VA Alert: It's On!

From the Virginia Citizens Defense League:

THE PROTEST IS ON!!

Maniacal New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Mayors' Coalition Against Illegal Guns will be meeting for a one day "National Summit" at the DC Capitol Hilton (corner of 16th and K at 1001 16th Street NW) on Tuesday, January 23rd - see http://tinyurl.com/yxyvjg

Bloomy's summit runs from 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM followed by an evening reception at 5 PM at the Capitol Hilton.

VCDL's headquarters will be at the nearby Crowne Plaza Hotel at 14th and K, where at 2:00 PM we will rally members and hand out picket signs, and march on to the Capitol Hilton 2 blocks away to begin protesting.

[Via Countertop]

This Day in History: January 6

After two significant victories over the British in Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, General George Washington marches north to Morristown, New Jersey, where he set up winter headquarters for himself and the men of the Continental Army on this day in 1777. The hills surrounding the camp offered Washington a perfect vantage point from which to keep an eye on the British army, which was headquartered across the Hudson River in New York City. Morristown’s position also allowed Washington to protect the roads leading from the British strongholds in New Jersey to New England and the roads leading to Philadelphia, where the leaders of the American Revolution were headquartered.

Talkin' to Aaron Zelman

I just completed an interview with Aaron Zelman of Jews for the Preservation fo Firearms Ownership for their "Talkin' to America" podcast program. We discussed, among other things, the Wayne Fincher case, the recent controversy broken by WarOnGuns about the FAA asserting a "collective rights" interpretation of the Second Amendment, this blog, my GUNS Magazine columns, the BIDS System, my Domestic Enemies review, and a whole bunch of other cool and groovy things.

I'll put up a link and announcement when he's got the finished product posted.
------------

We ran out of time and did not get to the FAA story. I think it went well, but you can judge for yourself when the podcast goes up on the JPFO site.

Many thanks, Aaron--you're a gracious host.

We're the Only Ones Suicidal Enough

Last year, the CHP had eight suicides among its 7,200 officers - a rate five times the national average for law enforcement. Experts are calling the suicide cluster - 13 total since September 2003 - the most serious among law enforcement agencies nationwide...

There doesn't seem to be a common theme nor precipitating stress aside from the victims being mostly men and using firearms to kill themselves...

The comparable suicide rates: CHP has had an average 45 per 100,000 annually over the past four years, spiking to 111 per 100,000 last year; versus an annual average at LAPD of 17 per 100,000, and the Sheriff's Department at 3.4 per 100,000.

National law enforcement suicide rates run between 18 and 22 per 100,000. The suicide rate for the general population is about 11 per 100,000. [More]

So the CHP (incidentally, the group sent to New Orleans to help disarm citizens wanting to protect themselves) has a suicide rate over four times that of the general population, and LEOs in general have a rate up to twice that of "the whole people."

Remember that the next time some asinine "study" says gun suicides will be reduced by disarming you and me, and limiting the firepower to the "clustered" hands of "The Only Ones."

A Letter from Wayne Fincher

I just received the following from Hollis Wayne Fincher. It looks like he received my letter. He has given me permission to share his (click on graphic, then you should be able to enlarge it from that page):

"Two offers by gov. to plea. I say no deal!"

In a related development, Barb McCutcheon informs us:

Just to let you know the books we sent to Wayne Fincher for Christmas were returned yesterday. The jail explanation was that the book on Jefferson and the Constitution was too heavy.

Don’t we all feel safer now?

[More from WarOnGuns]

UPDATE: I have receive notice that Wayne is still having health issues and anti-nausea medication has taken over 31 hours to be provided. My source tells me his attorney must get a court order before his medical records will be released to him--this is raw info, so I have no independent means to verify. Let me just say that if medicines were being withheld from war prisoners at Gitmo, the "authorized journalists" would be all over this story. I'll follow up on this later tonight to see if there are any new developments.

This Day in History: January 5

American traitor and British Brigadier General Benedict Arnold enjoys his greatest success as a British commander on this day in 1781. Arnold’s 1,600 largely Loyalist troops sailed up the James River at the beginning of January, eventually landing in Westover, Virginia. Leaving Westover on the afternoon of January 4, Arnold and his men arrived at the virtually undefended capital city of Richmond the next afternoon.

Technical Difficulties

We had high winds last night in SoCal and it knocked out my cable/internet access. I'm doing this from a public library. I have some posts I prepared that I'll put up now. We'll see if I can get back on this evening...

Whatever it is...You Can Get it on eBay. And How.

Kingston footballer Mazin Ahmad has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service after he admitted buying an illegal stun gun on eBay.

Good Lord. They monitored his emails over this. And then they "swooped."

Me, I'm waiting for the rope used to hang Saddam to go up for bid.

Life's Great Mysteries from Life's Great Thinkers

Rapper PHAROAHE MONCH has defended his violent new music video, insisting it carries an important message about the "desensitisation we currently have towards senseless violence"...

"As a creative writer, I like to ask questions. What would a bullet say if it had a voice to speak its mind?..."

Dude, I know exactly what you mean!

I've spent hours wondering what language cheese would speak if it wore shoes. But in fairness, that was back in college...

The Reddest Guys You've Ever Seen in Seattle*

On a morning when a school shooting grabbed headlines yet again, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels urged state lawmakers for the second year in a row to pass tougher gun laws.

"We have some of the weakest gun laws in America," Nickels said Wednesday, flanked by police Chief Gil Kerlikowske and Special Agent Kelvin Crenshaw, who heads the Seattle office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Go ahead, turn 'em in, Mr. and Mrs. Washington State. Nickels, Kerlikowski and Crenshaw will personally guarantee your safety if you do, and they'll be able to show you their guns (paid for by you) to prove it.

* You really need to be an over-the-hill trivial-minded geek like someone I know to get the pun behind the post title. Anybody care to stand with me in self-inflicted shame?

We're the Only Ones Observing Rule Four Enough

Fort Smith police say the bullet that killed a bystander as police exchanged gunfire with a criminal suspect last month came from an officer's gun. Forty-one-year-old Olivia Stewart was a block away at an apartment complex when she was fatally wounded December 12.

If you don't know what "Rule Four" means, you need to educate yourself right now--without delay. Don't be one of "The Only Ones" remaining in the dark on this.

Daley Aims to Pass New Gun Laws

Because the old ones just aren't enough. They never are.

But don't worry--those who urged you to vote for Judy Baar Topinka will stop him.

Wayne Fincher Update: January 4

Reported admitted to the hospital.

Reported released from the hospital.

I also note "The Gun Guys" gloating in sadistic glee over Fincher's situation. I will not link to those evil traitors to direct any traffic their way. I merely point it out because it's yet one more example of the defective character of those who demand that the state disarm their countrymen.

[More from WarOnGuns]

We're the Only Ones Ringing in the New Year Enough

A Houston woman's house literally became a target for gun-play on New Year's Eve. But the man accused of pulling the trigger is a Houston police officer.

Investigators say Ricardo Pineda fired two guns at a New Year's party at a home in southwest Harris County.

HAP-PY NEW YEARRRRR!!!! from "The Only Ones."

I wonder what would have happened to the homeowners had they returned fire?

