Everybody Loves Ray Guns

Bill St. Clair points us to Ionatron, which is developing what is, for all intents and purposes, a phaser.

"Oh, joy," he observes. "The JBTs will soon have phasers. Then again, so will we."

Wanna bet?

At least not legal ones.

Prosecutor Steals Gun

Publicola tells a distressing and outrageous tale.

A Manual Effort

Civis Proeliator gives us "Manuals, Manuals & More Manuals."

"Lunatic Fringe"?

Arms and the Law refers us to Polsby and Kates' new law review article, which begins very cryptically:

"This essay seeks to reclaim a serious argument from the lunatic fringe. We argue a connection exists between the restrictiveness of a country's civilian weapons policy and its liability to commit genocide upon its own people."

I wasn't aware of a lunatic fringe making this argument.

JPFO and its supporters have been making this argument for years, and struggling mightily to get the ideas noticed. Curiously, they are not even mentioned in this paper.

Mr. Polsby--it would help if you told us exactly who you have in mind when you use the term "lunatic fringe."

Man, What IS It...

...with the Rio Grande Valley and bullets flying overhead near golf courses...?

At least in this case, it doesn't appear to be reporter hyperbole...

The Canons of Journalism

An Open Letter to Cari Hammerstrom

Dear Ms. Hammerstrom,

Your paper's website doesn't include an email address for you, so I'm sending this to its editorial department to forward to you, as well as for their cognizance.

I'm writing in response to your July 9 story in The Monitor titled "TARGETING A NEED" because it makes some remarkable, and frankly, unbelievable claims.

You say golfers at Tierra Santa golf course in Weslaco are subjected to "bullets zinging overhead," and give credence to the assertion that "residents living nearby would probably appreciate if the bullets could go somewhere else."

Is this true? Is a gun range operated so dangerously and incompetently that the public is exposed to potentially lethal gunfire, and no one is doing anything to stop it? How could a fair reading of your carefully chosen and edited words conclude otherwise?

That seems to be quite a story you have stumbled on to. It's baffling why your biggest concern seems to be some golfers' games being off at the 6th hole due to noise.

Questions I would be interested in seeing you follow up on:

How much expended ammunition has been recovered off the gun range property?

Have any homes or other property been hit?

With "bullets zinging overhead," have police reports been made?

What do the police have to say about such obviously hazardous conditions endangering lives and property?

Has anyone appealed to a court to shut the range down? If not, why not?

Or, Ms. Hammerstrom, is it more likely that this is not a straight news story at all, but intentional hyperbole designed to shape public attitudes by implying a danger that does not exist?

If that's the case, do you think you are rigorously upholding the canons of journalism, or have you given that up and embraced the role of an agenda-driven propagandist?

Let me save you the time of doing further research, Ms. Hammerstrom--I have done it for you, from my armchair in Southern California, and it took me a matter of mere minutes.

Since your story was datelined in Edinburg, I called their police department. The lady I spoke with had heard nothing about "bullets zinging overhead" at a local golf course, but said I would need to check with the Weslaco police and gave me their number. I called there and spoke to another lady in charge of records and asked her if there was anyone I could speak with on the record about the matter. She gave me the name of her lieutenant and took down my number for him to get back to me. She also volunteered that if something like that had happened, she thought she would have heard about it--and hadn't.

A few hours later, I got a return call from Lt. Raul Vallejo, who informed me that when he heard about my inquiry, he personally went out to the area to see if he could find anything out about it. I explained who I was and why I was checking out your claims and his for the record response was:

"I have not received complaints of that nature and would fully investigate anything that was brought before me like that."

Lt. Vallejo seemed like a real and genuine person, easy to talk with, and honest and forthright in his answers. You would have enjoyed speaking with him, Ms. Hammerstrom, assuming you were interested in giving your assertions a reality check.

Isn't it curious that a professional reporter, backed by the resources of a professional newsgathering organization, would make such outrageous and misleading claims and present them to the public as factual? Especially when divining the truth of the matter is almost effortless, assuming that is what one seeks? Do you attribute your false claims to carelessness, Ms. Hammerstrom, or to something more deliberate?

To your editors, I would ask if this is representative of the quality of reporting we can expect from The Monitor and its sister publications at Freedom Communications, Inc.?

In any event, I'll be monitoring The Monitor, Ms. Hammerstrom, as well as sister publications where your story has appeared, to see if a deserved correction to their readers is forthcoming. And while I hold no illusions about professional sanctions for work that can only be described as either negligent or deceptive, perhaps this will give your editors pause to scrutinize your submissions a little more closely in the future.

"Was My Face Red" Update

In re the guy who complained about the Air Force flyby, Snopes.com reports:

To his credit, the complainant, Mr. MacRae, tendered a written apology which was published in The Republic on 9 July: Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" (Letters, June 28):

I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).

I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.

I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.

This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.

I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.

I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.

Please accept my heartfelt apologies.

Tom MacRae, Peoria

Arrest That Man!

"Last November, University of California, Los Angeles student Joseph Deutch put what appeared to be a bullet into the chamber and pulled the trigger in front of his class.

"After the sound of a click, he ran out of the room and a loud noise rang out, causing panic among students who briefly thought he had committed suicide. In fact, Deutch had set off a firecracker in a can offstage, his lawyer Howard R. Price told the Los Angeles Times."

Firecrackers, of course, are illegal in the state of California, which only allows the sale and use of State Fire Marshal-approved "safe and sane" fireworks. On top of that, even those fireworks may only be discharged between specified dates around the Fourth of July, and only then in municipalities which permit it.

So the lawyer seems to be admitting guilt for his client on several counts.

Actually, the whole story about a wooden gun sounds like BS to me.

Hey, Can I Do That?

Louisville minister Louis Coleman hates guns.

"'We want to get them off the streets. We want to get them out of people's homes. We want to get people's minds, eyesight, earshot distance. We want to get them out of the environment totally,' said Coleman."

Somehow, I don't think he intends to disarm his masters and their enforcers. But what's he doing to disarm his flock?

"For the past several years, he's set up temporary shop on the corner offering to buy guns for $20 to $25. It's dollars he pays out of pocket with the funds that are supplied by his group, the Justice Resource Center."

He wouldn't be operating this store and receiving firearms without jumping through all the hoops a regular gun dealer is forced to go through, would he?

Blame It On Rio

Let's see--unchecked gangs roam the streets committing carnage--hey, HERE'S an idea--seeing as how the increasingly restrictive edicts haven't done anything to stem the violence, why not hold a referendum to make ALL private guns illegal?

THAT'll teach those street thugs!

Was My Face Red!

Head tells us about Tom MacRae, who opened mouth and inserted foot in a very public way--one that will surely cause him grief for years to come.

Out of Africa

Rational Review points us to an article by Robert B. Reich who argues "End rich-nation farm subsidies, and Africa and other poor nations have a fighting chance."

