Caution at LSU

Double Homicide on LSU Campus; LSU Community Urged to Use Caution...

The LSU Police Department is investigating a double homicide that took place on LSU’s campus late in the evening on Thursday, Dec. 13. The homicides occurred at the Edward Gay Apartments, located near the intersection of West Roosevelt Street and Gov. Claiborne Drive, adjacent to the LSU Band practice field.

"Use caution"? Like being able to defend themselves against unknown armed and murdererous home invaders in their midst...?

Well, no actually...

I would also like to remind students that the LSU campus is a firearm-free zone and the university has a zero-tolerance policy regarding this. LSU’s firearm policy is backed by the state, through Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.2, which prohibits the carrying of a firearm or dangerous weapon on school property, at school-sponsored functions or in firearm-free zones. We expect students to adhere to this state law and LSU policy, and will hold accountable those who do not adhere to it.

So, Chancellor O'Keefe: How's that working out for you there?

I'm Tired

I am tired of spineless legislators who are so afraid of the gun lobby that they won't vote to ban assault weapons. I am tired of hearing that "guns don't kill people...I am tired of having 3 million Americans who refuse to consider any compromise on the possession and use of guns...

Who does Gail Schoettler think she is: Lili Von Schtupp?

Just Like a Deer in the Headlights

Alvin Police Chief Mike Merkel said there are three things shoppers need to know if they are trapped in a chaotic shooting situation inside a mall.

First, stand still.

"They're going to pick out individuals who are running to or away from them," Merkel said. "Standing still may keep you from becoming a victim."

That's your best advice, get all wide-eyed and paralyzed? That's what you train your "Only Ones" to do in fluid tactical situations, right, Chief?

And how about that mall management, providing "complimentary" security escorts "as requested"? I wonder if one of their $9/hr. rent-a-cops will be ready to throw himself between my family and an armed assailant?

Facts folks: there is no one-size-fits-all procedure to follow, and the Chief ought to know better than to issue authoritative pronouncements without knowing what the hell he's talking about. We know from experience that a moving target is harder to hit, as is one that puts distance between himself and the shooter, and that even if hit, the likelihood of sustaining a fatal wound is decreased. We know that diving for cover can offer brief shelter, but that assumes a stationary shooter not hunting down prey--which, if we look at Virginia Tech and Columbine, just isn't the way these things go down.

Here are two other things we know: by the time Chief Merkel's finest are in position to engage the madman, the brunt--if not all--of the killing will have been done.

That and the only proven deterrent to a shooter is shooting back.

[Via Mack]

Is That "Victims Treble" or "Victims Tremble"?

THE number of people hurt or killed in firearms incidents in London rose to a record high of 1,221 last year, it has emerged.

Some will argue that this is still dwarfed by what the US experiences.

Just hold on. We ain't seen nothin' yet, particularly with the cultural abdication that practically guarantees a Europe in flames at some point in this century. And the way things are going, and unless we get our act together, we may not be that far behind.

Not exactly a time to individually disarm, is it?

[Via Bruce Mills]

America Fights Back

From Alan Gottlieb and Dave Workman:

Our new book, America Fights Back: Armed Self-defense in a Violent Age, just sold out in the first 30 days and just had a second printing released by Merril Press.

America Fights Back details gripping stories of armed self-defense by law abiding American citizens, woven into analysis of gun control laws and a broken justice system, and how they have failed to protect us.

We hope you'll find the book worthy of your time and attention—and that you'll follow the links to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and order your copy if you missed getting one in the first printing.

John Kerry's Friend

John Kerry, who has an F rating from the NRA and an F rating from GOA, is urging Idaho Senators to drop their hold on his friend Michael Sullivan's confirmation as director of the ATF.

So Kerry's for him, as is Ted Kennedy and Mr. Vote Freedom First himself--you know, the guy gun owners put over the top in the last two elections.

If "Maximum Mike" is confirmed, expect more of the same abuse.

This is bigger than who heads BATFU. The message to Republicans needs to be loud and clear. The GOP keep expecting us to put up with their betrayals, and they're offering us front runners with a history of doing just that. If they want to lose really big in '08, just keep it up.

