We're the Only Ones Blanking Out Enough

The exercise called for police to carry special training shotguns that would only fire blank rounds. But during the training, one of the weapons malfunctioned, and one of the officers went outside to a police car to retrieve a standard-issue shotgun, Ehrbar said.

The officer loaded that shotgun with what he thought were blanks, but were later discovered to be birdshot, which had somehow been placed in the box containing the blank rounds, Ehrbar said.

And naturally, they're "not anticipating any charges" against the knucklehead who negligently wounded not one, not two, but three fellow "Only Ones."

The only thing missing from this farce is the pie fight at the end. That and putting Curly's head in a vise.

The Forrest for the Trees...

A rally called "Rise Up To Stop Gun Violence" was held in Hartford Saturday.

The event was hosted by the Corey Forrest Special Life and Scholarship Foundation...

Hmmm...

It All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Use"

A British Columbia man convicted of using a gun during a home invasion, even though the gun was actually in his car during the crime, has lost his appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

I can see getting Steele on a threat charge. But "use"?

It's hard to feel any sympathy for the lowlife who lost his appeal, but the reasoning applied by Justice Fish (and if that doesn't sound like the title of an "Adult Swim" cartoon about a team of super groupers, nothing does) really stretches credibility--and takes the law in a dangerous direction for someone who may say they have a gun when in a prohibited area to protect themselves.

Questions on BATFU

Is the present policy of the ATF nothing more than a foreshadowing of things to come, a massive preparation for the time when gun-control freaks take over the government and unleash their ire on that part of the electorate that fights for Second Amendment rights?

The Liberty Sphere documents how what's being done to Red's Trading Post is part of a larger and much uglier picture.


[Via Chris H]

This Day in History: July 22

George Washington takes command of U.S. troops

When Marshmallows are Outlawed...

Hammacher has the ultimate Marshmallow Blaster gun capable of shooting marshmallows 50 feet wide. The pneumatic gun features easy-to-refill bolt action for fast nonstop shooting. The gun has a cool design with silver body and red and black finishing.

Thing is, it's illegal in California, and probably elsewhere. In order to be compliant with state law, "[t]he entire surface must be colored or transparent or translucent."

Per Section 12555.(a) of the Penal Code:

Any person who, for commercial purposes, purchases,sells, manufactures, ships, transports, distributes, or receives, by mail order or in any other manner, an imitation firearm except as authorized by this section shall be liable for a civil fine in an action brought by the city attorney or the district attorney of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation.

Hammacher might want to reconsider where they distribute their puff piece.

Besides, some panicky neighbor will probably call "The Only Ones," who won't be able to tell it's not a real gun. I guess the only upside would be, if they started a Waco-type fire in their dynamic response, there'd be plenty of marshmallows on hand.

When Spears are Outlawed...

The Marine Conservation Board is reminding the public that there is only one week left to hand in illegally imported spear guns and spear gun parts, which are included under the ‘Prohibited Items’ list of the Customs law.

I love the heavy-handed threat of consequences that begins with the word "Please."

Chicago Sponsors Evidence Destruction/Fencing Incentives

The gun exchange, as in the past, will be "no questions asked"... no contributor will be asked for identification or anything about the origin or use of the weapon...No questions will be asked. All weapons will be destroyed.

Even firearms stolen from their rightful owners? Where does the city get authority to do that? And what if the "owners" were the government?

What a great way to reward criminals for disposing a "crime gun." What a great way to encourage criminals to steal more guns--no questions asked, naturally. What a great way to enrich "The Only Ones".

But it may all depend on the meaning of the word "amnesty."

So--"Chicago Eddie"--where did you decide to "take the weapon [you're] turning in"? What was it, how did you get it, did you possess it legally, and got any more you're holding out on us? We want to make sure you come clean, now.

I wonder how many of the idiots who respond to this will be illegally transporting their firearms to the turn-in centers? I mean, it's not like this article gives any instruction on how to do that in compliance with Illinois and Chicago law. I wonder if government or their "wall of separation" religious partners encourage people who don't know safe firearm handling practices to handle firearms and someone gets hurt if there is any attendant legal liability. And I wonder how locals have authority to offer amnesty if weapons involved or their possessors are in violation of federal law...

This Day in History: July 21

The draft shows the multiplicity of corrections, additions and deletions that were made at each step. Although most of the alterations are in Jefferson's handwriting (Jefferson later indicated which changes he believed were made by Adams and Franklin), he felt slighted by the way Congress rewrote the manuscript. In a consoling letter of July 21, 1776, the state's senior delegate, Richard Henry Lee, wrote to Jefferson that he wished that "the manuscript had not been mangled as it is."

"This is Not the Old West"

Cherry Valley Police Chief Gary Maitland disagrees with the judge's ruling.

