Monday, March 31, 2008

"Fair Chase Hunters Like Me"

Unfortunately, fair chase hunters like me are being overshadowed by poachers, trophy hunters, "gun nuts," and sadistic ranchers who guarantee a kill for the right price.
The hell with you, Dwayne D. Beynon, Port Deposit, Maryland.

And the hell with everyone like you.

[Excerpted from "Letters," National Geographic, March 2008, pg. 10]

Bartering Away Rights at U of A

"[The] student body supports [the] current safety procedures of the University, but we encourage research of other ways to keep us safe," said SGA Vice President Madeline Barter...

Barter, on the other hand, said she is against students being allowed to carry on campus. She said she feels the pressures of college life, along with the emotional changes many college students are going through, do not make a good environment when guns are thrown in the mix.

"Guns in that atmosphere does not sound like a good idea," she said.

OK, Madeline, suppose you tell us your qualifications for reaching that conclusion. What training do you have in self defense and use of arms? I mean, you come off sounding like you know what you're talking about.

Do you?

And it's too bad you've never taken responsibility for yourselves as men, Phillip Martin and "NRA member" Russell Howard*, but somehow your use of the words "dumb" and "stupid" seem appropriately ironic.

Don't let us make decisions. Put our lives and safety in someone else's hands.

Do you boys ever listen to yourself? Who would expect another man to put his life on the line for someone who is unwilling to protect himself but a child, and not a very bright one at that?

Y'all seem to be doing your best to guarantee a real crimson tide.

[* Not this one, of course]

Another "Gun Amnesty"

The Rev. James D. McCathan of Duryee Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church says he's heard the crackle of gunfire in the driveway and on a nearby street corner....

Gun owners will be given two months to turn in illegal weapons at several locations, McCathan said. He said the other two phases of the program, which he declined to elaborate upon, will be unveiled in June and September.
Yeah, get back to us with results of your tremendous success, will ya, James?

Between this story and the Ocala hoplophobe, I'm starting to wonder if April Fool's has come a day early...

An Ocala April Fool's Joke

"I just don't expect to look out my back window and see someone with a backpack and a rifle over their shoulder, said Glenda Vietinghoff, who is scheduled to address the council at the meeting...

"BB guns of 20 years ago are not the same BB guns of today," she said, referring to her concern that some these weapons are "very realistic" in appearance.

In other worded, this witless goose is a hoplophobe, and rather than seek treatment, demands the rest of society adapt itself to accommodate her self-imposed paranoia.

How appropriate she is for bringing this up on April Fool's Day.

Here's the meeting agenda. Glenda is scheduled to honk and moo under item 4, section m (pg. 2).
Persons not on the schedule who wish to speak for 5 minutes will need to hang around through all the boring stuff until item 11, but it could be worth it, particularly if gun owners in the area could muster several dozen supporters to show up. Sometimes these meetings require you to fill out a card or form if you wish to speak during public comments, so check with the clerk to make sure you'll be recognized.

Gun owners at council meetings can be great fun, a chance to network, pass out flyers, and to reinforce that activism and numbers can make a difference, plus it's always nice to overwhelm the opposition with numbers. Besides, what the heck else is happening on Tuesday afternoon?

The meeting starts at 4:00, so some of you may need to take off work early. The address for City Hall is 151 SE Osceola Ave. Ocala, FL 34471. Here's how to get there (you'll need to set your browser to enable pop-ups to see the map).

You can also contact the council members--just understand that FL law will make your correspondence, including email adress, a public record, so you may want to use an alternate email provider, such as Hotmail or Yahoo. instead of your home edress.

This is grasssroots activism, Ocala gun owners. This is easy minuteman stuff, not like better men did on all our behalf once upon a time, but it's important nonetheless, and if you don't do it, guess what message that will send to the council?

So I guess the question is, does some guy sitting at a computer in Ohio care more about what's happening in your community than you do? Because I hope I'm not the only one putting out a call to action on this. Are you going to muster and respond, or has this post just been a waste of everybody's time?

We're the Only Ones Waving Enough

At one point, Platt said, the driver of the Ford Expedition pulled up, pointed a handgun and said: "I am going to kill you."

...The driver, Stephen M. Gaskin, was an off-duty Manatee County sheriff's deputy who has worked for the department since 1999. His gun was seized as evidence. But Gaskin was not jailed.

No, of course not.

But we all know what would have happened had Mr. Platt been the "only one" doing the waving...

PA GOP "Moderates" Screw Gun Owners


Nine Philadelphia-area Republicans signaled last week they would break ranks with their caucus today and support handgun-control legislation when the state House of Representatives resumes debate on a controversial proposal.

The measure, which would require reporting handguns that are lost or stolen, has been vigorously pushed by Democrats in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as a "common sense" restriction that would reduce gun violence.
Bull. It won't do a damned thing to "reduce gun violence"and these idiots know it. If they don't, they shouldn't be trusted with matches or pointy objects.

As a matter of fact, "prohibited persons," that is, criminals will be the "only ones" exempted from the requirement, since forcing them to report they had illegally possessed a gun would violate their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

How about some "common sense politician control" for a change?

The article doesn't ID all of the republitards, but does give us the names of two, who deserve to hear from PA gun owners in no uncertain terms:

Rep. John Perzel

Rep. John Taylor

Naturally, the bill's sponsor, democrat Rep. David Levdansky bills himself as "an avid hunter."

It's past time gun owners stopped letting republicans betray them and still get elected. If you agree, tell them so--and let them know this betrayal will be remembered if and when they run for future office for the rest of their miserable political lives.

If anyone knows the names and how to contact the other dopey seven dwarfs, please give us that info via "Comments," below.

Together Again

Rev. Michael Pfleger and Rev. Jeremiah Wright together again: “Hallelujah!”
Michelle Malkin examines racist alliances formed by our ol' pal Snuffy, and gives well-deserved linkage to Armed and Safe.

[Via JT]

WRSA Basic Rifle Markmanship Course

Join us at the Fernan Rod and Gun Club on April 26th and 27th in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho as the WRSA presents its two-day basic rifle marksmanship clinic. Whether you are refreshing your understanding of the basics, or laying a solid foundation for further study, you're going to learn a lot!
Sounds like a great way to spend a weekend, doesn't it? Click on the title link for more information.

This Day in History: March 31

An act to discontinue, in such manner, and for such time as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging, lading or shipping, of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town, and within the harbour, of Boston, in the province of Massachuset’s Bay, in North America...

Provided always, That nothing in this act contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to any military or other stores for his Majesty’s use, or to the ships or vessels whereon the same shall be laden, which shall be commissioned by, and in the immediate pay of, his Majesty, his heirs or successors...
Ahhh. Ye Only Ones.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Planting a Seed

An appleseed, that is...

I think I just found the topic for my next magazine article, due in a couple days, so I don't want to talk about it too much here until that gets published---they actually have the gall to expect original material.

So just follow the title link and see for yourself what this is all about.

