...at the French Embassy, naturally.
I remember posting on this earlier, and being surprised that humor columist Dave Barry was on the attendance list. I don't have time to look that up right now 'cause I'm on the road and doing a quick post...
Will get this blog back to normal day after tomorrow...
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
HCA Replies
Josh Manheimer of Handgun Club of America has commented on the concerns I posted. Others who vouch for the effort and Mr. Manheimer as being solidly pro-2A have also chimed in.
See their comments at the end of the linked piece.
See their comments at the end of the linked piece.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Wal-Mart Halts LA Gun Sales...
...and some folks feeling vulnerable right now aren't very happy about it.
What, fluid as in there's water all over the place and looters and rapists are running around victimizing people?
Mike White, I can't believe someone as idiotic as you're coming off even exists. I suspect you know better, and you're quoting from the playbook to advance your wretched, liberty-hating agenda.
Here's why we can't all get along, Rodney, I mean, Mike. Because you won't let us.
We're perfectly willing to leave you alone to live out your beliefs. Gungrabbers, on the other hand, rely on JBTs with "obey or die" edicts to force their will on those who believe and live differently.
So we'll get along, Mike, when you and your kind stop making war on us.
"A Wal-Mart spokeswoman, Karen Burk, attributed the company's decision to pull guns from the shelves to 'some very fluid circumstances and changing situations...'"
What, fluid as in there's water all over the place and looters and rapists are running around victimizing people?
"Wal-Mart's decision to stop gun sales also earned it praise from several customers, who said police would protect them from any trouble.
"'Why can't we get along? This is a time of crisis,' said Mike White of Kenner, La. He said people who need guns for legitimate reasons, such as hunting, would not be buying now."
Mike White, I can't believe someone as idiotic as you're coming off even exists. I suspect you know better, and you're quoting from the playbook to advance your wretched, liberty-hating agenda.
Here's why we can't all get along, Rodney, I mean, Mike. Because you won't let us.
We're perfectly willing to leave you alone to live out your beliefs. Gungrabbers, on the other hand, rely on JBTs with "obey or die" edicts to force their will on those who believe and live differently.
So we'll get along, Mike, when you and your kind stop making war on us.
Claire Has a New Book Out
I haven't read it yet. Before visiting her site tonight, I hadn't even heard of it.
But some folks have established a track record that deserves our faith.
I'll bet it's excellent, as usual. I'll have to get a copy just so I can confirm my bias...:-)
But some folks have established a track record that deserves our faith.
I'll bet it's excellent, as usual. I'll have to get a copy just so I can confirm my bias...:-)
"One September Day..."
The Blognomicon has a picture series appropriate for today's date that you really ought to see.
Fathers Demanding Defenseless Families
Look, I'm a father myself.
I can't imagine what I'd do if something happened to one of my boys, I love them so damn much.
But when people manifest their grief destructively, they lose their claim to sympathy. These guys mean to leave people unable to protect their families. They mean for the state to have the monopoly of power.
Anybody who would embrace that solution was probably a fool before tragedy struck.
I can't imagine what I'd do if something happened to one of my boys, I love them so damn much.
But when people manifest their grief destructively, they lose their claim to sympathy. These guys mean to leave people unable to protect their families. They mean for the state to have the monopoly of power.
Anybody who would embrace that solution was probably a fool before tragedy struck.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Citizen Militia Defends NO Neighborhood
"She said she still has 42 bullets to expend before she'll be forcibly evacuated."
Looks like that idiot P. Edwin Compass III has a math problem to solve.
Three cheers for the Algiers Point Militia!
[Thanks to Cornet Joyce II]
Check Out The Handgun Club of America!
Some of the gun blogs are mentioning a new group, Handgun Club of America, and encouraging us to check it out.
I just took a cursory glance at their site, and will need to learn more before I can recommend joining.
They say they’re not a “politically-charged grou[p] like the NRA and other firearm organizations.” Instead, they say they “are, if you will, a calm, rational alternative for the 60 million households who lawfully choose to own a handgun.”
Fine. Not everyone can be an activist. There is room for recreational/educational clubs, and they can do much good in promoting an interest in shooting handguns, which can result in an interest in defending the right to own one. But claiming to be a “calm, rational alternative” implies those fighting for the right to keep and bear arms are agitated (fair enough) and irrational (hey, wait a minute...).
This raises a flag for me. An unequivocal statement of support for the Second Amendment--along with some examples to demonstrate their understanding of "shall not be infringed"--would help alleviate concerns.
Just who is behind HCA? Who are the people who want us to send them money? A register.com WHOIS lookup identifies one Josh Manheimer of J.C. Manheimer & Company as the registrant—although it’s not clear if he’s the principal behind the effort or an agent of those who are. I’ve never heard of him—either in the gun rights community or as someone of note in the field of handgun expertise. A Google search on his name turns up nothing in terms of any kind of "street cred" in the firearms community—although I do note he raised $100 for Howard Dean in 2004.
Yeah, Dean used to have an NRA "A" rating (for what that's worth), but he's on record supporting the "assault weapon" ban, the Brady Bill, and ending the "gun show loophole." He also has no problem with states ignoring the Bill of Rights--at least as far as the Second Amendment goes. Manheimer's support--if he is a principal behind HCA as opposed to a paid pr guy-- raises another flag for me.
What Manheimer is is a direct mail copywriter, a pro at crafting words so that people in his target market will want to buy the product or service he has contracted to promote.
That's great. If you want to attract people, you have to know how to do it. His advertising expertise is impressive and the HCA site reflects this.
But that's all style--I have another concern--another flag--about substance: On their “Gun Safety Rules” page, HCA tells us to:
Well, sorry, but if I do that, it becomes useless for emergency defense. This seems to be the same advice we get from Andrew McKelvey’s Americans for Gun Safety, which tells us to: “Keep your ammunition as safe and inaccessible as your firearms.”
And it's the same position adopted by the Brady Center, which has initiated a Legal Action Project because they say “a majority of gun owners living with children do not store their guns locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition.”
We see that when applied uniformly in the real world, such one-size-fits-all policies can result in nasty, brutal things--like pitchfork murders--where minors couldn’t reach a gun to save their lives.
I think HCA needs to address this.
Bottom line: HCA may turn out to be a fine organization. Mr. Manheimer may turn out to be a handgun enthusiast who has created something that will benefit gun owners. He may turn out to be a hired marketing consultant for someone else.
But until we find out who is behind HCA and whether or not they really support the Second Amendment--and how they do so--I can’t recommend giving them any money. Some sport shooters almost got burned by the American Hunting and Shooting Association until some curious folks started checking up on them.
I'll go this far in joining the other gun bloggers who recommend checking out HCA:
Yes, by all means, do so.
I just took a cursory glance at their site, and will need to learn more before I can recommend joining.
They say they’re not a “politically-charged grou[p] like the NRA and other firearm organizations.” Instead, they say they “are, if you will, a calm, rational alternative for the 60 million households who lawfully choose to own a handgun.”
Fine. Not everyone can be an activist. There is room for recreational/educational clubs, and they can do much good in promoting an interest in shooting handguns, which can result in an interest in defending the right to own one. But claiming to be a “calm, rational alternative” implies those fighting for the right to keep and bear arms are agitated (fair enough) and irrational (hey, wait a minute...).
This raises a flag for me. An unequivocal statement of support for the Second Amendment--along with some examples to demonstrate their understanding of "shall not be infringed"--would help alleviate concerns.
Just who is behind HCA? Who are the people who want us to send them money? A register.com WHOIS lookup identifies one Josh Manheimer of J.C. Manheimer & Company as the registrant—although it’s not clear if he’s the principal behind the effort or an agent of those who are. I’ve never heard of him—either in the gun rights community or as someone of note in the field of handgun expertise. A Google search on his name turns up nothing in terms of any kind of "street cred" in the firearms community—although I do note he raised $100 for Howard Dean in 2004.
Yeah, Dean used to have an NRA "A" rating (for what that's worth), but he's on record supporting the "assault weapon" ban, the Brady Bill, and ending the "gun show loophole." He also has no problem with states ignoring the Bill of Rights--at least as far as the Second Amendment goes. Manheimer's support--if he is a principal behind HCA as opposed to a paid pr guy-- raises another flag for me.
What Manheimer is is a direct mail copywriter, a pro at crafting words so that people in his target market will want to buy the product or service he has contracted to promote.
That's great. If you want to attract people, you have to know how to do it. His advertising expertise is impressive and the HCA site reflects this.
But that's all style--I have another concern--another flag--about substance: On their “Gun Safety Rules” page, HCA tells us to:
"Store firearms and ammunition separately. When cleaning a firearm, put ammunition in a separate room or locked up out of reach.
"Stored firearms should be unloaded to prevent accidents when removing from their storage location. Ammunition, especially while cleaning a firearm, should be stored separately."
Well, sorry, but if I do that, it becomes useless for emergency defense. This seems to be the same advice we get from Andrew McKelvey’s Americans for Gun Safety, which tells us to: “Keep your ammunition as safe and inaccessible as your firearms.”
And it's the same position adopted by the Brady Center, which has initiated a Legal Action Project because they say “a majority of gun owners living with children do not store their guns locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition.”