"This is not the Old West," he said. "I'm not advocating banning handguns. But I'm not aware of any police officer who would advocate more handguns on the street. When they start taking their weapons out of their home and walking around with them strapped to their hip, bad things can happen."

Yeah, well too bad, Chief--I don't see you unstrapping your gun. Oh, but then you're one o' them there "Only Ones," with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.

And I see we keep dusting off that long-discredited "Old West" lie.

Oh, and as far as Chiefy being "not aware [which seems a given] of any police officer who would advocate more handguns on the street," his lack of knowledge doesn't surprise me. But really, Gary, they're just
not
that
hard
to find ,
assuming, of course, that you're not too lazy or ignorant to look.

Good for Shaun Kranish. That's another very courageous thing he did.

Fincher Court Documents

This page has been a regular link in our posts about Wayne Fincher, and has been included in the blogroll in the left margin. Paul W. Davis has been a true champion in this, both for Mr. Fincher, and for making this information available to all of us, and deserves our gratitude.

I'd like to call your attention to two documents and recommend you set aside several minutes to read them:

Fincher Trial Testimony: This is what the jury was not allowed to hear. Note how predatory Prosecutor Plumlee attempts to appear subtle in his ridicule and contempt. He comes off like a coward attacking a bound warrior. Fincher's knowledge and ability to articulate it make it clear who the better man is, and that his are words the court could not allow an impartial and open-minded jury to hear.

Judge Hendren's Jury Instructions: After suppressing Fincher's testimony and any references to the Constitution and Second Amendment from the jury, the judge establishes the "Duty of the Jury" (Instruction 2), mandating they "apply the law, as I give it to you," and citing "Authority: 8th Circuit Model Instruction 3.02."

Thing is, the "authority" admits it is only a guideline:

These are intended to be model, not mandatory...They are not intended to be treated as the only method of properly instructing a jury.

Yet this, in the eyes of those who would rule us, is enough to override centuries of legal precedent and tradition, and the clear intent and understanding of those who established our system of justice.

I'm disappointed no one in the Fincher case had the knowledge (or perhaps the courage to buck an obviously rigged system?) to vote "Not Guilty." I'd just say I wasn't convinced and leave it at that. Besides, how can such witnesses--who would speak against a man for exercising his unalienable right to keep and bear arms and, in many cases, violate their oaths of office--be considered "credible"?

We need to do a much better job of informing our countrymen of their rights, duties and AUTHORITY as jurors. Not being a lawyer, I don't know if a challenge to the verdict based on improper jury instructions would be "granted" standing in the federal courts, but I think it's worth at least looking in to.

The Perfect Place

"I'd like to be able to say I'm shocked, but actually, we are a magnet for this kind of activity," Abraham said.

"They came to Philadelphia to sell because it's the perfect place to dump guns. It's infuriating."

First of all, this isn't supposed to be happening here. We were promised.

And why don't any of the talking heads or "authorized journalists" ever seem to address why violent crime isn't endemic in the neighborhoods where the guns are being sourced from? Why is Philadelphia the "magnet" and "the perfect place"?

Oh, right, it's that elephant again.

[Via Joseph C]

Taser Lite

The stun gun will pack a lesser jolt than the 50,000 volts of the law enforcement model, though the company won't say what the power level is. It has a range of 15 feet, half the distance of some professional units.

That's because we all know only "The Only Ones" need full power and distance. I don't know how you'd legally justify using force like this if you were only up against half a threat.

For people trying to expand their market, I guess some suit figures insulting and endangering the prospective customer base is the way to go.

This Day in History: July 20

Certain Drums in, and near Cambridge, very improperly beat the Revellie this morning before day; Although the Troops are ordered to be under Arms, half an hour before day light, it does not follow the drums are to beat at that time. The Reveille is to beat when a Centry can see clearly one thousand Yards around him, and not before.

The Unreal McCoy

Larry McCoy, owner of Larry's Gun Shop in the 2700 block of Pleasant Valley Road just off Government Boulevard, said Monday that he sells a Romanian-made, AK-47-style weapon for $400.

McCoy said federal law states that a person 18 or older who is not a convicted felon can legally purchase a semiautomatic assault rifle.

Anyone who meets the federal requirements can be in and out of his shop within 10 minutes, armed with an AK-47-style weapon and bullets.

McCoy said, however, that he will not sell an assault rifle to anyone under 21 because he does not believe a teenager is mature enough to handle such a weapon.

Larry, assuming you actually said that, you really have no clue, do you?

Funny, though. Publicola quoted you a few years back when you said:

I think it's a fine rifle. I think most people buy them to hunt with, but you can use them for self-protection.

I know some will call to boycott you for your prejudice, Larry, but not me, at least not yet (however, any gun owner reading all of Publicola's post ought to tell everyone they know to avoid Rowell's Sporting Goods in Semmes).