Oh, and here's a testimonial...

Jericho

Gray Anderson, the Mayor of Jericho, is at a 'constitutional convention' for the Allied States of America. He's chatting in an elevator with another delegate. The delegate says there was a 20 minute orientation, an hour round table discussion, a two hour lunch, a 1000 member 'town hall' meeting and boom, no more Second Amendment. Gray says that it would be easier to 'pacify' the country if the people can't shoot back'. WOW! This has NEVER been stated on any other show so bluntly. Let me tell you about Jericho.
I've been pretty hard on TV lately, but make no secret that I watch it myself and enjoy it--when I can find the time. Like anything else, I think it's up to the individual to decide whether they are in control of things or whether things control them.

I've heard of "Jericho" but never found the time to sit down and watch it. MikeH inspires me to give it a try.

McHenry County Sportsmen

Check out their new website. If you live near there, check them out for real.

[Via Discontented Cookie]

We're the Only Ones Who Want to Do Something Enough

And he wonders: Could he have done more to prevent the deaths of five Northern Illinois University students when a former student opened fire in a crowded auditorium last month?

“I know intuitively there’s nothing I could have done to protect them,” said Grady, the 54-year-old campus police chief.

“But it doesn’t change the fact that, inside, I feel like I wanted to be able to do something.”

How about just doing nothing, Chief?

Or if you must do something, how about becoming a vocal proponent for armed self defense, and conducting training classes for students and faculty at your police facilities?

Your physical courage is not at issue here--you acquitted yourself bravely. But you'll never be able to get there in time and you know it. And despite your belief to the contrary you're not "The Only One" capable of an approprate armed response.

Why should someone who wishes to defend himself fear you as well as a criminal assailant? And considering "the supreme law of the land" and what your likely response would be, why are you so sure there's a distinction?

[Via Discontented Cookie]

A Stung Beekeeper

A 77-year-old Illinois state representative is happy to be alive after a man with a gun pushed his way into her home and robbed her of $7.
So do you think Wyvetter H. Younge may back off from her traditional anti-defense zealotry?
This robbery and what's happening to this community is the result of a lack of a supportive system for our youth.
Yeah, it's the system's fault. That means we need to fix the system, as opposed to holding individuals accountable. We all share in the blame, so we all must be regulated.

The individual or the hive collective. It's up to the workers to feed the drones. And all serve the queen.

Are we men or are we insects?

This is the primary ideological battle between those pursuing freedom and those following Marx.

[Via Shooting the Messenger]

What Did YOU Do for "Earth Hour"?

The environmental group WWF urged governments, businesses and households to turn back to candle power for at least 60 minutes starting at 8 p.m. wherever they were.
Me, I went out on my enclosed porch, cracked a sliding door for ventilation, lit a carbon-emitting maduro, poured a little Cabernet and watched me some teeveee. Of course, I needed the space heater going full blast, 'cause man-made global warming notwithstanding, it's still pretty dang cold out there...

"A Bad Precedent"

The act of a governmental entity banning commercial sales of legal firearms, such as my .50 caliber rifle, not only violates the basic principles of the United States Constitution, but also puts national security at risk by ending the delicate balance between the government and the private sector. Furthermore, it sets a precedent that endangers the future of other vital defense contractors.
Ronnie Barrett tells it like it is and issues a warning.

Compare this bold and self-assured man with timid corporate hacks.

Bravo, Mr. Barrett! How refreshing it is to find a businessman who acts like a citizen is supposed to.

May the rest of the firearms industry notice your example and follow suit.

"America's Favorite" Endangerer

Restaurant officials have suspended the Pizza Hut driver, James William Spiers, while the case is under investigation. Polk County officials today confirmed that Spiers holds a valid gun permit, which was renewed in November....

Vonnie Walbert, vice president of human resources at Pizza Hut, said:“We have policy against carrying weapons. We prohibit employees from carrying guns because we believe that that is the safest for everybody.”

Walbert said Pizza Hut trains employees to report such incidences to police.
Vonnie, did you set out to be this thick, or do you actually know better and you're just mouthing the incantations required by your position? I guess the corporate risk management types have decided staying mum on the subject is tantamount to implied consent, and the fear is one of their drivers will drag them into a wrongful injury or death lawsuit.

And besides, delivery drivers are easy to replace. You might even call them expendable.

Between those two "realities," I guess corporate drones could self-excuse just enough to be able to look at themselves in the mirror.

[Via M. Terry]

We're the Only Ones...What the Hell are YOU Lookin' At?

Democrat Mark Herring said, “Drinking alcohol and carrying firearms is not a good mix. It’s a public safety issue. There was no compelling case for loosening the restriction on carrying a concealed weapon into bars.”
Still at it with this guns and bars crap, eh? Apparently because "The Only Ones" carry theirs all the time, with predictable results?

But "We the People" are just too damned stupid, drunk and trigger-happy, apparently, even though I've had a stocked cabinet and fridge along with my modest collection of defense tools for decades without incident now---say, there's a challenge. Let's see where the danger really lies:

We have what--4 million NRA members? I'll bet a sizable percentage of them keep beer, wine or booze in the home--the site of most domestic violence incidents. Why not publish how many alcohol-clouded shootings they committed last year, Mark, just to show the urgency of your ban. If you need help finding any, go ahead and use the last 10 years.

We're waiting.

Now on the flip side, to address that second bill exempting state elites (No permits? Sweet!), and just to make sure the experiment is complete and comprehensive, why not ban guns and alcohol in the homes of all government "officials," including attorneys and LEOs?

Between the two efforts, we ought to get a pretty good picture of where public policy resources ought to be focused...

This Day in History: March 30

A Detachment from the Regiment of Artillery, to be ready to march on Monday Morning, with the Brigade under Brigdr. Genl. Green.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

A Citizens Arrest

A San Diego City Council candidate was arrested Thursday afternoon after he was seen urinating in a cup and masturbating in public...

Police Chief William Lansdowne said Hartley's arrest was a citizens arrest, and that a sex crimes officer interviewed him.

Wait a minute...I thought even writing about conducting a citizens arrest was illegal and could land you in the slammer big time. You're telling me citizens can actually perform them?

Oh, wait, the guy wasn't in power yet. Different set of rules. Never mind.

Interesting platform he's running on, though--abusing himself instead of the taxpayers. Maybe that qualifies him as the lesser of two evils, and it certainly does sound like anyone voting for him would have to hold their nose...

Sounds like the pragmatic, time-honored and recommended course. I'm convinced.

More Power!

The Treasury Department will propose on Monday that Congress give the Federal Reserve broad new authority to oversee financial market stability, in effect allowing it to send SWAT teams into any corner of the industry or any institution that might pose a risk to the overall system.


Yeah, that's the solution. Thanks, "Vote Freedom First President"!

We're the Only Ones Losing It Enough

How do Drug Enforcement Administration special agents lose their guns?
I dunno...maybe some of the "thieves, crooks and dopers" are sampling the evidence?

