Scholastic Testing Police State Style

U.S. Drug Czar John Walters is in Tampa touting local programs aimed at stopping students from using and abusing prescription drugs...

In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public schools could conduct random drug testing of athletes, expanding that in 2002 to include students involved in extracurricular activities.

Again with the "Czar", and I repeat my standard question:

How come they never say Führer?

I don't get how this isn't a violation of the Fourth Amendment. You can explain it 'til the cows come home, and I still won't get it.

This article doesn't make it clear if now all students, as opposed to those engaged in extracurricular activities, will be subject to random testing, and if it will include public, as well as Catholic high schools. And I don't pretend to know the circumstances of the SCOTUS case where they smothered 4A in their robes, but here's a thought, perhaps already tried and discarded, but as far as I know it's original:

If the random testing applies to all students in public schools, since attendance up to a certain age is generally compulsory,wouldn't subjecting them to an involuntary search under those conditions be a violation of the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination...?

In any case, isn't it nice to know that government, instituted among men to secure the blessings of liberty, is teaching young people to be suspects and inmates, whose bodies are the property of the state, rather than sovereign Citizens?

False Alternatives

The Second Amendment doesn't "give" us a damn thing. Not that we'd expect highly paid professional "Authorized Journalists"--you know, the people whose very existence was originally to be a watchdog against government abuses of our rights--would understand what a right is.

That's why those who say we should repeal it are full of...baloney.

[Via SameNoKami]

The Winter of Our Discontent

It was revealed last week that firefighters are being trained to not only keep an eye out for illegal materials in the course of their duties, but even to report back any expression of discontent with the government...

Unlike law enforcement officials, firemen can go onto private property without a warrant, not only while fighting fires but also for inspections.

I know the source turns out to be pinko Keith Olbermann, which raises an interesting question--how is it that the political left, which so distrusts the government, then turns around and embraces "gun control," giving that government a monopoly of power?

[Via Dave Licht]

We're the Only Ones 'Splish Splash We Were Tasing in the Bath' Enough

Police forced entry into Williams home while responding to a shooting, but it turned out to be a false call. They had no idea at the time the call wasn't real and that Williams is hearing impaired. Without his hearing aid he is basically deaf.

"I kept going to my ear yelling that I was scared. I can't hear! I can't hear!"

Officers were worried about their own safety because at the time it appeared Williams was refusing to obey their commands to show his hands. That's when they shot him with a Taser.

You know what we need to stop this kind of dangerous outrage once and for all? Anonymous tip lines!

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

A Chicago Tragedy

Police said the gun belonged to Jalynn's mother, a Cook County sheriff's corrections officer. She was working in the jail complex at 26th Street and California Avenue in Chicago when the shooting occurred, said Cook County sheriff's police spokeswoman Penny Mateck.

This was sent to me by correspondent HZ, who worried "I don't know how you could use this or if I am just sending this as a rant. I do not promote dancing in blood and don't like it when the anti's do it."

That's because we're decent people, and our natural tendency is to empathize with fellow human beings suffering an unimaginable loss. That said,this took place in Chicago, where, except in very limited circumstances, handguns are banned for all but "The Only Ones" under the false premise that they're somehow more competent or trustworthy than the rest of us. As a result of that, and until that changes, other innocents will die and other families will grieve.

That point needs to be made, and as tragic as it may be, I'll take the heat for making it.

And as HZ writes, "My first reaction though, was the realization that this child's death will no doubt be used by the gun grabbers to pad their numbers of children 'killed by guns' and to bolster their argument that I need to be disarmed.

"I also reacted strongly to the Chicago Heights Police officer they interviewed (might have been the chief). He emphasized the importance of keeping guns locked up and disassembled at home. No one ever heard of 'gun-proofing' their kids instead of the other way around!?!?!"

Does anyone really think many in the Chicago PD lock up and disassemble guns in their homes?

One other note: the story says this was the mother's "service weapon," but ends with " Corrections officers are not allowed to bring their guns to work inside the jail."

So what do they need service weapons for?

UPDATE: Commentator ChicagoHandgun.Org notes Chicago Heights is a separate city and the blanket Chicago handgun ban is not yet in effect.

You've Heard of the Inmates Running the Asylum?

Well it's official: The Nutters are running Philly.

Ramsey said he and Nutter were in agreement on Nutter's crime-fighting strategy, including Nutter's promise to employ a controversial "stop, question and frisk" policy to target illegal weapons.

If the Second Amendment can be disregarded, I hope no one thinks the Fourth has any meaning. Or any of the others. Besides--if you're not doing anything wrong, you shouldn't have anything to hide. And if it saves on life...

This is democracy. This is home rule.

[Via Matthew Maynard]

Cookies for Laura

Laura Washington opens her trap. Again...

Discontented Cookie gets crumbs all over her latest kooky assault on RKBA.

Speaking of which, have you sent your picture over to Laura's tribute page, People of the Gun? Why not? Look, I know not everybody is as rakishly handsome as me, but I purposely sent a bad photo (Hah! As if I could take one!) so I wouldn't show everybody up and discourage them from participating...

Jefferson's Ghost on Heller

This was forwarded to me by Len Savage who notes, "I didn't write this, but wish I did. I was told post and share at will."

Since Ryan Horsley has already done that, I'll just send you over to his place with an invitation to come on back when you're done.

This Day in History: December 4

"After the officers had taken a glass of wine General Washington said 'I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.' General Knox being nearest to him turned to the Commander-in-chief who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up and parted with his general in chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed and fondly hope I may never be called to witness again."

When was the last time you loved a leader you would follow into hell?