I know some people are a little shocked that some hard-core gun bloggers would shake Paul Helmke’s hand and have a civil discussion with him.
I’m reminded of Winston Churchill’s words, “When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite.” Not in the literal case in this instance but the sentiment is the same.
Yes, I want to make him the social equivalent of a Grand Wizard of the KKK and, if possible, get him some serious jail time for violation of 18 USC 241 and possibly 18 USC 242. But I don’t see a problem with smiling at him as I work toward that goal.
Besides, we picked up a little bit of intel by listening to him debate Gura and even more in the private conversation afterward.
Joe, I know you can back it up in your prolix way, and have actually done so already, but I feel your comparing Helmke to the Grand Wizard of the KKK is one of the stupidest things you’ve ever written. Of course I haven’t seen all you’ve had to say, so I might be wrong about that.
And that Churchill quote, which of course is not to be taken literally, is right up there with the KKK nonsense.
Enjoy the convention.
I find it very telling that you say you know I can refute it and you don’t even bother to try to prove your claims other than by vigorous assertion. It all goes back to your inability to determine truth from falsity.
Both groups wanted to abridge basic human rights.
Both groups wanted to subjugate a cross-section of American citizens, simply because they did not agree with them.
Both groups wanted to turn that cross-section into victims against their wills.
Both groups’ positions were based on nothing more than personal opinions and beliefs.
Yeah, it is fair to say that there are more than a few similarities there, but one should never count on facts dissuading Sparky from his beliefs – after all, he is firmly of the opinion that “facts” and “beliefs” are equivalent.
I cannot say as though how I would behave in a similar circumstance… It, of course, costs me nothing to be polite to the man, and I certainly would be cordial, but shaking his hand? Meh. Falls under the heading of “breaking bread”, and all of those other archaic traditions that do not hold much water any more… Probably would simply boil down to me not wanting to be physically associated with that man for all the tea in China. Of course, so long as you all have enough Purell on-hand, you are more than welcome to do as you please ;).
Dear Mr. Helmke, You Make Me Ashamed To Be A Hoosier. The man is a monument of sanctimony and smarm.
Mike, once again, is gettin’ his projection on. His wearisome drivel continues to be a dis-harmonic soundtrack to our success.
What Joe said: … I want to make him the social equivalent of a Grand Wizard of the KKK…
What Sparky heard: … comparing Helmke to the Grand Wizard of the KKK…
Mike, that is probably one of the stupidest things you’ve ever written.
Winston Churchill’s words, “When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite.”
mikeb302000: And that Churchill quote, which of course is not to be taken literally, is right up there with the KKK nonsense.
Me: The “polite” part should be taken literally. And this little bit bears on the matter also: “Your enemy is never a villain in his own eyes. Keep this in mind, it may offer a way to make him your friend. If not, you can kill him without hate–and quickly.” R.A.Heinlein
The killing, of course, may be figurative or literal. To some degree, that is up to the enemy.