Majority Rule

Wilkinson said elected officials are in a better position to determine gun laws than the courts.

Yeah, leave it up to Carolyn McCarthy and Alcee Hastings to pick and choose from the rights menu! And in other areas, elected officials can roll back proscriptions on slavery, bring back official state religion, etc., etc.

Here's living proof that republican presidents don't necessarily make good judicial picks. If you don't mind, Wilkie-boy, I'll defer to a superior jurist on this, William Rawle, who wrote:

No clause in the Constitution could by any rule of construction be conceived to give the Congress a power to disarm the people. Such a flagitious attempt could only be made under a general pretence by a state legislature. But if in any pursuit of an inordinate power either should attempt it, this amendment may be appealed to as a restraint on both.

But duck out on the last means of peaceable redress if you will, judge. Gee, what could possibly go wrong with that plan?

Cloistered elitist moron.

[Via Mack H]

A Plan to Stop Cops from Harassing Openly Carrying Gun Owners in Ohio

Get on the ground, an officer ordered, forcing the surprised group to set aside their drinks and hit the sidewalk belly-down. An officer began searching one of Llewellyn's friends before abruptly ending the suspense and demanding to know who had the gun. [More]

We had this happen in Willowick a while back and it looks like Ohio cops still aren't getting the message--in spite of the chief notifying the Attorney General. Sure, she put out a booklet with a brief mention on page 18, but that's a far cry from positively ensuring that the law is understood by those tasked with enforcing it. Matter of fact, with the "If you openly carry, use caution" recommendation, that puts the burden solely on the citizen.

And that's the best our gun rights leaders have given us, too :

State law does not prohibit the open carrying of firearms except in certain locations, but a person should exercise caution when carrying a firearm in public.

As we've repeatedly seen, one can exercise all the caution in the world and still end up on the floor--or worse. That's not good enough. Those who get paid to enforce the law have a responsibility to know just what it is they can and cannot enforce in this regard--especially since it creates the potential for a lethal encounter.

They don't have a right to put us at risk like that. It needs to stop. Starting today.

What follow is a rough draft of sorts on how this could be done. Thing is, I won't be the one doing it. My plate is already full. Which means it probably won't be.

But I'd start out with a letter to the AG, return receipt requested, putting her on notice with something along these lines:

[Date]

Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers
State of Ohio Office of the Attorney General
30 E. Broad St., 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Subject: Law Enforcement and Ohio Open Carry of Firearms

Dear Attorney General Rogers,

Over two months after Willowick Police Chief Michael Lazor's letter to you on the subject of open carry of firearms, I am still reading news accounts of police officers harassing citizens for it. This creates a dangerous and intolerable risk for citizens and a not undeserved liability for Ohio law enforcement agencies.

It is incumbent on you as the highest law enforcement executive in the state to rectify this, especially since you cannot claim you're not aware that risks exist. I am prepared to spearhead a project to try to notify every police chief and sheriff in the state via the enclosed return receipt letter.

But that's really not my job, that's yours. I'm calling on you to notify every police chief and sheriff in the state as to the legality of open firearm carry in Ohio. You have the resources and the staff to accomplish this with just one order. And law enforcement heads will heed you--with me, there's no such guarantee.

Consider this your notice that dangerous deficiencies exist within Ohio law enforcement as to the proper understanding and application of state law. Should you now fail to act on this, and should any citizen suffer any harm as a result of your lack and/or thoroughness of action, a copy of this letter and the USPS return receipt will serve as documentation that you were notified of your obligation and, with negligence and/or deliberate indifference, did not fulfill it.

Sincerely,

[Name and Address]

Enclosure

The enclosure form letter she'd get a copy of follows. This is something that would need to be sent to every LEO head in the state--by return receipt mail in order to create a documented record that they have received notice. As such, whoever took on this project would probably need to raise a thousand dollars or so for postage, plus have the time and resources to customize each letter with the appropriate chief/sheriff, department and address, and go to the post office to fill out the return receipt forms and mail them. Here's where you'd get that information from (and these may need to be verified as current and complete).

[Date]

[To: Title/Department/Address]

Subject: Ohio Open Carry of Firearms

Dear_____,

Recent incidents where citizens carrying firearms in an open manner have been detained by police make it evident that uniform training does not exist throughout the state of Ohio to inform officers of the law, what they are authorized to enforce, and what they have no authority to challenge.

Per the Ohio State Attorney General:

"Open Carry
Ohio's concealed carry laws do not regulate "open" carry of firearms...The open carry of firearms is a legal activity in Ohio." (Source: "Ohio's Concealed Carry Law," State of Ohio, Office of the Attorney General, http://ag.state.oh.us/le/prevention/pubs/200808_ccw_book.pdf )

The legal burden of proving innocence should not fall on citizens exercising rights over which your department has no legal authority. This creates a dangerous situation. Citizens who are not violating any laws could get hurt or worse, and your officers and management could be held liable for damages.

It is up to your officers to know what laws they have authority to enforce, and not to attempt enforcement activity for which they have no legal authority. It is your responsibility to ensure they are properly trained in this regard.

This letter serves as formal notice that you must learn the law regarding open carry in Ohio and ensure those under your command have been properly trained to understand it as well.

Should you fail to do this, and should any citizen suffer any harm as a result of your lack and/or thoroughness of action, a copy of this letter and the USPS return receipt will serve as documentation for any and all plaintiffs that you were notified of your obligation and, with negligence and/or deliberate indifference, did not fulfill it.

Sincerely,

[Name and Address]

I think it's not a bad little project, and something a team of volunteers could do it in very little time and for very little effort and expense--a bang for the buck kind of effort. I'd think each county should have someone who takes charge and assumes responsibility for getting it done in that area. Larger counties would need a couple of volunteers.

If I had one dedicated week and the postage, I could do the whole job myself. But, like I said, I'm already more than occupied.
If enough Ohio volunteers contact me, I'll put you in touch with each other and offer general help, but I'm not prepared to solicit funds and administer a project. I'd really prefer to see some grassroots gun group take this on and make it their own. And the thing is, it could also be emulated in other states that have similar open carry issues.

Any bets on whether or not this will just turn out to be a[nother] theoretical exercise in what might have been?

[Via Fat White Man]

We're the Only Ones In Pocket Enough

POCKET GUIDE TO OFFICER’S RIGHTS IN DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIONS AND CRITICAL INCIDENTS

Hey, whaddya know? "Only Ones" under investigation are advised not to talk to the authorities!

That's something to remember if you're ever asked what you have to hide if you're not doing anything wrong.

SWAT Deployed as Armed Student Sighting Prompts Lockdown at Bear Country School

When Ferdy the nerd gets paired with Too-Tall the jock in an assignment to study inventions, the one subject they can agree on is guns. While Ferdy's interest is strictly intellectual, Too-Tall's is, unfortunately, basically bang-bang. Things come to a head at Bear Country School when Too-Tall brings in a monster squirt gun that looks an awful lot like the real thing. The whole class learns a valuable lesson: in the wrong hands, guns can be bad business--whether they are real or not.

As we all know, gentlebears prefer blonds. Unarmed ones.

