A federal agency has halted a controversial program giving agents engraved Leatherman tool kits reminding them to focus on the seizure of private property, after Congressman Bill Sali, (R-Idaho), raised objections.I always preferred monkeywrenches to pliers anyway. A symbolic victory in light of the "long train of abuses," but a significant one nonetheless if for no other reason than to jerk the leash and remind them one exists.
Sali said he will pursue legislation to prevent the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from restarting the marketing program.
Good job, Congressman. Well done.
Any chance we could collect the undistributed tools and melt them into a pro-gun sculpture?
We regret that ATF’s training initiative created a misperception.
ReplyDeleteOh, there is no "misperception." We all have a rather accurate perception, really.
It's way past time to shut the BATFU's Bozo Express down.
Oh, and to whomever alerted Rep. Sali to this issue, well done.
ReplyDeleteMy reps completely ignored me, but they're both libtards anyway, who have always lived their motto:
"Liberty for me, but none for thee."
"But Sali said the “Always Think Forfeiture” motto engraved on agent tools sent the wrong message to law-abiding citizens."
ReplyDeleteI think the actions of ATF agents send the wrong message.
"But I have a problem with a federal agency sending a message, even an unintended one, that law abiding citizens will apparently 'always' be treated the same as criminals.” said Sali."
They have already sent that message loud and clear.
"Because ATF said the program complies with U.S. Department of Justice standards and federal law, Sali said he’s drafting legislation that would prevent ATF from launching similar marketing program."
The only thing he is concerned with is a marketing program?????
"We regret that ATF’s training initiative created a misperception."
Yeah, right!
Come on, Anon. He's concerned with more than that--the guy is "A rated" by GOA.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a little bit of creative individual statecraft, and fun to boot. Rather than having the first reaction being it's not enough, why don't we be pleasantly surprised by an unexpected gift?
Our reps can't and should not have the power to just make things happen all by themselves. We-- each of us-- need to be able to account for just what it is WE'VE done, accomplished, worked toward, sacrificed for, etc., to give them the backing and resources they need to be effective in our name.
I appreciate the symbolic gesture too, but... I can see him issuing THIS memo, in another place and time:
ReplyDeleteGEheimSTAdtsPOlizei will no longer wear the death's-head badge. The message it communicates is counterproductive to their smooth and efficient functioning.
We posted at the same time.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll try not to be so cynical. If I can email him without being a constituent, I will and thank him.
Maybe we have more friends than we know, who are unwilling to show their colors until the time is right.
This story made my day :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna show my age here, but I always liked Firesign Theatre's "Shoes for Industry" (sabotage) motto.
ReplyDeleteJoe:
Hi! I'm Joe Beets. Say, what chance does a returning deceased war veteran have for that good-paying job, more sugar, and the free mule you've been dreaming of? Well, think it over. Then take off your shoes. Now you can see how increased spending opportunities mean harder work for everyone, and more of it, too! So do your part today, Joe. Join with millions of your neighbors and turn in your shoes!
Commercial Voice:
For INDUSTRY!
From Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers! 1970
David,
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm sorry for thinking that this is a small thing.
The list:
Red's Trading Post
KT Ordnance
Cav Arms
Waco
Ruby Ridge
Olofson
You know this is a very short list. Everyone here has been set-up to become the next one. I just don't know how a marketing plan, even one that isn't needed, is a priority.
It just smacks of, "Hey look at what I'm doing for American Freedom".
Yes, I'm pissed. The question I have is if those in Congress can't change this mess, who can?
I know you will say guys like us. But the only way to change this, I think, is violence. I know we don't want that, but what else is left??? Please tell me.
"Because ATF said the program complies with U.S. Department of Justice standards and federal law, Sali said he’s drafting legislation that would prevent ATF from launching similar marketing program."
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Sali. He did good.
However, let me take the moment to respond to something. Just because the "ATF says so" doesn't make it so. They should state, with particularity, which law says they can do what they are claiming they can do. Without it, they cannot.
Hey David, I have a better idea. How about getting rid of the BATFE and then melting down all the BATFE agents guns and make a pro-gun sculpture?
