"A monthlong gun buyback program aimed at getting firearms off the street netted 75 guns as of Friday. Tuesday is the last day that residents can turn in guns...The gun buyback program, titled ‘Surrender Your Weapons and Live,’ was supported by community groups who blanketed neighborhoods with flyers...Guns were turned in at the police station and residents were given a $50 voucher."
"’It's an opportunity to make sure we don't just get the guns out of the house,’ [Brett] Wells said. ‘But it provides opportunities for family strengthening. Really it has been a collaborative effort.’"
No doubt. Sounds like there are quite a few collaborators.
"The total grant for the project was $65,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Wells said the grant has room to buy about 75 more firearms."
Wait a minute. 150 guns at $50 a pop (sorry) is only $7,500. You're telling me it cost $57,500 to administer this evil farce? And the damn lapdog Times Herald doesn't even raise this point, but instead presents the program as "beating estimates"?
"We would have been satisfied if we'd gotten 30 or 40 (guns)," Wells discloses.
Well no, duh. Keep it down to 75 guns and that's another $3,750 they won't have to shell out.
Our tax dollars at work.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Smile, You're on Kelly's Camera
"New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has told top police brass that he wants to put up about 400 surveillance cameras on high-crime and high-traffic streets..."
Of course he does.
Give it a few years and ordinary cameras won't be good enough.
Welcome to The Gray Zone.
Of course he does.
Give it a few years and ordinary cameras won't be good enough.
Welcome to The Gray Zone.
Monday, May 30, 2005
A Memorial Day Remembrance
Years ago, when some friends and I launched the GunTruths website, I wrote an article about some of the flames we'd been receiving from antis who took offense at our unapologetic advocacy of the right to keep and bear arms.
One particularly hate-filled Brit wrote:
"When you broke away 200 years ago realise why we don't think it was as great a victory as you do! There have been lots of events over the years that have shown the US to be less than willing to participate in warfare, and when you do, your preoccupation with firing missiles or dropping bombs from a 'safe' distance means that our guys are in more danger from you. Don't get too close you might get your uniforms dirty!"
My observations follow. The complete article is on KABA.
How do you deal with this? These are people who think that pledging your "lives fortunes and sacred honor" against tyranny is no big deal. These are people who took out ads in newspapers pleading for Americans to "Send guns to defend a British home". These are people who, despite the experience of two world wars in the last eighty years disparage the concept of being invaded and needing guns, all the while living under the protective shield of a largely American NATO deployment throughout Europe. Tonight, as they sleep, United States military forces will be standing guard in the darkness.
I cannot but consider such unfair and stark ingratitude against the recollection of my boyhood visit to the World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Italy, where, beneath an ordered formation of uniform white crosses, my Uncle Nick is interred. He never grew past his teens, never went to college, never married, had children, a career, or grandchildren. I can only speculate as to the paralyzing horror, the denial, the sorrow, and the helpless, tragic realization of finality that my grandparents must have gone through with the loss of their baby, their laughing, lovely boy, their cherished only son.
Trust me, beneficiaries of his sacrifice, Nick Morrison's uniform got dirty.
"The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is situated at the north edge of the town of Nettuno, Italy. It is just east of Anzio and thirty miles south of Rome...Beyond the pool is an immense field of headstones of 7,862 American military Dead arranged in gentle arcs which sweep across the broad green lawns beneath rows of Roman pines... On the white marble walls of the chapel are engraved the names of 3,095 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose remains were never recovered or identified."
--From The American Battle Monuments Commission
One particularly hate-filled Brit wrote:
"When you broke away 200 years ago realise why we don't think it was as great a victory as you do! There have been lots of events over the years that have shown the US to be less than willing to participate in warfare, and when you do, your preoccupation with firing missiles or dropping bombs from a 'safe' distance means that our guys are in more danger from you. Don't get too close you might get your uniforms dirty!"
My observations follow. The complete article is on KABA.
How do you deal with this? These are people who think that pledging your "lives fortunes and sacred honor" against tyranny is no big deal. These are people who took out ads in newspapers pleading for Americans to "Send guns to defend a British home". These are people who, despite the experience of two world wars in the last eighty years disparage the concept of being invaded and needing guns, all the while living under the protective shield of a largely American NATO deployment throughout Europe. Tonight, as they sleep, United States military forces will be standing guard in the darkness.
I cannot but consider such unfair and stark ingratitude against the recollection of my boyhood visit to the World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Italy, where, beneath an ordered formation of uniform white crosses, my Uncle Nick is interred. He never grew past his teens, never went to college, never married, had children, a career, or grandchildren. I can only speculate as to the paralyzing horror, the denial, the sorrow, and the helpless, tragic realization of finality that my grandparents must have gone through with the loss of their baby, their laughing, lovely boy, their cherished only son.
Trust me, beneficiaries of his sacrifice, Nick Morrison's uniform got dirty.
"The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is situated at the north edge of the town of Nettuno, Italy. It is just east of Anzio and thirty miles south of Rome...Beyond the pool is an immense field of headstones of 7,862 American military Dead arranged in gentle arcs which sweep across the broad green lawns beneath rows of Roman pines... On the white marble walls of the chapel are engraved the names of 3,095 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose remains were never recovered or identified."
--From The American Battle Monuments Commission
No Victims
Deborah Ann Courtney has a new website. In her words:
"Everyone else was either working to get Mc Clintock or Ahnold elected; I was by myself in a courtroom, with one friend, Randy Herrst, not even my family, because my Momma was dying of cancer, and I delivered this statement, as I went deep into myself, and for some reason, the courtroom was jam packed, and silent, and when I was done, and wanted to crumple, a thunderous roar of applause filled the room, and the judge allowed me a few moments of triumph, that grew with the encouragement of the crowd, and as they gave me a standing ovation in the courtroom. My finest moment, his worst fear.
"It is so important that we as victims teach others to become victors. The crowd showed me, now we need to show each other."
"Everyone else was either working to get Mc Clintock or Ahnold elected; I was by myself in a courtroom, with one friend, Randy Herrst, not even my family, because my Momma was dying of cancer, and I delivered this statement, as I went deep into myself, and for some reason, the courtroom was jam packed, and silent, and when I was done, and wanted to crumple, a thunderous roar of applause filled the room, and the judge allowed me a few moments of triumph, that grew with the encouragement of the crowd, and as they gave me a standing ovation in the courtroom. My finest moment, his worst fear.
"It is so important that we as victims teach others to become victors. The crowd showed me, now we need to show each other."
Tagging Along
Claire Wolfe just "book tagged" me.
Wow--I'm honored. Really.
I feel like Garth and Wayne.
How can I decline?
Total number of books I've owned: No idea. It must be in the thousands.
Last book I bought: Easy. I'm wearing the t-shirt as I type.
Last book I read: I just finished it today. And what's this talk about maybe not doing a sequel? You can't just leave me hanging like this!
Five books that mean a lot to me:
[These are not listed in any particular order, and there are many more books that mean a lot to me than just these five. So this list is not fixed.]
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
The Bible
Prodigal Genius by John J. O'Neill
The Federalist Papers by Publius
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Tag five people and have them do this on their blogs:
Jed
Nicki
Matthew
Kevin
Say Uncle
There are many more books and many other bloggers that could have been listed here. This reminds me of a scene from the end of the movie version of The Time Machine where Filby and the housekeeper discover George has returned to the future and has taken three books from his library. They don't know which ones he selected as being the most useful for rebuilding a civilization.
"Which three would you have chosen?" Filby asks.
Wow--I'm honored. Really.
I feel like Garth and Wayne.
How can I decline?
Total number of books I've owned: No idea. It must be in the thousands.
Last book I bought: Easy. I'm wearing the t-shirt as I type.
Last book I read: I just finished it today. And what's this talk about maybe not doing a sequel? You can't just leave me hanging like this!
Five books that mean a lot to me:
[These are not listed in any particular order, and there are many more books that mean a lot to me than just these five. So this list is not fixed.]
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
The Bible
Prodigal Genius by John J. O'Neill
The Federalist Papers by Publius
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Tag five people and have them do this on their blogs:
Jed
Nicki
Matthew
Kevin
Say Uncle
There are many more books and many other bloggers that could have been listed here. This reminds me of a scene from the end of the movie version of The Time Machine where Filby and the housekeeper discover George has returned to the future and has taken three books from his library. They don't know which ones he selected as being the most useful for rebuilding a civilization.
"Which three would you have chosen?" Filby asks.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Jedi Gibberish
Rational Review links us to "Star Wars: Are the Sith Selfish?" by Edward Hudgins of The Objectivist Center.
Hudgins calls our attention to a particularly ludicrous aspect of the Jedi Code articulated by Yoda: "that fear of loss is the path to the Dark Side; that attachment leads to greed; and that one should release oneself from that which one fears to lose. If one lets go of fear -- which by Yoda's logic implies giving up what one loves --, loss cannot harm one.
"Well there's a pretty bleak choice! If you really love something -- your wife, children, career -- fear of their loss could drive you to commit every kind of immoral act. Self-interest leads to Darth Vader. The only alternative: self-sacrifice; love nothing. On Yoda's theory, why should he and the other Jedi love the Republic and liberty?"
Good call, pointing this out.
We took the kids to see the film the other night. Special effects are great. Basics, like acting and dialog, could use some work. Hayden Christensen did a better job than most critics are giving him credit for. Brilliant veteran performers like Samuel L. Jackson sounded like they were doing rehearsals for the school play.
Another thing that bugged me is how those on the "good" side kept equating freedom with "democracy."
My final objection was when Obi-Wan saved himself using a handblaster, and afterward threw it to the floor with a disgusted "How uncivilized!"
Maybe, pal. But you used it, didn't you?
Hudgins calls our attention to a particularly ludicrous aspect of the Jedi Code articulated by Yoda: "that fear of loss is the path to the Dark Side; that attachment leads to greed; and that one should release oneself from that which one fears to lose. If one lets go of fear -- which by Yoda's logic implies giving up what one loves --, loss cannot harm one.
"Well there's a pretty bleak choice! If you really love something -- your wife, children, career -- fear of their loss could drive you to commit every kind of immoral act. Self-interest leads to Darth Vader. The only alternative: self-sacrifice; love nothing. On Yoda's theory, why should he and the other Jedi love the Republic and liberty?"
Good call, pointing this out.
We took the kids to see the film the other night. Special effects are great. Basics, like acting and dialog, could use some work. Hayden Christensen did a better job than most critics are giving him credit for. Brilliant veteran performers like Samuel L. Jackson sounded like they were doing rehearsals for the school play.
Another thing that bugged me is how those on the "good" side kept equating freedom with "democracy."
My final objection was when Obi-Wan saved himself using a handblaster, and afterward threw it to the floor with a disgusted "How uncivilized!"
Maybe, pal. But you used it, didn't you?
Saturday, May 28, 2005
A Numbers Game
Los Angeles Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa won the recent election 59% to 41%. Of the 1.5 million registered voters, 30.5% turned out, that is, 448,857 went to the polls or cast absentee ballots.
Here's what a few hundred thousand people decided about the course of gun rights in the City of Angels:
According to Gun Owners of California's Assembly Scorecard, Villaraigosa earned a 0% rating in 1999.
Not that Republican darling Jim Hahn would have been any better.
Here's what a few hundred thousand people decided about the course of gun rights in the City of Angels:
According to Gun Owners of California's Assembly Scorecard, Villaraigosa earned a 0% rating in 1999.
Not that Republican darling Jim Hahn would have been any better.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
"The United States wants Britain's proposed identity cards to have the same microchip and technology as the ones used on American documents.
"The aim of getting the same microchip is to ensure compatability in screening terrorist suspects."
Sure it is. It's for your own good. It has nothing to do with global control. Where do such silly ideas come from?
Hush now. Go back to sleep.
Have you joined The Real ID Rebellion?
Why not?
"The aim of getting the same microchip is to ensure compatability in screening terrorist suspects."
Sure it is. It's for your own good. It has nothing to do with global control. Where do such silly ideas come from?
Hush now. Go back to sleep.
Have you joined The Real ID Rebellion?
Why not?
"The So-Called Gun Show Loophole"
Per NRA-ILA:
"Amendment 22, the law that closed the so-called gun-show loophole to require background checks on gun buyers, could be altered for the first time by the Colorado legislature."
Per NRA-ILA:
A lawmaker wants to remove some language from the voter- approved law that closed the so-called "gun-show loophole" regarding criminal background checks in 2000.
Per NRA-ILA:
"There Is No Gun Show Loophole"
Per NRA-ILA:
"In its desperation to abolish gun shows, AGS also continues attempts to fabricate a gun show 'loophole.'"
Per NRA-ILA:
"Proponents say their bill is a single-purpose effort to close a so-called 'gun show loophole,' but S. 890 contains numerous complications and loopholes that give a single federal official the ability to shut down gun shows entirely, register citizens who attend shows and impose many other restrictions that have nothing to do with background checks on purchases."
And how do these words and warnings translate into actions?
In a compromise engineered by NRA-ILA:
"[S]enators voted 34-25 to approve the NRA-backed proposal to close the so-called "gun show loophole."
