Sunday, February 28, 2010

Why is ATF Seizing 'Toy Guns'?

When this story first came to my attention, I thought it must be a satire piece from The Onion and all the news agencies had fallen for it. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column is not a joke. Or it would be if it didn't have such serious consequences.

The high point for me was watching the video where the BATFU "expert" tries to insert a magazine backwards.

These are the people who define what they'll "allow" us to possess?

Pass this link along?

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

GRE Round Up

It's Sunday. I'm done posting, but I did want to give you the latest from my fellow GREs, along with my standard request to share their links:

John Longenecker/Los Angeles:
Safer Streets 2010: Starbucks supports armed customers.

Kurt Hofmann/St. Louis:
Self-defense tools that Kansas City, MO police have 'approved' for women?

This Day in History: February 28

The Cattle that you collect, should cross the Delaware at Coryell's Ferry and then keep higher up the Country before they strike across. They should fall in with Schuylkill, at Potts Grove and cross the River there. A considerable escort should attend them. We lost a fine drove of 130 Head that were coming from New England, a few days ago. Some of the disaffected in Bucks County, gave information of them and a party of light Horse pushed up twenty miles and carried them off. When you come over with your detachment, you should keep a good look out between you and Philadelphia, for you may depend that they will have information of you, thro' the means of their friends with which the Country abounds. [More]

Saturday, February 27, 2010

GRE Round Up for Feb. 27

There's some good stuff being turned out. I hope you're availing yourself of it, and importantly, sharing these links via emails, on blogs and forums, with your local newspaper editor, etc.

A common complaint is media bias and absence of representation for "our side."

These people work hard to change that and ask for nothing from those of us their labors serve other than to help spread the word. I hope no one thinks that's too much to ask.

Here are their latest offerings:

Mike Stollenwerk/DC:
Radical anti-gun candidate flying under radar in Virginia special election

Steve D. Jones/Fort Smith:
State of emergency gun control

Liston Matthews/Knoxville:
UT Knoxville's 2nd Amendment policy criticized by NRA

John Pierce/Minneapolis:
The great registration myth

Dave Workman/Seattle:
Slaying of Tacoma teacher brings out best, worst in people and proves gun laws don’t work

Kurt Hofmann/St. Louis:
Kansas City, Missouri residents arming in response to serial rapist

Go. Read. And please share the links.

We're the Only Ones...

... Going to the Dogs Enough
A police officer trying to make an arrest at a Minneapolis home shot the neighbor's dog.
...Relieved Enough
Cop Accused of Urinating in Front of Woman Resigns
...Tipping Generously Enough
The U.S. attorney's office and the FBI say Lairy and others would make up tips to report to the crime-fighting group, and a coconspirator would receive a code from Lairy to claim money for the fake information. The fund lost more than $29,000.
...Protective Enough
Court documents allege, the 3 took more than $12,000 from a local nightclub owner in exchange for protection and information about upcoming police operations.
...Spinning Around Enough
Argo contends that Brockmann was chasing another motorist on Aug. 14, 2008, when Frashour performed what police call a PIT maneuver, or Pursuit Intervention Technique, on what he thought was the suspect vehicle. In this case, Argo argues that Frashour struck the wrong car...
...Initiating Enough
[I]nvestigation showed that Swanson was never shot at, the couple were unarmed and no weapon was found in or near the vehicle.
...Failing the Test Enough
A former Chicago police officer convicted of a bar beating seen around the world violated his probation by failing a drug test last month, Cook County prosecutors alleged today.
...Familiar Enough
Investigators say they believe the incident is “isolated” and that there was only one victim, who was not a stranger.

Investigators also said the victim was 8 when the assaults began a year ago.
...Hearing It Through the Grapevine Enough
Police privacy bill based on rumors
...Gender-Bending Enough
A San Antonio Police officer was arrested and is accused of sexually assaulting a transgender man.
...Still in Love Enough
The suspended cop pleaded guilty Friday in Schenectady County Court to two counts of misdemeanor criminal contempt for disobeying a court order that he refrain from contacting his former girlfriend.
[Via FFFW]

Another Profile in Apathy?