Reich calling for an end to any kind of government meddling with the economy is an event unto itself, but that ain't the half of it. My sister Betsy sent me a magnificent Spiegel interview with Kenyan economics expert James Shikwati, who pleads "For God's Sake, Please Stop the Aid!"

Read this. It is profound, and directly applicable to what is happening in this country via the welfare state, do-gooders and unintended consequences, and no, of course I'm not solely addressing a specific minority community.

The social engineers (like Reich) have created a cycle of dependency and generational poverty. Coupled with insane prohibitions, this must always result in a robust criminal subculture with attendant violence, and increasingly repressive government using that as an excuse to expand its clutches.

Those who would disarm us have created a system in which "gun crimes" are inevitable, and this in turn fuels the demand to disarm everyone. And the results of that, should it come to pass, are also entirely predictable.

I hope the interview with Mr. Shikwati receives widespread attention. It is one of the most compelling and persuasive arguments against interfering with people "for their own good" I have read. He appears to be a great man. Let's pray he is allowed to continue living and promoting his message.

So naturally, the G-8 leaders and their idiot puppet Bono are hell-bent on doing just the opposite of what is needed--giving the African despots who suppress and murder their people more resources to plunder.

But Bob Geldorf and Sting will feel good about how important and generous and wise they are--and the bankers and governments who made criminally negligent loans will dodge another bullet.

A Hot Button Issue

Fun Turns to Tragedy designed this cool link button for WarOnGuns, plus offers some encouraging words.

Thanks, Kirk. I appreciate your kindness.

I'm also eagerly awaiting the conclusion of your mouse story.

A Hint of Bender

I listened to Homeland Security Czar (how come they never say "fuhrer"?) Michael Chertoff tell us ordinary citizens "to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity" in the wake of the London bombings.

Here's a little test. Stop what you're doing right now and see how long it takes you to find a phone number for someone at the Abteilung der Homelandsicherheit who you can report suspicious activity to.

I wonder if Mr. Chertoff has been tipped off about all those folks from God-knows-where crossing the border every day while his boss disparages those who are remaining alert and reporting suspicious activities as "vigilantes."

Aside from the blather he was droning on about, I found myself distracted by Chertoff's voice--it reminded me of someone. Now that I see his picture, I realize who.

450 Sheep Jump to Their Deaths in Turkey

"First one sheep jumped to its death. Then stunned Turkish shepherds, who had left the herd to graze while they had breakfast, watched as nearly 1,500 others followed, each leaping off the same cliff, Turkish media reported."

Shoot, we got plenty more than that trying to do the same thing right here in the USA.

"The Constitution Is What the Supreme Court Says It Is."

"Comments made by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, in his former capacity as White House counsel, have some conservatives warning that he would be the wrong choice to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor."

And like his boss, he believes "assault weapons" should be banned.

Guns and the Future of the United States

Jennifer Freeman of Liberty Belles issues a warning.

London Attacks

Cryptic Subterranean is posting updates.

And the Winner Is...

"For Civilian Use Only"

I like it.

Of Mice and Men

Fun Turns to Tragedy has a mouse story for us.

Well told. Me 'n my mom's cat once bagged a mouse together, and it took a while to earn back forgiveness after I took the brown paper bag outside and released our hostage in a field.

I'm primed for the promised conclusion to this tale.

"Shop the Gun Criminals"

Hey, it's not just the title that makes no sense (they probably meant to say "Stop," but got careless in their orgiastic glee to print another anti-gun hit piece).

Here's another total waste of resources if the goal is stopping violent crime. If the goal is increasing the state's grasp and consolidating your base of inmate snitches, however, the plan is grand.

My favorite line:

"It relays the simple message 'if you know someone has got a gun but don't report it you could have blood on your hands.'"

AAAGGHHHH!!! IT WON'T COME OFF! IT WON'T COME OFFFF!!!!!!

That does it. I'm turning you guys in.

Two Letters

Stuart Caesar and Gene Reed tell the Philadelphia Daily News why it's full of it.

Failing the Test

“It’s extremely irresponsible and most likely actionable negligence,” Charlotte, North Carolina, attorney Monroe Whitesides tells me.

The Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law is talking about BATFE’s treatment of competition shooter John Glover, who had seven firearms seized and was indicted for manufacturing an illegal machinegun. If convicted, Glover was in danger of federal prison.

Read complete article, "Failing the Test," my Rights Watch column for the July 2005 issue of GUNS Magazine.

Then get the JPFO video where the BATFU outrages I discuss are documented.

Are You Vermin?

Foreword:

In yesterday's post, I mentioned a Los Angeles Times cartoon comparing militia members to cockroaches, noting:

Those who would rule have mastered the time-proven technique that if you dehumanize a segment of society you wish to eliminate, you can treat them inhumanely without a general outcry.

Here's a commentary I wrote a few years back, no longer posted anywhere and dusted off for WarOnGuns.
__________________________________________

A letter praising Sen. Dianne Feinstein's bid to ban "high capacity" magazines appeared in The Los Angeles Times a while back. What made it stand out was the arrogance and prejudice displayed by the writer, and his unveiled contempt for those of us who believe in the right to keep and bear arms.

Make no mistake- if you understand and support the Second Amendment, you are a minority. As such, you are subject to the same stereotypes, hateful treatment and name-calling as any other minority group victimized by prejudice. Where this letter is illustrative is that it demonstrates how, contrary to their own rhetoric, those with a leftist world view reek of bigotry and intolerance for anyone who does not fit within their criteria for acceptability.

Want proof? Let's analyze the letter.

"Imagine a bunch of gang fathers taking their little thugs into the woods to teach them how to shoot their semiautomatic high-capacity weapons with deadly accuracy. The thought is outrageous."

According to the letter's writer, children of gang members are automatically "little thugs." This is the true outrage- what a bigoted remark! Our Constitution specifically repudiates the concept of "corruption of blood." But the fruit never falls far from the tree, eh? And since being a chip off the old block has nothing to do with cultural influences, what else could such incipient thuggery be attributed to but a genetic predisposition? So why not just lock these proto-felons up now, before they hurt somebody, and be done with it?

"Replace this scenario with one in which rural fathers dress their little patriots in camouflage and show them how to shoot their semiautomatic high-capacity weapons with deadly accuracy."

In the writer's elitist circles, a rural father passing on safe and responsible firearms practices is the moral equivalent of a gangbanger. A patriot is a thug.

"The aim of both groups is the same. Kill your target."

With the contempt this guy has already displayed for large segments of our culture, I guess it's not surprising that he values human life so cheaply as to equate the victim of a gang attack with a soda can or a game animal. Which brings us to his next pontification:

"As much as I hate killing anything, I agree that we will not disarm either the gangbangers or the bubbas of the NRA in my lifetime, but we can at least limit their firepower."

