The Flowers Aren't the Only Things Dying Here

The city’s such a warzone now
it’s quite a show to see
At least three cops on every block
to tidy up the streets

A word of advice, Odd Rod, and this is coming from someone who's poetic endeavors generally begin "There once was a man from Nantuckett..."

Don't quit your day job.

Oh, you don't have a...?

Never mind.

If you're wondering what this is about, ol' Odd Rod is waxing poetic about a new snitch program offering bounties to turn in people carrying guns.

Heck, even if the person you finger isn't carrying, chances are those approaching him will be inclined to protect themselves first and ask questions later. Either way, what a great opportunity to have the cops get rid of a rival so you can claim that corner for yourself.

I knew he wasn't packin'
But I thought he needed whackin'
So I called in a tip and
Said he keeps it in his waistband...

Hey, Odd Rod--How am I doing...?

OK, I won't quit my day job either.

Who Will Guard the Guards?

A security guard hired to watch for taggers and vandals was found shot to death Monday at an elementary school...The victim was reportedly not armed.

Then how was he supposed to guard anything?

We're the Only Ones Fluid Enough

An inmate's sock containing body fluids has led to the arrest of a prison guard on charges of sexual abuse.

I don't even wanna ask. Just put a sock in it...

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

Credit Where Credit is Due

NRA's Chris Cox:

Today, in a landmark victory for NRA and law-abiding gun owners, Judge Carl J. Barbier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denied the City of New Orleans' motion to dismiss NRA's lawsuit against the city and held that the Second Amendment applies to law-abiding residents in the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. Straining the bounds of credibility and reflecting the true sentiment of anti-gunners, the City of New Orleans contemptuously argued that the Second Amendment does not apply to residents in the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans.

SAF's Alan Gottlieb:

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) today won a key battle in an on-going lawsuit against the City of New Orleans, when a federal judge rejected the city's motion to dismiss the case. SAF took New Orleans to court last year to stop illegal confiscation of firearms from private citizens in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Defendants in the case are the city, Mayor Ray Nagin and Police Superintendent Warren Riley. SAF was joined in the historic lawsuit by the National Rifle Association. Both organizations have members living in New Orleans.

I note SAF's acknowledgment of NRA contributions is not reciprocated. Again.

Why 

doesn't 

this 

surprise me? 

Here's the AP's version ... 

From CNS... 

 And David Hardy provides insightful analysis, as ususal.

Questions and Answers V

[Parts I, II, III and IV]

Mr. Licht goes on:

Wouldn’t it be more meaningful for us to promote the compact made with US by the Founders when they pledged "Our lives our fortunes and our sacred honor" that your children and mine would live free? With regular pitchfork parties at the "government houses". Are U.S. Citizens sooooo gutless that they will not stand up to a government that works for them? Are we a nation of girls? (Rhetorical questions, I know). Maybe we should be shaming the masses instead of hyping them on the second. What is your view? (Is it time to contemplate the need or the inevitability of having to "water the tree of liberty with the blood of patriots")?

Of course we should be educating ourselves in--and promoting--liberty and the vision of the Founders, as well as new freedom insights that have been developed since that time. And yes, it's perfectly rational to "contemplate" the tripwires where actual resistance to tyranny is morally justified, and how some of those have been triggered already.

You'll recall earlier I used the term "critical mass." I'll get back to that concept in a later posting, along with another belief I hold--it's not so much gutlessness, although that plays a part, as apathy.

Isn’t it long past time for civil disobedience and non cooperation? Isn’t it time to teach your (our / all) children that confiscation is inevitable. It’s a deliberate plot against the populace. That citizens should never cooperate, register or report? Shouldn’t second amendment focused organizations and publications start promoting non registration, parents buying for their children so the children are never "on record", acknowledging that the government has already so far overstepped their authority that they can not be trusted and to act defensively for the future safety of our children and our country? i.e. REALITY.

You bet it is, and some of us have stuck our necks out to promote that message. Comment poster "jomama" hit it when he asked "Why not just do it and tell no one, whatever it is you want to do? I do."

The problem with this is, not getting caught ain't the same as being free. And if and when he does, there will be no shortage of gun forum chat room warriors snorting how "he knew the law, got what he deserved and makes the rest of us look bad."

If the minders won’t mind the borders at the minimum when in excess of 70% of the population is demanding to close the borders - why should any thinking person believe the government, bent on one worldism will ever protect the constitution or the citizens god given inalienable rights to anything?????

I think the problem with this analysis is that the population really isn't "demanding"--because that implies there would be consequences if the demand is not met.

Shouldn’t we be screaming that totalitarianism is coming at light speed? Instead of this constant fund raising subterfuge that the second amendment will someday form the basis of a winning lawsuit that will set the U.S. back on a constitutional course and abolish all gun laws, blah, blah, blah, blah, promote the myth? Isn’t this just delusion and masturbation and mental disorder????

We can scream, but without fundraising, who will hear? And while I've covered the dangers of a lawsuit, and the liklihood that it will cast "intermediate scrutiny" in stone for untold years, I wouldn't throw any tool out of the kit.

If we keep up all this sound and fury promoting an argument that can never move the reality forward and we are just flailing about chanting a mantra that is effectively a political divide and conquer and slight of hand strategy to dilute and pacify / pussify the electorate.........Aren’t we mentally ill? Or DUMB????

I've come to a different conclusion than you about this--we won't be able to truly defend ourselves until we achieve that critical mass I keep cryptically referring to, and you can't do that without education and outreach.

Are we passing the point of no return where in the second amendment (and many of the others, 1st, 4th, 5th, etc..), no, the Constitution will be stolen from our children without a shot being fired by the absolute worthless, embarrassing, self serving, pandering, lowest common denominator dunderheaded "alleged representatives" from top to bottom, petite totalitarians and soccer moms and the lowest common denominator educational / indoctrination system "we" have built?

That could be--or it could be just the opposite. We've seen historical examples of tyrants standing down when the people stood up. Let's keep building that critical mass.

Have we be been completely screwed by the "greatest generation" who having won WWII, sat on their fat assess and voted entitlement and totalitarianism into this country and hope to party till the lights go out and save the bill for their grandchildren and die before they have to see the damage they have delivered their future generations?

We could argue this point and it wouldn't get us closer to a solution. I know my parents didn't sit around--they didn't have time. They were too busy building so their children wouldn't suffer the hardships they had overcome--circumstances that would break many from our generation. In any case, that torch has been passed.

More to come.

That's Capital "G" and that Rhymes with "P"...*

"Didn't we have a program, we were giving them money, they were buying new glocks?" asked Alderman Robert Lee...Boston police offered a $200 Target gift card to anyone who turned in a gun, so the money couldn't be used to buy ammo or new glocks.

Do you think someone ought to tell "authorized journalist" Melissa Bailey and the editors of the New Haven Independent that "Glock" is a proper noun?

[Thanks to Jason M]

*

Like WHAT on a Bull?

Leggett said he hired a security guard who was at the store at the time but guards cannot be armed.

Isn't that kind of like hiring someone to be a victim?

[Thanks to Jason M]

We're the Only Ones Da Bomb Enough

A former Milwaukee police officer accused of severely beating a biracial man outside a house party was convicted on unrelated charges of making a bomb threat Tuesday.

I wonder how long the non-"Only Ones" of Milwaukee were treated to his explosive personality?

A Republic, If You Can Keep It

Three quarters of Americans can correctly identify two of Snow White's seven dwarfs while only a quarter can name two Supreme Court Justices, according to a poll on pop culture released on Monday...