"Amendment 22, the law that closed the so-called gun-show loophole to require background checks on gun buyers, could be altered for the first time by the Colorado legislature."
Per NRA-ILA:
A lawmaker wants to remove some language from the voter- approved law that closed the so-called "gun-show loophole" regarding criminal background checks in 2000.
Per NRA-ILA:
"There Is No Gun Show Loophole"
Per NRA-ILA:
"In its desperation to abolish gun shows, AGS also continues attempts to fabricate a gun show 'loophole.'"
Per NRA-ILA:
"Proponents say their bill is a single-purpose effort to close a so-called 'gun show loophole,' but S. 890 contains numerous complications and loopholes that give a single federal official the ability to shut down gun shows entirely, register citizens who attend shows and impose many other restrictions that have nothing to do with background checks on purchases."
And how do these words and warnings translate into actions?
In a compromise engineered by NRA-ILA:
"[S]enators voted 34-25 to approve the NRA-backed proposal to close the so-called "gun show loophole."
New Weapon System Shoots Around Corners...
...but it won't be available to We the People because you don't need to shoot around corners to hunt deer.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Law and Order
Correspondent Robert Lewis is angry over last night's episode of "Law and Order: Criminal Intent." They apparently used the show as a platform to seed the audience with gun control propaganda.
I've heard that L&O has long been a subversive show. I’ve never watched it myself, but I remember channel surfing through it and stopping long enough to hear Jerry Orbach’s character tell the crime scene photographer to “Send the pictures to Charlton Heston.”
That was enough for me.
Richard Belzer and his porn actress wife signed a Violence Policy Center letter urging Congress and the President to enact a “stronger assault weapons ban.”
Face it--the preponderance of TV shows glorifying cops and prosecutors enforcing "law and order" is no accident.
I've heard that L&O has long been a subversive show. I’ve never watched it myself, but I remember channel surfing through it and stopping long enough to hear Jerry Orbach’s character tell the crime scene photographer to “Send the pictures to Charlton Heston.”
That was enough for me.
Richard Belzer and his porn actress wife signed a Violence Policy Center letter urging Congress and the President to enact a “stronger assault weapons ban.”
Face it--the preponderance of TV shows glorifying cops and prosecutors enforcing "law and order" is no accident.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Sure, Sen. McCain, It's Right Here in the Constitution
This guy is pure, megalomaniacal evil.
Yeah, I know he was a "war hero."
So was Benedict Arnold.
Yeah, I know he was a "war hero."
So was Benedict Arnold.
The War on the Bill of Rights
From JPFO:
The FBI is investigating library checkout records in its "War on Terror."
A librarian said "no."
"The Library had consulted their lawyer and done their homework, so they told the FBI that it would have to follow the proper procedures. About a week later, the FBI served a subpoena upon the Library, demanding a list of everyone who had borrowed that book since November 2001...
"After the Library's legal challenge, the FBI withdrew its request. Ms. Airoldi learned, however, that under the Patriot Act, the FBI could go to a secret court to obtain a court order to obtain the borrowing records."
That apparently is not good enough.
From The Washington Post:
"The FBI on Tuesday asked the U.S. Congress for sweeping new powers to seize business or private records, ranging from medical information to book purchases, to investigate terrorism without first securing approval from a judge...
"The proposed new powers, long sought by the FBI, have been added by Republican lawmakers, acting on the wishes of the Bush administration, to the new draft of the USA Patriot Act."
How does the propaganda slogan go, "If you're not with us, you're against us"?
Squarely against over here, guys.
Oh, but wait, here's their rationale:
"Committee chairman, Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, noted that other government agencies already had subpoena power to investigate matters such as child pornography, drug investigations and medical malpractice. He said it made little sense to deny those same powers to the FBI to investigate terrorism or keep track of foreign intelligence agents."
No doubt the same treasonous black robes who rule the Second Amendment is a collective state power have abetted the destruction of the Fourth Amendment as well.
That doesn't make it right. That doesn't make it Constitutional.
Mr. Franklin warned us about trading liberty for security.
The FBI is investigating library checkout records in its "War on Terror."
A librarian said "no."
"The Library had consulted their lawyer and done their homework, so they told the FBI that it would have to follow the proper procedures. About a week later, the FBI served a subpoena upon the Library, demanding a list of everyone who had borrowed that book since November 2001...
"After the Library's legal challenge, the FBI withdrew its request. Ms. Airoldi learned, however, that under the Patriot Act, the FBI could go to a secret court to obtain a court order to obtain the borrowing records."
That apparently is not good enough.
From The Washington Post:
"The FBI on Tuesday asked the U.S. Congress for sweeping new powers to seize business or private records, ranging from medical information to book purchases, to investigate terrorism without first securing approval from a judge...
"The proposed new powers, long sought by the FBI, have been added by Republican lawmakers, acting on the wishes of the Bush administration, to the new draft of the USA Patriot Act."
How does the propaganda slogan go, "If you're not with us, you're against us"?
Squarely against over here, guys.
Oh, but wait, here's their rationale:
"Committee chairman, Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, noted that other government agencies already had subpoena power to investigate matters such as child pornography, drug investigations and medical malpractice. He said it made little sense to deny those same powers to the FBI to investigate terrorism or keep track of foreign intelligence agents."
No doubt the same treasonous black robes who rule the Second Amendment is a collective state power have abetted the destruction of the Fourth Amendment as well.
That doesn't make it right. That doesn't make it Constitutional.
Mr. Franklin warned us about trading liberty for security.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Open Inquiry to the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team
Since I seem to be fixated on numbers this morning, I have a couple simple questions for the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team:
Since your unit was activated in 1983, how much money, total, have your operations cost the American taxpayer?
How many hostages have you rescued?
How much is that per hostage?
Oh, I guess I also need to factor in how many "hostages" you haven't rescued...
By the way, you guys wouldn't happen to know anything about a BIG METAL DOOR, would you...?
Since your unit was activated in 1983, how much money, total, have your operations cost the American taxpayer?
How many hostages have you rescued?
How much is that per hostage?
Oh, I guess I also need to factor in how many "hostages" you haven't rescued...
By the way, you guys wouldn't happen to know anything about a BIG METAL DOOR, would you...?
The "pH" Factor
My Very Own Cultural Degeneracy Indicator
Google hits for “Patrick Henry”
“Results 1 - 10 of about 885,000 for ‘Patrick Henry’.”
Google hits for “Paris Hilton”
“Results 1 - 10 of about 6,060,000 for ‘Paris Hilton’.”
I wonder what the ratio of no return is, where the culture as a collective deserves to be doomed?
Google hits for “Patrick Henry”
“Results 1 - 10 of about 885,000 for ‘Patrick Henry’.”
Google hits for “Paris Hilton”
“Results 1 - 10 of about 6,060,000 for ‘Paris Hilton’.”
I wonder what the ratio of no return is, where the culture as a collective deserves to be doomed?
Monday, May 23, 2005
Josh Horwitz Waves Red Flag
"The standoffs at Ruby Ridge and Waco -- often cited as proof that the government can and does abuse its power -- illustrate why armed resistance is a dead end. Randy Weaver and David Koresh may have had good reasons to distrust the government, but they had no right to use private arsenals to keep the police at bay. Our system includes democratic safeguards, such as juries, that do not rely on the private force of arms."
Hey Josh--why don't you have "our system" find the damned steel front door from Mt. Carmel that somehow mysteriously disappeared from evidence custody--to help determine who actually shot first? And I'm sure Sammy and Vicki Weaver appreciate the jury trials they got.
Damned police state apologist. I suppose the Warsaw Ghetto resistance fighters "had no right to keep the [Nazis] at bay," either.
[Thanks to SaMaeL for the tip.]
Hey Josh--why don't you have "our system" find the damned steel front door from Mt. Carmel that somehow mysteriously disappeared from evidence custody--to help determine who actually shot first? And I'm sure Sammy and Vicki Weaver appreciate the jury trials they got.
Damned police state apologist. I suppose the Warsaw Ghetto resistance fighters "had no right to keep the [Nazis] at bay," either.
[Thanks to SaMaeL for the tip.]
The Clock is Ticking
Triggerfinger tells us "time is running out to comment on the FEC's rules for bloggers."
Giving Gun Owners the Finger
Say Uncle directs us to the loopy tale of former Bridgeport City Councilman Joel Gonzales, who cut off his finger in 1994 to protest private gun ownership.
The ridiculously over-dramatic Mr. Gonzales seems to think someone on eBay will give him $50,000 or more for the contraption he used to self-amputate. He plans to give half the money to a zoo, plus fund the insane fixations he deems "activism," including "strengthening gun control laws."
He apparently did it because he thinks the NRA controls the speaker lists at public hearings, and wanted to make his proposal to eliminate "gun crime" heard--that is, "amputating the trigger fingers (index) of anyone who use a firearm to commit a premeditaded [sic] crime."
"When I did it, people said I was crazy. I wonder what they are saying now," speculates Gonzales.
I think "crazy" about covers it, Joel.
But you might want to get a second opinion.
The ridiculously over-dramatic Mr. Gonzales seems to think someone on eBay will give him $50,000 or more for the contraption he used to self-amputate. He plans to give half the money to a zoo, plus fund the insane fixations he deems "activism," including "strengthening gun control laws."
He apparently did it because he thinks the NRA controls the speaker lists at public hearings, and wanted to make his proposal to eliminate "gun crime" heard--that is, "amputating the trigger fingers (index) of anyone who use a firearm to commit a premeditaded [sic] crime."
"When I did it, people said I was crazy. I wonder what they are saying now," speculates Gonzales.
I think "crazy" about covers it, Joel.
But you might want to get a second opinion.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Despite All My Belly-Aching, I Couldn't Resist...
...and just devoured the first 3 chapters of "Out of the Gray Zone."
This is good stuff. I see Bill St. Clair is passionate in his praise:
"Wow! Claire and Aaron have hit the ball out of the park, hit it out of the city, hit it out of orbit, hit the moon, and put a hole clean through. And that's an understatement. Tears dripped from my face. Tears of joy. Tears of anger sated. Tears of hope for our world. May it never get as bad as they envisioned. May we, each contributing as he or she can, prevent that future, and listen to that inner voice of what is right, what is decent, what is necessary, what must be. And make it so."
Now I need to go work for a few hours so I can be back in time for my 10-year-old son's electric guitar recital.
No rest for the wicked, or some such...
This is good stuff. I see Bill St. Clair is passionate in his praise:
"Wow! Claire and Aaron have hit the ball out of the park, hit it out of the city, hit it out of orbit, hit the moon, and put a hole clean through. And that's an understatement. Tears dripped from my face. Tears of joy. Tears of anger sated. Tears of hope for our world. May it never get as bad as they envisioned. May we, each contributing as he or she can, prevent that future, and listen to that inner voice of what is right, what is decent, what is necessary, what must be. And make it so."
Now I need to go work for a few hours so I can be back in time for my 10-year-old son's electric guitar recital.
No rest for the wicked, or some such...
"Out of the Gray Zone" Arrived...
...in yesterday's mail, along with a very nice t-shirt. I got my order in early and got an autographed copy.
Can't wait to get to it--right now, in addition to working 7 days a week (plus many evenings) on my "real" job (which is typical for April through August), maintaining this blog, researching and writing my monthly GUNS Magazine "Rights Watch" column, giving the wife and kids the time of day, and keeping my house and yard chores from getting to the point where it would be easier just to torch the place, my time to read and then write reviews is a tad limited.
On that front, "Failing the Test," about JPFO's BATFU expose video, will appear in the next issue of GUNS, in stores around May 30--I'll do an announcement when it hits the shelves.
The editor gave me the green light to put something together on "The Black Arrow" in addition to my regular column, so that's another project in waiting. And I'm smack-dab in the middle of "Enemies Foreign and Domestic," which I want to read in one sitting, but which I'm finding difficulty getting to until bedtime--which means I generally make it about a page-and-a-half before exhaustion takes over.
But I'll get to "Out of the Gray Zone." It's just a question of when.
Oh, look--a package from the PO box--why, it looks like another book...
Can't wait to get to it--right now, in addition to working 7 days a week (plus many evenings) on my "real" job (which is typical for April through August), maintaining this blog, researching and writing my monthly GUNS Magazine "Rights Watch" column, giving the wife and kids the time of day, and keeping my house and yard chores from getting to the point where it would be easier just to torch the place, my time to read and then write reviews is a tad limited.
On that front, "Failing the Test," about JPFO's BATFU expose video, will appear in the next issue of GUNS, in stores around May 30--I'll do an announcement when it hits the shelves.
The editor gave me the green light to put something together on "The Black Arrow" in addition to my regular column, so that's another project in waiting. And I'm smack-dab in the middle of "Enemies Foreign and Domestic," which I want to read in one sitting, but which I'm finding difficulty getting to until bedtime--which means I generally make it about a page-and-a-half before exhaustion takes over.
But I'll get to "Out of the Gray Zone." It's just a question of when.
Oh, look--a package from the PO box--why, it looks like another book...