No, what I propose is to actually send more business your way by having someone under 21 attempt to buy a semiauto rifle from you and then sue you for age discrimination if you refuse. Or, you could just claim being misquoted and proceed with the sale. In the mean time, if you meant what you were reported saying, you might want to tell some of these guys you don't think they're "mature" enough to be full-fledged Larry's Gun Shop customers.

As for the other implications of this story, i.e., hysterics over the sight of someone bearing arms, Fits has that covered.

[Via Sean Young]

Death of an Emperor

Previous reports said he wouldn't put the gun down when ordered. This report says he never drew it.

Opinions on the official use of deadly force in this situation, anyone?

It All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Infringed"

"The reality is that his right to bear arms was not infringed upon," Simons said. Though Bleiler lost his license, he may carry a visible gun in public and keep a gun at his home.

Give this story a close read. By avoiding a Second Amendment challenge because it's too hot, or it's too cold, or it's never "just right," the major gun groups have guaranteed that someone else will make one independently of them and their (stated) concerns.

Not What I Would Have Done

Gottlieb has called on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to open a criminal investigation.

I understand the motivation to make the antis suffer the consequences of their outrageous hypocrisy, but I would have stopped at bringing the situation of criminality to light. I would not have endorsed any course of action that would have "legitimized" the BATFU thugs or the treasonous edicts they enforce in the eyes of the public.

It's the same principle I've tried to apply to Snuffy Pfleger.

This Day in History: July 19

On July 19, 1776, Congress ordered that the Declaration be engrossed on parchment and signed by every member .

Parker Poll at SayUncle's

Go take it.

Oh, Jeez, Now What...?

Canada's homicide rate and number of gang-related murders has increased since the federal government's firearms registry and licensing program was
implemented...

Well, that didn't work. Maybe what you people need is a "buyback" or an ad campaign...

[Via 1894C]

"I Think that Guns are the Worst Thing in the World"

Yeah, a "buyback" to vandalize antiques. That'll sure "stop the violence." I mean, it's not like these people don't know who the enabled troublemakers in their neighborhoods (and families) are.

And what story would be complete without the timeless "If you save one life, it's worth it"?

Is it really so wrong to fantasize about an ND while these boobs are prying at trigger assemblies with crowbars?

You're in Good Hands with Bloomberg

A new ad campaign announced yesterday will paper the city with stark black-and-white warnings that packing an illegal weapon carries a big risk.

Yeah, hit 'em with snappy captions brainstormed in committee by urban liberals. I'm sure the gangbangers are shaking in their sneaks.

Dancin' to the Jailhouse Glock

Locked in solitary confinement 23 hours a day, Patrick Hawkins still managed to get a gun in the Mississippi State Penitentiary's super-maximum security Unit 32.

Officials said they don't know how Hawkins, jailed for armed robbery and aggravated assault from Holmes County, got the weapon

Oh, gee, I wonder.

More proof that gun bans work...

We're the Only Ones Getting a Break Enough

A Clinton Township police officer who was arrested in April by authorities who feared he posed a threat to students at a private school pleaded guilty Tuesday to a weapons charge and was allowed to enter a pretrial intervention program...

Peltack has been barred form working in law enforcement under terms of a plea deal he previously accepted in Hunterdon County for covering up a hit-and-run accident he was involved in.

Two plea deals in a row for this guy? Must be nice to be an "Only One."

Red's Recap

They began to go through our books, searching intently for some errors. One of our supporters came in and began taking some photos of them.

I hope Ryan Horsley posts those pictures.

This brings to mind the germ of an idea: Red's Minute Men (or use the name of any other gun store): a list of supporter/volunteers who are willing to be placed on a call list--when BATFU shows up, as many as can get away muster to the shop to audit the auditors, take pictures, ask questions...and maybe even follow them around to restaurants and back to their hotel with protest signs...

[More on Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: July 18

It cannot be supposed that the small number of Continental Troops at present assembled at Fort Edward are alone sufficient to check the progress of the Enemy, to the Militia therefore we must, look for support in this time of Trial...

The day may come again.

The BATFU In-and-Out

Wish I knew what Area Supervisor Linda Young meant by "We're done!" Be nice if they really were...

Click on title link for details from Ryan Horsley at Red's Blog...

[Via George K]

Someone's Got a Sense of Humor...

...and when you're dealing with BATFU, that ain't easy. Having coined and routinely employed the acronym, I would expect Google searches to put WarOnGuns at the top of the hit list. But we were edged out not just by the agency itself, but by the link to their "Kid's Page"!

I'm still disappointed my art submission will never make it to their exhibit wall...

A War of Attrition

“We’ve spent $70,000 [on legal fees] so far . . . and there’s still no court date,” Horsley told American Free Press on July 11. He believes the ATF and U.S attorneys want to avoid setting a court date since the feds might lose the case and receive unwanted publicity.