I reminded readers here of another option that was not included in WorldNetDaily's recent poll on the Arizona Senate race.

Correspondent Straightarrow sent them this letter to the editor under his real name. They opted not to post it,so I will post it here:
I looked at your poll today. But I did not participate. The reason for my not participating is because the poll only offers a choice without a difference.

I propose you do a profile and perhaps an interview with J
im Deakin who is challenging McCain for the Senate seat. As we know McCain is a Republican in name only and a conservative by no stretch of the imagination. The man does not even believe in the Constitution.

Contrarily, Deakin appears to understand the Constitution and to believe in it. I draw your attention to David Codrea and his Gun Rights Examiner column on the internet and Mr. Deakin's answers to a questionnaire that has been used more and more often by citizens trying to plumb the depths of candidates' commitment to liberty for the average citizen. Mr. Deakin acquits himself well.


Please check out Gun Rights Examiner David Codrea and the appropriate column. I think you will find that Mr. Deakin deserves some exposure. As it now stands, I would bet that more people throughout the nation know Mr. Deakin is a candidate in the race from reading that column than Arizonans who have never heard of him because no one mentions his candidacy or his views. Silence is our enemy. It is your enemy. You know enough history to know that. Please correct this oversight.
As I noted last Tuesday and on other occasions, one of the simplest and easiest things gun owners can do is spread the word--share links with fellow gun owners via emails, on blogs, on forums...

We have a situation in Arizona where this is not happening. And turning that around could not be simpler.

Last September I told you about Jim Deakin, who is challenging John McCain for the Senate. Take a look at the answers Jim gave to my gun rights questionnaire.

Go ahead. Read them and come back--I'll wait.

Now watch this:



What this means is gun owners aren't getting involved and telling their friends.

This isn't the first time I've tried to help spread the word. I've included periodic updates as supplements to my main column on a few other occasions.

I asked gun owners to send him "a measly buck" here.

I relayed how he needed support here.

And I asked if anyone wanted to help beat McCain here.

I'll bet I could sit down and think of dozens of excuses not to get involved, to ignore this and to go about my business. What I couldn't do is convince myself doing nothing is the right choice.

I sure hope it's not too much to ask for you to share a link or two, maybe the one to the questionnaire and the link to the Jim Deakin United States Senate website...?

Or else explain why it is a candidate should go out of his way to give unequivocal answers to questions his political enemies will use against him? Why lead if you turn around and everybody s just milling around behind not even getting involved?

Isn't It Time We Banned Deadly Assault Hands?

A new law went into effect last year making it a felony to strangle someone during a domestic dispute. [More]
So it was legal before?

And what if the dispute isn't domestic?

[Via Mama Liberty]

We're the Only Ones "Stand and Deliver!" Enough

The indictment of a former police officer on charges he stole cash from people he pulled over follows a city probe that led to his firing. [More]
Aren't you supposed to be able to shoot highwaymen?

If a non-"Only One" did this, would armed robbery/use/presence of a firearm in the commission of a crime charges not apply?

And why can't I get the damned Dennis Moore song out of my head?

[Via Ed M]

Getting Rights Right

Will the justices get the history right, or will they be swayed by a potent gun-rights mythology that has distorted the history of Reconstruction and effectively erased the memory and sacrifices of men such as Williams? [More]
See, according to Saul Cornell, the way we honor the memory of armed blacks who fought for freedom is by embracing disarmament edicts and the rulings that supported them.

There's no question that much precedent had been established by the late Nineteenth Century to reflect deviation from the concept of unalienable rights that shall not be infringed.

That does not give it moral legitimacy.

It's appropriate to question why we should give Cornell's opinion more credence than, say William Rawle's:
“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.”
And then there's one other fundamental reality: We will not disarm.

But What If They Take It Away From You?

Shouldn't you just give him what he wants? [Read]

Besides, the cops will give your home a free safety inspection...

In all seriousness:

The weapon is important.

The training is important.

But ain't no substitute for the will.

[Via The Bitter Clinger]

What Didn't Stop a Killer and What Did

The only thing that stopped the killer was another person with a gun. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at the obvious. Why some deny it is for them to answer.

