Time to cross our fingers...

[Monster]

I don't see a whole lot of people on the left decrying the actions of what's going with the rioting and protesting. By saying nothing it sure seems to be a way of supporting it.
I like how you say the far left and Trump supporters. Like it's not possible to be a trump supporter and not be considered an extremist. Isn't that what your saying tho ? Which means your no different than the people your calling out for thinking all lefties are rioters and protesters.

No. That's definitely not what I was saying.

And I'm kind of tired of the "saying nothing" is supporting it angle.

Do you feel the same about those that are not railing on and on about every single instance of racism in the world? Because some of the more extreme leftist camp truly believes in that. So it's interesting to see somebody else point that out about the rioting stuff.

Turns out I support both racism AND rioting... for minding my own business and trying to stay above the messy fray.

Cool. I guess.

This isn't meant to be directed at anyone here but over-generalizations piss me of the most.

I appreciate people willing to have a bit of a conversation here and putting up with my incessant questions. lol

[Wolvesfan21]

Wolvesfan

So lets say what you say is true. So explain to me how me having a gun is going to solve this problem? It seems more of a problem of perception (which is very powerful) to me. What is the actual solution to this?

Are you saying the solution to the rioters? Well yeah. We should all be protecting ourselves, property and families.

Rioters? I'm talking about all the other stuff you have been saying. Rioters seems like a pretty minor issue of what you have been presenting.

If you believe what I have been saying then simply spreading the truth to whoever will listen will do the most good. In order to take down the deceivers we need to expose them for what they are. That is the first goal.

And trust me, it's extremely difficult, most people will be so against what you say they will want to ignore you, fight you and defend their own version of reality. It's really best to plant seeds (a sales term) and have them come back to you. Instead of being aggressive and full blown coming out with everything at once. Say something that can be easily provable that is declassified. Like Operation Northwoods, just mention it and see if they bite. People will listen if they can verify it. Quotes like I posted I think are good. Presidents saying what a corrupt system of GOV we have. Etc. Say I read this book about how war is a racket. Then you can explain it.

[Monster]

Wolvesfan

So lets say what you say is true. So explain to me how me having a gun is going to solve this problem? It seems more of a problem of perception (which is very powerful) to me. What is the actual solution to this?

Are you saying the solution to the rioters? Well yeah. We should all be protecting ourselves, property and families.

Rioters? I'm talking about all the other stuff you have been saying. Rioters seems like a pretty minor issue of what you have been presenting.

If you believe what I have been saying then simply spreading the truth to whoever will listen will do the most good. In order to take down the deceivers we need to expose them for what they are. That is the first goal.

And trust me, it's extremely difficult, most people will be so against what you say they will want to ignore you, fight you and defend their own version of reality. It's really best to plant seeds (a sales term) and have them come back to you. Instead of being aggressive and full blown coming out with everything at once. Say something that can be easily provable that is declassified. Like Operation Northwoods, just mention it and see if they bite. People will listen if they can verify it. Quotes like I posted I think are good. Presidents saying what a corrupt system of GOV we have. Etc. Say I read this book about how war is a racket. Then you can explain it.

I agree with that approach. Its difficult and takes a ton of time though right? It seems that way from what I have been reading and learning about bringing about change.

So you would be for cutting back significantly on the military? Cutting back on prison systems? You are looking at dismantling and starting over more than just a couple tweaks right?

[Porckchop]

I don't see a whole lot of people on the left decrying the actions of what's going with the rioting and protesting. By saying nothing it sure seems to be a way of supporting it.
I like how you say the far left and Trump supporters. Like it's not possible to be a trump supporter and not be considered an extremist. Isn't that what your saying tho ? Which means your no different than the people your calling out for thinking all lefties are rioters and protesters.

No. That's definitely not what I was saying.

And I'm kind of tired of the "saying nothing" is supporting it angle.

Do you feel the same about those that are not railing on and on about every single instance of racism in the world? Because some of the more extreme leftist camp truly believes in that. So it's interesting to see somebody else point that out about the rioting stuff.

Turns out I support both racism AND rioting... for minding my own business and trying to stay above the messy fray.

Cool. I guess.

This isn't meant to be directed at anyone here but over-generalizations piss me of the most.