Their tactic appears to be: Find clerical glitches, if any, make court filings and exhaust Red’s finances.

“They’re trying to win by attrition,” said Horsley, adding that every legal rebuttal to the citations from each ATF visit costs the store $5,000 to $6,000.

Mark Anderson of AmericanFreePress.net gives us a good summation of the continued BATFU assault tactics on Red's Trading Post.

In related news, Ted Nugent may get involved.

[Via Ryan Horsley]

By Popular Demand

2 of the 100 comments the university received about the new policy supported it.

"Baaaa," said one supporter.

"Oink, oink," said the other.

Equality Under the Law

A Facebook profile containing a photograph of young men posing with guns has been cited as a factor in a police shooting that killed an 18-year-old robbery suspect last December.

Hmmm...

The Sex...Uh...Gun Offender Registry

In an effort to fight the city's spike in gun-related crime, Mayor Sheila Dixon yesterday introduced legislation that would let police - and possibly the public - know home addresses of people convicted of gun violations.

These people just won't stop, will they?

Please Please Me

The Democratic governor said he was pleased with the level of security he is provided.

Tell it to Rick Stanley, governor, who was arrested for open carry in Denver despite the clear wording of the Second Amendment and the Colorado Constitution. Hopefully Parker will be the beginning of the end of "home rule" gun bans that allow politicians to enjoy publicly-funded armed security details, but prohibit We the People from protecting ourselves.

Brady/VPC Spin on Fenty Appeal

Brady Center:

If the U.S. Supreme Court follows the words of the U.S. Constitution and the Court's own precedents, it should reverse the Appeals Court ruling and allow the District's law to stand.

Just because Paul Helmke says so, apparently.

Violence Policy Center:

Washington, DC's ban on handguns in the home has long protected DC's residents as measured by the District of Columbia's firearm suicide and overall
suicide rate.

I guess that all depends on who is being protected. If you follow the VPC link, it claims 5 reported suicides per 100,000 persons related to firearms in 2004, with no evidence that the absence of a gun would not have resulted in a different choice of method. In the same year, their murder rate was reported at 35.8 per 100,000, almost seven times higher than the national average of 5.5.

This Day in History: July 17

Washington is waiting our motions here, & has detached Sullivan with about 2500 men, as I learn, to Albany.- My intention is for Pensilvania where I expect to meet Washington, but if he goes to the Northw.d contrary to my / and you can keep him at Bay, be assured I shall soon be after him to relieve you.

Looks Like I Got My Wish...

...to be proven wrong on Parker:

Sources told News4 on Monday that D.C. Mayor Adrian
Fenty will appeal a federal circuit court's decision to overturn the city's 30-year-old handgun ban.

Fenty will have to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

I hope this is true.

Looks like it's been confirmed.

[Via SayUncle]

We're the Only Ones Going Off Enough

Trooper's Gun Goes Off...Police said Randall McKlveen was unarmed when a trooper's weapon accidentally discharged...The trooper's gun went off...

All by its own self, yet once again, no doubt...

Oh, and government watchdog "authorized journalists": Nah, I don't suppose knowing "the trooper's" name would be in the public interest. Forget I mentioned it.

[More from "The Only Ones" files]

Group Hug

"There's a reason they go out and shoot each other, because they don't love themselves. And the reason they don't love themselves is because we are not loving them enough."

Kumbaya, my Lord, Kumbaya...

Love for everyone! That is, unless you're Obama's pal "the Reverend" Snuffy Pfleger, calling on the mob to "snuff out...John R-I-G-G-I-O."

What better way to promote glowing warmth and good will than by promoting edicts that will result in storm troopers killing anyone who doesn't bend to your will and surrender their personal defense tools?

Do I hear an "Amen"?

Oh, and what do you know? The Vernon Park Church of God, which just gave an exclusive forum to a presidential candidate, doesn't file with the IRS because they're tax exempt. I'm sure The Separatists will get right on it.

(Fits has more.)

A Hacking Tool

I've got five good reasons why restricting hacking tools is not like gun control.

But you seem willing to throw guns under the bus in order to keep those tools, and carve out yet another exception for "The Only Ones," as if that will do anything other than ensure corrupt exclusivity.

If you're going to make a statement like "many incidents of gun violence are not caused by criminals," I'd be interested in seeing if you know what you're talking about. How many is "many"? What percentage of "gun violence" perpetrators have no prior criminal affiliations, and what is your source for this claim?

Only a hack or a tool would go around promulgating seemingly authoritative assertions without actual knowledge, don't you think?

Long Distance with Wayne Fincher

I spoke with Wayne Fincher on the phone for probably about 20 minutes yesterday. I'm not going to go into details here.