Respondents were far more familiar with the Three Stooges -- Larry, Curly and Moe -- than the three branches of the U.S. government -- judicial, executive and legislative.

I'll bet they all have opinions about "gun control," too...

We're the Only Ones In (and Out of) Uniform Enough

"Being honest with you, women do like cops," he said. "Women love guys in uniform."

Yes, ladies, what could be a bigger turn-on than "The Only Ones" giving you the thrill of their affection--whether you want it or not?

Sick and Evil: Yep, That's "The Times"

[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

Florida’s law is a sick cousin of the work of the gun lobby on Capitol Hill, where it has successfully protected the interstate traffickers of guns used in crimes. And it is the evil twin of laws passed in 38 states that allow concealed weapons.

Yeah, sick and evil--except when publisher "Pinch" Sulzberger's daddy "Punch" got his CCW. But that was because he carried money, and we all know Sulzberger money is much more valuable than the lives of mere hoi polloi.

Texas Tomfoolery

He said a quick application of flat-black spray paint can erase any color or marking. "The only thing you're left with is banning their sale completely." he said. "That would still leave us with all the toys piled up in flea markets and garages and homemade ones. You read about the prisoner who makes a revolver out of tin foil and soap. If someone wants to make a fake gun, they can make one."

When toy guns are outlawed...

Seems I covered similar ground a few years back with our good pal Michael Eisner...

[Thanks to Jason M]

We're the Only Ones Flying the Friendly Skies Enough

Chicago police said they are investigating the theft of several handguns from luggage at O'Hare International Airport since the beginning of the year.

Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said all of the thefts have occurred from bags checked for United Airlines flights by police officers, military personnel and others with the legal rights to carry the weapons.

How can they do this to us? Don't they realize we're "The Only Ones"???

Sure glad Chicago PD'ette and Constitutional law expert Monique is there to educate us about just who has the right to keep and bear arms...and we can only hope if one of those guns kills someone that the manufacturers get what's coming to them!

Now That She Mentions It...

JILL Carroll, the American journalist who was held hostage for 82 days in Iraq, yesterday told how she begged her captors to end her life by using a gun rather than a knife.

Y'know, I think I'd "rather" be shot than hacked and sawed at, myself...

Which poses an interesting question for those who would ban guns: If some maniac was coming at you or a loved one with a knife, you're honestly saying you wouldn't want a gun?

Questions and Answers IV

[Parts I, II and III]

Mr. Licht continues:

I acknowledge that I am a paranoid nut case and I do not trust the state (particularly the current GENERATION of self serving one world "alleged representatives" selling out our children in every way at every opportunity)

I cling to these beliefs being aware that forty states have passed Shall Carry laws and being fully informed about the "castle doctrine" laws. But isn't it possible that "Shall Carry", i.e. "Shall Register" may just be a ruse to determine where all the guns are and that with the stroke of a pen they could use those lists as the basis for confiscation? Again, I know I am an unreasonable "nut case" but if anything is possible and history repeats itself....repeatedly.......?

Someone once said just because you're paranoid doesn't mean "they" aren't out to get you, and in the case of gun owners, it's obvious there are those who would like to see us eliminated.

I don't think permit lists are needed to ID gun owners, what with Form 4473s kept by dealers and the "supposedly" purged instant background check files, but I don't doubt they could be used as a supplement.

To me, the danger of permitting--and the reason I refuse to even apply for one (even though I couldn't get one in LA County if my life depended on it), is that it establishes the legal and social expectation that government permission to keep and bear arms is a legitimate concept for which there is (here comes that term again) a "compelling state interest."

I know some view it as incremental progress that will prep society to the concept of armed citizens. I view it as a prior restraint and an illegitimate erosion of "shall not be infringed." Rights are not permitted. License is not liberty. And I've taken no small amount of flack for this position, which is definitely in the minority, even among Second Amendment advocates.

Mr. Licht again:

Instead of keeping high paid lobbyists going (a la Wayne La Pierre) would it be more prudent to tell our children that confiscation is inevitable, do not cooperate? Wouldn't it be more effective to rally those that would fund these (arguably) gun control organizations (like the NRA) that are raking in millions compromising away our gun rights routinely and incrementally - particularly by pretending we have to ask permission instead of saying "storm the capitals" and "Shall not be infringed" has it’s plain meaning?

I don't believe wholesale (as opposed to localized) confiscation is inevitable, although I can envision scenarios where it would be tried. I think that entirely depends on whether or not we who believe in the Second Amendment are successful at informing/educating a critical mass of fellow citizens to the point where to do so would become so intrusive and widespread that it would outrage more than just a few hard core gun activists. Because, face it--right now a 3:00 AM raid netting an "arsenal" and a "militia extremist" and "thousands of rounds of ammunition" is greeted with a sigh of relief from most of our neighbors and countrymen.

On the next point, I've never been shy about taking on NRA management when I believed it needed to be done--from Project Exile to "gun-free schools" to setting up members for gun registration to--just today--yet another story on undeserved grades for politicians, and more. I do have some ideas for reform, but admit that whether that's even possible is a debatable premise.

But rallying those who fund NRA to an alternative effort means we're gonna need a rallying point--and I just don't see how to get that message out to millions of gun owners without a professional organization "raking in millions."

I'll have more to say on potential NRA reforms, as well as why I believe they are symptomatic of detachment and abdication of personal responsibility--which is the main reason we're in the fix we're in on all fronts, and why "storming the capitals" is hardly an option at the present time.

But look at how long this is already. We still have more of Mr. Licht's initial letter to address over the coming week before it's time to start tying everything together...

GOA Candidate Beats NRA Candidate

Joe Schwarz does not believe the Second Amendment is an individual right; he opposed concealed carry in the state of Michigan; and he voted in favor of mandatory trigger locks when he came to Washington.

So why the NRA "A" rating, and what's with Chris Cox, who told members:

“Representative Schwarz has a legacy of fighting for and protecting the Second Amendment for all law-abiding Michiganders. He has earned the NRA’s endorsement and trust of Michigan’s District 7 gun owners.”

What did Yogi Berra say, "It's deja-vu all over again"?

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Targeted By Anti-Gun Nuts

"[T]hese are just guys who sit in front of their computers at 3 a.m. in their underwear"...

Meanwhile, do you really want these people on these websites (and 40 million other people in the country) to have guns?...

I can cite statistics, and I can tell you why the right to carry a 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun with a 10-shot clip is not guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. But the paranoia and bone-chilling hatred that spew from such sites as packing.org and freerepublic.com make for an equally — and unusually — effective argument for a ban on handguns.

So you can call us names but we can't reciprocate?

Here's the difference, Jenny Price. These people will leave you alone if you do the same to them. But you insist on using the force of the state to bend them to your will--and having them destroyed if they don't comply.

Why not go poke a hornet's nest with a stick, and then whine in shocked indignation at the reaction--as if you provoked and deserved nothing in return?

Officer...Oh Officer! That Man Has a HOLSTER!!!

Fellow council member Joe Teri spotted Perreault wearing a holster on his waist. That sparked enough concern that Teri mentioned it to council member Ed Earl and Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Greg Link.

Teri couldn't just go up to Perreault and say "Hey, I see you like to shoot, too. We ought to schedule some range time together."

No, "city officials" had to "huddle." No one had the guts to even approach Perreault until the bold City Fathers designated the cop as their "stuckee."

