On my way out the door, so one post is all I have time for.
Here's today's Gun Rights Examiner column.
Go there and read it. Tell your friends. Spam people. Put the link on forums. Scream the url at passing cars. Hire a plane to tow a banner. Help me promote this. Please?
Here's John Longenecker's latest. Go read it.
Jeff Knox will be on Tom Gresham's "Gun Talk Radio" Sunday at 2:00 PM EST. He'll be talking about why we should oppose Eric Holder. Listen to it.
I'll be back late Sunday.
Wish me luck--it's snowin' up a storm out there.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Holder First Squall in an Approaching Storm
We all saw "The Terminator," right?Today's wrap-up of the Holder series from my Gun Rights Examiner column...
"He said there's a storm coming in."We see it approaching, and we see an opportunity to set its advance temporarily back while we scramble to prepare for the onslaught. It's now up to you if you will do anything about it, and if so, what. [More]
"I know."
Please share the link with your friends.
Self-Storage
Federal agents alerted to a large cache of military explosives and other weapons in a Bellevue storage unit have arrested a Spokane man. [More]I wonder what this is about...?
Anybody know anything about this guy?
[Via TZ]
We're the Only Ones Involuntary Enough
Justice officials say they arrested Agent William Clark with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He also was charged with involuntary manslaughter and using a dangerous weapon during a violent crime. [More]Not just an "Only One,"--a BATFU "Only One"...
I'm certainly glad folks like William are out there to make sure we don't own any guns we shouldn't have...
H. R. 17
To protect the right to obtain firearms for security, and to use firearms in defense of self, family, or home, and to provide for the enforcement of such right. [More]My initial read says this would be a considerable improvement over where we are now, plus open some doors. If anyone disagrees, please educate me.
Does it have a chance?
Not if we don't make it happen.
And assuming others don't discourage us from trying because it exhausts too much "political capital."
[Via Marc H]
We're the Only Ones Nutritious Enough
An Alabama sheriff who made $212,000 in the last three years by feeding inmates what a judge said were skimpy portions was released from prison Thursday after submitting a plan pledging to feed them better. [More]Hey, he's just taking advantage of a menu of incentives designed to reward "Only Ones" while the productive sector picks up the tab...
[Via ML and somebody else--I can't find the email]
We're the Only Ones "All in the Family" Enough
A former Columbia police officer faces kidnapping and assault charges after a 13-hour hostage standoff at an interstate hotel 60 miles east of Atlanta ended peacefully Monday....A family reunion..."Only Ones"-style...
Police said Dietz and Jamie Lynn Burgess, 17, abducted Allim Dietz, 7 months, and Dietz’s estranged wife, Eva Perez, 29, from West Columbia Saturday night. [More]
[Via mercurysys]
Just Give Them What They Want
Robbers shoot, kill bartender execution-style [More]That's apparently what they wanted...
[Via mercurysys and MamaLiberty]
What it is About Guns isn't Even About Guns, Part III: The Castle Doctrine
Today's Los Angeles Gun Rights Examiner post. [More]
Citizen Journalists
Fast as the media was to respond, it relied on the amateur video captured at the scene --and even professional reports were then edited and repurposed by citizen journalists dedicated to telling their own version of the tale. When speaking to the jaded pros, police spokespeople have found themselves chasing a story driven by grassroots outrage -- one that couldn't be put to rest by stroking a few familiar faces. [More]J.D. Tuccille touches on a subject familiar to WarOnGuns regulars: why we shouldn't rely on "Authorized Journalists" for the last word.
As we've seen time and again, many times we can't even get a first word out of them, or the ones they come up with are both hopelessly ignorant and agenda-driven.
Storm Warning! Obama Will Attack...
The War in Gaza - A Militia View
One of the things forgotten in America today is that war is the normal state of being for man. Throughout the history of the human race we find one war after another, and very few, if any, real periods of peace. In fact, the only time we find real peace is when nations are prepared for war, and will not go to war, because their prospective opponents are too well armed, and the risk and cost are far too high. [More]I agree.
Via Paul W. Davis, who tells me:
There are many possibilities to explore here, but the first order of business is to be mentally prepared for what may come. After all, many folks in this country cease to function after a natural disaster, and virtually give up and give in, never taking responsibility, and never being proactive about recovering from the disaster. This does not bode well for our ability to withstand invasion and war on our own soil.Again, I agree.
We're the Only Ones Protecting the Queen Enough
Attempted burglary victim was former Rose QueenHell of a defense plan, isn't it? Hide in a closet and hope you don't get dragged out for the party?