[Via JR at A Keyboard and a .45]

This Day in History: January 4

On this day in 1796, the House of Representatives accepts the “Colors,” or flag, of the French Revolutionary Republic, proclaiming it “the most honorable testimonial of the existing sympathies and affections of the two Republics.”

Profiles in Apathy

We have no shortage of expectations and strong opinions about what we want. But when it comes time to step up to the plate, things get awfully quiet.

"Profiles in Apathy," my Rights Watch column for the January 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, is now online.

Plying a Seamy Trade

An early December Associated Press story out of Atlantic City caught my eye. "Prostitutes arm selves as body count rises," read the headline...

I scanned the whole story, interested to find out how easy it's proving for the East Coast ladies of the evening to arm themselves for their own defense. Way down in the ninth paragraph, I read of "Christine, 37, who works out of a cheap motel on Pacific Avenue near the entrance to several casinos," who "bought a canister of pepper spray after the bodies were found in the ditch."

That's it? A can of pepper spray?

Yes, that's it. And the sadistic bondage and discipline/dominance perverts who run the government and enforce its freaky edicts wouldn't have it any other way.

Vin Suprynowicz is one of our most articulate and clear thinking liberty writers. Anyone who does not regularly read his columns is cheating themselves.

Everybody here has read his last book, right?

Wayne Fincher Update: January 3

From Paul W. Davis:

There are several documents relating to Wayne's case that have been added to the webpage. Most important of the documents are the transcript of the Bond Hearing, and the Preliminary Jury Instructions for both the Government and the Defense.

You will find these documents in Adobe Acrobat and Wordperfect format. The Bond Hearing is the additional format of HTML (please excuse the HTML as it has not been reformatted to appear as the printed document)

[More from WarOnGuns]

In Search of the Second Amendment

My review of David Hardy's new DVD should be in next month's (March) issue of GUNS Magazine. I'm not going to post it here before it hits the newsstands, but I will give you my concluding assessment:

David Hardy has given us an important tool to use in educating ourselves and others.

Click on the title link to learn more, including how to get your own copy.

We're the Only Ones Rooty Tooty Fresh and Shooty Enough

An Alexandria police officer who shot and killed a teenager last year will be disciplined, but not fired, police officials announced on Tuesday.

Officer Carl Stowe was working as a security guard when he fired shots, killing 18-year-old Aaron Brown in a Duke Street IHOP parking lot on Feb. 25.

Only "The Only Ones" could get away with stepping in front of a car and then claiming it was coming at them so they had to defend themselves.

Oh, and about the title to this post? I'm really sorry. Truly, I feel bad. I'll try not to let it happen again.

Have You Sent YOUR Email?

Some of you have, most of you have not. The fewer who take the minute to do this, the greater the likelihood those who wish to see this resolved will be ignored.

What have you got to lose?

This Day in History: January 3

In a stroke of strategic genius, General George Washington manages to evade conflict with General Charles Cornwallis, who had been dispatched to Trenton to “bag the fox” (Washington), and wins several encounters with the British rear guard, as it departs Princeton for Trenton, New Jersey.

Three-Card Monte

Gov. Mitt Romney will file paperwork forming a presidential exploratory committee on Wednesday...

You know, the guy who supports the "assault weapons ban" and the "Brady Bill".

Now with Giulianii and McCain already on the table, we're ready to start the game...

Going, Going, Gone...

With little fanfare, the federal government has substantially increased the number of licenses it has taken away from gun dealers over the past five years, according to newly obtained statistics.

Sure glad we have a BATFU where we're working out of their Big Boss's office.

Take a Valium?

My personal opinion is that this is a storm in a teacup, and Codrea needs to take a Valium or something.

Why, Kim?

I didn't invent the guns in space angle, I merely reported it, and I even commented on how stated administration policy could be used to establish regulations without invoking any change in Second Amendment interpretation. If they had simply done this, not many gun owners would have even noticed the new regs, let alone protested.

As far as the "collective rights" issue goes, you just essentially agreed with me, admitting "we gunnies are going to get upset about this" and referring to the new language as "lunacy."

I've addressed the speculation that it may be just a bureaucratic oversight here, but regardless--since the function of government is essentially to protect our rights-- such sloppiness, if that's what it is, amounts to irresponsible, and some would say, criminal negligence when one of the keystone rights is involved.

If it's truly "a storm in a teacup," then there's no reason why the administration shouldn't order the language they approved for publication in the Federal Register rescinded, and the office of the president shouldn't publicly reaffirm it's commitment to an "individual rights" interpretation.

I have a way to find out, and it'll only take a minute--probably less than a tenth of the time it took to write commentary with a conclusion telling people I need to take a Valium. Why not just send the White House an email on the topic and find out? If it's no big deal, they should be happy to make everything all right. Right?

I know it would sure settle me down, hysterical little Cassandra that I am.

This Day in History: January 2

The Continental Congress publishes the “Tory Act” resolution on this day in 1776, which describes how colonies should handle those Americans who remain loyal to the British and King George.

Open Letter to President Bush on FAA Assertion that Second Amendment is a "Collective Right"

Dear Mr. President,

From Federal Register: December 15, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 241)
[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 75615-75645]
II.C.6: Security Requirements:

Additionally, nearly all courts have also held that the Second Amendment is a collective right, rather than a personal right. Therefore, despite the Second Amendment collective right to bear arms, the FAA has the authority to prohibit firearms on launch and reentry vehicles for safety and security purposes.

From Laura Montgomery
Senior Attorney
Office of the Chief Counsel
Federal Aviation Administration:

This rule, including its security requirements, underwent coordination and review within the executive branch. It was reviewed and approved by the Executive Office of the President.

From "President George W. Bush Speaks On The Record":

NRA: Also early on in your Administration, Attorney General John Ashcroft stated his view "that the text and the original intent of the Second Amendment clearly protect the right of individuals to keep and bear firearms." This was a clear reversal, was it not, of the Clinton Administration's position?

President Bush: It was a clear reversal. It was a position that needed to be reversed--—the prior Administration had taken the position that the Second Amendment only applies to state militias and doesn'’t protect an individual right to bear arms. My opponent issued a press release earlier this year supporting that exact same position. I know that'’s not what the Constitution says. The Constitution gives people a personal right to bear arms. So we did reverse the Clinton Administration'’s position, and I think that was the right thing to do.

Mr. President, is it still "the right thing to do"? Clearly, the language that the Senior Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel for the FAA says was "reviewed and approved by the Executive Office of the President" directly contradicts your earlier stated position.

Some have suggested this is merely a bureaucratic oversight--a staffer issuing routine approval without a meticulous detail check and without your cognizance. Others fear it may signal a change in your administration's official position on the Second Amendment.

If it's the former, will you take immediate steps to revise the Final Rule and delete all references to "collective rights," as well as establish controls to prevent such oversights from happening in future rulemaking?

If it's the latter, will you issue a public explanation of your new position and the reasons behind it?

