Spud Guns: Legal And Dangerous

[CO Liberal]

This story is from last May, but Charles Osgood was just talking about it on "The Osgood File" on the CBS Radio Network. Does anyone here have any experience with spud guns? - Wayne

* * * * * * * * * *

Spud Guns: Legal And Dangerous

DENTON, Texas, May 8, 2003 (CBS) Just when 17-year-old Daniel Berry's life had found new light, he must find his way in the dark.

"It's not right, I'm not used to being blind," he says. "It's a whole new world for me and not one that I would've chosen."

Berry was shot in the face, looking down the barrel of a home-built contraption called a spud gun. When it fired a frog, it blinded him.

"If it would've been anything else it would've killed me," he says.

Spud guns fire potatos like light artillery. Some versions launch tennis balls.

<more>

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/05/08/eveningnews/main552978.shtml

[MrBenchley]

1. Never underestimate

the talent of young ignorant yokels to create a menace to themselves and others....

[-..__...]

9. They might grow up

and become President or Governor of California.

[Township75]

2. I do.

I had some friends who made one using PVC piping and parts, the lighter for gas powered lantern (like a camping lantern) and hairspray (for fuel)...oh, and of course potatoes to shoot.

These kinds of guns can be dangerous. The potatoes exited that spud gun (aka potato gun) really fast and could go close to 100 yards. Definetly, you shouldn't look down the barrell of one.

They can be very dangerous when handled negligently...but on the other hand you get to see some flying potatoes.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

3. how about an article on stupidity being legal.

nt

[demsrule4life]

4. I don't feel sorry for the idiot

Just to bad they did'nt place something a bit harder in that cannon so this idiot would never have a chance to reproduce more like him.

[Spentastic]

5. My brother in law

Had one. My sister made him throw it away.

[CO Liberal]

6. Sounds Like You Have a Smart Sister There.........

:-)

[slackmaster]

7. Mine uses compressed air rather than burning gas mixtures

Much safer, but it's still a gun and I treat it with the same respect as any firearm. It can shoot a chunk of potato over 300 yards.

And you can have it when you pry it from my greasy, salty fingers.

[-..__...]

8. Anyone know...

How the frog is doing?

"Berry had an American dream too.

"I wanted to finish up my college and go to the air force and be a pilot," he says".

As if anyone who has the sheer brilliance to stick a frog inside a spud gun then look
down the barrel is a candidate to become an air force pilot?

Anywhoo, we used to build a similar device when I was a kid... back before there was an internet and we read books instead of playing video games. Materials were: tin cans (the old heavy style), electrical tape, lighter fluid and tennis balls.

For even bigger thrills there's pumpkin cannons.

[CO Liberal]

10. I Think It's Safe to Assume the Frog Did Not Survive.......

:-(

[MrBenchley]

11. I'm reminded of the song from MST3K:

"Oh, I'm a danger to myself and others.
My cousins are as close as brothers.
I stay out in the rain all the time!

We're a danger to ourselves and others.
Screw the earth and steal our mothers.
Leave us in the woods and we're just fine.
We're a danger to ourselves and others.
Good livestock with better lovers.
Hunting leeches is what we call a good time!"

[-..__...]

12. Quoting something from MST3K...

only confirms that the rest of your anti-gun hooey is based on science fiction as well.

[MrBenchley]

13. Actually what it shows is

that in addition to being dumb enough to shoot themselves in the face with a frog, RKBA "enthusiasts" are humorless prats....

[-..__...]

14. Truth be told...

I did get a "big laugh" out of it.

that in addition to being dumb enough to shoot themselves in the face with a frog, RKBA "enthusiasts"
are humorless prats....

Where in that article does it say anything about the kid being an "RKBA enthusiast"?

[slackmaster]

15. Do you think your brush is broad enough, Benchley?

I'm an RKBA enthusiast. Are you calling me dumb?

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[slackmaster]

17. Well, I may be dumb but not THAT dumb

I consider your post to be a personal attack.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrBenchley]

18. If the frog in the face fits.... (nt)

[Spoonman]

20. And Ted Nugent was a what?

Stereotype - A generalization or oversimplification about a whole group of people.

Prejudice - An opinion formed without enough knowledge or thought; biased about someone or something.

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Spoonman]

22. Very very sad.......

"violent, dishonest and simple-minded white trash don't get the respect you feel is due them"

I suppose you know young Daniel well enough to deem him "violent, dishonest, simple-minded white trash, and an ignorant yokel".

Stereotype - A generalization or oversimplification about a whole group of people.

Prejudice - An opinion formed without enough knowledge or thought; biased about someone or something.