Camille Clark hid in a closet in her room and called to alert police to a burglary at her house...
...A police officer fired several gunshots at an SUV driven by one of the suspects when it approached him, authorities said. [More]
And what's with the cop firing at a vehicle that "approached him"? Did it try to run over him? And was he certain everyone in the SUV was a bad guy, that they didn't take the victim with them?
Regardless, Ms. Clark got off easy this time.
I wonder if she'll continue to rely on the "Only Ones" as her first and only line of defense in the future?
This Day in History: January 9
I observe our people (a few excepted) are firm &> not to be shaken. A great number of volunteers may be had. I hope all the enlistments mayz be filled, but doubt if it can soon be done. I am endeavoring at vigorus measures. Languor seems to have been diffused thro the Naval department. However I hope it will mend. The Cherokees are humbled, but I fear hostility about Pittsburg in the spring... [More]
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Holed Up in Fairfax and They Ain't Comin' Out
I said this morning I'd get around to addressing NRA's silence on the Holder nomination, and on Sebastian's defense of it.
He gives a list of pros and cons. I'm not going to address every one, but will comment on what I think are the most important points.
The gist of his first "risk" is that a vengeful Holder will cut off access to the DoJ. If he did, that would certainly be worth raising a ruckus over, but what makes them think this anti-gun zealot who hates NRA and everything they stand for is going to not make things as difficult for them as he legally can as a matter of course?
This reminds me of the NRA representatives' stated position when they arranged for the California DoJ to come tell their members that there was no individual right to keep and bear arms, and that they had to fill out registration cards for their lawfully-owned semi-autos. The NRA rep actually told us how lucky we were to have the DoJ come speak to us, and how they didn't have to--like we were being done a favor--arranged through NRA's vaunted access to the corridors of power--to have the enforcers come and personally dictate to us the terms of our surrender.
His second stated "risk" is that if we lose, we'll be seen as impotent.
That all depends.
A man very close to me told me a good thing that happened to him when he was a teenager at a Depression-era CCC camp was that he got beat up in a fight on the first day.
"Why was that a good thing?" I asked.
"Because it took the guy half-an-hour to do it. Everybody knew they might be able to beat me, but they wouldn't be able to do it without a lot of effort and getting hurt back."
This business of being afraid to engage because you might lose is precisely the excuse given when they tried to derail Heller, a decision they now can't take enough credit for. It is simply unworthy of any who would call themselves our leaders.
Talk about appearing impotent.
The third "risk" he lists, "distracting membership from bigger fights looming on the horizon" is simply not credible. He's not just saying we can't walk and chew gum at the same time, he's saying we can't walk now and chew gum at some undetermined time in the future.
If this is the capacity and commitment of grassroots gun rights activists for multitasking, it's difficult for me to fathom why the "pragmatists" (there, I said it) put so much faith in their way being the strongest and most reliable.
What--if I ask you to write a letter on Holder today, when I come back to you next year and say "Obama's trying to ban assault weapons," you're going to turn around and tell me "Sorry-- I'm burned out on all I did last time"...?
This is our last best hope?
And what if we win and we get someone just as bad? If we win, the new administraiton won't put up someone just as bad, because they'll realize why it was they lost and not want to repeat it. If we win, they'll be so rocked back on their heels, their momentum will have been broken and their confidence challenged.
If we win, they'll know the old lion still has some teeth left.
And if we lose, well, remember the CCC camp.
NRA needs to understand that a growing critical mass gun owners are fed up. They're like the dumb republicans--more worried about what their avowed enemies will say about them than keeping faith with their core constituency. They don't understand that guys like me want a strong and principled NRA--and their hiding when they should be leading disgusts and alienates activists sick of all the compromise. It guarantees they'll be weak with the people who count--gun owners with a fire in their bellies for freedom.
And the opinion that NRA can't afford to lose and have it's reputation tarnished, but other, smaller groups can is insulting. What, like we don't have any credibility and NRA does?
Let me share some NRA credibility. Or better yet, let Mr. Cox:
Mr. Cox reveals something else very interesting:
How about you now give us some return love, and EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU pledge to put a hold on Holder? How about we start with the biggest "risk" NRA backed out of the entire herd, the old bull elephant himself, John "End Private Sales/Free Political Speech" McCain?
How many millions did NRA sink in his campaign, and on promoting other Republicans?
It's simply not credible that an organization that screamed so loudly and relentlessly on Obama being "the most anti-gun president in American history" would remain hidden and mute on the ascendancy of the most anti-gun Attorney General in American history.