Which leads me to a fun new party game I just invented after visiting the Minneola Council website, the War On Guns Wheel o' Wussies:


Simply cut out out the circular image and put a hole in the center you can stick something through to spin it. If Perreault "lands" in front of you, you're "safe". Everybody else, well you can make up your own rules. For instance, maybe whoever ends up with Teri should get a Wheel o' Wussies Wedgie...

The Gun Team

A hand-picked team of detectives, plainclothes and uniformed officers has been selected to prowl the most crime-ridden Yonkers streets and take guns away from criminals, Police Commissioner Robert Taggart said.

I can imagine the comic book cover.

I can hear the theme music.

I can visualize the trailer.

The commissioner said the members of the gun team are counting on neighborhood residents to help them with intelligence on where they might find guns and who has them.

I can see the little flags waving as the occupying troops march down the Champs d'Elysées...

Lawmakers Say Former Law Enforcment Huge Source For Illegal Guns

A huge gun smuggling investigation landed a former Columbus Police officer in major trouble, NewsChannel5 partner ONN reported.

Translation: We can't be trusted, so we must punish YOU...

Is it really too much for authorized journalists to realize and report that all dealer sales at gun shows must go through the background check?

I guess the true question is, are they really that ignorant or really that dishonest?

We're the Only Ones Laughing at the Right to Peaceably Assemble Enough

A newly surfaced videotape that shows Broward Sheriff's Office officials laughing over footage of Ritter being shot by rubber bullets and calling protesters "cockroaches" has sparked outrage and prompted an apology from law enforcement.

The courts have consistently held infringements of the First, Second And Fourth Amendments constitutional, so why shouldn't they laugh, cockroaches?

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

Second Circuit Short-Circuits Fourth Amendment

Random bag searches by New York police at subway stations are constitutional and an effective means of combating terrorism, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday.

And if it turns out "terrorists" are avoiding detection and smuggling vials of liquid explosives by inserting them into body cavities, I won't be surprised if random sigmoidoscopy is upheld as constitutional, too...

At Least She Doesn't Go Halfway When She Lies

Why is the NRA aggressively trying to repeal the Brady Law (background checks), which since 1994 has prevented more than 1.3 million prohibited purchasers from getting guns? ...

It's time for the gun lobby to come to the table and meet us at least halfway in passing common-sense gun laws...

So there have been 1.3 million prosecutions and convictions, right?

As for NRA aggressively trying to repeal Brady, they did fight the waiting period and unfunded mandates to local law enforcement, but supported and proposed inputs to the "instant check" system. The Association's official position, in a nutshell:

The NRA`s membership of more than four million persons, has a strong interest in the proper implementation of the provisions of law concerning the acquisition of firearms by law-abiding citizens and the prevention of such acquisition by violent criminals.

That isn't "halfway" enough for you, Diane?

We're the Only Ones Running Guns Enough

A former Columbus police officer illegally sold 501 guns last year — including one that was found with two Somali men now charged in a terrorist plot in Canada...

Nelson, who joined the Columbus Police Division in late 1997, left because of a spinal disability in June 2005. He was off work and on medical leave in November 2004 when he was charged with felonious assault in a road-rage incident. Authorities say he hit another motorist in the head with a metal flashlight...

After he was caught, Nelson agreed to help investigators trace guns he’d sold.

Breaks laws he would have arrested us for, beats citizens in a lethal rage when he doesn't get his way, and then turns snitch when it's his corrupt butt on the line...

Enjoy the rest of your life, Nelson. It sucks to be you.

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]


[Via Dennis Walker]

Gun Control Voodoo

Parents with guns in their homes become less vigilant about how they store those guns as their children grow older, a new study suggests -- even though older children are at far more risk of being harmed by those guns than younger children are...

...Johnson and her colleagues analyzed responses from the 392 people who had at least one gun in the house and at least one child younger than 18.

First you take a subset--people who admit to an interviewer they have guns in their home. Then you take an entire population--including impoverished criminal adolescents immersed in gang activities and drugs, generational government dependence and fatherless homes, and Presto-Changeo! you get hysterical hyperbole presented as general truth! Oh, and pitchfork murders.

It happens every time when witch doctors like Johnson convince people they're scientists.

Their message? Eliminate the bad juju. Keep the evil fetish object locked away.

But under no circumstances apply education, training and discipline...

Q&A IV

I'll have the next installment up on Monday, Lord willing and the creek don't rise...

I still plan to do limited posting on Saturday and Sunday, but site visits tend to drop off pretty substantially. It seems most people--me included--have lives outside of the Internet...

At Least It's Not Cruel and Unusual

Hodges faces a possible life sentence for possession of the marijuana and possession of the shotgun during the commission of a felony.

I'm sure there will be no shortage of "law and order" gun owners who will deem this a good thing. I'm also sure they will have no problem finding the enumerated federal authority for such arrests, prosecutions and convictions in this document that they proclaim such reverence for...

We're the Only Ones Tampering Enough

A suburban Chicago police detective has been charged with misconduct after investigators say he tampered with evidence.

Authorities say 37-year-old Harvey police detective Hollis Dorrough smuggled a gun out of the police station that was linked to an October incident.

Investigators allege that a Harvey city official urged Dorrough to get rid of the gun.

Corruption in Harvey? Nah...

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

At Least He Wasn't Packing Hair Gel

Police at Austin Bergstrom International Airport arrested Horseshoe Bay Resort CEO Douglas Jaffe, 26, on Thursday morning for "unlawfully carrying a weapon in places where weapons are prohibited," says Travis County Sheriff's Office spokesman Roger Wade...

If found guilty, authorities say he could face between two and 10 years in prison, and a fine up to $10,000.

Don't worry too much. The Jaffe's are big behind-the-scenes Texas Democrat party movers and shakers.

We're the Only Ones Safely Storing Enough

A four-year-old boy apparently killed himself today with a handgun he found under a bed in a police officer's home...Anderson has since been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

"Administrative leave"? I'll bet if this happened to one of us, we'd be able to look forward to some paid time off, as well.

At least this version says it's been referred to the prosecutor's office. It does, however, blame the gun (naturally):

Detroit Police spokesman James Tate said the gun was a Glock and was the officer's department-issued weapon. The guns have a reputation for having a hair trigger and can easily discharge.

Glocks. Is there any time they won't go off? Nice to see our old pal Tater Head, the citizen gun turn-in enthusiast, out there clouding the issue (again)...

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

New York Post: Garden Variety Propagandists

GARDEN-VARIETY GUN NUT NABBED IN QNS.

Gee, no media bias reflected there, ya think?

Great "straight news" story, guys! Yet again you exhibit a credibility known only to "authorized journalists".

Who needs the "Canons of Journalism" when you're Phillip Messing and his bedwetting editor?

[Via Dennis Walker]

Just Give Them What They Want...

...and nobody will get hurt.

Right, Sarah?

[Story Here]

[Follow-Up]

You just knew these morons would be ID'd within a matter of hours. Now it's time to blame the guns--I guess that's why the Brady's only gave California an "A-"...

Questions and Answers III

Before proceeding, it would probably be a good idea to read Part I and Part II if you haven't already.

Mr. Licht continues:

I am asking sincerely as a newly minted (though not born yesterday) attorney that wants to make the second amendment (and the constitution) the law of the land for my children (and yours). Everywhere I look I don’t see it as a practical reality. As much as I want to believe in the second, it seems like a mass delusion (or worse) a cynical use of the concept for pure fund raising hype with no expectation (by the professional promoters) that there is any argument to win.