Your immediate attention and personal response to this matter will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

David Codrea
Citizen

CC: Laura Montgomery

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

Related Reading:

Further Thoughts on the Bush 2A Reversal
Bush Administration Reverses Ashcroft Interpretation of 2A
Bush Administration Declares 2A a "Collective Right"
FAA to Disarm Universe
Other Links

'Free Wayne'

[Via Joe & Barb McCutcheon]

[More from WarOnGuns]

Wayne Fincher Update: Jan.1

From Paul W. Davis :

In the interest of maintaining access to all the documentation involved in the case of U.S. v. Hollis Wayne Fincher, I have updated the MOWCA's website with a page focused on the BATFE raid on the Militia and the arrest and detention of Wayne.

http://www.arkansasmilitia.com/raid/main.html

This page does not replace the USvFincher blog or the other blogs and websites that are tracking this case. However, it will lay out all documentation involved. Please note: This page is not a blog and is not intended to function as such, but is a document repository that also functions as a backup to the USvFincher blog in case access is unavailable for whatever reason.

All submissions to the page will be cleared through the militia and/or Wayne's lawyer if applicable. Please remember that I am only the webmaster and cannot post a document unless it has been previously cleared through the militia.

[More from WarOnGuns]

The Money Quote

"A person who is willing to shoot an officer is willing to shoot a civilian," he said.

Bingo!

Crouching to Tyranny

The removal of guns from this city's streets is basic to achieving a civilized level of order and a feeling of safety, which is the job of the New York Police Department and the city administration and any gathering of do-gooders focused on the lowering of the murder rate.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says that Operation Gun Stop is a necessary program because it creates incentive and guarantees the protection of those citizens who want to report the sale of or possession of illegal firearms.

Stanley Crouch--kind of makes you wonder if Mr. Adams was prescient when he said:

Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!

Stanley could benefit from reading this, that is, assuming he's merely ignorant.

"Review the Bidding"

Thanks, Blogonomicon!

This Day in History: January 1

On this day in 1781, 1,500 soldiers from the Pennsylvania Line--all 11 regiments under General Anthony Wayne’s command--insist that their three-year enlistments are expired, kill three officers in a drunken rage and abandon the Continental Army’s winter camp at Morristown, New Jersey.

Wayne Fincher Docket Updated

Direct Link

[More from WarOnGuns]

The Missing Post

Thanks, Fodder!

Empathy

Thanks, World Examiner!

To Which I Replied...

Thanks, Existing Thing!

The Head Janitor

Thanks, WP!

We're Number Two!

Poor Oaktown is closing in on a record year for homicides. Up about 55% from last year. Approximately 555 in the last 5 years. I wonder how many they don't know about?

Fodder presents some interesting facts, including how Project Exile apparently has not stemmed the violence.

How shocking.

Just remember-- the vast majority of California's "Only Ones" endorsed Jerry Brown for AG, lying about his qualifications to control violent crime-- and in the process advocating citizen disarmament. These betrayers of the public trust aren't interested in public safety. Those in management are interested in career advancement. Rank and file supporters are interested in union contracts and benefits.

They knew what the dismal score was with Brown's record as Oakland mayor, and they lied to us anyway. And the hell with your freedom and your life.

These are the people who endorsed Brown's citizen disarmament agenda, fully aware of his and their utter ineptitude at preventing homicides and other violent crimes in Oakland or anywhere else:

California Police Chiefs Association, Peace Officers Research Association (PORAC), California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations, Sacramento Police Officers Association, Sacramento County Sheriff, Modesto Police Officers'’ Association, Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff'’s Association, Madera Police Officers Association, Amador County Sheriff, Sierra County Sherriff, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Association, San Francisco Police Officers Association, Oakland Police Officers Association, Deputy Sheriff'’s Association of Alameda Country, San Jose Police Officers Association, Marin County Deputy Sheriffs Association, San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff'’s Association, Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff'’s Association, Deputy Sheriffs'’ Association of Santa Clara County, Los Angeles County Police Officers Association, Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association, Long Beach Police Officers Association, Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, Huntington Beach Police Officers Association, Pasadena Police Officers Association, San Diego Police Officers Association, Deputy Sheriffs'’ Association of San Diego County, San Bernardino County Safety Employees'’ Benefit Association (S.E.B.A), Riverside Police Officers Association, Long Beach Police Officers Association, Fresno Police Officers Association, Kern Law Enforcement Association, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association.

These are the people intent on keeping you and me disarmed.

"To serve and protect" my...eye.

Sex, Guns and Goldilocks

A man charged in November in connection with an Internet sex sting in Newtown is being held on a $750,000 bond for allegedly possessing an assault rifle.

Here's hoping he's not the one to present a Second Amendment defense:

In the mean time, we are utterly powerless to prevent a really wrong case from being made that will settle the matter (again, "legally") without our input and with overwhelming public sentiment agreeing with the decision--for instance, if a child molester files the suit.

That's the problem with waiting around for the Goldilocks case that's "just right"--you have no control over who else might beat you to the punch.

Just Like Boston

Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis said he supports a proposed program to curb gun violence in Cincinnati.

The program...dropped gun-related deaths in Boston nearly 70 percent in 18 months and has been replicated in about 20 cities around the world.

Sure it did:

Boston's homicide count last year not only hit a 10-year high, but also took one of the biggest jumps for a city of its size, a Globe review found.

Boston's death toll increased by 17 percent to 75, the sixth-highest percentage increase among 15 cities with comparable populations surveyed.

We're the Only Ones Enduring Enough

Philadelphia Police Endure A Night Of Gun Violence

But...but...but...

And I don't suppose non-"Only Ones" are enduring anything...

This Day in History: December 31

On this day in 1775, Patriot forces under Colonel Benedict Arnold and General Richard Montgomery attempt to capture the city of Quebec under cover of darkness and snowfall. They fail, and the effort costs Montgomery his life.

The Fix is In: Destroy Wayne Fincher

A man charged with possessing illegal machine guns shouldn't be able to make constitutional arguments at trial, according to a motion filed Friday by federal prosecutors.

Hollis Wayne Fincher, 60, a lieutenant commander of the Militia of Washington County, is charged in U.S. District Court with possessing three homemade, unregistered machine guns and an unregistered sawed-off shotgun.

Trial is set for Jan. 8 in Fayetteville.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Johnson filed the motion asking U.S. District Judge Jimm Larry Hendren to preclude Fincher and his attorney, Oscar Stilley, from arguing matters of law to the jury as a defense. The government believes Fincher wants to argue the gun charges are unconstitutional and that the prosecution must prove an "interstate nexus" for the firearms, according to the motion.

Damn right--the Constitution has no place in America's courtrooms! Imagine, wanting to "argue matters of law" as a defense!

Here's how you can help.

[More from WarOnGuns]

We're the Only Ones Strapped and Unstrapped Enough

It seems a lot of police officers don't wear their seat belts when they are driving their patrol cruisers. And researchers think that played a role in the number of police officers killed in crashes while working...Many patrol car seat belts tangle with gun belts worn by officers, causing some of them to choose access to a firearm over seat belt safety...

And those same "choices" are available to us non-"Only Ones," aren't they?

Wrongful Termination for 2A Advocacy

A former security researcher for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory at Richland says he was fired for advocating gun rights.

Fifty-one-year-old Joseph Huffman of Moscow, Idaho, has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Benton County Superior Court. He says investigators monitored his Web sites to build a case against him.

He doesn't just "say"--he proves it.

