Of Course You Realize This Means War

Responding to questions from Sen. Arlen Specter at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 18, Gonzales argued that the Constitution doesn'’t explicitly bestow habeas corpus rights; it merely says when the so-called Great Writ can be suspended.

"There is no expressed grant of habeas in the Constitution; there's a prohibition against taking it away,"” Gonzales said.

Where this idiot thinks the right came from in order that it could be taken away is a mystery.

Still, why the hell not amputate another obsolete legal appendage from another time? We can toss it into the dumpster of history with all the other useless relics.

After all, there's no First Amendment any more, what with "Campaign Finance Reform," FCC censorship, proposals to force political commentators to register with the government they're supposed to be critical of, censorship of "adult content" (and lest you think the people of the Founding era only meant to protect political and religious freedom, follow the link on my Jan. 19 "This Day in History" post), "hate speech" edicts, restrictions on freedom of assembly, laws forbidding the public expression of religion, etc.

And it's not like there's any recognized Second Amendment. Hell, the Bush administration just issued new FAA regs where they openly declare it to be a "collective right," and federal prosecutors are doing their utmost to destroy Wayne Fincher, while a federal judge greases the skids. Hell, according to him, there's not even a Constitution--at least one you can mention in his courtroom.

It's not like there's any Fourth Amendment, what with warrantless searches--yeah, they're just against "terrorists," that is, until We the People who believe in the Citizen Militia of the Constitution are classified as such, as an Arizona representathing is proposing. Besides, who needs a warrant when you can simply phone in an anonymous tip to a snitch line claiming an enemy has a gun and the authorities need to respond NOW!

It's not like there's a Sixth Amendment, what with the trial by jury subverted via judicial instructions that the judge, not the jury, is the most powerful authority in the court. Oh, and the anonymous tipsters mentioned above? So much for your right to face your accuser.

The Fifth and Eighth Amendments? Don't worry, "waterboarding" and other delights are just for terrorists. You know, like those militia freaks I mentioned a couple paragraphs back. Now wear your dog collar, get back in that pyramid and smile...

Ninth and Tenth Amendments? Ha. The whole damned country is ramped up for the War on Drugs with federal authority nowhere delegated in the Constitution, along with the federal hand in everything from education to health care to labor laws to environmentalcase activism to...besides which, all the neocon establishment opinionmakers will tell you there is no right to privacy (back to Amendment IV, I see)...

The evisceration of the Bill of Rights is damned near complete. Rulers so treasonous they behave as if following a demonic playbook are so blatant in their tyranny it's a wonder their horns aren't visible.

Hush now. Nothing to see here. There will be no war, even though one has been declared on us that would have spurred our forebears to storm the citadel in fury. Most of our countrymen will never miss what they never knew they had--until, of course, it's too late.

Honey, get me a beer? Hey--it's Saturday. Is there anything good on tonight?

[Via John Perna. Also thanks to US Citizen for calling my attention to the "Minuteman" story]

This is Not America

Does the Bill of Rights still serve as a guarantee of God-given rights against arbitrary abuses of government power? Or is it just a 215-year-old piece of paper that can be disregarded at the whim the authorities?

Doug Newman illustrates "What the Hollis Wayne Fincher Case Means to You."

[More about Wayne Fincher via WarOnGuns]

New WarOnGuns Poll: Should Released Felons Get Their "Gun Rights" Back?

Your choices are:

__YES-They have paid their debt to society
__NO-They've proven they can't be trusted
__MAYBE-NO for violent crimes, YES for nonviolent or unconstitutional convictions like "gun law" violations
__If they're still violently dangerous, why are they being let go?

Take the new poll in the left margin of this page. This one is supposed to let you give multiple answers.

Many thanks to 1894C for suggesting this topic.

Here are the results of the last poll, "Wayne Fincher Should Receive :"

We're the Only Ones Understanding the Seriousness Enough

Seven weapons, including two submachine guns, were stolen last weekend from an FBI agent's vehicle in Southwest Washington, the agency said yesterday.

Also taken were ammunition, a police radio, bullet-resistant vests, body armor and photography equipment, the FBI said.

Well, the feds steal our weapons all the time--seems turnabout's fair play. At least the thieves didn't burn down their headquarters and massacre their women and children.

Their guy left that stuff in an unattended vehicle. I'm sure glad "The Only Ones" are so much more capable of keeping weapons out of "the wrong hands" than we ordinary mortals.

Oh, and WaPo "Authorized Journalists"--what was the agent's name again? I didn't quite catch that while you were acting in your capacity as government watchdog...

[Via Kurt Hofmann, who also titled this post, and K-Romulus]

Second Amendment Carnival VIII

Stan, over at Free Constitution, is once more "providing the best 2nd Amendment coverage the blogosphere has to offer." Go check it out.

The Next Waco?

There is a situation that is taking place in Concord, N.H. that merits the attention of all those concerned with the Rights of We The People.

E. David Quammen calls our attention to the plight of Ed Brown, a citizen in New Hampshire who is putting his life on the line to defy federal authority.

I've been following the thread over at The Claire Files on this to learn more.

A Woman's Touch

In order to right this perceived injustice they have decided to treat boys in school as if they were defective girls...

Another area of attack in the schools has been the zero tolerance of guns. Up to 25 or 30 years ago, kids took guns to school and left them in their cars or in cloak rooms. Now, boys have been suspended for using their thumb and forefinger to visualize their "Bang! Bang!" Classes of little children are led in chants of: "I will never use a gun." This dangerous fruit of feminism is both anti-gun and anti-self defense.

Kudos, Larry Pratt for not being afraid to dive into the roiling waters of political correctness. And applause for Kate O'Beirne--I'm going to buy her book today.

I've noticed women getting much more enthused about firearms and self defense when taught by other women--it's an approach and confidence thing that men are often insensitive to. That's why groups like Liberty Belles and Armed Females of America can be so important.

[Via Skip]

No Insult Meant to Whorehouses at Low Tide...

"Welcome to Chicago," says the cop played by Sean Connery to FBI agent Elliot Ness in the 1987 gangster-era film "The Untouchables."

"This town stinks like a whorehouse at low tide."

I.Carry.org presents a trifecta of corruption. These are the vile criminal plunderers who disarm you and me under force of law.


[Via HZ]

This Day in History: January 20

On this day in 1777, Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson leads 400 “raw” men from the New Jersey militia and 50 Pennsylvania riflemen under Captain Robert Durkee in an attack against a group of 500 British soldiers foraging for food led by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Abercromby near Van Nest’s Mills in Millstone, New Jersey.

Off to a Crawl

There wasn't exactly a rush of people in Platte County aiming to earn the right to start packing a concealed handgun during the first week of eligibility.

The Nebraska State Patrol issued one concealed carry permit to a Platte County applicant during the first week (Jan. 3) Nebraskans were eligible to apply, according to information released last week by the State Patrol.

Don't you just love the mentality that thinks we must "earn the right"?

