From the Birthplace of Liberty

A few doors down, her block captain, Lorraine Armstrong, thinks one answer to gun violence in her West Philadelphia neighborhood is for police to stop and frisk suspects.

What is it with these Cellblock Snitch types?

Always my favorite line that inevitably oozes bubbling and reeking to the surface in stories of this type:

"If you've got nothing to be guilty about, you should have no problem. I would put up with that level of inconvenience to make the neighborhood safer," he said.

Talk about someone with an appropriate name:

We've seen some of these tactics utilized in other places," said former City Councilman Michael A. Nutter, now a candidate for mayor and a proponent of stop-and-frisk.

Indeed we have, you nutter. And for you to suggest making it standard practice in the Birthplace of Liberty--and for the Heirs of Liberty to fall all over themselves demanding a freedom "buy back" in exchange for the fraudulent promise of safety, is one of the more sickening examples of how far increasingly large segments of our culture have allowed themselves to degenerate.

"I don't care whether you are black, white, purple or polka-dotted. If you have an illegal weapon, I expect a well-trained Philadelphia police officer to take that gun away."

At least Nutter's an equal opportunity tyrant wannabe. But I'm sure we were promised that Project Exile would end Philly's "gun problem."

"Guns are out there," said Carnegie-Mellon anticrime expert Alfred Blumstein, "but if you can reduce the carrying, you've made some important progress."

Professor, Carnegie Mellon just lost an ethical giant who championed gun rights. It's a shame that their voice on this issue now emanates from a stunted intellect like yours.

In Philadelphia, by contrast, an even larger share - 87 percent - of homicides are committed with guns, Johnson said, and more than 32,000 permits to carry concealed weapons have been issued to city residents since the state gun law made it easier in 1995.

Here we go with another predictable twist--it's the fault of all those law-abiding, nonviolent people who submit themselves to background checks to prove they're not criminals. If we can just disarm them...

This is the logic that has the inmates bleating for more. And they are the sheep who cancel out your vote, and impose their pathetic and disgusting dependence on collectivism and tyranny on the rest of us.


[Via Cousin G]

Wayne Fincher Update: 11/14

Militia Member Can Post Bond if He Agrees to Judge's Conditions

Don Bright on Wayne Fincher

Bond OK’d for Militia Leader

This Day in History: November 14

On this day in 1776, the St. James Chronicle of London carries an item announcing "The very identical Dr. Franklyn [Benjamin Franklin], whom Lord Chatham [former leading parliamentarian and colonial supporter William Pitt] so much caressed, and used to say he was proud in calling his friend, is now at the head of the rebellion in North America."

When "Only Ones" Collide II

As if all that’s happening on the streets where crime is concerned is not enough, senior officers in the police force are going at each other violently.

Naturally, nobody was arrested for assaulting a police officer. I guess their special "Only Ones" powers cancelled each other's out...

[When Only Ones Collide I]

Philly Criminals "Make NRA's Day"

A bloody crime rampage over the weekend left three men dead and nine others wounded.

The slayings, which raised the city's homicide rate to 354 for the year...

NRA's "Project Exile" is sure living up to its promise, wouldn't you say?

"If you're a felon out on the streets of Philadelphia today, I dare you to carry a gun," Heston warned. "Because if you do, you will go to prison. No plea bargain, no discussion. Just a cold, hard federal prison cell. So go ahead -- carry a gun on these streets. To quote my good friend Clint Eastwood, `Make My Day'."

They're running scared now...

We're the Only Ones on Trial Enough

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton begins the fight for his political future in Hinds County Circuit Court on Tuesday in the first of several trials.

The first-term mayor will be prosecuted on three gun charges - one felony and two misdemeanor [sic] in two separate trials - stemming from accusations he carried handguns onto a school campus, public park and church.

As we've observed before here at WarOnGuns, Hizzoner is one of the Bloomberg Burgermeisters intent on disarming everybody else, and he led the charge to ban gun shows in Jackson. Plus, he's already been let off the hook by TSA for carrying on planes, when the rest of us would be rotting in a federal pen.

Welcome to the world of the non-"Only Ones" that you helped create and impose on the rest of us, Herr Mayor.

Sucks, doesn't it?

[Via Cousin G]

WARNING: This Area Protected by Carmen Caldwell

[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

I understand that everyone has the "right" to own a weapon but I have not yet seen, in the 26 years that I have been involved in crime prevention, anything "good" about having a gun in the home.

Carmen Caldwell doesn't tell us how many violent crimes she's prevented, or what she's personally prepared to do if she witnesses one in progress--aside from dialing 911, assuming the attacker doesn't get to her first. I wonder if the fact that there's a funeral director on the executive board has anything to do with her idiotic assertions, or if "Citizen's Crime Watch" will assume a financial liability if anyone follows her ignorant advice and gets hurt or killed?

[Via Cousin G, who adds "What a tool."]

This Day in History: November 13

On this day in 1775, Continental Army Brigadier General Richard Montgomery takes Montreal, Canada, without opposition.

We're the Only Ones Mentored Enough

A first-year Bay County judge was ordered to accept mentoring after bringing a loaded gun into his courtroom and announcing he was "locked and loaded."

County Judge Michael Hauversburk said he brought the handgun to court because he was frustrated that a defendant facing a felony parole violation was being tried for a separate misdemeanor charge in a courtroom with inadequate security...

I take this one personally. Many years back, I was summoned for jury "duty," that is, ordered to report as a hostage, to Compton, CA, a city with almost four times the violent crime rate as the national average.

They make you park in a lot several hundred feet from the building, and in order to get from your car to the court house, you need to run the gauntlet past friends, relatives and associates of the lovely people being detained inside. Because they make you go through metal detectors to get into the building's main entrance, taking appropriate measures to improve your own safety would assuredly result in detection and resultant violence from the "authorities".

Had I done this, do you think I would have been assigned to a "mentoring" program, or do you think I'd have been thrown in the hole with the "Mother rapers. Father stabbers. Father rapers!"?

But then again, I'm not an "Only One," am I?

We're the Only Ones Recovering Enough

There, in talking to 18-year-old Kevin Rodriguez, they recovered the automatic machine gun. Police called for the Sheriff's Office, and deputies interviewed Rodriguez and said they later recovered two other weapons used by the SWAT team from the Riverwoods Circle home of Gaston Delgado, 15.

This is a follow-up to an "Only Ones" episode posted yesterday.

[Via Cousin G, who notes: "They identified the perps, right down to the street where they lived, yet still won't release the name of the Deputy who carelessly lost the guns in the first place..."]

We're the Only Ones With Guns AND Drugs Enough

Documents showing that weapons once were reported stolen from Mississippi Board of Pharmacy employees are leading State Auditor Phil Bryant to take a closer look at the agency's inventory.

Board of Pharmacy employees with state-issued weapons? I guess if you work for any government agency, you just might be an "Only One."

