Brain Lock In The House

Poised to pander! House Democrats prepare the "Trayvon bill" [and subsequently withdraw it]:

House to vote on Trayvon amendment

House Democrats said Tuesday they will offer an amendment to push to overturn stand-your-ground self-defense laws in states like Florida.

The amendment, which would withhold some grants from states that have such laws, will come as part of the House's debate on the Commerce Department spending bill.

"'Shoot-first' laws have already cost too many lives. In Florida alone, deaths due to self-defense have tripled since the law was enacted. Federal money shouldn't be spent supporting states with laws that endanger their own people," said Reps. Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the two Democrats who are offering the legislation. "This is no different than withholding transportation funds from states that don't enforce seat-belt laws."

Politfact looked at the numbers last March and concluded that, since the law expanded the classification of deaths as justifiable homicides, the claim was partly true:

Our ruling

Smith said that since "stand your ground" passed in 2005, deaths due to self-defense have jumped over 250 percent. When we calculated the average for five years before the law passed and five years after it passed, we found an increase of 200 percent. That’s short of Smith’s claim, though the numbers largerly support the idea that self-defense deaths have increased since 2005. As for whether "stand your ground" is the reason self-defense deaths are up, experts either disagree or say it’s difficult to determine without examining the specifics of each case.

We rate this statement Half True.

I looked at their numbers and more, and came away believing the claim was Mostly Misleading. (The most glaring flaw in the PolitFact numbers - justifiable homicides by the police also tripled over the same period, even though the new law did not affect them. One might infer that the people doing the classifying are taking a different perspective on everything.)

John Hinderaker has more.

Comments

[fdcol63]

" ... Smith said that since "stand your ground" passed in 2005, deaths due to self-defense have jumped over 250 percent. ..."

So what, if the deaths are those of the criminals caused by their armed victims?

[GMAX]

quick scan and I note this comment from another thread:

One note on Josh Hamilton...

Hamilton could go 0 for his next 210 and his slugging percentage still would be higher than Pujols' is right now.

Now I like Albert and think he is going to come out of this slump, but since he now plays for the hated Angels I am enjoying this as much as seeing Dick Lugar get the boot.

[GMAX]

The Ode to Dick Lugar from Beckel will certainly eliminate any buyers remorse in Indiana. AMF Dick get a real job if you can.

[Rob Crawford]

So what, if the deaths are those of the criminals caused by their armed victims?

I believe the Black Klan is arguing that the results show "disparate impact", which says quite a bit about their own thoughts on race.

[pagar]

"ode to"

I'm surprised Kerry didn't break down and cry.

http://weaselzippers.us/2012/05/09/john-kerry-calls-uber-rino-dick-lugars-gop-primary-loss-a-tragedy/

[Jane]

Dick is 80. He doesn't need a new job. I'm confident he has accumulated massive wealth while in office so now is the time to spend it. Plus he won't have to even pretend to live in Indiana anymore. It's a win, win, win.

[Chubby]

((So what, if the deaths are those of the criminals caused by their armed victims?))

only numbers that reflect the number of deaths classifed by victim or perpetrator would correctly assess the effectiveness and value of the law

[DebinNC]

A list of U.S. Senators by age makes me feel like an early autumn chicken.

[matt]

and violent crime is at all time lows.

I do concern myself with police killings, because it seems that there have been a number of egregious cases.

There is a headline case here of 4 Fullerton cops who beat a homeless man to death. What is worse is the attempted coverup.

[Rob Crawford]

I do concern myself with police killings, because it seems that there have been a number of egregious cases.

Sure, but that has nothing to do with self-defense laws.

[Clarice]

The idiotic amendment was pulled after it was ruled out of order.

[TexasMom2012]

So justified homicides are up? Meaning law abiding citizens can now defend themselves rather than becoming the victim of a crime? I just cannot see the downside here... Dirty Harry used to say "No Trial, No Report to file" when he shot a criminal in the act of committing a crime and I have to say that I stand with Harry. Either Don't do the crime or you should suffer the consequences of your behavior.

I once had a police officer in Houston tell me to keep shooting (when your home is broken into) until the criminal stopped moving. And not to forget to tell the police when they arrived that I was in fear for my life. Which I would be if someone broke in my home WHEN I WAS HOME.

Glad that although my hubby's job takes him all over the world that home base has always been here in Texas... Where a 50YO disabled mom of two can protect her home with civilization's equalizer... Thank you Smith & Wesson, Colt, Winchester et al!