If you have any youngsters you're thinking of buying books for, avoid the wimpy, cloying and ultimately subversive Bear-stains.

A Spark Yet Glows

There are now 2 options for self-defence in Britain -

1. Allow the police to protect you. You can call the police when attacked and pray that they will arrive on the scene within seconds, in order to save you. If you survive the attack you can then give them a statement from your hospital bed, and hope the attackers will be quickly arrested.

2. The second option is to fight back and reclaim our streets by arming ourselves and giving the criminals something to be worried about, such as a serious risk of injury or death if they attack. In this instance we would be able to defend ourselves effectively, whilst we wait for the police to attend. We would not be putting our lives in the hands of people who are unable, or unwilling, to protect us.

Wouldn't it be loverly to think that we might be witnessing the birth of a movement?

[Via End the War on Freedom]

A 'Gun-Demic'

Early Sunday, just hours after Mount Vernon's brand new gun checkpoints closed for the night, a teen-age father was shot to death while standing on his front porch...

A 'gun-demic'?

Do these people ever listen to themselves?

Hey--stellar job with those thug-demic checkpoints, though.

The Process of Erosion

Finland has introduced stricter rules on gun permits, following a school shooting in which 11 people died.

Handgun permits would no longer be granted to first-time applicants, the interior ministry said.

Instead, they must train for at least a year at a gun club before being allowed to apply for a permit.

And when that doesn't work, they'll pile even more restrictions on.

The Good Old Days are Gone

"Nobody's safe now," she said. "What happened to the good old days? We used to play cowboys and Indians and walk down the street pretending to shoot each other. Now, kids can't do that any more without having the street all barricaded."

Don't you understand? The world has changed. There's no room for people like you any more.

It's up to us to make room.

Healy Loses Another One: Refuses to Throw in Towel

"We will not rest until we have taken this step forward so we can make our city and our state as safe as we possibly can," Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy said Monday at a news conference at City Hall.

So we can expect mass resignations or what?

And why is it that people who can't control themselves are so bent on controlling the rest of us?

Have another drink, Jerry. And put the damn towel back on.

Desperate Measures

A new city law requiring gun owners to notify police when their weapon is lost or stolen will help police track down the "bad guy with guns" Baltimore City Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III said yesterday.

Oh, it will not either, you pompous buffoon.

This is transparent posturing for the press--making it seem like you're doing something without admitting you're totally in over your thick-skulled head on what to do about this. You idiots haven't got a clue--or if you do, you're making sure it stays buried. And you're willing to crush the freedom of every single one of your countrymen to keep your place at the trough.

Still, when you're in the protection rackets, it's not like a certain level of threat isn't good for "business"...

We're the Only Ones First Doing No Harm Enough

"Under a new government decree, the cabinet has directed that each doctor may carry one weapon for self defence," the government said in a statement.

Doctors as "Only Ones." But it's not like their lives as human beings are more valuable than anyone else's (although I'm sure many would disagree)--it's just that their lives are more valuable to the state.

And let's not forget who owns whom.

Still, I take it nobody consulted the AMA on this?

Sticker Shock

Thomas H emailed this to me:

Fellow in a 7 series BMW cut off my friend M*** this Saturday, stopping in front of him, crossing three lanes to do so, in Austin "Texas", to give him a double handed bird sign through his sunroof because M*** has NRA and GOA stickers on his truck and the fellow in the 7 series also shouted expletives.

Irrational in general, and extremely irrational considering M*** is a Texas CHL holder, ex-Nam paddy walker, Ex-LEO and any physical road rage would have been dealt with with 230 grainers if forced.

And us gun owners are extremist? Gimme a break... Pot, kettle...black.

We're the Only Ones Who Get Up Early to Beat the Crowds Enough

To celebrate their attacks on protesters at the Democratic convention the head gang had a T-shirt printed up. The local CBS outlet describes the shirt as having “a menacing-looking police figure, wearing what looks like a Denver police badge and clutching a baton.” Along with this menacing figure is the slogan the police find just so amusing: “WE GET UP EARLY, to BEAT the crowds.” [More]

Nice attitude, "Only Ones." Here's the shirt:


William N. Grigg has lots more. Make sure you read it all and watch the videos.

Chilling. Enraging.

As long as we're free to joke, ha ha, I've designed a shirt of my own:

Think they'd accept that this is just a humorous way to build camaraderie?

[Via Plug Nickel Times and Mama Liberty]

This Day in History: September 30

I cannot but congratulate the Honorable Congress on the happy Temper of the Canadians and Indians, our Accounts of which are now fully confirmed by some intercepted Letters from Officers in Cannada to General Gage and others in Boston, which were found on Board the Vessel lately taken going into Boston with a Donation of Cattle and other fresh Provisions for the Ministerial Army...

The Militia is You

Buy a gun.

And learn how to use it.

[Via Carl S]

Case Studies in Civil Disobedience

The Radical Cleric

Michael Pfleger and about 50 supporters locked arms and blocked metal detectors and elevators inside a state building in downtown Chicago to highlight their cause Wednesday...

Protestors are calling for an assault weapon ban and stricter background checks for people wanting to buy guns.

Another Radical Cleric

Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmental crusader Al Gore urged young people on Wednesday to engage in civil disobedience to stop the construction of coal plants without the ability to store carbon.

So both of them encourage breaking laws they don't like until more government controls over private lives and activities are implemented. Snuffy even "said he succeeded in everything except getting arrested," and could Reuters have stuck their nose any further up Gore's uh...carbon emitter?

On the surface, civil disobedience sounds like a fine continuation of an American tradition. What was Thoreau's major premise in his defining work?

"That government is best which governs least"...

OK, so what happens when someone who's not connected suggests he'd like to disregard laws he opposes just like the big boys--and does so to call for less government instead of more?

Oh. Never mind.

Challenging BS

This year, her Republican opponent, Mineola Village Mayor Jack Martins, is promising to make McCarthy's long tenure in Congress - rather than her newness - the main issue in the campaign. With a well-funded campaign, Martins may prove McCarthy's most serious challenge in years.

What, old BS (Barrel Shroud) McCarthy has some competition?

Thing is, I looked at this guy Martins' campaign site and elsewhere on the web. I can't find anything that suggests he gives a damn about RKBA.

Anybody know different? Or are the Republicans giving us more BS of their own?

Essential Standards

The Police Department here shut down its crime laboratory on Thursday after an audit uncovered serious errors in numerous cases. The audit said sloppy work had probably resulted in wrongful convictions, and officials expect a wave of appeals in cases that the laboratory processed...

The inspection found that the laboratory’s firearms unit was in compliance with just 42 percent of “essential standards"...

One word: Detroit.

The areas in this country with the heaviest government influence and controls are so screwed up. Why on earth would anyone propose more of it for us all as the solution?

Oh.

Cause and Effect

As economy sours, gun sales boom

Gee, I wonder why?

Overkill

Tacking on gun charges for those who face murder, robbery and assault charges may strike some as overkill. It's not.

I'd say that depends.

If the gun allows me to victimize more people, punish me for that.