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Crime Gun Solutions--Who These Guys ARE
The names of the chief operators are: Joseph J. Vince Jr., Partner, Gerald A. Nunziato, Partner, Ronald Schuman, Partner, and Robert A. Ricker, Senior Executive Consultant.
"Crime Gun Solutions LLC (CGS) partners include the former Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (BATF) Special Agent In Charge of the National Tracing Center, the former Chief of the BATF Headquarters Firearm Enforcement Division and the Crime Gun Analysis Branch, and the former BATF Criminal Enforcement Information Systems Development Program Manager."
Yep. BATFU careerists.
"CGS has worked with city law departments, State Attorney Generals’ Offices, major police departments, and private law firms in an effort to assist them in acquiring, analyzing, and utilizing crime-gun information."
So they're paid either by anti-gun politicians using money taxed from We the People, or by law firms suing gun makers?
"CGS has been praised for their work in educating judges and juries on the various aspects of using crime-gun information."
Yeah, "praised" by enemies of the Second Amendment. And ain't it ironic--no one is "educating judges and juries on various aspects of" the Constitution, the intent of the Framers, the Second Amendment, jury nullification...
I question the use of the photo of what looks like a dead guy on their home page--this looks like a real crime scene photo. Is it, and if so, who authorized its use in a for-profit venture?
I also find it very interesting that our old pal Robert Ricker is entrenched in the core of this cabal.
He was named CCRKBA's "Gun Rights Defender of the Month" back in February of 1999 [they have since removed this from their site, but it is preserved via The Wayback Machine. Bad move deleting it, Alan--our side shouldn't be the ones erasing history; you could have explained it by just admitting you were betrayed along with everyone else.]
"Just last month, for instance, in a major article on the growing number of lawsuits filed against firearms companies by big-city anti-gun politicians, The Washington Post reported that 'Bob Ricker of the American Shooting Sports Council, a trade association for gunmakers, vowed that his members won’t be intimidated into an out-of-court settlement, regardless of how many cities line up against them.
"Ricker also said the swarm of tobacco plaintiffs’ lawyers suggests that the suits against the industry are frivolous, the work of an opportunistic gang of legal predators.
"‘We’ll be able to show that what these lawyers are actually after is money,’ he said, a contention certain to become part of the gun manufacturers’ defense."
Now Robert Ricker is a leading voice FOR suing gun makers:
"Robert A. Ricker, former Assistant General Counsel for the National Rifle Association and former Executive Director of the American Shooting Sports Council, was scheduled to testify today in the NAACP's landmark lawsuit against the gun industry.
"Ricker recently revealed that the gun industry has long known its practices aid criminal access to guns yet has done nothing about it. According to a declaration he filed in another case, 'many manufacturers and distributors consistently refuse to address the problem of the 'felons among us.' They instead hide behind the fiction that as long as a retail dealer has a valid federal firearms license to sell guns, no attention to the dealer's business practices is required by its suppliers.'"
So was Robert Ricker lying then or is he lying now? How can we tell? And why would anyone give testimony from this Judas any credibility at all?
[Thanks to correspondent Bob Lewis for tracking down the CGS website!]
Friday, May 20, 2005
Crime Gun Solutions--Who ARE These Guys?
Research led me to a post on The Freeholder from a month ago about Gerald Nunziato, a former BATFU careerist now a partner in a venture called "Crime Gun Solutions."
Per the Houston Chronicle: "'If it wasn't for criminals, there wouldn't be a gun industry in this country,' Nunziato said, adding that the claims of the NRA and other gun-rights groups that they are protecting law-abiding citizens with their policies are false.
"'The only people it's protecting are criminals.'"
So who is behind "Crime Gun Solutions"? Seems to be a bunch of ex-BATFUers and pals.
They’re at the forefront of trying to take militia suitable firearms away from We the People, throwing meaningless statistics into the mix just to sound authoritative: “Since the law’s enactment, the number of assault weapons at crime scenes has dropped 45% according to Crime Gun Solutions LLC, a consulting firm.”
If you read the fine print over at the Brady Center, you'll discover "firearms listed in this data are considered by BATFU to be 'crime guns,' which means they have been...[among other things--DC] suspected of having been used in a crime.[emphasis added--DC "
"Former ATF experts at Crime Gun Solutions, LLC, including the former Special Agent in Charge of ATF's National Tracing Center [that would be Nunziato--DC], analyzed the data for the Brady Center and support the study's conclusions."
CEO Joe Vince received special acknowledgement at the IACP Conference IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) Crime Gun Interdiction Strategies for the 21st Century Summit.
The report introduces itself with quotes from Bill Clinton and Janet Reno. It provides a blueprint for achieving self-fulfilling gun control goals. This summit” was supported through a grant from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance,” that is, We the People were coerced into paying for this plot against our rights.
The Constitution and legitimate delegated authority and individual rights are not considerations. Nowhere in the summit report is the Second Amendment even mentioned.
Crime Gun Solutions is emerging as a leading subversive threat to the right to keep and bear arms. We'd all do well to keep a watchful eye on this group.
Of immediate concern: Where do they get their funding from? Do anti-gun groups like Brady Center pay for "research"? Does CGS receive money from any taxpayer-funded agency at any level of government? Who are the major investors who own it?
Be nice to track the ninja down and pull his mask off...
In the mean time, don't let the media get away with referring to them as "a consulting group" without acknowledging that they are agenda-driven. Ditto for any "authoritative" claims citing them as a credible reference. Write editors to correct the record whenever you see this occur.
These guys didn't succeed in disarming us when they were in jackboots. Now that they've discovered a more lucrative gig (and any bets that they also have healthy retirement benefits and pensions courtesy of the people they wish to disarm?), they may actually be more of a threat.
Treat them that way.
Per the Houston Chronicle: "'If it wasn't for criminals, there wouldn't be a gun industry in this country,' Nunziato said, adding that the claims of the NRA and other gun-rights groups that they are protecting law-abiding citizens with their policies are false.
"'The only people it's protecting are criminals.'"
So who is behind "Crime Gun Solutions"? Seems to be a bunch of ex-BATFUers and pals.
They’re at the forefront of trying to take militia suitable firearms away from We the People, throwing meaningless statistics into the mix just to sound authoritative: “Since the law’s enactment, the number of assault weapons at crime scenes has dropped 45% according to Crime Gun Solutions LLC, a consulting firm.”
If you read the fine print over at the Brady Center, you'll discover "firearms listed in this data are considered by BATFU to be 'crime guns,' which means they have been...[among other things--DC] suspected of having been used in a crime.[emphasis added--DC "
"Former ATF experts at Crime Gun Solutions, LLC, including the former Special Agent in Charge of ATF's National Tracing Center [that would be Nunziato--DC], analyzed the data for the Brady Center and support the study's conclusions."
CEO Joe Vince received special acknowledgement at the IACP Conference IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) Crime Gun Interdiction Strategies for the 21st Century Summit.
The report introduces itself with quotes from Bill Clinton and Janet Reno. It provides a blueprint for achieving self-fulfilling gun control goals. This summit” was supported through a grant from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance,” that is, We the People were coerced into paying for this plot against our rights.
The Constitution and legitimate delegated authority and individual rights are not considerations. Nowhere in the summit report is the Second Amendment even mentioned.
Crime Gun Solutions is emerging as a leading subversive threat to the right to keep and bear arms. We'd all do well to keep a watchful eye on this group.
Of immediate concern: Where do they get their funding from? Do anti-gun groups like Brady Center pay for "research"? Does CGS receive money from any taxpayer-funded agency at any level of government? Who are the major investors who own it?
Be nice to track the ninja down and pull his mask off...
In the mean time, don't let the media get away with referring to them as "a consulting group" without acknowledging that they are agenda-driven. Ditto for any "authoritative" claims citing them as a credible reference. Write editors to correct the record whenever you see this occur.
These guys didn't succeed in disarming us when they were in jackboots. Now that they've discovered a more lucrative gig (and any bets that they also have healthy retirement benefits and pensions courtesy of the people they wish to disarm?), they may actually be more of a threat.
Treat them that way.
About Part One...
There seems to be some confusion that I wrote the Open Letter to NRA.
Nah, I don't writ that gud. I just did the brief intro.
It's by MicroBalrog, which I can see now was not made as clear as it could have been. He is a 20-year-old Israeli who cares more about the Second Amemdment than most Americans.
Anyway, just to make sure there's no confusion, I inserted "By Boris Karpa" (his real name) into that piece.
I hope this clears things up. I haven't had this much trouble since I wrote "Gone With the Wind."
Nah, I don't writ that gud. I just did the brief intro.
It's by MicroBalrog, which I can see now was not made as clear as it could have been. He is a 20-year-old Israeli who cares more about the Second Amemdment than most Americans.
Anyway, just to make sure there's no confusion, I inserted "By Boris Karpa" (his real name) into that piece.
I hope this clears things up. I haven't had this much trouble since I wrote "Gone With the Wind."
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Oh, My! What a Surprise!
"But the measure being written by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., would give the FBI new power to issue administrative subpoenas, which are not reviewed by a judge or grand jury, for quickly obtaining records, electronic data or other evidence in terrorism investigations, according to aides for the GOP majority on the committee who briefed reporters Wednesday."
Well, Hell--it's not like there's a Second Amendment in this country to protect other supposed unalienable rights. Or a second political party, for that matter...
Squeeze, baby!
Well, Hell--it's not like there's a Second Amendment in this country to protect other supposed unalienable rights. Or a second political party, for that matter...
Squeeze, baby!
NRA AWOL on Second Amendment Protection Act--Part Two
First, go to NRA-ILA's site search.
Type in "HR 1703" or "H.R. 1703".
Make sure the boxes to search ALL sections are checked.
Click either "Boolean Expression" or "All Words".
Select "All Issues" from the "Display Information" pulldown menu.
Click the "Search" button.
Or don't. All that will happen is you'll get the message "No documents were found."
MicroBalrog wrote an impassioned plea in Part One.
Here's a response he managed to track down from "the most powerful lobbying group in Washington":
Though the NRA-ILA has limited resources, we are doing our best to have the biggest impact. Right now that means we must pass HR 800, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. If that doesn't pass, our manufacturers and dealers will be sued out of business and we'll all be in a world of hurt. We are focusing our lobbying efforts on attainable and necessary legislation and then we'll move on to our second tier of legislation. While HR 1703 is a good bill, it will not come out of committee no matter how hard we lobby on the bill. There are other politics in play regarding the bill sponsor in which the NRA plays no role at all. Unfortunately, that means Congressman Paul is at the mercy of the committee and it's chairman. Someday we'll be able to pass similar legislation, but right now we have to make sure the firearm industry is not destroyed.
Sincerely,
Joel Brewer
NRA-ILA
Did you get that? Poor NRA, with its 4 million members, can't do two things at once at the federal level. Informing gun owners about this bill would simply put too much of a strain on the system, and distract ILA from its primary effort.
Besides, the bill has no chance of passing--why, it will never get out of committee. By not lifting a finger, NRA makes this a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Would it make it out of committee if some political leadership was displayed?
I mean, it's not like gun owners and $20 Million from NRA had anything to do with the reelection of George Bush...
Type in "HR 1703" or "H.R. 1703".
Make sure the boxes to search ALL sections are checked.
Click either "Boolean Expression" or "All Words".
Select "All Issues" from the "Display Information" pulldown menu.
Click the "Search" button.
Or don't. All that will happen is you'll get the message "No documents were found."
MicroBalrog wrote an impassioned plea in Part One.
Here's a response he managed to track down from "the most powerful lobbying group in Washington":
Though the NRA-ILA has limited resources, we are doing our best to have the biggest impact. Right now that means we must pass HR 800, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. If that doesn't pass, our manufacturers and dealers will be sued out of business and we'll all be in a world of hurt. We are focusing our lobbying efforts on attainable and necessary legislation and then we'll move on to our second tier of legislation. While HR 1703 is a good bill, it will not come out of committee no matter how hard we lobby on the bill. There are other politics in play regarding the bill sponsor in which the NRA plays no role at all. Unfortunately, that means Congressman Paul is at the mercy of the committee and it's chairman. Someday we'll be able to pass similar legislation, but right now we have to make sure the firearm industry is not destroyed.
Sincerely,
Joel Brewer
NRA-ILA
Did you get that? Poor NRA, with its 4 million members, can't do two things at once at the federal level. Informing gun owners about this bill would simply put too much of a strain on the system, and distract ILA from its primary effort.
Besides, the bill has no chance of passing--why, it will never get out of committee. By not lifting a finger, NRA makes this a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Would it make it out of committee if some political leadership was displayed?
I mean, it's not like gun owners and $20 Million from NRA had anything to do with the reelection of George Bush...
NRA AWOL on Second Amendment Protection Act--Part One
MicroBalrog doesn't understand why NRA is mum on HR 1703, the Second Amendment Protection Act:
An Open Letter to the National Rifle Association
By Boris Karpa
Honorable and estimable Directors of the National Rifle Association!
For years, members of the Association were reading - both in the newspapers and in your Grassroots Alerts - about the National Rifle Association. About how the National Rifle Association is the most powerful lobby in Washington. About how the NRA donates millions to campaigns of candidates it supports. About how the NRA never compromises unless it absolutely, totally has to [well, okay, we ended up coming to grips with reality, there].
