Elementary School Student Brings Gun To School ‘For Protection’ Post-Sandy Hook

Elementary School Student Brings Gun To School ‘For Protection’ Post-Sandy Hook: pA sixth-grader in Kearns, Utah brought an unloaded handgun to his elementary school on Monday, reportedly at the urging of his parents. According to the local Fox affiliate, the 11 year-old told his fellow students he was encouraged by his parents to bring the gun to school “for protection” following the shootings at Sandy Hook [...]/p

TONEY ATKINS: WHAT I THINK ABOUT THAT: TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM

TONEY ATKINS: WHAT I THINK ABOUT THAT: TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM

Five Sensible Steps -- Think Progress

Five Sensible Steps: pA Sensible Path Forward on Gun Safety Last night, President Obama once again committed himself and the nation to meaningful action to reduce gun violence in our society: This is our first task — caring for our children. It’s our first job. If we don’t get that right, we don’t get anything right. That’s how, [...]/p

Man Opens Fire In Alabama Hospital

Man Opens Fire In Alabama Hospital: pJust hours after a 20-year-old gun man killed 20 children and 6 adults in an elementary school in Connecticut, authorities in Alabama “say a man opened fire in a hospital, wounding an officer and two employees before he was fatally shot by police.” The injuries are “not considered life-threatening”; the shooter was killed by police./p

Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Planning School-Shooting Plot

Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Planning School-Shooting Plot: pOn Friday, police in Bartlesville, Oklahoma arrested an 18-year-old high school student who was planning a school-shooting massacre plot. Sammie Eaglebear Chavez “tried to recruit other students to assist him with carrying out a plan to lure students into the school auditorium where he planned to begin shooting them after chaining the doors shut.” “He [...]/p

ThinkProgress ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MASSACRE AND GUN ARGUMENTS

ThinkProgress

Elementary School Shooting In Connecticut

Elementary School Shooting In Connecticut: pScores of people — including children — were killed on Friday morning when at least one gunman opened fire in an Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, CT. Children were reportedly told to run out of the building with their eyes closed after the incident occurred Friday. Reports from the Hartford Courant suggest that the [...]/p

UPDATES AT NEWS LINKS AT www.toneyatkins.com/ . This web site and my blogs are not financially supported by anyone.

National Security Brief: GOP Senator Wants Torture Report Made Public

National Security Brief: GOP Senator Wants Torture Report Made Public: pSen. John McCain (R-AZ) said a Senate Intelligence Committee report on the Bush administration’s so-called “enhanced interrogation techniques” should be made public. The committee is expected to approve the 6,000 page report on Thursday. “Absolutely it should be made public,” McCain told reporters on Tuesday, reiterating his belief that Bush’s torture program did not help [...]/p

GOP’s Latest Fiscal Cliff Offer: Permanent Extension Of Bush Tax Cuts For The Wealthy

GOP’s Latest Fiscal Cliff Offer: Permanent Extension Of Bush Tax Cuts For The Wealthy: pCNN’s Dana Bash is reporting that House Republicans have offered an untenable new deal to the White House in the ongoing negotiations to avert the so-called fiscal cliff, demanding, Democratic sources say, that the Bush tax cuts for the top 2 percent of Americans be made permanent. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) unveiled the GOP [...]/p

Lawmakers In Three States Introduce Legislation To Expand Voting Rights

Lawmakers In Three States Introduce Legislation To Expand Voting Rights: pAfter Republicans spent the past two years passing voter suppression bills, progressives in several states are gearing up to fight back next year with legislation that would increase voting rights. In the last week, lawmakers in states ranging from Florida to Virginia to New Jersey pre-filed bills to help Americans access the ballot box and [...]/p

Boehner: 'Serious differences' separate GOP from Obama - First Read

Boehner: 'Serious differences' separate GOP from Obama - First Read

Best Christmas Lights Display

Best Christmas Lights Display

Well, it's definitely in the top ten, maybe even top five. It may even be No. 1. Play and enjoy, and have a happy holiday season! Toney Atkins, www.toneyatkins.com/

P.S. Thanks to Sam Maness of Colorado for bringing this to my attention.