But like "hate crimes," whether I kill you because you're black or white, or with a brick or a gun, you're going to be just as dead.

And what may seem like self defense in your eyes may be portrayed to a jury as an assault or murder.

Mount Vernon to Stage Flash Points

Police will begin staging gun checkpoints at the city's borders tonight as a way to curb violence in the city, officials said yesterday...

[O]fficers will stop cars and talk to drivers about antiviolence, the Mount Vernon and county gun programs and even ask if people are carrying illegal firearms, Chong said. He added that the checkpoints will be similar to DWI checkpoints.

"We are not going to violate anyone's civil rights, but there has to be a very strong and clear message. Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear," Young said.

Yeah, as long as you let us temporarily take you hostage and act with appropriate servile obedience, we'll maybe let you live.

But if you act like a free man, well, we're going to have us a problem. Besides--what have you got to hide?

Everybody still believe "it" can't happen in America?

The Bloomberg Collection

He marketed a line of bright colors called the "Bloomberg Collection," sold hundreds of graffiti-style patterns for five-borough themed machine guns, and just introduced a bright-red shade called "Furious Mike." [More]

I like this guy's attitude.

Maybe he can also develop a color for Bloomberg's Reich Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, Jason Post.

Some shade of yellow...

Lingering Questions

New York's 7-year-old database of handgun "fingerprints" has yet to lead to a criminal prosecution, and questions linger about its effectiveness. Still, state police remain committed to the database, saying more time and a long-awaited link to a federal ballistics database could bring success.

"Questions linger"?

I have no lingering questions. The thing's a damned boondoggle, but one politicians find gives them cover for "doing something."

Anybody have any lingering questions?

The only lingering questions the "committed" cops have are:What, are you NUTS? Why would we get rid of this sweet funding scam?

The excuses they're giving now ought to play for a couple more years, assuming the economy doesn't totally blow out. And if it does, I imagine police funding will be a priority anyway.

[Via Zachary G]

Viscous Animals

It's time for people to snitch on criminals instead of protecting viscous animals that prey on law-abiding citizens...

Sure thugs are committing crimes with firearms, but if it was tougher to purchase a weapon, maybe these animals wouldn't be able to acquire a gun as easily as buying a pack of gum...

And why do people need assault weapons? For hunting? Ever see what an M-16 does to a deer?

So far, all comments seem to be slapping this fool silly. Here's mine:

Viscous Animals?

What, you mean like cytoplasm-filled amoebas?

This has got to be one of the most moronic, disjointed and ignorant opinion pieces I've yet run across, and I've been reading 'em for decades. No wonder the byline has been left blank.

No--I've never seen what an M16 does to a deer. When did you? Or are you just thinking yourself clever?

You want to know what more and more Americans are tired of tolerating? Know-nothing blowhards like you presuming to have a say on our rights.

Feel free to slap him around a bit yourself--I doubt we'll rattle any sense into him, but sometimes, just having fun is enough.

We're the Only Ones Stressed Out Enough

Stressed-out officer shot dead after gun rampage
Officer kills colleague, wounds two others

And who better to be an "Only One" than someone "showing signs of severe stress and paranoia"?

True "Home Rule"

Prior to the officers arriving, police say the suspect forced his way into the victim's home. The victim attempted to evade the suspect by retreating into a bedroom. The suspect followed her and she fatally shot him.

Too bad the Brady Campaign's "home rule" (you know, the one where the government rules your home?) wasn't in effect--then she might be dead.

[Via Featherless Biped]

We're the Only Ones Electrifying Everyone Enough

"As the brother was getting tased the dad approached asked them to stop tasing his son, then they started tasing the dad at that time there were three cops tasing two people who were already on the floor," said witness Janine Esquivel.

Hardly shocking behavior for the "Only Ones"...

[Via Dave Licht]

This Day in History: September 29

I have no notion of being hanged for half treason. When a subject draws his sword against his prince, he must cut his way through, if he means afterward to sit down in safety.
Colonel Joseph Reed, to Mr. Pettit, September 29, 1775

Great Expectations

Really, David. I expected better from Bracken, and I certainly expected better from you.

Commentator Joel expresses disappointment with racial theme elements in the "Foreign Enemies" online sample.

Author Matthew Bracken responds:

I’m not sure what politically correct planet Joel hails from, or if he has some other axe to grind, but I’m confused by his comments. He begins by referring to “all those EEEVIL dirty brown people” in Domestic Enemies. Was he referring to the heroine, the Arab-American Ranya Bardiwell? Or perhaps to the hero, Alexandro Garabanda, a Cuban-American? Domestic Enemies is set in the future in New Mexico, during a period when the Southwest is fracturing away from the United States. Yes, plenty of bad guys in the novel are Hispanic. Plenty of the good guys are as well. Perhaps if I had set the novel in North Dakota, and invented an immigration invasion by Canadians leading to…never mind. You get my point. If I’m going to write reality-based fiction about the breakup of the USA, set in the Southwest, it’s going to be pretty hard to avoid some Hispanic bad guys. Sorry Joel, if that offends your PC sensibilities. (And don’t hold your breath waiting for my novel about North Dakota.)

As far as cannibalism occurring three weeks after the complete cutoff of Memphis from the outside world, following a Richter level eight earthquake—yes Joel, that would happen. Spend a little time researching such disasters. People don’t quietly starve, while calmly sitting at home. The young and the strong quickly revert to cannibalism in the face of the total cutoff of other sources of food. History shows this, over and over. In the posted excerpt, there is one case of cannibalism described, in a city of over a million inhabitants.

Considering that you found the internet posted sections of Domestic Enemies to be full of “all those EEEVIL dirty brown people,” (despite the ethnicity of the heroes and its Southwestern setting), I’m not surprised that you would compare the posted excerpt from Foreign Enemies to the infamous white racist screed, “The Turner Diaries.” Perhaps you stopped reading these excerpts, before you got to the story of Web Hardesty? He is a white racist villain of the first order, using the breakdown of law and order following the earthquake to engage in a vendetta against African-Americans and Hispanics in Western Tennessee. I’ll say it in your terms: Web Hardesty is an “EEEVIL dirty white person.”

In Foreign Enemies, a rough sort of race war is introduced as one of several background plot elements. Blacks and whites are portrayed in both heroic and evil roles. Perhaps you are simply offended that I would dare to suggest that a complete breakdown in the social order would lead to racial atrocities being committed on all sides? If so, I would suggest that you are a Pollyanna, inhabiting the lofty airs of politically correct thought, viewing the world through rose-colored glasses.

Forgive me if I don’t think that folks will be holding hands and singing Kumbaya, three weeks after an earthquake wrecks most of the bridges between Little Rock, Saint Louis and Nashville. In Memphis, after three weeks with no food, drinking water, electricity or gas, I believe that we would see many of the worst traits that humanity has demonstrated under similar circumstances down through the ages.

I don’t expect that Joel will be reading Foreign Enemies, after he saw “all those EEEVIL dirty brown people” in Domestic Enemies, (in spite of the fact that the heroes are themselves “brown people.”) But for anyone else who read and enjoyed my first two novels, I make this promise: Foreign Enemies ends with a positive resolution of most of the various crises described. This includes a racial reconciliation by several of the characters, who had come to distrust members of differing ethnicities.

