HU&W

Matrimony

Shack. I personally think the government should be kept out of marriage contracts. I do think it is fully appropriate for the government to grant a Domestic Partnership License or to certify a Domestic Partnership Contract between any consenting adults who wish to form a government recognized family. Marriage, on the other hand, is a thing of religion. Allow the religions to define marriage as the wish and perform marriages under that construct. In some religions it could be the standard nuclear family. In others, it could be the aforementioned four brothers. My real fear is that social changes, which result in government/political changes, will then result in the persecution of religions who hold to traditional beliefs and political pressure to change them. I say keep government and religion separate and let individual citizens choose the religion they wish to be a part of, along with its standards.

Honest question, does he really have to be male if he doesn't want to, and if so, should he be held to those standards? Take the example of the TG boy in Colorado who decided he is a girl and was recently granted legal permission to use the female restroom even though he retains the male plumbing. Other similar cases have occurred and are certain to move into the military soon. For example, if a man declares himself a woman and is recognized as a TG female, does he then PT test under the female standards? Does he begin wearing the female uniform items? I think that between these issues and the pending allowance of females in all combat units, we're very close to the only right answer being gender neutrality in every aspect of military service. That would mean everyone is held to the same PT standards. It would mean uniform requirements become gender neutral, with either everybody (or nobody) being allowed to wear heels, skirts, earrings, nail polish, long/short hair, etc... I'm honestly not sure our gender discriminatory standards will stand the legal test of the next few years. I can't say I agree with it going that way, but with the issue of gender becoming so muddy I can't see how it wouldn't.

You make a good point. I'm thinking 3-5 years before marriage is further redefined to include plurality. After all, there are many existing plural relationships that are not currently provided equal protection and benefits under the law. They would be if legitimized through contractual marriage. ETA: Bonus, it is even biblical.

Worked with a few people like this guy... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPzRPga6uDg

I wouldn't mind going back to BDU's. Especially if it meant the end to awful green boots with flight suits.

Not that great. I've only been to the one in Lubbock, but was not impressed.

Agree 100%. Let's start with pilots flying RPA's.

Sounds a little like this initiative. It provides a free 20GA and defensive shotgun training to law abiding citizens in high crime neighborhoods. Starting now in Houston, they intend for it to spread to numerous other areas over the next few weeks.

BKIH

Sims are good for only two things, systems and scripted practice. They're basically glorified chairflying with something to look at. Real training requires working through real problems, and sometimes those don't go as planned.

Hormones

Yes. It costs an extra $75K+ to build with a basement instead of a slab in that area.

Rule #1 for a fighter to be effective is that it MUST look cool.

Oh, you were referencing that. Disregard. If you read the article, it was not for financial reasons.

No, the Cannon thing was once a week ABU's for very similar reasons to once a week blues. Nothing more.

Are you guys talking about the tornado that hit Monroe OK?

1. Never talk to the media. 2. Always ask for a lawyer. 3. Never pass up the opportunity to shut up.

Why bother when you can depend on ATC to deconflict for you? [/sarcasm]

Nice score. I may be joining in with you soon (but I'll have to borrow M2's boat). I really like the fact that you can get ammo for it that's cheaper per round than the current price of .22. link

Great line of thinking for limiting perceived hazards. Let's also limit fighters to 60 degrees of bank and stop tankers from flying in close proximity to other aircraft. Also, I've noticed you like to troll almost every thread you post in. KIO.

Or 30 minute out calls.

No kidding. The correct answer is to always have your wife run out onto the back patio with your double barreled shotgun and fire two shots randomly in the air. It's a proven technique for scaring off all types of intruders in all situations.

Handgun: everything you mentioned is good. Get something you're willing to buy ammo for. I also strongly recommend buying a companion trainer, a .22 that operates similarly to your primary. The skills transfer well and the cost (usually) of .22 allows you to get tons of practice per range trip. Shotgun: Semi-autos are for the birds. Get a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500 and mount a high powered flashlight to the front. 12ga loaded with a home defense progression that's appropriate for your tactical plan. If you must go with a semi, be sure you know where the exhaust is so you don't cover it with your hand while under duress. It hurts.

Stopped by the local gun shop today. 16 AR's on the shelf at pre-scare prices ($629 and up). They also had all ammo calibers except .22.