We see that when applied uniformly in the real world, such one-size-fits-all policies can result in nasty, brutal things--like pitchfork murders--where minors couldn’t reach a gun to save their lives.
I think HCA needs to address this.
Bottom line: HCA may turn out to be a fine organization. Mr. Manheimer may turn out to be a handgun enthusiast who has created something that will benefit gun owners. He may turn out to be a hired marketing consultant for someone else.
But until we find out who is behind HCA and whether or not they really support the Second Amendment--and how they do so--I can’t recommend giving them any money. Some sport shooters almost got burned by the American Hunting and Shooting Association until some curious folks started checking up on them.
I'll go this far in joining the other gun bloggers who recommend checking out HCA:
Yes, by all means, do so.
The Lord of War
You've probably seen the commercials for the upcoming Nicholas Cage movie about an international arms dealer.
I'll probably see it--on the one hand, Cage is cool and the guns are cool, on the other, it will probably have no shortage of "evils that guns do" messages and may come up short on otherwise helpless people defending themselves from genocidal regimes.
Lion's Gate Films has set up a forum on their website. I literally don't have time to participate in forums, particularly one where much debate will be likely--but call it to the attention of the pro-2A community in case anyone has the time and inclination to make sure the truth doesn't get buried in the hype--for instance, one thread links to The Federation of American Scientists Arms Sales Monitoring Project, which is big on international agreements for global gun control. It might not hurt to have people on "our side" pointing out that tyanny can't be resisted if the people have nothing to resist with, that 100 million victims were murdered by their own governments in the last century, and stuff like that...plus a forum on a popular movie site ought to give some great exposure to activists who like to write.
I'd do it, but honest to God, my plate is beyond full.
I'll probably see it--on the one hand, Cage is cool and the guns are cool, on the other, it will probably have no shortage of "evils that guns do" messages and may come up short on otherwise helpless people defending themselves from genocidal regimes.
Lion's Gate Films has set up a forum on their website. I literally don't have time to participate in forums, particularly one where much debate will be likely--but call it to the attention of the pro-2A community in case anyone has the time and inclination to make sure the truth doesn't get buried in the hype--for instance, one thread links to The Federation of American Scientists Arms Sales Monitoring Project, which is big on international agreements for global gun control. It might not hurt to have people on "our side" pointing out that tyanny can't be resisted if the people have nothing to resist with, that 100 million victims were murdered by their own governments in the last century, and stuff like that...plus a forum on a popular movie site ought to give some great exposure to activists who like to write.
I'd do it, but honest to God, my plate is beyond full.
Heaven Forbid!
"Journalists in Michigan are reportedly being told by state legislators that bills introduced this week only relate to the use of deadly force in one's home, and don't create new legal justifications for expanded use of deadly force in public. That is not accurate," whines the Brady Center's Peter Hamm.
Heaven forbid you have the means and will to protect yourself or your loved ones if attacked in public! What kind of vigilante miscreant could even think of such a thing?
Heaven forbid you have the means and will to protect yourself or your loved ones if attacked in public! What kind of vigilante miscreant could even think of such a thing?
"Mothers Protest Against Gun Crimes"
I don't get it.
How can there be any "gun crimes" when guns have been effectively banned?
What, you mean gun control laws don't work?
How can there be any "gun crimes" when guns have been effectively banned?
What, you mean gun control laws don't work?
Coming Soon to a Range Near You
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday an agreement with an upstate New York gun club to keep its members from firing lead shot into nearby wetlands and water... the consent order...is part of a larger effort to educate owners and operators of outdoor shooting ranges on how to safely manage lead shot and bullets...The agency said it plans similar agreements with other shooting ranges to help keep lead from accumulating in soil and groundwater, where it poses a threat of lead poisoning to people."
Oh, boy--a new way to close down ranges! Well, is it an "order" or an "agreement"? Or is it kind of like those folks in New Orleans who "volunteered" to leave their homes and supplies, and surrender their guns after the SWAT teams showed up with M-16s and plastic cuffs?
It's nice to see the "pro-gun" Bush administration is on the same page about this as the Leonardo DiCaprio/Robert Redford-backed Natural Resources Defense Council.
Aren't you glad gun owners were seduced to "Vote Freedom First"? Because Lord knows what creative ways a Kerry administration would have used to harass gun owners.
"Treat Me With Benign Neglect" (Video)
The CNN busybody just doesn't get it. He thinks the police are "trying to talk sense" into folks when they order them to leave their property and surrender their means of self defense.
These residents show more liberty leadership than NRA management. And they don't even charge dues.
These residents show more liberty leadership than NRA management. And they don't even charge dues.
"Rest Assured...
...NRA is monitoring this situation very closely and will address any activity by the government that unduly infringes upon the rights of lawful gun owners at the appropriate time."
Somehow I don't feel very assured.
And now is not the time to rest.
What more needs to be monitored? Confiscations are happening. They don't think that "unduly infringes"?
How could there be a more appropriate time than now?
Friday, September 09, 2005
Mexican Military Crosses Border
I guess we're supposed to be grateful, but do we really need foreign troops on US soil?
I'd like to see some questions answered:
UPDATE UPDATE: Gunner links to an account that says they are armed.
I'd like to see some questions answered:
- Are they armed?
- Do they have authority over Americans who don't want their help?
- Why have we placed ourselves in a position where we need their manpower?
- Why is it that an American citizen trying to bring a truck of relief supplies in will reportedly get turned away at gunpoint, but a Mexican soldier doing the same is hailed as a liberator?
Maybe they can help with the forced evacuations and weapons confiscations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: Looks like they're unarmed. Link courtesy of Texican Tattler.
UPDATE UPDATE: Gunner links to an account that says they are armed.
"Flood Survivors Expelled By Force"
"Police backed by troops have begun to use force to remove people from their homes in the city of New Orleans...Many are now going voluntarily - but others are being handcuffed and taken to evacuation centres, officials say."
I like the lapdog media's definition of going "voluntarily."
Let me get this straight--if you have prepared and stockpiled and made provisions for your own survival and defense, the government would rather disarm you and put you in an evacuation center.
Here's what reportedly happened when they did that last week, at the Superdome:
"We had three murders last night. We had a total of six rapes last night. We had the day before, I think, there were three or four murders. There were half-a-dozen rapes that night. We had one suicide last night. We had one military policeman shot."
Well, the school buses are flooded out--maybe the volunteer refugees could be transported in cattle cars.
Go Greyhound
And leave the driving to us.
Or not.
These are the incompetent kleptocrats who want to disarm us because we can't be trusted.
[Thanks to Jim Peel.]
Or not.
These are the incompetent kleptocrats who want to disarm us because we can't be trusted.
[Thanks to Jim Peel.]
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Some Quick, Random Thoughts on the NO Gun Confiscations
- New Orleans is within the jurisdiction of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals--the court that said in Emerson that the Second Amendment is an individual right. No idea if that will factor into this at a later date.
- I wonder if cops who participated in the looting will be excluded from the confiscation parties. No, I really don't. Looks like some goons are gonna be adding to their throwaway collections--as well as getting nice inventories to sell to their gang buddies.
- The people who were prepared to hold out and defend their homes and lives, that is, the independent and self-sufficient, will now be coerced into becoming defenseless displaced dependents.
- The operative theme here: Let us save you or we'll kill you.
- So much for the gungrabbers saying we're paranoid for thinking registration will lead to confiscation.
UPDATE: I'm not sure what the NYT article was referring to--per NRA's site, there is no registration in Louisiana. Perhaps they meant those with permits for concealed handguns? Or perhaps they--or the police officials they spoke with--simply don't know what they're talking about.
Oh, Gee--What a Surprise
"Waters were receding across this flood-beaten city today as police officers began confiscating weapons, including legally registered firearms, from civilians in preparation for a mass forced evacuation of the residents still living here."
I nominate P. Edwin Compass III for Morlock of the Month.
This business of allowing private security to keep their arms strikes me as a clear abridgement of the equal protection guarantee--but then again, your life isn't as valuable as an NBC reporter's.
Expect the same thing when disaster strikes your town.
Squeeze, baby, squeeze.
[Thanks to Cornet Joyce II]
UPDATE: I'm not sure what the NYT article was referring to--per NRA's site, there is no registration in Louisiana. Perhaps they meant those with permits for concealed handguns? Or perhaps they--or the police officials they spoke with--simply don't know what they're talking about.
What, Hurricane Survivors Are Buying GUNS?
"It seems to matter little that the police have appealed for calm, and dismissed most of the reports of carjackings and armed robberies and other crimes as nothing more than rumour."
There, see? You don't need a gun. New Orleans is a model of lawfulness and order. You shouldn't believe all those nasty "rumours." The Financial Times said it, I believe it, that settles it.
Just one question: Would those be the same police that are in Aisle Three?
Yet ANOTHER Delay
Looks like the politicians up in Canada have bitten off more than the bureaucracy can chew.
Their Orwellian spinboob says the delay is to ensure the system is more "user-friendly."
Their Orwellian spinboob says the delay is to ensure the system is more "user-friendly."
Badaboom!
Looks like a leading contributor to the New Jersey political establishment just got popped on a gun charge.