These terms are common traits to many groups and individuals that you have condemned in several posts.
So seeing as these groups and individuals are racists, bigots and beneath contempt for acting in this manner (as per your own words) should those labels be placed to anyone that acts this way.

If the shoe fits………..
Here’s one of yours; if a frog in the face fits………

One must be careful to not become what he claims to despise

All prejudices, whether of religion, race, politics or nation, must be renounced, for these prejudices have caused the world's sickness. It is a grave malady which, unless arrested, is capable of causing the destruction of the whole human race.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá

[MrBenchley]

23. Ah., the majesty of the RKBA mindset

"One must be careful to not become what he claims to despise"
The prophet also sayeth it's also a good idea not to shoot yourself in the face with a fucking frog.

[CO Liberal]

24. I Can't Become What I Despise.......

Because I went for my Army physicals wearing clean underwear, unlike Ted Nugent (who crapped in his drawers for several days before, and brags about it to this day).

[MrBenchley]

25. I myself....

plan never to build a home-made cannon, load it with a frog, and then peer down the barrel...but that's just me (snicker)...

Ah, the insidious prejudice in this society against people who blind themselves with amphibian ammunition...it makes one stop and think (and laugh his ass off)...

[Spoonman]

26. What's the point

Apparently, this is too big a concept for some people to grasp.
It's either that, or they actually think they are better than others because of their beliefs.

I think a REAL Democrat would refrain from passing judgment on others they don’t even know.

[Name removed]

27. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Spoonman]

30. Again?

"Let's go up to general discussion". Is this some sort of catch all rebuttal for you?

I've been there and expressed my views, some liked them, some didn't. I've even pointed that out to you before.

You seem to insinuate that if any of us voiced our opinions in GD something bad would happen. Somehow I don't understand the point you try to make with this statement.

Let's see you go up there and spout some of the borderline racist comments you do here. You know, the stereotyping and predudice remarks your famous for here.

I would be glad to point them out for everyone up in GD. I'm sure there are plenty of them that would put aside their feelings regarding the gun control issue long enough to see what I'm talking about.

Somehow I don't think the REAL democrats up there would like that type of attitude.

[MrBenchley]

37. So let's see you up there....

YOU were the one who seemed to thinnk REAL Democrats would share your weepy concern for this pinhead.

"You know, the stereotyping and predudice remarks your famous for here."
Gee, spoon, cry me a river. I opened the ball up there. You want to jump in and wail?

"I'm sure there are plenty of them that would put aside their feelings regarding the gun control issue long enough to see what I'm talking about."
Go to it, spoon. Go on and tell them that there aren't neoConfederate racists and Nazi memorabilia collectors at gun shows....go on and tell them Ted Nugent isn't a racist and that what John Lott is peddling is real science. Go tell them how evil Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell and Diane Feinstein and Carolyn McCarthy are.

[Spoonman]

45. And act like you?

"disrupt the discussions of decent people"

[MrBenchley]

59. Gee spoon

You don't see DUers plotting to go over and dive in the cesspool at highroadrage.com nine and ten times, do you?

[Spoonman]

60. No,

but you obviously have been over there more than nine to ten times.

[MrBenchley]

61. Actually

...as I clearly explained, somebody else here sent me that link.

Other than that, I rarely waste time at RKBA cesspools.

[CO Liberal]

28. Oh - Do You Know Sarah Brady Personally????

Or Rosie O'Donnell????

[MrBenchley]

29. I bet he doesn't know Michael Moore either

By the way, since someone was curious what "Real Democrats" thought....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=205370

[Spoonman]

31. So we should assume you do?

"I bet he doesn't know Michael Moore either"

Pretty weak.

On edit - I would reply to your "help me in the dungeon thread" with about a half dozen quotes by you, but as per DU rules, this would be a violation of carying it to another thread.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Spoonman]

33. You seem to

not be able to grasp the message.

I'm not sniveling, I'm simply pointing out your propensity for stereotyping and prejudice.

[MrBenchley]

34. I got the message RKBA "enthusiasts" peddle

a good long time ago....

Did you go up to General Discussion to see what "REAL Democrats" thought?

[Spoonman]

35. Try again

They need to read several of your posts, to get to know you.

[MrBenchley]

38. Fine with me

Let's have them compare my posts to the "enthusiasts" down here pimping articles from WorldNtuDaily, the Washington Times and Newsmax. Let them see who's down here promoting the ideas of Orrin Hatch and Ted Nugent and Sweatshop Linda Chavez.

[Spoonman]

53. Yea,

and you don't seem to be getting 100% support up there either!

"I think your opponent has a point"

"This kid injured himself in an accident. Was he doing something stupid? Yes! Was he doing something wrong? Possibly. But be a Mensch! Just because someone was doing something stupid or wrong doesn't mean that they deserve no sympathy whatsoever. It is unfortunate that this happened. And the quote is right. Other than the incident surrounding his blinding you know nothing about this kid, but yet you feel entitled to pronounce him "violent, dishonest and simple-minded white trash"."