I'm gonna spend the rest of the day pounding out a pilot script for a TV series this just inspired me to create.

You've heard of CSI Miami?

Well get ready for Rx Mississippi.

[Via Cousin G]

FreedomSight's New Home

Jed has moved in to his new place.

Don't mind the boxes, he's still settling in.

Still, the place doesn't seem quite like home yet. Maybe it's just me, but I think he needs to find a place to hang this:

Wayne Fincher Update: 11/12

Militia Leader Held Without Bail

ATF News Release Re: Fincher Arrest

Thank You, Claire...

...and Jr,
and E David,
and E David again,
and Bill,
and Hairy Hobbit,
and who did I miss?

Or more to the point, who didn't I?

Update: Thank you, Whose Paranoid.

This Day in History: November 12

Upon hearing of England's rejection of the so-called Olive Branch Petition on this day in 1775, Abigail Adams writes to her husband, "Let us separate, they are unworthy to be our Brethren. Let us renounce them and instead of supplications as formerly for their prosperity and happiness, Let us beseech the almighty to blast their councils and bring to Nought all their devices."

United States vs. Fincher

The title link goes to a new blog that will keep us updated on the persecution of Hollis "Wayne" Fincher, a lieutenant commander of the Militia of Washington County, who was arrested by BATFU on Wednesday.

This is an important development in the renewed wars on guns and on We the People by our government. As such, every gun rights activist should be informed as to the particulars of the case, and, importantly, to its history.

I'm sure there will be no shortage of forum chat room warriors pompously declaring that Fincher is getting what he asked for by flouting the law in the local media. They will be wrong, and as shallow in their opinions as they are in their commitment to liberty.

If you read the exhaustively detailed "Silver Bullet" report, it will be evident who the real lawbreakers are. Note it is a commitment to get through the entire document and understand it, but we need to ask ourselves if we would rather be informed than lazy.

The Militia of Washington County has duly kept the authorities informed for many years, exercising their right to petition for peaceful redress and pleading for recognition of Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. In response, they been completely ignored by public servants criminally derelict in their duty to honor their oaths of office, and by the media, who the Militia has pleaded with to take notice of their demands for justice (which it has predictably failed to do, just as it failed to exercise its watchdog role at Waco):


I ask you to take notice that Fincher took great pains--for years--to document--and inform "authorities"--of the lawful nature of his activities. I also ask you to take notice of some important points in The Morning News account:

Fincher was arrested without incident at his residence...Fincher has no criminal record...

And now consider:

The investigation was conducted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, the U.S. Department of Justice initiative that combines federal, state and local resources to combat violent gun crime.

We can see who has committed the "violent gun crime" here.

One last point about "Project Safe Neighborhoods":

"The NRA and our over four million members fully support the Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods," said National Rifle Association spokeswoman Kelly Whitley.

I happen to have personally known a man for years, an honorable patriot, a fine human being, and a colleague of Mr. Fincher's in the Militia of Washington County, and have been following this group's novel activism in defense of their (and our) rights for years. I'd like for the slick talkers in Fairfax to explain to me and to other gun owners--who actually believe that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"--how the persecution and removal of Mr. Fincher from society will make anyone's neighborhood safer.

People, make no mistake--this is naked tyranny unfolding before us. Our deserved fate as gun owners will depend largely on whether or not we sound the alarm and unify in a demand for justice for Wayne Fincher--or if we just ignore this, or even worse, blame the victim.

I'll follow the US v Fincher blog and report updates as I learn of them, including if help is solicited in Mr. Fincher's defense. In the mean time, I ask my fellow gun owners not to ignore this, and my fellow bloggers to spread the word.

[Via Locking Lug]

Welcome Back, Captain...

...from your 4-month voyage.

We're the Only Ones Judicially Selective Enough, Eh?

Justice Minister Vic Toews is sticking to his guns that cops should play a role in helping select Canada's judges, despite public rebukes from Canada's top judge and a national lawyers group.

Nothing like checks and balances, eh?

And I'm sure Vic Toews finds nothing Orwellian in his title, eh?

[More from "The Only Ones" files, eh...?]

[Via Cousin G, eh?]

We're the Only Ones Rewarding Enough

A submachine gun and other SWAT team weapons were stolen late Thursday or early Friday from an Orange County deputy's vehicle...The agency is offering a $2,500 reward for the return of the weapons...Earlier this year, a burglar stole a .223-caliber AR-15 assault rifle from an Orlando police patrol car. It has not been recovered despite a $1,500 reward.

Do I hear $3,000?

With the local paper reporting on it, there's no excuse for not knowing that "gun thefts are.. common" in the area. And, naturally, "[The Only One] was not identified..."

[Via Cousin G]

This Day in History: November 11

On this day in 1778, Patriot Colonel Ichabod Alden refuses to believe intelligence about an approaching hostile force. As a result, a combined force of Loyalists and Native Americans, attacking in the snow, killed more than 40 Patriots, including Alden, and took at least an additional 70 prisoners, in what is known today as the Cherry Valley Massacre. The attack took place east of Cooperstown, New York, in what is now Otsego County.

"Thanks for Your Email to NRA-PVF"

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bradey, Jennifer
Date: Nov 6, 2006 11:17 AM
Subject: RE: New website submission
To: [edited for privacy-DC]@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Hofnann [sic*],

Thanks for your email to NRA-PVF.

We have been receiving a bit of communication from NRA members after the latest publicity campaign from GOA regarding Ron Paul's NRA-rating. [1] GOA does this to encourage folks to join their organization rather than NRA. Think about it: if they said NRA was doing everything right, they wouldn't have any members. Only in trying to stir up disagreement among our members, do they reap the benefits.

NRA has accordingly graded Congressman Ron Paul a "B". We have NOT endorsed against him - as widely MISreported.[2]

Congressman Paul is a staunch libertarian, and as such, would not vote for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act on countless occasions over the past decade. Although he opposed it on libertarian grounds, he still voted against us on one of our top legislative priorities for over a decade. We cannot make exceptions for the reasons WHY Members of Congress don't vote for a bill because they will all come up with some reason not to be supportive. This bill was critical in protecting our firearms heritage in this country, and NRA very successful shephered its passage through the Congress in 2005.

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you.

___________________________________________
Jennifer Bradey
Manager, Political & Legislative Activities
National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
(800) 392-VOTE / (703) 267-1195

There's only one problem, Ms. Bradey. GOA says it is "unaware of any publicity campaign" on this. If this is true, someone owes someone else a sincere and public apology. I have forwarded the NRA email, including the header information that validates it is "authentic", to GOA.

[1] All I can even guess that Ms. Bradey is referring to is an article by Kevin Smith that appeared on Alex Jones' website where Larry Pratt defends Ron Paul upon learning of the NRA rating. But Pratt does not mention NRA. This is hardly a GOA "campaign," and certainly not one conducted with a hidden motive to skim off NRA members to swell GOA's ranks, as Ms. Bradey accuses.]