I appreciate people willing to have a bit of a conversation here and putting up with my incessant questions. lol

[Monster]

This argument that more guns in the hands of civilians is absurd. That's always their answer. Give people more guns and let the better shooter win.

And yet we're seeing major US cities where their mayor's are pulling the police back and letting violent rioters rule. It's a great irony that the left is against private gun ownership yet act in a manner that promotes private gun ownership. Gun manufacturers are seeing record sales amidst the violent unrest.

While I don't buy into the conspiracy theories being presented here, I do think current events make an excellent case for being armed

And there we are... LEFT... RIGHT!

Does anybody think that the protestors in Portland or wherever really speak/represent for the vast majority of "left" leaning or even "non-right" thinking people?

The vast majority? No. The vast majority that have a very public voice? Yes. We have Dem mayors that are pulling the police back and letting the violence go unanswered and then proclaiming Trump a fascist for defending Federal buildings. You have national media and Dems in Congress pretending all the rioting was a myth until just the past couple days when that narrative was no longer tenable.

So no, I don't believe most Democrat voters feel represented by the rioters, but you wouldn't know that by what our media presents. It will be interesting come November when moderate Americans go to vote faced with a choice between the party of Trump, and the party of rioting, looting, and arson. And yes, the Democrats have embraced the violence by not speaking out against it. You can support the peaceful protest of the awful Floyd murder and be vocal in opposition to the violence running rampant in many cities, but they've chosen to remain silent.

Finally, back on topic (which is admittedly off-topic for the thread LOL), am I wrong to suggest the combination of the violence and leadership in many cities that will not oppose it is a justification for many American's feeling like gun ownership is more important now than in recent times?

I've said it before... the leftist side... and the far right side have gained more and more and more of a voice.

And sadly, that's normalized a great many bad things for the vast majority of people that realized life is actually lived in the margins with wide swaths of gray.

Those on the far left are 100% sure of their convictions. And those on the other side are just as sure of theirs. Sadly, I believe the only salvation is for us to realize our similarities more than our differences.

But that doesn't sell in the media. And it doesn't work online. And it's harder than simply playing to an ideology or finding like-minded sources to strengthen existing ideas in our heads.

I agree 100% with that, but I'm still not sure how my original post falls outside such thinking.

I think the part about extremes comes from the inherent choice you presented:

- The party of Trump
vs.
- The party of rioting, looting and arson

Although one quibble I have with that is that I'm quite certain the vast majority of Democrats are not advocates of rioting and arson and the destruction of cities. Are the same number of Republicans frustrated and alarmed at being grouped in with "the party of Trump?"

I listen to quite a few podcasts from high profile people on the left and right, but not in the mainstream. Those on the right that I know personally and on these podcasts universally wish Trump would just shut the fuck up and do his job. For the most part, people are pleasantly surprised by his policy and extremely frustrated by his petty personality. From a policy perspective, he's been more effective than lifelong Republicans, and from a personality perspective, far more destructive.

The thing about Trump that the media get wrong, or purposefully ignore, is he wasn't a response to Obama, he was a giant middle finger to career Republicans. If you don't believe that just go back and look at the primaries where the majority of the 16 candidates where career GOP and not a single one had any success.

To be honest I'm more frustrated having the spineless GOP as my party than I am having Trump at the head of it. I'm fiscally conservative and socially moderate, I think the GOP has done right to move in a more moderate direction on social policy, I think they've been complete garbage when it comes to spending. Spending a fraction less then the Democrats is not fiscally conservative in my book.

I would be curious to know what policies that Trump has done that you find are a positive.

As for Trump being a big middle finger to those career republicans you are right there was some of that but...lets remember that was a pretty underwhelming group. Even though I probably lean toward being a Democrat if I HAD to pick one I would absolutely vote for a Republican if I thought they were the most worthwhile candidate. I listened to a couple of them give their speeches while in Iowa...Ben Carson was the best but he was overall just one of the bumbling guys in that race for the nomination. Thats part of the middle finger you are referring to...that was the best the Republicans can come up with? Sure vote for the new guy I guess. I think there were some other factors than got him to the White House. Regardless I think we can agree. that the people we have had to pick from for President the past couple of cycles haven't exactly been inspiring to the nation in general...or at least in a positive way. lol

[Wolvesfan21]

Wolvesfan

So lets say what you say is true. So explain to me how me having a gun is going to solve this problem? It seems more of a problem of perception (which is very powerful) to me. What is the actual solution to this?