That reminds me--I was gonna pick up that box set of "The Sopranos" DVDs...
That reminds me--I was gonna pick up that box set of "The Sopranos" DVDs...
"We Actually Saw the Police. They're in Aisle Three."
Amazing Facts links to a video of New Orleans cops looting Wal-Mart.
I guess if they get sent on that Vegas vacation, the hotels had better inventory their towels and ashtrays...
I guess if they get sent on that Vegas vacation, the hotels had better inventory their towels and ashtrays...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Funny Thing About Requiring Permission To Exercise Rights
They can get interrupted by things like weather and technical difficulties.
We're from the Government. We're Here to Help.
FEMA flies refugees to the wrong Charleston.
Your tax dollars at work.
This is like watching bad slapstick. All that's missing is the pie fight.
Your tax dollars at work.
This is like watching bad slapstick. All that's missing is the pie fight.
Bordering on Insane
I missed this story when it came out last week. I haven't seen it get much play elsewhere, either.
The Canadian border guards want to carry handguns, just like the police, and they've walked off the job to make that happen. While I'd feel more sympathy for them if they championed the right for citizens to carry as well, what they're up against provides a near-perfect example of official arrogance and stupidity. Either that, or something else.
An unnamed spokeshole for Public Security Minister Anne McLellan had this to say:
[Hat tip to Liberty Belles]
The Canadian border guards want to carry handguns, just like the police, and they've walked off the job to make that happen. While I'd feel more sympathy for them if they championed the right for citizens to carry as well, what they're up against provides a near-perfect example of official arrogance and stupidity. Either that, or something else.
An unnamed spokeshole for Public Security Minister Anne McLellan had this to say:
"Arrangements are made with police to ensure that when an armed presence is needed, the police can be contacted to work with the border agents to address a situation."I can't believe anyone, even a government official, is that dumb. But why would anyone want to have unarmed border guards unless they didn't really want the border guarded?
[Hat tip to Liberty Belles]
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Every Silver Lining's Got a Touch of Gray
Anti-gun pediatricians (are there any other kind?) are sounding the alarm about guns left unlocked and loaded in American homes.
Proving the pediatricians ivory tower fools is this AP story, which relates "The District may have a high number of gun related crimes, but a new report says the city has the lowest number of homes with loaded and unlocked guns."
Are congratulations in order, or what?
Proving the pediatricians ivory tower fools is this AP story, which relates "The District may have a high number of gun related crimes, but a new report says the city has the lowest number of homes with loaded and unlocked guns."
Are congratulations in order, or what?
On Conferred Rights
Friend, attorney and Second Amendment activist Peter Mancus has turned up an interesting case in his research, Capen v. Foster, wherein it was declared:
"Now," Peter writes, "think in terms of the Second Amendment and how it ends, '...the right of the people to keep and bear arms, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.'
"My point(s): 1) The Second, by declaring that this is a right that belongs to the people which shall not be infringed, conferred a right which 'designated the manner in which that right is to be exercised,' namely, it may be exercised to the fullest, without regard to time and place and mode restrictions; and 2) Based on that, and a ton of Rules of Constitutional Construction, e.g., no word or phrase is surplusage and all words and phrases must be given full weight and read in context, etc, no legislature has any constitutionaly legitimate power to impose a prior restraint against the exercise of this right; 3) The Congress and State legislatures retain the legitimate power to punish a civil negligent or criminal abuse or misuse of this right but they cannot, per the US Supreme Court, treat 'the right of the people' and/or 'shall not be infringed' as meaningless verbiage that does not impose meaningful limits on Congress or the State legislatures; 4) The Framers put in the Bill only that which they deemed to be important--fundamental, foundational; 5) The Second guaranteess, or at least codifies, a fundamental right that has always been binding against Congress and the States, from the get go, period."
I think Peter is on to something. I did have one concern that I wrote back to him about and urged him to address:
This reflects all too typical judicial arrogance and/or total misunderstanding of the purpose of the Constitution, i.e., to define the delegated structure and powers of the national government, and of the nature of the Bill of Rights demanded by the anti-Federalists.
The Framers understood rights to be “unalienable,” and “endowed by our Creator.” If they are “conferred,” they are done so by “Nature’s God,” not by a government document.
The Framers understood and held “these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal,” which makes it impossible for one group to “confer” rights to another, as that, by definition, requires them to be bestowed from a position of superiority.
In fact, the view of government expressed here is exactly backward: Government is the servant. Government is conferred powers, bestowed from those in a position of superiority, i.e., the people.
So the Second Amendment does not confer to me any right to keep and bear arms—it merely articulates and recognizes that right, further stating it shall not be infringed. The limit is again on government, not on me.
So when you say: “The Second, by declaring that this is a right that belongs to the people which shall not be infringed, conferred a right which…” you are ceding this important concept to the enemy.
This is an important point and not mere quibbling over word choices. As you point out, “no word or phrase is surplusage and all words and phrases must be given full weight and read in context…”
I think your other points have much merit. I just think that this business of conferring rights also needs to be pointed out, and you shouldn’t fall into the trap of using “conferred” in your arguments, unless it is to point out the fallacy of the concept.
"[I]n all cases where the constitution has conferred a political right or privilege, and where the constitution has not particularly designated the manner in which that right is to be exercised, it is clearly within the just and constitutional limits of the legislative power, to adopt any reasonable and uniform regulations, in regard to the time and mode of exercising that right, which are designed to secure and facilitate the exercise of such right, in a prompt, orderly, and convenient manner;"
"Now," Peter writes, "think in terms of the Second Amendment and how it ends, '...the right of the people to keep and bear arms, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.'
"My point(s): 1) The Second, by declaring that this is a right that belongs to the people which shall not be infringed, conferred a right which 'designated the manner in which that right is to be exercised,' namely, it may be exercised to the fullest, without regard to time and place and mode restrictions; and 2) Based on that, and a ton of Rules of Constitutional Construction, e.g., no word or phrase is surplusage and all words and phrases must be given full weight and read in context, etc, no legislature has any constitutionaly legitimate power to impose a prior restraint against the exercise of this right; 3) The Congress and State legislatures retain the legitimate power to punish a civil negligent or criminal abuse or misuse of this right but they cannot, per the US Supreme Court, treat 'the right of the people' and/or 'shall not be infringed' as meaningless verbiage that does not impose meaningful limits on Congress or the State legislatures; 4) The Framers put in the Bill only that which they deemed to be important--fundamental, foundational; 5) The Second guaranteess, or at least codifies, a fundamental right that has always been binding against Congress and the States, from the get go, period."
I think Peter is on to something. I did have one concern that I wrote back to him about and urged him to address:
Main Entry: con·fer
Pronunciation: k&n-'f&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): con·ferred; con·fer·ring
Etymology: Latin conferre to bring together, from com- + ferre to carry -- more at BEAR
transitive senses
1 : to bestow from or as if from a position of superiority (conferred an honorary degree on her) (knowing how to read was a gift conferred with manhood -- Murray Kempton)
2 : to give (as a property or characteristic) to someone or something (a reputation for power will confer power -- John Spanier)
This reflects all too typical judicial arrogance and/or total misunderstanding of the purpose of the Constitution, i.e., to define the delegated structure and powers of the national government, and of the nature of the Bill of Rights demanded by the anti-Federalists.
The Framers understood rights to be “unalienable,” and “endowed by our Creator.” If they are “conferred,” they are done so by “Nature’s God,” not by a government document.
The Framers understood and held “these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal,” which makes it impossible for one group to “confer” rights to another, as that, by definition, requires them to be bestowed from a position of superiority.
In fact, the view of government expressed here is exactly backward: Government is the servant. Government is conferred powers, bestowed from those in a position of superiority, i.e., the people.
So the Second Amendment does not confer to me any right to keep and bear arms—it merely articulates and recognizes that right, further stating it shall not be infringed. The limit is again on government, not on me.
So when you say: “The Second, by declaring that this is a right that belongs to the people which shall not be infringed, conferred a right which…” you are ceding this important concept to the enemy.
This is an important point and not mere quibbling over word choices. As you point out, “no word or phrase is surplusage and all words and phrases must be given full weight and read in context…”
I think your other points have much merit. I just think that this business of conferring rights also needs to be pointed out, and you shouldn’t fall into the trap of using “conferred” in your arguments, unless it is to point out the fallacy of the concept.
A Book Burning in Kanab
A high school football team posed for a fundraising calendar with weapons. The young men liked it, the coach liked it, the businesses that funded the calendar liked it, and the sheriff liked it so much he supplied the weapons.
A handful of local wimps didn't like it, so the principal caved and ordered the calendar's recall.
So much for the Founders' idea, that the militia would include young men. I guess it's better to let them reach military age ignorant of all things martial.
The recall of these calendars is nothing less than a good old fashioned Nazi book burning. So much for teaching the principles of freedom. The lesson here is the exact opposite: Ideas that make some uncomfortable must be suppressed and destroyed.
Hey, if there's no Second Amendment, why should there be a First?
This would be a great hot potato to throw the ACLU.
