Common sense and truth are always a breath of fresh air. Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's to you and yours.

. . but more important, thanks for your common sense approach to human relations. Peace!

The stats are what they are. All that you would have to do is normalize it by population: White alone(Not including the 29.2 million
White Hispanic and Latino Americans: 65.4% or 198.9 million) 75.0% 228.2 million; Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, of any race 15.4% 46.9 million; Black or African American alone 12.4% 37.6 million; Some other race alone 4.9% 15.0 million
Asian alone 4.4% 13.4 million
Two or more races 2.3% 7.0 million
American Indian or Alaska Native alone 0.8% 2.4 million
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander alone 0.14% 0.43 million

It doesn't really matter, but let's not get upset when we use real world numbers to develop a profile. Insurers do it all the time. It is called risk management. Let's get indigant with all crime and go after the criminality and attitudes that spawn it

Let's face it, performance at a high academic level gives the strongest likelihood of a successful and self-sufficient life.

Let's work to make sure that all of our children in America have the opportunity to receive a superior education. Governor Purdue has committed Georgia to bring the states academic standards up to the national academic standards. We must raise the level of academic achievement of all Americans if we are to be competitive in the world of work.

Let's get indigant with all crime and go after the criminality and attitudes that spawn it

Couldn't agree more.

You are right on the money. Real world stats are what they are--I just hate it when folks place everyone in the group like that. I try hard to work for me and my family as I'm sure many of you do and can't help but feel a little set back if someone says that YOU are the reason this "whatever" is happening. There are people out there that want to do harm to you, me and others and I don't think you can just paint a face on all those people. How many people were surprised the DC Sniper was black--they shouldn't have been--he was a man with an evil plan--reguardless of his color.

I would like to know how "be cautious and be aware" helps any?
Sounds like telling your daughter on her way to a date to be cautious and be aware!

The AJC and many other newspapers have concrete suggestions for citizens to protect themselves during these times. Common sense is the basis for most of the suggestions.
• Put purchased articles in the trunk of your car
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Try to travel/shop with a buddy or in a group
• Look carefully before entering a parking lot or leaving a store. If you feel insecure, ask security for assistance.

Walk and talk with authority and purpose - creeps look for persons who may be timid or 'scared'. If you are unfortunate enough to be in a store or financial institution that is being held up - be observant so that you can provide the police with information - but cooperate with the 'fool' who is holding you up. No material possession is worth your life or the life of the person next to you. If that's not enough for you to begin using your own common sense, ask someone else.

Criminals look for an 'easy mark'. These suggestions prevent some of us from being that 'mark'.

You forgot the most important tip, DM -

- Keep squeezing the trigger until the clip is empty, even if the perp is down - You don't want to take the chance that they will get up or waste taxpayer dollars rotting away in jail.

"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams

What is "lock and load?"

Wouldn't I load first then lock, whatever I'm locking?

Maybe it means "load" the shootee with all of the lead you have.

My guns do not have a lock on them---they have a safety!

Is pulling back the cap buster "locking?"

Does "loading" apply as well to clips as to revolver slots?

Is it possible guns have a lock on them that I am unaware of maybe?

I can shoot the thing and still not know where the lock and load is.

And why would I want to lock something if I'm going to use it?

Sounds complicated!

What is "complicated" about guns?

Don't the more simple among us use them?

Maybe it is "complicated" when one's head is continually surrounded by rectal tissue? who knows?

How do the crimninals get these guns? Are you selling yours?

Is a revolver more "complicated" than a 9 MM?

Why do we still use caliber and mm designations?

Wouldn't that confuse the simpliest among us?

Isn't that racist? Or are the simpliest only the "red neck" element found trolling the blogs?

Was it easier when you were watching the CCC camps and taking copious notes? Were you armed with a caliber weapon or a mm weapon?

Is it a European racist conspiracy?

Maybe you are right. this sounds "complicated" to the cranially deficient

Thanks for the description of "lock and load."

A .32 caliber will fit a 7 mm pistol. Can you go from there?

Would that not make a 9 mm about .40 caliber?

Now a .50 caliber might be about 11 mm. wouldn't it?

So if all that is true, the formula is: .045 X #mm = the caliber.

Or, .045 X 7mm = .32 caliber.

Now as to "lock and load": it currently has no meaning. It was used during the flintlock days where one had to lock the firing mechanism while loading the powder and shot to keep from blowing yourself up!

