It has nothing to do with "need." I own numerous high caliber rifles (you call assault) and enjoy shooting them as recreation. They aren't as dangerous as people taking recreation after work (drinking) and then getting into thier weapon of choice and driving home...

The nutjobs in Washington will never figure this out.   For schools (including the ones that have security).....just close the doors at first bell. They can always be opened from inside since they aren't locked. If a parent comes by they can ring a bell to enter. School and emergency personnel can use a cardreader ...more

Mitch, The only "gun problem" is that criminals have them and will continue to use them whether they are illegal or not. The way to defend yourself is to arm yourself.   I have multiple weapons (rifles, pistols, knives, etc.). It is my right (plus hobby) to collect and shoot firearms. You knuckleheads who say assau...more

There are more alcohol related deaths every year, yet all the drunks in Washington won't let the liquor stores close.   I'm just saying...........

I doubt I am mis-informed. In fact the 4 CSs sitting in the office with me are all shaking thier head that I am correct.   I have been supporting NASA since the 80s and have many, many friends who are both working and retired CSs. Plus the "average" salaries of CSs are extremely high. In this area it is over $200k....more

The truth is that many of the G.I. folks had a pension to fall back on. When the business world came to thier senses and realized they couldn't afford to fund pensions they were fazed out. You just need to count on your own investment strategy and/or SS now.   Of course, the average tax payer still funds the gov't ...more

Agrred. I support a gov't agency and toward the end of every fiscal year (FY) management has us do all kinds of little pet projects to spend the funds allocated to them. They are afraid they won't be able to get the same funding the next FY and try like hell to spend every penny.   What a Waste!!!

Ready for this......I work for a contractor supporting a gov't agency. I am middle aged and have been told by numerous civil servants they are taking a gov't buyout prior to a Jan 31st, 2013 cutoff. The buyout includes them starting to recieve thier full pension when they accept the buyout. Here is the kicker, the indi...more

I am a little under 50, single, have a couple of kids, and earn a great six figure salary since the late 90s. Not that I am an expert, but here is how I did it:   1.  Through high school I worked in a cabinet shop. 2.  Shortly after when to community college for a while (earned about 50 credits). 3.  Early 20s ...more