[2] Ms. Bradey is correct and the Smith article is in factual error on one point. NRA never "endorsed" Shane Sklar, and WarOnGuns took care to point this out--along with how the Sklar campaign's presentation of their rating blurred the distinction so that it would be likely to infer an endorsement. Besides which, give one candidate an "A" and his opponent a "B" and the average person will understandably assume a preference has been expressed. But technically, she's right.

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

* "Mr. Hofnann" is Kurt Hofmann. He's the activist who initially wrote to NRA and reported their response on the 1911 Forum, so this story is really his. Kurt is new to blogging, having recently created Armed and Safe, which I am adding to the blogroll as soon as I get done posting this. Go on over and check it out.

We're the Only Ones Still Employed Enough

The Michigan Department of State Police needs to explain exactly how many illegal acts a trooper would have to commit before he or she is deemed unfit to arrest anybody else. In what appears to be a lampoon of the department's code of honor, a trooper who lied about a traffic crash, fled the accident scene and then falsely reported his vehicle stolen, is still on duty.

They don't need to do anything, fool. They're "The Only Ones."

Case in point--any of you with a company car--get caught doing the same thing and see if you're not summarily fired. You can let us know after you make bail.

[Via Cousin G]

We're the Only Ones in Suspense Enough

The second former Abita Springs police officer to be sentenced this week in a 2003 corruption case got a suspended three-year prison term on Thursday...Garcia was acting police chief when he and Kondylis were arrested on charges accusing them of selling high-powered police weapons on the street for personal profit.

Let's see, 2 lieutenants and the chief...kinda takes away the "few bad apples" theory, at least for Albita Springs.

Suspended sentences seem kinda harsh for a Louisiana "Only One", but we can at least be thankful Judge Burris didn't treat him like a mere citizen...

[Via Cousin G]

This Day in History: November 10

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passes a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

The photo is from my uncle's graveside services earlier this year at Arlington. My older brother is second from the right.

Impact of Election on Second Amendment

[N]otwithstanding widespread calls for moderation within their ranks, the Democrat leadership in the House and Senate will unquestionably put gun owners on the defensive by seeking to renew the so-called assault weapons ban, close down gun shows, and drastically expand the Brady gun control law.

So the NRA strategy of backing a critical mass of Democrats,which helped give them control of both houses of Congress, was a smart political move:

A. Because the "Blue Dogs" will resist the the promised rewards and/or threats of retribution from their party leadership and help lead the fight to kill this legislation, or

B. Because fundraising and membership drives always work best in a climate of imminent threats?

Just asking...

We're the Only Ones Getting in on the Action Enough

Residents of this suburb claim they have resorted to lynching because police do not take appropriate action against alleged criminals. Citizens are said to have caught criminals and handed them in to the police, only to have the alleged wrongdoers put back on the streets -- where some have apparently harassed and even murdered those who took them to police stations in the first place.

There are also indications that certain members of the police have aided and abetted criminals, renting out their guns and even participating in crimes. Officers have been caught perpetrating assaults in money exchanges and shops. Recently, police apparently gunned down two colleagues who were escorting a civilian carrying a large sum of money to the border with Swaziland. The unidentified police officers then made away with the money, and have yet to be found.

Where do these "Only Ones" think they are--New Orleans?

[Via Cousin G]

"Because I Say So..."

Since Oct. 17, township police have cited Seruga at least 10 more times for using a gun at his property's firing range within 150 yards of an occupied building. The township ordinance states an exception that someone may discharge a firearm "when done by a landowner upon his land"...

"It isn't an exception," Cahalan said.

When pressed to explain why, Cahalan would not elaborate. "It just isn't," he said.

He forgot to add "So there."

[Via Cousin G]

Blogger Problems Today

Been trying to post for the past hour and keep getting server problem messages. On a hunch left Firefox and went over to IE--I'm in, but this is a late start. I'll post what I can in the next few minutes, but today will be light.

This Day in History: November 9

On this day in 1780, British Major James Wemyss, commanding a force of 140 horsemen, attempts to surprise 300 South Carolina militiamen under General Thomas Sumter at Fishdam Ford, South Carolina. Instead of capturing Sumter as planned, Wemyss, "the second most hated man in the British army," was wounded in the arm and knee, and captured by Sumter.

Stalwarts versus NRA

Nevertheless, the NRA does some very good things and for this it does need to be honored, but the NRA's attitude in standing firm for what it so long touted itself to be, is another, and why I do not actively support them any longer.

Whose Paranoid articulates a conclusion many are reaching.

Too bad. It's like the Republicans. Power was entrusted but defective leadership squandered opportunity.

Paul Wins!

Sorry, Texas gun owners. You'll have to settle for a "B" instead of an "A."

Brown Wins!

Santa Barbara gun owners can breathe a sigh of relief and rest assured that this NRA "A-rated" sheriff will do his utmost to restore their uninfringed Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Can't they?

GOA "Unaware of Any 'Publicity Campaign'"

I informed Gun Owners of America about the 1911 Forums thread where an email reply ostensibly from an NRA representative about the Ron Paul race was posted.

Here's what I sent:

Please note the following (scroll 2/3 way down the page to comment by ‘kjhof]):

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=157138

“We have been receiving a bit of communication from NRA members after the latest publicity campaign from GOA regarding Ron Paul's NRA-rating. GOA does this to encourage folks to join their organization rather than NRA. Think about it: if they said NRA was doing everything right, they wouldn't have any members. Only in trying to stir up disagreement among our members, do they reap the benefits.”

I haven’t seen this publicity campaign the NRA rep refers to. Have you sent out alerts on this, or is there a web page you can refer me to?

Also, will you give me a “for the record” comment on the NRA allegation?

Thank you,

David Codrea

Here's what I got back:

David,

We are also unaware of any "publicity campaign" on this issue. Other than publicizing his GOA rating as we do with all candidates we can identify, we have not been active in Paul's district this election. (No alerts, no postcards, etc.) And of course, we gave Paul his usual A+ rating.

Regarding a "for the record comment," we consider all of our responses to e-mailed questions to be on record unless specifically stated otherwise. We don't have any idea what the quoted passage is referencing, if anything.

I also feel obligated to point out that it is by no means uncommon for forum threads to include inaccurate information, misattributed quotes, and even outright false or manipulated posts. Do not interpret that to mean I'm at all suggesting such has been the case in this instance. I'm pointing it out because, since GOA has been unfairly tarnished in those ways more than a few times over the years, we are obligated to give NRA-PVF every last bit of the benefit of the doubt. So I suppose the sound bite would be: "I would be interested in seeing the original e-mail -- with all header information included."

In liberty,

--Craig.

Craig Fields
Director of Internet Operations, GOA

I have not been able to access the 1911 Forum site since yesterday afternoon. I'll keep trying with the intent of contacting poster "kjhof" about this.