Share the link?

This Day in History: February 27

The fact that carelessness continued in making reports concerning illness led to the issuance of the following sharp order from headquarters: February 27, 1778. "Colonel Stewart has been much surprised to find so little attention paid to the orders issued by Gen. Weedon, respecting the sick of the brigade. The colonel now positively orders the captain whose duty it is to visit the sick of the brigade to deliver in his report by 9 o'clock the foloowing morning to which he was appointed to the above duty, otherwise they may depend upon being called to a severe account as it is a duty the utmost importance in the army." [More]

Friday, February 26, 2010

Who Are the 'Only Ones' Trusted with Guns at Oklahoma City Community College?

Campus closed.

Shot fired.

Guess who.

And yeah, they have the policy.

This breaking news story warranted a second Gun Rights Examiner column for today.

Click here.

Share the link...?

GRE Round Up for Feb. 26

There's some good stuff being turned out. I hope you're availing yourself of it, and importantly, sharing these links via emails, on blogs and forums, with your local newspaper editor, etc.

A common complaint is media bias and absence of representation for "our side."

These people work hard to change that and ask for nothing from those of us their labors serve other than to help spread the word. I hope no one thinks that's too much to ask.

Here are their latest offerings:

Ed Stone/Atlanta:
Why you should not carry a weapon into the Kennesaw Mountain visitor center

Howard Nemerov/Austin:
Recent defensive shooting a good study of character

Steve D. Jones/Fort Smith:
Re-arming Arkansas workers

Liston Matthews/Knoxville:
Tennessee Firearms Association March meeting to host Sheriff JJ Jones

Dave Workman/Seattle:
New Orleans case should send chilling message to those who think ‘only cops should have guns’

Kurt Hofmann/St. Louis:
Post-Katrina New Orleans, where the killers had the only 'permissible' guns

Go. Read. And please share the links.

For the Children

Roxbury pair held in clerk’s killing

Teenagers to be tried as adults, DA says [More]
I guess that's the best we can hope for, since there are no legal provisions to try them as mutants.

Still, Ellen Ratner's not going to be happy...

[Via Ed M]

We're the Only Ones Influential Enough

In the ensuing months, she returned to court twice to press her case, complaining that the State Police had been harassing her to drop it. The State Police, which had no jurisdiction in the matter, confirmed that the woman was visited by a member of the governor’s personal security detail.

Then, just before she was due to return to court to seek a final protective order, the woman got a phone call from the governor, according to her lawyer. She failed to appear for her next hearing on Feb. 8, and as a result her case was dismissed. [More]
Nothing to see here, move along...

[Via Twohulls]

And the Difference Between "Not Responsible" and "Irresponsible" Is...?

The family of a father and two sons who were shot dead on a San Francisco street in 2008 can't hold the city responsible for failing to turn their alleged killer over to immigration authorities after earlier arrests, a judge has ruled. [More]
That, of course, is the same city where the majority of the population want to do this:
Proposition H, which requires city residents who already own guns to turn them in to police by April 1, was winning 58 percent to 42 percent with 98 percent of precincts counted.
Let's hear it for "home rule"!

And let's hear it for domestic enemies and their useful idiots!

And while we're at it, let's hold them responsible.

[Via David R]

Look! Up in the Sky!


It's a bird!

It's a plane!

It's...coming soon, to an airspace near you.

[Read]

We're the Only Ones Disabled Enough

In June 2008 the Pension Board voted 3-1 to approve a non-duty-related disability pension based upon Surratt’s alcohol dependence. [More]
I need a drink.

[Via James M]

Get a Handle on The Blade

There is a disturbing trend toward relaxed gun laws and expanded gun rights in more states. [Read]
Typical anti-gun PSH from the Toledo Blade...

They forget their paper was named after Spanish weapons-makers.

Funny, how these "progressives" locked out workers who organized a few years back. Gee, I guess they don't like it when it's their ox getting gored or bull being stabbed with a Toledo blade or...

Fortunately, their subversive influence is waning. Still, local gun activists should put advertisers on notice that they are giving aid, comfort and life support to a proven enemy...