I was impressed with his knowledge, intelligence, insights and bearing. There is much good about this remarkable man. An outrageous injustice has been, and is continuing to be done.

This Day in History: July 16

Lead is in such short supply that the residents of Philadelphia melt down the lead from their window weights and downspouts to be turned into bullets for the Army.

Signs of a Common Sense Gun Ban

“Anybody with common sense isn’t going to carry a gun into a school."

...So expect to see more gun signs popping up this fall

Yep, if only there had been bans in effect at Columbine or Virginia Tech. Keep it from happening again by getting those "NO GUNS" signs up. Rick Gammill, have I got a sign for you.

And know this: Wayne couldn't agree with you more.

NewTimesLive Reporter Doesn't Know What He's Talking About, No Seriously

Under old gun laws, a gun dealer faced a slap on the wrist for selling an illegal handgun.

Under new laws, its 3-and-a-half years for a loaded handgun, said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Forgetting for a moment the federal consequences, it's hard to believe that any "authorized journalist" could be this incapable of separating apples from oranges, but there you have it.

Ignorance and bias: so much journalistic malpractice in so little space.

The Invisible Men

Federal agents not usually visible at local gun shows...

Too bad. It would be nice to ID them and post their pictures at entrances and dealer tables.

Archives By Category

So much for expecting even-handedness. You'll note no category for "Religious Left Watch," which can only mean that the Separatists endorse and exploit holes in "the wall" for them.

I posted a couple comments on their blog pointing out their double standards.

This Day in History: July 15

Resolved Unanimously, that the Reasons assigned by the Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies free and independent States, are cogent and conclusive, and that while We lament the cruel Necessity, which has rendered that Measure unavoidable, We approve the same and will at the Risque of our Lives and fortunes join with the other Colonies in supporting it.

Snuffy Still Flouts Tax Law as Separatists Turn Blind Eye

Snuffy Pfleger is still up to his liberty-snuffing antics, and there's still no outrage from Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

I guess using tax-deductible resources to advocate legislation to the general public isn't as threatening to the Republic as a fundamentalist preacher expressing religious views to his congregation...

It appears their moral outrage is consistently selective, does it not?

3 Quick Observations

1894C said...
...I can't wait to read your opinions of DC V Parker & the impending Aug deadline to appeal to SCOTUS, the CA pending bill to ban lead ammo for hunting, the OSHA pending ruling regarding the storage of gunpowder and ammo.

I may not have time to do a very thorough job on these, so here are my hipshot impressions. Feel free to disagree:

I hope I'm wrong, but I think Fenty's going to cave on Parker. I don't think the anti-gun establishment is confident enough in their legal position to want to see this one go any further, and they'll carrot/stick the mayor to take one for the team and drop it. Which means we still won't have a SCOTUS ruling--and that will be exploited later in a venue more to the subversives' advantage.

The environmentalcases have made great freedom-destroying strides in this country, and California is at the forefront. Plus, they've been know in the past to enact edicts just to give an in your face! to gun owners. I've pretty much said my piece on the lead issue here, and would only reassert that anything Leonardo Dicaprio thinks is a good idea needs to be vetted for childishness.

In re OSHA and the proposed regs, again, I have no crystal ball, but my feeling is that the issue will be put on the back burner for the time being--at least until the base-alienating republicans succeed in transferring enough power to allow the democrats to force it through. This is just one more example of how freedom is about a lot more than guns. Put another way, anti-freedom is about controlling others--in all aspects of their lives and affairs.

Gun Banners Pledge to Lie

Seeking the attention of presidential candidates taking part in the NAACP national convention, concerned parents and activists said that they plan to conduct a “lie-in” today to protest weak gun laws, particularly on college campuses.

Yeah, I guess complete bans aren't strong enough.

How fitting they choose to call it a "lie in."

Oh, wait--they mean as in "lie down."

I always wanted to go to one of those dressed like Evel Knievel, have a crew set up ramps on each side of the line of protesters...

This Day in History: July 14

To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS New York, July 14, 1776.

Sir: My last of Friday evening which I had the Honor of addressing you, advised that two of the Enemy's Ships of War and three Tenders had run above our Batteries here and the Works at the upper end of the Island.

"Major Blow" to Major Blowhard

A key Congressional committee dealt a major blow to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s campaign against illegal firearms yesterday, refusing to allow police departments broader access to data that tracks guns sales.

The bill restricting release of the information, approved by the House Appropriations Committee, must still be passed by the full House and reconciled with a similar Senate measure. But since the Senate bill is considered even more beneficial to the gun industry, the Bloomberg administration appeared resigned to defeat.

Note Paul Helmke's "I'll be back" threat. I half expect him to twirl his moustache and go "Nya-ha-ha" while saying it.