You gave fiery speeches about how we should become extremists and demand the right to self-defense. You said that our guns are the guarantee of freedom. You waved rifles in the air, screaming that the enemies of that freedom will be able to get those rifles - when they pry them for your cold, dead hands.
You might have never in this - or maybe you didn’t. What matters is that, after you repeated those things often enough, we started believing them too - maybe because they are really true. We came to believe - like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, like the Minutemen at Concord and the New-Orleans Greys at the Alamo - that freedom is worth fighting for.
You promised us something truly wonderful - a world where we will all be free like the Founding Fathers intended us to be. You promised you’ll be here for us, fighting for freedom all the way, rain or shine.
Honorable and estimable Directors! Today, you lobby for a lawsuit protection bill - claiming that without it the gun industry would be ruined. Seeing as how the lawsuit strategy of te anti-gun crowd has so far had few if any results, this might or might not be true - but you totally ignore the Second Amendment Protection Act, lingering away in committee - headed by a Congressman that is rated A by both the Association and your "extremist" competitors at the GOA. Yet you tell us that there is no way that the NRA - with all the power you boasted and the promises you made - can dislodge that bill one inch.
I want you to think of all the promises you made. All the times you spoke about responsibility. About honesty. About freedom. And tell me, will you be able to look in the mirror tomorrow morning, knowing all you said was just a sick, twisted lie? Or maybe it really was what it sounded like - a promise?
Keep your promise. Support HR-1703.
[The NRA can be contacted by phone: 800-392-8683
or via this page: https://secure.nraila.org/Contact.aspx]
An Open Letter to the National Rifle Association
By Boris Karpa
Honorable and estimable Directors of the National Rifle Association!
For years, members of the Association were reading - both in the newspapers and in your Grassroots Alerts - about the National Rifle Association. About how the National Rifle Association is the most powerful lobby in Washington. About how the NRA donates millions to campaigns of candidates it supports. About how the NRA never compromises unless it absolutely, totally has to [well, okay, we ended up coming to grips with reality, there].
You gave fiery speeches about how we should become extremists and demand the right to self-defense. You said that our guns are the guarantee of freedom. You waved rifles in the air, screaming that the enemies of that freedom will be able to get those rifles - when they pry them for your cold, dead hands.
You might have never in this - or maybe you didn’t. What matters is that, after you repeated those things often enough, we started believing them too - maybe because they are really true. We came to believe - like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, like the Minutemen at Concord and the New-Orleans Greys at the Alamo - that freedom is worth fighting for.
You promised us something truly wonderful - a world where we will all be free like the Founding Fathers intended us to be. You promised you’ll be here for us, fighting for freedom all the way, rain or shine.
Honorable and estimable Directors! Today, you lobby for a lawsuit protection bill - claiming that without it the gun industry would be ruined. Seeing as how the lawsuit strategy of te anti-gun crowd has so far had few if any results, this might or might not be true - but you totally ignore the Second Amendment Protection Act, lingering away in committee - headed by a Congressman that is rated A by both the Association and your "extremist" competitors at the GOA. Yet you tell us that there is no way that the NRA - with all the power you boasted and the promises you made - can dislodge that bill one inch.
I want you to think of all the promises you made. All the times you spoke about responsibility. About honesty. About freedom. And tell me, will you be able to look in the mirror tomorrow morning, knowing all you said was just a sick, twisted lie? Or maybe it really was what it sounded like - a promise?
Keep your promise. Support HR-1703.
[The NRA can be contacted by phone: 800-392-8683
or via this page: https://secure.nraila.org/Contact.aspx]
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The Heirs of Liberty
"With nearly all the votes counted tonight, Philadelphians endorsed by a ratio of 4-1 a charter change that asks the state legislature and governor to let the city draft its own laws 'to prevent and reduce gun violence.'"
The Philadelphia electorate collectively merits a WarOnGuns "Eloi Award."
Welcome to the "City of Brotherly Love," home of Independence Hall: A UN World Heritage Site.
The Philadelphia electorate collectively merits a WarOnGuns "Eloi Award."
Welcome to the "City of Brotherly Love," home of Independence Hall: A UN World Heritage Site.
Remembering Norman
[From "Firearms Coalition"--click on "Latest Alerts" in left-hand frame, then select "Gun Rights Alert - 2nd Not Individual Right"]
Remember the Name "Norman Mordue."
I can't decide if I'd rather see it live in infamy or perish in obscurity.
I guess I'd want future generations to know who the traitors of early 21st Century America were--especially the ones who made peaceful redress by those earnestly seeking Constitutional adherance impossible.
You can't take it back, Norman. Your place in history is secure.
Remember the Name "Norman Mordue."
I can't decide if I'd rather see it live in infamy or perish in obscurity.
I guess I'd want future generations to know who the traitors of early 21st Century America were--especially the ones who made peaceful redress by those earnestly seeking Constitutional adherance impossible.
You can't take it back, Norman. Your place in history is secure.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
An Honest Man
Ian Hamet has guts and integrity:
"IMPORTANT UPDATE! Commenter Dave Cordea [sic] is absolutely correct, this idea is original to J. Neil Schulman, and I utterly forgot it. I must have read his piece in his book Stopping Power some eight or nine years ago. Here I am basking in plagiarized glory without even knowing it. :$ As pennance, Neil may direct me to write a post on a topic of his choosing, of up to 2,000 words, if he ever comes across this. Also, you all should read his first two books. Alongside Night is a roaring good time, and The Rainbow Cadenza gives serious, sobering thought to the phrase “make love, not war”. In fact, it should be translated into Chinese and published here in China, given demographic trends these days.
"So this great, brilliant, original piece that everyone loved? Not mine. Sorry."
Thank you, Mr. Hamet, for setting the record straight on this.
"IMPORTANT UPDATE! Commenter Dave Cordea [sic] is absolutely correct, this idea is original to J. Neil Schulman, and I utterly forgot it. I must have read his piece in his book Stopping Power some eight or nine years ago. Here I am basking in plagiarized glory without even knowing it. :$ As pennance, Neil may direct me to write a post on a topic of his choosing, of up to 2,000 words, if he ever comes across this. Also, you all should read his first two books. Alongside Night is a roaring good time, and The Rainbow Cadenza gives serious, sobering thought to the phrase “make love, not war”. In fact, it should be translated into Chinese and published here in China, given demographic trends these days.
"So this great, brilliant, original piece that everyone loved? Not mine. Sorry."
Thank you, Mr. Hamet, for setting the record straight on this.
If You Have a Prudential Policy or Account, Cancel It
Follow-up to "Open Letter to Toyota":
The Prudential Spirit of Community Award
"What can a young volunteer do? There are literally millions of opportunities to make an important difference in the lives of others. Following are more than 300 specific projects that have actually been carried out over the past several years by young people who have won Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Perhaps their activities will give you some ideas as to what you can do in your own neighborhood or town to help make life better for someone else.
"Promote Health and Safety
"Theodoros and Nikolaos Milonopoulos of Studio City, Calif. conducted a kids' petition campaign to ban the sale of gun bullets in Los Angeles."
Can't just sell insurance or financial services, can they?
If you do business with Prudential or Toyota, you are helping fund the undermining of the Republic as envisioned by the Founders.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Award
"What can a young volunteer do? There are literally millions of opportunities to make an important difference in the lives of others. Following are more than 300 specific projects that have actually been carried out over the past several years by young people who have won Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Perhaps their activities will give you some ideas as to what you can do in your own neighborhood or town to help make life better for someone else.
"Promote Health and Safety
"Theodoros and Nikolaos Milonopoulos of Studio City, Calif. conducted a kids' petition campaign to ban the sale of gun bullets in Los Angeles."
Can't just sell insurance or financial services, can they?
If you do business with Prudential or Toyota, you are helping fund the undermining of the Republic as envisioned by the Founders.
Every Blade of Grass--An Open Letter to Toyota Management
In re: “Toyota Awards $1.12 Million in Scholarships to 100 High School Seniors” (PR Newswire)
“Theodoros Milonopoulos, a Toyota Community Scholar residing in Los Angeles, is a prime example of the dedication to community service exhibited by this year's class. Through his leadership and effort in the area of gun control, the City of Los Angeles banned .50 caliber sniper rifles, plus reauthorized the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Also, this Scholar - along with the Los Angeles Police Department - organized a rally where 2,000 crime guns were melted down.
“Consequently, Milonopoulos, like many of the Scholars, found community service to be the roadmap to what he wants to do in the future. ‘I plan to become a lawyer after studying constitutional law. It is my dream to serve in Congress so that I can continue to be the voice for our nation's youth.’"
Congratulations, idiots. You just lost all future business from me and every gun owner reading this who cares about the Second Amendment.
Perhaps you think America is ripe for Japanese-style gun control.
You are outrageously mistaken.
As Admiral Yamamoto is reputed to have said, “You cannot invade America. There is a rifle behind every blade of grass.”
It’s going to stay that way—no matter what subversion blossoming tyrant wannabes like foolish little Theo and his enablers, like you, dream up.
You couldn’t just sell cars and trucks, and not tamper with sacred institutions in your host country? You had to go and make an enemy of men like me?
I’ve seen what happens when Japan succeeds in disarming its victims. I note the Japanese government still hasn’t apologized to the people of China for the Rape of Nanking. It looks like Japan is none too popular there right now.
I’m going to do what I can to make sure Toyota Motor Sales, USA, is none too popular here.
You can do one of two things:
1. Fire the idiots responsible for awarding Theo his grant and apologize to American gun owners, or
2. follow Mr. Garrison’s advice.
[Thanks to Say Uncle for the tip on this.]
“Theodoros Milonopoulos, a Toyota Community Scholar residing in Los Angeles, is a prime example of the dedication to community service exhibited by this year's class. Through his leadership and effort in the area of gun control, the City of Los Angeles banned .50 caliber sniper rifles, plus reauthorized the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Also, this Scholar - along with the Los Angeles Police Department - organized a rally where 2,000 crime guns were melted down.
“Consequently, Milonopoulos, like many of the Scholars, found community service to be the roadmap to what he wants to do in the future. ‘I plan to become a lawyer after studying constitutional law. It is my dream to serve in Congress so that I can continue to be the voice for our nation's youth.’"
Congratulations, idiots. You just lost all future business from me and every gun owner reading this who cares about the Second Amendment.
Perhaps you think America is ripe for Japanese-style gun control.
You are outrageously mistaken.
As Admiral Yamamoto is reputed to have said, “You cannot invade America. There is a rifle behind every blade of grass.”
It’s going to stay that way—no matter what subversion blossoming tyrant wannabes like foolish little Theo and his enablers, like you, dream up.
You couldn’t just sell cars and trucks, and not tamper with sacred institutions in your host country? You had to go and make an enemy of men like me?
I’ve seen what happens when Japan succeeds in disarming its victims. I note the Japanese government still hasn’t apologized to the people of China for the Rape of Nanking. It looks like Japan is none too popular there right now.
I’m going to do what I can to make sure Toyota Motor Sales, USA, is none too popular here.
You can do one of two things:
1. Fire the idiots responsible for awarding Theo his grant and apologize to American gun owners, or
2. follow Mr. Garrison’s advice.
[Thanks to Say Uncle for the tip on this.]
Monday, May 16, 2005
Newsweek Has Killed More People than My Gun AND Teddy Kennedy's Car
10/05/15 UPDATE: This post is from 2005, so the internal links no longer work. Here's a relevant link that still does.
Doc Brown at Right Justified refers us to a Reuters story on how incompetent and irresponsible reporting at Newsweek resulted in Muslim riots, leaving 16 dead and 100 injured.
Newsweek, of course, is a leading shill for the citizen disarmament crowd.
John Lott, in “Media Bias Against Guns” tells us:
“The 1999 special issue of Newsweek entitled ‘America Under the Gun’ provided over 15,000 words and numerous graphics on the topic of gun ownership, but not one mention of self-defense with a firearm. Under the heading ‘America's Weapons of Choice,’ the table captions were: ‘Top firearms traced to crimes, 1998’; ‘Firearm deaths per 100,000 people’; and ‘Percent of homicides using firearms.’ There was nothing at all on ‘Top firearms used in self-defense’ or ‘Rapes, homicides, and other crimes averted with firearms.’ The magazine's graphic, gut-wrenching pictures all showed people who had been wounded by guns. No images were offered of people who had used guns to save lives or prevent injuries.”
Per NRA, Newsweek is one of the “publications and media outlets [that] have assisted in the attack on Second Amendment rights. The editorial policies of some of the media sources listed portray firearms in a negative manner in an attempt to generate public support for restrictions on firearms ownership.”
Forget the title of this article.
How about “Newsweek Has Killed More People than Ted Bundy”?
Or “Newsweek Has Killed More People than the Manson Family”?
-----
Doc Brown at Right Justified refers us to a Reuters story on how incompetent and irresponsible reporting at Newsweek resulted in Muslim riots, leaving 16 dead and 100 injured.
Newsweek, of course, is a leading shill for the citizen disarmament crowd.