GIANT ASTEROID TO FLY BY EARTH

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/11/asteroid-flyby-tonight-toutatis_n_2278457.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing9%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D244178

FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST:
A giant asteroid will make a flyby of Earth over the next few days, and armchair astronomers can watch the action live on their computers.
The near-Earth asteroid 4179 Toutatis, which is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) wide, will zoom within 4.3 million miles (7 million kilometers) of Earth during its closest approach early Wednesday morning (Dec. 12). That's too far away to pose any impact threat on this pass, but close enough to put on a pretty good show through top-notch telescopes, researchers say.

Read more and see links to how you can watch the asteroid by clicking the link at the top of this post.



SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE!
www.toneyatkins.com/

SINGING ABOUT KILLING PEOPLE V. DOING IT

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/12/10-3

From Common Dreams: The PSY Scandal.
Other Common Dreams commentaries of interest:

. Home | About Us | Donate | Subscribe | Archives Do you want to share the news with a friend? Click here to tell them about Common Dreams.

News & Views | 12.10.12 Headlines... 'Zero Dark Thirty': Likely US Blockbuster Slammed for Glorifying CIA Torture http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/12/10-7 US Intel Report Predicts US Decline as Global Resource Wars Rise http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/12/10-3 New Study: Scientists' Early Climate Predictions Prove Accurate http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/12/10-2

SANTA, BUDDY by Toney Atkins

For some reason, Christmas nostalgia has overwhelmed me this year as I approach the end of my seventh decade on the beautiful planet Earth.

As a result, perhaps because of multiple listenings to one of my holiday music favorites, “Santa, Baby” by Eartha Kitt, and the male version, “Santa, Buddy,” performed by several artists, I decided to write my own letter to the North Pole, not in song or poem, but simply in words:

Dear Santa, Buddy,

I don’t need all the things that the singers request. However, I would really enjoy getting a Roku streaming player, a used car that would get me from here to there and back again, an inexpensive recorder for recording interviews, and I really could use enough ch-ching to put me a few months ahead on rent, a few bills, food and other expenses. The latter would be much more appreciated than fruitcakes or cheeseballs, but that sounds rather tacky when I put it down in words.

Unfortunately, Santa, buddy, I don’t have a chimney or a tree, and there are deadbolt and chain locks on the door, so I don't know how you can get inside my humble abode.

Like many senior citizens and younger folks who live in my neighborhood, it’s hard to get by on Social Security payments, and I won’t receive my next one until the day after my landmark birthday. Because of somewhat complicated circumstances that I won’t bore you with, I depend on others for transportation to the grocery store, the pharmacy and the doctor’s office. I’m beginning to look like an old hippie, because I haven’t been to the barber since July.

Please don't misunderstand me. I don’t feel sorry for myself. I like my life despite the few inconveniences, and you should see some of the delicious recipes I’ve developed with Ramen noodles purchased with my allocated $16 in food stamps.

I walk down the hill to the closest convenience store, but the worsening bad back, legs and feet sometimes make it difficult. My eyesight is getting blurrier and dimmer, and that causes frustration when I walk down that hill after dark and find myself off the pavement and in the grass, looking for the North Star to get my bearings.

But I really shouldn’t complain about anything, although my few friends would probably call 9-1-1 if I didn’t. They would fear that I was really sick.

All I have to do is look around me and I literally see neighbors, young and old, who are having to deal with greater hardships than I. Many have health problems, mental and physical. Several younger residents suffer PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome) from military tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a few others from the Vietnam era may be going through the same thing. Many of my younger neighbors are unemployed and depressed because they have to try to collect unemployment benefits and are sometimes seem to be somewhat self-loathing because they know they are not being productive and therefore unable to adequately provide for their families. Some simply have nowhere else to go. Santa, it would be fantastic if you could surprise all these folks, especially the children, with some canned goods and toys on Christmas Day. And maybe a job offer for the unemployed or under-employed adults in the house who really want one?

I’ve been a fairly good boy this year, Santa, buddy. No alcohol, no drug abuse, no sex, and I can’t remember the last time I kissed someone or that someone kissed me, even under the mistletoe. I’ve tried not to think naughty thoughts, but that's getting easier as memories fade with age. I haven’t stolen from anyone, and I don’t think I’ve been too judgmental, except toward Republicans and those who profess but don’t really practice Christianity. I’ve been grateful for neighbors who occasionally give me a good meal, a ride to wherever I need to go and who show genuine concern about my health and well-being. I hope that you, Santa, will be especially good to them.