We should all be familiar with the letter John Ashcroft wrote to the NRA proclaiming "[L]et me state unequivocally my view that the text and the original intent of the Second Amendment clearly protect the right of individuals to keep and bear firearms."

That was bold language for a sitting attorney general. It filled the "pro-gun" community with hope. It evidently aligned their interests with those of the Republican party, especially when the treasonous record of Democrats in general on the Second Amendment is considered.

Often overlooked is the footnote Ashcroft added, a seemingly innocuous "*Your actual mileage may vary" kind of statement that, on the surface, would not create too much concern with conservative "law and order" gun-owning voters:

Of course, the individual rights view of the Second Amendment does not prohibit Congress from enacting laws restricting firearms ownership for compelling state interests, such as prohibiting firearms ownership by convicted felons, just as the First Amendment does not prohibit shouting “fire” in a crowded movie theater. As Samuel Adams explained at the Massachusetts ratifying convention, the proposed Constitution should”never [be] construed . . .to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.”

With all due respect to Mr. Ashcroft, he's describing a prior restraint on the Second Amendment and a response to an act for his First Amendment example. So he's talking apples and oranges, but most people never noticed. Besides--you can yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater.

What this does is justify the feds being in the "gun crime" business, even though there is no enumerated Constitutional authority delegated to them in this area by We the People. Further, it reflects a belief that the unambiguous "shall not be infringed" from the Bill of Rights is trumped by the open-ended and amorphous standard of "compelling state interest," a term found nowhere in the Constitution, and which can be twisted and contorted as much as, say, the Interstate Commerce Clause.

Republican Kool-Aid vendor Hugh Hewitt--a man with an awesome understanding of Constitutional law as practiced by "the establishment"--practically admitted as much when blogger Publicola called in to his program. "Intermediate scrutiny," Hewitt pronounced, is the best gun owners can hope for on the Second Amendment.

From a political "pragmatism" perspective, and as much as this may infuriate us, he's probably right. If we rely on "the system," with the current state of gun owner awareness, involvement and commitment, we'll be left with the Second (Class) Amendment from the Bill of Rights (Lite).

This means practically every "gun control" edict will find justification for being upheld. What judge won't find a "compelling state interest" to license gun owners, or register them, or subject citizens to the prior restraint of background checks, or permitting (and prohibiting!) the acceptable manner, places and conditions for bearing arms, concealed or otherwise. Certainly a "compelling state interest" can be found to keep "weapons of war off our streets," thus securing the National Firearms Act and FOPA '86, and blocking further inroads against GCA '68...

This is the door Ashcroft left open--one that would allow his boss and his successor to both proclaim support for renewing the "assault weapon" ban. But it was not his footnote that got the attention, was it? Gun owners almost had an orgy over the "sea change" in attitude-- without asking what in practice had really changed.

We tested Mr. Ashcroft's sincerity with a petition you may have seen circulating a few years back. Without going into a lot of detail, which you can catch up on here, we stated grievances of California gun owners who have had their rights unlawfully abridged, specifying the violations in detail. The theory was, had any other right been abused by local or state governments, such as the rights of minorities to vote, or to enjoy full lawful use of public accommodations, etc., the Justice Department would be quick to send a team down to enforce "the supreme law of the land" by which all subordinate political entities are supposedly bound.

Did we think this was really going to happen? We'd have been floored, but we thought it important to separate rhetoric from (lack of) deeds--if we were being sold a bill of goods, that is, Ashcroft mouthing support for 2A with no action offered or taken, we'd at least be able to point out that we were being played.

Over the course of the year the "Ashcroft Petition" was promoted, we managed to get over 30,000 gun owners to sign on from every state of the union. Understand we did this with no budget or donation requests, strictly as part time volunteers--and this was not an Internet petition, but one that required actual signatures. Over the course of the year we mailed several large boxes of signed petitions to the AG, along with cover letters summarizing our project and reminding him of our previous correspondences. The only acknowledgment we ever received was a non-responsive reply from the chief of the Terrorism and Violent Crime Section--a curious and chilling person to assign such a project to, we thought...

There's more to this story, of course, including professional representatives of the most prominent "gun lobby" group discouraging members from signing the petition because we who promoted it were "wild-eyed extremists." The bottom line is, we were small fries. Bush support for the AWB notwithstanding (hell it was touted as a clever ploy to appeal to "moderates"), gun owners danced to the Lee Atwater tune--who else were they gonna vote for?

While paying for the privilege?

"Fund raising hype" ? I guess a cynical person would start to have some questions...

You'll note I haven't come up with any solutions yet. I'm still working on defining the problem, and have the rest of Mr. Licht's email to address.

More to come...

Brady Exploits the Dead to Attack Rights of Living

"None of us ever want to visit the morgue," Bishop said. "It's not a place anyone wants to be - and if we had fewer assault weapons on our streets, fewer of us would ever have to go there."

It's official. These people have no shame.

And "fewer of us would ever have to go there"? They evidently also have no brains.

[Thanks to HZ]

A Tragedy in Lindale

Authorities said a 4-month-old baby died Tuesday after her father, a Lindale Police Department reserve sergeant, left her in his pickup in a parking lot outside City Hall.

I can't bring myself to come up with a sarcastic "Only Ones" title for this tragic story, but couldn't not post about it because, like the other examples we've presented, it illustrates how law enforcers are no more competent at life--or less prone to the consequences of thoughtlessness--than the society they spring from. Some will note no arrest has been made, as would probably happen if an "ordinary" citizen was involved.

Yeah, I guess, just to be consistent in principle. But in this case, I'm not sure what additional punishment could be meted out to make a difference. If I was this man, perhaps I'd have hanged myself by now rather than live on with the horror, the grief and the guilt.

[Thanks to Blackfork]

Q&A III

I'm working on it.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, see Part I and Part II.

If you do, patience. I should finish it tonight and post tomorrow morning.

There have been some pretty good comments posted so far. Thanks to those of you who have contributed.

Adage Disproved

"How about Council pushing for a bill that would require gun purchasers to register their guns every six months?"

And they say there are no stupid questions...

We're the Only Ones Replicating Enough

A NEW South Wales police student has been charged and booted out of the Goulburn training college for turning up to training with replica guns.

Sorry, kid. You were just a proto-"Only One," and that doesn't quite cut it.

Gun Control Orwellianisms

I can proudly say that I have no fear of the government taking away my firearms...

It is naive to wrap yourself in the flag and call all who oppose your point of view "freedom haters" or "elitists."

Gun control is neither anti-American nor unconstitutional, and in most cases, it is actually beneficial to both our economy and the operation of a free society.

Those are good ones, Duane. Here are some more for you:

War is peace.

Freedom is slavery.

Ignorance is strength.

Questions and Answers II

In Part One, questions and concerns from Dave Licht about the Second Amendment were posted, and many of you responded with comments of your own. Here are some of my initial observations.

He loaded a lot on the plate, so I'm going to spread this out over a couple posts this week, and do everything in bite-sized chunks.

I have gone to Law school and I have worked in a top law firm (as an intern) and everywhere I turn the people with the experience in the trenches that I respect tell me that the second amendment is NEVER the argument.

I continually talk to experienced, smart, creative attorneys that I respect who tell me there is no second amendment. Yesterday I had a long talk with the partner I work for and he told me to "forget the second amendment, it was poorly written, it's been completely de-balled. U.S. gun laws are entirely statute driven and it has been increasingly thus since "U.S. v Miller" in 1938. He said with the exception of "U.S. v Lopez" there are no meaningful constitutional arguments for inalienable gun rights. The courts have routinely upheld restrictions on possession and ownership particularly local ordinances.