We're the Only Ones Bringing Closure Enough

A grand jury Wednesday declined to indict a former sheriff's deputy in the shooting death of a teenager accused of stealing video game consoles...

"We're very pleased and we hope this will bring closure to a very difficult and tragic set of circumstance..."

I'm sure we'd be seeing the same "closure" and all parties would be "very pleased" had Peyton Strickland been the one to shoot an unarmed "Only One" through a door...

[Via ChareltonHest]

Fincher Denied Appeal Bond

A Washington County man convicted of having illegal machine guns won't be allowed out of jail while his conviction and sentencing are on appeal, a
judge ruled Friday...Fincher is being allowed to remain free on $100,000 bond until he reports to federal prison July 24.

Most outrageous line:

The defense tried to make a case of the Constitution versus gun laws; the government kept the case more simple...

Close runner-up:

A second issue planned on appeal is whether Fincher should have been given more prison time for being an organizer or leader of a criminal activity that involved more than five people.

[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: July 13

A Speech to the Six Confederate Nations, Mohawks, Oneidas, Tusscaroras,Onondagas, Cayugas, Senekas, from the Twelve United Colonies, convened in
Council at Philadelphia.

BROTHERS, SACHEMS, AND WARRIORS,

We, the Delegates from the Twelve United Provinces, viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, now sitting in general Congress at Philadelphia, send this talk to you our brothers.

A Consolidated Post

I still need to keep things extremely limited here at WarOnGuns due to the many tasks facing me each day. Rather than a bunch of posts, I'm going to combine everything into one for today, and possibly for the next several days to come. I still don't have time to act on story tips, so don't feel slighted if you sent me a great new outrage. There's only one of me, and he's approaching overload.

Oh, and yesterday's comments about CEOs and "Saw"? Add Bill Gates to the head-in-a-bear trap category for Vista and their new MS Office. I may yet grow to appreciate it, but for right now, ornery traditionalist that I am, I can't fathom why they needed to futz around with all the old familiar controls. But just to qualify things, I couldn't even figure out the lab monkey intelligence test required to finesse open the plastic box my software came in and just said the hell with it and ripped the damn thing apart.

OK, here we go.

This Day in History

As a show of force, two British frigates sail up the Hudson River blasting their guns. Peace feelers are then extended to the Americans. At the request of the British, Gen. Washington meets with Howe's representatives in New York and listens to vague offers of clemency for the American rebels. Washington politely declines, then leaves.

Author David McCullough covers these events and much more in his excellent "1776."

JULY 1957 GUNS Magazine Now Online

Meet the "Shooting King of Iraq."

No, not this one.




This one.

Of particular interest to me in this issue was a Crossfire section letter reminding the editor "It's a Right, Not a Privilege," and a feature about a lady farmer who knew "Guns are Our Protectors." And, of course, there are the vintage ads (and prices).

Grabbers All?

My Rights Watch column for the July 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine about the leading presidential contenders (as recognized by the "official" media) is now online. And before you jump on me, this was submitted before all the buzz about Fred Thompson, or Ron Paul's strong showing among Internet activists.

I actually liked my working title, "Heil to the Chief," but the publishers do, after all, have sponsors, who are probably more than a bit queasy about having their good names associated with such a disreputable and extreme fellow as myself.

Shameless Plug: "A Very Sound Policy"
My Rights Watch column for the August 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine about the Virginia Tech atrocity enablers is now on sale at sensible newsstands throughout the Republic.

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

That's it for today. Maybe I'll have some time to post again tomorrow.

As master pianist Fats Waller observed, "One never knows, do one?"

Fincher Out of Jail

DAD IS OUT JAIL FOR AT LEAST 4 WEEKS. HE IS OUT ON SELF REPORT. NOT SURE ABOUT AN APPEAL BOND. KEEP PRAYING. THERE ARE STIPULATIONS TO HIS RELEASE, HE CAN NOT GO ANY WHERE EXCEPT A FEW PLACES, NO MILITIA MEETINGS, NO FIREARMS, NO FELONS CAN COME AROUND HIM OR ASSOCIATE WITH HIM, HE MUST CHECK IN WITH HIS PROBATION OFFICER ONCE A WEEK. SURE THERE ARE MORE STIPULATIONS BUT CAN NOT THINK OF THEM AT THIS MOMENT. I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO HIS DEFENSE. THERE IS MORE TO COME AT SOME POINT. THANKS SO MUCH. AS ALWAYS GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU ALL. CONNIE FIELDS AND FAMILY

I found this email waiting for me when I finally got hooked back up to the Internet. Thing is, the message is two weeks old.

In a related development, it looks like the courts won't be satisfied until they steal the man's land. That news is a week old.

My opinion is that both of these developments merited timely mentions on gun rights blogs.

[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

So--Anything Happen While I Was Gone?

