Burt Constable Replies

I just received the following email in response to this post:

Dear David Codrea,

Thanks for the link. I love the theory that I am sexually inadequate as a male and that is why I want to take away your gun. I'm just curious. What size gun did you determine that you need?

Sincerely,

Burt Constable

My reply:

Dear Burt Constable,

That's really a function of what I intend to use it for. For concealed carry, my pistol of choice is actually quite small. The largest handgun I own has a 7 ½"” barrel--not the best choice for concealment, but invaluable as an open-holstered sidearm in wilderness areas. And, incidentally, I had to brandish it, once, almost 20 years ago. I credit that action with probably saving my life and that of my family, and everything was resolved peaceably, that is, with multiple aggressors fleeing and without a shot being fired. Credible, peer-reviewed studies, particularly by Kleck, but also by the US DoJ, prove that such defensive gun uses with such outcomes are not that rare an occurrence.

Anyway, it'’s not my theory, just one I found interesting--—and incidentally--—the Julia Gorin essay said nothing about size, so that'’s your fixation. My theory is that you'’re just another in a long line of boringly unoriginal, subversive and childish hacks who don't understand their subject matter, but insist on making public spectacles of themselves anyway. Your reading public deserves better than that, particularly since it is their rights you so smugly and ignorantly disparage.

If you're interested in challenging your own prejudices and preconceptions, I suggest starting here:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2006/09/can-gun-control-reduce-violence.html

Not that I think you will.

Sincerely,

David Codrea

PS: I will repro this letter and your initial reply (and any subsequent replies) on my blog. You might be interested in the original post:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2006/11/kathryn-johnstons-gun-to-blame-for-her.html

We're the Only Ones Fightin' Irish Enough

Two senior gardaí were sacked today following a drunken brawl while on armed protection at the United States Embassy in Dublin.

So Paddy says to Mike "Not to me, but it happened to me sister..."

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

[Via Cousin G]

What Paul IS Talking About

We're not talking about banning or confiscating guns that people buy and own for hunting, collecting, or personal protection.

What guns are you talking about confiscating, you miserable traitor?

And how many Americans are you willing to have imprisoned or killed to make it happen?

[Via Cousin G]

We're the Only Ones Going to the Dogs Enough

TWO policemen have not been prosecuted for shooting a dog after tying it to a tree...But police last night said the officers had been subjected only to "internal disciplinary action". The first officer fired at the family pet from close range but missed.

A shot from the second officer passed through the dog's neck - depriving it of the ability to bark - and cut the rope...

The incident happened after police in an unnamed "remote locality" went to a house to arrest a man's son on an outstanding warrant.

A struggle started and the family dog bit one of the officers. The police decided the dog was a "vicious animal" and should be put down.

It certainly sounds like these two thugs would recognize a vicious animal that should be put down when they see one. This brings me to an interesting question: would lethal force be morally justified to defend the life of a pet?

I say "yes." Without question.

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

This Day in History: November 30

On this day in 1776, Admiral Richard Howe and General William Howe, "the King's Commissioners for restoring Peace," issue a proclamation from New York City, promising pardon to those who will within 60 days subscribe to a declaration that they will desist from "Treasonable Actings and Doings."