I'd like to say this doesn't surprise me due to the "legal" infringements (oxymoron!) thrown in the way of a right that shouldn't require permitting, but the truth is, most of our countrymen just don't give a damn.

We can do our best to educate and inform, but I fear society as a whole is going to need to take a persuasive beating before people start to rouse from their apathetic slumber. We saw it in the LA riots, when potential gun buyers (no shortage of "antis" among them) were indignant to find out there was a waiting period, and oh, by the way, all "legal" sales had been suspended pending further notice.

Brady Paradise

The government management in the area said that anyone who is seen or caught carrying a gun will be shot. The order does not affect the government soldiers either in plain clothes or in uniform.

In fitting irony, the Somali national anthem is titled "Somalia, Wake Up."

Contra Costa Times Slimes Nugent

This would normally be the place we'd insert a smart-aleck remark about the celebrity in question ... if we weren't afraid the celebrity in question would hunt us down and kill us.

Ha ha. Witty "liberal." Ha ha.

What a lying punk.

"Down With Guns!"

"Up With Peace, Down With Guns," they chanted on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as Rockaway residents of all ages and community leaders marched to retake their streets and end the gun violence that claimed four young lives and brought 2006 to a bloody close.

You have to register to read the rest of the story, but somehow I don't think it will be worth the time to do so. I guess I'll never know if Miram Rosenberg reported on the elephant in the parade...

I guess chanting brainless slogans is just a whole lot easier than addressing difficult issues.

Two, Four, Six...

The tipster alerted cops about Bianchino through an anonymous program called "Gun Stop," in which people can confidentially inform the department about illegal guns and receive a reward of $1,000.

Charges are pending against Bianchino.

Well, I guess if they don't respect the Second Amendment (and possibly the Fourth--the story said nothing about a search warrant), there's no reason to expect anyone in government to give a damn about the Sixth:

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right...to be confronted with the witnesses against him...

And the Most Effective Use of Hysteria and Propaganda in a Headline Award Goes To...

'Toy' gun killed our tragic son

Bloody brilliant.

We're the Only Ones Rangy Enough

City officials could face a debate over gun rights after the police chief suspended the licenses of a shooting range at which a woman killed herself in October.

The issue is headed for the City Council, and possibly the courts, with the police chief asking for new regulations that would ban customers who don’t have a firearm identification card from entering the shooting range. A lawyer representing the range said yesterday that such a measure could force the business to close.

So if it's up to the "Only Ones" chief, novices, who don't have enough interest to procure a permit just to try something new, will never be introduced to the shooting sports, and importantly, to the safety training and familiarity with firearm handling they afford. That way, if they ever do come across a gun, they'll be completely untrained. Plus, there will be fewer in the general population "legally permitted" to keep and bear arms (talk about an oxymoron!)

This Day in History: January 19

On this day in 1764, the British Parliament expels John Wilkes from its ranks for his reputedly libelous, seditious and pornographic writings. Over the next 12 years, Wilkes' name became a byword for Parliamentary oppression both in Britain and in Britain's North American colonies.

School Safety for Hand Puppets

"The next thing we know," Kukla said, "he pulled multiple weapons out from under his clothes and out of his backpack"...

Her message -- along with that of four other speakers -- was: Make guns easier to track and harder to get for those who shouldn't have them...

"The question is whether you allow law-abiding citizens to defend themselves," Valone said.

Kukla disagreed.

Naturally. When you insist on being a pathetic and helpless herd animal, what would it say about your lack of courage and character to know there are others who refuse to be--what was the word Machiavelli used?--"contemptible."

How many "gun laws" did the assailant willfully ignore, and her solution is to enact even more? When it comes to school safety, brainless puppet Kukla makes about as much sense as Fran and Ollie.

And why would any responsible parent trust the lives of their children to her care?

We're the Only Ones Raging Against the Machine Enough

An off-duty Hollywood police officer has been charged with threatening a family with a gun in an act of road rage, authorities said.

We've been down this road before. What more proof do we need that only "The Only Ones" are trained, trustworthy and stable enough to bear arms?

Happy motoring!

We're the Only Ones Who Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges Enough

More than 3,600 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or Homeland Security Department airport security uniforms and badges have been lost or stolen over the past five years, The Washington Times reports.

Fly the friendly skies--with "The Only Ones."


[Via Wm H]

A BIDS Clarification

I received the following clarifying points on the Blind Identification Database System (BIDS) from Russ Howard and Brian Puckett in response to my recent "Talkin' to America" interview with Aaron Zelman of JPFO:

From Russ Howard:

Good article in Guns Magazine - and JPFO interview. Thanks for bringing it up again when no one else will! A few key things I'd like to emphasize. Not that you don't already know...

1. The government doesn't need to establish a registration system. It already has one, with national lists. Private dealer lists are de facto national registration lists. In that regard, NICS is a dangerous red herring. Keeping names through NICS would be a convenience for the government over the existing national registration system, but the government can already get the names from dealers when it gets the will. Until dealer lists are discontinued and destroyed, we have national registration. If any group knows the historical danger of de facto registration via privately held state-mandated gun owner lists, it's JPFO.

2. Full implementation of BIDS implies timely destruction, soon after BIDS passes, of all private dealer records that identify gun buyers. Currently, dealers that go out of business are required to turn over their lists to the government. Waiting for a dealer to go out of business to require list destruction would be unreliable as the dealer would likely be bankrupt, dead, disabled, etc., and the lists of those dealers who don't go out of business would always be available for confiscation. As long as dealers keep gun buyer identifications, we have national registration. As Brian Puckett notes (see email below), "There is no point in keeping one branch of the government from compiling a list of gun owners if other branches are doing that exact thing". Likewise, there's no point eliminating lists directly held by the government without eliminating indirectly held lists that can become directly held at any time. It's lame to fight the former while ignoring the latter, perpetuating the myth that we don't already have registration.

3. In re: "We think just deleting GCA 68 entirely is preferable to gutting it via BIDS"... Of course, that's our preference too. Anyone who knows us should know if we could eliminate GCA 68 by snapping our fingers, it would be gone. We don't want to save GCA 68 with BIDS, we want to eviscerate it.

But just deleting GCA 68 is not going to happen - certainly not in one fell swoop. So why not at least use BIDS as a persuasive hammer to beat the enemy over the head, and use it to expose the key goal of those who push registration via background checks? A pro forma argument might go something like ...

"Registration does not have to be an intrinsic aspect of background checks. The law could be changed so that a dealer could check to make sure a buyer is not a violent criminal without the government ever knowing who is buying guns, and without the creation of lists of gun owners. If you want background checks for crime reduction rather than as a vehicle for registration for the purpose of eventual confiscation, and if there are viable ways for dealers to avoid selling to criminals without building de facto registration lists of decent citizens, then why insist on coupling background checks with registration? The anti-gun crowd insists on marrying background checks and registration because it's really about registration and confiscation for them, not crime control."

