Meeting went well. Bigger issues than I had thought, but that’s a good thing, too. Dr Russell is a very interesting person. Obviously very quite smart (10 out of 10, I suspect), and very down to earth. I’ll be doing a follow-up with him in the next week or two.

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MASS in Concert this weekend…Broward Center for the Performing Arts­ Fort Lauderdale, FL. April 7-8, 2005 – MASS will feature their instruments both indoors and outdoors for this public event. They will also inform the attendees about the sculptural design of MASS instruments. I think I’ll saunter over there and check it out.

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Did blood again… watched Undercover Brother. I was amused.

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All about Manners. Aww Kitty Cuteness! – This could easily be a day in the life with Newt. Her cat is named Newt, too! (No Gravy for my Newt.)

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Bill allowing people to “meet force with force” heads to governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday he intends to sign a bill that would allow people who feel threatened on the street, in a bar, at a ball game – or just about anywhere – to “meet force with force” to defend themselves without fear of being prosecuted.

The measure (SB 436), the top priority of the National Rifle Association in Florida this year, passed 94-20 in the House. It had already passed the Senate.

The bill essentially extends and codifies a right Floridians already have in their home or car, saying that there’s no need to retreat before fighting back. People attacked in their homes generally don’t have to back off. But in public spaces, deadly force can only be used after trying to retreat.

“I’m sorry people, but if I’m attacked I shouldn’t have a duty to retreat,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala. “That’s a good way to get shot in the back.”

Baxley said that if people have the clear right to defend themselves without having to worry about the legal consequences, criminals will think twice before attacking someone.

“Some violent rape will not occur because somebody will feel empowered by this bill,” said Baxley. “Somebody’s child will not be abducted … you’re going to prevent a murder.”

Opponents said the idea will legalize shootouts in the streets.

“This bill creates a wild, wild west out there,” said Rep. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood.

Bush, who has championed tougher penalties for people convicted of using guns in crimes, said he believed the measure was a good idea.

“I’m comfortable that the bill is a bill that relates to self defense,” Bush said. “It’s a good, commonsense, anti-crime issue.”

The measure makes it clear in state law what courts have generally ruled in Florida – that there’s no duty to retreat before fighting back if you’re in your home, workplace or car.

But it also extends the right outside the home, saying that “a person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be, has no duty to retreat.”

The bill says that person has “the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so, to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another.”

The sponsor, Baxley, also led the failed legislative effort to keep Terri Schiavo alive by blocking the removal of her feeding tube – and decried a growing “culture of death.”

“For a House that talks about the culture of life, it’s ironic that we would be devaluing life in this bill,” said Rep. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. “You are telling people when they are in the midst of an emotional moment … you can stand your ground until death happens.”

Baxley and other supporters, however, said the measure brings Florida in line with the law of much of the land. But case law varies from state to state and some opponents disagreed.

Alan Korwin, an author of several books on gun laws and position papers defending gun ownership, said that the right to use a gun for self defense in most circumstances is “longstanding law that’s well established.”

“Standing your ground against an unlawful attack is the American way,” Korwin said.

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On the Net:

Florida Legislature: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/

Oh, I don’t know how much I like that. To Quote South Park – “Oh My Gosh, He’s Coming Right at Us!” *BLAM BLAM BLAM*

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Moment of Lyric

If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice

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Yesterday’s travel piccies – More Sticker-letter graffiti.

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America we stand as one video – Thanks Sammy! Sakes. This is awful. I Could’ve sworn by the beginning that it was going to have a planet of the apes ending. You maniacs.

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1 year ago – +20 min, underage girl charged with child pornography, LSD

2 years ago – creaky, PotC, Bro

3 years ago – put all of oz on my palm, boat name poll, vending machines, Newt activities

4 years ago – laundry, Herb Kornfeld