And please don’t get the idea that Foreign Enemies is primarily about racial conflict. That is merely one of the plot elements, in a novel that is mainly about the total usurpation of the Constitution by a rogue President and Congress.

Matt Bracken

Florida

The Buck Stops There

Gov. Brian Schweitzer believes a university system policy banning those with concealed weapons permits from bringing guns on college campuses conflicts with state law, his campaign spokesman said Friday.

The issue arose the night before in a debate with Schweitzer's Republican challenger, state Sen. Roy Brown. During the debate, Brown said it was wrong that those with permits to carry guns could not do so on college campuses...

The Montana Board of Regents, however, has a policy restricting firearms to law enforcement and other officials.

There's something to be said about political rivals arguing over who is the bigger gun rights supporter. And also, lest we become too assured, something to keep an eye on and question more deeply.

Thing is, you can't shove all blame off on the Board of Regents, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate.

Well, gee, our underlings decided and now our hands are tied.

Right.

That ain't where the buck stops.

Bought and Paid For

The buyback is being financed by $50,000 in assets forfeited through seizures from drug investigations and other crimes.

So it's all good, right? And we don't need to think through any deeper implications...?

Ballpark Franks

The discovery of several hot dogs in packages outside Citizens Bank Park brought the bomb squad out and forced the temporary evacuation of the stadium Wednesday evening.

Between scary hot dogs in Philly and Lite Brite Mooninites in Boston, let's take a moment to be thankful we have an all-pervasive government to protect us from such horrors--that is, to protect us from ourselves.

This Day in History: September 28

The enquiry into the Conduct of Dr. Church, Director General of the hospital, and the respective Regimental Surgeons, being finished in the four Brigades in and near Cambridge, conformable to the General Orders of the 7th Instant -- The same is to take place to morrow in Bridgr. Genl. Thomas's brigade, and in Brigadier Genl. Spencer's brigade on saturday.

They Do it Because They Can

Pirates who seized a Ukrainian ship laden with tanks off the Horn of Africa are seeking ransom and have anchored close to the Somali shore...

I don't suppose anyone has thought of offering bounties, and unleashing the power of private[er] enterprise...?

A Snitch You Can Trust

Terzano was arguing that informants whose testimony will be compensated by money, reduced charges or more lenient sentences for other crimes they've committed should be subjected to a pre-trial reliability hearing in which a judge, outside the purview of the jury, makes an independent determination whether the informant is a reliable source.

I like the idea of determining snitch credibility, especially with such classy characters as Letcher Gray out there. But my distrust of judge credibility is strong enough to make me question why the vetting doesn't take place in front of the jury.

[Via Cris C]

We're the Only Ones Handicapped Enough

A Cook County sheriff's officer who parked his squad car in a disabled parking space was busted Wednesday by a teenage photographer who caught him in the act.

What? Edicts you and I must obey apply to "Only Ones"?

I don't know what the big deal is though. It sounds like he is disabled.

[Via David H]

We're the Only Ones Anchored Enough

A former police sergeant who is married to a television news anchor admitted in court Friday that he used his authority to have sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl.

Hmmm. What does "There was never intercourse" remind me of?

I hope his 17-second unconditional discharge* was worth the one-year conditional one.

I can't help but notice this marriage is the perfect illustration of the "public/private partnership" between "Only Ones" and "Authorized Journalists."

[Via OrangeNeckinNY]

*

My Kind of Dealership

I wonder if they're "certified pre-owned"?

You'll note Joe Arpaio's "War on Drugs" tank--Dan S, who sent me this link tells me "that it is actually nonoperational (engine removed at least) and that it is used as a mobile DARE classroom. They just tow this thing around with a mil surplus heavy equipment transport that operates in the gallons per mile range to try and tell kids not to do drugs."

I wouldn't mind having an M109 with all the options, assuming, of course, I had the wherewithal to keep it maintained and running. It seems a bit much for routine drug dealer harassment, but I can think of other deployment scenarios.

As an aside, I didn't watch the debates last night--I don't have much tolerance for beauty pageants, and besides, Kelly's Heroes, featuring some fun tank action with Shermans and Tigers, was on the commercial-free classic movie channel.

So Much for "Home Rule"

Philadelphia officials cannot enact gun laws tougher than Pennsylvania's law, a state appeals court ruled Friday in throwing out city ordinances that included limiting gun purchases to one a month and banning assault weapons.

Good. And just in time for the race war.

But let's not forget that preemption carries its own dangers.

[Via SameNoKami]

Britons Should Be Subjected

Britons should be subjected to random carbon spotchecks and intensive surveillance of their diets, transport and waste disposal habits, says the Government's architecture and design quango in a new report today.

The word "monitoring" occurs 19 times in the 32-page publication by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). If the proposals in the report What Makes An Eco Town?are implemented few aspects of life will go unrecorded.

I guess the enlightened national socialists need to evaluate the herd so they can--once total control is established--scientifically determine the optimum centrally-planned breeding and culling options. It's not like anyone is equipped to say "No."

The tyranny is almost complete.

I would be inclined to cooperate with the waste reporting requirement--perhaps even volunteer a little extra uh...quantifiable data.

[Via Zachary G]

Respectfully, Michael J. DeLeo

There's nothing respectful about it. It's an act of arrogance and contempt.

A fund has been established to help her fight this outrage.

[Via Mike H]

Gunman at Large

Two men gunned down at in a drive-by attack at a bus stop near the Metro Blue Line Station at Compton Boulevard were identified today as detectives sought their killer...

The gunman responsible for Tuesday night's violence, which also left two women and one man wounded, remained at large...

I can't figure out how this happened. First off, ordinary Comptonians can't get carry permits, and second, there are locked storage requirements for non-permittees in vehicles that require ammo is kept separately from the gun.

Next thing you're going to tell me is the shooter got his gun "illegally" and he's a "prohibited person. "

I guess if "Authoritah" can't stop bad things from happening in advance, if they're not there to protect people during, and if they can't catch the bad guy after, keeping people like us from having any control of the situation at all times is the next best thing. Or something like that.

This Day in History: September 27

Amos Brown of Capt. Wilders Company in Col. Whitcomb's Regiment, tried at a General Court Martial whereof Col. Bridge was Presdt. for "mutinous and abusive language."

The Court are unanimously of opinion the prisoner is not guilty and therefore acquit the prisoner.

The Indirectotron 9000

I keep noticing a strange referral link for today's site visitors:


Here's where it goes:


Here's the post people are being warned about.

I wonder who could be doing that--and why.

BREAKING NEWS: Innocent on All Charges

An emotional Leonard Elliott left his chair, walked across the room and knelt down to embrace his wheelchair-bound father as the court clerk read the jury’s verdict...

The father and son, owners of the former Bacon Creek Gun Shop in Corbin, which closed in 2007, were charged with selling firearms to a person they knew to be a convicted felon and falsifying records required to be maintained by federally licensed firearms dealers.

