The AR15 is normally chambered in either .223 or .308, the only thing that makes it different from your hunting rifle is that yours is bolt action and the AR15 is semi automatic. However, it is just as easy to purchase a semi automatic hunting rifle chambered in .308 or the more powerful 30-06. The term assault rifle is just that, a term used for fear mongering and to stir up emotion in the uneducated swing votes. Anyone who is fully familiar with all aspects involved in this discussion and still wants assault rifles banned is a liberal gun grabber at heart and is using this as a stepping stone towards banning all firearms.

Before you start raising funds to make your dream come true, look at the statistics. When Australia banned firearms, the incidence of violent crimes skyrocketed. The same result has been witnessed in the U.K. Washington D.C., and Chicago. Entertainingly enough, when gun ownership is encouraged and/or concealed handgun permits are issued on a widespread basis the incidences of violent crime drop dramatically. The reason for this is simple. Even the criminals will tell you, you don't break into houses when people are home, "that's how you get shot!!!" If you take guns out of the hands of the people, there is no deterrent against the criminals doing whatever they want.

Stupid back button. Moderator!!!!! lol.
oh, and corrected links.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Mini14GB.jpg/800px-Mini14GB.jpg
http://operatorchan.org/k/arch/src/k229184_mini14main.jpg

http://www.har-bar.com/images/650_mini14_04aug07a_T_C.jpg

On what basis are you making the statement that there is no reason to own a semi automatic assault rifle? What semi automatic rifles is there a reason to own? I will post three links and you tell me which of these rifles is more dangerous and which one you believe is acceptable for Joe citizen to own.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Mini14GB.jpg/800px-Mini14GB.jpg
http://operatorchan.org/k/arch/src/k229184_mini14main.jpg
http://www.har-bar.com/images/650_mini14_04aug07a_T_C.jpg

I'm sure that you cheated and looked ahead to this part without opening all of the links. All three of those rifles are Ruger mini14s but each one has different accessories attached to it. I would also like to point out that all of the weapons pictured shoot the same round designed for the original m16/ar15. A round which is nearly two/thirds the size of the popular 30-06 hunting round. It's easy to spout liberal gun grabbing propaganda when you don't understand the issues at hand. "Holy crap"

There are so many things wrong with the previous statements. First of all, the statement that "assault rifles" are a little over the top for hunting and protection. I would like an explanation of in what way they are over the top. Do they automatically become more dangerous because they look scary? I am also confused as to why you would think that an assault rifle would be cumbersome. They are designed to be be more maneuverable than most full sized hunting rifles. As far as my next complaint I will start it with a quick pop quiz. What do you consider "high caliber"? Does .223 count? How about .308? These are the two most common types of ammunition in "assault rifles". I assume that when you hear 30-06 that you begin to envision high caliber bullets. There are nearly no assault rifles that are chambered for 30-06. The majority of assault rifles (ar-15 and ak-47/saiga) are chambered for either .223 and .308. While the .308 bullet is the same diameter (approx) as the 30-06, the .308 is a noticeably shorter round. Coincidentally, many of the most popular hunting rifles are chambered for 30-06. .223 and .308 rifles are available in many derivatives that never have and never will be considered assault rifles.
The term assault rifle is used in this day and age as a propaganda tool by the gun grabbers. Rifles that have particular accessories are classified as assault rifles. Now I know you have visions of rifles with grenade launchers, or selective fire switches flashing through your mind, but no. The accessories they prefer to demonize are pistol grips, collapsible stocks, removable magazines, flash suppressors, and bayonet lugs. Out of all of these, the only one that I would be concerned about is the bayonet lug. Grenade launchers and automatic weapons are not generally sold to private citizens in the United States without a class three tax stamp. These are issued on a per weapon basis following an in depth background check by the ATF. You should also be aware that assault rifles are almost never used in violent crimes.
Sorry, I know that was a very rambling reply.

That's a great choice Ryan. You may want to consider the weight of the scope. I wouldn't start out with anything bigger than a 10in alt-azimuth scope. The 10in scope will show galaxies and nebula better than a 8in but, the 8in scope is easier to haul around.

Ok, so who created your god/gods? It really doesn't make any sense.

I agree with the above statements. From a man's perspective, you can sometimes run into woman with both:)That would be the ultimate. True beauty and intelligence are in the inside though:)

If anyone has any suggestions of a good intermediate telescope please let me know. I'm currently looking at this one or it's smaller brother.
http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DJ4FEE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1308697507&sr=8-5

I've recently found myself watching numerous documentaries on the universe, planets, stars, etc... and something has struck me as very odd.

What I find odd is that the scientists who dismiss religion have put a lot of Faith in a theory that is based on a single atom just existing with no explanation as to where it came from.

I'm taking a neutral stance because I think the majority of the claims in the big bang theory make sense but can't find myself willing to believe something just existed especially when those who are making the claims mock those who believe a God just existed. Frankly I think the odds of a God just existing is more likely than some super atom just existing.

I've been thinking about this a bit but what if a Deity created the atom? In turn would be the creator of the universe. Just some food for thought. That would be far more believable than an atom just existing.

I don't think it is child abuse. Kids can disappear so quickly in a crowd as well as elsewhere that I think it is a good idea to have an attachment between a parent or other responsible adult and the child. I have raised a child so I know how it is.

You are absolutely right Mr. K. It's a sad state we are in...