The only excuse I can make for them is that they could be quietly working behind the scenes to get a "hold" commitment. That's the only thing I can think of that's acceptable. And since I haven't heard it floated from their apologists, I don't have confidence that's anything more than my desperate wishful thinking.
One last thing and then I've said enough--for now. If I were the Bradys, or some smaller group trying to establish relevance, I'd be looking at this latest schism. How would I exploit it?
The antis are already crowing every chance they get about how NRA is now impotent and ineffectual. It doesn't matter that they're making much of that up, the bottom line is they're doing it, and the media is helping them amplify their voices.
Do our champions at Fairfax really want to be portrayed as not only too insecure to fight, but hiding in their fortress afraid to even speak out?
-------------
NRA may be unwilling to engage on the Holder confirmation. How about you?
The following links are from a four-part (and ongoing) series from Examiner.com explaining why Holder is so bad for gun owners, what reasons a non-gun owner would have to oppose Holder, what citizens can do to oppose his confirmation, and new information regarding his contempt for using the legal system to defend yourself.
This guy will be a disaster for our liberties. Please help me let people know that.
Holder" To-Be" or Not To Be
How to Hold Holder Without "Using Guns"
How You Can Help Hold Holder
Another Reason to Hold Holder
He gives a list of pros and cons. I'm not going to address every one, but will comment on what I think are the most important points.
The gist of his first "risk" is that a vengeful Holder will cut off access to the DoJ. If he did, that would certainly be worth raising a ruckus over, but what makes them think this anti-gun zealot who hates NRA and everything they stand for is going to not make things as difficult for them as he legally can as a matter of course?
This reminds me of the NRA representatives' stated position when they arranged for the California DoJ to come tell their members that there was no individual right to keep and bear arms, and that they had to fill out registration cards for their lawfully-owned semi-autos. The NRA rep actually told us how lucky we were to have the DoJ come speak to us, and how they didn't have to--like we were being done a favor--arranged through NRA's vaunted access to the corridors of power--to have the enforcers come and personally dictate to us the terms of our surrender.
His second stated "risk" is that if we lose, we'll be seen as impotent.
That all depends.
A man very close to me told me a good thing that happened to him when he was a teenager at a Depression-era CCC camp was that he got beat up in a fight on the first day.
"Why was that a good thing?" I asked.
"Because it took the guy half-an-hour to do it. Everybody knew they might be able to beat me, but they wouldn't be able to do it without a lot of effort and getting hurt back."
This business of being afraid to engage because you might lose is precisely the excuse given when they tried to derail Heller, a decision they now can't take enough credit for. It is simply unworthy of any who would call themselves our leaders.
Talk about appearing impotent.
The third "risk" he lists, "distracting membership from bigger fights looming on the horizon" is simply not credible. He's not just saying we can't walk and chew gum at the same time, he's saying we can't walk now and chew gum at some undetermined time in the future.
If this is the capacity and commitment of grassroots gun rights activists for multitasking, it's difficult for me to fathom why the "pragmatists" (there, I said it) put so much faith in their way being the strongest and most reliable.
What--if I ask you to write a letter on Holder today, when I come back to you next year and say "Obama's trying to ban assault weapons," you're going to turn around and tell me "Sorry-- I'm burned out on all I did last time"...?
This is our last best hope?
And what if we win and we get someone just as bad? If we win, the new administraiton won't put up someone just as bad, because they'll realize why it was they lost and not want to repeat it. If we win, they'll be so rocked back on their heels, their momentum will have been broken and their confidence challenged.
If we win, they'll know the old lion still has some teeth left.
And if we lose, well, remember the CCC camp.
NRA needs to understand that a growing critical mass gun owners are fed up. They're like the dumb republicans--more worried about what their avowed enemies will say about them than keeping faith with their core constituency. They don't understand that guys like me want a strong and principled NRA--and their hiding when they should be leading disgusts and alienates activists sick of all the compromise. It guarantees they'll be weak with the people who count--gun owners with a fire in their bellies for freedom.
And the opinion that NRA can't afford to lose and have it's reputation tarnished, but other, smaller groups can is insulting. What, like we don't have any credibility and NRA does?
Let me share some NRA credibility. Or better yet, let Mr. Cox:
Your NRA-PVF does not just pick the easy battles. There are groups that endorse only “safe” candidates, but avoid the tough races completely...I haven't been this inspired since Mel Gibson yelled "FREE-DO-O-O-MM!!!"