Finally, the sage has said something which can be corroborated- he hates. Somehow, I'm not surprised. But does he really hate killing things? Note that he said "things" and not "people", but then, haven't we established that someone with his demonstrated level of ethical development gives them both equal shrift?

But now, let us get to the crux of this analysis. Let's talk about what he really hates. Or I should say "who." I'd like to address the concept of "bubbas of the NRA" by asking the reader to play a little word substitution game. Instead of "bubbas," which is derisive of the pro-firearms rights minority and one of their organizations, pick a stereotypical offensive term for the members of a different minority group and one of their organizations. Try it: the ___________ of the ___________.

Uh- dude? Isn't this what you people on the left call "hate speech"?

"Feinstein has more guts than most men in politics."

As we all know, the fragile little things by nature just don't have the courage us manly men do (must be some inherent inferiority, like with the young thugs, eh?). Would he also call her a credit to her sex?

For someone with such contempt for the worthiness of his fellow human beings, it would please me no end to think that the writer chooses not to own a gun. Except we can't always rely on actions following words; remember, his idol, the "gutsy" Senator Feinstein sees no problem with carrying one- she just doesn't want you to have the same option. The same is true with California State Senator Don Perata, author of the state's most recent "assault weapons" ban. But we at least see why they are kindred spirits, sharing the common bond of elitism and disregard for the dignity and trustworthiness of "average" citizens.

In turn, these politicians share the bond of contempt for and prejudice against gun owners with the major media outlets, and particularly with The Los Angeles Times. And, despite their self-proclaimed roles as champions of social equality, they resort to the lowest forms of class warfare to advance their agenda of citizen disarmament.

This offensive letter was not just another opinion being expressed by another reader. It was selected by agenda-driven editors from among many submissions for a reason. In a very real way he spoke for The Times, reaffirming points they have been stressing on a continual basis, oftentimes not even bothering to mask their virulence.

Case in point: some time ago, they published a chilling political cartoon. A stereotypical "militia" member was lifting up a large rock, yelling "Regroup!" as cockroaches were running toward it for cover. The message was clear. And the propaganda technique has been borrowed straight from the most evil regimes the planet has ever known.

To sway public opinion against a minority group, that group must first be dehumanized, that is, made to appear subhuman. This destroys empathy for that group, and allows for further encroachments against them. It allows you to portray people who teach their kids how to safely handle a firearm as slack-jawed "bubbas," dolts who are too incompetent to be entrusted with guns. This allows you to begin disarming them.

Then comes the next step in the fomenting of public hatred- portraying a group of human beings that you want to eliminate as vermin. Like cockroaches. Nasty, filthy "things" that need to be exterminated. And once they've been disarmed, you can.

It's not like this hasn't happened before. Many times.

To the hate-filled writer: we are not "bubbas." To the hatemongers of The Los Angeles Times: we are not vermin.

And to politicians who would exploit this hatred to enhance their own power, let me tell you what we are- free men and women who yet possess the means to resist your predation.

How can you tell? It's easy. Unlike prey, slaves, subjects and prisoners, we have guns.

And we intend to keep them.

Calling All Creeps

Mike Ross of The Edmonton Sun, commenting on "The Gun Sculpture" :

"Frankly, it can give you the creeps - or at least attract creeps who say things like, 'Man, what a waste of good guns.'"

Just so there's no mistake--no compromise or dialog is possible. These people are our enemies. They demonize and disparage us for one purpose--to gain public support for the state to disarm us through coercion and force.

The Los Angeles Times used a similar technique a few years back in an editorial cartoon comparing NRA members to cockroaches.

Those who would rule have mastered the time-proven technique that if you dehumanize a segment of society you wish to eliminate, you can treat them inhumanely without a general outcry.
________________________

UPDATE/CORRECTION: The cartoon in question dehumanized "militia" members, not specifically the NRA.

The Last 'No Guns' Shop

"The last gun-shop owner in Minneapolis lost his zoning appeal Friday and will soon be told to stop doing business...Even though he will stop selling guns, he said, his store will remain open selling accessories, posters and Mace, and teaching gun safety classes. 'Everything will be the same except for the sale of firearms,' [Mark Koscielski] said."

Government can take the property they want and tell you how to use what they let you retain.

What did Mr. Bush say, our enemies "hate us because we're free"?

"Often a Precursor"

A man almost hits a thoughtless teenage girl with his car. He's angry and lectures her. He makes the mistake of grabbing her by the arm. Now he's a convicted sex offender.

"While acknowledging it might be 'unfair for [Barnaby] to suffer the stigmatization of being labeled a sex offender when his crime was not sexually motivated,' the court said his actions are the type that are 'often a precursor' to a child being abducted or molested."

Grab a kid, lose your guns. Plus be forever branded a pervert. And the court says it's his fault.

I can think of all kinds of "precursor" activities child molesters "often" engage in. Things like breathing, eating...

If that's the standard for a criminal conviction, especially one of this magnitude, we're all screwed.

There's no apparent distinction that says "restraint of a minor" charges couldn't be filed for grabbing your own kid to discipline him or her.

The girl's parents should have thanked the driver. Ironically, it seems if he had simply run over the girl and could prove it was accidental based on her carelessness, he would have been facing far less serious consequences.

Can Women Outshoot Men?

The July 1955 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

Oh, Duh.

"Just a thought," wrote Publicola, "but since we have B.A.G. Day & National Ammo Day shouldn't we promote a day to go to the range & use said guns & ammo? Perhaps June 23rd?"

I was tired and didn't click on the link he included in his email. Instead, I tried to find the significance of that date, and wrote back:

"I always observe June 23 to commemorate when Larry Doby retired from the Cleveland Indians and Harry Truman vetoed the Taft-Hartley Act. Oh, and June Carter Cash's birthday.

"Any particular 2A-related significance of the date I'm missing?"

"David," he patiently replied, "That was the day SCOTUS handed down Kelo. Nuff said? :)"

That sure beats "Look at the link I provided, you damned idiot," don't you think?

Naked Advocacy From Providence Propagandist Gregory Smith

[Use BugMeNot to bypass registration. Or don't. It's a piece of crap paper and doesn't deserve site hits.]

"Using a national estimate, the campaign stresses what it calls a startling fact: "More children play in a home with a gun than play in a home with a dog," 43 percent to 30 percent."

I wonder what hard-hitting newsman Gregory Smith plays with at home.

He doesn't even make an attempt at balance.

What a hack.

What a fool.

Just a Question on Kelo...

If real property can be taken away from its owner by a community based on the plunderer's definition of "public good," why can't tangibile property be similarly confiscated?

Things like guns...?

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

Elected officials in West Palm Beach, FL, where people are too stupid to vote, are blowing tax revenues on more stupidity.

“Mayor Lois Frankel announced West Palm Beach's first gun buyback program Wednesday, the latest in a series of efforts to help curb the killing spree in the city's north end…

"‘This is like a cancer,’ Frankel said. ‘There is no instant cure.’"