In the mean time, as a token gesture of gratitude for past support and good will for the future, we need to make it known we expect them to oppose this nomination.

Of course, if it's just a few of us saying this, it will amount to nothing. You have written your senators, right? (I eagerly await the first late-comer to give the "but they're Democrats" excuse...click this link to see how to address that)

And by the way--how come our self-proclaimed leaders from Fairfax are nowhere near the fray, and purposefully quiet about the whole thing?

A Simple Solution

I don't own a gun. I'm not responsible enough.

Then don't own one. Just keep your opinions away from my guns.

One other thing: since you obviously don't value your life enough to invest what it takes to become responsible, don't expect anyone else to risk his or her life saving it.

And don't get me started on your friend Dave...

Where There's Smoke...?

Teams of federal agents swooped down on up to 10 close associates of the Rev. Al Sharpton Wednesday, demanding the flamboyant clergyman's financial records since 2001.

Jeez, and almost immediately after he threatened to disrupt Chicago's Olympic bid...

Hey, what took you guys so long? And what about Jesse and Snuffy?

Yeah, I Know: Ads

No, I don't choose them, they're assigned. And I'm not allowed to ask anyone to click on them.

I've decided to give it a try and see if it's worth the space and making my motives suspect for this shameless abasement before Mammon. I don't know if I'll let them stay or not.

In the mean time, anybody who doesn't like it can have 100% of their money back.

This Day in History: December 14

At 10:00 P.M. on December 14, 1799, George Washington died at his Mt. Vernon home after five decades of service to his country. His last words reportedly were: "I feel myself going. I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quietly. I cannot last long." Washington was sixty-seven years old.

Someone to Watch Over Me

The Pentagon is about to embark on a stunningly ambitious research project designed to gather every conceivable bit of information about a person's life, index all the information and make it searchable.

What national security experts and civil libertarians want to know is, why would the Defense Department want to do such a thing?

What kind of mind would want to have such control over other minds?

And what kind of mind could read about this and conclude the Second Amendment is no longer relevant, and government really should have monopoly of power, that is, complete control over us?

As an aside, this reminds me of nothing so much as the opening paragraph in "The War of the Worlds."

[Via Jeffrey H]

J'Accuse!

An accusation has been made.

A response has been given.

We'll see in 12 hours if it stays posted.

Chuck Goudie Delivers as Promised

No surprises here...

No "laws" broken by the gun shops either, but that doesn't stop this despicable police state apologist from making it seem that way.

So much for "government watchdogs."

Chicago "Authorized Journalists." They really do make guys like Goebbels seem like primitive amateurs.

Today's Red's Update

Questions for BATFU: You really expect us not to think this is a vendetta you're conducting against Ryan Horsley and his family business because he dared to stand up to you instead of baring his throat and letting you kill him? Who the hell is up at 4:30 AM doing Internet searches for "reds trading post news" except someone obsessed with trying to find...anything...to use against him?

This is the kind of stuff you expect to see in a criminal investigation. I'd like to see someone explain this web search and their motives--under oath.

In other Red's news, Ryan has a warning for Curios and Relics holders: Don't think the eye of Sauron hasn't noticed you...

He also posts some good news in the ongoing effort to deny confirmation to Maximum Mike. For a reason that totally escapes me, some are discouraging gun owners from participating in this, and I think that's unnecessary and destructive. It's not like asking people to send an email or letter to their senators is going to break anybody's back in terms of effort. If they don't want to support this, fine, that's their business--but why they feel a need to derail the efforts of those who wish to participate is something I don't understand.

We'll see if it's a lost cause--two senators disagree with you, and even if it is, what does it gain us to give any ground without a fight? It's not like if we lose this that we've lost any more than a few minutes apiece writing letters--and the gun groups ask us to do that all the time.

What I do know is, all the major "gun groups" --except NRA, the "leader"-- have taken a position on this. I know Fairfax knows about this, so that means they're choosing to be silent. They can't claim this would overwhelm their resources, as they put out alerts anyway, and all it would take is a paragraph or two asking their members to contact their senators. So without a break in their silence, I can only assume their priority is not pissing off the 4 am lurkers and impairing their access to the BATFU hierarchy.