John Lott, in “Media Bias Against Guns” tells us:
“The 1999 special issue of Newsweek entitled ‘America Under the Gun’ provided over 15,000 words and numerous graphics on the topic of gun ownership, but not one mention of self-defense with a firearm. Under the heading ‘America's Weapons of Choice,’ the table captions were: ‘Top firearms traced to crimes, 1998’; ‘Firearm deaths per 100,000 people’; and ‘Percent of homicides using firearms.’ There was nothing at all on ‘Top firearms used in self-defense’ or ‘Rapes, homicides, and other crimes averted with firearms.’ The magazine's graphic, gut-wrenching pictures all showed people who had been wounded by guns. No images were offered of people who had used guns to save lives or prevent injuries.”
Per NRA, Newsweek is one of the “publications and media outlets [that] have assisted in the attack on Second Amendment rights. The editorial policies of some of the media sources listed portray firearms in a negative manner in an attempt to generate public support for restrictions on firearms ownership.”
Forget the title of this article.
How about “Newsweek Has Killed More People than Ted Bundy”?
Or “Newsweek Has Killed More People than the Manson Family”?
Guess What I'M Reading?
A STADIUM MASSACRE LEADS TO THE BANNING OF ALL SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES. BUT WHO REALLY FIRED THE FATAL SHOTS, AND WHY?
I wish author Matthew Bracken hadn’t sent it to me. I’m working 7 days a week on my real job, many of those days over 12 hours. I’m up every morning early to post to this blog. I have the magazine deadline to worry about. A wife and two kids need my attention. The lawn doesn’t do itself.
And now I’m addicted to a massive page-turner.
I’m halfway through.
I can’t wait to get back.
There are free preview chapters you can check out online. Then do yourself a favor and BUY THIS BOOK.
I’ll be writing more about this later in my copious free time.
It’s really, really good.
NRA Filibusted
“The NRA has made no statement for or against the ‘nuclear option’. It has tried to please conservatives by posting news updates that are exclusively anti-filibuster and have posted no reference to conservative groups or authors that oppose the change in filibuster rules. The NRA has tried to salve Democrats by pointing out that they have not come out in support of any filibuster rule change.”
Typical Fairfax straddling and equivocation to protect their precious access above all else. John J. Cahill’s conclusion is that we members "should be proud" of this.
Sorry, Mr. Cahill—been down this road of avoidance and plausible deniability before. I don’t respect it in men and I don’t respect it in groups.
Typical Fairfax straddling and equivocation to protect their precious access above all else. John J. Cahill’s conclusion is that we members "should be proud" of this.
Sorry, Mr. Cahill—been down this road of avoidance and plausible deniability before. I don’t respect it in men and I don’t respect it in groups.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Wish I'D Said That
"Well, there ya go. Victims are always right, after all. Suffering a tragedy bestows infallibility upon the victim – a kind of karmic reward for having lost something.
"Which is why it makes so much sense to base law and policy on the hysterical ravings of angry, freaked-out victims. They and they alone possess the clarity of thought and the kind of wise, sober, carefully crafted ideas that make for good policy."
From Say Uncle via Drug War Rant, credited to Independent Worm at Hit and Run.
"Which is why it makes so much sense to base law and policy on the hysterical ravings of angry, freaked-out victims. They and they alone possess the clarity of thought and the kind of wise, sober, carefully crafted ideas that make for good policy."
From Say Uncle via Drug War Rant, credited to Independent Worm at Hit and Run.
Federal Glass Control?
Why not? They issue mandates on toilet tanks.
Anyway, I was listening to the radio in my car yesterday, and the "news" had a story on about the recent "spate" of SoCal freeway shootings.
It seems the herbivores are getting spooked, and those with means are looking at ways to improve their chances in such an encounter. Inquiries to a local "bullet proof glass" installer have increased enough to where the station considered it worth interviewing the guy.
I didn't catch all the details, but the gist of his quote was you couldn't buy and install such glass without a federal permit.
That should come as news to Bulldog Direct Protective Systems Inc., "your 'One Stop Source' for Bullet Resistant Products for the Home, Office, or Vehicle."
According to their FAQ:
"Purchasing and Installing Bullet Resistant Glass Systems in the USA is perfectly legal. No Police or government permit is required. We do suggest contacting your local building / fire inspector with regards to building codes, inspections or / permits needed."
So what gives?
Is the news wrong or spreading disinformation?
Has some new "Homeland Security" edict come into play that Bulldog doesn't seem to know about?
I do know there are edicts regarding body armor.
Welcome to the Land of the Second Amendment--where you not only can't possess the means to actively defend yourself in many locales, but the means to passively protect yourself are also denied
Anyway, I was listening to the radio in my car yesterday, and the "news" had a story on about the recent "spate" of SoCal freeway shootings.
It seems the herbivores are getting spooked, and those with means are looking at ways to improve their chances in such an encounter. Inquiries to a local "bullet proof glass" installer have increased enough to where the station considered it worth interviewing the guy.
I didn't catch all the details, but the gist of his quote was you couldn't buy and install such glass without a federal permit.
That should come as news to Bulldog Direct Protective Systems Inc., "your 'One Stop Source' for Bullet Resistant Products for the Home, Office, or Vehicle."
According to their FAQ:
"Purchasing and Installing Bullet Resistant Glass Systems in the USA is perfectly legal. No Police or government permit is required. We do suggest contacting your local building / fire inspector with regards to building codes, inspections or / permits needed."
So what gives?
Is the news wrong or spreading disinformation?
Has some new "Homeland Security" edict come into play that Bulldog doesn't seem to know about?
I do know there are edicts regarding body armor.
Welcome to the Land of the Second Amendment--where you not only can't possess the means to actively defend yourself in many locales, but the means to passively protect yourself are also denied
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Another Wal-Mart Capitulation
“Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said yesterday that it made a 'terrible' mistake in approving a recent newspaper advertisement that equated a proposed Arizona zoning ordinance with Nazi book-burning.
“The full-page advertisement included a 1933 photo of people throwing books on a pyre at Berlin's Opernplatz. It was run as part of a campaign against a Flagstaff ballot proposal that would restrict Wal-Mart from expanding a local store to include a grocery.
“The accompanying text read ‘Should we let government tell us what we can read? Of course not . . . So why should we allow local government to limit where we shop?’”
“[T]he company will also issue a letter of apology to the Arizona Anti-Defamation League.”
"’It's not the imagery itself. It trivializes the Nazis and what they did. And to try to attach that imagery to a municipal election goes beyond distasteful,’ said Bill Straus, Arizona regional director for the ADL.”
Too bad. Wal-Mart had it right the first time. They should tell the punks at the ADL to check their history and then go to Hell. It always starts with controls and bans and regulations, and no one having the guts to call it naked tyranny.
Let ‘em get away with the smaller outrages (and since when are property rights “trivial”?), let ‘em amass more and more power, and pretty soon you have rulers who know that the way to increase their power is to control and oppress.
ADL, of course, is virulently anti-gun.
Which makes them tyranny and genocide enablers.
“The full-page advertisement included a 1933 photo of people throwing books on a pyre at Berlin's Opernplatz. It was run as part of a campaign against a Flagstaff ballot proposal that would restrict Wal-Mart from expanding a local store to include a grocery.
“The accompanying text read ‘Should we let government tell us what we can read? Of course not . . . So why should we allow local government to limit where we shop?’”
“[T]he company will also issue a letter of apology to the Arizona Anti-Defamation League.”
"’It's not the imagery itself. It trivializes the Nazis and what they did. And to try to attach that imagery to a municipal election goes beyond distasteful,’ said Bill Straus, Arizona regional director for the ADL.”
Too bad. Wal-Mart had it right the first time. They should tell the punks at the ADL to check their history and then go to Hell. It always starts with controls and bans and regulations, and no one having the guts to call it naked tyranny.
Let ‘em get away with the smaller outrages (and since when are property rights “trivial”?), let ‘em amass more and more power, and pretty soon you have rulers who know that the way to increase their power is to control and oppress.
ADL, of course, is virulently anti-gun.
Which makes them tyranny and genocide enablers.
Real ID From "The Blog of M'Gath"
"If even a handful of states refuse to comply, they can place Washington in a very embarrassing position.
"Let's start with New Hampshire."
"Let's start with New Hampshire."
Friday, May 13, 2005
Real ID Rebellion Blog
Sunni Maravillosa has created a blog to coordinate resistance to the Real ID Act.
Go on over and have a look--and join the rebellion.
Pass it on.
Go on over and have a look--and join the rebellion.
Pass it on.
The Real ID Rebellion
Bill St. Clair is angry.
Claire Wolfe advises us all to stay that way.
Back when suppression of political speech under threat of lethal force, I mean, "campaign finance reform" started going after bloggers, the McCain-Feingold Insurrection was born.
Why not The Real ID Rebellion?
Blogswarm, anyone?
Claire Wolfe advises us all to stay that way.
Back when suppression of political speech under threat of lethal force, I mean, "campaign finance reform" started going after bloggers, the McCain-Feingold Insurrection was born.
Why not The Real ID Rebellion?
Blogswarm, anyone?
"Black Arrow" Available Now
I just got the following reminder from Mountain Media:
A number of blog posters have remarked this week that they intend to buy "The Black Arrow" later, "when it's available."
We'd take it as a favor if you'd remind them that the $24.95 paperback edition of "The Black Arrow" went on sale 27 days ago, on April 15. It *IS* and has been available for immediate shipment for more than a month from Liberty Book Shop, or at $27.95 (postpaid) from Mountain Media, 3172 N. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 343, Las Vegas, NV 89108. We ship within 24 hours.
The paperback edition of "The Black Arrow" is also in stock and for sale NOW from Amazon.com, though Amazon warns they can take two weeks or more to ship.
Waiting for "The Black Arrow" to show up in your local Border's or Barnes & Noble will be fruitless. The cookie-cutter corporate bookstores refuse (and have always refused, so this has nothing to do with any "sex scenes," or any determination that The Black Arrow "sucks") to stock Vin's books, despite our listing the book in all the proper directories; including proper ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) and bar codes; sending the bookstopre chains and ALL the national reviewers "bound galley" review copies 90 days early; offering them 50 percent wholesale discounts, and jumping through all their other hoops.
It's about guns and drugs and freedom.
"The Black Arrow" is available now, and will likely never be any more "available." Order now. The collector's numbered, leatherbound first edition is half gone.
-- Mountain Media
Why the leatherbound edition isn't ALL gone is beyond me. Many in the "pro-gun" community talk big but contribute little, and patronize liberty writers even less.
It's a good book. If you haven't read it, you should. It's entertaining, full of adventure. It unfolds like a movie. And it presents ideas that make TPTB uncomfortable as Hell, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
I just got the green light from GUNS Magazine to do a review. I'll post more on that in a few months, when it hits the stands.
A number of blog posters have remarked this week that they intend to buy "The Black Arrow" later, "when it's available."
We'd take it as a favor if you'd remind them that the $24.95 paperback edition of "The Black Arrow" went on sale 27 days ago, on April 15. It *IS* and has been available for immediate shipment for more than a month from Liberty Book Shop, or at $27.95 (postpaid) from Mountain Media, 3172 N. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 343, Las Vegas, NV 89108. We ship within 24 hours.
The paperback edition of "The Black Arrow" is also in stock and for sale NOW from Amazon.com, though Amazon warns they can take two weeks or more to ship.
Waiting for "The Black Arrow" to show up in your local Border's or Barnes & Noble will be fruitless. The cookie-cutter corporate bookstores refuse (and have always refused, so this has nothing to do with any "sex scenes," or any determination that The Black Arrow "sucks") to stock Vin's books, despite our listing the book in all the proper directories; including proper ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) and bar codes; sending the bookstopre chains and ALL the national reviewers "bound galley" review copies 90 days early; offering them 50 percent wholesale discounts, and jumping through all their other hoops.
It's about guns and drugs and freedom.
"The Black Arrow" is available now, and will likely never be any more "available." Order now. The collector's numbered, leatherbound first edition is half gone.
-- Mountain Media
Why the leatherbound edition isn't ALL gone is beyond me. Many in the "pro-gun" community talk big but contribute little, and patronize liberty writers even less.
It's a good book. If you haven't read it, you should. It's entertaining, full of adventure. It unfolds like a movie. And it presents ideas that make TPTB uncomfortable as Hell, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
I just got the green light from GUNS Magazine to do a review. I'll post more on that in a few months, when it hits the stands.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
America is Dead--Long Live Amerika
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership weighs in on the implications of the Real ID Act for gun owners.
Create a problem.
People demand relief from the effects of the problem.
Create a solution to further your control of them.
And, oh yeah, make 'em submit or be destroyed.
How very elegant.
Works every time.
Create a problem.
People demand relief from the effects of the problem.
Create a solution to further your control of them.
And, oh yeah, make 'em submit or be destroyed.
How very elegant.
Works every time.
You HAVE No Rights
TriggerFinger gives us the rundown on Bach v Pataki.
Another set of black robes rule the Second Amendment doesn't mean what it says.
Keep squeezing.
Another set of black robes rule the Second Amendment doesn't mean what it says.
Keep squeezing.