Face it most of them never even made it past the article.

[MrBenchley]

55. Go on up there and sob louder

maybe some other kind-hearted person won't laugh you out of the folder....

[-..__...]

36. Run Forrest, run!...

[MrBenchley]

39. Well old Forrest was right, after all

Stupid is as stupid does...we see the RKBA crowd demonstrate THAT every day.

[-..__...]

40. Stupid, no.

Maybe a bit naive and optimistic thinking that we'll ever get an intelligent and well reasoned
response from the chicken-little-anti-gun contingent here.

[MrBenchley]

41. Gee, there's always highroadrage.com

where you can sit around and plot with leftofstalin about how to sneak on here and disrupt the discussions of decent people.

[-..__...]

48. What discussions?

Since when does bug-eyed mewlings laced with repetitive spasms of....

Ted Nugent...

Cry me a river...

What a pantload...

Suuuuuuure...

Corrupt gun industry...

ad nauseam, qualify as a "discussion"?

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[-..__...]

56. The "Deleted Message" clock is ticking...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5....

That's okay, I saved it.

that sanity intrudes upon your bloody-minded fantasies.

HTH HAND

[MrBenchley]

58. And it fits the RKBA crowd like a bloody glove

doesn't it?

[Township75]

63. Who are you trying to kid?

the corrupt pantloads of a friggen river?

[MrBenchley]

65. Not trying to kid anyone

unlike the RKBA enthusiasts trying desperately to spin their rubbish.

I'm not the one trying to pretend that Ted Nugent isn't a bigot....or pretend that there's something prejudiced about pointing out that this idiot shot himself in the face with a frog.

[Spoonman]

66. Oh yes you are

"Not trying to kid anyone"

pretend that there's something prejudiced about pointing out that this idiot shot himself in the face with a frog

You would be right if that was all you said.

Let's not forget

dishonest
white trash
ignorant yokel

These are statements without fact and fit the definition of stereotyping and predudicial.

[MrBenchley]

68. By all means

let's not forget

"dishonest
white trash
ignorant yokel"

They sure fit the typical RKBA blowhard.

[Township75]

67. Take your anti RKBA rubbish somewhere else...

your spin only fools yourself while you paddle further down a The River of Friggen all the while filling your canoe with pantload after pantload of corrupt gun control rubbish.

[MrBenchley]

69. No, I'm parking it right here

and showing the RKBA dishonesty and silliness for what it is.

[Township75]

70. Peddle it somewhere else,

the corruption and blood money of your side only costs us more lives

[MrBenchley]

71. What a pantload

The gun industry sells guns to criminals...and spends millions of dollars every year to keep decent law-abiding Americans in the line of fire.

[Bake]

42. Silly question: What's RKBA?

This is my first venture into this forum. What's RKBA?

By the way, my son and I built a spud gun, but we sure as heck didn't shoot amphibians out of it! And I sure hope he's got the good sense not to look down the barrel!! Some of his friends ... I'm not too sure about. But I don't think he's that stupid!!

Sorry if I sound prejudiced against people who are blinded while shooting amphibians out of PVC pipe...

Bake

[CO Liberal]

43. RKBA = Right to Keep and Bear Arms

[Bake]

46. Thanks. I should've guessed that.

Bake

[Spoonman]

44. Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Yea the kid is guilty of being stupid, that's not the predudicial issue here.

We were all kids, and we all did stupid stuff.

[CO Liberal]

47. Yep - We All Did Stupid Stuff As Kids

But I can't think of anyone else who was blinded by a frog......

[Spoonman]

49. No

That's pretty original, I do know a guy who lost an eye from an M-80 though. Does that count?

[CO Liberal]

50. There Are a Few of Them Every Year Around July 4th

And missing fingers, hands, etc.......

[Spoonman]

51. CO

I honestly believe you and I see this in the same light.

While this kid was being quite the little dumbass, and let's face it, not very kind to dumb animals.
His actions do not indicate any relevance to his honesty or white trashiness etc..

I for one dislike the "elitist” type that needs to tear people down to bring themselves up.

Kids will be kids and you have to watch them constantly.
That's our job as parents.

[CO Liberal]

52. Stupidity Knows No Age Limits

For example, Rush Limbaugh is 52, and he's pretty stupid.............

[demsrule4life]

57. So you are saying that being stupid pays off?

Damn I knew I should not have finished school. :)

[bitchkitty]

62. Karma's a bitch, ain't it?

n/t

[MrBenchley]

64. John Lennon said it

Instant karma...