BIDS is not a compromise. It doesn't give up something in return for something else. It gives the enemies of freedom nothing, while taking a lot back.

BIDS isn't just incremental. It totally guts the most dangerous aspect of GCA 68, and it's self-reinforcing. It largely eliminates the gun grabbers' incentive to defend the surviving sections of GCA 68. It essentially repeals GCA 68, but the name would live on, like a hollow tree ready to fall over in a high wind.

From Brian Puckett:

[G]un buyer checks are not going to be repealed unless we have a change of government, or the Supreme Court starts adhering to the written constitution, or the public starts thinking its a good idea for paroled murderers to walk into stores and buy guns. This will not happen any time soon, if ever. BIDS will eliminate all the bad parts of background checks, since the government doesn't perform them and therefore doesn't know who's buying a gun. If the entire proposal is accepted, all dealer forms would be destroyed..., AND the government would destroy its ongoing compilation of gun owners via surrendered dealer form 4473's.

As noted in the proposal:

(a) Elimination of current records.

One purpose of BIDS is to eliminate possible gun owner registration via NICS background searches and associated records. If that goal is valid, then it makes no sense to continue other methods of gun owner registration. Therefore any requirement that dealers enter the names of gun buyers on firearm transaction records (such as BATF Form 4473, or state Dealers Record of Sale forms) should be halted. There is no point in keeping one branch of the government from compiling a list of gun owners if other branches are doing that exact thing.

In keeping with the overall goal of eliminating gun owner registries, ideally every gun owner's name would be deleted from every existing state and federal electronic registry, and from every paper record in federal, state, or private hands.

At a time when there are those in government coveting an expansion of NICS to include a full-blown database registry, it's not unfair to ask why the major gun groups--who have known about BIDS for years--refuse to explore its potential. If the only place you hear about it is via a humble blog like this, get ready for more infringements of your rights.

Wayne Fincher Update: January 18

From Paul W. Davis, the Wayne Fincher docket "is updated through the end of the trial."

***

I missed this report from a few days back. The following immediately caught my attention:

Wendy Johnson, assistant U. S. attorney, said the investigation of the Militia of Washington County continues.

“[Fincher and his supporters ] are good people, and they believe very strongly,” Johnson said. “Those beliefs are just contrary to the laws of the land.”

No, Wendy, last time I checked, the Constitution was "the supreme law of the land," and my copy still says "shall not be infringed."

We know that's not the interpretation you and other members of the Bush administration argue in court and elsewhere, but there it is.

But continue persecuting "good people," Wendy. It's not like this country doesn't have real and evil domestic enemies, with whom you have apparently aligned.

Good Lord, Wendy, is this really what you wanted to do with your life?

***

We're up to 17 now on the Free Wayne Webring. Join us.

[More about Wayne Fincher via WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: January 18

On the evening of January 18, 1776, the Council of Safety in Savannah, Georgia, issues an arrest warrant for the colony’s royal governor, James Wright. Patriots led by Major Joseph Habersham of the Provincial Congress then took Wright into custody and placed him under house arrest.

Free Wayne Webring Update

13 sites in two days--not bad, but we can do better.

Please join, or if you don't have a site or blog, encourage those you frequent to do so.

[More about Wayne Fincher via WarOnGuns]

A Compelling Reason

"I can't find a compelling reason for anybody to have a gun in this courthouse," Commissioner Scott Gillenwaters said.

You'd better pray a compelling reason never finds you, foolish man.

Off-duty law enforcement officers will be allowed to tote weapons in the courthouse, the panel decided in a separate vote.

Ah, yes. As we've demonstrated countless times here at WarOnGuns, only "The Only Ones" are competent and trustworthy enough to bear arms.

A "Startling Success"

Police Commissioner Ed Davis had barely been on the job two weeks when the gun violence that has ripped through Boston’s neighborhoods took another life - a 14-year-old middle school student.

Ten days later, another 14-year-old was shot to death. Less than two weeks later, a 13-year-old boy was gunned down.

That's funny. The eggheads at Harvard's Kennedy School of Subversion...I mean...Government, would have us believe that "Preliminary date" from Operation Ceasefire "suggest that this strategy has had a dramatic impact on reducing gang violence."

I hope this doesn't mean that Project Exile hasn't yielded "startling success" in Richmond or Philadelphia...

Ai Chihuahua!

Mexican drug gangs are armed with assault weapons bought at gun shows in the United States and smuggled across the border, a report says.

Nice. The corrupt Mexican government does its utmost to facilitate illegal border crossings, and then complains the permeable border facilitates Mexican corruption.

So obviously, the solution is to curtail more freedoms of American citizens.

My cabeza hurts.

Everybody's bought and read this, right?

A List Addition

Criticize the need for guns, the obsession with guns, and you're labeled unpatriotic, anti-Constitution or - horrors - a liberal.

You forgot "Nazi."

Goodfella

"Goodfellas" actor Paul Sorvino pulled a gun on his daughter's ex-boyfriend after the man pounded on her hotel door and made threats, the daughter testified Tuesday.

As I noted here, Sorvino was one of the few from the Hollywood set I recall who attended California Rifle and Pistol Association banquets back in the days when I was a "true believer" and went to such events myself.

Now if he could just get his idiot other daughter Mira to lay off the citizen disarmament support...

A Snowball's Chance

Rep. Bartlett, of Maryland, has introduced HR 73. I'll paste its text in extended remarks below. It doesn't have a snowball's chance of getting out of Judiciary Committee, but the effort is praiseworthy.

As usual, David Hardy's opinion is something we should heed.

Thing is, the bill ain't exactly new. Bartlett has been shopping a variation around for many years now--here's a link to a GOA article from Sept. 1999 (scroll to bottom).

I guess the real question ought to be what the hell good was it having a Republican-dominated congress all those years before the Pelosi regime if something as straightforward and righteous as this couldn't get enacted?

[Via Straightarrow]

This Day in History: January 17

Relying upon strategic creativity, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and a mixed Patriot force rout British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton and a group of Redcoats and Loyalists at the Battle of Cowpens on this day in 1781.

We're the Only Ones Oxymoronic Enough

The Rockport Police Department’s domestic violence officer has been charged with firing a weapon during a dispute with his wife.

You cannot make this stuff up. Only "The Only Ones" can.

We're the Only Ones Shocking Enough

A police officer was accidentally shocked by another officer's stun gun while they were trying to subdue a teenager suspected of being drunk, according to a police report.

Another electrifying moment for "The Only Ones."

A Fairfax Republican

A northern Virginia senator is taking aim at gun shows with legislation to require private sellers to run criminal background checks on their customers.

Sen. Jeanne-marie Devolites Davis, R-Fairfax, said Monday that the so-called gun show loophole makes it all too easy for criminals to get firearms.

Fairfax? That's some lobbying success.

Until the Republicans are shown that creatures like this will be repelled at the polls, they will continue to betray their duty to the Constitution.