Go get 'em, Mr. Huffman. He addresses the case, and denies the charge of unauthorized use of PNNL computers here. I don't know enough about his case, so I may be recommending something he's already got covered, but I hope his attorney subpoenas computer records to show other employees and managers routinely violating policy with no recriminations.

We're the Only Ones Scared to Death Enough

Thieves stole the gun and nearly $5,000 worth of other police equipment from the personal car of a Cincinnati police investigations supervisor earlier this month, according to a Cleves police report.

Acting Cleves Police Chief William Renner said his department has a lead on the thief who stole Lt. Michael Savard’s equipment sometime on Dec. 18 or Dec. 19.

“We taking missing guns seriously,” Renner said. “It scares us to death.”

Yeah, us too. Especially since us non-"Only Ones" can't have hidden guns in our "personal cars" in Ohio--even those whose names are published in the papers as concealed carry permit holders. Maybe they're afraid we'll leave them unattended in our cars where they could get stolen.

Too Good Not to Share

Thanks, Russ!

I appreciate it.

Reflections on Silveira

Part of the recent attack on me has focused on criticism of the Silveira case. While the commenters in this instance aren't high on my list of favorite people, it's undeniable that some very credible and respectable attorneys argued the case was a bad one to make. I'll get into that another time, as the inclination strikes, but would just offer these observations:

If we wait for the "perfect" case and the "perfect" court, we will never resolve this "legally." That happy convergence will simply never happen. In the mean time, we are utterly powerless to prevent a really wrong case from being made that will settle the matter (again, "legally") without our input and with overwhelming public sentiment agreeing with the decision--for instance, if a child molester files the suit.

And this is assuming that the initiative is taken by the "side" claiming 2A applies to We the People--if the government prosecution of, say Wayne Fincher argues he has no individual right, or if a lawsuit filed by Michael Bloomberg or the Brady Campaign predicates itself on establishing a national "collective rights" precedent, what will the Silveria critics do then?

The recent tempest over FAA asserting a "collective rights" interpretation of the Second Amendment should demonstrate that it's a legal argument the federal government is willing to make and/or uphold--as in California, where decisions at both the state Supreme Court and federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have created exactly such precedent.

If there is one constant we can demonstrate about those who would render us disarmed, it's that they will not wait around for us to suit up for the game on our terms. They will bring the fight to us at the times and places of their choosing, again and again and again.

If there's one thing we can demonstrate about battles is, every war won by we Americans required going on a totally committed offense. It's, incidentally, why we haven't won one for over 60 years.

My position? If the government at all levels intends to deny us our birthright, I want to know about it, and the sooner the better. Perhaps it will galvanize us, perhaps not, but at least we'll know the score, with no further illusions that cynical faux leaders can use to manipulate us with. Perhaps, if the change in temperature is stark enough, the frog will jump.

If not, we're screwed anyway, but in a manner that humiliates us, robs us of our dignity as men, and conditions our children for enslavement by the example we set.

This Day in History: December 30

On this day in 1803, Francis Lewis, signer of the Declaration of Independence, dies in New York City, at the age of 90.

Mr. Connery, You'll Have to Check That Shotgun

Taking a lesson from the 1981 Sean Connery sci fi western Outland, which showed how dangerous it can be to mix guns with spaceflight, the Federal Aviation Administration wants to keep passengers from carrying firearms on rocket ships...

[T]he FAA casually and gratuitously endorsed the "collective right" interpretation of the Second Amendment, according to which the amendment poses no obstacle to gun control because it has nothing to do with an individual right to keep and bear arms, instead protecting states' prerogatives vis-à-vis their militias...

For supporters of the right to armed self-defense, them's fightin' words. Pro-gun-rights blogger David Codrea asked the FAA how it could reconcile this language with then-Attorney General John Ashcroft's statement, in a May 2001 letter to the National Rifle Association, that "the text and the original intent of the Second Amendment clearly protect the right of individuals to keep and bear firearms."

Well, this has certainly gone a lot farther than I'd expected. Let's see if interest evaporates or if it gains wider attention, the goal being to press the administration to explain itself and rescind the "collective rights" language.

Is the Story Getting Legs?

Via email fom SayUncle:

Check it out:

http://volokh.com/posts/1167404621.shtml
http://instapundit.com/archives2/2006/12/post_1331.php

Many thanks to these hugely popular blogs for picking up on this.

Shameless Plug: A Request for BIDS

NICS, whether "“improved"” or not, creates a record of gun purchases, that is, a de facto registration list of gun owners. And while current law prohibits retaining records, there are many lawmakers eager to change that.

What if it was possible to establish a system for clearing firearm purchases with no identifying information about lawful buyers?

The Blind Identification Database System, or BIDS, is designed to do just that.

"A Request for BIDS" is my Rights Watch column for the February 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, up for bids now at at offering newsstands throughout the Republic.

BONUS: See page 108 to find out how you can win a "Kimber 1911 Desert Warrior with Crimson Trace Laser Grips, Insight M3 [light], Blackhawk Holster, belt and light holder and United Cutlery US Army Ranger Knife!"

Also in this issue: My review of Matt Bracken's gripping new novel, Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista.

[More on BIDS from WarOnGuns]

GUNS Magazine Review of Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista

Matthew Bracken'’s latest novel is a brave book.

It'’s brave because it'’s a sequel, and expectations from a readership that embraced his first book, “Enemies Foreign and Domestic, are high. It'’s brave because he believes in the grand purpose of the right to bear arms, and that runs against the mindset of mainstream publishers. And it'’s brave because Bracken makes a harsh prediction of where this country is headed should the unchecked flow of illegal immigration not be halted and reversed.

My review of Matt's outstanding new effort appears on page 88 of the February 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at friendly domestic newsstands throughout the Republic.

Further Thoughts on the Bush 2A Reversal

I made a comment yesterday over at SayUncle's that I realized I had not yet articulated here on my own site, regarding the "executive office of the president" approving a "collective rights" interpretation of the Second Amendment in its claim of authority to regulate weapons on spacecraft:

[I]f the pres simply wanted to keep guns off spaceships, they didn't need to bring in the "“collective rights"” language. Re-read Ashcroft'’s letter--–he gave them the out to effect a ban with his "“compelling state interest"” rationale. That'’s all they'’d have needed to say and it would have legally stuck. They didn'’t need to address either a collective OR an individual right. But somebody did, and such inclusions are rarely accidental, which means there was intent, which implies motive...

The way I read this is, should a legal challenge to the authority of these regs be issued, the argument the administration will make will be based on the collective theory. I don't know any other way to look at it. And if that sticks, it will hurt us a lot more than if their defense was "“compelling state interest."”

Understand, I'm not defending "compelling state interest," because, as practiced by the Bush DoJ, just about any existing law would be prosecuted or defended against under that banner. I'm merely observing that the administration did not need to go out of its way to embrace "collective rights"--the identical position as every enemy of the individual right to keep and bear arms.

Had they quietly announced the rules claiming authority under "compelling state interest," they would have probably slipped in completely under the radar--although aside from this blog and its few supporters, they essentially have anyway.

We're the Only Ones "Calm and Assertive Pack Leaders" Enough

A deputy constable is now out of the hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the foot Thursday morning...

"Attempted to bite me and actually grabbed a hold of my foot and part of my leg but never broke the skin. That's when the dog turned toward the constable and the constable fired one shot at the dog and actually shot himself in the foot," said Day.