We're the Only Ones Déjà Visité Enough

The first mistaken break-in was more than enough for Sheila Jones, who bought the house a year ago. But what makes her even angrier is that the police barged back into the house 20 minutes later.

Because you just can't get enough of "The Only Ones"...

[Via Cousin G]

RKBA Campus...er...Bone Toss? #4.5

The Mad Hatter presents another recap on scholastic thought as it relates to 2A.

Helping Others Understand Firearms

Once a person has a chance to use a firearm he or she will come to understand that a gun is an inaminate object under the total control of its operator. That person might then become more open to supporting gun rights.

Jennifer Freeman presents a necessary component of activism needed to restore and protect our rkba. People don't fear the familiar.

Meanwhile, Over in Iowa

As a practical matter, there is very little difference between Nussle and Culver on the 2nd amendment issue...while NRA rates Nussle with an "A"[A+ actually, with an endorsement--DC] (and Culver as well), GOA has more appropriately rated Nussle with a "C" ("leans our way occasionally") because of his unwillingness to take a strong stand against many anti-gun issues important to gun owners. For example, he is a strong supporter of sending money to the anti-gun "United Nations" and has twice on record refused to vote to rescind funding to this essentially communist based organization, despite the fact that they continue to attack the 2nd Amendment on our own soil, as they did just this last summer. Nussle also fully supported the movement of the ATFE from the Treasury department to the "Justice" department... because of Nussle and others like him, the ATFE is now a full blown police agency rather than a taxing authority as they were previously, which is a gross violation of the 2nd amendment and other provisions of the Constitution.

I myself and many gun owners that I know made a concerted effort to contact Nussle directly and asked him to cosponsor legislation to establish national concealed carry reciprocity...he refused to do so when the bill originally came up. When pushed into a corner, Nussle will usually (though not always) vote pro-gun; he has never, to my knowledge, been the original sponsor of anything that could be called "pro-gun" legislation. In general, Nussle is a "big, intrusive government, big spender" (as I am certain Culver is as well). Of course you can vote as you please tomorrow (and deceive yourself while you're doing it), but don't realistically expect Nussle to actively work to get, for instance, "shall issue" concealed carry in Iowa...it just ain't gonna happen.

The moral is...don't look at NRA ratings...look at how they vote...this is vastly superior to being "well connected."

Phil Roe

Email reprinted with permission of author. Gun owners all over the country are on to the phony ratings game.

The Most Important Election?

I found this release by my friend Russ Howard to be an interesting analysis on why losing the House will not derail one of George Bush's main priorities, but will actually help him move it forward.

It’s increasingly clear the main threat facing American Citizens, our Constitution (including the 2nd Amendment), and our freedoms, culture, environment, and quality of life, is the “perfect storm” of venal, criminal, treasonous interests conspiring to subvert America’s borders, immigration limits, and sovereignty.

Voter unhappiness with Bush - combined with the Republican base's disgust with phony Rs - is likely to cost the R Party control of Congress, but not the Senate. Many see voting against Rs in congress as voting against Bush. Unfortunately, it helps him. As phony, self-serving, worthless, and disappointing as many "Republicans" in congress are, they did something right this year: R control of Congress was the only thing standing against Bush's comprehensive immigration “reform”. Virtually all D politicians voted for it, and the R Senate passed it. So giving Democrats the House probably gives GW “Guest Worker” Bush what he most eagerly wants: Amnesty & Open Borders. The destruction of America’s sovereignty, via the end of meaningful limits on immigration, would be the ultimate legislative coup of any President. This may be the most important election in American history, because it could lead to the end of American history.

Despite the overwhelming majority Americans opposing open borders, if Rs lose the House, legislators will be tempted to quickly cram down Amnesty and “Guest” Workers, leaving maximum time to cover tracks before the next election. Voters will be upset, but the law will be vastly harder to repeal than it was to stop or to pass. Even if voters were hot enough in two years to toss Congress and elect a loyal President, the Chamber of Commerce and other treasonous groups would need to keep just 40 whores in the Senate to block repeal. They have twice that many. The damage may be practically irreversible. Meanwhile, with Ds running congress, R fundraising will skyrocket and the RINO elite will use diversionary meat puppet issues, exploiting values and patriotism it doesn't share, to trick the base back into serfdom.

In May, the conservative, normally pro-Bush Heritage Foundation estimated the original Senate “Guest” Worker / Amnesty bill would increase immigration by up to 200 million in 20 years, not including Anchor Babies. Given 3rd-World birth rates, it could've doubled our population in 20 years. With the R House out of the way and less need to compromise, any post-election cramdown bill may be even worse.

Action Item? Maybe too late, but if your R congressman helped block the Senate's open border / amnesty scheme and is in a close race, it won't hurt to volunteer at the HQ for last minute Get Out The Vote. There’s also a website for GOTV from home. www.GOP.com/Call

Some Democrats in congress oppose amnesty & “G”W, but when push comes to shove, with Ds running the House, they will work with their leaders to pass it.

This Day in History: November 8

On this day in 1775, General George Washington seeks to resolve several problems facing the army: how to encourage experienced troops to enlist, how to assemble a capable officer corps and how to overcome provincial differences and rivalries. Describing the problems, he wrote, "Connecticut wants no Massachusetts man in her corps. Massachusetts thinks there is no necessity for a Rhode Islander..."

"Ron Paul- Asked and Answered"

Thanks for your email to NRA-PVF.

We have been receiving a bit of communication from NRA members after the latest publicity campaign from GOA regarding Ron Paul's NRA-rating. GOA does this to encourage folks to join their organization rather than NRA. Think about it: if they said NRA was doing everything right, they wouldn't have any members. Only in trying to stir up disagreement among our members, do they reap the benefits.

NRA has accordingly graded Congressman Ron Paul a "B". We have NOT endorsed against him - as widely MISreported.

Congressman Paul is a staunch libertarian, and as such, would not vote for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act on countless occasions over the past decade. Although he opposed it on libertarian grounds, he still voted against us on one of our top legislative priorities for over a decade. We cannot make exceptions for the reasons WHY Members of Congress don't vote for a bill because they will all come up with some reason not to be supportive. This bill was critical in protecting our firearms heritage in this country, and NRA very successful shephered its passage through the Congress in 2005.

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you.

Uh, yeah, I have a few other questions.

I understand why you gave Ron Paul a "B"--it's your rating system, and if voting for lawsuit protection was a priority, that's your call.

The real question is, why did Shane Sklar get an "A"? Aside from trumpeting his "sporting purposes" affiliation and advocating that we "enforce existing gun laws", his position on specific details has been carefully left obscure. Why should we give Sklar's rating any more credibility than we would give, say, Bill Brown's?

Oh, and one other question--why the slam on GOA, with the accusation that their motive is to compete with NRA for members, rather than having a principled difference of opinion? As the email came from an NRA staffer, I'm assuming that tactic has been authorized by Mr. LaPierre and Mr. Cox?