Are you saying the solution to the rioters? Well yeah. We should all be protecting ourselves, property and families.

Rioters? I'm talking about all the other stuff you have been saying. Rioters seems like a pretty minor issue of what you have been presenting.

If you believe what I have been saying then simply spreading the truth to whoever will listen will do the most good. In order to take down the deceivers we need to expose them for what they are. That is the first goal.

And trust me, it's extremely difficult, most people will be so against what you say they will want to ignore you, fight you and defend their own version of reality. It's really best to plant seeds (a sales term) and have them come back to you. Instead of being aggressive and full blown coming out with everything at once. Say something that can be easily provable that is declassified. Like Operation Northwoods, just mention it and see if they bite. People will listen if they can verify it. Quotes like I posted I think are good. Presidents saying what a corrupt system of GOV we have. Etc. Say I read this book about how war is a racket. Then you can explain it.

I agree with that approach. Its difficult and takes a ton of time though right? It seems that way from what I have been reading and learning about bringing about change.

So you would be for cutting back significantly on the military? Cutting back on prison systems? You are looking at dismantling and starting over more than just a couple tweaks right?

I am personally 100% for smaller GOV, cutting Military for sure. If I could I would cut the Federal GOV down by 90%. Laws, Taxes and Spending. Give freedom to the states to decide how much to tax, how much to spend, let the states COMPETE against each other much more for people. Which state has the lowest taxes, best schooling, best parks, etc....Have economic freedom. Gut all the regulations on the Federal level that hinder small businesses.

I think all Drugs should be decriminalized as well. But of course I just state my reasons why and hope others listen.

I read that don't quote me on the Country but I think it was Portugal that decriminalized everything. But they also started giving hard drugs like heroin and meth away for free. Hey guess what, these addicts didn't have to go around and steal to get their fix. Along with the free hard drugs for the addicts they pass around treatment information, facilities. Crime got cut in half overnight..

Like I stated earlier the US imprisons the HIGHEST percentage of people in the World!

As far as the BLM situation. I think that is fairly simple to eliminate racist cops. Each force should track what percentage each officer is arresting and fining minorities. If they are way out of line, then suspend them. Say double over the force avg. for instance. Why are they advertising BLM everywhere, TALK ABOUT SOLUTIONS!!!

We NEED to keep talking about solutions, I try and spread the word, it's obvious the MSM won't so we have to from the ground up.

[Monster]

Wolvesfan

So lets say what you say is true. So explain to me how me having a gun is going to solve this problem? It seems more of a problem of perception (which is very powerful) to me. What is the actual solution to this?

Are you saying the solution to the rioters? Well yeah. We should all be protecting ourselves, property and families.

Rioters? I'm talking about all the other stuff you have been saying. Rioters seems like a pretty minor issue of what you have been presenting.

If you believe what I have been saying then simply spreading the truth to whoever will listen will do the most good. In order to take down the deceivers we need to expose them for what they are. That is the first goal.

And trust me, it's extremely difficult, most people will be so against what you say they will want to ignore you, fight you and defend their own version of reality. It's really best to plant seeds (a sales term) and have them come back to you. Instead of being aggressive and full blown coming out with everything at once. Say something that can be easily provable that is declassified. Like Operation Northwoods, just mention it and see if they bite. People will listen if they can verify it. Quotes like I posted I think are good. Presidents saying what a corrupt system of GOV we have. Etc. Say I read this book about how war is a racket. Then you can explain it.

I agree with that approach. Its difficult and takes a ton of time though right? It seems that way from what I have been reading and learning about bringing about change.

So you would be for cutting back significantly on the military? Cutting back on prison systems? You are looking at dismantling and starting over more than just a couple tweaks right?

I am personally 100% for smaller GOV, cutting Military for sure. If I could I would cut the Federal GOV down by 90%. Laws, Taxes and Spending. Give freedom to the states to decide how much to tax, how much to spend, let the states COMPETE against each other much more for people. Which state has the lowest taxes, best schooling, best parks, etc....Have economic freedom. Gut all the regulations on the Federal level that hinder small businesses.

I think all Drugs should be decriminalized as well. But of course I just state my reasons why and hope others listen.