I should throw in that these are seriously constitution believing, gun owning, gun in the top desk drawer attorneys with years of experience, not the bRADY BUNCH.

Unless things radically change, I'd say this assessment of the current state of things is inarguable.

I've been saying for some time that those in power will not allow that balance to significantly change unless forced to. However, it is also my opinion that there will be a "legal resolution" from the Supreme Court on the Second Amendment, and sooner rather than later, and that individual rights will be acknowledged. Perhaps Parker will be that case.

Did I just contradict myself? I don't think so, because I don't think such a ruling will ultimately prove useful at repealing the most offensive of existing gun laws. I believe most of those will be upheld as "reasonable restrictions" where there is a "compelling state interest."

Why do I think SCOTUS will hear and decide on a case? I believe the tension between the Fifth (Emerson) and Ninth (Hickman and Silveira) Circuits can't be allowed to perpetually stand. It's in the interests of the federal government to have one interpretation of the Constitution--"one Ring to rule them all..."

So far, the "High Court" has managed to duck the issue. Some in the "pro-gun camp" say this is a good thing, because the court was not properly stacked to rule for an individual right. This was a significant reason they opposed--and tried to derail--Silveira, citing how it could create "bad precedent." Many of these critics conveniently forgot to mention how the precedent they brought about in Hickman solidified the state of California's legal position that there is no individual right.

That SCOTUS refused to hear the case was not really a surprise. Their dilemma: They couldn't rule that 2A is an unalienable right, applicable to the states as well as the national government, that shall not be infringed, because that would erode the monopoly of power--and no "authority" gives that up unless forced to. And they dared not rule that there is no individual right, because that would provoke widespread defiance and disobedience that could well get out of hand.

The time--and the cases--were not "right" to serve the purposes and maintain the balance.

That's where John Ashcroft showed the way, albeit in an often overlooked footnote...

More later.

Information Request

Many of you know of (or have blogged of) stories about people who used firearms to defend themselves from mutants and were then charged with serious crimes because of that. Or they were sued in civil court by family members (and greedy lawyers) of the shot perpetrators.

Alphecca is looking for help to counter some blatant opinion steering by the "authorized journalists."

Hmmm...Makes Sense!

The city of Carson is urging residents to surrender their weapons at the Carson sheriff's station on Wednesday.

And in other news:

An 18-year-old man was wounded in a shooting at a Carson gas station early Sunday.

Sheriff's officials believe the incident is gang-related.

We're the Only Ones Child-Caring Enough

An 11-year veteran of the New Braunfels Police Department has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography.

Sometimes it takes the "Only Ones" to remind us how important the little things in life are.

[Thanks to AB5SY]

We're the Only Ones Abreast of the Situation Enough

A former sheriff's deputy who sexually assaulted two women and fondled another's breasts while patrolling in the Compton area was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in federal prison.

Lick it or ticket?
[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

We're the Only Ones Violated Enough

A former Los Angeles police officer, who was fired after he was videotaped striking a suspected car thief with a flashlight, filed a $10 million civil rights lawsuit on Friday against the city and Chief William Bratton.

Damn straight. The day an "Only One" doesn't have a guaranteed right to kick a subdued suspect in the head and beat him with a flashlight is the day this is no longer Amerika.

We're the Only Ones Young and In Love Enough

A U.S. Capitol Police sergeant has been charged with child sexual abuse after allegedly having videotaped sex at his home with a 15-year-old girl that authorities believe was arranged by a former Bowie High School assistant football coach.

That poses quite a dilemma. I mean, if you take her to dinner afterwards, do you buy her a Happy Meal or a Big Kids Meal?

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

[Via K Romulus]

Mexico Calling on U.S. to Stem Weapons Trade

That's almost funny.

Questions and Answers

I received the following email and got permission to share it:

Dear David,

I hope you are well.

First, I want to apologize for the length of this question / screed.

I re-upped my Guns mag subscription for the sole purpose of supporting your column.

I am 48, 4 kids 9- 22, married 24 years, self employed 30 years having built 4 notorious businesses still in operation today. A couple of post grad degrees and recently graduated from law school. I’ve interned for a senior partner at (one of) the top criminal / (constitutional) law firms in the country for the last year and a half.

I plan to take the kalifornia Bar exam and specialize in firearms and 4th amendment law defending "law abiding citizens" charged with gun possession and other "crimes".

I grew up in a hoplophope family. I was a gun fanatic since Roy Rogers, Bat Masterson, John Wayne, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah. I bought my first "legal" gun at Buchanans gun shop on College Avenue in Berkeley at 10:05 on my 18th birthday. I was standing at the door waiting for him to open. Gun Shop in Berkeley? (he’s been closed and gone for 25 years).

My kids all shoot and hunt. (Look for my 9 year old to be an Olympic contender)

This is a long way of saying that I am a forever believer in the second amendment and I want to believe in it. I want my children to grow up free. I frame EVERY argument in my life in terms of the freedom of my children and their future families. But now I have gone to Law school and I have worked in a top law firm (as an intern) and everywhere I turn the people with the experience in the trenches that I respect tell me that the second amendment is NEVER the argument.

I continually talk to experienced, smart, creative attorneys that I respect who tell me there is no second amendment. Yesterday I had a long talk with the partner I work for and he told me to "forget the second amendment, it was poorly written, it’s been completely de-balled. U.S. gun laws are entirely statute driven and it has been increasingly thus since "U.S. v Miller" in 1938. He said with the exception of "U.S. v Lopez" there are no meaningful constitutional arguments for inalienable gun rights. The courts have routinely upheld restrictions on possession and ownership particularly local ordinances.

I should throw in that these are seriously constitution believing, gun owning, gun in the top desk drawer attorneys with years of experience, not the bRADY BUNCH.

This is a very long way of asking YOU, in your opinion, is there any point any more in the second amendment or is it just a fund raising dog and pony show? Has the second amendment been rendered entirely symbolic? What basis do YOU see for ever demanding rights under the second amendment? (And yes I am watching "Parker")

I am asking sincerely as a newly minted (though not born yesterday) attorney that wants to make the second amendment (and the constitution) the law of the land for my children (and yours). Everywhere I look I don’t see it as a practical reality. As much as I want to believe in the second, it seems like a mass delusion (or worse) a cynical use of the concept for pure fund raising hype with no expectation (by the professional promoters) that there is any argument to win.

I acknowledge that I am a paranoid nut case and I do not trust the state (particularly the current GENERATION of self serving one world "alleged representatives" selling out our children in every way at every opportunity)

I cling to these beliefs being aware that forty states have passed Shall Carry laws and being fully informed about the "castle doctrine" laws. But isn’t it possible that "Shall Carry", i.e. "Shall Register" may just be a ruse to determine where all the guns are and that with the stroke of a pen they could use those lists as the basis for confiscation? Again, I know I am an unreasonable "nut case" but if anything is possible and history repeats itself....repeatedly.......?

Instead of keeping high paid lobbyists going (al la Wayne La Pierre) would it be more prudent to tell our children that confiscation is inevitable, do not cooperate? Wouldn’t it be more effective to rally those that would fund these (arguably) gun control organizations (like the NRA) that are raking in millions compromising away our gun rights routinely and incrementally - particularly by pretending we have to ask permission instead of saying "storm the capitals" and "Shall not be infringed" has it’s plain meaning?