Faster than ever, according to a new report from the Department of Justice inspector general. From 2002 to 2007, DEA lost 91 weapons, the audit found. The DEA isn't always reporting the losses of weapons or laptop computers to the proper authorities, and when it does, it often comes weeks -- even years -- after the fact.
And the fedgov is worried about Ryan Horsley? They have resources to spend monitoring what I or Aaron Zelman write about?

But don't worry. The American public isn't likely to wake up any time soon, especially with the fascist partnership between media and Masters. I've seen some disturbing commercials for a new "reality show" (talk about an oxymoron!) on Spike TV titled "DEA":
Ride shotgun during dangerous drug busts with the brave officers of the Detroit DEA.

Yeah, sit there in your armchairs letting the boob tube render you even more fat and brainwashed, useless heirs of liberty. Spike seems particularly and insidiously geared to produce intellectual impotence among American males, promoting contentment to settle for a vicarious, voyeuristic, short-attentioned life of senseless, noisy action performed by electrons on a screen (talk about a drug!)

Give us more "DEA," more "COPS," more police state conditioning...

It'll keep our minds off those intent on rendering us completely dependent.

Oh well. Those guys might as well be "The Only Ones." Our wives won't let us have a gun anyway because of the kids.

Between a Painted Rock and a Painted Hard Place

Damned if you do:
Guns are not toys. Making them look like playthings by painting them red or yellow or some other bright, cheery color is a bad idea....there's no good reason to abide deadly weapons painted to look like squirt guns.
And damned if you don't:
Effective January 1 of this year, in order for such toys to be compliant with state law, "the coloration of the entire exterior surface of the device [must be] bright orange or bright green, either singly or in combination."
No fair, you say? I'm mixing apples and oranges by comparing the banning of painted real guns to the banning of unpainted toy ones?

You don't think the miserable anti-freedom wretches behind each of these efforts aren't doing their utmost to ban both?

TSA Nipping Flight Threats in the Bud

Oh, wait a minute...wrong Drudge headline...


Anyway, I'm glad to see our wonderful protectors are keeping abreast of security matters. The last thing we need are some boobs endangering us all.

And its nice to see some in "Authorized Journalismdom" are waking up to the fact that some boobs are indeed endangering us all.

Online Job Application

The following is an exercise in pure chutzpa and self-aggrandizement. Since presuming to write is an act of egotism anyway, what the heck. It's not like wearing tight sweaters and hanging around in Hollywood drug stores has been working out for me.


The publications tracked by Blogrunner are chosen by New York Times editors.
Interesting, Times editors--you also saw fit to use me as a source for your Virgina Tech gun rights analysis (although you omitted my main points). So--how about a job?

It's not like the same old "Authorized Journalism" is working any more, so why not try something new? Surely you're not so far into urban liberal elitism that you don't recognize alienation of a significant public demographic is bad for business?

You know that few issues are more "hot button" than gun rights. You know that every time the subject is broached, the letters pour in. That means high readership. And reader response is always passionate.

Now think of one columnist for a major newspaper focused exclusively on promoting the right to keep and bear arms. You’ll find none. Yet there are over 80 MILLION estimated gun owners in this country. This rich subject area is largely untapped.

You know I can do it--you have access to my work, and somebody with authority made the decision to reference me twice now in the past year.

So why not give it a try? 750 words, once a week? I work cheap and can give you something you've never had before.

Or do you get applications like this all the time?

-------------------

We now return to our regularly scheduled obscurity.

This Day in History: March 29

Sentiments of humanity as well as sound policy constrain us to add, that, in a plentiful country, it is cruel not to provide well for those men that step forth to defend the rights of their country. Our common enemies, the Tories, take the advantage of it, and secretly retard the recruiting companies filling, which, for that and other reasons, goes on slowly...

We would beg leave to add that rum is an article very much wanting for the fatigue parties. If a supply of that could immediately be sent up, it would have a very good effect. In case a sufficiency cannot be provided, if we have orders, a plenty of cider and beer can be had, which would answer perhaps as well.

Friday, March 28, 2008

A Matter of Opinion



I sure wish this would translate into political results.

The Long Road to Redemption

Rapper T.I. has admitted having unregistered machine guns and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Now he has a chance to avoid a lengthy prison sentence by telling kids not to make the same mistakes he did.
That's great. That makes the 6+ years Christian family man and patriot Wayne Fincher got all the more understandable. Maybe Wayne should learn to rap about violent, racist and lewd themes.

Read some of his innermost thoughts and tell me if you'd want this thug anywhere near your children.

[Via MacEntyre]

Will SCOTUS Hear Rick Stanley?

An important free speech case will be considered before the United States Supreme Court this Friday, March 28. The Court will decide whether to grant a writ of certiorari in the case of Rick Stanley v. State of Colorado.

Rick Stanley is in prison for six years for threatening to have two Colorado judges arrested for ignoring his Constitutional right to bear arms. He appears to be the only U.S. citizen ever to be imprisoned solely for threatening to issue an arrest warrant.
It's troubling that I can find nothing about this on SCOTUSblog.

But in my opinion, informed liberty activists need to know about this case, and here's a convenient way to get the "Cliffs Notes" version. Take a few minutes and watch this video:



In case you're wondering why I'm making so much noise about recent "adventures" with Marshal Dave, it's because I know what happened to Rick and what can happen to anyone who speaks in a way the masters disapprove of. Those corrupt robed vultures in Colorado are on par with Jimm Larry Hendren.

If you haven't already seen it, please take another minute or so to read this, written almost four years ago to no avail.

VBS.tv Special Report on Front Sight

From Rory Ahearn, VBS.tv:

Hey War on Guns,

Over here at VBS.tv we love guns. Seriously. Like L-O-V-E. So when the chance came to head out to Pahrump, Nevada to attend the gun training mecca Front Sight, it was like Christmas all over again.

Jesse Pearson pulled the short straw and got to head out for a long weekend on the ins and outs of self defense, gun maintenance, and valuable lessons such as the way to put someone down, really, is to place two shots in their thoracic cavity and then, if they are still coming, send one coup de grace to a little box on the human face that’s framed by the eyebrows and the upper lip. We had a blast and think that given the current strife over the 2nd Amendment, the timing of this piece could not be better.

After all, when the meth head kicks down your door looking for cash, do you want a Glock or an egg beater? That's what I thought.

4 Part Series on Front Sight on VBS.tv
Part 1 of 4 - http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1460774120
Tactical firearms training in the middle of the Nevada desert.

Part 2 of 4 - http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1460763090
Jesse's shooting partner is terse, but supportive.

Part 3 of 4 - http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1465378645
A not too surprising consensus on the importance of the second amendment.

Part 4 of 4 - http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1463310997
When someone's at your door, screaming "Where's my drugs?" you should be on the ready.

I thought the content would be perfect for fans of the site, hope you agree.

Stay locked and loaded,

Rory
OK, I know, it starts out a bit spammy and all, but this really is an excellent piece. It takes about 15 minutes to watch all four clips.

