Its that time again

The rumors are true! Thursday, November 13th 2008... Thats right. Christmas music on the radio. I fired up the radio (thats right.. fired up) on my way to pick up Josh from school when I heard it with my own ears! Today (from what I can tell) will be marked on our calendars as the first day the annual tradition of Christmas songs in November has started here in "Upstate" New York for the year 2008!

Speaking of calendars, maybe we should have a calendar here on Great Minds... its a thought... 

What are your thoughts on Christmas music in November? Leave a comment. 

VOTE!!!

Today is Election Day! You have the right, privilege, responsibility, and freedom to vote, and it was paid for with American blood. Don't take it for granted.

Unconstitutional?

Lately I have been going over various firearms laws for New York State, and various other states, and am becoming more frustrated as I read them. As most of you know, the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States says that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." I am finding that State laws restrict which Americans can "bear arms". According to New York State Law, "No person may carry, possess or transport a handgun in or through the state unless he has a valid New York license. New York does not issue licenses to non-residents nor does it recognize licenses issued by other states." More specifically a US citizen who is also a resident of the State of Nebraska [for example], and holds a concealed carry license to posses and cary a handgun and/or revolver, can not cary or possess a handgun or revolver in the State of New York [for example]. Now, the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States says that "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States..." So, if the Constitution grants citizens of the United States the right to keep and bear arms, and it also prohibits states from infringing on the rights guaranteed to United States citizens, how can "State A" not allow a licensed handgun owner from "State B" to "bear arms" in "State A"? The Constitution does not limit the arms that the people may keep and bear.
I would really appreciate feedback on this post. Thank you.
~Jim

A Change of Tone...

Up to this point, my writing style has been more of a journal type setting. I have decided to change my writing style to a more topical setting. This is a matter of personal preference, and I think I will be able to put forth my thoughts more thoroughly in this way. The Great Minds team is free to write in whatever style they wish, about whatever they wish, and are in no way obligated to change anything based on my decision. Hopefully the readers will be seeing a change toward more structure and professionalism in the layout and interface of this site as we acquire the means to make such change possible. As always, thank you for visiting Great Minds, and make sure to tell your friends about us. (hopefully we will be making some banners available in the near future for that purpose.)

~Jim