Messin' with Texas

By what authority? [More]

Where is this within BATFU's charter?

By what section of the Texas Penal Code or the Texas Government Code does the Austin PD claim authority?

They're discussing this over at AR15.com.

Correspondent Walter L appears to shed some light:

The Texas Gun Shows have been “ordered” by the Austin PD and BATF to allow no setups for gun sales from non-FFLs. All individual sales will have to go through licensed dealers.

Chasing some stuff down, it seems that HEB owns the building they use and the APD and BATF have gotten to them—threatening with the possibility of suit if there are sales on their property for non background checked transactions. Thus it’s the “landlord” not LE who is calling for the restrictions.

So what is this? They realize they don't have actual delegated power but aren't beyond a little backdoor "pressure" under color of authority to still get their way? They're stepping a bit outside the bounds of enforcement, wouldn't you say?

How is that different from extortion, a mob hood coming into your business and saying "Nice place you've got here--shame if something happened to it"...?

Is this the way Bloomberg's wet dream to end private sales will be enacted? Not through rule of law, but through official intimidation?

And just how does any of this square with the bottom line justification for government in the first damn place: "To secure the Blessings of Liberty..."?

UPDATE: Received via forwarded email.

and I just sent an email to the Austin PD:



[Via Chris P and Walter L]

We're the Only Ones Highly-Trained Enough

Customs officials have denied all requests to explain why a highly-trained agent left her gun in the bathroom, claiming there is an internal investigation. [More]

As is their custom.

I'm certainly glad this "highly-trained agent" is more trustworthy to be armed than you or I. That old "Only Ones" magic...

We never found out the name of that other "highly-trained agent" who did something similar a while back, did we? Although I note there is some speculation...

Noting that perception often becomes reality, I wonder if it would be fair to coin the term "keekuing" to define such incidents...?

Ah, hell, it would be a whole lot more fair than what she did to this guy...

Related: And now for a little bathroom gun humor- 'Only Ones'-style

Another Child Gun Violence Tragedy

The child and his mother were hiding in a bedroom when the gunmen tried to force their way in. One of the men shot through the door, striking the boy in the groin area.

The child, who was carrying a .22-caliber rifle, shot back, hitting one of the criminals in the neck. The men fled the scene shortly thereafter, investigators said. [More]

What a tragedy. The gun grabbers would rather this heroic boy and his mother had been killed. Then they'd have more blood to dance in, and more "Authorized Journalist" collaboration to call for disarming, you, me, and the children we have trained to behave responsibly with firearms.

Maybe they can push for strong national "safe storage" laws and can engineer that outcome next time.

Hey Colin Goddard--why don't you tell this kid he's seen too many movies.

An Unfair Expectation

I barely had time to make the [911] phone call. Anyone who thinks I could have gotten to a weapon and shot somebody I never fully saw watches too many movies. [More]

Fear not, Mr. Goddard.

I don't know anyone who has that expectation--of you.

Gun Rights Questionnaire Spreading to Other Races

I continue to encourage you to send candidates the questionnaire. You can publicize their answers through email lists, on forums, via blogs--and encourage the candidates to post them on their campaign website "issues" page. Just please understand if I can't give them all the individual attention they deserve here. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column continues with the effort to define whether or not those seeking office understand the basics.

Let me ask you regulars here: Have you sent the questionnaire to any candidates?

Why not?

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: January 17

Mr. William Smith, is employed in the Continental Service as Deputy Waggon Master, Josiah Kittara as Waggon Conductor, William Smith Junior as Sub Conductor, and Thomas Edwards and Amos Evans as Waggoners, the Certificates of their being attached to the Continental Army in these Capacities will be delivered to you by Mr. Wm. Smith, who goes in behalf of the rest, and as it cannot be the intention of the Legislature to treat persons of this description in the light of Delinquents, I have no doubt that upon receipt of this you will acquit them from the Fines to which they have hitherto been considered as subject under the Militia Act. [More]