Here's the email announcement from Leonard Elliott:

Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:14:31 -0400
To: Trial Blog
From: Leonard Elliott
Subject: WE WON!!!!!!!

GREETINGS TO ALL,

First, thanks to everyone for their support and prayers in our apx. 3 year battle with BATF. The trial lasted 3 days. Dad and I were found not guilty on all counts. You should have seen the ATF agent Thomas Chittum!!!!!!. He exited the courtroom immediately and left!!!!!!!! All of us were very emotional, as you can expect. Glory to GOD for his presence and prayers from everyone!!!!!! To those on our blog involved in Gun Rights support, I will mail you copies of the trial from the local newspaper next week. The odds to get a Not Guilty verdict in Federal Court is less than 10%. Our attorneys, David Hoskins of Corbin and Gary Crabtree of London were outstanding!!!!! I hope that this sends BATF a message, but this
industry still has a continous fight with them. Again, Thanks to all for your PRAYERS !!!!!!!

GOD Bless All,

Leonard
BACON CREEK GUN SHOP
CORBIN, KY.

Right on the heels of Jim's Gun Jobbery. Hey BATFU, it looks like the courts are wising up to you.

Tom Chittum, Shelby Slone and Snitch...uh...Letcher Gray: Sucks to be you.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a Trademark Violation!

I just sent the following email to DC Comics:

I'm writing to determine if there have been any changes to your Rights and Permission guidelines, or alternately, if your trademark/copyright claims on the Superman "S" symbol have expired.

If so, I'd like to use the famous shield to advance MY political agenda. If not, you should be aware that Rep. Alcee Hastings is using the symbol to promote the "Hastings Heroes" section on his website (scroll about halfway down the left sidebar). Your guidleines specifically exclude: "government, or other political organizations, or requests of a military, governmental or political nature."

I'll be following this on The War on Guns blog, and we'll be checking back on Rep. Hastings' site to report if you continue allowing him to use your property without acknowledgement and for political purposes.

David Codrea

It's all part of my "CUM ULLA SELLA IN PUGNO TABERNA" philosophy. Admittedly, it's a small harassment of that racist mudhead Hastings, but enjoyable, nonetheless to set left upon left and then sit back and watch the fun.

We'll see if DC replies--and if Alcee's website gets a sudden make-over.

Let the Games Begin

The Concord team won three of the seven challenges. They were: "Jungle Trail," where participants run through a winding downhill course through a wooded area and then shoot at targets; "Team Assault," where teams of two run through a short obstacle course and then shoot at targets with a handgun and submachine gun; and "Long Gun," where snipers shoot at targets from 50 yards to 300 yards away.

Interesting, but they could make the competition categories more practical. How about "Wrong House Raid," or "Pooch Blast" or something more real world?

[Via Dave Licht]

Urban Policy

Address Gun Violence in Cities: As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn't have them. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.

So much for the lie that he's really gun-friendly and the NRA ad is false.

Also so much for the lie that he wants one set of controls for cities and one for rural areas--as everything mentioned here would be implemented on a national level, regardless of where you live.

[Via M. Terry and M.R. Jarrell]

More Democrats Wanted: Inquire Within

Hoping to boost voter turnout in a historic presidential election year, civil rights groups and other advocacy organizations are trying to get as many ex-felons as possible to cast ballots in November.

How about RKBA, too? I mean, if they're rehabilitated enough to select laws I must obey and men to rule over me, why would I not trust them with a gun?

Criminal democrats. No wonder the party loves citizen disarmament so.

[Via Mack H]

Truth in Advertising

Obama’s lawyer threatens TV stations that run NRA ad

Here's the opening salvo.

Here's the return fire.

One of the favorite projections of the left is that 2A advocates only focus on guns and ignore the rest of the Bill of Rights.

As we can see, except when it advances a subversive agenda, they have about as much respect for the First Amendment as they do the Second.

[Via Daniel M]

We're the Only Ones Revoking Enough

A woman’s concealed-weapons permit was revoked after other parents complained about seeing her carrying a loaded handgun at her 5-year-old daughter’s soccer game...

DeLeo cited a section of state law that bars the issuance of concealed-weapons permits to people who are deemed a danger to public safety based on their character and reputation. Hain showed poor judgment by wearing her gun at the game, he said.

My, aren't the Lebanon sheep well trained?

Understand, of course, if DeLeo wears his gun at a game, neither his judgment, character and reputation nor public safety will be deemed endangered--because DeLeo is a highly trained, morally superior, extra super special "Only One" with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.

If you like, you can email the sheriff and ask him just what magic he possesses that makes him better than you. Either that or you can tell him what an arrogant punk he is.

This is what happens when you cede authority to another to dispense permissions for your rights.

[Via Jeffersonian]

The Court of Public Opinion Makers

Until and unless journalists improve their performance, far more innocent people will be imprisoned than the criminal justice system seems likely ever to acknowledge. The logical extension of the preceding statement seems obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: Unless journalists get better at covering the justice system, many criminals will continue to go unpunished, free to murder or rape or rob again.

Heavens! Does this mean that gun owners, among others, can be convicted in the media with sensationalism, ignorance and hysteria?

I'm pessimistic that positive change will happen unless a greater portion of the general populace becomes aware and jealous of their rights, creating a competitive market demand for it. Until then, the government/"Authorized Journalist" public/private partnership will continue the fraud.

[Via oldblinddog]

This Day in History: September 26

In Philadelphia, John Hancock writes to Washington on behalf of the Continental Congress asking him to prepare winter quarters for his men. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina makes a motion to have Washington discharge "all the Negroes as well Slaves as Freemen in his Army." The motion fails.

Dealer Motes/BATFU Beams

In a major victory for those of us arguing that the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) is insufficient for criminal proceedings, Dr. Fritz Scheuren, “the” statistician in the United States (possibly the world), today informed the 10th District Court that the NFRTR is insufficient for criminal proceedings. [More]

Here's a letter from Dr. Scheuren to the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science,and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations about "inaccuracies in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) data system maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)."

This is an interesting speculation, complete with a workaround:

If the US loses this case, there is some speculation on whether the BATFE will seek to appeal the decision because an appellate ruling that the NFRTR is insufficient would have disastrous consequences for the BATFE and the NFRTR. It is this author’s opinion that the BATFE would likely not appeal so to protect the integrity of the NFRTR in other court proceedings. Nevertheless, in any future cases, a competent attorney will be adding Dr. Scheuren as an expert to invalidate the NFRTR.

And here's more, on how NFRTR violates due process.

BATFU is out there destroying people's livelihoods and lives over arbitrary and mutable applications of "standards" while their own performance--up to and including controlling their assigned weapons--is nothing short of criminally negligent, if you apply their own "willful violation" standard to them--and why wouldn't you, seeing as how they relish using it as a club against others?