Wouldn’t it be more meaningful for us to promote the compact made with US by the Founders when they pledged "Our lives our fortunes and our sacred honor" that your children and mine would live free? With regular pitchfork parties at the "government houses". Are U.S. Citizens sooooo gutless that they will not stand up to a government that works for them? Are we a nation of girls? (Rhetorical questions, I know). Maybe we should be shaming the masses instead of hyping them on the second. What is your view? (Is it time to contemplate the need or the inevitability of having to "water the tree of liberty with the blood of patriots")?

Isn’t it long past time for civil disobedience and non cooperation? Isn’t it time to teach your (our / all) children that confiscation is inevitable. It’s a deliberate plot against the populace. That citizens should never cooperate, register or report? Shouldn’t second amendment focused organizations and publications start promoting non registration, parents buying for their children so the children are never "on record", acknowledging that the government has already so far overstepped their authority that they can not be trusted and to act defensively for the future safety of our children and our country? i.e. REALITY.

If the minders won’t mind the borders at the minimum when in excess of 70% of the population is demanding to close the borders - why should any thinking person believe the government, bent on one worldism will ever protect the constitution or the citizens god given inalienable rights to anything?????

Shouldn’t we be screaming that totalitarianism is coming at light speed? Instead of this constant fund raising subterfuge that the second amendment will someday form the basis of a winning lawsuit that will set the U.S. back on a constitutional course and abolish all gun laws, blah, blah, blah, blah, promote the myth? Isn’t this just delusion and masturbation and mental disorder????

If we keep up all this sound and fury promoting an argument that can never move the reality forward and we are just flailing about chanting a mantra that is effectively a political divide and conquer and slight of hand strategy to dilute and pacify / pussify the electorate.........Aren’t we mentally ill? Or DUMB????

Are we passing the point of no return where in the second amendment (and many of the others, 1st, 4th, 5th, etc..), no, the Constitution will be stolen from our children without a shot being fired by the absolute worthless, embarrassing, self serving, pandering, lowest common denominator dunderheaded "alleged representatives" from top to bottom, petite totalitarians and soccer moms and the lowest common denominator educational / indoctrination system "we" have built?

Have we be been completely screwed by the "greatest generation" who having won WWII, sat on their fat assess and voted entitlement and totalitarianism into this country and hope to party till the lights go out and save the bill for their grandchildren and die before they have to see the damage they have delivered their future generations?

I know you are a fan of "the prisoner". We ARE living in the village. More so all the time and on an accelerating path. But you and I, and a few pockets here and there are "not prisoners, we are free men! Or by our actions, are we?

What do you think?

I am asking your personal opinion for my own interest and direction and I will NOT republish your response.

No hurry. I appreciate and value your considered opinion.

Again, I apologize for the length of this "question".

Thank you for your time David.

Dave Licht

It will take time to do justice to Mr. Licht's thoughtful observations and questions, and I doubt I'll be able to do it all in one sitting (and get anything else done). I hope to be able to respond to some, possibly all of his points, over the course of this week.

In the mean time, if you think you have value to add to the discussion, well, that's why we have a "Comments" section...

We're the Only Ones Camped Out Enough

36 year old Matthew Cyr, a prominent member of the Windham police force, was shot in the leg at his parents' camp. He is now in good condition.

State Police spokesman Steve McCausland says Cyr was at his family's place on Millinocket Lake Friday night. He was sleeping in a tent when he was shot in the leg with his own gun.

State Police won't say who fired the gun.

No. No, of course they won't.

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

Dial 911 and Wait

Witnesses said children and others feared for their lives while a man walked around outside with a gun. Repeated calls to 911 went unanswered until Horry County police responded after the town's police didn't...

Residents heard a woman being beaten. They called police. One minute passed. And another. And another. And another.

A few wondered if they should enter the house themselves. Seventeen minutes later Horry County police showed up because the town's underpaid, overworked police didn't.

But you'll be damned if you come to the obvious conclusion, won't you, Bailey?

[Thanks to Jason M]

We're the Only Ones Domestically Disturbed Enough

An off-duty Shelton police officer was wounded by a bullet from his service pistol Sunday morning as he tried to prevent his wife from shooting herself with it, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office said.

No one had been charged with a crime Sunday, but deputies were investigating the incident...

I wonder--had they been non-"Only Ones"-- if anyone would have been charged by now...

Who Could Have Guessed?

Mass pardon for convicts in Italy leads to a crime wave...

Governments. Is there anything they don't do well?

The Real Bellwether

Kansans are lining up to buy guns and learn how to shoot them.

“Usually summers in the gun business are deader than a doornail, but we’re having a record year,” said Jeff Howlett, owner of Kansas Firearms Specialties in Tonganoxie.

If it seems there has been an unusually intense barrage of anti-gun activity, from opportunistic political traitors making their treasonous threats, to "authorized journalists" egging them on, Americans voting with their pocketbooks ought to be an indicator of what's really going on behind all the hoopla.

We're the Only Ones Stunning Enough

A COP lost his 50,000- volt Taser stun gun when he left it on his car roof and drove off...Police fear it has fallen into the wrong hands and a spokesman said: "If someone has it or finds it they should contact us immediately."

Ah, the lovely, disarmed UK.

Where the term "shooting match" takes on a whole new meaning...

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

We're the Only Ones Locked Down Enough

New Jersey State Prison remained in lockdown Sunday, two days after authorities discovered a loaded firearm within its secured perimeter, prison officials said.

If the "Only Ones" can't even keep guns out of the state pen or other maximum security cellblock hellholes like Newark or Jersey City, what are the chances that "gun control" will work in society at large?

I Hope He Didn't Mess Up His Upholstery, Either

A 78-year-old Philadelphia man used a .38 caliber handgun to thwart a carjacker.

George Newton said that when William Edney approached him, held a pistol to his head and said "Don't do anything funny," he handed him the keys to his sport utility vehicle...But when he saw that Edney was trying to shift gears with his gun hand Newton decided the time had come for action. He pulled out his own weapon and shot Edney in the jaw, and then walked to the other side of the car and shot him in the shoulder.

Here's my favorite part of this story:

"Both windows were down so I didn't mess up any of my glass," Newton told the Inquirer.

Glad to see not all Newtons are morons.

Still, I wonder if he thinks it's worth all that "blood on the streets" in Philadelphia?

Besides, why couldn't he just dial "911"?

Or like Democrat Hal smugly proposes, "engage a bodyguard or two"?

We're the Only Ones Natural Enough

A former Milwaukee police officer already facing charges in connection with the beating of a biracial man has been charged with lying on an application to buy a gun and then jumping bail...

[Jon] Bartlett also is charged in a separate case with calling in a bomb threat to his former police district station...

Bartlett's attorney, Bridget Boyle, said it was natural that her client, given his law enforcement career, would be interested in guns.

Naturally.

As long as they're for him.

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

We're the Only Ones Privately Checked In Enough

No one was injured when an off-duty Woodbury, Minn. police officer's gun fired through a wall at a St. Cloud, Minn. hotel into another guest's room as the officer practiced holster and trigger pulls, authorities said...

Woodbury Police Chief William Hering refused to release the name, rank or years of service of the officer on the advice of the city's attorney.

"Right now we're treating that information as private," Hering said Thursday.

But of course. The criminally negligent moron is, after all, an "Only One."