[Jack is Back]

Someone out to rule the whole democrat, progressive, left wing, liberal political cabal "out of order" - they are destroying what has been left of common sense, liberty and happiness in this country.

Look at what Greece has inherited in choosing Alexi Tsipras!

And don't think it can't happen here - it has already happened but in incremental steps.

[Threadkiller]

http://mcclintock.house.gov/2012/05/unauthorized-appropriations-to-the-international-trade-administration---amendment-to-cut.shtml

[bgates]

I wonder if the Constitutional scholar in the White House could be asked his opinion on how the Founders would view an attempt by the federal government to blackmail the states.

[sailor]

OT--Are any of you here horrified that Hilary would go about doing official business ie as Sec. of State looking as she does? She says it is refreshing to wear no make up, etc., etc. I say it shows she really does not care much about representing the US in a proper manner.

[Drider]

I don't think the house has the authority to overturn any state laws.

Also, these statistic's do not conclude which of these incidents prevented violent crime against those who stood their ground in self defense that I am betting is most if not all cases which would mean the law is effective in giving the citizenry the ability to protect themselves from violent crime.

The Republicans in the house should not allow this to come to the floor IMHO.

[Thomas Collins]

TK, that's a great link in your 10:40 AM post on the fat in the ITA budget. Leave it to the US Government to spend money on activities private trade associations handle very well.

By the way, I had a great time last night meeting TK and his family and then going to a pub with TK. Nothing like a JOM get together with beverages, nachos and great conversation!

[Rob Crawford]

Are any of you here horrified that Hilary would go about doing official business ie as Sec. of State looking as she does?

Meh. I'm more appalled at the apparent lack of a protocol office at the White House. No one gives a rip what the Sec State looks like, but they'll remember how they were treated.

[Captain Hate]

sailor, Tammy Bruce has commented frequently on exactly that and wonders why her idiot daughter doesn't intervene to find out WTF is wrong with her since Slick obviously doesn't care.

[bandit]

Self defense is up - somehow that's bad?

[Rob Crawford]

Self defense is up - somehow that's bad?

Fewer Dem voters/potential Congresscritters?

[henry]

Self defense is up - somehow that's bad?

serfs throwing off their collars?

[Janet]

Are any of you here horrified that Hilary would go about doing official business ie as Sec. of State looking as she does?

sailor, I'm convinced she has a drinking problem.

[Ignatz]

--OT--Are any of you here horrified that Hilary would go about doing official business ie as Sec. of State looking as she does? She says it is refreshing to wear no make up, etc., etc.--

I'd prefer if she'd wear a paper bag over her head but considering the hash these idiots have made of things maybe the rest of us should be the ones wearing the bags and claiming we're all Canucks.

[DebinNC]

I think she's counting down the days until she's finally "free to be me" and apparently she's going for the Betty Friedan '72 look.

[pagar]

"Someone out to rule the whole democrat, progressive, left wing, liberal political cabal "out of order" - they are destroying what has been left of common sense, liberty and happiness in this country."

Amen!

[myiq2xu]

Hillary don't give a shit what other people think.

[sailor]

Well, Janet, you might be right re the drinking problem. But, there have probably been many diplomats with drinking problems, who have, at least, tried to be presentable when representing the US.

[PDinDetroit]

The idiotic amendment was pulled after it was ruled out of order.

Weapons-Grade Stupidity.

[Bruce]

The Republicans in the house should not allow this to come to the floor IMHO.

I asked about this last night, and as Clarice pointed out above:

The idiotic amendment was pulled after it was ruled out of order.

What must be remembered is that under normal circumstances the Speaker has a lot of control over what gets to the House floor. Which is why the minority can introduce a lot of stupid stuff with fairly good assurance that it won't get voted on - unless the majority wants to make them look silly (which we have seen on occasion this session). I think that this was too problematic for the Republicans to ever let it come to a vote.

[Danube of Thought]

...an attempt by the federal government to blackmail the states.

The bastards do it all the time. They threatened to withhold highway funds from any state that didn't enact the "California rule" allowing right turns on a red light. I believe that's how they got the "national" 55 MPH speed limit through.

Once they start doling out the money, you gotta do what they say or they'll cut it off.

[AliceH]

I can't say I care at all about whether Hillary wears makeup or not, or how she does her hair, or what Michelle O's cardigan cost, or any other myriad fashion/style topics. I'm amazed, but not really surprised, that it's somehow treated as interesting or relevant. To me, it's no different than Kardashian news, or Megan McCain's profundities -- go ahead and discuss, but I will just scroll on by, or change the channel.