Thanks for listening, Santa, buddy. Please overlook your naughty list and sprinkle your happiness-inducing magic mixed in with peace and love over every household.
Your friend,
Toney

***************************************************
Dear God,
Forgive me of my many sins and transgressions, although I guess that is redundant. I pray that I will be a better person, spreading love and peace, and that I’ll continue to fight hate, hypocrisy and bigotry and try to be a giver, not a taker.

Bless my friends, acquaintances, relatives, and even those who might want to do me harm with the surrounding of your mantle of protection and love. Keep them healthy and safe. Bless them with the spirit of love, peace and happiness.

I’d pray to win the lottery, but You have more important things to do in this screwed-up world of ours than to give me a handout of winning numbers in a dream or through a burning bush.

Even though I may have nearly nothing in the way of money or material things, put it in my heart to share what I do have with those who need it more than I. I know that through You, I will always have what I truly need. I pray that I will someday be able to give back even more to the people of the world than they have given me.

Dear God, I pray that your mantle of protection and love will be around this whole troubled world, giving everyone the miracle of peace on earth, just as I pray that your mantle of protection and love will be around me.

I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

Amen.
***************************************************
And dear reader, no matter what your religion, or lack of same, or whatever your feelings about the holiday season may be, my wishes for you and yours are to have a ...

MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

www.toneyatkins.com/

Pearl Harbor vets honored on 71st anniversary of attack

Pearl Harbor vets honored on 71st anniversary of attack

Homeland Security Takes Steps To Implement Prison Rape Elimination Act Guidelines

Homeland Security Takes Steps To Implement Prison Rape Elimination Act Guidelines: pNote: This post originally addressed President Obama’s executive order, which was issued in May. It has been updated for accuracy. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice released its final guidelines for implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which it has been developing since the law passed in 2003. The new rules contain [...]/p

Marijuana goes legal in Washington state amid mixed messages | Reuters

Marijuana goes legal in Washington state amid mixed messages | Reuters

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT I'D NEVER POST GOOD NEWS...

French men not producing as much sperm | Reuters

French men not producing as much sperm | Reuters

This Reuters link is for anyone interested in sexual science. Now I'm worried about my sperm count, although at my age, it doesn;t really matter anyway. -- Toney Atkins

SUPREME COURT TO EYE GAY MARRIAGE

http://tv.msnbc.com/2012/12/07/historic-cases-supreme-court-to-rule-on-doma-prop-8/

THE FISCAL CLIFF: WHAT IS IT ... REALLY?

I did not pay attention in civics class in high school. I failed a course in economics in college. My career in journalism taught me more than I ever wanted to know about politics and government. But even with a bachelor of science degree and decades later, I still find economic issues to be a bit confusing. The talking heads on TV news shows usually lose me when they talk over MY head in trying to explain the so-called "fiscal cliff" and how it impacts the U.S. and the world -- particularly the average citizen.

In searching for answers, I found a helpful link that I feel compelled to share with you:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/fiscal-cliff.htm

Toney Atkins
www.toneyatkins.com/

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE DEC. 21 APOCALYPSE?

The Mayan Calendar implies that the world as we know it will come to an end on Dec. 21, 2012. If you are reading this on Dec. 22 or thereafter, congratulations! You survived!

I found a link to everything you need to know about the Mayan prediction, how to survive the apocalypse, etc.

Check out: http://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/2012-mayan-calendar.htm#mkcpgn=em2

Happy holidays!