ReplyDeleteWhy melt the guns down? Why can't we have them?
ReplyDeleteHey anon, you forgot an important name from that list: Wayne Fincher.
ReplyDeleteI stipulate it IS a small thing, anon, I said as much. It's symbolic.
ReplyDeleteAnd I trust you've been around WoG long enought to know I've covered most of your list as much, if not more, than anybody else.
In terms of what else is left, I don't know, and can't say what your part will be. What have you tried, how long have you been doing it and how much harder are you willing to work?
What else is left after that? Again, beats me. I'm doing what I can with what I've got. If you expect me to start talking violence without the benefit of your anonymity, I can't go there for you because I wouldn't last long.
I want you to take a look at today's "This Day in History." I do this feature for a reason. How is where you're situated similar or different to where Hannastown was in 1775? Who in your town would embrace talk of resistance, and who on the council would vote to form a defense association?
That's what it takes. That's why David Young drew the distinction between insurrection and a revolution.
It's good that you're pissed. You oughtta be. You don't think I'm pissed? Or all the regulars here?
Don't overlook the small things like this, anon. Anything that breaks the momentum, shakes the confidence, makes them give pause, is a good thing. Anything that brings a bit of cheer to us and demonstrates to all that the false gods are fallible is a good thing.
It's not the be-all-end-all, but everything doesn't need to be. It's just a brick. We're still working on the wall.
Thing is, and man, this is getting too long for a simple blog post about derailing the BATFU pliers program, an armed citizenry ought to deter violence--just as it gives an individual pause, this also works on a societal level. It's only when we're increasingly disarmed that the danger level for violence on a much larger scale goes critical.
Mike, you're dealing with someone who knows Fudd's First Law of Opposition, as well as Teslacle's Deviant.
ReplyDeleteDwarf, "featuring honest stories of working people, as told by rich Hollywood stars," was my favorite, although Nick Danger runs a close second.
And you have no idea how many times I've been tempted to use "Eat flaming death, fascist media pigs," but figured it would be misinterpreted. I may start doing it anyway, with an asterisk to explain.
I'm sure no no one besides me and you knows what the hell I am talking about at this point.
God, I am such a nerd. I can also do Star Trek quotes from shows I haven't seen in decades.
Well, this is a small thing, but this is just another swipe at the ATF by the entire state of Idaho, apparently. Both Idaho senators are holding up Mike Sullivan's nomination as head of ATF because of their displeasure with some of his views and also as a protest against the general practices of the ATF, particularly regarding some firearms dealers in their state. Idaho is sending a strong message that they don't like the way the ATF operates.
ReplyDeleteSend him a thank-you.
ReplyDeleteC.H.
Stephen said...
ReplyDeleteWhy melt the guns down? Why can't we have them?
5/16/2008 5:26 PM
Hang around, Stephen. If things keep up the way they've been going, you'll be able to pick up nice shiny one owner MP-5s off the ground. The only thing is, they won't cost you money but they won't be free either. -- Mike Vanderboegh
PS to David:
This land is made of mountains,
This land is made of mud,
This land has lots of everything
For me and Elmer Fudd.
This land has lots of trousers,
This land has lots of Mausers,
And pussy cats to eat them
when the sun goes down!
Boys:
ReplyDeleteNo anchovies? You've got the wrong man....I spell my name "Danger"!
Nick Danger - Part 1
Nick Danger - Part 2
Nick Danger - Part 3
Sincerely,
Regnad Kcin
PS: There's plenty of tears ahead. Taking a moment to laugh at the absurdity of Firesign Theatre leaves me, at least, invigorated for another day of struggle and preparation.
Besides, laughing at a bunch of hapless thugs (e.g., David's post re the out-of-bladder-control ATF inspector at Red's) is almost certainly as upsetting to the JBTs as other forms of "expression".
Cabinboy,
ReplyDeleteYou are 100% dead on. Perhaps I should craft an essay on broad bottomed ATF thuglets and such. Delegitimizing oppressive regimes through laughter has a long tradition. Hmmm. If anyone would like to forward anecdotes for a future Vanderboegh essay along those lines, please do. GeorgeMason1776@aol.com