Since the editor's family owns it, death by a thousand paper cuts seems appropriate.

Sporting Purposes

UT’s athletic director, Mike Hamilton, said that under the new policy, the university will automatically dismiss any student-athlete found in possession of a gun — even those with permits and even those living off-campus. [More]
But note he won't sign a contract establishing university liability should anyone be hurt or killed as a result of their mandate.

Just think, if we could extend this to other endeavors--I mean, employment is voluntary, and we already see how some won't hire smokers. Why not have policies where they can demand no employees own guns? Or at least have access to them...?

The proper response to Meathead Mike would be for the athletes to strike and demand that he be fired. That they won't, and that most will go along to get along, and even think it's a good idea, points to catastrophic failure of the educational system.

We're the Only Ones Pretty Clear Enough

The sheriff says officers in that department do more than register guns. He says he does not plan to eliminate it. "I made my position pretty clear. I think our gun registration law is good. Our detectives and officers support it," he said. [More]
We discussed this briefly in a secondary feature here.

And look--they make it "quick, simple and easy" for you!

Of course, if it were me, I'd tell these oath-breaking "Only Ones" exactly what they could count on getting. Publicly, and in front of as many people as possible.

Why everyone doesn't is one of the great mysteries of our time.

Johanna Neuman's Anti-Gun Propaganda 101

Start with a photo of terrorism victims who were slain in a "gun free zone." [Read]

Use that to gin up hysteria against those of us who aren't terrorists having the means of defense in national parks.

Then mention another massacre in another "gun free zone."

Use that to gin up hysteria against those of us who aren't psychopaths having the means of defense in restaurants.

And just to prove how fair you are, let this guy be the one who presents "the pro-gun side."

Any questions?

The Sum of the Parts

Two Carson men were arrested Thursday by federal agents for allegedly exporting gun sights and parts used to manufacture assault rifles to the Philippines without authorization. [More]
Yeah, focus on the parts.

Forget about the whole.

How Did Bill O'Reilly-Approved 'Gun Control' Work Out at New Orleans Bridge?

A proper response to the Danziger Bridge attackers would have been to return their fire, defend lives and get to safety. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at what happens when fascist pinheads are in charge.

Also see a goodbye from the great Outdoors...

Share the link?

This Day in History: February 26

In answer to yours of this morning, I think it advisable, that a couple of officers, one from the New Hampshire and one from the Massachusetts troops, should be immediately sent on by different routes, in quest of the cloathing; with directions to proceed on towards Fishkill till they meet it. [More]

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Another Option

Whom do you want to win in the Arizona Senate race? [More]
They didn't mention one other option...

Gun Groups Lauds Passage of Oregon Bill

"This is a truly astonishing testimony to your hard work." [More]
A surprise development on a story I've been following warranted a second Gun Rights Examiner column for today.

GRE Round Up for Feb. 25

There's some good stuff being turned out. I hope you're availing yourself of it, and importantly, sharing these links via emails, on blogs and forums, with your local newspaper editor, etc.

A common complaint is media bias and absence of representation for "our side."

These people work hard to change that and ask for nothing from those of us their labors serve other than to help spread the word. I hope no one thinks that's too much to ask.

Here are their latest offerings:

Paul Valone/Charlotte:
Armed defense at Front Sight: Who takes defensive handgun training?

Dan Bidstrup/Denver:
John Longenecker/Los Angeles:
Safer Streets 2010: Safer college campuses too?

Dave Workman/Seattle:
WA Senate bill would merge WDFW, Parks under Natural Resources

Kurt Hofmann/St. Louis:
Anti-gun Missouri Congressman at home on the (shooting) range

Chris Woodard/Tucson:
Arizona will be asking: Is President Obama eligible to hold office?

Go. Read. And please share the links.

I'm NOT "the Only One"...

Larimer County Sheriff James Alderden, outraged by the ban, told The Gazette’s opinion department he will undermine it in the interest of student safety. [More]
Excellent man. Let's hope gun owners in his jurisdiction support him. That's a brave move and he does not deserve being hung out to dry with all-too-typical apathy.

You can send him an "attaboy" here.