Using Frankel’s impaired grasp of cause and effect, if it were cancer, she’d be hawking a carcinogen “buyback.”

“Within an hour of the buyback announcement, Gregg Stephens, owner of Gator Guns & Pawn in West Palm Beach, said he got a call from a man who wanted to buy all of his handguns under $60. The man wanted to turn them in for a profit.”

What's This "Plead"?

"Bloggers plead for freedom from election laws."

"Plead"?

I'll not plead.

This is my online journal. I write it for me, to reflect my thoughts and my opinions. As such, I will say whatever I damn well please, whenever I damn well please.

These fascists can pass whatever edicts they wish. I'll still say what I want.

I'll continue to do so until incapacitated. I will defy any attempts to silence me until I am incapable of defiance.

But I'll not plead.

I'll never plead.

Shameless Plug: "Look Who’s Demanding Gun Control"

What do Robyn Anderson, Mark Manes, Barbara Graham, Annette Stevens and Amy Fisher have in common? Aside from their association with "gun crimes"?

They all think YOU can't be trusted with a gun.

"Look Who’s Demanding Gun Control" is my Rights Watch column for the August issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at demanding newsstands throughout the Republic.

The Police Are There To Protect Us

No they're not.

Of course, Richard Stevens has been telling us this for years.

So THAT'S Why They Call It "The PATRIOT Act"...

From the Liberty Belles:

"The Patriot Act is supposed to protect the United States from terrorists. Unfortunately, we don't always know how the term 'terrorist' will be defined. History shows that totalitarian governments fear an armed populace and are willing to take a pre-emptive strike at such a populace. Armed members of the populace who oppose a tyrannical government could easily be labeled as 'terrorists.' One can't help but wonder why this bill was named the 'Patriot Act' rather than the 'Anti-Terrorism Act.' Let's hope the bill wasn't actually intended to apply to Patriots."

Why, Just Imagine!

"Imagine a police officer responding to a frantic call of someone running through a neighborhood with a gun in hand."

I don't have to imagine. When I was a kid, I used to run through my neighborhood all the time with my cowboy guns and holsters, or my submachine gun squirt gun ("Shoots 50 feet!") that Grandma bought me, or my kid brother's Johnny Seven O.M.A. ("One Man Army").

No one frantically called the cops. No cops frantically blew kids away for doing the same thing they used to do when they were kids.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

"When asked whether he'd been drinking, Wilcox told Officer Bryon Dietzel, "Yes, I had one drink," the Baltimore Sun reported, quoting court records.

"After the officer called for backup, a nearby canine team arrived and Wilcox performed a field sobriety test, which he passed. But when the dog reacted to the car that Wilcox had been driving — which had California plates — the player was asked whether there was anything inside. Wilcox said there was a gun."

Lesson One: STFU

Lesson Two: If you do, they still have you, because they'll use that as an excuse to let the dogs out. And even if the dog hasn't been trained to react to certain stimuli like gunpowder residue, you can bet they've taught it to react to subtle cues so it will bark on command--thus providing "probable cause" to shuck that pesky Fourth Amendment aside.

"The police are watching. And in Chicago, they're listening, too."

"City officials are using new technology that recognizes the sound of a gunshot within a two-block radius, pinpoints the source, turns a surveillance camera toward the shooter and places a 911 call. Officials can then track the shooter and dispatch officers to the scene."

Sounds like a job for The Black Arrow.

Young Skulls Full of Mush

The Battle Creek Enquirer published " the winning entries in the Minority Health Partnership's 'Do the Write Thing' contest."

The topic was "ideas for ending gun violence."

Don't blame the kids. It's not their fault.

Banister Verdict Suppressed

Carl F. Worden has some observations about the lack of establishment media reporting of Joseph Banister's win in federal court against charges of conspiracy and defrauding the government.

This goes back to my point about the government assuming authority to decide who is and is not a "journalist."

Take a Dip in the Pool

Nicki advises me that she and some friends have started a new blog, the Constitution Death Pool.

Everybody Loves Big Brother

The cops, the citizens, the news team...

Watch the video and see for yourself.

Don't you think it's time you asked Big Brother to watch you?

Pssst...Hey, Buddy!

Click here if you want to see some amateur gun porn!

How Do You Achieve a 44% Increase in "Gun Crime?

Tips from our friends across the pond...

My favorite line:

"Sir Ian winced as he was shown a .44 Magnum..."

A Beast of a Burden

Pennsylvania "authoritah" can't decide whether a crime of domestic violence occurred, and it has them in fits because they want to keep a man from owning a gun.

"State police spokesman Jack Lewis said the ruling places an increased burden on his agency when it wants to deny someone a gun because of a domestic violence conviction."

Oh, gee. Expecting the government to bear the burden of proof in a criminal case. What could we have been thinking?

Sorry, Jack. We'll get rid of that hurdle right away for you.

‘Last Gunshop’ Update

[Use BugMeNot to bypass registration.]

"The owner of the last gun shop in Minneapolis lost another zoning battle Thursday with the City Council, moving him toward closing his store."

Translation: “You are not authorized to use your property in a manner we disapprove of.”

“I Suspect No One and I Suspect Everyone”

“$46,950…was seized from Ileana Valdez, 26, after a security check at a metal detector at Logan International Airport…Anthony Pettigrew, a spokesman for the DEA in Boston, said he could not comment on the lawsuit. But he said federal asset forfeiture laws allow agents to seize suspected drug profits.”

What the hell--it's not like we really own anything or control what we're permitted to possess.

This Land Is Whoever’s Land We Say It Is

Nicki and Pathetic Earthling weigh in on Kelo.

I wish they wouldn’t mince words and would tell us how they really feel.

This will probably not be a tripwire, but it may be something better—the awakening and radicalization of previously detached property owners.

The monkey may have caught its fist in the jar.

The Propaganda Masquerading as Reporting Award…

…goes to Barbara Laker and Myung Oak Kim of The Philadelphia Daily News for claiming: “Because of weakened gun laws that give gun shops more freedom, these shops have escaped punishment from ATF, the federal agency that regulates the industry.”

I Guess He Must Not Know Any Democrats...

“Oregon Democratic Party executive director Neel Pender said he thought the resolution sounded ‘pretty reasonable.’

"‘I don't know any Democrats who don't have a healthy respect for the Second Amendment,’ Pender added.”

Ithaca Gun Loses Buyer, Closes Its Doors

Well, here's one the antis won't have to sue out of existence...

A Disarmed Opposition is a Loyal Opposition

"Left-wing MK Ran Cohen (Yahad) made a move to curb possible violence by settlers on Wednesday by proposing a bill that would force them to take an oath of allegiance to the state as a condition for being supplied with IDF weapons for security."

Hey, it's gotta be done...otherwise, folks would be "liable to act as if they were in the 'wild West' and undermine the legitimacy of the law enforcement."