"Gun Bullies"
There's a new term for ya. Expect to hear it again, and often.
Every gun activist I know thinks people should be perfectly free to make idiotic choices for themselves. All we ask is that you don't try to impose your lack of rationality/desire for control on us.
The side that imposes the armed might of the state, with the ultimatum "Obey or die," feels threatened?
Good--it's about damned time.
Like someone said (paraphrased), "If gun owners are really violent and dangerous, why are you provoking them?"
[Thanks to KABA Newslinks. Say Uncle also adds value to the discussion.]
Every gun activist I know thinks people should be perfectly free to make idiotic choices for themselves. All we ask is that you don't try to impose your lack of rationality/desire for control on us.
The side that imposes the armed might of the state, with the ultimatum "Obey or die," feels threatened?
Good--it's about damned time.
Like someone said (paraphrased), "If gun owners are really violent and dangerous, why are you provoking them?"
[Thanks to KABA Newslinks. Say Uncle also adds value to the discussion.]
Will Self-Replicating Machines Engage in Foreplay?
This isn't gun-related, but I think it's a cool subject for speculation:
Rational Review has a link to a science/technology story at The Independent, "Stuff of sci-fi nightmares? An army of robots that reproduce."
This is not a new concept--and its originator, John von Neumann, is not mentioned in the article, let alone acknowledged with the credit he deserves.
"He created the field of cellular automata without computers, constructing the first examples of self-replicating automata with pencil and graph paper. The concept was fleshed out in his posthumous work Theory of Self Reproducing Automata. The term von Neumann machine also refers to self-replicating machines. Von Neumann proved that the most effective way large-scale mining operations such as mining an entire moon or asteroid belt can be accomplished is through the use of self-replicating machines, to take advantage of the exponential growth of such mechanisms."
Naturally, this fostered speculation on what would happen if information being passed on from one machine to its "offspring" somehow became corrupted, and the "mutation" proved advantageous in its environment. Well, you see where this is going...
Rational Review has a link to a science/technology story at The Independent, "Stuff of sci-fi nightmares? An army of robots that reproduce."
This is not a new concept--and its originator, John von Neumann, is not mentioned in the article, let alone acknowledged with the credit he deserves.
"He created the field of cellular automata without computers, constructing the first examples of self-replicating automata with pencil and graph paper. The concept was fleshed out in his posthumous work Theory of Self Reproducing Automata. The term von Neumann machine also refers to self-replicating machines. Von Neumann proved that the most effective way large-scale mining operations such as mining an entire moon or asteroid belt can be accomplished is through the use of self-replicating machines, to take advantage of the exponential growth of such mechanisms."
Naturally, this fostered speculation on what would happen if information being passed on from one machine to its "offspring" somehow became corrupted, and the "mutation" proved advantageous in its environment. Well, you see where this is going...
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Project Disarmed Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods is training cops to spot people keeping and bearing arms. Even those minding their own business, as well as those who live in areas where the government thinks it has the authority to issue permits--and then doesn't.
From the International Association of Chiefs of Police:
"Courses offered through PSNET and other PSN related trainings:
"Characteristics of Armed Persons
"This session is designed to aid law enforcement officers in identifying persons who are unlawfully carrying concealed firearms. Based on thoughtful conclusions drawn from fundamental, common sense observations, this training will enable officers to make clear observations and distinctions of some of the more common characteristics demonstrated by individuals who carry concealed firearms. The identification of offenders carrying concealed weapons, before the weapons are used, can be essential to the prevention of violent crimes."
And guess who "fully supports" PSN?
"'The NRA and our over four million members fully support the Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods,' said National Rifle Association spokeswoman Kelly Whitley. Whitley said the project, which includes the grant for additional prosecutors, was based on a similar project in Richmond, Va., where violent crime dropped 70 percent in two years."
Kelly, that's simply not true. I'm an NRA Life Member. I don't support this unconstitutional outrage.
And funny thing about Richmond: Their murder rate is climbing while national numbers decline.
"The project also is popular with gun control proponents."
What, the LaPierre Center to Prevent Gun Violence, formerly National Rifle Control, Inc., isn't considered one?
Guess who else is on the PSN bandwagon?
"'We think that Project Safe Neighborhoods is a step in the right direction,' said Amy Stilwell, spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence."
See that, NRA management? "A step." As in the journey isn't completed.
Note to the Fairfax suits. Gun control doesn't work. You really ought to have faith in your own findings.
That is, assuming you're not just talking out of both sides of your mouth.
Again.
From the International Association of Chiefs of Police:
"Courses offered through PSNET and other PSN related trainings:
"Characteristics of Armed Persons
"This session is designed to aid law enforcement officers in identifying persons who are unlawfully carrying concealed firearms. Based on thoughtful conclusions drawn from fundamental, common sense observations, this training will enable officers to make clear observations and distinctions of some of the more common characteristics demonstrated by individuals who carry concealed firearms. The identification of offenders carrying concealed weapons, before the weapons are used, can be essential to the prevention of violent crimes."
And guess who "fully supports" PSN?
"'The NRA and our over four million members fully support the Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods,' said National Rifle Association spokeswoman Kelly Whitley. Whitley said the project, which includes the grant for additional prosecutors, was based on a similar project in Richmond, Va., where violent crime dropped 70 percent in two years."
Kelly, that's simply not true. I'm an NRA Life Member. I don't support this unconstitutional outrage.
And funny thing about Richmond: Their murder rate is climbing while national numbers decline.
"The project also is popular with gun control proponents."
What, the LaPierre Center to Prevent Gun Violence, formerly National Rifle Control, Inc., isn't considered one?
Guess who else is on the PSN bandwagon?
"'We think that Project Safe Neighborhoods is a step in the right direction,' said Amy Stilwell, spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence."
See that, NRA management? "A step." As in the journey isn't completed.
Note to the Fairfax suits. Gun control doesn't work. You really ought to have faith in your own findings.
That is, assuming you're not just talking out of both sides of your mouth.
Again.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
"It is Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool…
...than open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
Somebody ought to let Calvin Floyd in on that.
“If scientists can send a radio signal to a robot on Mars or on a moon of a more distant planet to order its movement,” he asks, “then why don't we require small-arms and rifle manufacturers to install chips right into the grips and stocks of weapons that will radiate a detectable signal?”
Because it’s a monumentally stupid idea, Calvin. But I’m sure the politicians and cud chewers will love it.
[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration. Thanks to KABA Newslinks.]
Somebody ought to let Calvin Floyd in on that.
“If scientists can send a radio signal to a robot on Mars or on a moon of a more distant planet to order its movement,” he asks, “then why don't we require small-arms and rifle manufacturers to install chips right into the grips and stocks of weapons that will radiate a detectable signal?”
Because it’s a monumentally stupid idea, Calvin. But I’m sure the politicians and cud chewers will love it.
[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration. Thanks to KABA Newslinks.]
Why Not Just Let the Burglars Select Our Watchdogs?
"Chris Simcox, the owner and publisher of Arizona's Tombstone Tumbleweed and a co-founder of the Minuteman Project, says he was denied entry to a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff."
What have we been saying about the government deciding who qualifies to be a journalist?
What have we been saying about the government deciding who qualifies to be a journalist?
Monday, May 09, 2005
The New McCarthyism
"Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) today introduced legislation to prevent individuals convicted of felonies in foreign countries from purchasing firearms in the U.S...McCarthy's bill amends current law to state that a person "convicted in any court, including any foreign court, of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" shall not be able to possess a firearm...McCarthy's bill allows the courts to determine the validity of foreign convictions in disputed cases. 'This clause will protect individuals convicted in courts of questionable jurisdiction or legitimacy,' said McCarthy."
Let's see, China, where selling Bibles will get you a felony conviction, is on our favored nations list, so their jurisdiction must be legitimate.
It seems to me the delegated powers relating to Congress and the courts have already been defined--not that we'd expect the distinguished representative from New York to read the Constitution.
Why are we letting rapists and murderers into the country might be a better issue to address.
[via KABA Newslinks]
Let's see, China, where selling Bibles will get you a felony conviction, is on our favored nations list, so their jurisdiction must be legitimate.
It seems to me the delegated powers relating to Congress and the courts have already been defined--not that we'd expect the distinguished representative from New York to read the Constitution.
Why are we letting rapists and murderers into the country might be a better issue to address.
[via KABA Newslinks]
Black Arrow Update
Fran Tully at Free West is not pleased with Laissez Faire Books.
Meanwhile, Claire Wolfe leads us to J.D. Tuccille’s review of The Black Arrow.
Meanwhile, Claire Wolfe leads us to J.D. Tuccille’s review of The Black Arrow.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Black Arrow Blues
End the War on Freedom points us to an open letter to Laissez Faire Books from Sunni Maravillosa.
Seems they don’t want to carry Vin Suprynowicz’s “The Black Arrow,” which is their right. But their reasons are laughable.
LFB’s Kathleen Hiserodt cites her primary motive:
“[W]e are concerned about offending our customers with what we see as the gratuitous vulgar sexual content. I couldn't see any good reason for including it, and I think it makes the book inappropriate for a significant segment of our market.”
In a follow-up, Ms. Hiserodt notes: “[T]he sexual content that I found offensive had absolutely nothing to do with freedom or pro-creation. It was completely centered around slavery, extortion, and degradation.”
Umm, wouldn’t that mean it wasn’t “gratuitous”?
I’m not that comfortable with graphic sexual descriptions, either, but when I saw what Vin was doing—reserving his most “vulgar” narratives for scenes involving coercion and submission to state authority figures—it made sense. And that means the uncomfortable emotions the sexual scenes evoked in me did their job, and proved Vin’s skill as a fiction writer.
I also can’t seem to find “Unintended Consequences” at LFB. Oh, that’s right, John Ross included some of that “gratuitous vulgar sexual content.”
Well, if they want to create a niche market for liberty activists and then leave out two of the most important liberty novels targeted at that niche, I guess it’s their business.
“Yes, LFB could carry it and issue explicit warnings about the content,” Hiserodt explains. “We seriously considered doing just that. On the other hand, we have many other books that we can endorse wholeheartedly. Why is this book so important or unique that it is worth spending extra space (taken away from other books we could offer or describe in greater detail) to warn people that this book might be something they don't really want?”
Yeah, I guess putting the words “WARNING-BOOK CONTAINS GRAPHIC SEXUAL SITUATIONS” or some such on their ads would really be an extreme effort. Why, their customers might actually have to make a free choice! As to why this “book [is] so important or unique,” let’s look through the rest of the LFB catalog. Besides this and the absent UC, which other novels do they carry that provide graphic descriptions of underground liberty fighters targeting corrupt American government officials?
“If I were given free reign to edit the book (I wasn't asked),” Hiserodt continues, “I do think there is a book in there that LFB would love to carry.”
Thank God she wasn’t asked. Vin doesn’t need someone who doesn’t even understand that the term is “free rein,” (as in a rider letting the horse choose the way—giving unrestricted liberty to—in other words, “laissez faire”) as opposed to “free reign” (apparently her freedom to rule), tampering with his masterpiece.
As a side note, Vin, if this somehow comes to your attention, please consider this from a fan: Dvorak’s Symphony in E Minor, “From the New World” (the Berlin Philharmonic version)—I know you have all kinds of rock ‘n roll in the book, but for the opening music, I can’t think of a better theme for The Black Arrow when it finally gets the recognition it deserves and is made into a movie.
One more comment: I note the BA site says it still has some of its signed leather bound inventory left. What the hell is wrong with people? Why didn’t this sell out two months ago? Go out and buy this book. Jesus—our side—talk, talk, talk.
Support?
With money?
[Insert excuse here]
And then we bitch about domination of the media.
Seems they don’t want to carry Vin Suprynowicz’s “The Black Arrow,” which is their right. But their reasons are laughable.
LFB’s Kathleen Hiserodt cites her primary motive:
“[W]e are concerned about offending our customers with what we see as the gratuitous vulgar sexual content. I couldn't see any good reason for including it, and I think it makes the book inappropriate for a significant segment of our market.”
In a follow-up, Ms. Hiserodt notes: “[T]he sexual content that I found offensive had absolutely nothing to do with freedom or pro-creation. It was completely centered around slavery, extortion, and degradation.”
Umm, wouldn’t that mean it wasn’t “gratuitous”?
I’m not that comfortable with graphic sexual descriptions, either, but when I saw what Vin was doing—reserving his most “vulgar” narratives for scenes involving coercion and submission to state authority figures—it made sense. And that means the uncomfortable emotions the sexual scenes evoked in me did their job, and proved Vin’s skill as a fiction writer.
I also can’t seem to find “Unintended Consequences” at LFB. Oh, that’s right, John Ross included some of that “gratuitous vulgar sexual content.”
Well, if they want to create a niche market for liberty activists and then leave out two of the most important liberty novels targeted at that niche, I guess it’s their business.
“Yes, LFB could carry it and issue explicit warnings about the content,” Hiserodt explains. “We seriously considered doing just that. On the other hand, we have many other books that we can endorse wholeheartedly. Why is this book so important or unique that it is worth spending extra space (taken away from other books we could offer or describe in greater detail) to warn people that this book might be something they don't really want?”