If that dog had wanted to bite you, it would have bitten you. It figures, The Only One and the repo gang blunder in, do everything wrong to provoke a fear reaction from the animal, and then blame the owner and the dog for its natural response. Sounds like these guys could have benefited from National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer" marathon yesterday, and of course, Deputy Constable Limpy has no more business being around guns than he does dogs.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Letter from Wayne Fincher

From the Sebastian County Jail

[In response to AFV editor’s request, this is a day in the life of Hollis Wayne Fincher inside the Sebastian County jail.]

I am doing OK here in jail. It’s not where I want to be, but it’s where I am and I try to make the best of it.

The temperature is pretty constant, probably near 70 both day and night with a few warmer and cooler spots here and there, but no problem.

The light after 10 o’clock [PM] is subdued and about 6 o’clock [AM] it is turned on bright all day and is OK for reading or writing. About 7, we are let out of our cells for breakfast, which might be about a cupful of oatmeal or grits and a piece of bread, some gravy and a tablespoon of margarine, a half pint of milk and some about 50% strength coffee. We go back to our cells for a while and then may be let out for maybe an hour, more or less, and then back to our cells until dinner at about 12 [noon].

Dinner might be some macaroni or beans or peas or sometimes a hamburger (a bun, a piece of meat and a slice of cheese with a tablespoon of mustard) and a small dessert.

A typical dinner might be maybe a half cup of salad or chopped cabbage, some beans, some margarine, two slices of white bread and some kind of meat with a small tub of applesauce and some tea.

After dinner we are sent back to our cells until about 2 [PM] or so, then let out again for a half hour to over an hour and then back to our cells until supper at about 5 [PM] for 30-40 minutes, and then back to our cells until morning.

While the food varies from day to day, it remains pretty much the same. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say that it is about a 5. It is not bad food, but there is nothing much to complement it for. The food is supposed to be 2000 calories a day, but some days, I doubt if it makes it. Some days it might be a little more.

The bedding is like the food – adequate, but no more; an wool army blanket, a bed sheet and a cotton mattress about 30 inches wide and about 3-1/2 inches thick. Showers are open every day and you can shower nearly every day with a bit of luck. Soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste and toilet paper are provided. Other supplies can be bought at the commissary. Every one complains about the prices. I only buy a few things; paper, stamps and a very few other things. I buy no food.

We can attend in house church a couple of times a week, sometimes more. I talk to other prisoners about their need for Jesus to save them. Some take heed and are willing to listen and some go to their cells and pray. I have a Bible. Most anyone who wants a Bible can get one with out much trouble.

It is somewhat unpredictable using the phone. There are three phones for about 50 prisoners. The phones are open at meal times and the timeout of our cells, but it is a real hassle to use one with any regularity or dependability. In the visitation rooms the noise makes coherent conversation nearly impossible to take care of family needs and the 15 minute time limit is a contemptible mockery of compassion for the families of prisoners who sometimes have to travel quite a distance from home to visit their loved ones.

To sum it up, the jail is designed to provide a place to hold prisoners at the least amount of cost to the county, at the lowest acceptable level under the law.

Dear Loretta, I saw Linda for a few minutes today and she said things were looking very good, but could not elaborate.

Loretta, you and Paul and Teresa Dramer and many others are the light that shines into the darkness of tyranny.

I pray that God blesses you all and please continue to pray for me.

Yours in Jesus Christ our Lord
Wayne Fincher

Source: American Family Voice news, P. O. Box 127, Russellville, AR 72811; 479-880-2026; americanfamilyvoiceATyahooDOTcom; Subscriptions: $25/yr

Fincher's "crime," of course, is for (allegedly) exercising an individual right to keep and bear arms.

The text below is from a recent appeal written by Dale Morfey of Fort Smith, AR:

Wayne’s legal fight will likely be long and costly. Wayne and his family are already doing the heavy work… will we at least pick up the slack? What is this country… what is the Constitution worth to you?

For this time in American history, you were born. What will be recorded about your actions?

The Wayne Fincher Defense Fund
c/o Mr. Don Bright
2225 No. Mockingbird Ln,
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Want to help Wayne on a very personal level? Write him a letter of encouragement.

Hollis Wayne Fincher
c/o Sebastian County Jail
801 South A Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901

I am praying that you will take meaningful action today… and also let as many others as you can know about Wayne’s case.

[Via Joe & Barb McCutchen]

More from WarOnGuns

This Day in History: December 29

On this day in 1778, British Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell and his force of between 2500 and 3600 troops, which included the 71st Highland regiment, New York Loyalists, and Hessian mercenaries, launch a surprise attack on American forces defending Savannah, Georgia.

Phillipines: We're the Only Ones Exempted Enough

THE Commission on Elections yesterday began accepting requests for gun ban exemption.

James Arthur Jimenez, Comelec spokesman, urged gun owners to come forward and apply for an exemption from the gun ban, which takes effects on Jan. 14 until June 13 next year.

Security agencies, members of the National Police and the Armed Forces, and security personnel for government officials could be granted an exemption, Jimenez said.

Citizens...? Anybody see anything about exemptions for citizens...?

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

Sniff Dogg Redfines Hypocrisy and Gall

Snoop Dogg has called for a world gun amnesty.

The rapper - who was arrested in October for possession of drugs and a firearm - wishes the planet could be free of guns so no more lives could be unnecessarily cut short.

Sure thing, Sniffster. You first.

Return from Mountain Paradise

What a great mini-vacation. The kids hardly ever see snow, and we got it, about 8" yesterday. I'd forgotten the magic of walking through a heavy snow (when I was living in it, it hardly seemed magical), and I was delighted to find that with purpose and discipline, this old man can still outpace two teenagers.

I got a chance to catch up on some reading, enjoy some good Cabernet and an excellent maduro and single malt, and just generally have nothing to do--which for me is an almost alien experience.

The drive back down was picture perfect. The road was plowed and the sky was blue, and the switchbacks hardly iced at all, even in the shade.

If I had access to the internet, I could probably find some reasons for never coming back down...

This Day in History: December 28

British troops commanded by Major James Henry Craig are posted at John’s Island, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, on this day in 1781. Craig had evacuated his troops from Wilmington, North Carolina, a little over a month earlier on November 14. The Patriots planned to remove Craig and his men from the island with troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee and his famed cavalry from Fort Ninety-Six in the South Carolina backcountry. Lee aborted the attack when a column led by Major James Hamilton arrived too late and was unable to cross the Wapoo River, which was only fordable once or twice a month.

Banned Forever!

[More]

As a rule, I stay away from forums. While there are some notable exceptions, I've found too many of them are simply places where the closed-minded congregate to insulate themselves from anything that challenges their preconceptions. Too much nastiness and not enough thought go into many of the posts, and it's clear that many comments are the results of hip shots based on other posted comments rather than actually considering what the original source of the discussion had to say about a subject. That's why you'll find--in some of the forums discussing the Bush administration approving the "collective rights" theory of the Second Amendment as justification for its new space flight security rules--the major premise is ignored in favor of people ridiculing guns on spacecraft--a debate topic for another day, to be sure, but only incidental to the topic I was writing about.

