"What if slaves had guns?" asks a Tea Party Member at a rally today.

[geckosfeet]

17. I have called no one stupid. But I do respect an opionion born out of knowledge.

I agree, a surgeon should be qualified to operate. But surgeons have their own interpretations and can approach a medical condition in different ways. Indeed, expertise and requirements for medical professionals varies considerably across the world.

A knowledge of history can be had by anyone who cares enough to crack a book or run a few google searches. An academic will have a much deeper and comprehensive understanding of the matter. They also understand that history is not fixed and immutable and that we see history through the eyes of our times and political leanings. FYI - I am not an academic.

As for peoples knowledge of firearms, that is their business. But I can't help but be amused at times, at some of the things people say.

On edit: - You seem to really like the word fetish. I find that amusing.