Friday, September 02, 2005
California Dreamin'
Perata’s snottiness explains much. It’s not about public safety — it’s about harassing gun owners and political opponents. That’s why we see endless proposals designed to infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms — something Attorney General Bill Lockyer denies exists.
"California Dreamin'," my September Rights Watch column for GUNS Magazine, is now online.
New Orleans: A Wakeup Call For California
"When politicians tell you that only law enforcement and police should own guns in today's 'modern society', tell them to go to hell... or New Orleans. There's no difference between either at this point in time."--Ralph Weller
What Kind of Example Are These People Setting for Our Children?
"I was standing on the front porch with a shotgun keeping an eye on things. I could hear people breaking into houses right around the corner. We knew. We knew we had to get out. There was no police presence. The people are just going crazy. There doesn't seem to be any authority at all...
"Earlier today, a man came up to me. I think he wanted the canoe. He saw I was armed and gave up.
"We happened to pass this mall and people were looting it.
"People told us the police went in there so they started shooting at the police. So the police left. They (looters) just set the place on fire. We saw it burning and we saw the fire department not even going near the place because the looters were going nuts."
The Brady Center, of course, knows better:
"Recent research has shown that most Americans feel less safe when others in the community acquire firearms: 71% of all Americans and 85% of non-gun owners came to this conclusion. Clearly, as the authors noted, 'the decision to own a firearm is more than solely a personal or a household issue - it affects others in the community as well.' The decision to allow citizens to carry firearms outside of their homes would arguably have an even more detrimental effect on feelings of safety.
"More importantly, one has to wonder what the National Rifle Association's mantra that 'an armed society is a polite society' is teaching our children. The rhetoric of the gun lobby suggests that only by carrying a weapon can one be safe in the United States. They claim that law enforcement cannot be trusted to protect society."
More "In Your FACE!" to CA Gun Owners
Mark Ridley-Thomas thinks we're not mature enough to select our own ammunition at gun stores.
Ridley-Thomas also promulgates a communist redistribution of wealth edict "that would impose a fee on ammunition to partially offset the financial costs incurred by firearm victims."
Along with then-mayor Tom Bradley, he told police to keep a low profile during the outbreak of the Los Angeles riots. Per former LAPD Assistant Chief Robert Vernon, "They listened to the politicians and those two quadrants of the city are where we had the trouble."
So he does what he can to disarm you, and then sets up conditions where you'd better be armed if you want to survive.
Let's see what Arnhole does with this one.
Ridley-Thomas also promulgates a communist redistribution of wealth edict "that would impose a fee on ammunition to partially offset the financial costs incurred by firearm victims."
Along with then-mayor Tom Bradley, he told police to keep a low profile during the outbreak of the Los Angeles riots. Per former LAPD Assistant Chief Robert Vernon, "They listened to the politicians and those two quadrants of the city are where we had the trouble."
So he does what he can to disarm you, and then sets up conditions where you'd better be armed if you want to survive.
Let's see what Arnhole does with this one.
"Trade Your Gun for Cameras and Equipment"
Don't worry--this isn't another odious "gun buyback" program where some anti trades you merchandise gift certificates to "get guns off the street." It's an ad in the September 1955 issue of GUNS Magazine placed by the National Camera Exchange of Minneapolis, MN, which would sell you a gun as well (looks like they're out of the gun trading business--oh, that's right, the City of Minneapolis is currently harassing The Last Gunshop out of existence).
That's not all that's changed since this issue was printed.
Take a look back at a different time. Enjoy.
"Shoot to Kill"
That's what I'm hearing a lot of in regards to New Orleans looters.
Without getting into a debate on the many causes of the effects we are now seeing, I just want to point out one thing: A confrontation where looters or rioters are shot and killed by authorities could be the catalyst for riots in many other urban areas.
With each new report of lawlessness and violence, the potential for this seems more likely.
I hope that I'm wrong.
Without getting into a debate on the many causes of the effects we are now seeing, I just want to point out one thing: A confrontation where looters or rioters are shot and killed by authorities could be the catalyst for riots in many other urban areas.
With each new report of lawlessness and violence, the potential for this seems more likely.
I hope that I'm wrong.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Good For Me, But Not For Thee
NBC News has sent private security personnel to the increasingly dicey Gulf Coast region to help keep its employees safe while covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The private security officers, usually former soldiers or police, are licensed to carry firearms and are trained to keep the situation under control so that journalists can do their jobs safely.
Wait a minute...isn't NBC one of those "Publication and Media Outlets" listed as anti-gun on NRA's website?
And they've operated under the protection of armed guards before? And so have their competitors?
It seems when it comes to protecting their own elitist hindquarters, the Establishment media isn't really that anti-gun after all.
"Better Late Than Never," Indeed
An AP Katrina aftermath survival story, via Whose Paranoid:
"We had excellent plans. We had enough food for 10 days," said Peggy Hoffman, the home's executive director. "Now we'll have to equip our department heads with guns and teach them how to shoot."
An Open Plea to President Bush
I just received my "personal invitation" from the Second Amendment Foundation's Alan Gottlieb to attend the "20th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC), which will be taking place September 23, 24 and 25, 2005 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott in Los Angeles, California."
We're promised "Scheduled speakers this year include: myself, Joe Tartaro, Wayne LaPierre, Sandy Froman, John Lott, Massad Ayoob, Eugene Volokh, Larry Pratt, John Snyder, Joe Waldron, as well as staff from the Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, KeepAndBearArms.com, and Gun Owners of America. President George Bush has been invited as well. "
President Bush, I have never in my life begged anything from a public official.
Please attend this conference. PLEASE!
I'd pay good money to see all the nationally recognized "gun rights leaders" line up to get cavity searched for weapons--just so they can pay tribute to you for supporting their right to keep and bear arms.
Please?
We're promised "Scheduled speakers this year include: myself, Joe Tartaro, Wayne LaPierre, Sandy Froman, John Lott, Massad Ayoob, Eugene Volokh, Larry Pratt, John Snyder, Joe Waldron, as well as staff from the Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, KeepAndBearArms.com, and Gun Owners of America. President George Bush has been invited as well. "
President Bush, I have never in my life begged anything from a public official.
Please attend this conference. PLEASE!
I'd pay good money to see all the nationally recognized "gun rights leaders" line up to get cavity searched for weapons--just so they can pay tribute to you for supporting their right to keep and bear arms.
Please?
Ann Coulter--Neocon Shill
"Conservative" columnist Ann Coulter disdains "...the (nonexistent) 'right to privacy.'
"I know as much about the 'right to privacy' as I know about any other made-up, nonexistent right," she snickers to her readers.
Yes, Ann, free people do indeed have a right to privacy. The lie you and other neocons perpetuate--that it is not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights so therefore doesn't exist--is an intentional bit of disinformation. In a real sense, this propaganda abets the state in its control over people's lives and freeedom.
You know damn well the Constitution is not intended to enumerate all rights of free Americans, but to define the limits under which the national government can legitimately exercise power. You know damn well this was one of the concerns against adding a "Bill of Rights" to the Constitution--that people like you would construe it to mean only the rights mentioned must be recognized. And you know damn well that what you espouse would have been alien to the Framers, who wisely (in addition to Amendment IV) added:
Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.If the federal government has no authority "to deny or disparage" other rights, Ann, what makes you think you do? The argument that privacy is nowhere mentioned in the Constitution is hollow. The rebuttal ought to be "Exactly. So it follows the government has no authority to give itself privacy-invading powers that haven't been specifically delegated to it."
That's Why They Call It Global Gun "CONTROL"
Russia wants the UN to pass rules outlawing unauthorized use of Russian weapons designs. Russia hopes to piggyback this on a UN effort to limit the illegal distribution of assault rifles. It's all about money.
It's not about eliminating small arms--it's never been about that. It's about who controls, possesses and profits off them.
The do-gooder shills who get all the PR and tug at heartstrings with tales of woe are mere pawns. Their primary function--whether they realize it or not--is to keep the sheep distracted while the wolves sneak around the flank.
Pay no attention to the men behind the Iron Curtain.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
A Lesson in Democracy
Nicki and Kevin can't believe how stupid some people are.
Just remember--not only are some people stupid, but their votes cancel out ours.
You don't think all this talk about spreading "democracy" has anything to do with relying on the ease with which stupid people and their opinions can be manipulated, do you?
Just remember--not only are some people stupid, but their votes cancel out ours.
You don't think all this talk about spreading "democracy" has anything to do with relying on the ease with which stupid people and their opinions can be manipulated, do you?
From the "I'm the only One Professional Enough" Files
Good thing Andy only lets Barney keep one bullet.
Youth Funds, Not Tougher Gun Rules, Needed, Cotler Says
If I may:
Music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
© 1956, 1957 Amberson Holdings LLC and Stephen Sondheim. Copyright renewed.
Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company LLC, Publisher.
Dear kindly Sergeant Krupke,From West Side Story
You gotta understand,
It's just our bringin' up-ke
That gets us out of hand.
Our mothers all are junkies,
Our fathers all are drunks.
Golly Moses, natcherly we're punks!
Gee, Officer Krupke, we're very upset;
We never had the love that ev'ry child oughta get.
We ain't no delinquents,
We're misunderstood.
Deep down inside us there is good!
