"Freedomnomics" Review Now Online

“Why the Free Market Works and Other Half-Baked Theories Don’t,” reads the subtitle on the dust jacket.

So what? And what does that have to do with gun rights?

Like the saying goes, it’s not about guns, it’s about freedom. And Freedomnomics, by economist and author John Lott, Jr., does much to illustrate the relationship between free markets and liberty.

"Freedomnomics," my Rights Watch column for the October issue of GUNS Magazine, is now online.

We're the Only Ones Commiting the Grave Sin of Self Murder Enough

A cadet in the Vatican police force was found fatally shot in the head early Monday inside the barracks in what officials said was an apparent suicide over a breakup with a girlfriend.

I wonder if Snuffy Pfleger is going to lead a march to the Vatican and demand they set an example by giving up their guns?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Hunters an Endangered Species?

Hunters remain a powerful force in American society, as evidenced by the presidential candidates who routinely pay them homage, but their ranks are shrinking dramatically and wildlife agencies worry increasingly about the loss of sorely needed license-fee revenue.

This was sent to me by WoG Correspondent and Red's cap donor "Sam," who satirically asks "Since the RTKBA is only about hunting, if the number of hunters goes to '0', does this mean we no longer have a need for the 2nd amendment?"

2A Dems "Tweak" Position

We had a bit of a brouhaha last week.

I received this in response, from Daniel Barnett of Amendment II Democrats:

I've tweaked the text somewhat in order to make our position a little more explicit. Any suggestions or input you might have will be appreciated.

The crux of the tweak appears to be:

Under no circumstances will Amendment II Democrats support anti-RKBA Democrats, but neither shall we support Republican candidates who run against anti-RKBA Democrats.

I know Mr. Barnett is trying, but I candidly don't see where this really changes much from my original assessment. If you think I'm wrong, I'm receptive to your criticism and attempts at tutelage, which is why we have "Comments."

Ryan Horsley for Congress?

It's a moot point unless he runs against the incumbent next time, since Gov. Otter appointed his lieutenant governor, Jim Risch to fill Larry Craig's senate vacancy. That means current Rep. Mike Simpson won't be going anywhere, and since GOA gives him an "A" rating, Idaho citizens seem to have pretty good representation.

Of course, Simpson could put himself in the position of hero to gun owners if he adopted the cause represented by Red's Trading Post--and became a champion of exposing BATFU abuse and harassment of gun dealers. We should discuss why he's not been vocal on this situation and what we can do to urge him to take a leadership position on behalf of his constituents who are being subjected to arbitrary official persecution.

As for newly-appointed Senator Risch, he's not afraid to tout NRA membership in his official biography, so that bodes well. Some of you may bring up the elk controversy, but the thing that troubles me the most is his unqualified enthusiasm and support for Mitt Romney.

A Clarification...

...to this.

I by no means meant that he "stole" my idea! I'm sure lots of people have similar ideas. I actually heard about doing that on his show... I just made it right after I heard about it and sent it to him. But I haven't heard anything from them. It's not a big deal really. I would just like *some* form of that question asked to the candidates.

That's a relief and I agree. The writer's name is Stephen Stamboulieh, and he's running for the Senate. Give his website (still under development) a look.

Mr. Stamboulieh tells me that if he's elected, his "first order of business" will be to "abolish the ATF."

What's not to like?

Oh, and by the way--you've done your part to ask CNN to play the question, as well as recruited other gun owners to follow suit, right?

Here, I'll make it easy.

This Day in History: September 4

September 4. 1775

A resident of Rhode Island presents to the Committee of Safety a proposal to build a submersible vessel for the purpose of destroying British warships.