And when we walk the halls of Congress to defend our rights, we need to know—and your lawmakers need to know—that you’re standing behind us all the way. United, we—and the Second Amendment—will prevail.
Mr. Cox reveals something else very interesting:
[T]he NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) endorsed 23 candidates for the U.S. Senate, of whom at least 14 were victorious...OK, guys, we backed you. You're now in, thanks to us.
How about you now give us some return love, and EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU pledge to put a hold on Holder? How about we start with the biggest "risk" NRA backed out of the entire herd, the old bull elephant himself, John "End Private Sales/Free Political Speech" McCain?
How many millions did NRA sink in his campaign, and on promoting other Republicans?
It's simply not credible that an organization that screamed so loudly and relentlessly on Obama being "the most anti-gun president in American history" would remain hidden and mute on the ascendancy of the most anti-gun Attorney General in American history.
The only excuse I can make for them is that they could be quietly working behind the scenes to get a "hold" commitment. That's the only thing I can think of that's acceptable. And since I haven't heard it floated from their apologists, I don't have confidence that's anything more than my desperate wishful thinking.
One last thing and then I've said enough--for now. If I were the Bradys, or some smaller group trying to establish relevance, I'd be looking at this latest schism. How would I exploit it?
The antis are already crowing every chance they get about how NRA is now impotent and ineffectual. It doesn't matter that they're making much of that up, the bottom line is they're doing it, and the media is helping them amplify their voices.
Do our champions at Fairfax really want to be portrayed as not only too insecure to fight, but hiding in their fortress afraid to even speak out?
-------------
NRA may be unwilling to engage on the Holder confirmation. How about you?
The following links are from a four-part (and ongoing) series from Examiner.com explaining why Holder is so bad for gun owners, what reasons a non-gun owner would have to oppose Holder, what citizens can do to oppose his confirmation, and new information regarding his contempt for using the legal system to defend yourself.
This guy will be a disaster for our liberties. Please help me let people know that.
Holder" To-Be" or Not To Be
How to Hold Holder Without "Using Guns"
How You Can Help Hold Holder
Another Reason to Hold Holder
No Charges
No charges against Metroparks dog shooter...I first wrote about this here. Go read it to see how the same event can be "reported" on two completely different ways.
A Cleveland man is charged with failing to control his dog...
While Keeney was in the cruiser, witnesses say Smith approach and tell Keeney he wanted to see the face of the man who shot his dog. One of the Rangers says Smith even threatened to shoot Keeney in revenge. [More]
Nice to see the "Authorized Journalists" at 19 Action News haven't corrected the record on the "family pup shot execution-style."
Perhaps I should have titled this post "No Integrity."
[Via TZ]
We're the Only Ones Not Defending it as Best Practice Enough
Oh, bull. He assaulted a disabled woman who is clearly impaired.According to the lawsuit, Parks disregarded Brown's repeated statements that her injuries prevented her from putting her arm behind her back, as the officer had ordered. The lawsuit says Parks ignored Brown's efforts to tell him about the documents she had with her that described her condition....
"We're not defending it as best practice," Pishko said. However, "Officer Parks didn't know he was dealing with a citizen who was brain-injured.... All he knew was she was noncompliant and agitated." [More]
She was not endangering him in any way. And who wouldn't be agitated with an irritating agitator like this bullying "Only One" treating you like a hostage because you were hula hooping, that is pursuing happiness...?
[Via Les K]
We're the Only Ones Giving Back to the Community Enough
Burglars forced their way into the secured Contra Costa County sheriff's lot in Martinez and ransacked several patrol cars and stole weapons between Monday night and Tuesday morning, said sheriff's Capt. Daniel Terry.Ah...more "guns on the street" via the Police Cruiser Loophole, I see...
Three Colt semi-automatic assault rifles and a Remington shotgun were taken from cars parked at a lot in the 1900 block of Muir Road, location of the agency's field operations and investigative divisions. [More]
And from a "secured lot," no less.
Good thing they don't make "Only Ones" leave their guns in their cars parked in open lots when they go to restaurants that serve alcohol--like many states require of just us folks...
Be funny if they got 'em back at a turn-in. It'd be one of the few times the term "buy back" was accurate.
[Via Blake S]
"I Like That Guy's SHOOT ME Pose"
Pictures from the aftermath of the BART shooting...
Figures the guy who made that comment has chosen a Nazi clown as his avatar. [More]
[Via Steven K]
Figures the guy who made that comment has chosen a Nazi clown as his avatar. [More]
[Via Steven K]
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