Music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
© 1956, 1957 Amberson Holdings LLC and Stephen Sondheim. Copyright renewed.
Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company LLC, Publisher.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
“It must be legal,” she said. “The police are here taking stuff, too.”
Things are gonna get real interesting in the next few days and weeks.
Some people are gonna be real glad they have guns.
Some people are gonna be real glad they have guns.
It's Time to Renew!
Why does going through the firearm permitting process in South Africa remind me of a scene from Terry Gilliam's "Brazil"?
If Only We Got Rid of Weapons...
...people couldn't possibly kill themselves.
Just ask this poor wretch who submitted to the bend-'n-spread-'em at the Superdome.
That's a rate of 30 deaths per 100,000--every 3 days--in a disarmed, guarded 24/7 populace where the State provides for all?
If those are the odds for being a protected refugee, how bad can taking care of yourself be?
Just ask this poor wretch who submitted to the bend-'n-spread-'em at the Superdome.
There are more than 10,000 people in the arena.
Officials had earlier reported two deaths at the Superdome, and now, they report that someone died Tuesday after plunging from an upper level of the stadium. They say the person probably jumped.
That's a rate of 30 deaths per 100,000--every 3 days--in a disarmed, guarded 24/7 populace where the State provides for all?
If those are the odds for being a protected refugee, how bad can taking care of yourself be?
The Louisiana Superdome of Shame
I posted about National Guardsmen disarming Superdome refugees on Sunday, relying on hastily transcribed notes. Here's confirmation and commentary from, of all places, Pravda:
Watching news coverage of the refugees trying to enter the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans for safety from the approaching force-five Hurricane Katrina, I was incredulous how the people attempting to enter the stadium were being treated by the national guard troops and local police. The people were made to stand for hours outside in the awful Louisiana climate while they were admitted one or two adults at a time so they could be searched "for firearms and alcohol."
... The lamp of freedom has been blown out by force-five bureaucrats, their sycophants and their head-embedded media enablers who will insure that it will never get re-ignited. For our own good, of course.
Shameless Plug: The Bear Necessities
“I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you.”—Timothy Treadwell, setting up his video camera inches from a grizzly bear
“Grunt. Snort. Crunch. Snap. Munch. Gulp.”—Grizzly, loosely translated as “I love you, too.”
"The Bear Necessities" is my October Rights Watch column for GUNS Magazine, on sale now at indispensable newsstands throughout the Republic.
A Gathering Storm?
I just received the following response to my "Trouble in Paradise" concerns:
My reply:
We shall see...
"All of the current rules for guns at the ranch are not inforceable due to the fact that they are all just word of mouth. Nothing has ever been written down and passed by the board. We are not trying to take away your gun rights. Our primary concern is the safety of all of the owners. I intend to get a concessus of all the owners present at the meeting to see what the majority considers fair. Since you have such a strong interest I hope that you will be present for the meeting 12 noon on 24 Sept. 05 at the Dance hall."
My reply:
I don’t know if I can make the meeting or not due to other obligations that weekend, but don’t think that should be the only forum for evaluating the proposed criteria. If we’re talking about at the Range, there are many professional references to consult for establishing protocols. If we’re talking about on Ranch property in general, things get problematic.
I’d like to see what it is you will be proposing, and also would appreciate a summary of your credentials for establishing “gun safety rules.” I’d also like to know what the incident was that makes people feel a need to address this, and what evidence you have that a set of rules you propose will eliminate the risk of a recurrence.
Will you send these to me?
We shall see...
The Answer to "Gun Crime" in Canada...
...is apparently "a single, loud voice."
Why didn't we think of that here?
Oh, and closed-door meetings away from the prying disarmed victim pool...I mean, public.
My God, does this fool realize what some of us would give to be able to say that in the US (at least those of us not calling on them to "enforce existing gun laws")?
Surely they have some money left over after that $2 Billion gun registry "boondoggle"?
Why didn't we think of that here?
Oh, and closed-door meetings away from the prying disarmed victim pool...I mean, public.
"It's about time somebody put the feds on the spot. Where have they been? Who are they, even?"
My God, does this fool realize what some of us would give to be able to say that in the US (at least those of us not calling on them to "enforce existing gun laws")?
"Thus, the progressive dream team shapes up, a made-in-Toronto crime-busting squad that combines tough enforcement with all the increased social spending that senior governments and the private sector can afford."
Surely they have some money left over after that $2 Billion gun registry "boondoggle"?
Monday, August 29, 2005
Kaine Caught Stealing NRA's Thunder
"'It's no surprise that Tim Kaine is attempting to hide his anti-gun past from gun owners,' said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist, in an interview. He challenged Kaine's assertion that he was a leader in bringing Project Exile to Richmond."
Translation: "How dare you claim credit for our gun control legislation."
O Canada
The Canadian national gun registry doesn't stop "gun violence."
It is a "$2-billion boondoggle."
They should "shut down their useless registry and put the money into actual police officers fighting crime."
But they won't.
Don't believe me, believe The Edmonton Sun.
This is a good real-world lesson to throw back at domestic antis who claim registries here will prevent violent crime.
If somebody wants to know which Americans own guns, the answer ought to be: assume all of us--and conduct yourself accordingly.
It is a "$2-billion boondoggle."
They should "shut down their useless registry and put the money into actual police officers fighting crime."
But they won't.
Don't believe me, believe The Edmonton Sun.
This is a good real-world lesson to throw back at domestic antis who claim registries here will prevent violent crime.
If somebody wants to know which Americans own guns, the answer ought to be: assume all of us--and conduct yourself accordingly.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
"Everyone Certainly is Appreciative"
That's a quote from the Fox News reporter on scene at the Superdome in New Orleans, thanking two National Guard privates for confiscating, among other things, a fork, plastic disposable razors, allen and ratchet wrenches, pocket knives, scissors, combs, and nail clippers, from refugees seeking shelter from Hurricane Katrina.
People must undergo bag and body checks for "contraband." If you have prescriptions, you must have ID to match. And of course, no weapons are allowed.
When asked why a fingernail file was confiscated, one of the privates replied "Fingernail files have a point on them. We just think it will be safer."
Ah yes. The militia is now the National Guard, right?
Back to Geraldo Rivera, who is relieved.
"I'm glad for all the people seeking shelter, that's all they've got."
Geraldo, of course, insisted on carrying a gun to protect his own precious hide when on assignment in Afghanistan.
Make no mistake--this is the way things will go down in every future major emergency. And no doubt everyone will certainly be appreciative.
People must undergo bag and body checks for "contraband." If you have prescriptions, you must have ID to match. And of course, no weapons are allowed.
When asked why a fingernail file was confiscated, one of the privates replied "Fingernail files have a point on them. We just think it will be safer."
Ah yes. The militia is now the National Guard, right?
Back to Geraldo Rivera, who is relieved.
"I'm glad for all the people seeking shelter, that's all they've got."
Geraldo, of course, insisted on carrying a gun to protect his own precious hide when on assignment in Afghanistan.
Make no mistake--this is the way things will go down in every future major emergency. And no doubt everyone will certainly be appreciative.
Another Young Skull Full of Mush With a Big Forum and a Bigger 'But'
Sez 11th-grader David Albright :
"When I was a child, I spake as a child. I understood as a child, I thought as a child."
Too bad the alleged "grown-ups" at the Democrat and Chronicle , who pass along such tripe as reasoned argument worthy of adult consideration, never matured to realize it is long past the time for them to "put away childish things."
"I consider myself to be very conservative, but...I find another area of agreement in gun control. I believe the law should be stricter in regard to the possession particularly of assault-style weapons. Having stricter regulations should make it easier for police to reduce crime...It is very important for Republicans and Democrats to work together. Rather than focusing on differences and personalities, parties should try to find areas of agreement. Compromise will, of course, still be needed to get things done. Rather than putting all of their effort into their own agendas, Democrats and Republicans in Congress should work toward what is best for Americans."
"When I was a child, I spake as a child. I understood as a child, I thought as a child."
Too bad the alleged "grown-ups" at the Democrat and Chronicle , who pass along such tripe as reasoned argument worthy of adult consideration, never matured to realize it is long past the time for them to "put away childish things."
Always Low Coverage-Always
The Smallest Minority tells us how the media is handling another Wal-Mart shooting.
In the Shadow of 'Braveheart'
Publicola points us to a great site honoring William Wallace.
This guy David R. Ross appears to understand that he lives in a conquered and occupied country. I sent him the following:
As you know, Scotland is subject to virtually complete civilian disarmament imposed by its English rulers and abetted by Scottish MPs.
What is the position of your organization on the rights of freemen, including to bear arms in defense of self and country? Is it consistent with Wallace’s?
We'll see if he really gets it or not.
Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others
MEMBERS of Britain’s elite have been selected as priority cases to receive scarce pills and vaccinations at the taxpayers’ expense if the country is hit by a deadly bird flu outbreak.
Let's play the substitution word game:
MEMBERS of Britain’s elite have been selected as priority cases to receive scarce armed protection at the taxpayers’ expense if the country is hit by a deadly civil violence outbreak.
Some animals are more equal than others. Of course we knew that.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
May I Have the Envelope, Please?