However, if one says "load and lock" instead of lock and load,
it can mean: load the clip into the gun and then pull ejector back and release to lock one into the chamber. Tough stuff!

You are so helpful with details. Thank You.

I am glad that you enjoyed my attempt to write as you do. And I will indulge the masses for the origin of "lock and load". An M16 assault rifle is fed with a 20 or 30 round magazine. When loading the magazine, the bolt must be locked in its open position so that the magazine can be inserted. This magazine slides up to a position directly below the bolt in the lower receiver. When the magazine slides into the correct position to feed rounds into the chamber, it locks with the magazine loading catching spring and makes an audible click- that is the lock - ie slap the magazine in position so that it locks into place. At that point, one must release the bolt so that it slides forward, picks up a round from the top of the magazine, and loads that round into the chamber and the bolt closes the chamber. At that point the round is loaded. First Locked, then loaded. It isn't a tough concept for one as wizened as you claim to be. Squeeze the trigger with the target center of mass. very simple and very easy. Occasionally you must clear your head of that rectal tissue

for Christ sake!

Before you go and do the ultimate response to what you ‘perceive’ as your right of self-defense know that the law may or may not back you up.

First and foremost, practice, practice, and then practice some more.

Take every firearms class you can and then take them again every 6 months.

Talk to the local police and sheriffs officers and discuss your concerns and learn what your best options are.

We’ve just seen a prime example of the mistakes a trained “professional” can do when not thinking clearly. Google, "Don't Bring a Gun to a Snowball Fight."

Being able to provid the getaway vehicles license plate number and a good description of the perpetrator is most likely the best thing you can do short of providing any medical assistance necessary.

Most cell phones have cameras; perhaps shooting a picture before shooting your gun may be the best thing you can do.

Realize that firing a weapon under duress is something most people aren’t trained to do and the ones that are trained to do it still make mistakes.

You may have the best of intentions but your actions can and will cause you and your family severe grief if not done correctly.

Be the one who drops a ‘gang-banger’ and then has to send his or her 18 year old daughter to high school without a bodyguard or your six year old to elementary school.

Are you ready to fight a war?

The point being they're consequences that you may not have considered before you pulled the trigger.

I carry my cancelled weapon just about every where I go. I also have the training, I hope, to make the correct decisions’ if and when the need arrives.

Dirty Harry only exists in the movies, not in PTC.

Having a CCW and a gun doesn’t endow one with impunity.

I strongly suggest that everybody with a CCW take and pass every gun safety, tactical response class they can find on at least an annual basis. Stay abreast of what the law does and doesn’t allow and ask yourself, “are you prepared to take a life’? If you’ve never done it, you may not like what happens next.

...discharging a weapon outside training or sport is and must be a 'last resort.' We reside in the real world with bystanders young and old who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time-they certainly don't deserve to be hurt. The best of marksmen often send rounds astray, and adding stress or indecision only complicates things.

While I defend any individuals right to bear arms, I also hold them responsible for their decisions/actions. Guns are merely tools designed for a specific purpose. They do not indiscriminately discharge, guns require an action whether intentional or otherwise. Blaming guns for the carnage caused is akin to blaming pencils for misspelled words.

Just my two cents worth.

Are you connected in any way to a " gun training facility?" Who has all of that money for training over and over? Who needs such?

How do I identify a "gang banger" before I shoot them?

Can I get them to pose for a phone picture legally without getting shot or thumped with a shovel?

How do I know when it can be done "correctly?" Go to school again?

The last thing I would do is walk up to a local cop, pull out my pistola and ask him what I should do with it! He would probably throw a snowball at me!

Since you carry one all of the time--how about Christmas day? How long before and after Christmas would it be OK to violate the Christmas season? Can Jews and Muslims and Hindus carry at Christmas OK? Braggadocio!

Just trying to cover all the bases with a good player!

What is my CCW? Is it a license to kill?

Nuff said.

CAP AND TRADE Congress in 2010

I splained all that to wedge. You oughta read it.

. . the operating word here would be 'comprehend'.

I splained all that to wedge. You oughta read it.

Just as much has height, weight, hair color, etc.....

I appreciate the citizen putting this info in the column.

Most thinking persons agree with you.

wow!!!!!!!! Just to think only a black man would do such a thing huh?

Why you say that like Whites don't rob an steal!! The news always show the blacks face and hide the whies unless they are poor.
So typical!!!

Just too funny.