I read that don't quote me on the Country but I think it was Portugal that decriminalized everything. But they also started giving hard drugs like heroin and meth away for free. Hey guess what, these addicts didn't have to go around and steal to get their fix. Along with the free hard drugs for the addicts they pass around treatment information, facilities. Crime got cut in half overnight..

Like I stated earlier the US imprisons the HIGHEST percentage of people in the World!

As far as the BLM situation. I think that is fairly simple to eliminate racist cops. Each force should track what percentage each officer is arresting and fining minorities. If they are way out of line, then suspend them. Say double over the force avg. for instance. Why are they advertising BLM everywhere, TALK ABOUT SOLUTIONS!!!

We NEED to keep talking about solutions, I try and spread the word, it's obvious the MSM won't so we have to from the ground up.

Thanks for the response.

Something to consider...What you are talking about is a revolution...which is what this country was founded on correct? I agree we should be looking at solutions. If people actually looked into it BLM is actually posing solutions not just protests. I know they also lean towards socialism but they also want some of the same things you do. Some of the history books I've recently read on racism in this country expose some issues some of which related to at least one of the historical points you touched on. What they are looking for is actually well beyond finding racist cops. They are looking for changing a systemic problem...like you are presenting as well. They are are abolitionists. So are you. They say this system isn't working we need to change it not just make some tweaks here and there (although that may work in some communities). I'm not suggesting your stance and BLM is in lock step. Im just suggesting there may actually be some common ground that COULD actually get further in change of where both want to go.

[Wolvesfan21]

Wolvesfan

So lets say what you say is true. So explain to me how me having a gun is going to solve this problem? It seems more of a problem of perception (which is very powerful) to me. What is the actual solution to this?

Are you saying the solution to the rioters? Well yeah. We should all be protecting ourselves, property and families.

Rioters? I'm talking about all the other stuff you have been saying. Rioters seems like a pretty minor issue of what you have been presenting.

If you believe what I have been saying then simply spreading the truth to whoever will listen will do the most good. In order to take down the deceivers we need to expose them for what they are. That is the first goal.

And trust me, it's extremely difficult, most people will be so against what you say they will want to ignore you, fight you and defend their own version of reality. It's really best to plant seeds (a sales term) and have them come back to you. Instead of being aggressive and full blown coming out with everything at once. Say something that can be easily provable that is declassified. Like Operation Northwoods, just mention it and see if they bite. People will listen if they can verify it. Quotes like I posted I think are good. Presidents saying what a corrupt system of GOV we have. Etc. Say I read this book about how war is a racket. Then you can explain it.

I agree with that approach. Its difficult and takes a ton of time though right? It seems that way from what I have been reading and learning about bringing about change.

So you would be for cutting back significantly on the military? Cutting back on prison systems? You are looking at dismantling and starting over more than just a couple tweaks right?

I am personally 100% for smaller GOV, cutting Military for sure. If I could I would cut the Federal GOV down by 90%. Laws, Taxes and Spending. Give freedom to the states to decide how much to tax, how much to spend, let the states COMPETE against each other much more for people. Which state has the lowest taxes, best schooling, best parks, etc....Have economic freedom. Gut all the regulations on the Federal level that hinder small businesses.

I think all Drugs should be decriminalized as well. But of course I just state my reasons why and hope others listen.

I read that don't quote me on the Country but I think it was Portugal that decriminalized everything. But they also started giving hard drugs like heroin and meth away for free. Hey guess what, these addicts didn't have to go around and steal to get their fix. Along with the free hard drugs for the addicts they pass around treatment information, facilities. Crime got cut in half overnight..

Like I stated earlier the US imprisons the HIGHEST percentage of people in the World!

As far as the BLM situation. I think that is fairly simple to eliminate racist cops. Each force should track what percentage each officer is arresting and fining minorities. If they are way out of line, then suspend them. Say double over the force avg. for instance. Why are they advertising BLM everywhere, TALK ABOUT SOLUTIONS!!!

We NEED to keep talking about solutions, I try and spread the word, it's obvious the MSM won't so we have to from the ground up.

Thanks for the response.

