What Passes for a Legal Scholar

But there is no need for the court to choose, because even if the Second Amendment is regarded as creating an individual right to own firearms, it is surely not an absolute liberty. It seems obvious that the government can keep people from having particularly dangerous weapons, such as assault rifles, and keep those with criminal records from having guns. Just as free speech has never been regarded as absolute, nor should an individual right to bear arms be seen as precluding all government regulation.

No one is arguing that the Second Amendment CREATES any right, Erwin, except for you lying left-wing revisionist subversives trying to derail it with weasel words and deception. In Madison's own words, he was "enumerating particular exceptions to the grant of power." Your First Amendment analogy also falls flat because it does not invoke prior restraint. And the purpose of government is to protect rights and property, not control them.

This is what passes for a professor of law these days? Good grief. I wouldn't use your articles to line my birdcage--they might contaminate the guano.

So Who's the Liar?

I am sorry that you were offended by the“yahoo” comment; it actually referred to persons who shouted “yahoo” after common sense gun legislation was defeated within the judiciary committee.

Really?

Because the "Authorized Journalist" told us that Jewell said "Yahoos" were "the old boys with the boots and the guns."

On the one hand, Jewell says "I am a strong supporter of the right to bear arms" while shilling for the police state, so we know right off the bat he's talking out of both sides of his mouth. On the other hand, well, we're dealing with an anti-gun Philly opinion columnist here.

A politician or a big city media hack. Which one is lying? Talk about a real stumper!

Was anybody at the legislative committee meeting? Is there a recording of the event? Did someone really yell "Yahoo"? And did Jewell really make that remark to the "reporter"?

Some of us "Yahoos," code word for redneck, code word for rural white hick as used here, would like to know if we've been disparaged with a racist character slur by an elected representative of the people. And interestingly, the origin of the word as an interjection is a variation of "Yo-Ho," but noting the circumstances of this dispute we probably shouldn't go there.

To Dream the Impossible Dream

That demand for perfection is an impossible burden for anyone, including federal firearms licensees, to meet. If ATF continues to enforce the law in the current manner, few licensees will remain in business.

Ryan Horsley shares the thoughts of his attorney on BATFU's impossible dream--which turns out to be a nightmare for the rest of us.

Sean Taylor: Death By Gun Control?

Taylor and his fiancee had been in the bedroom when a disturbance was heard in the living room, Sharpstein said.

"(He) tried to get a small machete that he keeps under the bed to defend himself but the door was burst into," Sharpstein told CNN, adding that Taylor's fiancee hid under the covers until the assailants had fled.

Why a machete?

Taylor had faced off-field legal issues several times, including a 2004 drunken driving arrest and the dropping of felony assault charges from a 2005 off-season incident involving firearms.

Taylor... pleaded no contest last year to two misdemeanor charges in connection with the 2005 incident and was in the final days of 18 months on probation.

Typically, people on probation are prohibited from possessing firearms. But then again, his assailant probably was, too. But the fact that he was not in custody means the legal system did not deem him a danger to others. The fact that he was a big, strong guy with access to machetes, and other potentially lethal objects just makes the firearm prohibition even more absurd. And the fact that a big, strong guy with a machete was no match for someone with a gun ought to be an object lesson for anyone who would find themselves outmatched without one.

I repeat myself: Those who cannot be trusted with firearms cannot be trusted without a custodian.

I also won't be surprised to find out there's a lot more to this story than what we've heard so far.

[Via John Hardin]

UPDATE: A comment poster on Reason Hit & Run writes:

A radio show interviewed Taylor's attorney from that case. He said that there were no restrictions on that, and that Taylor was no longer under any probation, anyway.

I'm taking that under advisement, but still maintain the speculation is valid to bring up, not only because diverse news sources claim Taylor's probation had not yet ended (his plea deal was first reported in June 2006, meaning he'd still have a couple months left to reach 18 months), but also because Florida statute 948.03 on terms and conditions of probation state that the offender:

Be prohibited from possessing, carrying, or owning any firearm unless authorized by the court and consented to by the probation officer.

Obviously, the important thing is to determine the truth of the matter, and the truth remains, regardless of Taylor's probation status and imposed conditions, his not having a firearm gave the victory advantage to his assailant.

Naturally, I'll keep an eye open if more information surfaces.

Speaking of Calendars...

...there is one more day to send that email to CNN and ask them to play the Tom Gresham/Clint Smith gun law repeal question on the Republican YouTube debate, Wed., Nov. 28, 8:00 PM EST.

It'd sure be nice to think that gun owners would take a minute out of their lives to do this, and maybe take another minute to spread the word.

Mark Your Calendar...

...right after you get one. Chris Horton has more info on those gun calendars being sold to raise funds for Maryland volunteer fire departments, including a link to order them.

The Monster Maker

Oh just stop it. Good Lord, what the hell is wrong with some people? They truly are too stupid, dependent and pathetic to be anything other than wards of a police state. I nominate comment poster "kl" for the "If You're Happy and You Know It Clank Your Chains" award.

The issue we advocating Liberty have not addressed in any great detail is those in our culture who have become so degraded they are unprepared for even the most basic responsibilities of free people. I fear if things get really bad, and they can no longer rely on their keepers, they will suffer the most, and in the greatest numbers. And that's what's truly monstrous.

[Via HZ]

We're the Only Ones Suspended Enough

A Channel 3 Eyewitness News investigation has led to the suspension of a Teton County deputy accused of shooting a dog.

Deputy Joseph Gutierrez has been suspended and the Tri-county Sheriff's organization is now investigating the shooting incident...

When we spoke with Teton County dispatch, they say they've received multiple death threats against their officers.

Gee, imagine that. Consequences for actions.

Does this mean there's a limit to what people will put up with from "Only Ones" before they start reacting in the same manner in which they are treated?

This Day in History: November 27

By order of Genl. Howe, 300 of the poor Inhabitants of Boston were landed on Saturday last at point Shirley, destitute almost of every thing; the Instant I got notice of it, I informed a Committee of Council thereof, that proper care might be taken of them -- Yesterday in the evening I receive information that one of them was dead, and two more expiring; and the whole in the most miserable and piteous condition. -- I have order'd Provision to them till they can be remov'd, but am under dreadful apprehensions of their communicating the small Pox as it is Rief in Boston. I have forbid any of them coming to this place on that acct.