"Bill Brown-Asked and Answered"

I received the following forwarded email reply by NRA-ILA regarding Bill Brown from a friend in Santa Barbara:

Thank you for your email. Our lobbyist has carefully evaluated Bill Brown's stand on the Second Amendment. In fact Bill Brown has worked with the NRA to defeat anti-gun legislation at the State Capitol. As for his opponent Sheriff Anderson, he never returned the questionnaire that the NRA-PVF sent to him. We assume that is because he is hostile to gun rights.

Well, NRA's lobbyist wouldn't return my call on the matter, nor would their PR department. Incidentally, what do they mean by "Brown...worked with the NRA...at the State Capitol"?

Which bills? What did he actually do?

As for Anderson not returning a questionnaire, the implication is that Brown did.

Did he? Why won't NRA tell us how he responded?

Why won't NRA tell its voting members, who are being asked to support Brown, what his stances are on specific issues, such as concealed carry, the semiauto ban, the .50 ban, and other "anti-gun legislation"?

Why should we believe that Bill Brown's A-rating is a credible assessment of his "stand on the Second Amendment," when NRA is deliberately withholding this information, and refuses to explain Brown's documented position on the bearing of arms:

"With regard to CCWs, I don't believe in a blanket policy, i.e. I feel that Sheriffs and Police Chiefs need to have and should exercise discretion in issuing CCWs. Circumstances vary. What works in a rural setting may not be appropriate in an urbanized area. I would continue my current policy, which is to issue CCWs sparingly if there is a valid reason (such as a credible threat against life, requirement due to profession, or similar circumstance)."

This is what it takes to get an "A", and these people only gave Ron Paul a "B"?

Don't look for these questions to be answered. But do look at that evasion when assessing the credibility of NRA political ratings.

This Day in History: November 7

On this day in 1776, Congress chooses Richard Bache to succeed his father-in-law, Benjamin Franklin, as postmaster general. Franklin had sailed for France on behalf of the Continental Congress the previous month.

"It is Impossible to Entrust Guns to All People"

So we'll just entrust them to ourselves if you don't mind...

[Via Cousin G]

Swords Into Ploughshares

The Canadian government spent $16.5 million paying Afghan soldiers to surrender their guns and take up farming instead of fighting.

Yes, they'll be happy to take your money. They can play your little game and upgrade their arsenals.

Keep thinking like "fair-minded" Westerners over there. Good Lord.

I love the Toronto Sun title "...Guns for Hoes."

That's T0ronto for you.

[Via Cousin G]

Cheney's Got a Gun Part 2

Vice President Dick Cheney will spend Election Day on his first hunting trip since he accidentally shot a companion last February while aiming at a covey of quail on a private Texas ranch.

Actually, while he may have been trying to aim at the quail, based on results he was aiming at his friend's head.

Here's hoping he has that beer after the day's activities, which really oughtta be Rule 5.

[Via Wm H]

Moss Control: The Answer to UK's "Gun Crime"

Kate Moss has been partly blamed for the rise in gun crime in London by a top police adviser, according to a report.

Does this mean we can look forward to one-supermodel-a-month laws soon...?

Professional Help Needed: Inquire Within

Bob ricker said...
David:
You know I really think you need some professional help. There is more that a successful plaintiff in a libal [sic] suit must prove than malice alone. They must also prove damages. Quite frankly, having a nut case like you attack me does more to bolster my credibility than damage it. Fire away Dave!

God, that really chaps my hide.

Being called "Dave."

As for the rest, if this person posting as Robert "Judas" Ricker really is him (a lawyer misspells "libel"?), you'll notice none of the proofs I presented about his betrayals, the fraudulent American Hunters and Shooters Association, or his relationship with BATFU retirees at Crime Gun Solutions have been addressed. Knowingly presenting false information--that's the third component of a libel suit that he conveniently will not address.

No, that's because I need professional help. And so, presumably, do you, if you agree with me and find Ricker contemptible.

I also note he hasn't addressed where AHSA does get most of its funding, although those records will be available soon enough, and I'll get to that when they are. As for "firing away," this has been an interesting side diversion, but he's really not important enough to dwell on. About the only other question I have at this time is whether or not he's going to renounce that "CCRKBA Gun Rights Defender of the Month" award he got back in '99...

This Day in History: November 6

On this day in 1789, Pope Pius VI appoints John Carroll bishop of Baltimore, making him the first Catholic bishop in the United States.

God and Country

Alphecca exposes another power-hungry Republican collectivist fraud.

Don't you just love the "God and Country" banner he wraps himself in?

Well, well, well...


Surprise, surprise...he must be a true champion of Brownian and Topinkan proportions to merit a higher rating than Ron Paul...

Maybe if the Tarrant campaign refuses to disclose his stance on 2A, we can rely on NRA-PVF to give us the straight dope...?

I'd Rather Have a Machine Gun

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a drive Sunday in Bosnia-Herzegovina a contest calling on all owners of illegally held weapons to turn them in and enter a lottery to win a number of attractive prizes.

All those who decide to hand over weapons left from the country's 1992-1995 war may win a scooter or any of numerous home appliances, the UNDP said.

Why am I reminded of Mrs. Presky reacting to her game show prize on Firesign Theater's magnificent "Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers"...?

[Sound file link via Sneaking Suspicions]

"Sporting Purposes" Hits a Snag

Britain's strict gun laws could present a major hurdle to Glasgow's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport admitted yesterday.

Patricia Ferguson said there were problems regarding the pistol events, which are key Commonwealth sports. Following the Dunblane massacre in 1996, in which 16 children and their teacher were killed in their classroom, legislation was introduced that prohibits the use of handguns in public venues.

And we all know what a threat world-class target shooting competitors present to us all.

We should all know where "sporting purposes" originated. And once rights are thus trivialized, with costs propagandized as outweighing benefits, banning them as non-essential becomes easy.

That's one reason why I've always found the slogan "Vote Your Sport" to be so shallow.

We're the Only Ones Infantile Enough

Police charged a suspect after a bus driver was robbed of his fares, then realized the suspect was a 3-month old baby...The baby had been charged with robbery, extortion and banditry, said local superintendent of police Rattan Sajai.

Hey, this outsourcing of "The Only Ones" files to India is working out just fine. These stories are every bit as ridiculous as our home-grown ones, and I'm getting them for rupees on the dollar...

"Art Imitates Life in Rio"

Police hunted through the shantytowns of Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to try to recover nearly 100 fake guns they fear could be used in real robberies...

The guns were being used for a movie called Tropa de Elite about special units working to contain drug traffic in Rio de Janeiro's shantytowns.

In other words, fake guns were stolen from a fake activity memorializing a fake government program...

This isn't the first time we've visited Brazil here at WarOnGuns...