I also like the quote from the little girl, which is an accurate measure of the mindset of so-called "adults" who bleat to be disarmed.

I don't suppose with all this renewed interest in background checks that our Fairfax gun lobby will show any interest in an alternative?

This Day in History: January 16

British Admiral Sir George Rodney, with 18 “ships-of-the-line,” engages an inferior Spanish squadron of 11 battleships commanded by Don Juan de Langara off the southwestern coast of Portugal at Cape St. Vincent, in what comes to be known as “The Moonlight Battle.” (“Ships-of-the-line” is the 18th century term for ships substantial enough to be used in a battle line, a tactic of war in which two lines of ships faced off against each other.)

Because "Bounty" Sounds so much Nicer than "Snitch"

The program is a gun bounty program modeled after one in Jacksonville. It lets people turn in others who are carrying guns illegally, all to get a reward...

"We’re actually going to offer through CrimeLine $1,000 reward to anyone that turns in somebody that has an illegal gun or a gun that has been used in a crime of some sort. And that's a pretty significant reward, $1,000, and you can do it anonymously."

Dyer says the program has been effective in Jacksonville, but it’s impossible to calculate the exact impact it had on crime there.

Great way to get rid of the competition if you're a drug dealer, or for an "Only One" to bypass that pesky Fourth Amendment and anonymously phone in his own "tips."

And don't you just love the way they claim it's "effective" but can't come up with any proof?

Somebody Fisk This Moron

I don't have time today.

We're the Only Ones Recovering Enough

Police investigating a report of shots fired early Saturday morning on the South Side arrested two men who allegedly had a gun stolen from a Schuylkill Haven, Pa., police officer.

Thank goodness--another gun "off the streets."

This seems to happen so often to "The Only Ones," maybe they should consider having a "buyback."

Alicia Off-Key on "Mommy" State

It seems like more and more Hollywood women are taking a trip to the gun shop.

Now, adding herself to the list, Alicia Keys says she is considering buying a gun for protection...

That's fine, Ms. Keys. Taking responsibility for your own protection is a requirement of being a free and responsible adult.

You'd think someone who realizes that would also realize America doesn't "need a mommy." And, incidentally, all the "mommys" currently viewed as in the running for president aren't exactly friendly to the idea of a woman having the right to choose keeping and bearing arms.

Join the "Free Wayne" Web Ring

Blogonomicon has taken this idea and made it happen, along with a fine representative graphic by Hairy Hobbit. See my left sidebar.

Many thanks, gentlemen, for creating this.

If you have a blog or website, please join us to help develop and maintain internet awareness and show solidarity. If you don't have a site but still want to help, please contact other sites you frequent and ask them to join.

[More about Wayne Fincher via WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: January 15

Having recognized the need for their territory to assert its independence from both Britain and New York and remove themselves from the war they were waging against each other, a convention of future Vermonters assembles in Westminster and declares independence from the crown of Great Britain and the colony of New York on this day in 1777. The convention’s delegates included Vermont’s future governor, Thomas Chittenden, and Ira Allen, who would become known as the "father" of the University of Vermont.

I'm sure old Ira would have approved of this then...

Pentagon to Develop Super-Suits

The Pentagon is hoping that a new type of suit will give its soldiers super-human powers. It would be made from a newly developed super-strong but super-lightweight fabric that could stop bullets and increase the soldiers muscle power up to a hundredfold.

If and when they get the super-suit perfected, is there any question they'll be limited to the standing army/"Only Ones," and possession by the "militia" will be verboten?

This story reminded me of one of my favorite old "Outer Limits" episodes.

Another Senseless DHMO Death

A 28-year-old woman has died of water intoxication after taking part in a Californian radio station's water drinking contest.

She was in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" competition trying to win a Nintendo Wii video game system.

The answer, of course, is common sense water control laws, although some of us wonder if an outright ban on this dangerous substance might not be in everyone's interest.

If it saves one life...

We're the Only Ones Violating Parole Enough

Calamia, a former Indialantic police officer and Brevard Community College criminal justice instructor, pleaded no contest in 1988 to the execution-style killing of former reserve Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputy Gary Smith in 1987.

So the issue shouldn't be what's he doing out of the country, or what's he doing holding an AK-47.

The issue should be what the HELL is a convicted execution murderer doing out in the general population in the first place?

He served 10 years behind bars? Meanwhile, a crack dealer with a gun who never shot, let alone killed anyone just got 55.

But then, he's not an "Only One."

New WarOnGuns Poll

I'm playing around with a new poll feature (see left sidebar).

I dunno.

Is it worth it? Should I keep it or dump it?

• Keep it?
• Dump it?
• Who cares?

I'll leave it up for a week. If it can attract a few hundred votes in that time, I'll figure there's enough interest to keep it.

Romney Retreats on Gun Control

[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration.]

Former governor Mitt Romney, who once described himself as a supporter of strong gun laws, is distancing himself from that rhetoric now as he attempts to court the gun owners who make up a significant force in Republican primary politics...

But perhaps the most significant gun legislation Romney signed as governor was a 2004 measure instituting a permanent ban on assault weapons. The Legislature mirrored the law after the federal assault weapons ban, which was set to expire. According to activists at the time, the bill made Massachusetts the first state to enact its own such ban, and Romney hailed the move.

"These guns are not made for recreation or self-defense," he was quoted as saying. "They are instruments of destruction with the sole purpose of hunting down and killing people."

That's a lot more than just "rhetoric." Now that some are trying to help him erase the past, it would seem fair to require proof that he really has "reformed."

I'll change my opinion if he provides the right and unequivocal answers to some clear questions. If he won't, and he won't, you'll know he continues to be just another in a long train of power-mad political swindlers, which of course, he is:

1. Do you believe that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land" and that the Bill of Rights acknowledges the birthrights of all Americans?

2. If so, should these rights be proactively protected from infringement by all levels of government, including city, county, state and federal? Will you direct the Department of Justice to do this?

3. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider constitutional.

4. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider unconstitutional.

5. Does the right to bear arms include the right for any peaceable citizen to carry them concealed without a permit, as in Vermont?

6. Do you believe that Americans have a right to own, use and carry weapons of military pattern?

7. Do you support or oppose Project Exile-type programs, and do you agree with current NRA management’s call to “enforce existing gun laws”? Where is the Constitutional authority for this, and how do you square it with "shall not be infringed"?

8. Do you support or oppose licensing requirements to own or carry firearms? Why?

9. What specific gun laws will you work to get repealed?

10. If elected, will you back your words of support for firearms rights up with consistent actions? How?

11. How will you personally atone for your past support of citizen disarmament edicts?

I'm sending these questions to the Romney campaign. Don't hold your breath.