But then you get acts of actual sabotage, where the poster knows damned well what he's doing, and whether out of fear or hatred, lashes out with lies, ad hominem attacks, and proclamations that are simply and demonstrably wrong.

Meet NRA grassrooter Mike Haas, someone who has been vocal at attempting to derail just about every Second Amendment activism effort I can recall being part of over the past 10 years. I'm not sure if it's pathological with this guy or if he simply views any new ideas that don't come from his camp as threats, but the guy's a Fairfax worshipper of the first order. Fortunately, he's also incompetent and dishonest, so his attacks are easy to defeat simply by presenting the documented truth.

Because I've been banned for "insulting" him from CalGuns forums, (and from accessing the website itself--at least from my home computer) and because CalGuns.Net will not allow a man who's been attacked to defend himself, which is pretty telling about their mindset, I'm presenting my rebuttal to Haas' baseless attack here:

Response to Mike Haas

I note Haas has not addressed what I actually wrote, just went straight into character assassination. That's one of the oldest deflection tactics in the book. I see some of you have opted to take his side just because, which is your choice and your right. If anyone here is interested in looking a little deeper, read on.

I've never joined a forum before, because they are typically not the most effective means of using limited time if my goal is to reach a wider audience--and the only reason I'm posting here is to defend myself against an unprovoked attack. I probably won't be back, but in any case will not even be able to check for a few days because I'm heading to the mountains with no computer access. We'll see if open minds are receptive to a counter to Mr. Haas' peculiar venom. And for the record, he never contacted me first--something I've done and documented numerous times when I've had differences with NRA.

Stick to the topic I actually wrote about if you're going to "debunk" what I said, Mike. Yes or no, did the FAA cite the "collective rights" theory of the 2nd Amendment as their legal justification for imposing their rules, and yes or no, did the Sr Counsel for the FAA say that this was approved by the executive office of the president? You don't have to be a legal scholar or have some sort of special qualifications to "interpret" that, Mike. Answer those basic questions.

Where to start? How about me being "one of the most anti-NRA entities one can encounter." Note he hasn't given you an actual example of one of these "attacks" because, then you might have to look at the uncomfortable fact of whether or not what I said was true--for instance giving anti-CCW sheriff candidate Bill Brown in Santa Barbara an A rating. The fact is, I AM the NRA--life member,former members council officer, long-time volunteer and financial contributor--you can read my position on that here:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2005/08/im-nra.html

Then there are the fabricated LIES, yes, I said "lies"-- about our petition effort. It's still online on KABA. Go ahead, Mike--out of all the entries at http://www.keepandbeararms.com/petition/, please point everyone to the fundraising appeal--that's what you told them we were trying to do. Good Lord--coming from an NRA management apologist with their interminable fundraisers, that sounds kind of like a pimp calling me a slut. The point of our petition was also well explained, and we never pretended it was one of those "official" ones Mike wants to belittle us for not being--gee, kind of like those appeals and cards and things NRA management sends its members to contact our representatives--along with a plea for more money. We were pretty proud of our effort, actually, Mike--got some national press, got mentioned twice by Wm F Buckley, writtten up several times on WorldNetDaily, and got responses from every state in the union--over 30,0000 of them, which, while a number you might laugh at in your superiority, ain't bad considering IT WAS ENTIRELY SELF-FUNDED and with all work done by basically 3 people. I personally spent a couple hundred out of pocket. I do recall one or two people enclosed 5 bucks or so. And, oh, keeping names and addresses is now "illegal"? So NRA management will destroy their lists? Hey Mike, you missed again--we kept no names and addresses--we sent them all to Mr. Ashcroft. How can I prove that? Not directly, but indirectly--find ONE Ashcroft petition signatory who says we then used the petitions to send him junk mail or spam. You can't Mike, because you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Oh, and a "PS" I almost forgot--you know who else supported the petition--publicly--wrote me a nice letter, wrote about it in his column, and even signed up supporters at his class? The late Col. Jeff Cooper. So I'm pretty comfortable with the company I kept on that effort. Mike.

You want to talk Silveira now? How it had such a losing streak? As opposed to the winning streak on 2A Mike and his friends have achieved? Take a look at why the 9th circuit said it didn't have standing--gee--couldn't have anything to do with PRECEDENT established in prior losing efforts that those friends engineered, could it? We had a unique effort and we were right--and we had a lawyer doing the scholarly work who had actually been part of a winning Supreme Court effort, and who, unfortunately, died shortly before cert was denied. We can't rehash the whole thing in this forum--if any of you have the time, the whole thing is still over at KABA and you can see for yourself what we said and did, and again, I'm proud of that effort and the people I worked with as an unpaid volunteer, as was Angel, who Mike hates, which may explain some of this, and Brian Puckett. But here's the one thing I want those reading this to walk away with: Silveira established no new precedent, as Mike seems to indicate with the "damage" he accuses us of almost doing--and for someone who questions MY legal acumen and talent, "the defendant" who "was hardly the ideal gun owner" in the Silveira case was the state of California, Mike, via AG Lockyer and Grey Davis, and Sean Silveira et al were the PLAINTIFFS. So you again don't know what the hell you're talking about. But let's take a look at the character of these "defendants" Mr. Haas would have you doubt just based on his say-so--you know, the "less than ideal" gun owners. It's copied directly from the complaint.
33. Plaintiff JACK SAFFORD is a resident of Corning, California, husband and father, and owns substantial acreage/farm land. He owns his own insurance agency and is a model citizen. He is a graduate of California State University, Chico.
34. Plaintiff SEAN SILVEIRA is a resident of Marin County, California, husband and father of two, and owns real property in Marin. He is a civil engineer, model citizen, and a graduate of California State University, Chico.
35. Plaintiff PATRICK OVERSTREET is a resident of Marin County, California, husband, and owns real property in Marin. He is employed by the San Francisco Police Department as a S.W.A.T. officer, and a graduate of California State University, San Diego.
36. Plaintiff DAVID K. MEHL is a resident of Sacramento, California, husband, and owns real property in Sacramento. He is a chemical engineer, graduate of the University of California, Davis, and a model citizen.
37. Plaintiff SGT. STEVEN FOCHT is a resident of Placer County, husband and father, and owns real property in Placer County. He was a Marine Corp sniper who performed military functions in Desert Storm, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Thailand, in addition to Mogadishu,Somalia. He was honorably discharged, and currently a Sergeant in the California Army National Guard. He is a model citizen.
38. Plaintiff SGT. DAVID BLALOCK is a resident of Sacramento County and owns real property in Sacramento County. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division who is a Purple Heart recipient from combat injuries (AK 47 round through his arm) occurring in the Noriega police operation (invasion of Panama) and currently a Sergeant in the California Army National Guard. He is a model citizen.
39. Plaintiff MARCUS DAVIS is a resident of Sacramento, California, husband and expecting father, and real property owner. He is mortgage broker, graduate of the University of California, Davis, and a model citizen.
40. Plaintiff VANCE BOYCE is a resident of Colusa, California, husband and father, and real property owner. He is a of California State University, Fresno.
41. Plaintiff KEN DEWALD is a resident of Paradise, California, husband and father, and real property owner. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and is currently employed as a California Correctional Officer and a model citizen.