Also see:

"Brazil Nuts" (GUNS Magazine)
"Blame it on Rio"
"Death Mounts in Rio's War on Crime"
"Brazil's Police 'Execute Thousands' For Peace"

[Via Cousin G]

New Yorkers Waking Up to Bloomberg Menace

Bloomberg, like all liberals, has finally gotten around to wanting our guns.

He started out targeting illegal street guns and has now worked up to licensed guns.

Yep, his true agenda has been revealed for all to see. And as Cousin G observed when he called this story to my attention, "[I]sn't it interesting that all these pro-gun letters appear on a page with the legend 'The Gun Menace'? No media bias here..."

No, of course not. They're "authorized journalists," after all...

[Via Cousin G]

We're the Only Ones Thanking Heaven for Little Girls Enough

Acting on a tip, a detective with the Crimes Against Children Unit (CAC) obtained an arrest warrant Nov. 3 for Rhodes, who is a jailer with the Denver Sheriff's Department. He was arrested for investigation of sex assault on a child and aggravated incest against his two underage girls, both of which are class 3 felonies.

Monsieur Chevalier, s'il vous plait...

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

[Via Wm H]

This Day in History: November 5

Remember Remember the fifth of November...

'We Looked at Maps..."

A recent letter to the editor about the noise from the Fredericksburg Rod & Gun Club was right on the mark ["Noise from gun club is excessive," Oct. 1].

Like many families in Ruffin's Pond, ours has been enduring this noise ever since we moved in two years ago.

Having lived in another neighborhood with noise problems, we did some checking around and found nothing of concern. There was nothing to warn us about the gun club, though.

We drove the area, looked at maps, every normal thing a person could do, and found no indication of a shooting range. It's as if they want to remain hidden.

Yeah, absolutely no indication.



That's pretty good hiding. It took me all of 2 minutes from California (it would have taken less time, but MapQuest doesn't recognize the apostrophe in "Ruffins".)

Dude, your beef is with your realtor and the seller for nondisclosure, if that's in fact the case. And with yourself, for being an ignorant hoplophobic whiner.

Hint to urban Brie-eaters: Many rural folk like to shoot guns. Another hint: They've been doing it in this country for hundreds of years. It's in all the history books, or at least, it used to be.

Anybody besides me sick of migrants refusing to acclimate and expecting the locals to change to accommodate them--on both the regional and national level?

If I may paraphrase: I love the sound of gunfire in the morning. Sounds like Liberty.

[Letter via Cousin G]

We're the Only Ones Fragging Enough

In yet another instance of fratricidal killings in the armed forces, an Assam Rifles captain and subedar were on Friday gunned down in Manipur by a havildar who later turned his service weapon on himself.

In the interests of cutting costs of high American labor and taking advantage of the global economy, WarOnGuns is experimenting with outsourcing "The Only Ones" accounts to India...

[Via Cousin G, who tells us: "A Havildar is an Infantry Sergeant in the Army of India; likewise, a Subedar is roughly equivalent to an Infantry Warrant Officer."]

Video: We're the Only Ones Making it Up Enough

A San Antonio police officer quits the force days after he claimed his life was in danger during a traffic stop.

Yeah, and after being "The Only One" firing his weapon in public and disparaging "high-powered rifle[s]" in private hands.

[Via Bounty Hunter]

This Day in History: November 4

Patriot William Shippen, of the powerful Shippen family of Philadelphia dies at the age of 89 at his home in Germantown, Pennsylvania, on this day in 1801. He was a descendant of the well-known Edward Shippen, colonial Philadelphia’s mayor and Pennsylvania’s chief justice.

So Sue Me

David Codrea, you're supposed to be a journalist. Aren't you interested in the facts? AHSA has not recieved [sic] any money nor have we requested any money from the Joyce Foundation. Moreover, we have not taken any money from anyone who recieves [sic] money from Joyce. Seems I was wrong back in 1999 when I was quoted in the Washington Post- since then several bad actors within the gun industry have settled. Bushmaster to name one of several. Also, NAACP did not sue for money and I was just a witness in the case and had no stake in the outcome. Get your facts straight next time. Posted by: Bob Ricker at November 2, 2006 12:59 PM [More]

Where to begin...? Bob (assuming it's really you)...may I call you "Judas"? I never said word one about the Joyce Foundation--I merely took advantage of an opportunity on a forum discussing it to publicly tell you what contempt I hold you in. By the way, where does AHSA get its major funding from? And I also never went into what the NAACP was going after in their failed lawsuit, nor your financial relationship with them--It's you and your BATFU buddies at Crime Gun Solutions who say you are "retained in a myriad of litigation cases - for individuals, institutions, and governments." And I love the way you explain switching sides: "Seems I was wrong." Yeah, it seems. We're to believe you had no information on the "bad actors" while you were "acting" in a position of privilege and counsel to them, with access to inside information and records. It's only after you left and stopped getting compensated by them (and switched "allegiances") that it all became clear to you! And just because you cite the Bushmaster settlement doesn't mean they actually did anything "bad." Trying a little sleight of mind on us with your "bad acting" here, Bob? The decision was financial, and damn it, you know it:

In explaining its decision to settle, Bushmaster said half of its policy limits had already been spent on defending the legal case, and the insurance company believed defending the case would exhaust the money available for coverage. "The balance of the insurance policy not spent on legal fees, approximately $550,000, will go to the victims' families for their grief," said the company's chairman, Richard E. Dyke. "Bushmaster strongly believes and vigorously supports the rights of citizens to own and use firearms, and the settlement of this case in no way compromises that stand," the company said in its release. "The Brady Group's . . . attempt to eliminate gun rights of citizens has failed legislatively and will continue to fail with these frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers." But with the decision costing the company's insurer $1 million, insurers could pressure Bushmaster and other gun manufacturers to make changes.

As for getting my "facts straight", Jud...uh...Bob, In addition to the post you're responding to, I've written about you and/or your AHSA or CGS cronies here here here here and here and probably elsewhere if I had the time to look, but you should have a clear picture by now of the contempt and disgust I have for you. So I stipulate malicious feelings. If I combine this with defamatory, intentional lies about you, it would seem a hotshot lawyer like you would have a pretty good libel case against me. Go for it, Bob. Put your money where your mouth is. For you to lecture anyone on "facts" is laughable on its face. Let's dance. [Thanks to SayUncle for the heads up]

We're the Only Ones Calling All Cars Enough

Police say a man is on the run with an official Wyoming car, guns and ammunition...Police departments in Colorado have been told to watch for the unmarked vehicle.

You'll recognize it by its distinct lack of markings.

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

[Via Cousin G]

Give Me Your Guns--It's the Law!

Students wanting to keep a gun on campus must have it stored and tagged at the OSU police department to avoid a citation.

Yeah, I'll remember that, Lt. Shearer.

And you can guarantee all campus predators will register and store theirs, right?