It fits in nicely with a recent announcement from Alan Gottlieb about Front Sight's latest promotion.

Now Isn't That Creepy?


Looks like BATFU and Dave Meyer are playing hardball. Those search terms intersect with WarOnGuns here:



Jody Keeku is the agent who went after David Olofson. The nexus was from the following factual and legitimate reporting by Mike Vanderboegh, which said, in total:
The Special Agent in Charge Jody Keeku asked FTB to re-test the firearm and this time use soft primered commercial ammunition.

So as anyone can see, we're clean.

I guess while Marshal Dave is sending smoke signals to peaceable activists, there are some interesting sentiments posted on other sites. If you had money riding on it, would you think it more likely this guy is a patriot or an infiltrator--or maybe just a convenient excuse in case people get called on the carpet for their ham-handedness?

Because of the latter two possibilities, and the likelihood that this last linked webpage may end up disappearing--and only for those reasons, I am posting a screenshot below. Who knows--if things ever devolve to the point where those of us skirting the edges of the web need to present evidence in our defense, it might be helpful to do the forensics on where this originated from.


Pardon me if I'm starting to wonder at what point someone will notice this story outside of a few limited reach liberty sites.

Another Pro-Gun Idaho Candidate

We've been discussing Clayton Cramer's bid for the Idaho Senate, and now Judy Boyle tells me she is running for District 9 Idaho House of Representatives seat B.

I don't know Ms. Boyle but I like what I see on her site, and especially like that she worked with that remarkable patriot, the late Helen Chenoweth-Hage.

Follow the title link and visit her site to learn more.

As a side note, when I post local information, particularly about candidates for public office, please feel free to share those links on gun forums and regional political websites, and via email to your like-minded friends. Since WarOnGuns is not geography-specific, I don't expect most readers to put a lot of follow-up into candidates from other states. But it would be helpful to deserving candidates if gun owners in their districts would take the initiative to become force multipliers, and rather than just reading about them, take a little time to spread the word.

Jimmy Williamson, Chief Only One

It's only gonna be split seconds here, and I could see innocent people maybe being shot by the police.
Which police would those be, Jimmy? The ones hiding behind trees or the ones hiding behind cars? Seems to me over 30 of the Virgina Tech folks died hours after the boys in blue arrived. And we know how much help the professionals were at Columbine.

You're in plain clothes--why wouldn't cops shoot you in an off-campus situation where you weren't known? After all--you're carrying. But I forget--you're one of those trained "Only Ones" I've documented time and again who are just so much damn better than the rest of us at everything. Yeah, I guess I could see your guys making a bad situation worse.

So in your genius mind, you think police "maybe" shooting trumps an assailant "definitely" doing so?

But if figures. While suspending the real Bill of Rights, which in and of itself makes you a criminal, the best you can give us is a "victim's bill of rights"? It doesn't occur to you that you're helping create victims?

Or maybe it does, and that's the way you want it.

[Via HZ]

"The Squalid Extortion Ring"

In the fashion of a Mafia underboss delivering an extortion threat, Meyer told Horsley that he might want to "pass along" the warning to Codrea and Zelman...

William N. Grigg fills in a lot more of the details about our recent misadventures with "Judicial Security Inspector" David A. Meyer.

I note Meyer says ""The conversation I had with [Ryan] isn't for publication. You'll have to call the Marshals Service public affairs office in Washington, D.C. to find out anything more about it."

Fair enough.

I don't see an edress and don't want to talk to them without a lawyer at this point, but if anyone wants to follow up on this, I'd be interested in hearing what kind of runaround you got...

This Day in History: March 28

I must desire that you will inoculate your men as fast as they are inlisted; that while preparations are making for them to take the Field, they may not be retarded on that account. Let them not at any rate be detained for Carbines; But on the other hand, forward them to Camp as fast as a Troop is made up and out of the Small Pox. Surely Mr. Hunter can furnish Pistols as fast as they are wanted.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Technology

There is one thing gun lovers won't understand. It is very simple. The word that sums it up is: Technology.

I see. The superstitious barbarian who views objects as animated totems lectures those of us who know better.

So, Richard A. Benton, why not lecture designers, manufacturers and increasingly sophisticated users of firearms, ammunition, scopes and the host of other equipment and apparatuses about their understanding of technology?

Here's some technology for you, Richard. The rounded end goes in first.

Whiny anti-gun males. Talk about an evolutionary dead end.

[Via Bruce W. Krafft]

"Deadly Cop-Killing Guns"

A deadly trade is occurring along the U.S. border with Mexico, federal officials say -- a flood of guns, heading south, used by drug thugs to kill Mexican cops.
I know! Let's gut the Second Amendment out of the Bill of Rights to ensure a police state monopoly of force in another country!

That'll fix everything!

Good grief.

[Via SameNoKami]

Stayin' Alive

"She was doing everything she was supposed to do to stay alive"
We discussed this here, and even had an opportunity to get clarification from her karate instructor.

She fought with all her skill and all her might.

I'm sorry, ladies, but except for extremely rare exceptions, that will never be enough. That's just the way it is.

Wouldn't you rather be able to reach for something that will give you a chance to repel an attacker without having to be touched?

And don't worry about loudmouthed fools who say an attacker would just take the gun away and use it against you. Invariably, they are all talk and slink away when asked to demonstrate how that's done.

[Via Rick R]

Senility Sets In

Yes, I can make the excuse that I shouldn't scold the children while doing research, but calling to younger son Qusay "I want your guitar and amp out of my machinegun" provided even more opportunity for riotous ridicule than normal.

Of course I meant "living room." I think.

Time for my cookie?

AK-47s Threatening Nuns, Orphans, Kittens and Ducklings!!!

But it was unremarkable in that one of the guns brandished was an AK-47-type rifle — a powerful, rapid-fire weapon that has long been used in Third World conflicts but is increasingly being used in American street fights.
Ah, the old Sugarmann Switcheroo. Nice job there. "Authorized Journalist." I'll bet most of your readers don't even know you're practicing sleight of mind on them.

Matt Sedensky...Matt Sedensky...

Where have I heard that name before...?

Just so we're clear: of all violators of journalistic ethics (talk about an oxymoron!), the AP has consistently been one of the worst offenders, and has a demonstrated track record of being nothing more than a propaganda organ of statists and employer of professional liars. So it's no surprise that some in government wish to give them special status over mere lowly bloggers who bring you information the big guys won't.

[Via HZ]

Speaking of Politics...

...I just got the following from the Tom McClintock campaign:
As you know, however, my liberal opponent is a multi-millionaire and I am not. Instead of writing myself a check for hundreds of thousands of dollars, I must rely on dedicated individuals like you, who have stood with me through thick and thin and wholeheartedly believe that we will bring our Republican principles back to the forefront of our nation's political discourse.

We have a finance deadline coming up on March 31 and the more funds we can show on that report the more secure our position as the front-runner becomes. Will you help me show as commanding a position as possible on March 31?
Well, California gun owners? Will you?