[lyle]

Reps. Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the two Democrats who are offering the legislation.

You know even before I started reading this post I already had in my mind who in the House might be the idiots to introduce something like this. I was not shocked. I was surprised that Botox Granny Rictus wasn't involved.

[sailor]

Well, AliceH, I may be "old-fashioned" or whatever, but I do think it is important for the US to be represented well. Hilary's doing this just seems to be the whole way O and his group seem to treat representing the US--ie saying we are a great country along with all the others who are the same. I just believe in American exceptionalism and think that the way the rest of the world views us is important.

[Melinda Romanoff]

Not sure the make up really makes a difference, IMO.

If seen on a beach in certain parts of Florida, I think people might be mistaken into thinking that a rare, albino manatee has beached itself and needs to be pushed back in.

[Captain Hate]

I'm with sailor in that it has to do with professionalism in how you present yourself as you represent the country.

[Janet]

Cher is sorry now.
Her original tweet -
"If ROMNEY gets elected I don't know if i can breathe same air as Him & his Right Wing Racist Homophobic Women Hating Tea Bagger Masters"

teabagger? It is always the left using the gay sex references as slurs. Breitbart was always having some leftie calling him gay too. So what? I thought the left was all about gays & gay sex?...heck, being a teabagger should be a positive in their world.

[Gus]

Rodham looks like CRAP with OR without makeup.
Pig....Lipstick.
As for the JUSTIFIED SELF DEFENSE SHOOTINGS.
Whose side are the LIBTARDS on? We know the answer. It's IDENTITY...."VOTE FOR ME" politics, and it's D.O.A. in November.

[Captain Hate]

Janet, those imbeciles reveal their true feelings all the time and they think others are too stupid to notice. The gays are only a means to an end for them.

[Rob Crawford]

If seen on a beach in certain parts of Florida, I think people might be mistaken into thinking that a rare, albino manatee has beached itself and needs to be pushed back in.

Ah, yes. The unfortunate incident during my 2010 trip to Florida...

[Stephanie]

If seen on a beach in certain parts of Florida, I think people might be mistaken into thinking that a rare, albino manatee has beached itself and needs to be pushed back in.

LOL I will note that cankles and manatee flippers are oddly similar.

[MarkO]

Tolerance for gays can often be a one-way street. It's easy to be tolerant of the things one likes. Not so easy to be tolerant of opposing views.

[Melinda Romanoff]

I was visualizing the similarity to propeller scars.

[Stephanie]

Hillary and Biden - the Clyde and Seamore show?

LUN

[Tom Bowler]

Shooting from the hip here,

"Shoot-first' laws have already cost too many lives. In Florida alone, deaths due to self-defense have tripled since the law was enacted."

And how do we know it's not a wash? Might just have been the the other one dead. But that's OK with House Democrats, I suppose, since they wouldn't be deaths due to self-defense. Just your regular garden variety deaths.

[Stephanie]

Ouch, Mel.

The visuals of the Clyde and Seamore Show are more apt. Clyde lumbers around the stage trying to do the job, and Seamore is clueless, acting loopy and disrupting the action.

[matt]

rob, the only point I was making was that killings by the police are also counted in those stats. Between suicide by cop and the way they have been pulling the trigger aggressively, those stats should probably be counted elsewhere.

I think Hillary is now at a point where she has come to the realization that she is who she is. If she represents the country with dignity it doesn't matter. If she does not, and I believe that is the case, then she should probably be admonished or replaced.

It has been a rotten month for US foreign policy with Afghanistan, the debacle in Cartagena, and the Syrian crisis.

[Jane]

Are any of you here horrified that Hilary would go about doing official business ie as Sec. of State looking as she does? She says it is refreshing to wear no make up, etc., etc. I say it shows she really does not care much about representing the US in a proper manner.

I dunno how I feel about this. Should male secretaries of state wear make-up? I get up at 5:30 every Thursday morning to make sure I have adequate eyeliner and mascara on so I won't look ridiculous on TV. At the same time it gives me frequent eye infections - blah blah blah. I hate wearing make-up but do appreciate that it matters to not scare people.

[Jack is Back]

There are no manatees anywhere near our beaches in Florida unless you mean those man-made little strips that run along the ICW. But she'd fit right in with "the dykes on bikes" on Main St. in Daytona. Like Hill they don't even pretend to be feminine.

[Ignatz]

--Should male secretaries of state wear make-up?--

The equivalent would be a male SOS showing up at a state function in sweats and Nike's.