And you can tell Ilsa, She-Wolf of the SS... I mean, CSU Police Chief Wendy Rich-Goldschmidt (the highly-trained "Authorized Journalists" spelled her name wrong) to go enable her own rape and murder and leave your rights the hell alone...uh...looks like you'll have to email the webmaster.

Be sure and take the poll that accompanies the editorial.

[Via William T]

We're the Only Ones Offended Enough

A rarely enforced Tennessee state law was enforced Friday in Dickson when a police officer pulled a woman over for displaying an offensive bumper sticker. [More]
I guess they didn't have anybody running around in a clown mask to focus their enforcement resources on.

I don't know what offends me more--that this was allowed to happen, or comments by total police state tools like "Law Dawg."

[Via FFFW]

Lost

"In all of the debate about the right to own and carry guns, the safety of the public and the officers is getting lost in the discussion"...[More]
No it's not, you liar.

I am safer when I am armed. And I don't need your damned permission, servant. The discussion is not about your safety, it's about ours. That's ostensibly the reason you receive a paycheck--and were required to swear an oath before anyone agreed to that.

You don't like it, find another host to attach yourself to.

Yo, Wyomingans or Wyomans or Wyominites or whatever you call yourselves--this kind of crap isn't supposed to be happening there. Stomp it out. get on it, spread the word and stomp it the hell out.

Don't relax because you think you've got it better than everyone else. That's the way this stuff spreads. Remove polyps while they're still benign.

First They Came for the Guns

But I was not a gun owner...[Read]

So, Toyota...how do you like it when it's your turn in the same barrel you would have the state put the rest of us in...?

We're the Only Ones Not Clowning Around Enough

An 18-year-old Tampa man was jailed Tuesday afternoon, charged with wearing a clown mask on a public road. [More]
I don't know about you, but I certainly feel safer.

[Via Steve T]

A Numbers Game


Organized resistance to the Census would provide an interesting opportunity to bog 'em down--they couldn't go after everyone.

I'm inclined to put down the number of people in the household and leave it at that, and to stand on my refusal to speak to anyone without an attorney for any follow-up.

Of course, we could also throw them a curve ball...

[Via Gerhard Paul]

We're the Only Ones Assuring Your Loyalty Enough

This time she was marched by two school police officers to the office, said Quereshi. [More]
You're NOT of the body!

[Via Ed M]

Harmless

Bennie Price said her daughter would never have hurt anyone at the school. [More]
You'll forgive me if I take precautions to make sure? At least as far as me and mine are concerned?

Malt liquor. Good grief.

On a side note, think about what a neat invention a cane-sword was and still is.

[Via Mama Liberty]

Guess Who is Putting Lots of Guns 'On the Street'?

Gee, those are a lot of guns to put—what's the term?—"on the street." Can you imagine what the "authorities" would do to anyone who is not part of their clique for similar "negligence"?

Still think these guys are the "only ones" we can trust with them? [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column finds a few beams among the motes.

Also see what Montana did that may help Utah, get some good news from Nevada, and admire a damn nice sweater in spite of some technical difficulties.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: February 25

Capt. Lee and several Officers, who are sent to apprehend Deserters, inform me, that there are numbers of disaffected Persons in your State, who make a practice of harbouring those people. [More]

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Trigger Sports LIVE! Reminder

Today--Noon PST.

If you visit the site before then, you'll get last week's show.

Click.

UPDATE: Well, right in the middle of the webcast the dang Babbage difference engine decided it would be a fine time to crash. It may be time to trade my old coal-burning steamer in for one of those new-fangled pull-start models.

GRE Round Up for Feb. 24

There's some good stuff being turned out. I hope you're availing yourself of it, and importantly, sharing these links via emails, on blogs and forums, with your local newspaper editor, etc.

A common complaint is media bias and absence of representation for "our side."

These people work hard to change that and ask for nothing from those of us their labors serve other than to help spread the word. I hope no one thinks that's too much to ask.

Here are their latest offerings:

Dave Workman/Seattle:
Gun prohibitionists can’t be confused by facts

Kurt Hofmann/St. Louis:
'Progressive' thinking: 'I would sooner lay my child to rest' than defend him with a gun

Go. Read. And please share the links.