Toney Atkins
www.toneyatkins.com/

Republicans Tout Bush Tax Cuts, But Extending Unemployment Benefits Would Support 400,000 Jobs

Republicans Tout Bush Tax Cuts, But Extending Unemployment Benefits Would Support 400,000 Jobs: pThe sticking point of the negotiations over the so-called “fiscal cliff” has been the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, which Republicans insist must be extended and President Obama and the Democrats insist must end. (Both sides agree on maintaining tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans.) Of course, the reason the fiscal cliff is [...]/p

Marijuana goes legal in Washington state amid mixed messages | Reuters

Marijuana goes legal in Washington state amid mixed messages | Reuters

Syria Chemical Weapons Readied For Use: Sarin Loaded Into Aerial Bombs Despite International Warnings

Syria Chemical Weapons Readied For Use: Sarin Loaded Into Aerial Bombs Despite International Warnings


SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE!
Toney Atkins
www.toneyatkins.com/
 

WHY I WILL NEVER VOTE REPUBLICAN (Toney Atkins)

Defying Rick Scott, Florida Legislators Introduce Bill To Restore Early Voting Days: pLast year, the Republican-led Florida legislature slashed the state’s early voting period in half and cut out voting on the final Sunday before the election — a day when many African American churches turned out parishioners in high numbers. As a result, long lines were the norm for Floridians this year; some even had to [...]/p

Toney A writes: Limiting or putting obstacles in the way of voting in 2012 are a tip of the iceberg of the many reasons I will never vote for a Republican. How can Republicans consider themselves to be patriots of the United States when they attempt to obstruct the rights of all citizens, i.e., the right to vote? For the years that Obama has been president, the Republican lawmakers have done everything possible to prevent laws from passing that would benefit the disabled, all veterans, job-seekers who aren't expecting "gifts" from the government, the unemployed and who act in direct contradiction to the commandments in the Holy Bibles they raise. They lie to us; they hurt those who are already hurting. Meanwhile, the rich get richer while the middle class and the poor are snubbed. Republicans take advantage of the ignorance of people who get their misinformation from Fox News and know little-to-nothing about civics or economics, therefore being easily persuaded about falsehoods perpetuated about the nation's first black president and barely understanding the fear-mongering about deficits and, as one of my Southern neighbors calls it, the "physical clift" (fiscal cliff) that actually was created during a Republican administration. To all Republicans and to those who allow them to pull the wool over their constituents' eyes, I say: "SHAME ON YOU!" If there is not a major change in attitudes, my votes will go elsewhere, i.e., anyone who does not have an (R) beside his or her name.

Incoming Wisconsin Assembly Speaker: Amend The Constitution To Allow Voter Suppression

Incoming Wisconsin Assembly Speaker: Amend The Constitution To Allow Voter Suppression: pThe Wisconsin state constitution forbids nearly all laws that restrict the franchise. In its words, “[e]very United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district.” This is why two Wisconsin courts struck down that state’s voter ID law, and [...]/p

Police Groups Vie For Mandatory Collection Of All Private Text Messages | ThinkProgress

Police Groups Vie For Mandatory Collection Of All Private Text Messages | ThinkProgress

Republican Senator Demands ‘Very Painful Cuts To Medicare’

Republican Senator Demands ‘Very Painful Cuts To Medicare’: pOn Sunday, during an appearance on Meet the Press, Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) reiterated his call for restructuring entitlement programs like Medicare, highlighting the “very painful cuts” he has proposed as part of a package to avert the fiscal cliff. Corker 242-page plan calls for a Paul Ryan-like proposal to transform the guaranteed Medicare benefit [...]/p

Young Americans Continue To Put Themselves At Risk For HIV Virus, CDC Warns | ThinkProgress

Young Americans Continue To Put Themselves At Risk For HIV Virus, CDC Warns | ThinkProgress

On World AIDS Day, Here Are Five Huge Advances We've Made To Combat The Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic | ThinkProgress

On World AIDS Day, Here Are Five Huge Advances We've Made To Combat The Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic | ThinkProgress

History of HIV/AIDS Slideshow: A Pictorial Timeline of the AIDS Pandemic

History of HIV/AIDS Slideshow: A Pictorial Timeline of the AIDS Pandemic

DEC. 1 IS WORLD AIDS DAY. HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT THIS HEINOUS DISEASE THAT IMPACTS US ALL, EVEN THOUGH WE AS INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT HAVE IT! PLEASE CHECK OUT THE ABOVE LINK FROM WEB MD. -- Toney Atkins

Hangover Myths Slideshow: Hangover Cures, Herbal Remedies, Hair of the Dog, and More

Hangover Myths Slideshow: Hangover Cures, Herbal Remedies, Hair of the Dog, and More