Just think if this rule was applied in America's major urban areas, where only the politically connected, proven loyalists could get a gun permit...

How to Choose an Unarmed Victim--A Primer

Easy--just pick the guy in the Ranger uniform.

"Some staff are happier with not carrying a weapon and believe that if a situation requiring one occurs, police should be involved."

Which means there will be plenty of time for your getaway!

Happy fleecing!

[This site uses PITA robot blockers, so clicking the link will take you to an "Invalid Access" page--click the "Try Again" link and a list of articles for the week of June 16 will appear. Click on "Unarmed rangers play role in safety at city facilities" to read the story this commentary refers to. Sheesh. Like people are tripping all over each other to access "The Bowie Blade." And like they're not supposed to WANT them to.]

What Did Mr. Franklin Say...

...about those who give up essential liberty for security?

A company operating out of Orlando Airport has found a way to make 'em sign up and pay for the privilege of being tagged as officially certified, card-carrying cud-chewers.

Pay 80 bucks, get your iris scanned and go stand in "an exclusive security line, and the promise of no random secondary pat-downs, in exchange for a background check by the Department of Homeland Security."

Why don't they just stamp your ribs with a "USDA Choice" imprint...?

Train Your Manhood...

...or something like that.

The Muslims say it's supposed to help deter "gun violence."

Inshallah.
---------------------
[via KABA Newslinks]

Come, Let Us Celebrate-Part 2

On second thought, I prefer this sentiment as a response to the Askholes.

Come, Let Us Celebrate

Today is National Ask Day.

I thought I'd commemorate it with a time-saving window sign.

Why We Can't Allow Guns in Bars

[Use BugMeNot to bypass registration]

We can't allow guns in bars because drunks will kill each other in fights.

We need laws like those in Evanston, IL, which not only prevent people from having guns in bars, but from having guns entirely.

Just ask Evanston Mayor Lorraine Morton, who responded to a bar shooting in Evanston by closing the bar (she's also the "Liquor Commisioner").

"'Nobody in Evanston has any business with a gun, let alone shooting anyone,' she said."

We see how well your edicts work, Commissar Morton.

Thank you for telling us our business and defining our rights.

"If you don't have the fireworks to alter, you don't have a problem"

Bakersfield, CA just banned "Piccolo Petes."

Why?

Because some morons put "the explosive charges from Piccolo Petes into a carbon dioxide canister, placing them inside a watermelon and lighting a fuse."

A man was killed.

So now manufacturers are liable not only for misuse of their product, but for deliberate alteration. By adopting this theory, it's hard to think of any product in the world that cannot be used to construct a lethal device.

Typically, the reporter is ignorant, not a watchdog, but a mere cheerleader for the state, referring to "safe and sane" fireworks as "explosive devices ready to be tampered with." If they were explosive devices,BATFU would be all over them.

As with "gun control," don't think the motive is to just ban whistlers.

OpenRange

From Barry Laws:

What the heck is going on with that new Firearms and Paintball Sports Facility?

WOW!

Much has gone on since we all met and were victorious at the grueling zoning variance meeting. We have prepped the interior of the building for renovation and are positioned to move forward. As always, things take about 3 times longer than planned. We were to be open mid July, and that is definitely going to be pushed to around November or December.

So what's been the hold up? Paperwork to be exact. Banks work in mysterious ways (at least to common man) and definitely at their timing, not mine. This facility is a huge commitment and that just takes time. We are just now grinding out the final details for signatures and once underway our fine construction team at Southern Contracting will kick back into gear to bring this baby to you folks in as timely a manner as possible.

We are also working on our new website and should have that available for updates in a month or two. I'll send you the entire link when that is up.

Our name is:

OPENRANGE.

Once built we will have established a beacon for the indoor shooting sports and a wonderful community recreation center. I can't wait to visit it myself. Check it out:

100 yard air-conditioned indoor perfect ballistic rifle target range with electrical retrieving targets 25-yard air-conditioned indoor target pistol range and tactical pistol range, both with computerized interactive targets. 12,000 square foot air-conditioned indoor paintball arena - awesome Firearm and Paintball Pro Shop offering sales and rentals in paintball, rifles and pistols... and yippee... Machinegun rentals!!! Facilities for meetings and parties. Clean, well lit, and beautiful.

So where will this wonder facility be built?

Crestwood, Kentucky.

What Do You Mean, Gun Control Applies to US?

Jim Duffy of the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County writes:

"Unfortunately, the law enforcement community has been put into a situation where it is no longer safe for us to include our families in this time-honored tradition...This presents a number of potentially dangerous scenarios for our officers and their families...I don't know how you can ask the people...to put their spouses and children in a situation that could bring a great deal of harm and fear into their lives....shouldn't he be able to employ the necessary protective measures needed to ensure that his family will not be the target of any retribution attempts by that street gang?"

Well, uh, gee, Jim, where do I begin? I suppose I should start by welcoming you to the club.

You could do what some of us feel compelled to do in situations where we believe it prudent to go armed for the protection of our families. But then, if you or your brother officers discovered that, you'd do your utmost to destroy our lives.

Wouldn't you?

Happy Father's Day, 2005

I'm the most fortunate of men--I have a father I love and respect, and two fine sons I have (so far) allowed to live.

Happy Father's Day to those of you who know the joy. Go be with your children.

That's what I'm doing today.

N'yuk, N'yuk, N'yuk...

Why I oughtta...

BLAM!

Woob...woob...woob..woob...

Film a Cop, Get Prosecuted

"During the summer, Patrick Thompson and Martel Miller filmed traffic stops around this college town in the hope that showing the resulting documentary would prompt discussion of how police officers interact with blacks.

"They succeeded, but not in the way they planned. Police seized their film and Champaign County prosecutors charged them with violating Illinois' eavesdropping law."

But no problem when it's the other way around, right, citizens?

[Thanks to Rick Stanley for passing this one along.]

Freedom Allies?

Dennis Walker of the Ohio Constitution Defense Council referred me to a website featuring absolute hysteria from an outfit calling itself "50 Caliber Terror". I did a WhoIs lookup and came up with a false front--Domain By Proxy out of Scottsdale, AZ.

They call themselves "A Project of the Freedom States Alliance--'Changing the Way America Thinks About Guns'." Look at who the other members of the Axis are and you'll appreciate the irony of that name.

Funny thing--the FSA site is also masked by the same proxy service. As are all its member sites.

So let's see--the 50 caliber terror people want donations, yet they also wish to remain anonymous.

That sounds pretty good to me. I've thought before about the potential for someone to start an "anti" website and funnel off donations that would otherwise be used by more effective organizations--I even wrote about a guy whose actions could make him appear to be "our man in the gun ban camp."

50 Caliber Terror? Freedom States Alliance?

I wonder...

