So Much for the Disadvantage of Being Honest

The NRA should come out of their bunker and explain themselves.

Huh? I thought Bryan Miller said the truth was on his side.

Why are you associating Mike Vanderboegh's opinions with NRA? The folks who champion their legislative approach have been Mike's most vehement critics in the gun blogosphere.

So what's with lying to the world that this somehow has NRA sanction?

[Via 45superman]

About Last Night...

You can listen to the show here.

I was pleased with the outcome. Caleb and Bonnie indeed moderated with personal feelings in check, although I note the characterization of "extreme" isn't exactly neutral. Mike Vanderboegh stated his case reasonably and authoritatively. And Kurt and Sebastian presented and defended their arguments clearly and without acrimony.

I do take exception with some of the conclusions, but now is not the time or place to start swinging again. I see a lot of value in the call-in venue for debating differences with more civility than we typically see in the "comments" fusillades.

We're the Only Ones Doing Our Duty Enough

What kind of world would it be if we didn't have police officers," Kluge said. "Joe was doing his duty."

No non sequitur there. Besides, haven't we already established that "Only Ones" get a pass on shooting mothers holding babies?

[Via Mark G]

Stalking Menace Terrorizes NY Only Ones!!!

"We can have him arrested for menacing or stalking," Huntley said of Jimmy, signaling a possible new confrontation in the streets. "For too long, we've been abused by the public and the media. We're not going to be a punching bag anymore in New York City."

Yeah, and if he resists, you can kill him! Imagine, having the nerve to document "Only Ones" breaking the law! And the gall of his doing it assertively! Who does this...this uppity civilian think he is?

So you're admitting to being part of a criminal conspiracy to deprive a citizen of his human rights under color of authority? And you're counting on Liberty Lynchin' Patrick of "lift a finger and die" notoriety to be provide the strong-arm enforcement?

[Via Brian F]

Two Questions

Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives have agreed to allow a vote next month on a bill that would end local handgun control in the District, making it easier for D.C. residents to acquire pistols, including semiautomatics, while eliminating the strict handgun-storage requirements imposed by the city.

Sounds good. Why would they do that?

Norton said in a statement that those Democrats "hope to relieve election year pressure by getting a Democratic-backed bill to the floor, out of fear that the [National Rifle Association] will run hometown ads against their reelection."

Ah, OK--two questions: Any chance this will derail Heller II? Should we maybe be having this discussion in a very open way so that we're all on board with the costs and benefits of doing things legislatively vs. judicially?

[Via Jeffersonian]

We're the Only Ones With the Power of Life and Death Enough

You see professor, police are special, very much so; they have conferred upon them an awesome, and totally unique responsibility, by the public that they serve, and that is the power to take a life!

And we're the "Only Ones" who can!

I wonder what this letter sounds like in the original German...?

[Via DJK]

Meanwhile, Over at Larry Hincker Paradise

Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker said he is not aware of any discussions university officials have had involving changes to campus security after an employee shot himself in Tech's Cassell Coliseum last weekend...

"I'm not sure what you can do," Hincker said.

Of course you are, Larry. You're just not honest enough to admit it.

Why do you still have a job, anyway?

[Via Tom James]

Quote of the Year

"In the battle of ideas with the gun lobby, we're at a constant disadvantage because we're honest."

Thanks, Bryan Miller. I needed a good laugh.

But seriously, folks, if it turns out to be true that NRA paid her to spy--and I'm not convinced it is, and I'm further not convinced it wouldn't be justified under my any chair in a bar fight rules of engagement--it becomes legitimate to ask and debate what hurts our public image more: "Extreme activism" letters to the editor, or "pragmatic" tactics like this?

[Via HZ]

Blackhawk Up

Hundreds of law enforcement officers using a Blackhawk helicopter fanned across South Florida today to hunt for the gunman accused of killing a customs agent in broad daylight during an argument in a post office parking lot.

Not to minimize the very real agony and loss surviving family is feeling, but do you think such resources would be employed for one of us?

[Via Avg Joe]

Vanderboegh: Birmingham

Race and Armed Defense of Individual Liberty and the Republic

What are you still doing hanging around here? Go. Read.

We're the Only Ones Banging Around Enough

Gun fired...it went off...it fired...

I sure hope that "Only One" standard incident review gets these dangerous self-activating guns off the streets!

[Via John K]

This Day in History: August 6

How large a proportion of the people in general think with you or think with me it is in none of our powers to ascertain. I believe, because I think I can prove it, that your party, to serve an obvious party purpose, exceedingly magnify the numbers of those whom they suppose to take part with you, and you tax us with doing the same.

It's not a new debate...