Something to consider...What you are talking about is a revolution...which is what this country was founded on correct? I agree we should be looking at solutions. If people actually looked into it BLM is actually posing solutions not just protests. I know they also lean towards socialism but they also want some of the same things you do. Some of the history books I've recently read on racism in this country expose some issues some of which related to at least one of the historical points you touched on. What they are looking for is actually well beyond finding racist cops. They are looking for changing a systemic problem...like you are presenting as well. They are are abolitionists. So are you. They say this system isn't working we need to change it not just make some tweaks here and there (although that may work in some communities). I'm not suggesting your stance and BLM is in lock step. Im just suggesting there may actually be some common ground that COULD actually get further in change of where both want to go.

Thanks for the response as well. We all want the same things in general, I'm more for economic freedom, anarcho-capitalism really is my idealistic view. A REAL FREE MARKET! Anyone should be able to start a business easily, no hoops too jump through, really no taxes is even possible! If people want roads they would pay for them. Better schools, they would pay for them. Crowd funding to pay for things needed. And really the GOV steals most of what it takes in. I estimate we could work 20 hours a week and be twice as wealthy with a true free market system.

Think how many regulations are on everything, hidden taxes, taxes on inflation. It's a system to keep the avg Joe working and slaving away while the 1% rakes it in. The entire system is a fraud.

I was thinking that all 50 states would have their own currency, so that not only are they competing for people for the lowest taxes or no taxes, a stable economic plan and spending would need to take place within each state. States that go bankrupt would lose people as they go find better opportunities and freedoms. Basically close to what the Constitution was founded on. Right now the power is centralized FAR too much on the Federal level. The more you centralize power the more tyrannical the GOV can become.

[Monster]

Wolvesfan

So lets say what you say is true. So explain to me how me having a gun is going to solve this problem? It seems more of a problem of perception (which is very powerful) to me. What is the actual solution to this?

Are you saying the solution to the rioters? Well yeah. We should all be protecting ourselves, property and families.

Rioters? I'm talking about all the other stuff you have been saying. Rioters seems like a pretty minor issue of what you have been presenting.

If you believe what I have been saying then simply spreading the truth to whoever will listen will do the most good. In order to take down the deceivers we need to expose them for what they are. That is the first goal.

And trust me, it's extremely difficult, most people will be so against what you say they will want to ignore you, fight you and defend their own version of reality. It's really best to plant seeds (a sales term) and have them come back to you. Instead of being aggressive and full blown coming out with everything at once. Say something that can be easily provable that is declassified. Like Operation Northwoods, just mention it and see if they bite. People will listen if they can verify it. Quotes like I posted I think are good. Presidents saying what a corrupt system of GOV we have. Etc. Say I read this book about how war is a racket. Then you can explain it.

I agree with that approach. Its difficult and takes a ton of time though right? It seems that way from what I have been reading and learning about bringing about change.

So you would be for cutting back significantly on the military? Cutting back on prison systems? You are looking at dismantling and starting over more than just a couple tweaks right?

I am personally 100% for smaller GOV, cutting Military for sure. If I could I would cut the Federal GOV down by 90%. Laws, Taxes and Spending. Give freedom to the states to decide how much to tax, how much to spend, let the states COMPETE against each other much more for people. Which state has the lowest taxes, best schooling, best parks, etc....Have economic freedom. Gut all the regulations on the Federal level that hinder small businesses.

I think all Drugs should be decriminalized as well. But of course I just state my reasons why and hope others listen.

I read that don't quote me on the Country but I think it was Portugal that decriminalized everything. But they also started giving hard drugs like heroin and meth away for free. Hey guess what, these addicts didn't have to go around and steal to get their fix. Along with the free hard drugs for the addicts they pass around treatment information, facilities. Crime got cut in half overnight..

Like I stated earlier the US imprisons the HIGHEST percentage of people in the World!

As far as the BLM situation. I think that is fairly simple to eliminate racist cops. Each force should track what percentage each officer is arresting and fining minorities. If they are way out of line, then suspend them. Say double over the force avg. for instance. Why are they advertising BLM everywhere, TALK ABOUT SOLUTIONS!!!

We NEED to keep talking about solutions, I try and spread the word, it's obvious the MSM won't so we have to from the ground up.

Thanks for the response.