Go ahead, Mike, you ignorant fraud. Tell your admirers on this board how these "defendants" are "far from ideal gun owners".

Now we can get into my recommendations of "civil disobedience"--you know there's no tradition of that in forging freedom for this country--no, I'm sure Thoreau and others would have applauded NRA grassroots having DOJ reps come before their membership to tell them the 2nd Amendment is not an individual right, and then demand they fill out registration forms for property they already lawfully purchased and owned. Yep, guilty as charged, and proud of it--because we've seen through the Bill Doss example how NRA's lawyer provided the escort service to surrender that registered weapon to the state. I don't know what the hell good Mike thinks 2A is if it means we're just going to obey every order the govt issues to us--including surrendering our firearms to the state on demand. If that's your idea of skillful activism, Mike, go for it. Me, I'll defy and resist and disobey, and live with the stinging pain of having incurred your bitchy and impotent scorn.

I guess we could now get into a debate on what kind of talent I AM close to possessing, but you know what, Mike? I really don't care what you think about me. I play damned well with others--that is, with men and women whom I respect. And I don't consider us on the same "side" Mike--You publicly lie about people and their efforts, and you don't know what you're talking about. I want as far from that side as I can get.

I'll be back in a few days. Feel free to use it to your best advantage. Someone who lies and doesn't know what he's talking about doesn't worry me too much.

Just see if you can nail him down to address the specific points I made in the article he used as the catalyst for his stupid, ineffectual attack.

David Codrea

One final word to those who are members and supporters of CalGuns Forums: Do you like being fed demonstrably false information, and then having what you're allowed to see and comment on manipulated and censored? Do you think it's fair to attack a person, his efforts and his reputation, and then prohibit that attacked party from presenting the truth? Then you've found the right place. Enjoy your association with such transparent and malicious propagandists.

Me, I'm not afraid of entering the lion's den, alone and against all they can muster, but surface appearances indicate they're afraid of me--even on their own turf. And unlike those cowardly gatekeepers who manipulate what they will allow you to consider in a debate, comments here at WarOnGuns are open--I think with the exception of some spam, a few pornographic comments and some ill-advised statements that might be construed as threats, I've never interfered with anyone saying anything--including comments highly critical of me.

I'm even going to be gone for a few days without computer access, so now's the time to get your cheap shots in, boys, and I use that term deliberately. You have something to say? Go for it.

That includes you , Mike.

The Wrong Hands

Anti-gun violence activist Lisa Price doesn't want to ban all guns. The wife of U.S. Rep. David Price, D-4th District, simply wants to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, she said...

That would be yours and mine...

While Price said she anticipates opposition in the House from lobbies of organizations such as the National Rifle Association, a spokesman for the NRA told The Herald-Sun he sees nothing wrong with tightening laws to assist law enforcement.

No. No, of course not.

We're the Only Ones Filial Enough

The son of Kalinga Gov. Dominador Belac Sr., who is also a rookie policeman, was arrested for firing his gun in Baguio City before dawn Monday, DZMM reported.

Wherever you go in this great wide world of ours, you'll always find "The Only Ones"...

This Day in History: December 26

At approximately 8 a.m. on the morning of December 26, 1776, General George Washington's Continental Army reaches the outskirts of Trenton, New Jersey, and descends upon the unsuspecting Hessian force guarding the city. Trenton's 1,400 Hessian defenders were still groggy from the previous evening's Christmas festivities and had underestimated the Patriot threat after months of decisive British victories throughout New York. The troops of the Continental Army quickly overwhelmed the German defenses, and by 9:30 a.m.Trenton was completely surrounded.

Merry Christmas 2006

To regular visitors: Thank you for the valuable gift of your time and attention, and the wisdom of your comments.

To newcomers: Welcome. I hope you consider what you've found here has merit, and that you'll return.

Now go be with the ones you love. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

This Day in History: December 25

And such they are--and such they will be found:
Not so Leonidas and Washington,
Their every battle-field is holy ground
Which breathes of nations saved, not worlds undone.
How sweetly on the ear such echoes sound!
While the mere victor's may appal or stun
The servile and the vain, such names will be
A watchword till the future shall be free.--Byron

"Just a Victim of Circumstances"

A funeral was held Saturday for Willie Posey. Posey was the bodyguard and friend of Chicago Bear Tank Johnson.

Many relatives attending the funeral spoke out against guns and violence...

"As a great man, a great father figure. I looked up to him growing up. It's just, you know, wrong place at the wrong time. That's how I feel. Just a victim of circumstances, basically," said Jerry Sanders, Posey's cousin.

Yeah, blame guns and circumstances. It's not like we have any control over choices we make in life or people we associate with.

We're the Only Ones Sobbing Enough

A policewoman's gun and badge were stolen from her New York City home as she slept -- and the bandit apparently also made off with her car...

"My son and I were asleep upstairs," she said. "I thought I was safe in my own home because of the work I do," she said later.

Neighbors said the 10-year veteran officer sobbed as she spoke about the break-in, The New York Post reported.

OK, I'll give up my guns and trust this hysterical wreck of an hormonal "Only One"-- who can't even protect herself and her own family-- to protect me and mine.

And watch any misuse of that stolen gun exploited by Bloomberg & Company as further reason to disarm us all.

Apocalypto

Saw it yesterday. Loved it.

I was initially not interested, wondering how Gibson could possibly have us empathize with people so culturally remote from us. Not a problem. There were times we were laughing so hard along with the characters on screen I was gasping, and, of course, times for other intense emotions.

Yes, it's not for the visually squeamish, and yes, I took the kids, 12 and 15, who have been raised properly and know how to view such things in proper context. They thought it was great.

Love, hate, individualism, courage, family, good, evil, blinding societal hubris, and especially allegory--they're all here. Two M1 thumbs up.

We're the Only Ones Audited Enough

Tuxedo Park has hired a forensic accounting firm to sniff out any "possible village monies or property allegedly stolen by former employees" of the police department, according to a resolution passed by village trustees last week.

But I thought they were "The Only Ones" who could be trusted with...

[Via Declan]

Dial "B" for BATFU

By now you've probably heard of suggestions by Wayne LaPierre and others to call the BATFU hotline and report Michael Bloomberg's self-proclaimed "straw purchases."

Tommy Sherman tried it, and here are the results:

David,

I called the ATF 800 # hotline to complain about Bloomingberg's obvious violations of the laws in his straw purchase scam. The call was answered in DC by a booger picking dweeb that wasn't the least bit interested in taking any calls about any illegialities. I was transferred to another dweeb in DC that referred & transferred me to the NY ATF office. No one answered at NY, obviously too busy out investigating minor infractions.

Tommy Sherman

Nah, I'm sure they're just all hot on the trail of Mark Wahlberg...

"Shooter"

Well,
well,
well...
Pokey-Poke with another gun...

Yeah, those "props" sure look fake...I'm sure there'd be no way to talk to the production people and determine if they were.

I mean, it's not like he's Wayne Fincher, and they have a newspaper photo of him or anything...


Poster © Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

This Day in History: December 24

On this day in 1745, patriot, physician and social reformer Benjamin Rush is born in Byberry Township, Pennsylvania. The two great "Benjamins" of the revolutionary generation, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush, shared status as Renaissance men and Philadelphians. Despite Franklin's greater fame, Dr. Rush was actually the better-educated, more widely traveled and more broadly experienced of the two.