[Melinda Romanoff]

JiB-

It's an old Florida joke from the seventies that seemed particularly apt.

And I stand by it, because that's how eye roll.

[pagar]

"in Florida alone"
Google doesn't even seem to have the figures for April murders in Fl.
Meanwhile, In Chicago:
"April ended this week with 40 homicides, up from 30 homicides recorded in April 2011,"

http://homicides.redeyechicago.com/

Anyone ever seen the Democrats worry about murders in Chicago?

[Melinda Romanoff]

pagar-

Think even more reliable voter list.

They worry plenty.

[sailor]

Well, Jane, I don't mean lots of make-up--eyeliner, whatever. I just think she should look clean and neat.

[Rob Crawford]

Anyone ever seen the Democrats worry about murders in Chicago?

No more than they worry about the ones in Detroit or LA.

[Some guy]

"You know, if I had ever written an amendment or even voted 'present' on an amendment, it would like the Trayvon Amendment."

[Jane]

You can look clean and neat without make-up. What you can't do is cover up flaws or make yourself look bright (not as in smart). It makes a huge difference particularly if you are on camera.

[Janet]

back from errands...
Rush brought up how little things matter to the voters.
In Mass. that bake sale ban could really be a great wake up call to the voters. Just about every person has to see how stupid & intrusive that is.
I would love a Republican PAC to really push defunding NPR/PBS & Planned Parenthood now too....not on their beliefs so much, but more on "Why are we funding a TV station?" & "Why are we funding an abortion clinic & not an allergy clinic or a foot clinic or Lenscrafters?"
These businesses need to stand on their own. They have profits, they make money...enough tax money!

[Jane]

The bake sale ban was enacted by unelected administrators.

[Captain Hate]

As I've pointed out before, Hillary! used to look decent as FLOTUS and forward until she became SoS. Her hair styles were complimentary to her face and however much makeup she did or didn't use, she looked professional. Now she looks like a slob and very unprofessional. I'm not saying that to be mean because if anything I'm more sympathetic to her now than when she was FLOTUS.

[lyle]

She looks like she just doesn't give a rip anymore.

[sailor]

Jane, I think you are missing my point. Lots of people look fine w/out make-up. I just think Hilary should not look as she has been looking as she represents the US.

[DanInMN]

When you think about it, it does make sense that there are more deaths when self-defense laws are loosened. There are going to be situations where a victim who but for self-defense would have been beaten within an inch of his life instead killed his attacker. Without SYG no one would have died, but an innocent person would have been maimed (I.E. the mythical "great bodily harm" mentioned in nearly every self defense statute).

In other words, I suspect more than enough attackers are dying to offset the reduction in victim deaths. I'm okay with this. The only people who have a problem with this are those who don't make a moral distinction between criminal predators and law abiding citizens.

I don't care how many predators are shot dead by their would be victims. I wish it could be all of them.

[Gus]

This is your LIBTARDOCRAT PARTY. They do not conform to traditional nor societal NORMS on purpose. They are misfits and run counter to decency, because their constituents by and large are like minded and themselves not decent people. In Rodhams case, she see's no personal gain by looking clean, neat and feminine. Typical of libtard women. Her one and only attempt at being feminine and attractive to a "man", ended quite badly, and as she realized that she could not and CAN NOT compete with young interns and Governor Groupies, she quit being feminine in any way.

[Jane]

I get it sailor, and part of me (the common sense part) agrees with you.

[glasater]

Our county prosecuting attorney is not going to charge an eighty year old man who shot and killed a twenty-two yo Mexican who broke into the man's store 2:30 in the morning for robbery.

The owner lives in the store and heard the guy breaking in. When the owner told the fellow to stop the kid said he was going to kill the owner. So Mr Saul shot the kid.

The kid made it out of the store and across a pretty wide street before he died. Now that spot has become a memorial with flowers and candles.

The Mexican kid was a gang member and had a pretty hefty juvie file.

[bgates]

Should male secretaries of state wear make-up?

They should shave. (To be fair, it appears Hildog still does.)

[boatbuilder]

I'm guessing that the anti-SYG amendment was ruled out of order because the Dems didn't want to vote on it, not the Republicans. Is it pure coincidence that the amendment went down just about the same time the vote tallies started coming in? If I were a Dem house member from anywhere but the bluest gerrymandered districts I wouldn't want any part of that.

