ColinAke.com…until I write a book.

I’ve been thinking and processing recently in the aftermath of the tragedy at Virginia Tech earlier this week.

First off, let me pass on my condolences to the families of those killed.

Secondly, let me ask you how we as a society can prevent this in the future.  The answer is not gun control, the answer is not people control.  The only way this madman at VT could have been stopped is by an individual lawfully carrying a weapon.  So why can’t those who are licensed by the state to carry weapons carry on campus?

The truth, according to Canadian economist Pierre Lemieux, is that mass killings increase as gun control increases.  Read his article - it’s worth some thought.

Also read this article about gun-free zones on campuses.  I, for one, am considering petitioning my lawmakers about making it legal to carry a weapon on campus with a license.

When guns are outlawed, only the outlaws have guns.

ca

I know I’ve blogged a lot today, but if you read nothing else today, read this article by the Washington Post.  I’m not going to say anything - the article itself is an amazing commentary on our society.

Pearls Before Breakfast

Let me know your thoughts and reactions.

ca

Ah, all is right in Atlanta Sports as spring brings us some strange weather that at least appears to have killed the pollen invasion in one fell swoop.

Our beloved Atlanta Braves are starting things off on the right foot with a 6-1 start.  Sweeping the Phillies, taking 2/3 from the Mets, and starting off the Nats with a 8-0 shutout is a shot in the arm for not only the team but the fans.  I was impressed with the way we fixed the bullpen and sat steady with our other assets during the offseason.  Our weakest link is the right side of the infield and the last 2 slots in our starting rotation, but I have faith that with a deep bullpen and the other bats in our lineup, we’ll make up for that.  Out of Johnson, Renteria, C. Jones, A. Jones, McCann, Franceour, Langerhans/Diaz, and Thorman/Wilson, the only slots that give any rest to the opposing pitching staff is Langerhans/Diaz and Thorman/Wilson.  Our young players are coming along quite well - and this is the year to move with A. Jones probably going somewhere elsewhere next year for more dough than we can offer.  Let’s go Bravos!

In the world of College Football, AJC described Tech’s offense as “crisp and efficient” - scoring 10 times in 10 tries - including multiple times against another strong Tenuta defense.  UGA’s defense was described as “horrible” by a senior safety.  Suck it, dawgs.  Of course, we open AT Notre Dame and they probably open at home against Southwestern Rhode Island Nun University’s backup team.  Typical.

The Masters was once again gorgeous this past weekend.  What a beautiful golf course and beautiful tournament.  Makes me want to go just to look at it - forget playing it.  Yet.

The Atlanta Thrashers took their division in the NHL and are in the playoffs for the first time, and play the Rangers on Thursday.  Here’s to hoping Lehtonen can stop them and that the offense will be firing on all cylinders, namely Hossa and Kovalchuk.  Thrash ‘em!

And last but not least, college golf finds GT and Clemson tied for the lead at the U.S. Golf Collegiate, a tournament with 15 of the best teams in the US (all 15 teams are ranked in the top 30).

And speaking of Golf, I purchased a 1 year membership good at two courses nearby - should be fun for some golf.  Anyone up for going golfing at Legacy Links or Fox Creek anytime?  Give me a call.

I’m on to my next class.

ca

Today’s interesting tidbit comes from a debate yesterday. Newt Gingrich and John Kerry appeared to debate global-warming. Apparently, and very interestingly, Newt came out before Kerry could attack him, said he believed in global-warming, and that humans contributed to it.

Newt advocates creating “a green conservatism” - and I’m sure I don’t agree with him on this issue. However, as with most issues - Newt has a more conservative answer to limiting those releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere - tax incentives. Newt shows that even on issues I don’t agree with, he would have a so-called “solution” that wouldn’t negatively impact me in any manner.

Seems like a reasonable guy. Oh, and here’s the link to the WashPost article.

ca

Here’s one reason I believe Rudy Giuliani is not ultimately electable - as well as why I would not vote for him.

Giuliani apparently supports using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. For me, that’s enough said. Everyone has their own opinion on this situation, but to me, I believe it to be one with absolute moral truth - abortion is murder. You are entitled to hold a different opinion, but at the end of the game, I believe in the sanctity of life as given to us by our Lord and Creator.

So, am I part of the vast right-wing conspiracy? I don’t think so. I want others to accept what I hold to be true, but I don’t believe I should use the government to force you to accept my beliefs. However, I believe the government should refrain from publicly funding things of even questionable morality, particularly in this area.

No vote from me, Rudy. Don’t expect to build a conservative base with this view, either.

ca

Sorry I haven’t written much lately - the GT Glee Club has been in the studio nailing down the final details for our new CD.  Lord willing, it’ll be out the door for duplication on Thursday morning.

And then I have some stuff to write about, including experiences with Delta, MARTA, and more.  I promise.
ca