[Photo from Organization for Mitt Romney blog: Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, right, and National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre talk with attendees while touring the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., Friday, Jan. 12, 2007. Romney has formed a presidential exploratory committee for the 2008 election. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhac)]

Wayne Fincher Update: January 14

Washington County Militia Leader Convicted in Federal Court

Fincher's defense argued that the law under which he was charged is unconstitutional because it violates the 2nd Amendment's guarantee of citizens' rights to bear arms...Prosecutors told jurors the case was simple -- Fincher had the machine guns and they weren't registered as required.

"No, his defense didn't argue a thing--they were not allowed to by the judge. If your only source of news as "authorized journalists," this piece would make you think Wayne Fincher got a fair trial.

U.S. Constitution One Nail Closer To Burial

The results of this governmental abuse of power are the tragedies of an innocent man in jail, his family broken-hearted and the abusers celebrating their contrived victory.

This case truly has never been about the law, evidence and justice. If it had, Fincher would have remained a free man and would have been found not guilty by the jury.

Dale Morfrey shares some candid observations.

[More about Wayne Fincher via WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: January 14

On this day in 1784, the Continental Congress ratifies the Second Treaty of Paris, ending the War for Independence.

I'm afraid the war for independence will never be over as long as there are those who make war against independence.

The "Free Wayne" Web Ring

It's just a thought, but one I don't have time to execute myself: a "Free Wayne!" web ring, to help develop and maintain internet awareness and to show solidarity. Here's the Web Ring site where this could be set up.

If you have a blog/website and would want to participate as a ring member, drop a comment below.

If you can assume the role of Ring Master and set everything up, let's discuss it in the Comments.

Maybe we can start out with a solicitation to develop an identifying graphic, maybe a Gadsden flag with "Free Wayne!" or some such...?

If there's interest and someone wants to take the lead, let's get a comment thread going.

Is there any support for this?

UPDATE:

Graphic courtesy of Hairy Hobbit

We're the Only Ones Lying Enough

A narcotics team that shot and killed an elderly woman while raiding her home lied to obtain the search warrant, one team member has told federal investigators, according to news reports confirmed by a person familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity.

You know, when you consider the whole point behind having a government in the first place is to protect our lives, our rights and our property...

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

We're the Only Ones Safely Storing Enough

A Valparaiso police officer's handgun and ammunition were stolen after someone broke into her home late Thursday or early Friday morning.

So locking your gun up in one place and your ammunition in another is something "The Only Ones" only tell us to do...?

Capping Gun Crime with Hip-Hop

He's recorded the R&B/hip-hop single "Da Truth Hurts" as part of a new promotional campaign for Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program created to reduce gun crimes through local programs.

Project Safe Neighborhoods? Oh, yeah, the NRA management/George Bush-endorsed program that the feds used to bust Wayne Fincher.

I wonder how many attendees will get shot at that concert "Mike Nasty" is planning?

"Romney Supports Gun Rights"

"I support the right of individuals to keep and bear arms as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution," said Romney, former governor of Massachusetts.

Sure he does.

God damned liar.

And why the hell is Wayne LaPierre squiring him around?

Ron Paul for President

Ron Paul, the iconoclastic nine-term congressman from southeast Texas, took the first step Thursday toward launching a second presidential bid in 2008, this time as a Republican.

I note some of the dullards on gun forums have already started naysaying this decision, which will lead eventually to accusations of wasting our votes and demands to fall in lockstep behind whatever gungrabber with an (R) after his name is imposed on us.

The immediate effect will be to convince gun owners that this is a lost cause and thus a waste of their time, money and effort, that is, to discourage us from getting behind this. If we listen to such unimaginitive (or manipulative) counsel, we will squander a grand opportunity to afford Dr. Paul a mass media forum for advancing his ideas and educating our countrymen on liberty.

[Via JR, Kurt , and Tom]

We're the Only Ones Babysitting Enough

The unsuspecting Marcello dropped broad hints about his source inside the U.S. Marshals Service during conversations with his incarcerated brother in 2003. FBI agents heard every word about the man Marcello called "the babysitter."

Deputy marshal John Thomas Ambrose surrendered Thursday to FBI agents who say he was the source who spilled to Marcello secrets about a federally protected witness to organized crime.

Nice to see "The Only Ones" can apparently be trusted to protect witnesses as well as they do our rights.

[Via Tommy Sherman]

Wayne Fincher Update: January 13*

Fincher found guilty of having illegal weapons

Round one went to the government Friday...

Fincher's attorney, Oscar Stilley, vowed to appeal the verdict all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Friends: Fincher No Danger

"Wayne helped form this militia, in part, to prove his constitutional right to do so," said Don Bright, a longtime friend of Fincher's. "This is not a violent man by any means, but what we're seeing here is a jury that didn't get to hear his side of the story."

Email from Paul W. Davis:

It has been another long day in Court, and again, not a pleasant one. I was very concerned when I saw the thrust of Oscar's summation last night. I prayed that he would not get cited for contempt, which was a very likely event given the drive to clamp down on anything that references the 2nd Amendment and the rights of Jurors.

Thus it was quite a blessing to see that the one objection the US Attorney had, the Judge overruled. It was plainly obvious that she did not like the argument Oscar made. However, the Judge allowed him to make it as the Jury Instructions were a directed verdict based upon the fact that Wayne never denied having the arms in question. Frankly, I'm surprised the Jury too as long as they did (almost 5 hours), if they followed the instructions given. Personally, if one followed the jury instructions, deliberations would have taken only as long as it takes to write "yes" twice on the forms. I am going to post the Jury Instructions, both as proposed, and as finally delivered. You will be shocked at what you see.

It was hard on Wayne's family, even though they were told last night to expect the worst. However, Wayne is not broken, and is determined to go on. When Oscar and I visited with Wayne prior to the jury returning from deliberations, he said it was worth it to expose the fraud that exists in the law, and how it is done in this country. Plainly, the Federal courts are corrupt, and are more interested in procedure and precedent, than in administering judgement and justice. This will be appealed.

However, there was one thing that happened today that disturbed me greatly. As Oscar and I walked back from lunch, he received a phone call in which it was brought to his attention that someone said that he should have done this or that, that he did or didn't do. Though I am not a lawyer, I am neither ignorant, nor stupid and I do know somewhat about the law. I can tell you that it is very hard to stand up there and get slammed to the carpet time and again and have the Judge angry at you repeatedly because you will not give up on pushing to get your arguments heard. Oscar was repeatedly called down by the Judge and told to essentially "shut up." Throughout this trial, Oscar has tried vigorously to get justice done, and was shut down at every turn. The Judge was not interested in the law, only procedure and precedent. In fact, if memory serves, the jury never actually read, or heard the text of either 18 USC 922(o) or 26 USC 5861. I believe the court record will bear out my recollection. Nonetheless, they were "able" to determine that Wayne had violated a law that they never knew exactly what the law said. Needless to say, before I left to go to court this morning I picked up my copy of Alexandr I. Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago and took it with me to place on the table beside me.