Shoot the Crazy Frog

The most fun I've had with a game of this type since Smack the Bloody Penguin.

'Explorer' Produces Contender in Quest to Find 'World's Stupidest Gun Commentary'

Congratulations to Renee Horton for cramming the most "Minion Mom" talking points into one editorial.

Do You Think Firework Sales to the Public Should Be Banned?

It's not enough that the liberty-haters in the nation's capitol believe the intent of the Founders was to rule over disarmed subjects--they hate our traditions so much they even want to eradicate our celebrating the Fourth of July.

What did John Adams have to say about the matter?

"The 4th of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward, forever."

NBC4 (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) is conducting a poll to see who's game for banning fireworks sales to the public. Scroll down about halfway on the page--it appears on the right. So far, the antis are getting their priggish butts kicked 86% to 14%.

How Come?

From CALPEEK
California Political Week
June 13, 2005
Vol.XXVII, No.23

“Guns – Question: how come the NRA has not filed a lawsuit to remove the so-called San Francisco gun ban initiative from the November 2005 ballot? Doesn’t the State have preemption rights???”

Well, it thinks it does. I’ve always found the preemption doctrine hugely troubling when presumed to apply to unalienable rights. Still, the first question is legitimate, if for no other reason than consistency.

More Gun Owner Harrassment From CA DoJ

Your barrel is threaded.

Surrender or die.

More "in your face" from the Tyrant Lockyer. He knows exactly what he's doing--rubbing the noses of those he hates in excrement. And getting off on it.

This reminds me of a quote by my friend Brian Puckett:

"I sometimes wonder whether the socialists will issue an edict requiring all firearms to have a pink ribbon tied to the barrel, just to get a belly laugh as the panicked descendants of once-proud American patriots scurry to comply."

Thank God, when they retire, Lockyer's enforcement goons will be able to carry concealed in Maryland (see below)!

CCRKBA CHALLENGES MARYLAND ANTI-GUNNER TO APOLOGIZE TO POLICE FOR INSULT

"By insisting that a new federal law that allows retired police officers to carry concealed handguns is 'essentially dangerous,' a Maryland anti-gun crusader has insulted men and women in law enforcement and should immediately apologize, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) said today."

Sorry, CCRKBA, she’s right—but for the wrong reasons.

It is dangerous to extend rights to one class of citizen—particularly “law enforcement” types—to the exclusion of others.

It is dangerous to presume that rights can be dispensed by government. That reduces them to privileges.

It is dangerous to have the servants tell the master they are in charge of dispensing those privileges—and they reserve them for their own kind.

How many of these cops are out there issuing press releases calling for recognition of our rights, and complaining that having them infringed is an insult to the whole people?

How many would do their utmost to destroy our lives if they found out we were exercising our right to keep and bear arms without “permission”?

Forget Leah Barrett. I’m saying that a new federal law that allows retired police officers to carry concealed handguns is essentially dangerous.

It’s not an insult, it’s a fact.

Don't hold you breath waiting for an apology.

The War on Cows

"So what we have is the government, prodded by large corporations, saying it is helping small family farms by destroying one of our most successful small family farms."

We probably need a federal Department of Bovine Security or some such...

More "Black Arrow" Field Updates

From Vin Suprynowicz

June 10:
We drew about 60 people to my address before the Pike's Peak Firearms Coalition in Colorado Springs Thursday evening (there was a lovely cake with the cover of "The Black Arrow" in full color in the frosting, further inscribed "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.") That followed the afternoon book-signing at the local Barnes & Noble; while I was in town I sold more than 60 copies of "The Black Arrrow." (There was actually demand for more copies of the leather-bound edition than I had brought.)

We got some coverage in the local press; Amy Willard there might be able to provide some more details. (Amy & Dave Willard were the very generous hosts & organizers of my appearance.)

Best Wishes,

-- Vin

June 13:
Several of you have kindly suggested "The Black Arrow" would make a good movie, and asked whether we've made any efforts to place it in the hands of folks who do that sort of thing.

There aren't many folks in movieland who identify themselves as free market types or Libertarians (capital OR small "L") -- Kurt Russell, Dennis Leary, Christina Ricci, and perhaps Clint Eastwood are about all who come immediately to mind.

So, we sent one inscribed copy of "The Black Arrow" to each, through their registered agents or publicists. (Actually, we sent several to the various addresses for Mr. Eastwood's Malpaso Productions -- all were returned.)

Otherwise, what happens to such books?

See http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/offer-listing/0976251604/ref=dp_olp_2//103-0863813-0768614?condition=all

:-)

Best Wishes,

-- Vin

The Joyce Foundation: A Hijacked Legacy

David Hardy details how the Joyce Foundation is a hidden hand behind the trend to close "the newspaper loophole."

We know the foundation is a major player in funding citizen disarmament activities--but why? Who started it, and why did they hate private ownership of guns?

Or did they?

"The Joyce Foundation was established in 1948 by Beatrice Joyce Kean of Chicago.

"The Joyce family wealth came from the lumber industry, including family-owned timberlands, plywood and saw mills, and wholesale and retail building material distribution facilities which were located in the state of Louisiana and the Midwest.

"Until the early 1970s, assets of the Foundation remained small and grants were given to the particular philanthropic interests of its founder. Upon Mrs. Kean's death in December of 1972, the Joyce Foundation was bequeathed ninety percent of her estate, an amount in excess of $100 million. A professional staff was retained and Kent F. Peterson, who had been an executive of the Tremont Lumber Company, was named president.

"At the time of Mrs. Kean's death the annual contributions of the Foundation totaled less than $100,000. By 1974, when the majority of assets was delivered to the Foundation, annual giving reached $500,000 and by 1976, $10 million. During the first twenty-five years, traditional health organizations and hospitals received the majority of the Foundation's contributions. After 1973, higher education and cultural institutions were added as major beneficiaries."

Got that? The social engineering didn't start until after the founder had died, leaving a caste of professional parasites in charge.

A well-researched overview of the Joyce Foundation can be found at DiscoverThe Networks.org—A Guide to the Political Left. A funding summary is presented at ActivistCash.com. And Don Williams gives us some interesting background and insights over at History News Network Reader Comments.

"The Black Arrow" Book Tour--Notes From the Field

By Vin Suprynowicz

Hi, David --

That's great news![*]

We just mailed you a copy of the latest issue of the glossy magazine "Liberty Watch," with my leering mug shot and the tale of Laissez Faire Books and "The Black Arrow" on the cover.

They'll ship additional single copies of the magazine to anyone who sends them $3.95.

It sounds like we may draw some crowds -- and some media attention -- to my appearances in Colorado Springs on June 9. (My column runs in the Colorado Springs Gazette -- that's always been a good market for me.) See http://www.theblackarrow.us/BookTour/.

