Objective truth, eh? Tell me more!

I didn’t intend to suggest that they redefined the word, I didn’t say that as such, but I agree that they may have made official changes to the word (splitting it, as you say) in some fashion.

It does read a bit like a federal power play meant to consolidate power, though the re-framing of the word “Militia” was not subsequently used as a way to undermine the 2nd amendment, as one might suspect if that were the case. One must wonder if the NRA (established in 1871), or another interested party, had any hand in influencing Charles Dick’s advancement of this legislation.

To me it reads more as a way to protect the 2nd amendment’s “militia” verbiage from scrutiny.

I don’t know any lawyers personally, so I can’t ask them. It sounds as though you might have some sources you could provide, though, if you’re parroting them? I’d love to read more if you have any links handy. I tried searching the web for the phrase but was unsuccessful.

I did find the Wikipedia article on the word “militia” and it suggests that the accepted “official” definition may have been changed by the “Militia Act of 1903”.

I do find it interesting how one can change the constitution by making official changes to the meanings of language, without a constitutional amendment. That seems concerning.

So, a militia, in your interpretation is:

“A group of able bodied males who posses firearms and who are organized, in good working order, by their local government.”

Or do I have it wrong? I’m not trying to put words into your mouth, only to understand.

“Well regulated” translated from 1700’s speak just means “in good working order”, not meaning regulated by a bureaucracy issuing permits.

Assuming that to be true, what does “militia” mean when translated from 1700’s speak?

So let me follow your logic, then.

I’m saying I’m dumb just to “sound like an intellectual”. But saying I’m dumb actually doesn’t make me sound like an intellectual, like you think I think. I just am dumb, like I’ve been saying all this time, genuinely, with no audience other than you on a dead thread.

Whew. That’s a pretzel if I ever saw one.

Have you ever considered that there might be people out there who don’t think they’re as smart as you seem believe that you are?

I’m not an intellectual. I’m a 40-something man who has seen some shit and learned a lot, but never had the luxury of a college education. Of course I’d like to improve myself, who wouldn’t? For me that means acknowledging that I’m not as smart as I wish I were.

That said, if you wanna exchange addresses we could be real life pen-pals. I’m enjoying talking with you. You’re not as dumb as you think I am.

Can’t even answer a direct question.

How does self-deprecation make one sound like an intellectual, exactly?

So you’re a mind-reader and smarter than me?

I’m not in the habit of saying things I don’t mean. How does self-deprecation make one sound like an intellectual, exactly?

I am not a smart man. I do my best to get smarter every day, but I’m not inherently intelligent.

You don’t do your due diligence on your conversational partners? Ones you waste this much time on?

Clearly you are smarter than me! But then, I already told you that I’m a moron.

No worries, I’m dumb too.

Here’s a site with more information, and even an animation that shows how the hole fluctuates throughout the year!

This is so interesting. I just got done posting a similar comment to snooggums, but I didn’t realize it was just a narrative. I went looking for some sources for the things you were saying and lo and behold… looks like it’s not as “fixed” as is commonly claimed!

Here’s NASA’s data on the hole(s).

And here’s an infographic I found:

The ozone layer hole situation is another great case study in something that was fixed by humanity being proactive.

ETA: This post I made here feels good to read but it’s not really true, unfortunately. Check out seefin’s post in this same thread for more info.

Are you telling me that you honestly believe that you’re intelligent? With a comment history like that!?

When did I ever say that I thought I wasn’t a moron? I’m at least smart enough to know that I don’t know much.

In your own words:

why are you talking about stuff you know nothing about?

People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

My mother is dead.

You win!!! Congratulations!!! You’re a big boy with big opinions that are right!

For what it’s worth, I hadn’t said anything in this thread so far, so I’m not sure what you mean with your last sentence. Just pasted a link that I thought was interesting, related to the topic at hand… supporting the middle-ground position that you were asserting with your copy/pasted AI slop. Seems like you have a bias you’re working hard to reinforce. Or convince yourself of.

Then you got standoffish about it for some reason. Maybe a lack of reading comprehension? Maybe not paying attention to who you’re replying to? Who knows!?

You keep looking for things to be mad about, though, champ. Someday everyone will recognize you as the most smartestest and correctestest boy on earth.

It sounds to me like your parents are engaging with nuance in a complicated world, rather than boiling everything down to either “this is good” or “this is bad”.

ETA: You’re welcome to downvote me, I don’t mind, the points don’t matter. But I prefer discussion. Tell me why I’m wrong so we can have a conversation!

Sounds a lot like my experience with Americans re: their government.

I guess propaganda can be pretty insidious.