All that being stated, I would that certain be careful about armchair quarterbacking as they were not there and not facing a totally hostile court. If Oscar told me once, he probably told me a good dozen times over the last four days that this is a tax case, meaning that they were playing dirty here just like in a tax case. However, I know that Oscar does not give up easily either (just like Wayne) and so he was not going to quit.

Now, that being stated as well, help would and will be greatly appreciated as Oscar was already busy and took the case because no one wanted to touch it, and he could not stand to see Wayne railroaded. At least now, we have a solid record of the proceedings and the things done had to be done in full view of the public.

Unfortunately, they found Wayne guilty on both counts. However, I know that good will come out of this. We now have to move forward to gather information about several things, not the least of which is information on all US Appellate court decisions that are firearms related.

[More About Wayne Fincher via WarOnGuns]

*Sorry-I originally mistakenly entered "January 14."

This Day in History: January 13

In the early morning hours of January 13, 1776, British forces raid Prudence Island, Rhode Island, in an effort to steal a large quantity of sheep. But, upon landing on the island’s southern beaches, the British were ambushed by fifteen Minutemen from Rhode Island’s Second Company led by Captain Joseph Knight, who had been tipped off to the Brits’ plans and rowed across Narragansett Bay from Warwick Neck the previous morning.

Fincher Guilty In Machine Gun Case

It took a jury just under five hours to find Hollis Wayne Fincher guilty of owning illegal machine guns and a sawed-off shotgun.

[Via US vs Fincher]

[More About Wayne Fincher]

Wayne Fincher Case: Ruling on the Motion in Limine

I've just had time to browse through this and won't be able to give it a detailed read until tonight.

One point that stands out: the prosecutor is arguing the official position of the Bush adminstration Department of Justice.

Feel free to give your own analysis below.

I also note that closing arguments are scheduled for 9:00 am today in Fayetteville, which means they're probably going on as I type these words.

[Via Paul W. Davis]

[More About Wayne Fincher]

We're the Only Ones Stunning Enough

The indictment accuses Hood of using the Taser in August 2005 on a handcuffed man at a Colonial Beach motel. The indictment also alleges Hood used a Taser on a man in September 2005, causing him to fall backward and strike his head.

Hood then used his Taser on the man a second time as he lay on the ground, prosecutors said.

Turner is accused of completing false reports on both incidents.

While Turner asked for an FBI review of the Colonial Beach policy on Taser use, the indictment alleges the chief supplied false police reports and made false statements during the review.

What did Captain Renault say?

"I'm shocked, shocked..."

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

GIGO*

AMERICAN states where more people own guns have higher murder rates, including murders of children, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have reported...

"Our findings suggest that in the United States, household firearms may be an important source of guns used to kill children, women and men, both on the street and in their homes," said Matthew Miller, assistant professor of health policy and injury prevention, who led the study...

After dividing the states into four groups based on how many households had guns, the researchers found the states in the highest quartile of firearm ownership had overall homicide rates 60 per cent higher than states in the lowest quartile.

I haven't seen this study, so I'm going out on a limb here, but there's a big difference between households that have guns and households where guns are owned.

Violent urban felons have guns, but they don't legally own them, so if they're included in the mix, the results are automatically tainted and skewed in favor of citizen disarmament, and I suspect that's exactly what this whole show is all about. This "news" account also doesn't differentiate between whether any of the homicides were justified, whether any were committed by law enforcement, and what percentage were suicides--and as we've seen, if you want to reduce those, you'll get better results by disarming "The Only Ones."

Here's a "study" I'd like to see these eggheads document: Take the 4 million or so active members of the NRA, arguably the most heavily armed civilian population on the planet, and track their murder rate. I'd bet Prof. Miller a thousand dollars it's lower than the general population's murder rate in disarmed Japan.

If owning guns correlates to the 60% homicide differential he claims, it sounds like easy money. Any bets he'll take that bet?

*Garbage In/Garbage Out

Eyewitness Update from the Wayne Fincher Trial

David,

I cannot update you very much at this point as it is late, and it has been a difficult day. I am much reminded of the show trials of the Soviet Union in the 1920's: everything looked proper,but was very wrong. When this is all done I will be posting documents like mad to the Militia website. There will be many "must read" records from the court. I would highly encourage someone to setup a mirror site in the event this one is taken down. I do not expect it will be,but one never knows.

I spent about 45 minutes in private conversation with Wayne after proceedings were done for the day. Since Wayne is a dear friend, it was precious time to have. Wayne has not given in, and will not give up. After Oscar and I left the Federal Building, I told Oscar that the most honorable man in the courtroom today was Wayne Fincher. He agreed.

I will send more tomorrow.

Warmest regards,

Paul W. Davis

Via separate email, Mr. Davis also calls our attention to Document 26-1 of the Docket, giving us an update on how Mr. Fincher's health issues have been treated.

[More About Wayne Fincher]

Judge Disallows Fincher Defense

Hollis Wayne Fincher's machine gun trial will go to the jury today with the defense having presented no evidence or witnesses to the jury.

The defense rested Thursday after U.S. District Judge Jimm Larry Hendren ruled Fincher's proposed testimony inadmissible.

So much for earlier reports that this creature was honorable.

[Via Hairy Hobbit]

[More about Wayne Fincher ]

This Day in History: January 12

On this day in 1777, American Brigadier General Hugh Mercer dies from the seven bayonet wounds he received during the Battle of Princeton.

Prosecution Rests in Fincher Case

The prosecution finished calling witnesses early this afternoon in the Wayne Fincher federal case.

[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

We're the Only Ones Working for the Weekend Enough

Patrick Moser's lies cost the City of Middletown $400,000. They cost him his 16-year career as a cop. And now, they're going to cost him seven weekends in the Orange County Jail.

Let me see if I've got this straight: A police officer lies in a police report and a hearing in an attempt to convict a citizen of criminal charges, and then complains things were "stacked" against him "from Day One" because he's been sentenced to weekend jail time?

What the hell is this world coming to? Don't they know he's an "Only One"?

[Via Declan]

New Strategy for 'Exile'--Televised Wishful Thinking

The state's top federal prosecutor is paying three Baltimore television stations more than $41,000 to air a new public service announcement starting today about the potential perils faced by felons charged with federal gun crimes...

"If we get the message to criminals and prevent them from carrying guns, we will save lives and we won't have to pay to prosecute them and incarcerate them," Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in an e-mail yesterday.

Yeah, Rod. And if wishes were fishes, we'd all cast nets.

Blow some more grant money. It's not like it comes out of your pocket. Plus, you get your name in the papers, which never hurts a tough law-and-order prosecutor with career ambitions.

When this doesn't work--and it won't--maybe you guys can get more federal funding to try something equally effective, like magic incantations and tossing chicken bones.

Maybe It's Just an Oversight?

THE ban on the carrying of licensed firearms in public places will start this Sunday.

PNP Chief Oscar Calderon reminded the public that the PNP will suspend all the gun carrying privileges when the nationwide 150-day gun ban takes effect on January 14, the start of the election period for the May 14 national and local elections.