[Via Cousin G]

"Quote of the Day"

Thank you, Cryptic Subterranean. But in all honesty, this is nowhere near as interesting as the Wonder Woman picture.

We're the Only Ones Under Indictment Enough

The investigation that exposed an allegedly corrupt Virginia sheriff's department began with a package containing vials of a date-rape drug...

The result was a 48-count indictment unsealed Thursday with the arrests of longtime Sheriff Harold Franklin Cassell and 17 others. A dozen of them wore or had worn the uniform of the Henry County Sheriff's Office.

Some of them are accused of stealing cocaine, marijuana and weapons from suspects and the sheriff's evidence property room and selling the contraband to criminals, who put it back on the street.

Others are accused of distributing steroids and weapons, including a machine gun with an obliterated serial number.

"These were drugs and guns that were seized as part of their law enforcement duties that were then stolen from the property room and put back out on the streets," U.S. Attorney John L. Brownlee said.

What can I possibly add to this?

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

This Day in History: November 3

On this day in 1777, General George Washington is informed that a conspiracy is afoot to discredit him with Congress and have him replaced by General Horatio Gates. Thomas Conway, who would be made inspector general of the United States less than two months later on December 14, led the effort.

Shameless Plug: Blast from the Past

I’ll bet most of you didn’t realize you could get two issues of GUNS Magazine each month instead of one—and it won’t cost you a penny more. That’s twice the issues, twice the articles…

What’s the catch? There are two, actually. First, you’ll need an internet-connected computer. Oh, and the second issue you’ll be reading is 50 years old.

Every month this magazine presents on its website a complete issue from the corresponding month of half a century ago. It’s like opening a time capsule...

I just got done blogging about their newest post earlier this morning. "Blast from the Past" is my Rights Watch article for the December 2006 (Lord, already?) issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at heritage-treasuring newsstands throughout the Republic.

BONUS: See page 98 to find out how you can win a Robarized Colt 1911 .45 Super.

Guns in Schools

Ultimately, “a school is no place for a gun,” he concluded.

The author was Columbine killer Eric Harris, who chose “Guns in Schools” for his report topic. It’s not hard to see why he would favor “gun-free school zones”...

Inexplicably, agreeing with the Harris position, was NRA’s Wayne LaPierre, who addressed the 1999 members’ meeting in Denver proclaiming “[W]e believe in absolutely gun-free, zero-tolerance, totally safe schools. That means no guns in America’s schools, period ... with the rare exception of law enforcement officers or trained security personnel.”

"Guns in Schools," my Rights Watch column for the November 2006 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online. I hope everyone realizes it's not every national gun magazine editor who would allow me to speak so candidly in their publication...

Letters from "Cousin G"

That's the handle from one of WarOnGuns' newest and most prolific gun news link submitters--he's sent me a lot of stuff in the past few days, but my preoccupation with getting out my own projects has kept me from posting them.

In the interest of not having all his fine scouting work go to waste, I'm presenting his links here, along with his comments:

Because all of the other laws targetting illegal guns in New York simply weren't effective enough...

Be careful what you try to give away...

Another potential school shooting thwarted by alert Principal...

New Jersey Professor repeats same tired lies...

Minesota Student Association Casts Vote for Defenselessness...

Mayor Gets Tough On Guns; Subjects Experience Market Forces...

I can already guess who will get permission, and who will be denied...

Thanks to all of you who send me links. Please be understanding if I can't always get to them.

UPDATE: Cousin G--just had time to look at these--I disagree with your assessment about the principal--time was, a boy having a gun at school was no big deal, and the story says there's no indication he meant any harm. Also deleted one non-working link.--DC

GUNS Magazine, November 1956

• How could you not want to read about "Hunting Elephants With a Deer Rifle"?
• 50 years ago, there was the speculation "Is the Bolt Action Obsolete?"
• And my favorite article in this issue is by the legendary Elmer Keith, who shows it was once possible to have fun with a .50 caliber rifle in California in "Biggest Hunting Rifle Ever Made." They didn't even shoot down any airliners.
• Plus, as always, enjoy the classic ads (and classic prices) of the period.
  

The November 1956 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

This Day in History: November 2

The History Channel link is down (again), but I did find a link telling us Daniel Boone was born on this day in 1734.

Topinka: "I Don't Support Concealed-Carry. Period."

Yet Another "A"-Rated NRA Endorsed Candidate Betrays Gun Owners

From the NRA Political Victory Fund website:



From the Chicago Tribune:

But Blagojevich's campaign on Tuesday also used claims made in a Downstate gun-rights newsletter to claim Topinka supports allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.

In a recent issue of the Gun News, a group member reported that Topinka had said in a conversation that she would sign a concealed-carry bill "as soon as the legislature could get it to her desk."

Campaigning in the southwest suburbs, Topinka said she was opposed to so-called concealed-carry laws and was shocked by the governor's allegation. But when asked if she would veto a concealed-carry bill if it passed the legislature, she said she "probably would, yes."

Later, she said, she was adamantly opposed to concealed-carry laws.

"I don't support concealed-carry. Period," she said.

Why does this not surprise me?

[Via HZ]

The Fix is In: Ron Paul Must Go

NRA has given democrat challenger Shane Sklar a higher rating than Rep. Ron Paul in the congressional race for Texas' 14th District.

Why? What are Sklar's convictions on gun rights? From his website:

NRA: "A" RATED
September 29th, 2006
SKLAR IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN TX-14 TO RECEIVE THE NRA'S "A" RATING.
PAUL GETS ONLY A "B."

VICTORIA, TX -- The National Rifle Association-Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) announced today that Shane Sklar, Democratic candidate for Congress (TX-14), has received an "A" Rating, while Republican Ron Paul received a "B."

"I am honored to receive this designation," said Sklar. "I grew up hunting with my family and intend to pass down those traditions to my children. As a member of the National Rifle Association, I'm proud that the NRA has recognized that I will stand for our values in Congress."

According to the NRA-PVF, an "A" rating indicates a "solidly pro-gun candidate" who "has expressed strong support for NRA positions on second amendment issues."

"I will not support any new gun laws," said Sklar. "We have more than enough laws on the books to pursue criminals who obtain guns for illegitimate purposes. We should enforce the laws we have."

Incumbent Rep. Ron Paul's "B" rating indicates past votes for restrictive legislation.

Great. His pro-Second Amendment platform is “enforce existing gun laws.” That and he’s a “sportsman.” One endorsed by, from among a laundry list of left-leaning political powerhouses, the Teamsters, the AFL-CIO, the National Education Association...

What Sklar is about is revealed in this claim:

Our current congressman’s record is one of rhetoric, not results. Many of his views about government and Texas are dramatically out of the mainstream and fly in the face of what most of us believe.

Translation: Vote for me and I'll bring home the pork.