My favorite knee jerk reaction from idiots when confronted with the facts regarding black crime..."but, but, but white people commit crime too!" Of course they do, no one is saying they don't. That doesn't change the fact that black men in the 18-25 age group are the most dangerous segment of society.

The news always hides the white faces unless they are poor? I know three ex-lacrosse players from Duke who would disagree with you. Get a grip you anti-white racist.

Who ruined the most families in the USA in the last five years?

Was it, could it be, George Bush and company---aren't they 90% white?

They hardly ever shoot a robbee just as do not the convenience store robbers.
But they are mas scarree.

That doesn't change the fact that black men in the 18-25 age group are the most dangerous segment of society.

Is that the reason 'white' men are joining militias? What racist idiocy! Criminals are dangerous - no matter what color!! Don't you understand that? To a certain segment of society, 'white men' are considered the most dangerous segment. Are we returning to a sick time in our history? Are you advocating that? The same intelligence here that cited that the American Indian was dead. . . Geeeeez. Racism just has to crop up on this blog. Most people are enjoying the Christmas season and their families. Peace.

All this from the premier race apologist in this blog. Your rhetoric and your "enabling" attitude make you just as guilty as the gun wielding thugs whose antics grace the tabloids EVERY DAY. It doesn't take a degree in statistics to understand the dangers of the times we live in. I would suggest that you go hide your face in shame but alas DM, you have demonstrated repeatedly that you have none.

I would urge all law abiding citizens to obtain a concealed carry permit, a firearm, and firearm training. ESPECIALLY business owners and operators.

Indeed, militias may be one answer before it gets any better.

You obviously have never owned or run a small retail business!

Are you going to arm all those women and teen employees and instruct them to pull and shoot any potential robber?

That is crazy (even you can't work all day and night 24/7--now can you?
Do you know how many would work for you if you alone carried a weapon and said you were going to open fire when necessary?

Employees are generally;y told to give them what they want and let them go. Even telling them that scares the dickens out of them!

All these braggers about shooting up everybody and everything are simply promoting worse things to happen.

Next they may gas and bazooka the place before they come in!

Think, man! As the General told the guardsman in N.O., hey son, you aren't in Iraq!

I doubt that 'Major Mike' was ever in the military. The retired Major sounds more like the real article.

You obviously have never owned or run a small retail business!

$tupid has that one wrong again. Perhaps Major Mike has had some very close encounters with 'The Thugs'.

I doubt that 'Major Mike' was ever in the military.

Wrong again Davy's Mommy. This MAN has earned the right to use the words Semper Fi.

Babble on guys. Speak to subjects you fully understand and relate to from personal experience. Such as plundering taxpayer's wealth.

CAP AND TRADE Congress in 2010

I was correctly informed that todays military exemplifies the best in American society. I have witnessed the friendships of Americans of all colors who have served and are serving in our military. It was correctly stated that the color of a fellow military person is of no importance - once one has learned the tradition of the American military in this decade. One would not point with pride to some of the statements of Major Mike as representing the proud tradition of the Marines. Are you Major Mike? Figures.

DM, you seem to have taken great offense to this statement further up the blog: "That doesn't change the fact that black men in the 18-25 age group are the most dangerous segment of society." I have seen the comedian, Chris Rock agree with this statement and illustrate the point by talking about people behind him when he is at the ATM. Is Chris Rock a racist or a realist with regard to this? If we are going to slice and dice the statistics that the FBI provides to look for the most "dangerous" segment of demographics to the average American, what segment would be highlighted?

"That doesn't change the fact that black men in the 18-25 age group are the most dangerous segment of society.

It depends on how one interprets that fact. Black men at that age are in danger of being killed in their own neighborhood. Black men at that age are in danger of being part of a gang that can destroy a neighborhood or community. The segment that should be and IS highlighted by thinking persons is that this segment of society is in a dangerous situation for living past 25. If a 'white' person with a skinned head came up behind Chris Rock at an ATM - I don't think he would turn around and hug him. Black men/white men of that age who don't follow the law, carry guns to use in unlawful activity should be feared. What you don't seem to understand that many people who live in or near substandard housing, surrounded by those who are unemployed are now in danger of being involved in criminal activity. . and the demographics of education, income, etc. is more telling than the color of a persons skin. Chris Rock has experienced racist attitudes - as have all Americans. He and his wife are doing so much to turn this statistic around for black, white and children of all colors. Chris doesn't just use this as part of his 'show' - and to make 'white' people feel comfortable with his narratives - but takes steps and encourages others to take steps to turn this thing around. When one uses the sad statistic to bolster their own ego - and prove that there are those 'beneath' him - it smells like the attempt to return 'white supremacy' based on statistics. I watch the news every night like everyone else - and crime unfortunately appears to be an equal opportunity employer.

are the most dangerous segment of society."

but crime statistics have shown that it is the white male who is most prone to being a child molester.