That's strange. I didn't see a statement from a spokesman for the violent criminals pledging compliance with the moratorium.

Know Your Enemy

Hoping that the new Democratic state House will be more receptive to gun-control legislation, state Rep. Dwight Evans yesterday said he will reintroduce a series of gun bills that previously failed.

And, naturally, all they "want is common-sense gun policies..."

These people will never give up. They'll continue to press for disarmament laws at the local, state, federal and global level. They'll file lawsuits. They'll propagandize to the public and be abetted by a media that can only be characterized as co-conspirators. They'll indoctrinate America's children with their evil lies.

Meanwhile, "our" side can't even muster more than a dozen people to take one minute and send an email to the president after his administration approved regulations declaring the Second Amendment a collective right.

Jury Seated in Fincher Trial--Judge "Flip Flops"

A jury has been seated for the trial of a Washington County man accused of illegally having three machine guns and a sawed-off shotgun.

Here's another account:

A five man, seven woman jury with two alternates was selected Wednesday in day one of the Wayne Fincher trial. Many Fincher supporters filed into the federal courtroom...all stood as Fincher entered.

While Defense attorney Oscar Stilley said he expects to show Fincher is completely not guilty of any of the charges...during his opening statements the Prosecution had two objections to mention of the militia and the second amendment...

The Prosecution brought an ATF Special Agent on the stand to discuss the firearms found in Fincher's home and property.

And finally, I got this very disturbing email from Paul W. Davis:

The Judge came in this morning and virtually reversed his ruling from yesterday. In addition to that, I distinctly heard him say (and the court record proves it) that the Second Amendment was an individual right in that he spoke about the Bill of Rights and stated that they were individual rights that were protected by the first 10 Amendments.

This morning he totally reversed himself and stated that the 2nd Amendment conferred a collective right. Oscar argued with that and referenced the 2004 USDOJ paper and we also have an official copy of the 1982 Senate Subcommittee report that states that it is an individual right. However, the judge only accepts recent circuit court rulings and no other authority is sufficient for evidence or proof. Oscar argued that point strenuously and the Judge didn't seem to care.

Right now, I sit at the defense table as I am assisting Oscar. It is also a good opportunity to visit with Wayne when the Judge demands that counsel meet him in chambers.

You need to post that we actually live in the Land Down Under, and our courts reflect it.

Mr. Davis adds he "will post the judge's ruling on the motion in Limine as soon as I have it and am able," and, of course, I'll link to that here.

[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: January 11

Francis Salvador, the first Jew to hold an elected office in the Americas, takes his seat on the South Carolina Provincial Congress on this day in 1775.

Judge OKs Fincher Arguments

A man charged with possessing illegal machine guns will be able to argue at trial federal gun laws are unconstitutional, a judge ruled Tuesday. But, the judge is not going to allow the trial to digress into a freewheeling, uncontrolled debate of the Second Amendment in front of the jury.

This could be huge.

Which means the big gun lobbying groups will no longer be able to ignore this case. So don't be surprised to hear rumbles of discontent, followed by full blown accusations that this is a horrible case that will ruin everything for everybody and put all of our "gun rights" at risk.

Expect Wayne Fincher to be smeared for daring to defend himself.

I've been champing at the bit all day to post this, but Blogger was down this morning and I just got back in.

[Via Wolfesblog]

[More from WarOnGuns]

Talkin' to America Interviews David Codrea

Our latest Talkin' to America interview focuses on "War on Guns" blogger David Codrea! Listen to this fascinating interview to learn more about the injustice our government is bringing to bear on a man who is being denied his right to even _discuss_ the US Constitution or the law in court! You'll also find some commentary on the NRA that you may find useful as well.

Don't miss the latest Talkin' to America! You can download it or read the transcript at www.jpfo.org/talkamerica.htm.

As I'd mentioned earlier, we got around to discussing this blog, my GUNS Magazine Rights Watch column, the BIDS system, Matt Bracken's books, Wayne Fincher, the NRA, and, of course, my favorite subject...

Thanks again, Aaron Zelman. What must you have thought when I dropped the phone right at the beginning of the interview and had to request that we back up and start again...?

"Modest and Sensible"

Rep. David Orentlicher has proposed three modest and sensible bills to the state legislature to address the problem of gun homicide that plagues our city...

Restricting handgun purchases to one per month and requiring the same background checks at gun shows that dealers use now are intended to slow the flow of guns to criminals. The third bill would simply give the city the chance to address gun violence without pre-emption from the state. These measures could help reduce the appalling toll from gun violence...

I don't know how much of an impact the proposed measures would have, but if even one criminal found it more difficult to buy a gun, the bills are worth the effort.

So using your logic, Dr. Dunlop, each city should come up with its own patchwork quilt of laws regulating the practice of medicine. We don't know if it will have any effect on medical malpractice, but if it saves one patient's life...?

Does anyone hear a "quacking" noise?

Doc, you're clearly outside the area of your expertise, and as a health care customer, I'm appalled they don't teach more of you guys cause and effect in med school. Your qulifications as a physician notwithstanding, you're simply not qualified to be an authority on this subject, meaning you're incompetent to diagnose and prescribe.

If I'm wrong and you are, prove it. Fill this out and I'll be glad to post it.

We're Almost the Only Ones

Police say a security guard at the Anderson County Library fired his gun at a car after the driver triggered a security alarm.

Put down that overdue book and come out with your hands up!

So is this guy "Only One" material or what?

[Via John Schaefer]

Menino Presses for Nation of Merinos

Boston, facing a spike in gun violence and murders, will press the new Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives to come up with tougher national gun laws, Boston's mayor said on Tuesday.

Great idea! Make everywhere in the land just like Boston! That way, the whole country can achieve record murder rates!

And every Thanksgiving, we can all hide from turkeys!

Keep whistling past that graveyard and listen to those who tell us the new Congress isn't interested in putting more gun control on the front burner. Does anybody seriously not believe we're just an incident and a blood dance away...?

This Day in History: January 10

While in exile aboard a warship in Cape Fear, North Carolina’s Royal Governor Josiah Martin issues a proclamation calling on the king's loyal subjects to raise an armed force to combat the rebels, raise the royal standard and restore the province to its former glorious freedom. These North Carolina Loyalists were to march to the sea, where General William Howe intended to provision them with arms and supplement their numbers with troops from Boston and Ireland.

Advice for Renée

Renée Zellweger wants to buy a gun to protect herself..."I don't want to own a gun, but sometimes I do think about it."

If you're the bundle of fears this article makes you out to be, Ms. Zellweger, combine that gun purchase with some training, including how to achieve the proper mindset to effectively and appropriately defend yourself--we don't want you blowing away a fan who just wants to slip a letter under your door.

Go see this lady. She can help.

"I Hate Guns"

I hate guns. In today's society there is no need for the average citizen to own or carry a gun...