An Army of Davids

Clayton Cramer give us an update on his campaign. People from all over are stepping up to the plate, which means you District 22 Idaho gun owners have no excuses.

He's agreed to do a WarOnGuns interview, and I'll be announcing details when I finalize things.
I'm glad it's not An Army of Daves.

The One

With almost no debate, the council voted 6-1 to pass Councilman Zack Scrivner's resolution encouraging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that the Second Amendment provides an individual right to bear arms, and that no government should be able to infringe on that right.

...The sole dissent came from Councilwoman Sue Benham, who said the resolution was just another attempt by a council member to make a political statement. She said as an elected official, she supports the Second Amendment and the rest of the Constitution.
I remember many years back helping represent the Second Amendment contingent by marching in the US Constitution Day parade in the People's Republic of Santa Monica with other members of the Westside Firearms Association (soon to become the NRA Members Council of Westside Los Angeles), as well as my wife and two young children. Of many insults and obscenities hurled at us by the urban Marxist worthies as we passed, the one I remember most vividly was "Go Back to Bakersfield!"

Yes, Councilwoman Benham, resolutions are political statements, but you're not against all of them--for instance, when other council members wanted to declare that Bakersfield would endorse English and not be a "sanctuary city," you had no problem offering "a competing proposal...to recommend that the federal government enforce its laws."

So don't give us that. You're demonstrably not against resolutions per se. Just the ones you don't support, like the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Like Tip O'Neill famously said, "All politics is local." The council sets the tone for the community, and what they do or do not endorse sets a leadership example for the voting constituents.

I again recall, a couple years later, a subversive on the Redondo Beach city council proposed a resolution of support for the state of California's proposed new (the Perata "features" version--the Roberti-Roos "model" version being deemed not tyrannical enough) "assault weapons" ban. Showing up in force, speaking request cards filled out and speeches ready, the cowards first moved it to the end of the agenda hoping they'd lose us from attrition, and then decided not to vote on the matter.

So your sole refusal to support the resolution should be noted, Ms. Benham, and Bakersfield gun owners should react accordingly when you run for future office. And hollow protests of support for "the Second Amendment and the rest of the Constitution" notwithstanding (and I can point to any number of politicians who make that claim, right before revealing their big "but"), your true agenda is being just another in a long line of self-aggrandizing democrat operatives ruining the promise of what once was "The Golden State."

As an aside: citizen activists are not doing themselves any favors remaining oblivious to the workings of local government. I recommend having your city government website bookmarked and knowing where to access agendas for upcoming meetings and minutes of past ones, so that you know who to support and who not to, and when organized attendance is required. No, I'm not suggesting becoming a cable TV meeting junkie--this can be monitored and accomplished in about 5 minutes each week, with organized responses limited to an "as needed" basis.

[Via Maureen]

This Day in History: March 27

Sir: I take this earliest Opportunity to acquaint you that the Men of War and Transports with the ministerial Troops sail'd this Afternoon from Nantasket Harbour. There is only a Man of War and two or three other arm'd Vessels now remaining there. In Consequence of this Movement I have ordered a Brigade to march To-Morrow Morning for New York, and shall follow with the Remainder of the Army as soon as I can receive certain Information of the Fleet being clear off the Coast, and that we are in no further Danger of their returning to attack us at a Disadvantage.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

We're the Only Ones Going Clubbing in New York Enough

Disgusting video footage of New York cops clubbing and arresting peaceful Tibetan protesters who were merely walking down the street has gone relatively ignored beyond Youtube.

...One officer identified as "Delgado" is seen in the video pushing people as the group crosses the street.

Another officer, identified as "Serano" is caught threatening to kill two protesters as the cameraman passes. He later admits to the threat and apologizes for it.
Maybe they could send these "Only Ones" to China to help with Olympic security.

To paraphrase the Dalai Lama:
“If someone has a baton and is trying to club you, it would be reasonable to club back with your own baton.”
[Via Done! SEO]

Amnesty Means Amnesty

A crackdown on guns is meeting some resistance in the District.

Good. What a stupid idea this was. What stupid people run DC.

I especially like the comment by spokesflack Traci Hughes:

[I]f evidence of other crimes is found during voluntary searches, amnesty will be granted for that crime as well.

"Chief Lanier has been clear...Amnesty means amnesty."
So a killer's best legal protection would be to invite them in to see the bodies and present them with the murder weapon and a detailed confession? Smart!

That reminds me of nothing so much as Sgt. Lou's search of Mr. Deets' house on South Park, where he finds severed hands attached to the wall but concludes:
This isn't the guy. The serial killer always cuts off the victims' left hands...Well those aren't left hands. See, on your left hand, the thumb faces to the left. Those are all right hands.
I can hear it now:
I see you like cutting the eyes out of photos of women. My son is a big fan of that too.
[Via Jeffersonian and Plug Nickel Times]

We're the Only Ones Forging Ahead Enough

A former Bethel Heights police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to forgery and was sentenced to probation and 15 days in jail...

He said in court Tuesday he found a blank check and filled in the amount, forged the signature and cashed it at the bank he regularly used...
And this genius thought he'd be "The Only One" to get away with something that unbelievably stupid?

[Via Paul W. Davis]

A Variety of Scenarios

While it is doubtful that the Supreme Court decision will contain a long list of specifics in terms of regulation, their opinion should convey the Court's opinion quite clearly and should be broad enough to cover a variety of scenarios.
Liberty Belles discusses some in this new article by Jennifer Freeman...

The Running Man

Clayton Cramer is running for Idaho State Senate (District 22).

I've worked on campaigns before where the candidate had a long record of putting it all on the line for gun owners and was appalled at the lackluster support they received-- most gun-owning constituents did literally nothing.

We're always saying we need more pro-RKBA candidates, yet when we get them never seem to find any time or money to help out. It makes me wonder why any candidate would ever give more than general platitudes when asked about the Second Amendment, or ever go out on a limb once elected--really--why incur the liability?

Gun owners in District 22 now have an opportunity to elect someone capable of leading and teaching on the issue. Do you realize how special, rare and needed that is?

Wouldn't it be nice for just once to vote for someone you know will represent your views, instead of holding your nose and doing the same old "lesser of two evils" routine?

If you've never been involved in a campaign, what's holding you back? They can be fun, are great learning experiences and afford all kinds of opportunities to network with like-minded citizens, building camaraderie, and importantly, hope. I truly never did work on a campaign where I felt I gave more than I received. And local races especially are where an individual can really make a difference.

There will always be excuses to "Let George Do It." Don't miss this chance to involve yourself.

Click on the title link to learn more, and then contact the campaign to donate and volunteer.

Pardon?

The Justice Department announced Tuesday that President Bush has issued 15 new pardons and commuted one prison sentence.

That's funny...there seems to be a name missing...