You men are just messed up! Women should rule the world.

men are scarier than women. Now I have worked in the same building as another department of all women (53 of them). Most admitted that it was the worst working experience that they ever endured.

Perhaps each segment has its advantages and disadvantages.

Lets slice the numbers up and lump crime into violent and nonviolent-lets even call molestation violent (as I think it should be labeled). Now lets see how the demographics shape up. Are you going to pull those stats or shall I? What do you think it would show?

Why does a secure individual need to have stats that might show that because he is white and male that he may be superior?

I truly do not feel that one race is superior to another. If a white baby or a black baby of similar genetics (ie Mom and Dad not idiots) were placed in a non-racist Japanese home in a Japanese culture, then we would most likely have these two kids perform at a high academic level. Let's face it, performance at a high academic level gives the strongest likelihood of a successful and self-sufficient life.
Now, I do not believe that we should lie to ourselves and state that crime per person is equal across all demographics. I believe that culture plays a large role in criminality, not race. I also do not believe that poor conditions give rise to criminal behavior. Immoral conditions give rise to criminality.
Do you think that any demographic is served by glossin over facts and stats? I believe that we have to fix the culture before we can fix the criminality. Moneyed criminals are still criminals and still commit crimes.

Indeed, militias may be one answer before it gets any better.

. . .other than inciting a return to ignorance and violence?

Is that simple enough? Or is that too violent too?

Should we just gather them up and sing Lullabies?

What is your solution? You see the pics in this paper all the time of thieves, obviously something needs to be done. ..I'm for shooting the SOB's. What say you?

I'm all ears, until some waves a gun at me, then they better take cover.

Shooting them sounds like a good answer to me. The cops can't be everywhere and until these thugs learn that it's a lot safer to work than steal we will have a crime problem.

Be aware - and if you so choose, wear your six-gun on your hip. (or your glock or whatever). The justice system doesn't sing lullabies to these crooks. If you have a legal gun, and you are witnessing a robbery, do what you think is right. But be sure you're right - or you'll be in jail with the rest of the criminals. . . and be sure that your bullet doesn't hit some innocent bystander. Happy Holidays!

than carried by 6....that's an OLD SAYING my Grandfather told me. Lots of truth to it.

My father often shared that saying with me.

David's Mom - even though you are of definite amusement value at times, at the end of the day, you're a racist and a waste of air. Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas to you.

Those of us who celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus and his gift to the world continue to 'do unto others' and to respect each and every man and women. This is the season for love and peace -

David's Mom - even though you are of definite amusement value at times, at the end of the day, you're a racist and a waste of air. Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas to you.

True, crime is a problem throughout the country, but that does not negate the fact that a higher proportion of them are committed by people of color. Are the incidences in the story below just coincidence?

3 robberies in 3 days

LIBERALISM: The triumph of mindless, wishful thinking over logic, reason, and experience.

You are correct.
However, poverty or "no money" or Ghettos cause this sort of crime (grab a few dollars).

If you will compare white poverty criminals with color poverty criminals you won't find much difference!
We won't even talk about the Wall Street 99% white and brown thieves.
They don't snatch and run, the back up a dump truck!

Trying to reason with him is like herding cats. . .but I compliment your effort.

You're two peas in a pod, aren't you?

Show me some "reason", DM and we can talk. Trouble is, you have no reason, and your only purpose in life is to throw out the race card every chance you get and play up the victim mentality.

"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams

I'm no pea, in a pod or otherwise!
I'm no minority. If I was I wouldn't go around comparing.

(maybe I am a minority in Fayette!)

And yes everyone who thinks knows that we currently have a problem with a certain type of crime around here----store robbery!
It is almost as bad as bank loans and stock robbery that many of us have suffered by non-minorities.

We need to jail and train all of them! Whatever color or race or gender.