Tighter gun control? I'll go so far as to say ban guns. That's the only way.

Carol Solnom

Translation: Give my hatred the force of law. Imprison or kill anyone who defies or resists.

Sorry, Carol. You get the same answer I gave Sallie.

We're the Only Ones Off the Cuff Enough

New eyewitness accounts of a deadly police shooting differ with what police initially said.

Investigators said the suspect was killed after he attacked an officer with his own Taser in southeast Houston.

“I could see everything that happened,” said Yolanda Perry.

From the front porch of the Greater Lighthouse Church, where her husband serves as minister, Perry said she watched in disbelief.

“He got out his handcuffs and he handcuffed him. And after he handcuffed him he got out his gun and he shot him,” she said.

I don't see the problem here. No one disputes that the car the dead suspect's girlfriend was driving had a broken tail light.

Public safety first, you know.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

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

Judge Reverses Public Exclusion in Fincher Case

From Oscar Stilley (Wayne Fincher's attorney):

I just got off a conference with the Court and opposing counsel. At 9:00 AM, I objected to the conduct of any court proceedings outside the public eye. Judge Hendren overruled the objection.

Earlier this afternoon during our conference the judge, on his own motion, explained that he thought his earlier ruling was incorrect and reversed it. He set forth the legal test for excluding the public, based upon research by his personnel, and stated that he did not believe that there was a sufficient reason to exclude the public from part of the proceedings.

He said that his concern this morning was the logistics involved in keeping the jurors out of the courtroom while arguments and rulings on motions and other preliminary matters took place. I don’t question in the slightest that this was the actual reason for the initial ruling.

This afternoon, Judge Hendren said that his solution was to postpone the jury selection process until Wednesday morning. This will give us more seating for the pretrial matters, which are absolutely critical in this case. So we have a win-win situation with this ruling.

I will still go back in chambers. I have no objection to that, and I trust that the public will not be concerned about that. My objection was to keeping any official proceedings out of the public eye. Judge Hendren has agreed that the importance of allowing the public to view all recorded proceedings outweighed any logistical difficulties. I told Judge Hendren that I was very grateful for the ruling and that is the truth.

There is a new schedule. Pretrial will be at 8:30 AM Tuesday morning, the 9th. We will adjourn after those proceedings conclude. At 8:30 on Wednesday morning we will commence jury selection.

Due to the need for seats for the jury, some of the public and perhaps the press as well, may have to wait outside due to lack of space. That’s ok, an overflow crowd is a good thing, not a bad thing. We will probably discuss the logistics of this a bit more in the morning. However, as soon as seating is available it will be opened to the public. Jury selection may be over when most of the seating comes available, but the court will accommodate the public as best as he can.

I am grateful, so grateful for this ruling, and hope that the rest of the interested public is too. It takes courage to do what Judge Hendren did, and for that he deserves our highest respect.

[Via Joe & Barb McCutcheon]

[More from WarOnGuns]

KnifeRights.Org

Doug Ritter announces that the United States Knife & Tool Association has evolved into Knife Rights.

I like the fact they refer to "rights." I understand the strategy of referring to knives as "tools," which they can be, but they are also arms, and long overdue for Second Amendment protection.

Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birth-right of an American ... the unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.--Tenche Coxe

I hope I see a position issued from this new group that they believe the keeping and bearing of knives is a right guaranteed by the Second Amendment, and that their strategy will include challenges to infringements on those grounds.

This Day in History: January 9

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. The 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while providing strong arguments for American independence. It becomes an instant best-seller in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world," Paine states.

Maybe it's Just Me...

...but I find it hard to believe that the developing Wayne Fincher story isn't something that would be of interest to members of major "gun lobby groups," and I'm wondering why they've not informed their members.

I'm also wondering why the same "gun lobby groups" that made such political hay out of George Bush proclaiming the Second Amendment an individual right have not commented on his administration's apparent regression to the "collective rights" position.

Those of us who think these developments are significant are manning the bucket line and the well is going dry. Meanwhile, we can't even get the people who constantly hit gun owners up for money to look out the windows of their mansions and yell "Fire!"

If I were the cynical type I might read intent into the silence.

"Gun Control" and the New Congress

American firearm owners’ rights already at issue during the 110th Congress...Any possibility that gun control and the individual Second Amendment civil right to keep and bear arms would be shelved as legislative and political issues during the 110th Congress came to a crashing end last week as Representatives were sworn in on Capitol Hill.

There has been no shortage of observers soothing us with predictions that citizen disarmament will be on the back burner because "we" elected so many "pro-gun Democrats." I agree with Mr. Snyder. This group of radical subversives hasn't even started rolling up its sleeves yet, but gun owners haven't been forgotten.

And once an animal tastes blood...

We're the Only Ones Brooking No Competition Enough

[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration.]

A New Jersey woman has accused the Clarke County coroner of taking guns from her father's Bogart house after he pronounced the 86-year-old dead of heart failure, a charge that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation may investigate...

"The mere fact that my father's body was still in the garage just under the room that Mr. Tribble was searching leaves me extremely distressed," Sharpe said. "It appears that rifling through my father's belongings took preference over having his body taken care of. This is certainly a most despicable act on the part of Mr. Tribble"...

"If it wasn't an elected official, there's no doubt we'd investigate it as a theft," Holeman said. "There was no reason for (Tribble) to go any farther than the garage, and if anything needed to be taken for safekeeping, it should have been taken by us."

We all got that, right? If it was anyone besides "an elected official," there'd be no doubt of an investigation. But regardless, he overstepped his bounds, because WE'RE "The only Only Ones" who should have taken the guns. Just "for safekeeping" of course.

We're the Only Ones "Oops--Our Bad, and Sorry About That Hole in the Wall " Enough

They were startled from their sleep by heavily armed police officers shouting at them through a loudspeaker to leave their house one by one with hands up.

Police had a warrant to search the Atlantic Avenue house for a black, long-barrelled seven-millimetre handgun, a leather holster and 10 rounds of ammunition. A confidential police source had told investigators the gun was there, but officers later learned the source made a mistake.

Police handcuffed Cerros and put him in one police car. Horyski and her son were put in the back seat of another.

Inside the two-storey house, one officer fired his Glock service pistol into the wall of a bathroom that was under renovation. Police say the officer tripped on a carpet runner and fired accidentally. A single round was shot through seven sheets of drywall leaning against one wall and created a large hole in the bathroom wall.

Another day in the life of "The Only Ones."

Wayne Fincher "Put Government on Notice"

Federal agents said they started investigating the militia after a report and photographs about the group appeared in The Morning News. The report noted the group had automatic weapons. Agents subsequently sent an undercover agent to join the group.

So that's enough to prompt an undercover BATFU plant/full-blown investigation?

Then why isn't this?

And we're to believe that these...guys, who can't even tell what a selective fire-capable gun is when they've captured, examined and fired it, can determine if a firearm is "illegal" from a photograph?

[More from WarOnGuns]