Posting will still be limited for the next week or so as things slowly normalize--please understand if I don't have time to reply or follow up on news tips, etc.



Holy Moly, this has been a lot of work. The yard took me 4 hours even with a tractor because of all the edging and trim mowing. The TV deliverytards couldn't get either set to work until I showed them how you need to take the little strip of plastic off the remote, and no, you won't get a signal until you select an input source, plus the main set has a master ON/Off switch in the back--and then noticed one of them had tracked dozens of black grease spots all over carpets I just spent $350 having professionally cleaned before we moved in. I also would like to produce a special sequel to "Saw" featuring the CEOs of companies that import furniture assembly kits--give them an hour to follow their own instructions and put the freaking desk together before the bear traps on their heads trip shut.



But aside from that all is well. The finches come to our feeder, the chipmunk grows less timid and may yet end up being a trusted pal, the squirrel chases robins in lunatic bounds, and the deer leave my poor offerings alone because the neighbors are such excellent gardeners. There is a real contentment in sitting under trees in a dark back yard tastefully accented by lightning bugs, drawing on a good Maduro, sipping at a finger of single malt and listening to the distant rumble of wheels on rails a mile away.

6 1/2 Years for Fincher

A leader of the Militia of Washington County has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in federal prison for possessing banned weapons, including machine guns and a sawed-off shotgun.

"All I can say is, I love my God and I love my country," Hollis Wayne Fincher said before U.S. District Judge Jimm L. Hendren pronounced the sentence Friday.

Just had a moment to check in on my road trip and noticed Google Blog Search doesn't show any other gun blogs commenting on this story. I hope that's just a glitch in the system and it missed all of the posts informing the gun owner community about this. I'd hate to think I'm the only one who thinks this is worth being aware of.

Tell ya what, let's hope none of us ever get in trouble with "the law"...

Signing off for now. Hiatus continues.

...Until We Meet Again

I gave a heads up earlier in the week that WarOnGuns would be going on hiatus for a while. I'm grateful to those of you who took the time to contact me and let me know you find value in spending time here every day. Thank you.

I'm moving. After almost 30 years in Southern California, I'm going back to Ohio where I still have family. Last month when I advised there would be sporadic posting, I was back there buying a house. Leaving SoCal is not a political statement on my part, although I could make it one. But truth is, we're moving because it makes economic and personal sense to do so.

First some housekeeping:

• To those of you who told me you'd miss the daily posts, there are a lot of fine blogs over in the left margin. Still, you can also spend some time going through the archives here--maybe visit posts for the corresponding day back in '05 or '06...or perhaps just breathe a sigh of relief that you're rid of me for a while.
  
• My email address will go inactive some time next week. Please understand if I don't reply, effective immediately. Got one heck of a lot to do here on this end. When I've relocated and set up with my new ISP, I'll be sharing my new edress.
• After today, I will deactivate the "Comments" feature to WoG posts. This will remain in effect until I reopen shop. I've already deleted one slimebag spammer this morning, and I don't want them trashing the joint in my absence.
  

Current events make it difficult for me to take a break. There are some stories I've been covering that deserve attention, for example:

• Wayne Fincher will be sentenced next Friday, the 22nd. Do a news search for his name to stay informed. And better yet, use the time you won't be reading WarOnGuns to write a letter to the judge asking for leniency.
• I expect to see some legal action pertaining to the ongoing BATFU persecution of Red's Trading Post (link goes to Ryan Horsley's blog--consult it to keep on top of developments.) Y'all have written to the judge on this case, too, right? Yes?
• No day would be complete without doing a Snuffy news search. Armed and Safe has been keeping up with the latest Pfather Pfleger Pfloutings, along with current "this is not gun control" NRAntics.
  
• Speaking of the Snuffster, if you find yourself with some time on your hands, why not send an email to our pals at Americans United for the Alliance of Left-Wing Churches and State and ask 'em why the hell they employ such transparent double standards?
• Don't forget to check the newsstands in about two weeks for the new issue of GUNS Magazine. I've got a few in the queue, so I'm not sure which article will be in next month's issue--I believe it may be "The Final Frontier," dealing with the FAA declaring the Second Amendment a collective right--and their subsequent reversal. [UPDATE/CORRECTION: My editor reminds me that the August Rights Watch column is "A Very Sound Policy," one I put together quickly to deal with Virginia Tech in as timely a manner possible for magazines, so it bumped the scheduled column. Apparently subscribers are already getting their copies in the mail.] Also, be sure and check the GUNS website some time after July 1st for an online version of my current column, and of course, the free online issue from July 1957.
• One last thing--I removed the current poll a couple days shy of the usual full week because I'm closing down today. Here are the results (click to enlarge):

That's pretty much it. I look forward to getting back online as soon as I can, but there is much to do first. Last person out, please turn off the lights and leave the key under the mat. I'll need it when I return.