A Wake-Up Call

Karl Denninger takes both American politicians and "the Only Ones" to the woodshed...[More]
And Vanderboegh senses a kindred spirit...

We're the Only Ones...

...Addressing Our Error Enough:
Tidwell believes that after the raid, the deputies intentionally scratched the letter "A" off the other side of the house to make it look like their mistake was unavoidable because it looked like all one house.
...Safeguarding Records Enough:
Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper has rejected a group's request to see the records relating to September's G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh.
...Providing Elder Care Enough:
Gary police Lt. Joshua Wiley, who admitted under oath he stole from an elderly neighbor with dementia and Alzheimer's disease and illegally took her home, was sentenced to three years in the Lake County Community Corrections Kimbrough Work Program.
...Covering Our Tracks Enough:
A 38-year-old former police officer in South Carolina is facing sentencing after pleading guilty to stalking and assaulting his girlfriend and trying to tamper with evidence against him in the case.
...Doubling Our Pleasure Enough:
Last week, deputies charged Jaymin Lenwood Murphy, 35 from Leland, with one count of first degree rape for a situation dating back to 2006. Shortly after that arrest made the news, deputies say another alleged victim came forward to report an incident.
...Letting Young People Know How Much We Care Enough:
Prosecutors say James E. Gilbert pleaded no contest Friday to 10 counts of solicitation of a minor via a computer.
...Letting Young People Know How Much We Care Enough Redux:
A former Searcy police officer was arrested at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning in the bedroom of a 16-year-old girl, according to the White County Prosecuting Attorneys Office.
...Letting Young People Know How Much We Care Enough Part Three:
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local authorities are investigating a LaFollette police officer on allegations of statutory rape, officials said Monday.
There are several more in this batch, including a Part Four, but you get the idea...

[Via FFFW]

This is Why

After a mousetrap with his name on it was found inside the South Bronx stationhouse, Palestro was transferred to another command for his safety. [More]
Courtesy of the "Lift a Finger" guys...

We often discuss why more "good cops" don't come forward. And while you may dismiss this as an overreaction to a symbolic gesture, remember that this guy knows full well what his "brethren" are capable of--and systemically allowed to get away with.

It still leaves the question of how safe citizens who live in the South Bronx are...

Ponder, for just a moment, on what all this really means and could lead to.

[Via FFFW]

An Answer

If you want to know what the question was, you have to read this.

Weapon of Choice

Authorities say Eastwood used a bolt-action, high-powered rifle. [More]
Y'hear that, Fudds?

Once that bus you throw them under runs over the EBR guys, guess whose turn in the barrel it becomes?

Some seem to have forgotten it was a Carcano advertised for hunting that was exploited to restart the slide after decades of silence...

[Via William T]

A Committee Action

I don't suppose banning the committee instead is an option...? [Read]

"Moderate" Begin with "P"

I’ll tell you what moderation is, Steve – it’s called being a pussy, a pushover, a watered-down sap. Moderation means selling your soul to avoid conflict. Your interview made you look far worse than your TV interview! And you have no clue how _bad_ some of the stuff you said (in the interview) is. You would have been pummeled by hardcore libertarians who read the interview. People would have hated you. You would have received more hate mails than you could handle. I felt too sorry for you to dare put that interview out for people to read. You are also gutless, and you are an enemy to free people. There is no moderation when it comes to freedom vs. slavery, Steve. There’s freedom … or there’s slavery. Have you ever paid attention to history? [More]
Wow. Remind me never to get Karen De Coster mad at me.

She revisits our old mate from Down Under who "likes guns" and notes his attempts at damage control just dig the hole deeper.

Great stuff. Man, I'd like to see that interview...

Raid Map

I'm sure we've talked about this before, but I can't find it right now, and it never hurts to revisit things of import we all should be aware of. From correspondent Me Here:
Figured you would really like this map: http://www.cato.org/raidmap/ based on the paper titled:
Overkill: The Rise of Paramilitary Police Raids in America, which can be found here:

Thank You Kindly...

That's a very nice gesture, and I appreciate it. [More]