[Via Mr. X]

Black Congressman to Jewish Democrats: Gun Owners are Racists

Rep. Alcee Hastings told an audience of Jewish Democrats Wednesday that they should be wary of Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin because “anybody toting guns and stripping moose don’t care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks.” [More]

Oh, I dunno, Mr. Ethics--it's not us trying to disarm them, it's you and your fellow traitors in government, who made the following declaration of war a while back:

INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT OF 1993 -- HON. MAJOR R. OWENS (Extension of Remarks - September 23, 1993)

[Page: E2233]
---

HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

in the House of Representatives

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Public Health and Safety Act of 1993 on behalf of myself and nine of my colleagues: Mel Reynolds, Bill Clay, Jerry Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, John Lewis, Nydia Velazquez, Ron Dellums, Carrie Meek, and Alcee Hastings. This legislation, first introduced in the Senate by Senator John Chafee, would prohibit the transfer or possession of handguns and handgun ammunition, except in limited circumstances. It would go a long way toward protecting our citizens from violent crime.

The need for a ban on handguns cannot be overstated. Unlike rifles and shotguns, handguns are easily concealable. Consequently, they are the weapons of choice in most murders, accounting for the deaths of 25,000 Americans in 1991.

Most other industrialized countries have virtual bans on handgun sales, which account for the vast difference in homicide rates between the United States and these other nations. In 1987, the U.S. homicide rate for men of the ages 15 to 24 was 22 per 100,000, compared to 0.5 for Japan, 1.0 for Germany, and 1.2 for England.

Gun violence is getting worse in this country, not better. In either 1990 or 1991, San Diego, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Washington, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Oakland, Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Rochester, New Orleans, and Columbus all surpassed their previous murder records.

If we do not act now, the gun culture will continue to thrive, growing like a fungus in our schools, and sapping our health care system of its much needed resources.

No longer do students bring apples to school for their teachers. Instead, approximately 100,000 students bring guns to school each day. From 1986 to 1990, at least 71 students and employees were killed by guns at school; 201 were wounded; and 242 were held hostage. And in January 1992 at Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, a student killed one teen and another bystander, bringing the school's death toll for the school year to 56.

We cannot expect our children to learn in the classroom if they are looking over their shoulders to see if the next bullet has their name on it. A 1991 school crime survey conducted by the Department of Justice revealed that 37 percent of public school students and 27 percent of private school students fear attack at or on the way to school.

We also cannot expect to reign in the costs of our health care system if emergency rooms are overflowing with victims of gun violence. Hospitals across the Nation are closing affiliated trauma centers because of the spiraling costs associated with treating gunshot wounds. From 1989 to 1991, the average per-patient cost of gunshot wounds at a major New York hospital was $9,646. None of this even considers the costs of ambulance services, follow-up care, medication, and rehabilitation. The estimated cost of firearms injury to the U.S. health care system exceeds $4 billion per year.

The Public Health and Safety Act would abate the rising tide of handgun violence. It would prohibit the importation, exportation, manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, receipt, possession, or transportation of handguns and handgun ammunition. Violators would be subject to penalties of up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison.

A 6-month grace period would be established during which time handguns could be turned in to any law enforcement agency with impunity and for reimbursement at the greater of $25 or the fair market value of the handgun. After the grace period's expiration, handguns could be turned in voluntarily with impunity from criminal prosecution, but a civil fine of $500 would be imposed.

Exemptions from the handgun ban would be permitted for Federal, State, or local government agencies, including military and law enforcement; collectors of antique firearms; federally licensed handgun sporting clubs; federally licensed professional security guard services; and federally licensed dealers, importers, or manufacturers.

I urge the Judiciary Committee to consider this legislation without delay, in conjunction with the President's crime package. While passage of the Brady bill would help to reduce gun violence by requiring a 5-day waiting period on handgun purchases and encouraging law enforcement agencies to conduct background checks, it would be an initial step toward stemming gun violence, instead of the giant leap forward this country so desperately needs.

The Public Health and Safety Act of 1993 represents a moderate, middle-of -the-road approach to handgun control which deserves the support of all members of Congress who want to stop gun murders now. If this legislation is not passed swiftly, handguns will continue to be sold over the counter as easily as aspirin; the Nation's at-risk youth will continue to attempt to resolve their problems by turning to handgun violence; and all of us will continue to fear for our lives when we step out of our homes at night.

I wonder if it's an indicator of sorts that he spelled "rein in" with a "g"? Well, at least we know what they mean by "a moderate, middle-of-the-road approach."

Hastings' latest accusation, of course, is nothing but vile slander. Those who applaud it are nothing less than domestic enemies. If you'd like to tell this Marxist piece of crap what you think of him, please do.

Ecstatic at the Outcome

The client was originally charged with a class "C" violent felony and was facing a mandatory minimum sentence of three and a half years in state prison and up to fifteen years in state prison if convicted...

For having a gun, which is a right?

What I don't get is why the client was charged for having a loaded gun when the "traveler's defense" only applies to unloaded firearms.

Anyway, it's nice to see a NY law firm crowing about winning a gun possession case. Anybody know any of the particulars about it?

Nice Gig

Frank M. Conaway says the Police Department has not taken him up on his family's offer of $10,000 to reward residents who report gun crimes.

The clerk of the Baltimore Circuit Court, whose wife, son and daughter also hold elected office, says his family members wanted to show they were serious about their commitment to combating crime in Baltimore...

I guess parasi....uh, public service must be pretty lucrative...

Gentlemen, You Can't Fight in Here--This is a War Room!

The county's new high-tech, high-cost version of the city's 911 center is in a downtown location officials say they'd like to keep secret for security reasons.

Nice to know they'll all be locked up nice and safe in their secret clubhouse while their policies ensure the people outside will be dying.

Why do I immediately think of this?

Someone ought to find out where their Batcave is and publicize the location. After the zombies run out of surface victims, they're going to be hungry.

[Via HZ]

People Helping People

3rd Infantry’s 1st BCT trains for a new dwell-time mission. Helping ‘people at home’ may become a permanent part of the active Army

No. Find another way.

[Via John G]

A Leading Enabler

So this week another Philadelphia police officer was murdered — again by a parolee with a history of violence — and again the Philadelphia Daily News blames guns...

And, of course, they're also the ones predicting "a full-fledged race and class war" if The Lightworker fails in his quest for power...

[Ea]sy access to guns has become the leading enabler of such cold-blooded murders.

And yet we learn:

Nowhere does the Daily News editorial acknowledge that the police officer was killed by a parolee with a history of violence.

It's telling how a leading enabler of all that's wrong in Philadelphia makes that accusation about guns. It's called projection. And misdirection.

[Via Mack H]

UPDATE:

Here's more on the killer.

Here's another panty-wringing editorial. Mike Vanderboegh got a comment posted, and I just submitted one but don't see it up yet.

Approaching the Barrier

Carl S has some comments about the incident with the prominent Chicago family member:

1. When did it become illegal to “approach a barrier”, and why is a barrier set up one whole block away from somebody’s home? Public streets and sidewalks are just that, and it has been declared by our Supreme Beings in Judicial Robes that actions such as these are illegal. There is nothing in law which gives the Secret or any other Service the lawful authority to enforce such restrictions. Or if there is, it must be one of those “unpublished” laws, which has also been previously ruled unconstitutional. Barack Obama is not yet King, nor is he God, so his presence anywhere is insufficient justification for violation of the rights of all other citizens.