The August Eloi Award goes to Pete Gitlin, of Phoenix, AZ.
Runner-up honors are shared by Penny and Pete Peters of Everett, WA.
Congratulations to Pete, Penny and Pete. Your Morlock masters are so pleased with you, they will eat you last.
Unless they're hungry and you're handy.
Runner-up honors are shared by Penny and Pete Peters of Everett, WA.
Congratulations to Pete, Penny and Pete. Your Morlock masters are so pleased with you, they will eat you last.
Unless they're hungry and you're handy.
Scarborough Fair Update: 1st Report BS
Looks like the guy shot at the Canadian anti-gun barbecue wasn't what he was reported to be.
Looks like Natalie Alcoba and the National Post have some explaining to do about how, in their zeal to promote an agenda, they got the basic facts so thoroughly wrong.
This is a useful reminder to all--me included--about assuming that, just because something appears in the media, it bears any relation to the facts.
Looks like Natalie Alcoba and the National Post have some explaining to do about how, in their zeal to promote an agenda, they got the basic facts so thoroughly wrong.
This is a useful reminder to all--me included--about assuming that, just because something appears in the media, it bears any relation to the facts.
Do You Wear That License on Your Collar?
The Toledo Free Press is reporting that although a man with a temporary emergency concealed handgun license was not charged with a crime, police have seen fit to confiscate and hold his handgun (despite an Ohio law which suggests such action by the Toledo police officers was illegal).
What the state giveth, the state can take away--and they have a voluntary registration list with which to do it.
It also allows them to dictate the rules for carrying, most importantly including where they say you may not.
What other right must we petition for permission and pay for the "privilege" of exercising?
Unfortunately, most of the activist gun owner community has been seduced into believing this is progress. They have allowed the Constitutional bright line of "shall not be infringed" to be dimmed and diffused.
Only perceived "radicals" commit the heresy of suggesting that what we have might not be the progress everyone claims it is. Those who do must be prepared to endure wrath and scorn. The illusion of the Emperor's clothes is strong--all his ministers tell us how fine they are.
As my pal Steiger says (about much more than just this issue), "We've been conned. Bare-ass naked in the public square conned."
[KABA Newslinks]
Friday, August 26, 2005
I'M the NRA
CIVIS PROELIATOR explains why he isn’t an NRA member, and has some kind words for WarOnGuns in his reasoning—particularly referencing yesterday’s post about the Rick Santorum interview.
For the record, because I’ve been accused of “NRA bashing” by more than one paid staffer, I’d like to share part of an email I sent to one a few years back. Bottom line—I don’t bash the NRA—I AM the NRA. My beef is with current association management, and the directors and members who give it carte blanche, branding anyone who dissents an enemy.
For the record, because I’ve been accused of “NRA bashing” by more than one paid staffer, I’d like to share part of an email I sent to one a few years back. Bottom line—I don’t bash the NRA—I AM the NRA. My beef is with current association management, and the directors and members who give it carte blanche, branding anyone who dissents an enemy.
"Based on your history" is the second time you have accused me of being anti-NRA, without ever giving me one concrete example-- although I realize you regard public disagreement over policy as an "attack". I am a Life Member. I was a Golden Eagle for several years. I am a long-time Members Council activist and former officer-- for years. I single-handedly produced and distributed (and paid for out of my own pocket more times than not) the Council's newsletter-- for years. On my own initiative I created the Council's first fundraiser-- designed, produced and sold T-shirts that netted the small organization thousands of dollars. I sat outside of gun stores and ranges recruiting members, putting up with harassment from antis in passing cars. I marched with the Council at public events, again enduring no small amount of harassment. I manned the booth at events. I worked political campaigns supported by the NRA-- everything from manning phones to walking precincts.
That is my "history"--question someone else's loyalty. I have done more raw volunteer work for the organization than 99% of your members ever have or will. The fact is that institutional arrogance from employees like yourself led me to conclude that my contributions to 2A would be best achieved pursuing my own, as you put it, "agenda." The (small) part of that agenda that involves NRA is motivated by a desire to see the organization reformed. It's certainly no secret that many hard core gun activists are fed up with the Association-- or more precisely, its management. Unlike them, I don't advocate leaving it-- I advocate holding its officers accountable to a constructionist interpretation of the Second Amendment and the Association Bylaws-- something we hardly see when Wayne comes out endorsing "gun free schools", and calling on the government to "enforce existing gun laws" and the like.
Clarification on "Disarmed" DC
There appears to be a general misconception that guns are not allowed in Washington DC. The War on Guns would like to take this opportunity to correct this flawed perception. DC is awash in guns. All the "right" people have them.
Are You Going to Scarborough Fair?
A Canadian anti-gun activist has been shot and killed in an altercation at a Stop the Violence barbecue in Scarborough.
Some people find out they're dead wrong the hard way.
Too bad he didn't have a gun to protect himself.
But then again, if he'd had one, he would have been violating citizen disarmament edicts he endorsed. And we see how effective those were at stopping his assailant.
From the way he's been described, he truly did seem like a courageous and caring man. Unfortunately, when dealing with evil, that is just not enough.
UPDATE: It turns out most of this report was BS.
Some people find out they're dead wrong the hard way.
Too bad he didn't have a gun to protect himself.
But then again, if he'd had one, he would have been violating citizen disarmament edicts he endorsed. And we see how effective those were at stopping his assailant.
From the way he's been described, he truly did seem like a courageous and caring man. Unfortunately, when dealing with evil, that is just not enough.
UPDATE: It turns out most of this report was BS.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Cheek to Cheek With Senator Rick Santorum
I finally had time to go through the September issue of American Rifleman, which features a Wayne LaPierre/Chris Cox tag team suck-up session masked as an interview titled "Face to Face With Senator Rick Santorum."
The subhead tells us the senator "receives an 'A+' grade from the NRA Political Victory Fund."
Gun Owners of America gives him a "C" rating. Why the disparity?
For one thing, the senator's own words show him in lock-step with NRA management.
"In addition," Santorum continues, "I support programs such as Project Exile that have been successful in dramatically reducing violent gun crime."
Oh, for God's sake. Go read this.
I guess if you repeat something long enough, you might get some Kool-Aid drinkers who take things at face value without fact-checking to buy into it.
NRA's Project Exile showcase cities are experiencing murder rates at "crisis" levels. In Philadelphia, police are reduced to begging the public for help in identifying killers, and Richmond actually saw a murder increase in 2004 while national numbers declined.
NRA management needs to be told by its membership--in no uncertain terms--that they can't have it both ways. They can't tell the antis that gun control doesn't work, and then turn around and recommend gun control.
NRA members need to understand that "enforcing existing gun laws" is exactly what the feds were doing at Waco and Ruby Ridge.
The subhead tells us the senator "receives an 'A+' grade from the NRA Political Victory Fund."
Gun Owners of America gives him a "C" rating. Why the disparity?
For one thing, the senator's own words show him in lock-step with NRA management.
"I support strict enforcement of current federal gun laws...My overarching position on gun legislation, and I also believe, the Republican Party's position, is that before we pass new laws to restrict Second Amendment rights, we must enforce the laws currently on the books to determine whether they are truly effective, rather than pass more redundant, ineffective laws."Note the concern is wholly whether or not an edict will be "effective," not whether it is Constitutional. Perhaps Sen. Santorum and Messrs. LaPierre and Cox would explain where the Constitution provides for any federal gun laws, and how that squares with "shall not be infringed." Perhaps they could explain to us why their focus isn't on repealing, rather than enforcing existing infringements.
"In addition," Santorum continues, "I support programs such as Project Exile that have been successful in dramatically reducing violent gun crime."
Oh, for God's sake. Go read this.
I guess if you repeat something long enough, you might get some Kool-Aid drinkers who take things at face value without fact-checking to buy into it.
NRA's Project Exile showcase cities are experiencing murder rates at "crisis" levels. In Philadelphia, police are reduced to begging the public for help in identifying killers, and Richmond actually saw a murder increase in 2004 while national numbers declined.
NRA management needs to be told by its membership--in no uncertain terms--that they can't have it both ways. They can't tell the antis that gun control doesn't work, and then turn around and recommend gun control.
NRA members need to understand that "enforcing existing gun laws" is exactly what the feds were doing at Waco and Ruby Ridge.
The Asylum is Open
Nicki Fellenzer wants a place where she can post on topics that wouldn't fit over at The Liberty Zone (like the Clay Aiken thong), so she's checked herself in to Nicki's Asylum.
The Clay Aiken thong.
Good grief.
C'mon, Nicki, not before breakfast...:-)
The Clay Aiken thong.
Good grief.
C'mon, Nicki, not before breakfast...:-)
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
When Sarah Gets Her Wish
Here's an appalling story to throw back into the faces of gungrabbing police statists:
Yep, we need more sensible gun laws. Only the police are professional enough to be trusted with carrying firearms in public. We need to get in step with the rest of the world.
For the children.
"City where police gun down children...
"1,195 people were killed by police here in 2003, an alarming number of them shot in cold blood."
Yep, we need more sensible gun laws. Only the police are professional enough to be trusted with carrying firearms in public. We need to get in step with the rest of the world.
For the children.
