The Rite Two Bare Arms

I am not a gun owner. As a teenager, I fired a .22 caliber rifle a few times and it didn't make me giddy in the least. In fact, though I only shot at a few crows and stationary targets, I found the whole exercise a bit discombobulating. I realized at a young age that guns are dangerous and, placed in the wrong hands (people with evil motives or anyone in a foul mood), could easily become implements of death and destruction.

Of course, I realize I'm in the vast minority. Most families have at least one gun and some people own personal arsenals. Any suggestion from folks of my ilk that the world would be better off if we rounded up all the guns in private hands -- and melted 'em down -- is met with cries of "It's my damn constitutional right!"

Technically speaking, this assertion isn't altogether true. The U.S. Constitution only guarantees the right to "bear arms". "Arms" are weapons and a gun is only one of many arms.

We already have a few laws in place that limit what types of armament a private citizen can own or possess. The average person is forbidden from owning/possessing tanks, flamethrowers, land mines, cruise missile, nuclear weapons and a few specific types of guns.

With this in mind, why not outlaw the private ownership of all guns? Remove them from all the Wal-Marts of the world!

To stay in line with our constitution, we'd allow citizens the right to own/possess knives, billy clubs and bows 'n arrows, to name a few. If nothing else, I bet it would greatly reduce our murder rate!

Ever heard of a drive-by knifing?

Falling Down

I've discovered something about myself. I should never attempt to get on AND ride a bicycle at the same time! I attempted this feat today with disastrous results -- I fell off my bike.

I'm certain that almost everyone who has ridden a bicycle (or attempted to) has fallen at some point. Back in my youth, I accomplished this act several times. The main difference between then and now is that my body is far older (50 years and counting) and it doesn't take to falling down as well.

But don't despair! After I picked myself up off the ground, I did something I've never done before. I rode my bicycle from Raymond to South Bend (about 5 miles). There's a lovely bike path that follows the Willapa River and, the pain notwithstanding, I enjoyed the ride immensely.

Of course, I'm now reaping the "rewards" of my spill. My right elbow is swollen and both of my knees are banged up. My neck is also a bit stiff. And I'm fairly certain I'm going to feel a lot worse come morning!!

This is my first entry in almost one month. Though I've had a lot on my mind recently, I simply haven't had the time nor energy to post anything on this blog. I've added two paying gigs to my already busy schedule, so postings here will be sporadic, at best.

I'd write more now, but I need to go find an icepack.