2. U.S. Secret Service spokesman Malcolm Wiley said "There are probably hundreds of people a day who are in, near or at that checkpoint (around Obama's house) who have a weapon in their car that they're not supposed to have.” How can this be? This is Chicago, where guns have been illegal to own for many years. If nothing else, now we know that even the Secret Service recognizes that anti-gun laws do absolutely nothing to deter citizens who rightfully ignore unconstitutional law or, especially, those with actual criminal intent. That being so plainly demonstrated, why do we still allow Daley and others of his ilk to continue to abridge our rights? Why do we allow the continuance of criminal action by Daley and his kind? (DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW - Section 242 of Title 18 makes it a crime for a person acting under color of any law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.)

We're the Only Ones Mousy Enough

L and I go back to eating our slices, both of us knowing that this woman would take down a criminal without blinking, but was scared to death of a little field mouse.

I disagree. This woman showed you what she's made of and she failed by all measures of honorable human conduct. She had a chance to do something small and she fled like a coward. This is the most dangerous type of person I can imagine ceding lethal decision-making to.

Why such as she are considered the "Only Ones" thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent enough to wield power denied to We the People is a mystery to me, but one I continually endeavor to understand.

[Via cycjec]

How Much Fact Could a FactCheck Check if a FactCheck Could Check Fact?

Impartial? Independent? NO! FactCheck and Brady Campaign in Bed with Annenberg Foundation

I've noticed how those who want to spin The Lightworker's record on guns have resorted to just calling revelations of his past words and deeds lies. I guess they're hoping enough ignorant hunters and sport shooters--and there's no shortage of either--will believe them.

A Pistol Shaped Weapon

Not to ignore the greater story, but correspondent VC wants to know what's up with the "pistol shaped weapon" terminology?

We're the Only Ones Fumigated Enough

When police were trying to get fingerprints, police say Cruz moved closer to the officer and passed gas on him...Cruz is now charged with battery on a police officer...

I was going to say something about this being too nebulous to make stick but that just doesn't sound right.

Still, if the "Only Ones" manage to create a precedent, that door ought to swing both ways, like if one of them is in your face and has halitosis...

[Via Fat White Man, cycjec and John G]

This Day in History: September 25

After aborting a poorly planned and ill-timed attack on the British-controlled city of Montreal, Continental Army Colonel Ethan Allen is captured by the British on this day in 1775. After being identified as an officer of the Continental Amy, Allen was taken prisoner and sent to England to be executed.

A Prominent Chicago Family

A member of a prominent Chicago family faces a felony gun charge after being arrested Tuesday when he approached security barriers outside Barack Obama's home...

And "they have 'passionate support' for Obama!"

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

Food Fight

Rescue Planned for Woman Trapped in Home by Giant Pig

I guess we can't feel too superior--some of our own stalwart Heirs of Liberty are ruled by turkeys.

Which makes the Zargonians and Ents very happy.

Huckster Finn

Matti Vanhanen said Finland should consider banning private handguns.

Well, that didn't take long.

[Via Zachary G]

So Happy Together

New York City will pay to install a better security camera system in a Virginia gun store that will make other changes to its sales practices, resolving a lawsuit the city filed two years ago...

Both sides said they were happy with the resolution.

Sorry. I understand why and all that, but then I look at examples set by Ryan Horsley and Jay Wallace, and...

Maybe I'm being unfair. But that "happy" comment didn't sit right.

[Via SameNoKami]

The Shirt Off His Back

Students at Dos Palos High School protested Thursday -- by wearing patriotic regalia to school -- after a sophomore student was forced to remove a T-shirt depicting the American flag...

Earlier in the day, he was speaking with a local news station when an unidentified teacher walked up to him, ripped off the microphone clipped to his shirt and told him he was not allowed to talk to the media.

Identify him. I'd like to exchange an email or two.

In fairness though, they are teaching the young inmates what they need to know to navigate the cell block. As well as respect for Dear Leader.

[Via Zachary G and David H]

We're the Only Ones "One...Uh...Five More for the Road!" Enough

A Chicago Police officer who had DUI charges dismissed against him in a fatal November crash was indicted Tuesday in the same Roscoe Village car accident that killed two men.

Nice of his fellow "Only Ones" to give him eight hours after his refusal to take a field sobriety test before they administered the breathalyzer. Why whoever made that decision isn't facing obstruction of justice charges is beyond me, but it does give a strong indicator that covering for your own is ingrained in the culture. Not that anyone paying attention should have any illusions about who is serving whom.

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

[Via David H]

Your Mind to My Mind. Your Thoughts to My Thoughts

Baggage searches are SOOOOOO early-21st century. Homeland Security is now testing the next generation of security screening — a body scanner that can read your mind.

Good grief. Make sure you click on the "MALINTENT in Action" link, and see if you can think up some Mad Magazine-style snappy answers to stupid questions. And then imagine getting beaten and cavity searched if you did.

Mr. Lightfoot?

If I could read your mind love
What a tale your thoughts could tell...

And remember: They hate us because we're free!

[Via Ron W]

Standing Up for Canadian Gun Rights

Here's an eyewitness account from David Hamel of that Canadian smoke and mirrors show we talked about the other day.

FYI, some background and details about our "protest." Trevor Laitila, the adult son of the NFA Office Manager, Diane Laitila, told me he heard Jack Layton on the radio talking about banning handguns, and he wanted to go to Layton's rally the next day and protest. I told him I would like to join him, and would give him a ride if he needed one. Trevor, an avid firearms collector blinded by diabetes, Elza Dontcheva, who is the NFA Bookkeeper, and I drove to the Layton rally.

For "protest" materials, we had "Remember C-68 Next Time You Vote" signs that the NFA had printed on green plastic bags designed to fit over election lawn signs. C-68 was the start of the long gun registry nearly 10 years ago. We also had "The Lioness Method of Rape Prevention" brochures, and copies of the CFJ featuring Megan Tandy on the cover, along with some NFA membership forms.

One thing we did NOT have, was any kind of NFA sanction for our activities. We did not ask permission or inform NFA National Exec of our plans. Elza and I have NO authority to speak to the media on behalf of the NFA.

During our stand off with security, one man came forward and told security to leave us alone, because we had a right to be there too, and hadn't done anything wrong. After the security incident and the subsequent media circus, we quietly and politely held up our signs and passed out materials to anyone who was interested, under the watchful eye of security, who were never more than seven yards away.

A number of people politely took materials, a few expressed support for our views, and only a couple of people made impolite or disrespectful comments. Perhaps not surprising, the latter group, exclusively chose to address their remarks to Trevor!

As we left, security followed us out and there was a tense moment for them as Elza approached Raj Pannu, who was outside talking with people. Elza knows Mr. Pannu from the university and respects him, so she shook his hand, spoke to him for a few moments, before giving him a copy of our magazine and the Lioness brochure, and we left.