Trouble in Paradise
My wife and I have been owners at R-Ranch in the Sequoias since before the kids were born. It's been great for them and us. We've always loved the place and go up several times a year to restore our souls (and use the gun range).
As with anything where other people are involved, disagreements spring up. I've stayed out of the politics of the place because that's not why I bought in, and I get into enough scraps down here in Flatland. But now it looks like a fight to the finish is being forced on me and I won't be able to remain sidelined.
One of the Board members just sent this out via the Ranch's e-news update:
My reply:
The implications--if such rules are imposed and allowed to stand--reach far beyond the borders of Ranch property. I have some ideas on where I want to take this and will post updates as they happen. In the meantime, suggestions on legal avenues to explore and cite references will be appreciated.
As with anything where other people are involved, disagreements spring up. I've stayed out of the politics of the place because that's not why I bought in, and I get into enough scraps down here in Flatland. But now it looks like a fight to the finish is being forced on me and I won't be able to remain sidelined.
One of the Board members just sent this out via the Ranch's e-news update:
Rules for Firearms
A couple of month ago there was an incident on the ranch involving a gun. When we checked the ranch rules we found we had no written rules dealing with the use and caring of firearms on the ranch.
Earl [the Board president--DC] gave me the task of coming up with some rules for the safety of all.
I have scheduled the dance hall for a meeting of all, who are concerned with the issue. The next board meeting has been change to 24 Sept. 10 A.M. So I have reserved the dance hall for 12 Noon, 24 Sept. to have a meeting. We have several owners who are interested in attending the meeting, but I would like to get as many owners as possible to attend and participate in the debate. I would like the rules that we give to the board for review to be a consensus of a large group rather than just a few.
I would appreciate it if you would run an article to let all the owners know about the meeting. I will have a list of what I think the rules should be, but that will only be a base to start from. I will chair the committee and will try to get a secretary to take notes. All who attend will be members of the committee.
My reply:
The last thing we need is politically correct hysteria limiting the right of rational free Americans to keep and bear arms on what is their own property. One “incident” is hardly cause for infringing on my rights. That’s the same excuse well-meaning (or sometimes subversive) fools use for imposing “gun control” on society at large, and the results are always the same: the goblins have what they want when and where they want it, and the “good” people are helpless.
One incident out of the 15 years I have been an owner. This is an urgent problem? If some moron did something stupid or evil with a gun, that has no bearing on me and I will not be penalized for it. Punish him—severely-- and be done with it.
You should know, the California Penal Code prohibition against carrying a loaded firearm provides an exception for a temporary residence or campsite.
Finally, unless the Ranch is willing to guarantee my protection and that of my family while there—including from bears and mountain lions—where the directors know we have a recurring problem—it seems they are setting us all up for a big liability should something happen if people are forced to obey some artificial prohibition.
Don’t open this door. There is no need to. It will only cause more divisiveness and not solve a thing.
If someone is brandishing a gun, there are already laws against that. If someone is recklessly endangering someone with a gun, there are already laws against that. If someone is threatening someone with a gun, there are already laws against that.
What more does Earl want?
And one other thing—if you do pass a prohibition, I’ll ignore it and carry what I want when I want. It’s not like anyone will know for sure—just like always.
The implications--if such rules are imposed and allowed to stand--reach far beyond the borders of Ranch property. I have some ideas on where I want to take this and will post updates as they happen. In the meantime, suggestions on legal avenues to explore and cite references will be appreciated.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Declawing the Lion of the West
My first impression is the guy is too short for the role. But "Al Bouler, of Montgomery, Ala., who portrayed Davy Crockett at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone this past weekend...said Crockett was actually about 5 feet, 9 inches tall, his own height."
The park's official website claims that at "15 years of age [Crockett was] approaching six feet in height."
Illusions of Fess Parker and John Wayne vs. Billy Bob Thornton aside, that's really a minor debate.
What interested me was the rifles. The reneactors appear to be violating Tennessee state law:
So if the real Crockett could miraculously be transported to the present, he'd be arrested, charged with a crime and imprisoned for carrying ol' Betsy in his namesake park. Wonder what he would have thought of that?
[KABA Newslinks.]
The park's official website claims that at "15 years of age [Crockett was] approaching six feet in height."
Illusions of Fess Parker and John Wayne vs. Billy Bob Thornton aside, that's really a minor debate.
What interested me was the rifles. The reneactors appear to be violating Tennessee state law:
Are firearms allowed in state parks?
Firearms are allowed at authorized firing ranges and at parks with authorized hunts. Firearms in transit must be unloaded and cased. No other firearms are allowed.
So if the real Crockett could miraculously be transported to the present, he'd be arrested, charged with a crime and imprisoned for carrying ol' Betsy in his namesake park. Wonder what he would have thought of that?
[KABA Newslinks.]
Monday, August 22, 2005
Newspeak at It's Finest
"The first thing we had to do in the community was to empower people to say no to guns."
Wow. That's so perversely twisted it approaches elegance.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted...
I've been on full system burn for the past 5 months, working 7 days a week at my "real" job, posting to this site, and turning in my magazine columns by deadline.
I'm taking 2 weeks off. Posting will be sporadic.
Vistors are invited to make yourselves at home. Go ahead and explore all the rooms, put your feet up on the furniture and scrounge around in the fridge. There's archives over in that column on the left, as well as links to other blogs that have the good taste and sound judgment to link back to WoG.
I'll be checking in from time to time to see if the place has burned down yet, or if anybody needs a beer or something...
I'm taking 2 weeks off. Posting will be sporadic.
Vistors are invited to make yourselves at home. Go ahead and explore all the rooms, put your feet up on the furniture and scrounge around in the fridge. There's archives over in that column on the left, as well as links to other blogs that have the good taste and sound judgment to link back to WoG.
I'll be checking in from time to time to see if the place has burned down yet, or if anybody needs a beer or something...
Brady Center: Ginning Up Jonesboro
"You kill five people in cold blood, shocking an entire nation. You go to prison. Seven years later, you get out, and you are free to buy all the guns you want."Sounds like a perfect reason to disarm you and me.
"[T]his is a textbook case of an individual who should be deemed by society as forever barred from the privilege of owning a gun."
Well, doesn't this little revelation prove the lie that they're not interested in disarming Americans--only in having "sensible gun laws"?
It ain't a "privilege."
True, it's outrageous that the "justice" system reintroduces monsters in our midst. As long as it does, expecting the rest of us to be even more defenseless is criminal and insane.
My thoughts on the effectiveness of laws that disarm segments of our non-incarcerated society--for whatever reason--can be found here.
Bottom line: Anyone who can't be trusted with a gun can't be trusted without a custodian.
Gun Law News: Request for Information - Sullivan Act
"We are beginning an investigation into the origins of and precursors to the Sullivan Act. We have a fair amount of information and the text to some New York Times editorials. What we need is more, and better sourcing for our information. We need quotes, with firm sources and, if possible PDF files. This would be especially true of any newspaper articles or editorials. If you have any information related to this, please forward it to us via Feedback."
Seems like a worthy and potentially fruitful venture.
As an aside, I have found the GLN site to be an excellent resource. RKBA activists would do well to bookmark and visit it regularly, and add it to the roll if you have a blog.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Doh!
So California state officials want the public to believe that by forcing manufacturers to install microstamping mechanisms in handguns and laser-etch serial numbers on ammunition, they'll be able to keep track of it all to solve crimes.
Why don't the dolts focus on finding the 30,000 cars they bought on the people's dime and now can't account for?
Why don't the dolts focus on finding the 30,000 cars they bought on the people's dime and now can't account for?
"Tracking down the data has been difficult... the situation 'was so bad,'...that one government agency had purchased $4 million worth of automobiles but didn't have any record of where it bought them.
"So far the department has determined that California spent $33.6 million on automobile acquisitions in calendar year 2004, but it is still compiling fleetwide data and does not yet know the total value or ongoing costs of the state's fleet."
Make of This What You Will
"Wilcox's demeanor toward authorities on the night of his arrest contributed to prosecutors' decision to drop the charges."
Random reactions:
I'm glad he's off.
I'm sorry it took a technicality to do it.
I doubt you or I would have the connections to make this work for us--or the high profile to focus a media spotlight so that the technicality couldn't be conveniently overlooked/successfully denied.
When are some of these multimillionaire celebrity gun owners--particularly ones who are minorities and could do much to sway public opinion about the right of all people to keep and bear arms--going to put their shoulder to the wheel and help promote and preserve that right?
The Government We Deserve
“At the close of the constitutional convention, a woman asked Benjamin Franklin what type of government the Constitution was bringing into existence. Franklin replied, ‘A republic, if you can keep it.’”
Flash forward:
“[O]nly 55 percent of Americans [are] able to correctly identify the three branches of government.”