And here's another translation Sklar probably never intended to have made: He's squeezing that A-rating for all its worth, hoping gun-owning constituents will construe it as an NRA endorsement--but NRA isn't on the above-linked endorsement page, is it? If you look at the PVF Endorsements, you'll see Sklar's name is not highlighted. And if you go to the last page of the brochure, in the bottom of the "What the Ratings Mean" column, you'll find: NAMES IN BOLD ARE CANDIDATES ENDORSED BY THE NRA-PVF.

But Sklar is counting on most gun owners not making that distinction.

So what's going on? After all, Dr. Paul is arguably the best friend Second Amendment supporters have in Congress. Rather than "enforcing existing gun laws," he is one of the exceptional few working to repeal them:

"Ron Paul has introduced bills to wipe out most federal gun-control laws. It is pretty hard to get more pro-gun than Ron Paul," Pratt said, a position Paul made clear in his House statement.

"I rise today as a firm believer in the Second Amendment and an opponent of all federal gun laws," Paul told lawmakers. "In fact, I have introduced legislation, the Second Amendment Restoration Act (H.R. 153), which repeals misguided federal gun-control laws such as the Brady Bill and the assault-weapons ban. I believe the Second Amendment is one of the foundations of our constitutional liberties."

Gun Owners of America has given Dr. Paul an "A+" rating: "A+ Pro-Gun Leader: introduces pro-gun legislation."

So what's the reason NRA considers Shane Sklar a more ratings-worthy candidate than Ron Paul? It's because Paul did not support the bill to exempt gun manufacturers from lawsuits:

As Paul explained in a 2003 speech, he is unambiguously opposed to lawsuits that demand compensation from the firearms industry for the damage caused by gun crimes. But he concluded that federal preemption of such suits cannot be reconciled with the Constitution's limits on congressional power, which leave the writing of tort law to the states.

Paul seems to be the only member of Congress who took this position on the bill, which President Bush signed into law on Wednesday, Oct. 26. In fact, it's so rare for legislators to draw a distinction between their personal policy preferences and their constitutional responsibilities that Paul's stand must seem quaint, if not downright puzzling, to most Americans.

Candidly, I could argue with Rep. Paul on this point, as the lawsuits seem clearly designed to infringe on the Second Amendment. I'd be interested in seeing the point-counterpoint of such a debate, but now is not the time with the election less than a week away.

One thing is certain: Ron Paul has made his stands based on convictions, and a desire to stay true to the intent of the Founders. Paul has worked to roll back oppressive edicts that infringe on our right to keep and bear arms. He is clearly the superior gun rights candidate in the Texas 14th District.

Rep. Paul needs our help. His campaign does not have enough money to finish the race. I don't live in his district, but realize the value of having such an ally in Congress, so I've sent in a contribution. I urge you to do the same, and to get the word out to gun owners in his district, particularly NRA members:

Don't be fooled by yet another misleading NRA rating, or by Shane Sklar's empty rhetoric on guns. Vote for Ron Paul.

This Day in History: November 1

In the face of widespread opposition in the American colonies, Parliament enacts the Stamp Act, a taxation measure designed to raise revenue for British military operations in America.

Time was, Americans rebelled at taxes. In less than a week, millions will be going to the polls demanding they be raised.

CRPA's Line in the Sand

There is none.

Yeah, I know--Phil Angelides will really really ban guns.

And yeah, I know, Arnold did refuse to sign some gun bills.

All of those bills collectively did not have the significance of his signing into law the ban on .50 caliber rifles, or his approving a law that disarms citizens who have not been convicted of any crime--but have merely been accused by someone with a motive to hurt them.



And here's the thing. He warned us.

He told us "Gun control should be stiffer," that he supported the Brady Bill, favored the "assault weapons" ban and "closing the loophole of the gun shows." He endorsed "trigger lock laws," and pledged to sign legislation requiring gun owners to pass a state-defined test in order to purchase a handgun, requiring load indicators or magazine safety disconnects on semiauto handguns manufactured after 2006, and banning .50 caliber rifles.

Some of us (OK, me) watched in frustration as warnings went unheeded and most major gun groups stayed silent during the recall that resulted in Arnold's elevation to power, one even claiming that he was secretly pro-gun and had given some groups money. "Good size chunks" of it.

The truth is, Californians have no candidate who is pro-rkba who has a chance of winning. To suggest otherwise, to endorse a known gungrabber, is an insult to gun owners.

Why not just tell us the truth?

I wouldn't have a problem with CRPA telling its members that Angelides will be more active and hostile against us than Arnold, and to weigh that fact in their decision making. That would be an honest assessment, and if people chose to vote defensively, that would at least be an informed choice.

But to endorse him?

The best we can hope for this election is to put Tom McClintock within a heartbeat of the post, and I wonder how many of you California gun owners reading this have sent a contribution to his campaign. I have. He really needs it. That's the endorsement message we should be hearing from our "leaders."

But it looks like CRPA will end up having it both ways. Their "recommended" candidate can ban the guns, and their lawyer can provide the escort service to turn 'em in.

[Thanks to Dave L for sending me the brochure, and to John S for sending me a picture of the endorsement page.]

Consider it Considered

The Clarke County School District is considering allowing high school security supervisors to carry guns on campus.

How magnanimous of them.

If a school shooter shows up, which member of the Board of Education Policy Committee is prepared to let him know he's not on the "approved" list?

[Via Cousin G]

A Leopard Never Changes Its Spots

Americans will not even talk about the possibility of gun control, despite the high number of killings, writes Michael Gawenda.

Demonstrably false, absurdly so. Michael Gawenda is still a liar.

[Via Cousin G]

A Spooky Halloween Tale

The Spread of small arms creates a serious global problem and requires an equally urgent response because the lives and future of children are at stake. These weapons have extinguished more young lives than they have protected.” Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, UNICEF

Tonight, of course, is Halloween. If any young goblins show up on your doorstep trick or treating for UNICEF, patiently explain that you don't contribute to organizations that endanger children and enable genocide by leading in the demand for global citizen disarmament. Go ahead and give them a piece of candy if you're inclined to observe tonight's tradition, but don't forget that every coin the UN gets is a piece of metal that can be used to forge chains.

This Day in History: October 31

On this day in 1776, in his first speech before British Parliament since the leaders of the American Revolution came together to sign of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, King George III acknowledges that all was not going well for Britain in the war with the United States.

Talking Points

From NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert...ELECTION DAY- WHAT (MORE!) CAN I DO?:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Please submit at least one letter to the editor of your local newspaper in support of a pro-gun candidate between now and Election Day. Consult your paper's deadlines, as some papers stop accepting political letters to the editor on a certain date prior to the election. You can find media contact information by visiting our homepage--www.NRAILA.org -- and clicking the "Take Action" icon, and then the "Write The Media" link. Your goal in writing should be to ensure that pro-gun candidates are receiving positive media in these final days leading up to November 7.

That's a great idea, ILA--I'd love to write a letter in support of Bill Brown for Sheriff.

I just need some "talking points". What exactly has he done for us again...?