I repeat, I'm a 70-year-old black survivor. I'm no 'victim' and have never, never claimed that 'title'. If you're truly a 'patriot' - you have an interesting way of expressing your love for country and citizens. I respond to you because you, sir, always make some denigrating remark about citizens of color - not individuals. When you start denigrating individuals for their specific acts - maybe we can talk. But when you take a sweeping swipe at an entire race of people - you're exhibiting the racism that is quickly dying out in this country.

I never denigrated an entire race of people, so that is a lie. You have admitted that you are a racist- (Davids mom; 12/12/2009; 11:39pm

That just makes you an old, lying, racist with nothing to offer society except hate. How pathetic you are!

Merry Christmas!

"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams

Thanks for referring those who might even care to my statement that shows that I have survived the 'hateful' times - and I've learned that 'love' is more powerful than 'hate'. We are all the product of our experiences - if we open our eyes and enjoy the benefits of loving our neighbor as ourselves. For those who are Christians - Merry Christmas is a salutation that reflects the joy and love of the Christ. It's difficult to use it while making hateful statements.

I want to take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's to you and yours. I am so sure that you have family and friends that love and appreciate you for the woman you are. You have the strength and intelligence to hold your own here in blogsville when expressing your opinion.

You haven't given in to or run away from the hateful rhetoric directed at you and for that I applaud you. I may not always agree with you, but I like hearing what you have to say and even more, how you say it. Peace.

. .and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Your comments are straight from the extreme right talking points on how to deal with persons who contradict your 'thought'. Any original thought? It might be interesting to see if you have the intelligence to try.

Thats why they rob stores and homes. But this guy has a bro in the whitehouse. All he needs to do is call for help.

You answer racism...with racism? "This guy has a bro in the White House." That makes it even doesn't it? Or does it prove that both you and Boo are racist? The President has nothing to do with this young fool committing an armed robbery in Peachtree City, Georgia. Armed robberies have been happening here for much longer than Barack Obama has been in office. Frankly, when there is a crime why are people making comments about race instead of just stating that we hope that the perp is caught ASAP?

Two things about race and criminals:

One real easy way to avoid being "described" in the news: Don't break the L-A-W. It's worked flawlessly for me.

Do you really think criminals give a $#^* how they get described in the news? Their only fear is getting caught. They are too stupid or sorry to care about being labeled. That is for the politically correct world to fret over.....

I hope the low-life piece of scum is caught and put away for a long time. I also hope they get the low-life piece of scum who stole a weapon and sold it to him.

The police will always maintain that the reason the say black male or white male or some other color is for ID purposes. When the politically correct morons running the AJC had a strangle hold on info, they would not say whether the perp was black or white or other. Even the TV stations did this - even when they had a picture because they thought it was racist. Fortunately they figured out if releasing a better description of a perp got him off the streets quicker, public safety was served.

Liberalism is so dangerous - it could even get you killed.
Fox News and Cal Beverly - saving lives via. the new media.

Fox News and Cal Beverly - saving lives via. the new media.

Amen! Thanks guys.

Yeah, I noticed that all of the papers said that Bernie Madoff was not black (Jewish, I think).

They also said that the Black Enron crooks were terrible in the papers.
(I meant to say White Enron crooks).

If Sonny were to rob a convenience store do you think they would describe him as : A round white robber struck the route 4 convenience store near here. He had on a white hood and white tennis shoes and gloves.

"If Sonny were to rob a convenience store do you think they would describe him as : A round white robber struck the route 4 convenience store near here. He had on a white hood and white tennis shoes and gloves."

Yes, if that is what he was wearing. It's called a description.

The real question is this. If Bonker$ were to rob a convenience store do you think they would describe him as: A wrinkled, bent-over, flatulent, loud-mouthed, opinionated, clueless white dude struck the route 4 convenience store near here. He had on a FOX News t-shirt and Depend panties.

What color was he? Poor description!

Well, you must be tumid and tumescent!
How do you know I am loud?
And wrinkled?
I deal in facts---not clues!
White? Never been described that way exactly.
I may have had a Mesopotamian relative in 6000 b.c., and Cleopatra could have been my removed cousin along about 0 years.

Some female Viking blood according to DNA and it was mixed with Friar blood in England when they invaded with axes!

.0003 Moors DNA---mixed with Aztec King Monty. Or Mayan.

White Russian mixed with those northern Chinese Mongols who crossed into America about 10,000 years ago is .00004% DNA.

I am free of baldness, poor eye-sight, weak heart, cancer, leprosy, fat, and ugly---like you!