[Via Maureen]

This Day in History: March 25

Since my last, things remain nearly in statu quo. The enemy have the best knack at puzzling people I ever met with in my life. They have blown up, burnt, and demolished the Castle totally, and are now all in Nantasket Road, have been there ever since Wednesday, what doing, the Lord knows.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Having It Both Ways

The government position filed with the Supreme Court by U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement stunned gun advocates by opposing the breadth of an appellate court's affirmation of individual ownership rights. The Justice Department, not the vice president, is out of order. But if Bush agrees with Cheney, why did the president not simply order Clement to revise his brief? The answers: disorganization and weakness in the eighth year of his presidency.
Right. Here's a telling snippet from Clement's oral argument (pgs. 27 - 48):
[W]e certainly take the position, as we have since consistently since 2001, that the Federal firearm statutes can be defended as constitutional, and that would be consistent with this kind of intermediate scrutiny standard that we propose. If you apply strict scrutiny, I think that the result would be quite different, unfortunately.
Who works for whom here? Tell me the "Vote Freedom First President" couldn't order his employee to reflect the will of the administration. Now tell me that he hasn't.

Where does that buck stop again?

Sleight of mind apologists might be able to convince the weak-minded-- and those committed to hearing no evil-- that this is merely a reflection of "disorganization."

Better that, I guess, than we're being played for suckers with an obvious and transparent "good cop-bad cop/playing both ends against the middle" con job.

We're the Only Ones Making a Mountain Out of an Ant Hill Enough

Video from a dashboard camera showed Ramon Hernandez as he was handcuffed, with his face in an ant bed, and shocked with a Taser 11 times. He was also kicked and punched more than a dozen times.
Because, you know, we're "The Only Ones," and it's our job as soldier ants to guard the colony.

We're the Only Ones Stonkered* Enough

A POLICE officer who admitted to drinking at least 18 beers before going on duty to carry out a breath test has not been disciplined.

Instead, Senior-Constable Adam Reedy has been promoted – despite telling a court last month about a wild night in Cunnamulla that ended with him knocked unconscious after trying to arrest a woman.

...After the test he drank two rums at the Club Hotel and about 12.45am declared himself on duty to arrest local woman Corrinne Mitchell, who he says spat on him, sparking a fight that ended in Reedy being flown to Toowoomba Hospital for treatment.

Sounds like a perfect Down Under Only One, eh, mate?

*

A Mitigating Circumstance?

The insane procedures required by the TSA demands that our pilots to lock and then un-lock their .40 side arms was and is a solid recipe for disaster. Did the TSA deliberately create this bizarre and unconventional Rube Goldberg firearm retention system hoping for this result? The sordid history of the FAA and TSA’s total resistance to the concept of arming pilots to protect Americans is in itself a scandal.

Putting a gun into a holster and then threading a padlock through the trigger and trigger-guard is required every time the pilots enter or leave the cockpit.
Looks like there's more to this story. It's time to find out who was responsible for initially proposing and then ramming this requirement through--as well as his qualifications and credentials that made others think it was a good idea.

A Virginia Settlement

Families of those killed in the Virginia Tech shootings have until March 31 to say whether they'll accept a settlement that would include $100,000 each and the chance to question the governor and university officials about the shooting...
That'll sure solve everything.

Plus we'll have closure.

[Via Chris Horton]

Tit for Tat in St. Paul

The RNC Welcoming Committee (RNC-WC), an anarchist and anti-authoritarian organizing body based in the Twin Cities, announced today that it has ordered tasers for each of its members and friends. The announcement comes on the heels of last month’s St. Paul City Council approval of a St. Paul Police Department (SPPD) request for 234 tasers.
I doubt there's a word of truth in it, but that's actually a pretty funny and creative response--for a bunch of commies.

[Via MacEntyre]

We're Number 22!

The United Kingdom has been ranked as one of the most stable and prosperous countries in the world, beating the United States, France and even Switzerland in a global assessment of every nation’s achievements and standards.
Right.

And what makes America Number 22?

Mr Le Mière said that the US had fallen down the scale, although it still scored an average of 93 out of 100, partly because of the proliferation of small arms owned by Americans...
Right.

Mr Le Mière? Excuse moi? Time for your fitting...

[Via Paul W. Davis]

We Have a Winner

I just won a sweet Remington sps 30-06!
Chris Horton walks away with a prize from that calendar contest we talked about a while back.

The Right Kind of Gun Rights?

Reasonable self-defense leaves room for firearms regulation. Exotic and highly destructive weapons could be restricted or banned, because no one needs a machine gun or grenade launcher for protection against ordinary crime.

...Most of the government's gun laws, in fact, would have no trouble passing the self-defense test (as the Heartland Institute calls it in an amicus brief), because most gun laws are reasonable and don't leave people defenseless. As for the insurrectionary purpose of the Second Amendment, the Court could either repudiate it explicitly or pass over it in silence, consigning it to irrelevance.

The self-defense test is good policy, because it aligns the Second Amendment with modern needs and sensibilities. It is good law, because it rescues the amendment from being a dead letter or an embarrassment.

Jonathan Rauch, the only thing irrelevant and embarrassing in this debate is you.

This is what happens when you let the "moderates" drive the bus--they can't find enough of "those people" to run over. It's happened with the "Big Tent" Republicans, and it's happening in the gun rights movement--with the complicity of many who claim political expansion through compromise is more important than fidelity to principles and core constituency.

You would think as someone who champions rights (or at least exploits that perception) for a disaffected minority, Rauch would be more sensitive to first alienating and then abandoning any "subculture." But strict constructionists are an embarrassment. And those militia yahoos? Forget it! Besides, he says, borrowing a line from the Brady Playbook, "No one needs a machine gun."

There were once urbane dandies like Jonathan in 1920's-era Berlin. Many were literate, fashionable, sophisticated...and we know what happened 10 years later under an administration that deemed them "socially aberrant."

But Jonathan is no student of history. Jonathan thinks it can't happen here. Why, the very idea would be laughable if it wasn't such an embarrassment.

Because, you see, the "insurrectionary purpose" according to Jonathan, is "a dead letter." If we bring it up, we relegate the Second Amendment to "irrelevance."

But what Jonathan and those like him can't (or won't) answer are some questions I've addressed before:

[W]hat about human nature has changed?

In a century that has seen two world wars, continual violent political upheaval, genocide and systemic, brutal tyranny and repression, has humanity truly demonstrated a benevolence and maturity that distinguishes our era from those that preceded us? In a culture that breeds gang warfare, rampant violence, city-crippling riots and a national murder rate measured in the tens of thousands, how can anyone credibly claim that the need for individual defense is a relic of the past?

And ultimately, what is this "outdated" Second Amendment really about, if not the preservation of a free people when all other options to defend life and liberty have been exhausted? Against all enemies, individual and aggregated, foreign and domestic. Here is where we must face the core meaning of the awesome power and responsibility that this "obsolete" right places squarely in the hands of the people. Because, ultimately, what this right guarantees you is not a gun, but a choice. A choice, in the final analysis, to submit to evil or to fight it, literally.