This Day in History: December 13

As Maj. General William Howe entered winter quarters on December 13, 1776, Lt. General Charles Cornwallis now received permission to halt his advance at the Delaware River. Howe, supported by Maj. General Henry Clinton, wanted to pull his line of defense to between Brunswick and Newark. However, Cornwallis convinced Howe to extend the lines for several reasons. The Americans were considered a minimal threat to the distant garrisons and lines of communication. Pulling back would make the British appear weak and unable to maintain positions. Such a move would also deprive New Jersey Loyalists of military protection during the winter.

Red's Update

Ryan posts on Len Savage.

Chuck Goudie and the I-Team Reporting

Not content to be left out of the treason in Chicago, the "Authorized Journalists" need to get in on the act and add their fuel to the flames.

From frequent correspondent HZ:

I saw a commercial tonight for an "investigative" report that will air tomorrow night (Wed Dec 12) on ABC 7 Chicago. I heard and caught the tale end of the promo commercial. The investigative reporter, Chuck Goudie was confronting someone on the street and asking him if he had just bought a gun while the person was trying to get in their car. You can hear him continuing his questioning the person and asking him "don't you live in Chicago?" I'm assuming the implication is that a Chicago resident just bought a gun in a suburban gun shop. The voice over then goes on to say something (paraphrased) like Chuck Goudie and the I-Team look into the flow of guns into Chicago ... blah, blah, blah.

Here's the link where it will more than likely be posted after it airs tomorrow night.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/channel?section=news/iteam&id=5755443

Cook County Turning Up the Heat

Cook County Board Poised to Shut Down Cabela's Superstore

Discontented Cookie posts an ISRA release.

It would seem with all the permitting a store like this must go through--beginning years before groundbreaking, that this is actionable for Cabela's against Cook County, and may even qualify as ex post facto...

But it does show the extent haters of liberty will go to be in your face with their treasonous agenda.

Also from Cook County:

Armed and Safe posts on "OutDCing DC":
Part 1
and
Part 2
where we learn more about the evil machinations to shut down gun shops by Larry Sufredin Succotash, and his partner in treason, the unfortunately named William Beavers, who has a registration plan to eliminate guns from all but "The Only Ones"--you know--those guys who are shielded from the truth...

Sic 'em, Al...

Machine Gun Shootout

Join Current TV's Vanguard Journalist, Kaj Larsen, as he gives viewers a closer look at how guns are being used in America in the compelling new pod, "Machine Gun Shootout." On Wednesday, December 12th at 10 pm ET/PT viewers will be shocked to see what Larsen finds at the Knob Hill Gun Range in Kentucky ­ from the operation of tanks and Napalm firing to a 9 year-old shooting machine guns. In this Vanguard special report, Current TV exposes one side of the gun culture issue at the largest machine gun shoot in the country ­ an event most Americans probably didn¹t know existed.

The above text is from the promo email notifying me of the program.

"Viewers will be shocked"?

Sounds hysterical--we'll see. The title link takes you to the general website--I guess we'll need to wait for showtime to get a specific url.

I wonder if a "Vanguard Journalist" is even more special, hip, avant garde and just plain groovy than an "Authorized" one--I guess we'll find that out, too.

UPDATE: LINK NOW GOES DIRECTLY TO VIDEO--and it's not as hysterical as the promo email suggests--it is, in fact, surprisingly well-balanced and enjoyable. My first inclination is to say the PR folks did the segment a disservice by presenting this as a shock piece, but then again, for many who know no better, it probably is, and we can help change that.

(Thanks 45Superman!)

Original Understanding

Lawyers are not necessarily historians, and sometimes it shows.

Despite the obvious importance of the Constitution’s original understanding, legal writers attempting to deduce the original understanding often have reached their conclusions based on astonishingly few sources. Furthermore, they sometimes misinterpret the sources they use. Among the malefactors, alas, are some Supreme Court justices and contributors to the nation’s most prestigious law reviews.

In an effort to raise the quality of originalist research, this essay is designed to introduce legal writers to the general range of material readily available for competent work.

Here's an interesting resource from the University of Montana--I haven't had time to give this anything but a cursory scan, but look forward to returning and wading in more deeply.

[Via Angel Shamaya]