I have no idea if my appearance in New Hampshire June 26 will be equivalent ... although I WAS officially condemned by the sitting governor the last time I visited. :-)

The challenge is figuring out how to "break out" of the primarily young male readership that will generally pick up a quasi-Libertarian action/adventure shoot-'em-up. Not that we disdain that market. But I've been very gratified by positive reviews from folks like Sunni Maravillosa and Mary Lou Seymour -- this book simply won't "break out" into the more general populace until we can convince women that it is (to a considerable extent) a character-driven romance.

Oddly enough, I believe this discussion about whether there's "too much sex" probably helps. Anyone who's read any of the Laurell Hamilton "Meredith Gentry" books is going to have a tough time believing there can be "too much sex." The real question is whether the love/sex/whatever scenes are differentiated in ways that contribute to character development. And I think that's a much more productive discussion than things like "weapons choice."

The Deanna Forbush analysis piece due to run pretty soon on LewRockwell.com should help.

I'll keep you posted as things develop.

Thanks Again,

-- Vin
-----------------------------
[*]-Reaction to hearing that my review of "The Black Arrow" will be published in GUNS Magazine--DC]

Gonzales vs. Raich—Why Should You Care?

“[T]he Supreme Court accepted the government's argument that Congress could prohibit this wholly intrastate non-economic activity under its interstate commerce power because the ban on these purely local activities was an ‘essential part of a broader regulatory scheme.’ By this rationale, Congress can regulate pretty much anything it wants, and the list of limited powers provided by the Founders is once again in limbo.”

So why should gun owners care?

Oh, I dunno.

Naturally, nothing can be found about the Raich decision and its implications for reloading over at NRA-ILA.

Why do you think that is?

When Leftist Bedwetters Collide

Two teenagers set out to prove the lethality of BB guns for their science project. They "wanted to see if kids should not use BB guns because they're deadly."

Science fair administrators were appropriately horrified, and banned any type of experiment using such evil instruments.

I do love it so when there are competing subversions and these people turn on each other.

Someone ought to explain to Nancy G. Degon that an air rifle is not a "firearm." Then again, I doubt if she'd be interested.

From the Department of Pre-Crime

"The leaked report said that infants not 'under control' by the age of three were four times more likely to be convicted of a criminal offence once they reached maturity, according to an account of the study."

Well, hell--I'm sure we could produce similar results for children of criminals, or those of welfare parents, or even of single mothers. We could probably even come to some conclusions based on [GASP] race!

Maybe we should cut to the chase and just get on with the mandatory sterilizations and forced abortions.

And as for the ones we deem fit to live, I say iris scan 'em!

Sunday Sermon

This is a better quality graphic of the one featured in my profile. It originally appeared as a GunTruths poster.

Expedition Forming: Sign-Ups Wanted

For some reason, I think this gets funnier every time I look at it.

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

Update from the "Stranger than Fiction" department:
This is a very strange coincidence, as this link goes to an ad about time travel. The coincidence will only be evident today, or until I add another article to the blog pushing everything down one place, and kicking the last article into the archives.

Scroll down to the very last line of text at the bottom of the page:

"Take a trip back through time. And best of all, it's free."

How weird is that?

Make Your Own Assault Weapon!

Steve Silver and Dan Schultz put this together years ago for The Lawyer's Second Amendment Society, now defunct, and it was later posted on GunTruths.com, also now defunct.

I thought I'd resurrect and post it here before I become defunct.

Gun Lobby Darling Arlen Specter Has Nerve Holding Philly Hearing Monday on Youth Violence While Gun Trafficking Rages On; Gun Violence

Prevention Groups Call Specter's Committee Hearing 'Bogus'

Those commies sure know how to write catchy headlines, don't they?

Response to California Attorney General Letter

I wanted to send a brief note of thanks to all that have sent email to me, or the Folsom Shooting Club, Inc. (FSC), about the letter to the Attorney General (AG) of California. Your kind words are encouraging.

I also want to acknowledge our member, Steve Helsley for writing a draft of the AG letter. Steve's letter was adopted by the Board with very little editing.

Many of you have asked about donations to our club, and about some sort of limited membership. I have asked the Board to consider creating a limited membership at the next meeting. A copy of this email is also being sent to the FSC Board and to Steve Helsley who proposed that the letter be sent.

Thanks again,
Tom Hause
--------------------------

Also see: "Gun Club to Lockyer's DoJ: You're Not Welcome Here"

Another Motown Anomaly

"One is accused of pointing a gun at a man who had poured pop on his car. Another was allegedly smoking crack cocaine. A third tested positive for marijuana use -- for the third time, police said.

"All three are Detroit cops...

"’We set our goals and principles very high in this department,’ said police spokesman James Tate. ‘If someone within our personnel violates the policies of the Detroit Police Department or commits behavior that could be interpreted as illegal, then appropriate action must be taken.

"’We have hundreds of dedicated men and women who go out every day and provide first-rate service. These are definitely anomalies.’"

Really?

Then I guess “appropriate action” has been taken on those 500 backlogged disciplinary cases? You know, the ones that were anomalies?

Maybe the cops should hold another gun “buyback,” if for no other reason than to get the media fawning all over them.

Plus it might help them raise funds to help stave off the effects of "a $300 million budget deficit, and the threat of laying off 612 police officers." It would also get people's minds off Detroit's leader in gun control, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who responded to Motor City's fiscal woes by charging "more than $210,000 on the city's MasterCard in his first 33 months in office. Some of the charges include an $850 steakhouse dinner; $3,837 on chauffeured sedans; and $11,644 on Super Bowl hotel rooms."

At least we can take comfort that "Kilpatrick again disputes persistent rumors of a party with strippers at the mayoral residence."

I bring this up because I don't want anybody thinking official criminality is endemic, or that the 3 cops were simply emulating their masters. As should be evident to all who can see, corruption in Detroit is an anomaly, and on those rare occasions when it surfaces, appropriate action is taken.

Say Uncle is Having a Contest

He needs a logo for an AR15 lower receiver he's working on.

I don't enter contests, but if I did, I'd submit this:

Innocence Betrayed: Excellence Confirmed

"The JPFO production 'Innocents Betrayed' has just won a Certificate for Creative Excellence (third place) in the Documentary category of the U.S. International Film and Video Festival ."

Did you get your copy yet?

The End is Near!

And Bill St. Clair got the scoop before all of us.

Gun Club to Lockyer's DoJ: You're Not Welcome Here

Kudos to Tom Hause and the Board of Directors of the Folsom Shooting Club for their bold and appropriate letter to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, that states in part:

"The Board of Directors of the Folsom Shooting Club (FSC) has directed me to advise you, in writing, that Department of Justice staff, while acting in their official capacity, are suspended from using the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center (SVSC). The FSC is concerned that your staff will further your efforts regarding AB 352 and SB 357 while using our facility."

It's nice to see others joining in the Barrett response.

Thank you, Mr. Hause. You and your fellow directors deserve our commendation and support on this. Good job.