You'd never know that if your only exposure to "gun rights" was from great thinkers like Jonathan. And isn't it curious how the reach of such people is always so much longer and their voices so much louder than those of we the embarrassing?

What we haven't established with Jonathan is if he's a willful subversive or just a blind fool. But in the end, it doesn't matter. All we really need to know is if we continue allowing ourselves to be led by him and his kind, he'll be proven right. The Second Amendment will be a dead letter, consigned to irrelevance.

Me, I plan on continuing to be an embarrassment as long as I draw breath.

[Via Carl S]

We're the Only Ones Invading the Suburbs Enough

Manslaughter, rape, assault. A recent spate of allegations against police officers on the outskirts of New York City has raised fears that a big-city problem has invaded the suburbs.
I thought a "spate" was three--but then they go on to call it a "cluster," although, thank goodness, at least it's not a "trend."

My favorite line:
Lieberman wondered if training was at fault.

I don't know how I've managed to get by all these years--I'm certain I've never had specific formal classes to teach me that rape, manslaughter and brutality are wrong, but I've somehow never felt inclined to go that route...

Guess I just don't have what it takes to be an "Only One."

Oh, and get ready, "suburbs." You asked for it and now you're going to get it.

And how.

[Via Declan]

This Day in History: March 25

Upon requisition of the Marine Committee of Congress for thirty stand of Arms, or two Wall-Pieces and twenty-six Muskets, for the fitting out the Brigantine Lexington for the protection of the trade of this coast, by order of the Board Robert Towers, Commissary; was directed to deliver said number of Arms to Captain Barry, or his order.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Welcome Back


You guys see anything you like?

Why is it when I write you directly I never get a reply? Just because I say I intend to post it? If I can repeat an often-used question, if you're not doing anything wrong, what have you got to hide?

Hey, one other thing I'm wondering: what do you think those custom-engraved Leatherman tools will bring on eBay?

UPDATE:


Looks like they're building their "case"! Here's what they're pinning their hopes on. Do you realize what this means is that someone actually looked up related posts with the intent of seeing if they could come up with a charge worth pursuing?

This is just plain creepy that vindictive little reptiles like these have any place in American government.

A "Pro-Gun" Democrat

“I talked to Senator Clinton last night,” Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said on Friday, describing the tense telephone call in which he informed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton that, despite two months of personal entreaties by her and her husband, he would be endorsing Senator Barack Obama for president. [More]
Yeah, see, when you're endorsed by Fairfax, it makes perfect sense to support a rabid gungrabber. Party over principle and all that...

A Republican Constitutional Lawyer

Today I endorse Barack Obama for president of the United States.
There seems to be enough room for everybody in the Big Tent except people with core principles.

Don't Mention It

What Mr. McCain almost never mentions are two extraordinary moments in his political past that are at odds with the candidate of the present: His discussions in 2001 with Democrats about leaving the Republican Party, and his conversations in 2004 with Senator John Kerry about becoming Mr. Kerry’s running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket.
I guess some things are best left unsaid. We don't want to spoil anyone's illusions or excuses.

When Candy is Outlawed...

With candy sales banned on school campuses, sugar pushers are the latest trend at local schools. Backpacks are filled with Snickers and Twinkees for all sweet tooths willing to pay the price.

...This has become a lucrative business, Nason said, and those kids are walking around campus with upwards of $40 in their pockets and disrupting class to make a sale.

Who could have possibly predicted such a thing?

We're the Only Ones Piling Up Enough

I had a lot of emails waiting in my inbox upon my return, and it's tough keeping up with them all. If I haven't replied personally, my apologies--I'll try later today.

I need to be out of the house in half an hour so here's my best shot at responding to many of the "Only Ones" entries forwarded to me during my absence:

We're the Only Ones Emulating Lee Paige Enough

We're the Only Ones Puzzling Enough

We're the Only Ones Who Know How to Treat the Ladies Enough

We're the Only Ones Kittenish Enough

We're the Only Ones Allowed to Defend Ourselves Enough

We're the Only Ones in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time Enough

We're the Only Ones Blasting Ourselves Enough

[Via Gunthing; Michael S; JG; TonyG; Carl S; Jeffersonian; Mark G--sorry if I missed anybody else and hope you understand]

A Pilot Program

A US Airways pilot’s gun accidentally discharged during a flight from Denver to Charlotte Saturday, according to a statement released by the airline...

A Transportation Safety Administration spokeswoman reached by WCNC Sunday said the pilot is part of TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, which trains pilots to carry guns on flights...

A statement from TSA said the airplane was never in danger...

Again with the gun went off. Maybe they should have let real professionals train these guys.

Still, I note that--dire predictions notwithstanding, Goldfinger didn't get sucked out of the plane.

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

Gutting the Second

If you ever had a Right to Keep and Bear Arms – you have it now – and Government can Never take it from you Lawfully. It is unalienable, and it is necessary to protect your own life and property, and the lives and property of your family and neighbors – even the Union – against all enemies foreign and domestic.

The notion that certain weapons are not suited to personal protection is also sophistry that preys upon gross ignorance.
The high court really has only one function in Heller--and that's to confirm that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Questions along the lines of which infringements are "reasonable" are indeed sophistry.

I note that GOA is taking no small amount of heat from the no line in the sand crowd for its recent criticism of Alan Gura's concession, and that he has reacted heatedly.

This may surprise some of you, but I do agree with Gura that had he presented an absolutist argument he would have lost the judges--which tells us more about the sorry state we have allowed our government to degrade into than anything else. Gura "didn't make the last 219 years of constitutional law and [he's] not responsible for the way that people out there -- and on the court-- feel about machine guns."

He didn't and he's not. We can't expect him to undo all that for us.

But I don't agree that anticipating the question--and he must have--with a rejoinder that machine guns were outside the intentionally narrow and limited scope of the case being argued would have been perceived as "fudging," and objections for his totally misinterpreting Miller as excluding arms "not appropriate for civilian applications" are legitimate and appropriate.

I don't know where some get off acting like there's no room for criticism, and the expected reactionary hostility I've seen is way out of proportion to what was really a rather mild statement on the part of Larry Pratt & Co. If the "pragmatists" flipped over that, wait 'til they see what Vin Suprynowicz has to say.

[Via Ron W]

"Always Think Forfeiture"

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms requires the following items, Purchase Description Determined by Line Item, to the following:
LI 001, EXACT MATCH ONLY - Leatherman Micra Color: Blue - Part number 64340101K Engraved with: ATF-Asset Forfeiture AND "always think forfeiture" PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHMENT. NOTE: ATF MAY REQUEST A SAMPLE TO DETERMINE IF IT MEETS OUR REQUIREMENT. A picture of the item may be substituted in place of the actual sample. ***Partial Shipments are allowed. Please use the space below to explain your delivery schedule. Preferred Delivery is between November 15th-23rd, NLT November 23rd***, 2000, EA;
Think about the mindset that conceived "Always Think Forfeiture," and believes it's an appropriate government mission statement. Know that BATFU management intends to ingrain it in the minds of its functionaries as indelibly as it is engraved on its self-promoting motivational swag.

