely thrown around, unless you've been hanging out in Camden. Legally purchasing a gun in New Jersey isn't as easy as buying Lunchables for your kids. If I wanted a gun quickly, I'd have to buy one illegally, which is what people called "criminals" do. The Constitution doesn't cover the right to illegally bear arms, and there's nothing in the Constitution that stipulates the government cannot spell out who can own firearms, under what conditions they can purchase firearms and what kind of charges can be laid upon people who don't follow the law.

There's nothing wrong with regulating access to guns, but this constant focus on the availability of guns overlooks the reasons why some people commit criminal acts and why certain people appear prone to this behavior. You can remove the means, but you haven't addressed why someone is pushed to the end.

Providing jack-off material for white misogynists since 1997.

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