Dispatches from the Front

We were talking yesterday about the Palm Pistol, and I exchanged a few emails with Matthew Carmel. He made a point I think it's important to consider, something I'm sensitive to, having lived in California all those years:

I also wanted to mention my surprise concerning peoples reaction when observing I am located in NJ. I live in this state, where else should my ideas come from? As much as I dislike the anti-gun attitudes here, it is not a foreign country. The anti-gun states are the front line in the battlefield for defending the Second Amendment. It would preaching to the choir if I lived in Texas. It is much more important, like George Patton, to bring the fight to your enemies.

This Day in History: September 24

The Battle of Longue-Pointe was fought on September 24, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. A detachment of General Montgomery's army under Ethan Allen was defeated by Quebec militia outside the gates of Montreal.

That All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Pistol"

This is from a BATFU letter that Sebastian has posted concerning the Palm Pistol.

The second thing I notice is, the developer can rely on current definition and invest the farm, and then have the invention reclassified and lose it all. How is this allowed to not only happen, but be apparent SOP?

The first thing, of course, is that a redefinition is underway. I've been looking around for the referenced notice of proposed rulemaking and come up dry--probably because I don't know how to navigate the federal labyrinth.

Anybody know what it is, and where we can read it? And maybe have input during an open public comment period?

UPDATE: Matthew Carmel, the recipient of the ATF letter, sent me an email after I posted this informing me the "Proposed change to definition published 70 FR 17624, 17626 (April 7, 2005) will have no effect on the Palm Pistol."

I had wondered about that and if there was a newer proposal, because the ATF letter is dated 2008, and says that "the submitted item could be affected."

Mr. Carmel tells me that's because "The 2005 proposed change has not yet been implemented, and may never be. Opportunity for public comment is long gone."

The Power of Signs

"Only Ones" exempted, of course.

Maybe the armed robber couldn't read. He probably won't go through the state-mandated waiting period or pay any background check fees, either. Heck, I'll bet he didn't even have the sign-required carry permit--hardly anybody in LA County/Redondo Beach does.

But perhaps they lucked out and he left the required thumbprint...

I'm glad everyone was OK--that store is about a mile from where I used to live and I've been to it many times.

School Shooting in Finland

At least nine people have been killed and two others seriously wounded in a shooting spree at a vocational college in Finland, police and officials say.

I'm noticing a recurring theme in most news accounts--pointing out Finland's relatively less restrictive gun laws and widespread gun ownership compared to much of Europe.

What I'm not seeing is any acknowledgement that, once more, the damage had been done by the time police arrived.

I'm searching around for Finnish laws to see if campuses there are mandated "gun-free," but in any case, I'm pretty sure shooting people is illegal.

The purported reptile (some reports at this time say he survived) can be seen here.

Timing is Everything

Report of gun threat brings police to school

And if someone with evil intent had brought one, the police would have been just in the nick of time to do what, exactly?

A Subtle Distinction

A store clerk fatally shot a man in an attempted robbery Monday afternoon at 27th Street and Prospect Avenue, police said.

There's a difference between giving them what they want and giving them what they deserve.

An Enumerated Power

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said reducing Jacksonville’s murder rate and protecting the St. Johns River would be priorities for him in the White House.

I was worried for a second that he might be biting off more than he can chew, lawfully delegated authority-wise, but thank goodness, there it is, Article II, Section 5:


[Via John G]

Tree People

I want you to know that, trees, that we care!

...Bring me to this rock, that has the most incredible life...

First the Zargonian sympathizers and now this. Click the title link and shake your head in disbelief. You can't make this stuff up.

Lunatic emotion-based demands for social change: where have gun owners seen that before?

Here's an appropriate response.

Speaking as someone who loaded up, unloaded and stacked two truckloads of logs over the weekend for the firepit, let me say the only pain I'm feeling is my achin' back and arms, which hadn't yet recovered from cleaning up after last week's windstorm that knocked over one tree in my yard and split off a huge, thick branch from another.

[Via Carl S]

Bubbles

Don't float in a bubble. I guarantee it will burst sooner or later.

Mike H bursts a few bubbles.

Qualified Immunity

Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.

Hey, whose money do you think it is, anyway? Besides, what could go wrong?

And why limit such edicts to this department, or this narrowly-defined scope of authority?

[Via Ron W]

The Battle of Athens

Sunday's incident was the latest in a string of shootings in Athens over the summer. So far this year, there have been 14 shootings in the area, said Steve Whitmore, a sheriff's department spokesman. Eleven shootings reported since June left eight people dead.

Not that the sheriff's department actually gives a damn...

This Day in History: September 23

On September 23, 1775, a group of patriots living in the northern section of the Town gathered in Cow Neck – modern day Port Washington – and declared their allegiance to the revolutionary cause by formally seceding from the Town of Hempstead which was heavily populated by Loyalists to England.

Shameless Plug: Chi-Town’s Pell-Mell Gun Laws

Not surprisingly, when you consider the Chicago political establishment, anti-gun Mayor Richard Daley, who never saw a private citizen’s gun he didn’t want to ban, supports Mell’s proposal. Apparently Mr. Daley’s theory is, the only ones who can be trusted with firearms in Chicago are members of law enforcement, his personal security detail, and fellow politicians — at least ones he’s allied with.

"Chi-Town’s Pell-Mell Gun Laws" is my Rights Watch column for the November 2008 issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at helter-skelter newstands throughout the Republic.

Also in this issue is my review of David E. Young's "The Founders' View of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms."

The Race for the Presidency

Race is arguably the biggest issue in this election, and it’s one that nobody’s talking about.

Except maybe racist democrat activists who are talking race war if they don't get their way. Or racist democrat activists fixated on "white privilege."

Or racist democrat activists who wonder if Obama is black enough?

Or racist democrat activists who point out he's not?

Or The Lightworker himself, who makes sure the talking points are crystal clear?

Or maybe your own network?

What the hell are you talking about, Jack Cafferty? Everybody's been talking about it, except maybe the other side of the aisle. You racist democrat activist "Authorized Journalists" have had to reach so hard to find examples, you're reduced to inventing conspiracy theories and highlighting code words invented by racist democrat activist politicians.

We get the message: If you don't vote for Obama, you're a racist. Like it's impossible to oppose him for any other reason.

And let's not even talk about the 90% support he gets from...like I said, let's not talk about that, because it's obviously all issue oriented, and to do so would be "offensive" and "naive."

Here's the thing: If Obama loses, I believe race will be the deciding factor. But here's the other thing--it won't be for the reasons all the racist democrat activists will be pointing fingers and raging over. It will be because a substantial enough margin of voters from their own party--possibly a third of white democrats--won't vote for a black guy.

Beloved Hollywood Stars Safe from Evil Gun Threat

Three people hoping to attend The 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were detained on Sunday (21Sep08), after police found a rifle inside their car at a checkpoint near the show.

Three people were detained by authorities when an aerosol rifle, similar to a BB gun, was found in the trunk of the car.

I'm familiar with "air rifle" and "CO2 guns," but I really can't recall ever hearing the term "aerosol rifle." Is it a term hobbyists use and I'm just out of that loop? Or is it more "Authorized Journalism"?

All I know is, another Skip Coolzip opportunity for television history has come and gone.

Those elites sure are protected, aren't they?