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Hal: A Typical Democrat Elitist

I came across the following comment in response to a story about Tom Delay trying to get his CCW back:

10 Hal - Aug 4, 11:52 pm

I'm sorry, I just have one question here. Why does Tom DeLay feel that he needs to be able to carry a concealed weapon? I just don'’t get it. Millions of Americans survive a day-to-day existence without feeling the need to pack heat.

If he feels threatened then maybe he needs to let loose of a few thousand of those campaign contribution smackers and engage a body guard or two. People who are trained in the art of self defense. Tom, as a middle aged, out of shape white man, is out of his element if he wants to pack a rod to fend off hardened criminals.

It'’s the same in DC as it is in the "burbs”. Leave it to the professionals.

I followed his link to his website, and found he's part of the "Lefty Blogs" ring.

Hey Hal: Your party is supposed to represent the common man, the downtrodden, the underdogs, the poor. What are they supposed to do if they need protection? They don't have "a few thousand...smackers" to engage a bodyguard. Dial 911?

And as for being "out of shape," who better to need an "equalizer" when faced with "hardened criminals"? I know plenty of women, Hal, who are adept with firearms but would be no physical match in a street fight against an enraged male. What do you recommend they do, Mr. Egalitarian? Lay back and hope they survive the beating, stabbing, shooting or rape?

And Hal--YOU "leave it to the professionals," that is, "The Only Ones." We've examined the evidence, and we know better.

Hal, here's your problem. You're stupid and you're a coward.

But aside from that, we'll give your opinions all the consideration they deserve.

Ron Slocum: Trailer Park Snitch

Slocum called authorities. He has no problem with killing unwanted critters but questions using a rifle in a mobile home park.

“She's out shooting in the middle of the night and walking around with her gun,” he said. "And in her camouflage clothing, of course."

Oooh. Keeping and bearing arms. And wearing "camouflage clothing." Of course.

The lady is out there doing a service, and enuretic Ron evidently doesn't think private citizens can take care of matters affecting the quality of life without bringing in government agents.

We're the Only Ones Eliciting Enough

A Daly City police officer was arrested Friday after authorities say he tried to elicit information by placing a gun a man's head.

Good straight reporting by Sandra Gonzales. She gave us the name of the "Only One" charged.

We're the Only Ones Exonerated Enough

A police marksman who wounded a suspect during an anti-terror raid stumbled during the operation and accidentally fired his gun, the police complaints bureau ruled Thursday, exonerating the officer of any wrongdoing.

Safety off. Finger on the trigger. Shoots a non-"Only One".

Yep.

"In the circumstances, I conclude that the officer has committed no criminal or disciplinary offense."

Sounds about right to me. Who except a non-"Only One" could possibly conclude otherwise? And they don't matter.

And note we know the name of the "suspect," Mohammed Abdul Kahar, and even how old he is, "23."

Quick--what's the name of the "police marksman", I mean "the officer"?

Thanks, Watchdog Press! That must be why you're "authorized journalists" and we're not!

[Thanks to K Romulus]

Someone Get that Man a Diaper

Is the right to bear arms really worth this price? The price of our children's blood? Blood on the streets of North Philadelphia? Blood in the woods behind the home of a respected member of the legislature?

Oh, I dunno, John.

You

tell

me.

That's Some Plan, Moonbeam

Hours after an armed suspect and a California Highway Patrol officer were wounded in a gun battle on the streets of Oakland, Mayor Jerry Brown unveiled his plan to stem the escalating violence called "Operation Ceasefire."

Great plan, Jerry! Maybe it'll work as well for Oakland as it has for Boston.

Exceeding Expectations

Two days into the buyback, 250 firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, have been turned in, police said.

"The response definitely exceeded our expectations so far," police spokesman James Tate told The Detroit News. "It has been so strong we are running low on money but we are going to continue through Sunday."

I guess that all depends on what your expectations are, Tate, you tater head.

If you're expecting violent crime to go down one whit, you're going to be disappointed. But that's not the point anyway, is it? It gives your superiors a chance to get some pr from the enuretic media, score points with their masters, reassert dominance over local Stockholm syndrome suffering cud chewers, plus everybody feels like bigshots and authorities passing out money that's not theirs and advice that's not sane.

Remember the name "Comerica Bank." Those tater heads can't even protect their own assets, employees and customers, and they want to extend this contemptible defenselessness to the public at large. If you have an account there, close it out and give 'em this card.

Pocketknives are Tools Used by Millions

The fact is, law-abiding Americans, your neighbors and Mr. Fritz’s neighbors, carry and use knives every day for everything from pruning the roses to hiking, camping and fishing to EMT rescue. Mr. Fritz wants readers to ignore those millions of U.S. citizens. His tactic is to imply that only criminals have knives and inflame his argument with such words as “deadly” and “menacing.” But the 12-inch knitting needles we can carry on planes can be deadly. And the unstable person swinging a baseball bat can be menacing. AKTI has always advocated that criminals who use any weapon in the commission of a crime be punished severely. Law-abiding citizens who carry knives for legitimate purposes should not.

Good rebuttal to a deceptive and agenda-driven Wall Street Journal article we referenced the other day in this post...

[Via Steven Van Dyke]

We're the Only Ones to the Point Enough

A Morgan County sheriff's deputy was arrested on suspicion of pointing a gun at his ex-wife and her boyfriend, both of whom are law enforcement officers.

The point being, imagine how much scarier it would have been for the ex and her new boyfriend had they not been "Only Ones" too.

[Thanks to Jay S]

Gangs Blamed for Gun Violence

Violent street gangs are responsible for the bullets whizzing through one neighborhood near Central Square, according to local teens and one city councilor.

What morons!

Everybody knows it's the guns' fault.

Hungering for Tyranny

The family of a north Dublin man gunned down in front of his stepson vowed to go on hunger strike today unless their concerns were acknowledged.

Donna Kinsella, whose brother Lee was murdered in May, is demanding that Minister for Justice Michael McDowell toughen gun and bail laws.

Donna, do you really want to vest that kind of power in one man?

Look for attention-seeking cud-chewers on this side of the pond to pick up on this surefire media hysteria generator technique.

Hoplophobe Jane E. Brody Follow-Up: "In Other Words, She is Delusional"

1894C had some great insights that shouldn't remain buried in yesterday's "Comments".

Ironic that at the bottom of that article there was a reference to a previous article from the same author about children and accidental drowning.

Compare these two quotes:

"These are just two of several hundred such deaths that will almost certainly occur this year. Guns account for 10 percent of all injury-related deaths among children ages 5 to 14."

"drowning kills more than 1,400 children under 20 in a typical year. And for every child who dies in the water, four others are hospitalized for near-drowning, some of whom suffer permanent brain damage or physical disabilities."

So assuming her numbers are correct, then children are SEVEN TIMES more likely to die by drowning than by firearms accident. Even though there are WAY more firearms in the US than pools.

Yet she says this:
"If it were up to me, there would be no guns in any household with children under 18. Better yet, no guns in any household — children or no children."

She does NOT say this:

"If it were up to me, there would be no POOLS in any household with children under 18. Better yet, no POOLS in any household — children or no children."

Why? Clearly guns can be used to protect life and property and not merely for recreation. Guns are FAR LESS dangerous to children than pools. Nobody really "NEEDS" a pool, right? I have NEVER heard of a parent defending their family from brutal attack with their pool. So why then is her advice so different for guns than pools.

She clearly has hoplophobia. Because she fears firearms, she assigns them a higher risk than pools even though her own words confirm that pools pose the greater risk to children. In other words, she is delusional.

Well said!