Something to consider...What you are talking about is a revolution...which is what this country was founded on correct? I agree we should be looking at solutions. If people actually looked into it BLM is actually posing solutions not just protests. I know they also lean towards socialism but they also want some of the same things you do. Some of the history books I've recently read on racism in this country expose some issues some of which related to at least one of the historical points you touched on. What they are looking for is actually well beyond finding racist cops. They are looking for changing a systemic problem...like you are presenting as well. They are are abolitionists. So are you. They say this system isn't working we need to change it not just make some tweaks here and there (although that may work in some communities). I'm not suggesting your stance and BLM is in lock step. Im just suggesting there may actually be some common ground that COULD actually get further in change of where both want to go.

Thanks for the response as well. We all want the same things in general, I'm more for economic freedom, anarcho-capitalism really is my idealistic view. A REAL FREE MARKET! Anyone should be able to start a business easily, no hoops too jump through, really no taxes is even possible! If people want roads they would pay for them. Better schools, they would pay for them. Crowd funding to pay for things needed. And really the GOV steals most of what it takes in. I estimate we could work 20 hours a week and be twice as wealthy with a true free market system.

Think how many regulations are on everything, hidden taxes, taxes on inflation. It's a system to keep the avg Joe working and slaving away while the 1% rakes it in. The entire system is a fraud.

I was thinking that all 50 states would have their own currency, so that not only are they competing for people for the lowest taxes or no taxes, a stable economic plan and spending would need to take place within each state. States that go bankrupt would lose people as they go find better opportunities and freedoms. Basically close to what the Constitution was founded on. Right now the power is centralized FAR too much on the Federal level. The more you centralize power the more tyrannical the GOV can become.

A few weeks ago after Ben Carson basically made out Karl Marx to be the boogeyman man I decided I needed to know what these various systems actually meant. So I read about Socialism, Marxism, communism, and various Capitalistic stances as well. I read (listened) to the Communist manifesto (I'm probably on a watch list somewhere lol). One of the main takeaways I had was there has never been any of these systems that have been achieved in perfection. I think you know your dream of pure capitalism will not be achieved. Sorry. Lol I'm pretty sure even though you long for that dream you can find ways it could have its own problems...which any of the other systems will have as well. Nobody has come up with the perfect system and I'd guess nobody will. We certainly can try though.

[TAFKASP]

I would be curious to know what policies that Trump has done that you find are a positive.

Strong on the border and immigration. Our current system lets low skill workers in, they aren't a threat to high skill workers, they're a threat to those already most at risk in our country. We shouldn't be importing people to take jobs from Americans and driving down their wages.

His requirement that for all new regulation old regulation must be removed from the books. It is insane that we continue to pile more regulation on top and two-plus centuries of regulation, much of which serves no purpose anymore but can still be used against citizens and companies.

Appointing originalist judges.

Tax reform, not perfect but better than what we had.

Lowered the corporate tax rate. No better way to send jobs to Canada and Mexico than making production in the US 10% more expensive right off the top.

Criminal reform, again not perfect, but a start.

As for Trump being a big middle finger to those career republicans you are right there was some of that but...lets remember that was a pretty underwhelming group.

Yes, because the lifers are eyeballs deep in the swamp. Consider the four candidates who had momentum at any point, Trump, Fiorina, Carson, and Cruz, three outsiders, and Cruz who has never been shy about calling out his own party when the abandon their principles. You cannot honestly paint that primary as anything other than a rejection of more of the same GOP.

Even though I probably lean toward being a Democrat if I HAD to pick one I would absolutely vote for a Republican if I thought they were the most worthwhile candidate.

Worthwhile candidates are in short supple on both sides of the isle. Cruz was my choice in the primaries and I may well have voted for Satan before Clinton.

I listened to a couple of them give their speeches while in Iowa...Ben Carson was the best but he was overall just one of the bumbling guys in that race for the nomination.

Ben Carson was probably the best person running for either party, but he was far to nice to have any success in DC IMO.

Thats part of the middle finger you are referring to...that was the best the Republicans can come up with? Sure vote for the new guy I guess.

Again, Cruz was my choice, Clinton was never an option.

I think there were some other factors than got him to the White House. Regardless I think we can agree. that the people we have had to pick from for President the past couple of cycles haven't exactly been inspiring to the nation in general...or at least in a positive way. lol

I think if a person who is moderate to conservative looks into what Ted Cruz stands for rather than just listen to the media's representation of him they'd see a quality candidate. The problem for Cruz is his personality isn't made for the television, he's more of a policy geek which doesn't fly in primaries, unfortunately.

Beyond that, I agree completely!