I hope many fellow Second Amendment supporters join in sending you a note of encouragement and thanks.
----------------------------
[I learned about this ketter from KABA Newslinks, which featured the hysterical misrepresentations of the "Million" Moms.]

Senate Gives FBI More Patriot Act Power

Great--just what we need.

"Ranking Democrat Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., supported the bill overall but said he would push for limits that would allow such administrative subpoenas 'only if immediacy dictates.'"

I wonder how large of an armored vehicle the feds could drive through that hole he just made?

"Rockefeller and other committee members, such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., also are concerned that the bill would grant powers to federal law enforcement agencies that could be used in criminal inquiries rather than intelligence-gathering ones."

Hey, they're not investigating gun owners for edict infractions, they're investigating "militia extremist domestic terrorists".

See? Fix a few words and we don't have a problem here...

Fish Or Man: "I am Finished"

"I was sentenced June 2nd. It amounts to $500 fine, $250 deferred. 90 days in jail, 90 days suspended. Deferred jail time and money is on condition that for 12 months I have no future criminal offense. This entire sentence will not take effect unless I lose my appeal, (sentence stayed upon appeal)...I did have a letter from the SAF when I got home last night, of course, it was only for another fund raiser. Meanwhile, somewhere in America another unconstitutional 'gun law' was applied to an otherwise law abiding gun owner. A gun owner who will bow his head, cry for America, and then take the plea deal. I am finished."

You Don't Need a Gun Because the Police Will Protect You

Ri-ight.

And why can't I get this song out of my head?

Son of Real ID

I guess if you'd let an employer tag you like a cow, there's not much chance you'll ever stand up on your hind legs and demand any rights.

It's almost like the rulers have a drinking bet going on as to how outrageous they can make things and still achieve compliance.

NRA “Researching the Possibility”

Is that anything like investigating looking into?

NRA still hasn’t taken a public position on the Second Amendment Protection Act.

They still won’t even inform their members that it exists.

Typical.

Weapons of Choice

My June 2005 GUNS Magazine "Rights Watch" column is now online.

Déjà Vu All Over Again

Lotta bloggers talking about SCROTUS ratcheting up tyranny another notch in their medical marijuana decision.

A lifetime ago, an earlier generation used similar arguments in an attempt to ease restrictions against another controlled substance:

"And in the early months of 1921, a dedicated group of brewers, physicians and imbibers attempted to convince the U.S. Congress that beer was nothing less than vital medicine. Whatever craven thirsts might have inspired its advocates, the right of physicians to prescribe 'medical beer' was the subject of intense national debate, drawing the attention of officials at the highest levels of government and provoking arguments within the American Medical Association and other professional groups."

I've never been comfortable with the "medical marijuana" exceptions. It seems to me the argument aknowledges the legitimacy of government coercion when other substances are involved.

Interesting and all too predicatable what our rulers have done with the commerce clause. Time was, "the court construed the clause so narrowly...it ruled that not even so vast an industry as coal mining fell within the commerce power."

That's when FDR rolled up his sleeves and got to work on the last vestiges of federalism.

I find it intriguing that the polar flip in interpretation of the Constitution came about "because one justice, Owen Roberts, switched his vote. Ever since, historians have argued about why he did so."

Sounds like somebody protecting his butt at the expense of everything else to me. Hopefully somebody can tell us more about this character who helped doom the Republic--I'll have to look around.

Finally, anybody thinking Bush really wants strict constructionists on the court needs to square that fantasy with his support of the War on (Some) Drugs and Guns. As if such a jurist would make it through "advise and consent" anyway.

Full Disclosure

TriggerFinger raises concerns about a Bitch Girls post concerning Of Arms & the Law, specifically that a $10,000 funding grant by NRA was not disclosed.

It was. To millions, via NRA's June membership magazines.


From AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, June 2005, pg. 77

David Hardy does not warrant being scrutinized unless it is to confirm the wonderful work he has done and honor him for it. As a member of the Silveira support team from the outset, I know that Roy Lucas held him in the highest regard--and Roy was a guy who would let you know if he had issues with you.

Lest these comments be misunderstood, Matthew, no criticism of you or your decision to post on this is implied. I appreciate your blog and consult it every day.

"This is Not a Right"

Kevin Reece relates the outrageous tale of Cecelia Beaman, a middle school principal victimized by TSA JBTs for accidentally having a bread knife.

It's what Reece doesn't say that catches my attention. Like most Establishment reporters, he doesn't dig very deep.

For example:

"...a security screener announced..."

"...screeners refused to give her paperwork or documentation..."

"'They said "no" and they said it's a national security issue. And I said what about my constitutional rights? And they said "not at this point ... you don't have any".'"

Who "announced"?

Who "refused"?

Who "said"?

Do these people have names? Why do we know private citizen Cecilia Beaman's name, but not those of her thug oppressors?

Case in point:

We know the name of Elian Gonzalez.

We know the name of "fisherman" Donato Dalrymple.

Quick--who's the guy in the goggles?



One purpose of the press is to act as a watchdog over oppressive government, yet time and again I read stories where the agents committing abuses remain anonymous. By not identifying who they are as individuals, they face no personal consequences. They can continue abusing sovereign citizens with impunity.

If some Naziwannabe on the public dole is telling citizens they have no Constitutional rights, I want to know who that creep is. I want him out of any position of "authoritah".

Meanwhile, don't feel too sorry for new civil libertarian Cecelia Beaman, who is shocked, shocked that this could happen to her. As principal of Pacific Middle School, she presides over warrantless searches of charges she suspects of wrongdoing as a matter of policy.

Funny thing about Highline Public Schools' "SEARCH AND SEIZURE (BOARD POLICY 3231-3232)". They admit at the outset: "All students possess the constitutional right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures." But instead of obtaining a warrant based on "probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized," the bar at HPS is lowered to mere "reasonable cause for school authorities to believe that the possession constitutes a crime or rule violation."

So, Cecelia, before you scream too loudly about your rights, maybe you could tell us how many lockers you've ordered searched without a warrant--and what you would do, under the doctrine of "zero tolerance," to some hapless student caught in a situation similar to yours.

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

[I found out about the TSA story via FreedomSight, via End the War on Freedom, via What Really Happened.]

"Only the Military and Police Should Have Guns"

Today is the 16th anniversary of the Tienanmen Square Massacre, where only the military and police had guns.

David Rosen--The Non Sequitur King

"Would he have been able to fire at five people, steal two trucks, break into a gated community, beat two children and fatally beat their mother had he not possessed a lethal weapon? I think not."

You "think not." There's an understatement.

It sure looks like all those citizen disarmament edicts were effective at stopping this career criminal from getting a gun. And for that Rosen blames the "enforce existing gun laws" NRA?

The Times, of course, knows the truth and chooses to lie. Leave it to them to unethically advance their agenda by publishing such desperate and moronic hysterics.