I Guess Not Everyone Named Newton is a Genius

Newton is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. And the safety is always on. He says his gun shouldn't have gone off.

"I don't know what made the gun go off. Because the gun's never done that before," said Newton...

Newton tells us he's gotten rid of all his guns, except one. It was a family heirloom.

One other thing: I couldn't get the video to play. I can't help but wonder if the revolver in the photo is the gun he says had its safety on...

So--Did We Get Our Money's Worth?

Sharing the stage with several White House Press Secretaries, President George W. Bush jokes with reporters in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room Wednesday, August 2, 2006. It was the last press briefing before the room undergoes extensive renovations. Pictured at the President’s right is Press Secretary James S. Brady, who was wounded during an assassination attempt on President Reagan. The room is named in his honor. White House photo by Eric Draper

I guess $20 million doesn't buy what it used to...

Terror Havens or Gun Show Pinholes?

“Iraq has long been awash in guns,” The New York Times reports. “[M]ore Iraqis than ever have been buying, carrying and stockpiling weapons, adding an unnerving level of firepower to Baghdad’s streets.”

“Awash”? Does this mean people in the Middle East don’t rely on American gun shows for their arms?

"Terror Havens or Gun Show Pinholes?," my Rights Watch column for the August 2006 issue of GUNS Magazine, is now online.

GUNS Magazine, August 1956

• "What's Wrong With Pigeon Shooting?"
• "The Oldest Name in Guns Comes Back"
• "The Man Who Can Outshoot the Russians"
• "Dream Target Range"

And much more, including the classic period ads...

The August 1956 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

Jane E. Brody: Split Seconds From Competence

[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

If it were up to me, there would be no guns in any household with children under 18. Better yet, no guns in any household — children or no children.

Well, that's all I need to hear.

Right, Jane. You obviously prefer pitchfork murderers butchering innocents to trained and armed young people being able to defend themselves against such maniacs. You clearly prefer gangs of thugs having free rein to brutalize families over brave boys being able to send them fleeing. It's evident you would deny access to the means of protection to all young people (and all older ones, too), no matter whose lives may be saved, and no matter which monsters might be sent howling back into the darkness.

Good Lord, you ignorant, conceited, dangerously silly woman. Stick to being an "authority" on matters that you can legitimately claim some kind of expertise with--unless you'd like to demonstrate your superior ability to repel attackers over those of us who know enough to ignore your stupid, unqualified admonitions.

[Thanks to Declan and Doug]

United States Knife & Tool Association

I just received the following email:

David,

I thought I'd let you know that there's a response to the WSJ article about the evil 'tactical knives'. Doug Ritter and others are looking to start up a companion to the NRA called the United States Knife & Tool Association- http://www.uskta.org

You can hear Doug talk about it on the 07/30/2006 GunTalk (in the archives)

The article is an opening shot in yet another attempt by the gun-banners. If they can get 'dangerous' knives banned then it would only be 'logical' to ban even more dangerous guns. Let's swat 'em down right at the start and not let them get ahead of us this time.

Enjoy!

Steven Van Dyke

I don't know the principals involved in this effort, but I like what I see so far. I'll look at them more closely and encourage WoG visitors to do so as well.

As knives are arms, the keeping and bearing of which shall not be infringed, my support hinges on whether or not they hold fast to that principle.

Feedback will be appreciated.

Illinois' Law Clear: Most "Obey or Be Destroyed" Edicts Are

That battle has been fought. Kranish'’s side has lost. The harangue that Illinois laws violate his Second Amendment rights doesn'’t hold water. Even most states that have laws allowing concealed carry have restrictions on who can walk around armed to kill.

So, move on and argue the matter on different grounds. Or move.

As much as I don't like admitting it, the subversive who wrote this treasonous screed has a point--the Supreme Court has betrayed its responsibility to uphold the Constitution by ducking a definitive "shall not be infringed" Second Amendment judgment, so if we're looking for relief from the courts, we're screwed.

The rulers don't dare cede an unalienable individual right to keep and bear arms to the rabble--power is only shared by such creatures when there's no other choice, and then, jealously and precariously.

But take heart--SCOTUS (so far) also doesn't dare pronounce flat out that you have no such right because of the defiance and rebellion that could provoke.

So the game goes on, with back-and-forth and continued incremental erosion, and the critical mass needed to turn the tide is kept misdirected and distracted.

Still, truth, that is, reality, is a powerful force to keep perpetually at bay. Perhaps, if we can continue to expose the lies, and keep the focus and stay the course, it will not be those claiming their liberty who are callously and derisively told to move. Perhaps it will be their tyranny-enabling detractors who will slink back into the shadows.

[Thanks to HZ]

We're the Only Ones Standoffish Enough

After a three-hour standoff early Saturday, Hill County sheriff’s deputies arrested and transported a Havre police officer to the behavioral health unit at Northern Montana Hospital. Hill County Sheriff Greg Szudera today said Havre police officer Shane Huston and Hill County deputies and Havre police were involved in a standoff early Saturday morning after Huston began shooting rounds of ammunition into his garage and into the air.

I'm glad no one was hurt, but can't help wonder if that would have been the result had a non-"Only One" conducted himself this way.

Another Account

[Thanks to Anonymous]

Somalia Changes Name to "Bradyland"

Somalia's president told residents of the only town his government controls Tuesday they have a week to give up their weapons, after which "every single gun in Baidoa" will be seized by force.

We now have a perfect test laboratory for assessing the benefits of complete gun control.

Expect "gun death" rates to plummet.

Oh, happy day!

Plotting in the Dark

Struggling to find solutions to Philadelphia's seemingly intractable wave of violence, regional leaders including Mayor Street and Cardinal Justin Rigali held an unprecedented summit meeting at City Hall yesterday.

The two-hour, closed session ended with no new initiatives, but participants hailed it as an important step in quelling the gun violence that so far has claimed 232 lives this year...

"Hopefully, God will give us more wisdom to address this problem more effectively than we have in the past," Rigali said before the meeting.

Why is a meeting concerning the rights of the people closed to them? And why does that "wall of separation" between church and state we're always hearing about conveniently disappear whenever it serves the purposes of the rulers?

And how come Philly still has a "gun violence" problem, anyway? We were promised "Project Exile" would put an end to that.

If Ye Love Wealth...

Two out of state gun dealers sued by Mayor Michael Bloomberg for allegedly selling firearms illegally have agreed to a settlement that puts their sales and inventory under the microscope of a special monitor, city officials said Monday.

It would be nice to think dealers would have the sand to stand up to tyranny, but they're merchants, and their priorities are with their businesses.

The object lesson here is to realize this. We can't look to the gun industry to do what's right for gun owners. We can, in fact, count on the industry to sell us out if it serves their interests.

And we need to be constantly on guard to make sure factions in the "gun lobby" don't favor the sometimes competing interests of their industry benefactors over ours.

We're the Only Ones Trippy Enough

A Los Angeles police officer accidentally fired his handgun when he stumbled chasing a suspect down a staircase, but no one was injured, authorities said Monday.

I could just about swear there was a rule covering this...but what do I know? I'm not an "Only One."

Hot Lead

We were awakened at 3:14 am by a phone call with no one on the other end. Caller ID said "The Hot Lead Company 818-638-8049."

I called back and got fax noises. They are searching for active fax numbers to send fax spam to.

Apparently, they've been around and annoying people for some time, even ignoring injunctions.

Note to the proprietors: When the phone rings at 3:00 am, it's not unreasonable to anticipate urgent and terrible news. You people are scum and you just called the wrong guy.