I don’t often think about JL’s role in calling the defensive plays but it is such an important role on this team. It’s a lot of responsibility. He really is a coach on the field.

Tre Gurley.

No–they’re deep there. They have Todd Mason backing him up.

I’m going to say it–Nick Foles. They need him to stay healthy because I’m not sold on Keenum and the rookie to lead this team to victory on a consistent basis.

I thought you were comparing computers as property to people. You suggested that paying for the slaves(as property) would have been the way to resolve it. I just don’t agree that people should be sold as property. I don’t think it was right then–I don’t now.

Slavery was practiced throughout the north before the Revolutionary War. It was also practiced in most of the world at that time. It is easy to moralize the issue today but at that time it was well entrenched. While I was making the list of countries abolishing slavery it was not a cut and dry proposition as was done in the US by war. Slavery was whittled away slowly piece by piece (by an amazing array of strategies employed) elsewhere over the decades until it lost prominence in political and economic circles at which time it was formally abolished in all its forms. Saying that I do believe the computer I am using now is a product of modern day slavery but that is an issue for another day.

I’m not so sure there are any John Browns running around demanding we “free the computers”, but obviously people knew slavery was wrong back in those days. It was a moral issue then. Even after the Revolutionary war, some legislation was passed and abolitionists wanted slaves free. I don’t think they can hide in moral ambiguity of the time. So yeah–“paying for people” just legitimizes them as property. It’s as true then as it is now.

When I was attending Louisiana Tech during my brief higher education days, there was a professor who insisted it was about the right to secede. The south insisted they had the right to secede. The north said they didn’t. He didn’t mention slavery very much. That was his story and he stuck with it.

I can’t say that Cosby was ever much on my radar.

I didn’t watch “The Cosby Show”, never really heard any of his comedy albums, or even watched “I Spy”. If I saw him it may have been on a talk show or of course his commercials.

People tend to think they “know” celebrities.

It’s hard enough to really know your friends sometimes.

A lot of show biz types–particularly comedians, have issues. At least it seems that way to me.

I think the fetish point is a good one. Cosby clearly could have had a lot of women without the drugs. It was less about sex and more about something else, or so it would seem.

I wish you all the very best, Mac.

My mother is gone now but years ago I had to go through this. We were taking care of her in my home and we just were not equipped to do it. It’s more than just the home care, it’s making sure she gets to all her doctor appointments, watching her meds, etc. Ultimately we all knew that she’d be better off in a nursing home.

She resisted at first but she knew it was for the best and she agreed and it turned out to be better than she thought it would be. She made friends, had social activities. She had her medical care and we could still visit, still(while she was able) take her places, and she was much better off than living with us.

But yes–it’s a difficult time, for sure.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by PA Ram.

This is the culprit:

Collecting stickers for the book with a friend. He was a Vikes fan so I was a somewhat fan cause I didn’t know any better. Then I got the Rams stickers and fell in love with the horns. Bought Pro Football preview mags. Taped the players to my wall and was hooked. Rams were my team.

i dunno. I dont have anything ‘new’ to say on the subject
of violence in America. I assume we all agree there
are gigantic underlying causes that have very very little
to do with whether or not the “gun laws” are loosened or tightened

I do agree that there are many underlying causes, from mental illness(to me anyone who does this sort of thing is at some level of “crazy”)to a flash of anger to some sort of religious or political agenda to whatever.

But I would be content to see a world without guns–at least the people killing kind. Weapons that were designed to kill humans are tools used by these madmen so maybe tightening gun laws WOULD help in some instances. I’d certainly like to see it tried. What’s the alternative? Acceptance? No other country does it quite like this. I’m embarrassed and saddened that our country embraces the gun culture so tightly.

Of course if a guy wants to kill someone he’ll find a way to do it with or without these weapons. But in most cases it will be harder, more people will live. Guns are extremely efficient at killing.

This is what we do though. We deny, we argue and finally, we accept. That’s what Americans do.

“We need our rights and this just comes with it.”

“Global warming, MAY be happening but there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“The rich will always get theirs and that’s just the way it is.”

Obama has addressed gun violence 14 times since taking office.

The American attitude to this is more guns–everyone armed. That’s how OUR country thinks about these things. Instead of less guns the answer is MORE guns. To me, that’s insanity. I believe this country is insane.

I’ve never been convinced that the 2nd Amendment means that no matter how far technology progresses(some futuristic nuclear rifle?)that it’s basically your right to have access to any of it for “personal protection” because you fear…whatever. Earlier Supreme Courts didn’t look at it that way.

It certainly isn’t good for the country or humans in general.

We live in a country of very fearful people. They will hug their guns tighter than their children.

I don’t see the point of large magazines or assault weapons. If you’re THAT fearful of your government that you think you’ll be going to war with it or only that type of weapon can protect your family, well, good luck with that. You’re screwed.

I wouldn’t worry though–this country isn’t giving up its guns anytime soon–no matter how many Sandy Hooks there are.

So yes–this fourth of July–with all the fireworks there WILL be guys out there shooting a gun in the air. Just celebrating their RIGHTS. Hopefully no one is killed.

Okay–I HOPE this is the best defense in the NFL. They could be. Maybe. But I get a sense that Andy Benoit is getting excited watching the defense take some practice snaps against one of the WORST offenses in the league–a changing one at that, and making proclamations they may not be able to live up to.

I don’t think anyone doubts the Rams have some real talent on defense. There is absolutely the potential to be the best.

But they also have some weak spots.

I’m not sure at all that the linebackers are an elite group.

I believe the secondary could be REALLY good this year but let’s face it–this defense starts with the line. If they aren’t getting pressure it’s a problem. And teams love to use quick hitters on the Rams and we’ve seen that be effective. Also–occasionally the Rams have had trouble with stopping the run.

If you have one elite unit the other teams can coach around that.

The Rams have one elite unit right now.

They HAVE to dominate.

If they do that then yes–this defense can be special. There may not be another team with the defensive line to compare to the Rams–but if they have better overall balance it may not matter. As a whole, they could outperform this defense.

So yes–the Rams COULD have the best defense in the NFL this year.

And either way I’m sure it’s going to be a good, solid defense.

But for now, I’ll hold off on those lofty expectations. I do know that part of this is really with the offense. If the Rams run a ball control offense that keeps the ball away from the other team, it’s the best defense of all. That will raise the defensive stats in terms of yards allowed without the defense ever stepping on the field.

But we’ll see.

I’d say Aaron Donald is a sure bet.

Quinn(like Nittany says, already there).

Gurley.

Tim Mcdonald.

After those guys it gets a bit iffy.

I DO love Gaines. If he gets even better look out.

I HOPE Robinson can do it but I have to see a lot more.

Ogletree needs consistency.

My two longshots:

Brian Quick. IF he comes back and picks up where he left off, who knows?

Janoris Jenkins. He has the physical tools–he just mentally loses it.