[Chubby]

((Thursday morning to make sure I have adequate eyeliner and mascara on))

I worked with a make-up and wardrobe stylist for several years and she taught me many make-up tricks. One was to save the mascara for parties -- with eyeliner you don't really need it. One of the best tips she gave me was, after putting on lipstick, to wipe most of it off, and then repeat that process a few times, so the end result is that the lips appear naturally stained instead of covered with goo.

[Gus]

Mr Saul hunted down that poor Meheecan boy like a dog.

[Chubby]

((Her hair styles were complimentary to her face and however much makeup she did or didn't use, she looked professional.))

I always thought she had great haircuts, she suited shorter hair, but her hairstyle now looks really bad. it would look a lot better if she'd just tie it back in a pony tail.

If it comes down to a choice between hair and makeup, I'd say a good hairstyle trumps make-up for making someone look good.

[Clarice]

Or get permanent eyeliner tattooed on and sleep later..

[pagar]

"like a dog."

Even went to the trouble of buying a store and merchandise to entice him to break in.

[sailor]

Also, have eye lashes dyed! Poof--no need for mascara or eyeliner.

[Chubby]

Jane, an eyeliner tip: buy your eyeliner brushes at an art store in the watercolor section, where you can get super fine, fine brushes that make the liner go on much better. Artists' brushes (bigger ones) work great for applying eyeshadow as well. And they last forever.

[Frau Marktweib]

"The idiotic amendment was pulled after it was ruled out of order."

I can hear Maxine Waters belting out "There's no business like snow business."

[sailor]

Jane, Have all these make-up tips solved your problem? If so, I guess it's on to other topics?

[jimmyk]

Should male secretaries of state wear make-up?

Actually, if they're appearing on TV they probably should (and have). But otherwise, yes, shave, get a decent haircut, and dress appropriately.

[Frau Jodhpurs]

Hillary! needs to examine other dynamic female leaders for her office look. She does indeed represent all of us. There's always her favorite--Eleanor Roosevelt who knew how to dress for success without makeup.

[RichatUF]

Ha...come here for the news stay for the makeup tips, recipes, and martini hour t&a...

[Chubby]

even JOM has lifestyle and fashion sections :)

[RichatUF]

LOL.

[RichatUF]

Seems that Obama's evolution is complete and now he is for gay marriage.

[Stephanie]

Fatwa against Obama in 3, 2, oh who the hell am I fooling... the bestest friend of the muslims ain't gonna get a fatwa on his ass. Might get a few sideways looks at it, though IYKWIMAITYD

[sailor]

Watching daytime television which I hardly ever do, we have Shep Smith delighted with O's evolving into supporting gay marriage! Brett Baier, when asked by Shep, said that "No, Republicans would not be running on this--they would be running on the economy and jobs, jobs, jobs." Good for Brett.

[NK]

FrauJ-- who's the big GUY in riding gear in that photograph?

[sailor]

Well, NK, it's a idea of how Hilary could dress!

[Danube of Thought]

"Or get permanent eyeliner tattooed on..."

Like Keith Richards.

[lyle]

FrauJ-- who's the big GUY in riding gear in that photograph?

Mr. Pitt

[Jane]

I worked with a make-up and wardrobe stylist for several years and she taught me many make-up tricks. One was to save the mascara for parties -- with eyeliner you don't really need it. One of the best tips she gave me was, after putting on lipstick, to wipe most of it off, and then repeat that process a few times, so the end result is that the lips appear naturally stained instead of covered with goo.

Chubby,

That is so helpful. The eyeliner stuff kills me (and it is absolutely the most important thing) because I'm half blind in one eye and can't see what I'm doing.

I'll try the lipstick thing tomorrow.

[NK]

Brad Pitt?... nah.. too masculine looking....

[Dave (in MA)]

I think it's very unfair to hold Hillary to the standards of beauty established by her predecessors.

[lyle]

That's some damn fine embalming work, Dave.

[NK]

Andy Griffith Show's Aunt Bea was Secy of State?

[glasater]

I forgot to add that the 22 yo hispanic fellow who said he was going to kill 80 yo Mr Saul was found to be unarmed. Horrible bluff on his part.
So that's causing some concern in the Mexican community for equal justice.
Gang violence may take an uptick, however.

[Sara]

Chelsea at the Met Gala this past week:

[Jane]

Is she still married?

[Sara]

Jane: I think that is her husband in the pic. The last I heard about him, he had quit his Wall Street job and gone off to become a ski bum. Apparently, he is back.

[Danube of Thought]

When I see that pic--or any pic--of Eleanor, I think " what in God's name was FDR doing?"