Yeah, I guess putting the words “WARNING-BOOK CONTAINS GRAPHIC SEXUAL SITUATIONS” or some such on their ads would really be an extreme effort. Why, their customers might actually have to make a free choice! As to why this “book [is] so important or unique,” let’s look through the rest of the LFB catalog. Besides this and the absent UC, which other novels do they carry that provide graphic descriptions of underground liberty fighters targeting corrupt American government officials?
“If I were given free reign to edit the book (I wasn't asked),” Hiserodt continues, “I do think there is a book in there that LFB would love to carry.”
Thank God she wasn’t asked. Vin doesn’t need someone who doesn’t even understand that the term is “free rein,” (as in a rider letting the horse choose the way—giving unrestricted liberty to—in other words, “laissez faire”) as opposed to “free reign” (apparently her freedom to rule), tampering with his masterpiece.
As a side note, Vin, if this somehow comes to your attention, please consider this from a fan: Dvorak’s Symphony in E Minor, “From the New World” (the Berlin Philharmonic version)—I know you have all kinds of rock ‘n roll in the book, but for the opening music, I can’t think of a better theme for The Black Arrow when it finally gets the recognition it deserves and is made into a movie.
One more comment: I note the BA site says it still has some of its signed leather bound inventory left. What the hell is wrong with people? Why didn’t this sell out two months ago? Go out and buy this book. Jesus—our side—talk, talk, talk.
Support?
With money?
[Insert excuse here]
And then we bitch about domination of the media.
A Mothers' Day Wish...
...for all you mothers out there, guaranteed by the policies promoted by the Brady Campaign/Million Mom March.
A Reason Debate
I've rarely read such unmitigated horse manure--especially the suggestions from those ostensibly on "our" side.
Kates, in particular, continues to be a disappointment.
The eggheads can keep debating. When the debate descends from the ivory tower, it won't be their opinions that count.
Never give up. Never give in.
Kates, in particular, continues to be a disappointment.
The eggheads can keep debating. When the debate descends from the ivory tower, it won't be their opinions that count.
Never give up. Never give in.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Fish Or Man Update
Guilty.
"In picking the jury the prosecutor removed the three that admitted to being pro-second amendment."
Update update:
"Jury Instruction No. 5"
"In picking the jury the prosecutor removed the three that admitted to being pro-second amendment."
Update update:
"Jury Instruction No. 5"
“Imaging a Safer World”
After clicking on the headline link, scroll down and select "[Demonstration]"
"May 6, 2005 08:20 - With 45 ft range, BIS-WDS™ Prime uses passive millimeter wave sensor technology to detect guns, knives, or bombs of metal, plastic, or composite construction. Weapons Detection System (WDS) consists of millimeter wave camera combined with video camera and algorithm software that interfaces to other security devices/networks. Capable of identifying up to 50 threats simultaneously, system produces electronic alarm when suspicious item is detected."
Well, we knew THIS was coming.
A Lockheed Martin joint venture, eh? “The single largest contractor to the United States Federal Government.” Figures.
In other words, profits on cost-plus contracts paid for by We the People are funneled into R&D for spinoff ventures that will be used to further captivate us.
Here are the capitalists who are selling the rope.
Naturally, former War on Drugs “czar” (notice they never say “fuhrer”?) Barry McCaffrey is part of the team. How could we build a Brave New World without him?
Time to work on creative ways to defeat this obscenity against privacy and liberty…
Any bets that Brijot’s legal counsel would scream the loudest about properly executed warrants should a raid for financial/time reporting/inventory records occur?
Any bets they'd cite the following in their complaint?
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
[Thanks to KABA Newslinks for the tip.]
"May 6, 2005 08:20 - With 45 ft range, BIS-WDS™ Prime uses passive millimeter wave sensor technology to detect guns, knives, or bombs of metal, plastic, or composite construction. Weapons Detection System (WDS) consists of millimeter wave camera combined with video camera and algorithm software that interfaces to other security devices/networks. Capable of identifying up to 50 threats simultaneously, system produces electronic alarm when suspicious item is detected."
Well, we knew THIS was coming.
A Lockheed Martin joint venture, eh? “The single largest contractor to the United States Federal Government.” Figures.
In other words, profits on cost-plus contracts paid for by We the People are funneled into R&D for spinoff ventures that will be used to further captivate us.
Here are the capitalists who are selling the rope.
Naturally, former War on Drugs “czar” (notice they never say “fuhrer”?) Barry McCaffrey is part of the team. How could we build a Brave New World without him?
Time to work on creative ways to defeat this obscenity against privacy and liberty…
Any bets that Brijot’s legal counsel would scream the loudest about properly executed warrants should a raid for financial/time reporting/inventory records occur?
Any bets they'd cite the following in their complaint?
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
[Thanks to KABA Newslinks for the tip.]
A Call to Action
"[E]ven though I am not an American, I care about gun rights and freedom. I believe, America is going to be the death knell of the global gun control movement, and if we can kill gun control in America, it will eventually collapse in every major democracy.
"And now, for action. This year, the House of Representatives and the Senate is composed of a more pro-gun body than ever. This means we have a real shot at passing HR-1703 - Second Amendment Protection Act 2005. It is a bill whose main target is to eliminate the sporting purpose requirement from Federal law, eliminating such things as the import ban and the ATF-introduced ban on certain shotguns in one 'fell swoop', further securing the argument that 'the guns are not for hunting' in law."
So writes MicroBalrog. Did you get that? He's not an American. He lives in Israel. But he's doing more to protect American gun rights than most domestic gun owners--by a long shot.
People who have things given to them, that would be us, too often don't appreciate what they've inherited. Sometimes it takes an observer to see things from outside to tell us we need to act.
UPDATE:
He's posted a more detailed call to action here.
"And now, for action. This year, the House of Representatives and the Senate is composed of a more pro-gun body than ever. This means we have a real shot at passing HR-1703 - Second Amendment Protection Act 2005. It is a bill whose main target is to eliminate the sporting purpose requirement from Federal law, eliminating such things as the import ban and the ATF-introduced ban on certain shotguns in one 'fell swoop', further securing the argument that 'the guns are not for hunting' in law."
So writes MicroBalrog. Did you get that? He's not an American. He lives in Israel. But he's doing more to protect American gun rights than most domestic gun owners--by a long shot.
People who have things given to them, that would be us, too often don't appreciate what they've inherited. Sometimes it takes an observer to see things from outside to tell us we need to act.
UPDATE:
He's posted a more detailed call to action here.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Feelings, Nothing More than Feelings
As the ninnies who bleat for government destruction of our rights have consistently demonstrated, it’s not about results. Commentator Martha Blume, in Chesapeake’s Bay Weekly calls for a Constitutional amendment: “The right of the people to feel safe from gun violence in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, employment, on the streets and in any other public places shall not be infringed.”
Like the love song says, it’s about “Feelings, nothing more than feelings ... ”
My Rights Watch column for the May issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.
Like the love song says, it’s about “Feelings, nothing more than feelings ... ”
My Rights Watch column for the May issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.
A Slap on the Wrist
The Brady Campaign was fined $12K for making illegal campaign contributions "to various Democratic candidates."
$12K for this slick, well-financed, legally and politically connected, media-heralded national organization--but when Russ Howard, who put together a grassroots effort on a shoestring budget, tried to protect the names of supporters (after credible threats were made), he got steamrolled with the largest adminstrative fine in California history.
The rich anti-gunners get a slap on the wrist that can be covered from one donation by one of its Hollywood benefactors. The idealistic citizen who steps forward to protect gun rights has his life destroyed.
Yeah, that's the America patriots fought and died for.
If you're not aware of Russ Howard's story, you should be.
Once you are aware, he could really use some help with legal fees.
UPDATE:
David Hardy reminds us: "A couple of years ago, Brady was assessed $26,000 for violating the campaign reporting rules."
So they're REPEAT OFFENDERS.
That makes the disparity with Russ Howard's case all the more outrageous and evil.
$12K for this slick, well-financed, legally and politically connected, media-heralded national organization--but when Russ Howard, who put together a grassroots effort on a shoestring budget, tried to protect the names of supporters (after credible threats were made), he got steamrolled with the largest adminstrative fine in California history.
The rich anti-gunners get a slap on the wrist that can be covered from one donation by one of its Hollywood benefactors. The idealistic citizen who steps forward to protect gun rights has his life destroyed.
Yeah, that's the America patriots fought and died for.
If you're not aware of Russ Howard's story, you should be.
Once you are aware, he could really use some help with legal fees.
UPDATE:
David Hardy reminds us: "A couple of years ago, Brady was assessed $26,000 for violating the campaign reporting rules."
So they're REPEAT OFFENDERS.
That makes the disparity with Russ Howard's case all the more outrageous and evil.
Nostalgia and Magazine Blogging
the ten ring goes into more detail on the 50-year old issue of GUNS Magazine featured Wednesday on this site.
Pity Denise lost her original draft in a Blogger glitch, but this reconstruction of highlights is excellent.
Pity Denise lost her original draft in a Blogger glitch, but this reconstruction of highlights is excellent.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
California Bans Internet Use?
"The bill by Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Redondo Beach, which now moves to the Assembly, would prohibit use of computer-assisted hunting sites, bar such sites from operating in California and prohibit the importation or exportation of any animal or part of an animal killed using computer-assisted hunting."
Look, I'm not a hunter. I also happent to think that Internet hunting is ridiculous. But if you want to do it, that ain't my call.
What worries me is, how are they gonna know? Set up some sort of monitoring for all internet traffic? Block it at the ISP? What else will they intercept or block?
Or is this, as I suspect, simply more posturing calculated to gin up public hostility to gun owners by exploiting the emotions stirred up by a "virtually" non-existent "problem"?
I'll tell you one thing--if I belonged to the California Sportsmen's Association, Safari Club International or the Outdoor Sportsman's Coalition of California, all of which support this nonsense, I'd quit and never send them another cent.
Talk about useful idiots.
Look, I'm not a hunter. I also happent to think that Internet hunting is ridiculous. But if you want to do it, that ain't my call.
What worries me is, how are they gonna know? Set up some sort of monitoring for all internet traffic? Block it at the ISP? What else will they intercept or block?
Or is this, as I suspect, simply more posturing calculated to gin up public hostility to gun owners by exploiting the emotions stirred up by a "virtually" non-existent "problem"?
I'll tell you one thing--if I belonged to the California Sportsmen's Association, Safari Club International or the Outdoor Sportsman's Coalition of California, all of which support this nonsense, I'd quit and never send them another cent.
Talk about useful idiots.
The Perfect Mothers' Day Gift...
Jennifer Freeman of Liberty Belles tells us what that is.
Assuming, of course, that Mom isn't one in a "Million."
Assuming, of course, that Mom isn't one in a "Million."
Ve Haff Vays of Making You Talk…
…even if you don’t.
“Scientists from Japan and the United States have figured out how to read a person's mind by remotely measuring brain activity, extracting information of which the subject is not even aware. Science fiction? No. It's real.”
I got this from KABA Newslinks—a daily stop that ought to be part of every gun owner’s routine. I often enjoy the remarks posted by readers more than the story they’re commenting on.
As with all technological developments, including guns, this will be used for good or ill. It’s the “ill” part that worries me.
“Scientists from Japan and the United States have figured out how to read a person's mind by remotely measuring brain activity, extracting information of which the subject is not even aware. Science fiction? No. It's real.”
I got this from KABA Newslinks—a daily stop that ought to be part of every gun owner’s routine. I often enjoy the remarks posted by readers more than the story they’re commenting on.
As with all technological developments, including guns, this will be used for good or ill. It’s the “ill” part that worries me.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
GUNS Magazine: May 1955 Issue
"The Legend of Davy Crockett"
"The Scotch Pistol Mystery"
"A Six Shooter for TV Cowboys"
What's not to like? And it's free!
The May 1955 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online in .pdf format.
Inherit the Windbag
"Sounds like the Old West is returning to the Sunshine State!" Ron Reagan intros in his MSNBC discussion panel on Florida's new "stand your ground" law.
Ron mugs. Ron grimaces. Ron laughs at his own wit ("Snarf, snarf, snarf!").
Ron argues that the average person doesn't have the training or the judgment or the intelligence that police do, to know when it's appropriate to use lethal force.
Ron doesn't think a regular person would have time to react appropriately to an attack. Interestingly, Ron's guest and fellow citizen disarmament fanatic, Richard Aborn, argues just the opposite--he's against Florida's bill because he thinks people need to deliberate and cogitate and think about consequences and weigh and evaluate and think some more before deciding to consider responding to an immediate, life-endangering threat.
Ron speculates that if he pulled a knife on a woman and she responded by retrieving a gun instead of a wallet from her purse, he could take it away and use it against her.
I'm sure I could find some people who would love to see him try. Hey Ron, any time you want to give a public demonstration, have your people call my people.
"By the way, you're not packin' heat are ya?" Ron asks his other guest, CCRKBA's Alan Gottlieb. "Because if I ask you a threatening question I don't want you drawing down on me! Snarf, snarf, snarf!"