Think about it in relation to the Quartering Act that we recalled today--and think of the mindset that views private property as government's to seize and use to further its control.

Now compare it to Founding Era intent:
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men...
Compare it to "the mission statement" described and agreed to in "the supreme law of the land":
...in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity...

These irredeemable thugs don't think they're above the law--they think they are the law.

And make no mistake: this reflects the culture established and encouraged by "Maximum Mike"--the darling of John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and our wonderful "Vote freedom First President."

Have you haven't written your senators yet demanding they oppose Sullivan's confirmation--with the "or else" that you'll oppose them if they don't? You have, right?

As long as I'm chiding, why not put the squeeze on John McCain and tell him it's time to stop ducking the issue?

And finally (you didn't think I was done, did you?), why not report this abuse of plunder to the Office of the Inspector General? If for no other reason than we know that light makes creatures of the dark scurry for cover and it's fun to watch?

[Via Jeffersonian]

This Day in History: March 24

WHEREAS . . . [by the Mutiny Act of 1765] . . . several regulations are made and enacted for the better government of the army, and their observing strict discipline, and for providing quarters for the army, and carriages on marches and other necessary occasions, and inflicting penalties on offenders against the same act, and for many other good purposes therein mentioned; but the same may not be sufficient for the forces that may be employed in his Majesty's dominions in America: and whereas, during the continuance of the said act, there may be occasion for marching and quartering of regiments and companies of his Majesty's forces in several parts of his Majesty's dominions in America: and whereas the publick houses and barracks, in his Majesty's dominions in America, may not be sufficient to supply quarters for such forces: and whereas it is expedient and necessary that carriages and other conveniences, upon the march of troops in his Majesty's dominions in America, should be supplied for that purpose: be it enacted . . .,

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

JPFO and the Inspector

Just popping in for a quick comment--nice to see Aaron got time to post this--it's also nice for you to get some independent confirmation of the goings-on aside from just what I say about it.

Sorry for not answering emails but very limited computer access. Please hold off on them if you can as my hands will be full on my return. All should be back to normal by Monday.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Comments Off

I don't know if it's coincidental with my announcement below, but I just spent 10 minutes I don't have deleting multiple spam comments.

Sorry, but due to time limitations I'm turning comments off pending my ablity to reliably maintain this site. Don't look at it as punishing everyone who didn't do it--look at it as protecting everyone from being exposed to links that will certainly put bad stuff on your machines.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Checking In--And Right Back Out Again

I had an emergency. All is well now, but this is the first chance I've had to post anything. No, the Marshal hasn't dragged me off-yet.

Also, will only have limited computer access for next week and a half. Expect limited posts and please don't expect email replies. Matter of fact, all emails that can be held off, please do. I have almost a hundred waiting for me right now, so multiply that and you'll see why.

OK, Len Savage wasn't on last night's segment--we didn't know how they would edit it--but it was a good piece on Olofson. Len's segment should be on tonight.

Finally, Academics for 2A are off to DC for Heller. Everybody's helped a bit, right, so they don't have to pay for their own airfare?

Back when I'm back.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: LEN SAVAGE ON LOU DOBBS TONIGHT

I just got off the phone with Len Savage.

Lou Dobbs Tonight is featuring him in two segments. Per show producer Chris Murphey:
We will possibly split this story into a two part event…either way we’ll be running something tonight in the show…airs 7P-8p EST on CNN…unsure of the hit time for this piece, but expect it in the first half-hour.

So it may be one segment tonight and another segment tomorrow. Anyway, plan on watching this, or else program your recorder if you can't. Expect legal and technical issues to be explored that you have not seen on "mainstream" television before. At this point, we have every reason to believe the coverage will be fair and comprehensive.

Please take a moment right now and spread the word--to other blogs and to your gun owner friends.

A Republican Wipe Out

You might want to get this going separately (right click, select "Open in New Window")while you read this--just to set the mood).
A proposed law currently making its way through the Florida legislature might help you with what can be an embarrassing problem. Here's the bottom line, the bill would be a mandate that all eating establishment must have enough toilet paper when you go into the restroom.

...State Senator Victor Crist, a Republican from Tampa, felt the problem was so important, a law must be passed to protect the backsides of anyone in Florida.
What is it with tight-a** Republicans and their idiotic repressive edicts lately?

Don't these morons know the only thing supposedly distinguishing them from democrats is...uh...crap like this? The market can't handle this without The Law coming down from On High? But I guess by now we've seen so many of them abuse the Constitution like toilet paper that nothing should surprise us anymore.

Not that I'm calling for it, but the thought just struck: It'd be funny if somebody TP'd this a**wipe's house, wouldn't it? That enough toilet paper for ya there, Victor?

Is The "Individual Right' Theory in Heller vs. DC a Bad Idea?

Our latest Talkin' to America interview with Edwin Vieira, Jr. author and attorney, will give you a different perspective on the Heller case.

Go and give it a listen.

I hear what the guy is saying, but I just don't see how focusing on the militia clause as the guarantee to keep arms can then be employed as a guarantee to bear them outside of being mustered.

I sure wish somebody a lot more educated than I'll ever be about these things would address the legal contentions raised.

[Via Ron W]

Take the Jack LeMoult Challenge

After my father died, friends advised my seventy-year-old mother to get a gun for protection. My brothers and I insisted that she not do so. I told her that if she got a gun, the only thing she would accomplish would be to enable an intruder to take the gun away from her and shoot her with it. I am sure that this would apply to millions of Americans who think that having a gun would provide them with some kind of security. It would do no such thing.

Tell you what, Jack--if you like, I will get a trained and responsible 70-year-old female gun owner, an audience and some cameras, and you can come and show everyone how you can disarm her and use her gun against her.

Don't worry, for the purposes of this demonstration, where you simulate being that home intruder you wrote about, we'll only use Airsoft guns and give you goggles. Because if we were using a real gun, we'd have to get you one of these.

What say we make it interesting: Say, $10,000 if you can do what you say, or you pay me if you can't?

Come on, Jack--I'll put my money where my mouth is. Will you?

We're the Only Ones Rated Enough

MacEntyre tells us not to worry about RateMyCop.com being down. Apparently there is no shortage of police abuse sites (I told you I don't go looking for this stuff):

Communities United Against Police Brutality
October 22nd Coalition
Prison Planet Cop Watch
Refuse & Resist!
Yahoo! Directory: Police Brutality
NoThugCops.com
and one we've talked about before, The Squealing Crybabies who deem not receiving "professional courtesies" an "insult."

Boy, some of these sites make "The Only Ones Files" look like testimonials. No doubt some are suspect just based on blatant leanings, but what the hell--that's what free speech is about, and the credibility they receive should be focused on whether or not the information they convey is true.