"Thrilling...and Thought-Provoking"
The following review of 'The Black Arrow' appears in the current, August edition of the 'Midwest Book Review':
The Black Arrow
Vin Suprynowicz
Mountain Media
3172 North Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 343
Las Vegas, NV 89108
$24.95
www.TheLibertarian.us / www.TheBlackArrow.us
In "The Black Arrow: A Tale Of The Resistance," author Vin Suprynowicz draws upon his skill and expertise as a syndicated newspaper columnist to write a provocative novel set in the near future of 2031 where America is ruled under the authority of a Patriot-Poindexter police state. This is a time of ID checks, invasive body searches, stacked juries, kangaroo courts, a corrupt political class, and a gray-suited police cadre known as the Homeland Security Special Forces. It is against this background that wealthy record company executive Andrew Fletcher decides to resist the all powerful police state by becoming a masked vigilante known as the "Black Arrow". The result is a thrilling, rapidly paced, 703-page action/adventure novel that also incorporates thoughtful and thought-provoking commentary on the power of the state run amok, an unusual love story, and how a movement of the people can take back their liberties when pressed too far by those above them. Highly recommended reading -- especially for the libertarian inclined!
-----------------------------------------------------
Vin Suprynowicz is assistant editorial page editor of the daily Las Vegas Review-Journal and author of the books Send in the Waco Killers, The Ballad of Carl Drega, and The Black Arrow. For information call 702-656-3285, or visit
www.TheLibertarian.us or www.LibertyBookShop.us.
Another Senseless Child Gun Death...
...that could have been prevented if only we would enact "sensible gun laws"?
Good grief, how do you reach ages 19 and 20, and not be able to tell if a revolver is loaded?
Good grief, how do you reach ages 19 and 20, and not be able to tell if a revolver is loaded?
Oh, Yeah, THIS'LL Work...
"But what I do believe that we can do is bring a concerted effort to the border so that we can capture many more guns than we have been capturing in the past that are coming in illegally."
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Coming Soon to the California Hit List: BB and Pellet Guns
From "California Dreamin'," my Rights Watch column in the Sept. 2005 issue of GUNS Magazine, on newsstands now:
You can read this bit of taxpayer-funded subversive nonsense here.
All you need to know about "study" author Max Vanzi: "Max has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley."
Ditto for SOR Director Donald Moulds: "...Don was a Visiting Scholar and Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, a Ford Foundation Scholar, and a Fellow at the Center for the Study of Cultural Values and Ethics and at the Program for the Study of Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security..."
"Pellet Guns and BB Guns: Dangerous Playthings on the Open Market," by the Senate Office of Research, calls for regulating air guns with the same restrictions as firearms.
Its author is a former Los Angeles Times hack, the SOR Director is a former aide to termed out (anti-gun) Senate President Pro-Tem John Burton, and the report was prepared at the “request” of Jack Scott, another notorious gun banner.
To prove how dangerous air guns are, the report cites an instance where “[a] 16-year-old boy sustained a severe midbrain injury from a self-inflicted combination BB/pellet gun wound through the roof of his mouth.”
The “study” states “anyone can get a pellet gun with a muzzle velocity of 1,000 feet per second—more powerful than some .45 automatics.”
To back the claim that a pellet gun has “more striking power than many classes of handgun firearms,” it provides an endnote—but one that references back to the original claim, in a nice bit of circuitous deception.
You can read this bit of taxpayer-funded subversive nonsense here.
All you need to know about "study" author Max Vanzi: "Max has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley."
Ditto for SOR Director Donald Moulds: "...Don was a Visiting Scholar and Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, a Ford Foundation Scholar, and a Fellow at the Center for the Study of Cultural Values and Ethics and at the Program for the Study of Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security..."
Monday, August 08, 2005
Some Choice
Westchester District Attorney Jeanine Pirro is challenging Hillary Clinton for her New York Senate seat.
"'My support in the Republican Party is broad and deep,’ Pirro told the AP when asked about a possible primary. She also said she would seek the Conservative Party's endorsement and noted that she had it for her races in Westchester County.”
“In 2006, New Yorkers will have a choice,” says the 1997 People magazine's "most beautiful people" listee.
So what kind of “choice” will a Conservative Party-endorsed candidate with “broad and deep” Republican Party support offer gun owners?
Oh, let’s just see.
She joined the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence anti-defense zealots in a Columbine High School Memorial Blood Dance to call “for renewal and strengthening of the federal assault weapons ban.”
She launched a “gun amnesty/buyback” program—“no questions asked,” naturally, “to get illegal and unwanted weapons off the streets.”
I guess gun rights aren’t important when your Republican fundraiser husband is a federal prison alumnus—as a felon, he can’t legally own a gun. Besides, when you have a taxpayer-funded bodyguard, one who made more than $87,000 in overtime in addition to his $101,000-plus salary, who need a personal gun?
The New York Republican establishment evidently believes gun owners are so cowed by the prospect of Hillary that they’ll vote for anyone.
The pathetic thing is, they’re probably right.
And don't even get me started on Rudy Giuliani.
"'My support in the Republican Party is broad and deep,’ Pirro told the AP when asked about a possible primary. She also said she would seek the Conservative Party's endorsement and noted that she had it for her races in Westchester County.”
“In 2006, New Yorkers will have a choice,” says the 1997 People magazine's "most beautiful people" listee.
So what kind of “choice” will a Conservative Party-endorsed candidate with “broad and deep” Republican Party support offer gun owners?
Oh, let’s just see.
She joined the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence anti-defense zealots in a Columbine High School Memorial Blood Dance to call “for renewal and strengthening of the federal assault weapons ban.”
She launched a “gun amnesty/buyback” program—“no questions asked,” naturally, “to get illegal and unwanted weapons off the streets.”
I guess gun rights aren’t important when your Republican fundraiser husband is a federal prison alumnus—as a felon, he can’t legally own a gun. Besides, when you have a taxpayer-funded bodyguard, one who made more than $87,000 in overtime in addition to his $101,000-plus salary, who need a personal gun?
The New York Republican establishment evidently believes gun owners are so cowed by the prospect of Hillary that they’ll vote for anyone.
The pathetic thing is, they’re probably right.
And don't even get me started on Rudy Giuliani.
Unwanted
Heartless Libertarian tells us about "the worst TV show gun-related writing ever."
In all fairness, I have not seen TNT's "Wanted," but I know from this promo blurb that I have no desire to:
Couldn't be any Hollywood liberal bias in that assumption, could there?
As if a true conservative, i.e., original intent Constitutionalist, would have anything to do with BATFU.
In all fairness, I have not seen TNT's "Wanted," but I know from this promo blurb that I have no desire to:
"Jimmy McGloin (Hurst) is an ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) officer and a bona fide card-carrying conservative."
Couldn't be any Hollywood liberal bias in that assumption, could there?
As if a true conservative, i.e., original intent Constitutionalist, would have anything to do with BATFU.
Front Sight:True Crimes--Casting Final Episodes
I'm passing this along at the request of Deborah Courtney:
Victim Rights Advocate and Second Amendment Activist, Deborah Courtney, is actively seeking those who have been brutally victimized by crime from across the country to tell their story in an upcoming TV reality documentary. She will help those who participate in taking control back into their lives through personal safety awareness and personal defense as part of the show.
She believes in total empowerment of those victimized!
Contact her at the following email before August 25
Deborah Ann Courtney
www.NOVICTIMS.org
Friday, August 05, 2005
Just Do It
I just sent my review of Matthew Bracken's "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" in to GUNS Magazine. As it will be a few months before that issue hits the stands, let me give a brief teaser/spoiler here:
Buy this book. Stop what you're doing, go the the website I've linked to and just do it.
The Courtesy of a Reply Would be Appreciated
Dear Mr. DiMare,
I hope all is well with you. I haven’t received a reply to my open letter yet, and under normal circumstances, you’ve certainly had plenty of time to give me one.
Has anything changed? Are you still the staff contact for the California Chamber of Commerce for “job killer” bills? Should I be writing someone else?
Please let me know. I don’t want people to think the Chamber would duck this important issue out of political correctness or fear of taking a stand related to guns, but without any feedback from you it’s tough not to speculate.
Are SB352 and AB357 not “job killers” too?
Is the Chamber intentionally ignoring my letter?
Are firearm and ammunition makers not part of the California economy, producing legal products enjoyed by millions of consumers? Are the thousands of direct and ancillary support jobs these industries create not worthy of the Chamber’s concern and support?
Will the Chamber issue a statement on these "job killer" bills or intentionally remain silent?
Sincerely,
David Codrea
The War on Guns
I hope all is well with you. I haven’t received a reply to my open letter yet, and under normal circumstances, you’ve certainly had plenty of time to give me one.
Has anything changed? Are you still the staff contact for the California Chamber of Commerce for “job killer” bills? Should I be writing someone else?
Please let me know. I don’t want people to think the Chamber would duck this important issue out of political correctness or fear of taking a stand related to guns, but without any feedback from you it’s tough not to speculate.
Are SB352 and AB357 not “job killers” too?
Is the Chamber intentionally ignoring my letter?
Are firearm and ammunition makers not part of the California economy, producing legal products enjoyed by millions of consumers? Are the thousands of direct and ancillary support jobs these industries create not worthy of the Chamber’s concern and support?
Will the Chamber issue a statement on these "job killer" bills or intentionally remain silent?
Sincerely,
David Codrea
The War on Guns
Gun Law News Disagrees With JPFO
Looks like we're gonna have us a debate.
Nice to be a spectator for a change.
Nice to be a spectator for a change.
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