Yeah, maintain the bigoted lie that peaceable gun owners are prone to violence when they don't get their way. Hopefully, in the future, now that he has the benefit of hindsight for this sort of question, Alan will use it as an opportunity to correct the record and educate the viewers instead of laughing along with such catty insults.
"Untrained amateurs are notoriously bad at recognizing threats and responding to them with a cool head," Ron claims with authority. "The last thing we want is someone who's never been in this sort of situation before waving a gun around firing off rounds."
Right, Ron. Tell these people they were wrong.
"Hey everybody," Ron concludes, "I love to say this when we do this sort of segment. Keep your powder dry. Snarf, snarf, snarf!"
What a talentless moron. What a prime example of how inheriting a famous name puts totally unworthy people in the spotlight.
So, Ron, how does it feel to be MSNBC's answer to Paris Hilton? Snarf, snarf, snarf!
Ron mugs. Ron grimaces. Ron laughs at his own wit ("Snarf, snarf, snarf!").
Ron argues that the average person doesn't have the training or the judgment or the intelligence that police do, to know when it's appropriate to use lethal force.
Ron doesn't think a regular person would have time to react appropriately to an attack. Interestingly, Ron's guest and fellow citizen disarmament fanatic, Richard Aborn, argues just the opposite--he's against Florida's bill because he thinks people need to deliberate and cogitate and think about consequences and weigh and evaluate and think some more before deciding to consider responding to an immediate, life-endangering threat.
Ron speculates that if he pulled a knife on a woman and she responded by retrieving a gun instead of a wallet from her purse, he could take it away and use it against her.
I'm sure I could find some people who would love to see him try. Hey Ron, any time you want to give a public demonstration, have your people call my people.
"By the way, you're not packin' heat are ya?" Ron asks his other guest, CCRKBA's Alan Gottlieb. "Because if I ask you a threatening question I don't want you drawing down on me! Snarf, snarf, snarf!"
Yeah, maintain the bigoted lie that peaceable gun owners are prone to violence when they don't get their way. Hopefully, in the future, now that he has the benefit of hindsight for this sort of question, Alan will use it as an opportunity to correct the record and educate the viewers instead of laughing along with such catty insults.
"Untrained amateurs are notoriously bad at recognizing threats and responding to them with a cool head," Ron claims with authority. "The last thing we want is someone who's never been in this sort of situation before waving a gun around firing off rounds."
Right, Ron. Tell these people they were wrong.
"Hey everybody," Ron concludes, "I love to say this when we do this sort of segment. Keep your powder dry. Snarf, snarf, snarf!"
What a talentless moron. What a prime example of how inheriting a famous name puts totally unworthy people in the spotlight.
So, Ron, how does it feel to be MSNBC's answer to Paris Hilton? Snarf, snarf, snarf!
Gun Control=People Control
Writer William R. Tonso informs me that he's just published an anthology.
"Gun Control=People Control [is] a short collection of my pro-gun essays that have been published over the past twenty years in such publications as Reason, Liberty, Chronicles, and Gun Week . Three of the essays analyze the mainstream media bias against guns, two deal with guns and popular culture, four analyze the roots of the people-control agenda of the gun-prohibitionist movement, and two are spoof pieces. This collection is intended to be a think piece, not an up-to-date chronicle of the activities of the anti-gunners.
"[I]t's received favorable comments through reviews in America's 1st Freedom and Gun Week, and an interview on Larry Pratt's radio show. I'm scheduled to be on the NRA's Cam and Company tomorrow.
"The public can get the book through AuthorHouse, Amazon, or ordered through any of the major book stores.
"I'm a retired sociology prof and lifelong gun enthusiast who has written quite a bit on the social and cultural aspects of the gun issue."
Sounds good. I inserted a link in Prof. Tonso's name, above. Click on it and check out some of his work on the internet. If you like what you see, there's a book waiting to be bought.
"Gun Control=People Control [is] a short collection of my pro-gun essays that have been published over the past twenty years in such publications as Reason, Liberty, Chronicles, and Gun Week . Three of the essays analyze the mainstream media bias against guns, two deal with guns and popular culture, four analyze the roots of the people-control agenda of the gun-prohibitionist movement, and two are spoof pieces. This collection is intended to be a think piece, not an up-to-date chronicle of the activities of the anti-gunners.
"[I]t's received favorable comments through reviews in America's 1st Freedom and Gun Week, and an interview on Larry Pratt's radio show. I'm scheduled to be on the NRA's Cam and Company tomorrow.
"The public can get the book through AuthorHouse, Amazon, or ordered through any of the major book stores.
"I'm a retired sociology prof and lifelong gun enthusiast who has written quite a bit on the social and cultural aspects of the gun issue."
Sounds good. I inserted a link in Prof. Tonso's name, above. Click on it and check out some of his work on the internet. If you like what you see, there's a book waiting to be bought.
Seraphic Trigger Time
Screenwriter, novelist and blogger Robert J. Avrech teaches three Orthodox Jewish boys to shoot.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
New "Eloi Award" Nominee
May I have the envelope, please?
And the winner is..."Death March" survivor and gun ban activist NANDY PACHECO!
And the winner is..."Death March" survivor and gun ban activist NANDY PACHECO!
Dianne Feinstein's Monumental Hysterics
"'For instance, a sniper atop the Washington Monument (with a .50-caliber rifle) could target anybody or anything within a four-mile radius, including the White House, the Capitol, every building on or around the Mall, and aircraft flying in and out of Reagan National Airport,' Feinstein said in a statement."
Senator, have you toured the Washington Monument lately? It is one of the most visibly guarded structures in the visibly guarded Capitol. Half the windows on each side have been sealed off from public viewing because they now contain "Homeland Security" surveillance cameras and equipment.
If someone truly wanted to do damage to this nation and its institutions, they'd gain political power and subvert the Republic from within.
But you know that, don't you?
Senator, have you toured the Washington Monument lately? It is one of the most visibly guarded structures in the visibly guarded Capitol. Half the windows on each side have been sealed off from public viewing because they now contain "Homeland Security" surveillance cameras and equipment.
If someone truly wanted to do damage to this nation and its institutions, they'd gain political power and subvert the Republic from within.
But you know that, don't you?
Not Afraid to Call a Spate a Spate
"LOS ANGELES, May 2 - A spate of apparently random highway shootings in recent weeks has left at least four drivers dead and several more injured in Southern California and has prompted the authorities to increase undercover police patrols on the region's roadways, the busiest in the world.
"Since early March, there have been at least seven shootings on highways in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties, three of them this past weekend alone."
Sounds like California needs some more gun control laws.
[Use BugMeNot to avoid site registration.]
"Since early March, there have been at least seven shootings on highways in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties, three of them this past weekend alone."
Sounds like California needs some more gun control laws.
[Use BugMeNot to avoid site registration.]
Monday, May 02, 2005
Lawman Likes Eye in Sky as Monitor
Well, no duh!
Except I don't recognize state agents spying on sovereign citizens as lawful.
I prefer to think of them as "edictmen."
Except I don't recognize state agents spying on sovereign citizens as lawful.
I prefer to think of them as "edictmen."
Oxygen Control: A Good First Step
George Goble is a senior systems engineer at Purdue University who had an interesting hobby.
He liked to entertain himself and his friends by lighting a charcoal grill using liquid oxygen. His exhibitions started getting noticed in the local press and then on radio shows. Humor columnist Dave Barry wrote a column about it that gained national attention.
The authorities were not amused, probably because, despite telling others not to try this at home, Goble also warned them: “[A]n ignition source, such as a lit cigarette or one glowing coal, must be present before pouring on the LOX. If charcoal is PRESOAKED in LOX first, an explosion will result. One briquette presoaked in LOX is approx equiv to 1 stick of dynamite.” [Emphasis in original.]
Well, we can’t allow that kind of power to be trusted in the hands of “We the People,” can we?
“Two years after the act,” Goble wrote, “the local fire dept was not very happy with the fact, after seeing this web page. They now consider it ‘use of explosives,’ therefore I am not lighting any more grills.”
Not content to squelch the practice of his hobby, authorities didn’t even want him talking about it. Not only don’t they want people to have that kind of power, they don’t even want them knowing it exists. Linking to his original webpage results in the following:
“The people in charge have requested this web site be removed. 2/6/2003 –ghg”
It would have been nice if he had told them to go to Hell and started his own mirror site, but I can sympathize with his hesitancy to jeopardize his career.
But thanks to the miracle of The Wayback Machine (how can you not feel warmly toward people who pay homage to Mr. Peabody?), much of Goble’s original home page can be retrieved, although many of the links and movies appear to have been lost.
Enjoy. And remember—don’t try this at home.
Or do—it looks like fun if properly conducted by someone who knows how. Just don’t blame me if you blow yourself up and burn the place down.
He liked to entertain himself and his friends by lighting a charcoal grill using liquid oxygen. His exhibitions started getting noticed in the local press and then on radio shows. Humor columnist Dave Barry wrote a column about it that gained national attention.
The authorities were not amused, probably because, despite telling others not to try this at home, Goble also warned them: “[A]n ignition source, such as a lit cigarette or one glowing coal, must be present before pouring on the LOX. If charcoal is PRESOAKED in LOX first, an explosion will result. One briquette presoaked in LOX is approx equiv to 1 stick of dynamite.” [Emphasis in original.]
Well, we can’t allow that kind of power to be trusted in the hands of “We the People,” can we?
“Two years after the act,” Goble wrote, “the local fire dept was not very happy with the fact, after seeing this web page. They now consider it ‘use of explosives,’ therefore I am not lighting any more grills.”
Not content to squelch the practice of his hobby, authorities didn’t even want him talking about it. Not only don’t they want people to have that kind of power, they don’t even want them knowing it exists. Linking to his original webpage results in the following:
“The people in charge have requested this web site be removed. 2/6/2003 –ghg”
It would have been nice if he had told them to go to Hell and started his own mirror site, but I can sympathize with his hesitancy to jeopardize his career.
But thanks to the miracle of The Wayback Machine (how can you not feel warmly toward people who pay homage to Mr. Peabody?), much of Goble’s original home page can be retrieved, although many of the links and movies appear to have been lost.
Enjoy. And remember—don’t try this at home.
Or do—it looks like fun if properly conducted by someone who knows how. Just don’t blame me if you blow yourself up and burn the place down.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
It Takes "The Village"
One of my all-time favorite TV shows was "The Prisoner." I really identified with the plight of Number Six--always thinking of new and creative ways to gain his freedom, continuously being thwarted by the power and treachery of his captors, but never giving up--talk about an allegory for freedom activists.
The dialog in the opening sequence pretty well sums things up:
Where am I?
In The Village
What do you want?
Information.
Whose side are you on?
That would be telling. We want Information.
You won't get it.
By hook or by crook, we will.
Who are you?
The new Number Two.
Who is Number One?
You are Number Six.
I'M NOT A NUMBER! I'M A FREE MAN!
(Mocking laughter)
I always thought of this series as a sequel to "Secret Agent," but that was never stated--it just seemed to make sense. And in the final episode, Number Six more than made up for John Drake's aversion to carrying a gun, when it becomes, as Claire Wolfe speculates, "time to shoot the bastards."
There were rumors back when "Braveheart" came out that Mel Gibson was discussing a movie version with series star Patrick McGoohan, but I haven't been able to find out any more about that than just chatter.
Pity. A remake would be cool, and Gibson collaborating with McGoohan would do it right.
The dialog in the opening sequence pretty well sums things up:
Where am I?
In The Village
What do you want?
Information.
Whose side are you on?
That would be telling. We want Information.
You won't get it.
By hook or by crook, we will.
Who are you?
The new Number Two.
Who is Number One?
You are Number Six.
I'M NOT A NUMBER! I'M A FREE MAN!
(Mocking laughter)
I always thought of this series as a sequel to "Secret Agent," but that was never stated--it just seemed to make sense. And in the final episode, Number Six more than made up for John Drake's aversion to carrying a gun, when it becomes, as Claire Wolfe speculates, "time to shoot the bastards."
There were rumors back when "Braveheart" came out that Mel Gibson was discussing a movie version with series star Patrick McGoohan, but I haven't been able to find out any more about that than just chatter.
Pity. A remake would be cool, and Gibson collaborating with McGoohan would do it right.
If a Picture's Worth a Thousand Words...
...what's a picture of words worth?
It's definitely worth referring you to.
the ten ring has a photo of Barrett Firearms' "No California Agencies" policy taken at the NRA Convention.
It's definitely worth referring you to.
the ten ring has a photo of Barrett Firearms' "No California Agencies" policy taken at the NRA Convention.
Yow!
"Colt Anaconda, .44 Magnum in stainless steel...$1000
"Millett Red-Dot sight...$120
"Having it explode in your hands without getting hurt...Priceless"
My guess is somebody needs to check their reload measurements. They're damned lucky they didn't lose a hand or more.
[Thanks to Dennis Walker for the tip.]
"Millett Red-Dot sight...$120
"Having it explode in your hands without getting hurt...Priceless"
My guess is somebody needs to check their reload measurements. They're damned lucky they didn't lose a hand or more.
[Thanks to Dennis Walker for the tip.]