Merry Christmas, Wayne Fincher

I'm also sending him some paper, envelopes and stamps--we'll see if they let him keep those.

They didn't.

I can't think of a single legitimate security reason for denying an inmate paper, envelopes and a handful of stamps, and am surprised the ACLU hasn't challenged this practice on First Amendment grounds.

Heartless pricks could have at least passed my letter on to him, to let him know people are thinking of him. I get this back the afternoon of the 22nd, and there's no way to get him a new message by Christmas to assure him he's not been abandoned. Here's what my letter said:

Dec. 8, 2006

Dear Mr. Fincher,

I hope this finds you strong. I just wanted to write and let you know that you have not been forgotten. I have included copies of what I have been posting on my blog, The War on Guns, since learning of your persecution.

Note that some of these are merely links to other sites, which I have not pasted into this letter—in those cases, just be aware that others are writing about you as well.

I don’t know if they will let you keep such things, but I am enclosing a few extra sheets of paper, envelopes and stamps for your use in case they do.

You will be in my prayers, and in the prayers of others.

Respectfully,

David Codrea

I'll try again, this time without any extras.

Related Posts

We're the Only Ones Correct Enough

City police arrested a state correction officer allegedly for possessing cocaine and a handgun.

Jeffrey M. Matthews, 36, of Watervliet, was already suspended without pay at the time of his arrest, said Linda Foglia, spokeswoman for the state Department of Correctional Services. She declined to say why, though Troy police reports state he was suspended after an earlier arrest in Albany.

Doesn't sound very self-correcting, does he?

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

Padre Pistolas

This jolly 240-pound man isn't dressed in red, and he doesn't rely on reindeer to pull a sled. Instead, he drives a pickup and packs a .38 pistol as he delivers toys. And though he looks like a cowboy, he's a man of the cloth.

Meet Alfredo Gallegos Lara, the parish priest of tiny Chucandiro, in the central state of Michoacán, 200 miles west of Mexico City. Dubbed "Padre Pistolas" (Father Guns), the towering, singing priest will deliver toys to the neediest children this holiday season and bring smiles in a region torn apart by heavy migration to the U.S. and a violent turf war between drug traffickers...

And here's the money quote:

"But we judge for his actions, not for what he says, and he does more than any other priest, certainly more than the government."

Don't Call it "Extortion." Call it a "Public/Private Partnership"

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Friday that the city will team up with a South Carolina gun dealer to make sure guns do not fall into the hands of criminals on New York City streets.

Go "team"!

Wayne Fincher Docket Posted

From Paul W. Davis:

The Docket for Wayne Fincher's case is posted at the following url:

http://usvfincher.110mb.com/docket/

Wayne's attorney has already seen this and approved. Please give this the widest dissemination possible.

I will be working with another individual to keep this updated.

Related Posts

This Day in History: December 23

On this day in 1783, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris, General George Washington resigns as commander in chief of the Continental Army and retires to his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Bush Administration Reverses Ashcroft Interpretation of Second Amendment

I received an email reply to my inquiry about the FAA declaring the Second Amendment a "collective right" in their recently issued spaceflight security regulations.

Dear Mr. Codrea:

Thank you for your comments on the human space flight requirements. This rule, including its security requirements, underwent coordination and review within the executive branch. It was reviewed and approved by the Executive Office of the President.

Your comments will be placed in the docket.

Sincerely,

Laura Montgomery

Laura Montgomery
Senior Attorney
Office of the Chief Counsel
Federal Aviation Administration
(202) 267-3150

This is what I sent back:

Dear Ms. Montgomery,

Thank you for your reply. You did not say who in the executive branch signed off on the security requirements, but I must assume they would not authorize policy that conflicts with the chief executive's direction and approval. Just so I don't misconstrue the position you appear to have articulated, am I to understand that the president of the United States considers the Second Amendment to be a "collective right," and the "individual rights" opinion AG Ashcroft stated during his tenure is not the official position of the Bush administration? And who in the executive branch approved the requirements on behalf of the president?

Sincerely,
David Codrea

When John Ashcroft penned his "individual rights" opinion, it made headlines around the world. Terms like "sea change" were thrown about, and we were told how significant the opinion was for gun rights. The Bradys went nuts. 18 state attorneys general followed suit and drafted their own letter of concurrence. And this was used to tremendous advantage to convince gun owners to throw their support behind the Bush administration.

But now we have it from one of the top attorneys in that administration that the "collective rights" language "was reviewed and approved by the Executive Office of the President."

Ladies and gentlemen, most will not realize this, but this is news, and it is significant. But chances are, this insignificant blog is the only place where you will learn of it, which means most gun owners will not.

Proof that it's the Gun's Fault

Three members of an armed teenage gang who killed a woman as she cradled a baby at a christening party were illegal immigrants with a string of convictions.

And that's why we need to keep you from having a gun. See, it all makes sense now.

Diverting from the main topic, here's something else the "authorized journalists" do that has bugged me for a long time:

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of murder.

If I have a budding Jeffrey Dahmer living near me, or some twisted little emo who sets fire to kittens or molests pre-schoolers, I'd just as soon know about it, thank you very much. Crusading editors have no problems publishing names of CCW holders for "the public good", but seem to think the age of the monsters among us require some sort of special protection--"for the children."

Gun Buy-Back Could Reduce Violence

Sure it could.

And if "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas.

Unwholesome and Offensive

Not only will the sale of guns be prohibited in the village, but also within a mile of Addison...

Village attorney George Marchetti said a state statue allows any village to prevent guns from being sold within a mile of that town.

“I believe the village has the discretion to determine that firearm sales are an unwholesome and offensive business,” he said...

[Mayor Larry] Hartwig said he doesn’t believe in the sale of guns and wants to protect residents from dangerous weapons.

The village has a webpage where they invite citizens to "Ask Mayor Hartwig" questions for his monthly cable access show. I would, but the only things I can think to say are unwholesome and offensive.

[Via HZ]

More Neocon Kool-Aid, Please...

But if Giuliani can make those issues seem secondary to a broader defense of American civilization, he's got a chance to go all the way.

Not if activist gun owners sick and tired of "moderate" republican treason have anything to say about it. We might as well vote for Sarah Brady.

You idiots just lost both houses and it looks like the presidency will be a democrat slam dunk. Here's the way things are turning: Enough of us--the critical mass by which most elections are won or lost--aren't falling for the "lesser of two evils" fear tactics that have served GOP apologists so well for all these years. The hell with that and the hell with you.

We don't get what we want, you don't get what you want. We'll just have to hold on and defy any new bans. There aren't enough JBTs to come after all of us, and if it's tried, my bet is the frog will finally jump. I think those who have been maintaining the illusion that they are in control fear that--or will learn to.

Sanctioned "dissenters" like Jonah Goldberg being passed off as voices of conservatism is one of the great frauds perpetrated by the "authorized journalists." That and NRA being extremist and unyielding on the Second Amendment.

This Day in History: December 22

On Friday, December 22, 1775, the Continental Congress creates a Continental Navy, naming Esek Hopkins, Esq., as commander in chief of the fleet.