We're the Only Ones Auxiliary Enough

An off-duty NYPD auxiliary cop took his mission to "patrol, observe and report" too far when he pulled over a driver for talking on cellphone and displayed a gun, authorities said yesterday.

Yong Jeon, 33, assigned to the 115th Precinct auxiliary squad, got out of his own car to pull the driver over, pressing his badge up against the window, saying "Get the f- off the phone, I'm a cop," then pulled up his shirt to show the gun in his waist, officials said.

This thuglet reminds me of Jay Santos from The Phil Hendrie Show.

I wonder, since he's half an "Only One," could you lift half a finger against him?

[Via Declan]

CA: Ammunition Control

How do you pass a gun registry law without attracting too much attention? Bury it in an ammunition bill. At least that's what the State of California is trying to do.

Jennifer Freeman of Liberty Belles outlines the latest assault on freedom in "the Golden State."

This is Not Gun Control

The NRA insisted that it was not a "gun control" bill because it does not disqualify anyone currently able to legally purchase a firearm.

Yeah. Besides, when have we ever seen the antis try to renege on previous deals?

It's not like once the beachhead is gained and secured it would be used as a launching point for further attacks. It's not like this won't be expanded to include demands to go after gun s already in "the system"--or that demands would then be made to remove guns from the homes where such people reside belonging to other family members or roommates.

Nah, don't think of it as gun control. Think of it as public relations--and a foundation for future fundraising.

Hey, Wayne--as long as we're on the subject of responses to Virginia Tech, would it still be "exploiting tragedy" to broach the subject citizens not having their right to keep and bear arms infringed on campus, or is that concept still verboten?

Oh, look: He's "beginning a dialog."

Are we getting ready to change our tune, or is the lead-in lauding "armed guards" an indicator of more of the same?

Are there solutions to this problem? Is there anything we can all do to help protect our kids at school?

And they say there are no stupid questions.

God forbid NRA would have anything to say about this:

H.R. 2424: To repeal the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 and amendments to that Act

Maybe I shouldn't have said anything about that. I'd hate to think I was partly responsible for getting Ron Paul's rating knocked down another grade.


[Via Dave Licht and JH]

A Lesser Charge

An 18-year-old from Pennsylvania is facing a felony charge after he was caught videotaping a police officer handing out a traffic ticket on a public street...

Carlisle Police Chief Stephen Margeson suggested a guilty plea to a lesser charge might be appropriate.

I agree, Chief. What would you like to plea to?

[Via M. Terry]

Dial 911 and Die

A woman who lay bleeding on the emergency room floor of a troubled inner-city hospital died after 911 dispatchers refused to contact paramedics or an ambulance to take her to another facility, newly released tapes of the emergency calls reveal.

Gosh, I can't wait for HillaryCare to become the norm.

Kind of renews your faith in the whole 911 concept, doesn't it?

[Via M. Terry]

We're the Only Ones Implementing Safety Precautions Enough

Nearly six months have passed since a Gilbert SWAT team raided the house of an elderly Phoenix couple and started a fire that destroyed the family's home and killed their dog...

Gilbert police said that Salvador's decision to arm himself with a gun forced them to implement safety precautions that prevented them from putting the fire out.

It sounds like the Gilbert police having guns may result in forcing the citizens to implement safety precautions.

Equally as outrageous and disturbing as this story are the disgusting comments offered by some of our police state-worshipping countrymen.

[Via M. Terry]

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

We're the Only Ones Virtually Trippy Enough

Being crazy is hard, but it's worth the effort. Especially if you're a cop, paramedic, or social worker who may someday need to deal with a person having a psychotic episode. At those times, empathy can be crucial.

That's where Virtual Hallucinations comes in. The training device, created by Janssen L.P., is a rig with earphones and goggles that plunges the wearer into the mind of a serious schizophrenic. The system offers two interactive scenarios. In one, you're riding a bus in which other riders appear and disappear, birds of prey claw at the windows, and voices hiss, "He's taking you back to the FBI!"

Well this certainly looks like another ingenious way to blow taxpayer plunder--I could have done this training for them at a fraction of the cost with a couple hits of windowpane and some latex demon masks.

For some reason, making "The Only Ones" feel at one with schizophrenics strikes me as an idea that could somehow backfire. I wonder if they're going to make sure no one is wearing their gun belt during these induced psychosis sessions, and if they have credible data proving no lasting effects--plus a reliable methodology for ensuring their scenario subjects aren't already on the edge.

Truth is, if someone is having a psychotic episode where they are endangering themselves and others, there's very little you can do at that moment beyond restraining or otherwise stopping him. I'm all for more humane ways to do that. But that seems more a matter of appropriate use of force training than staggering a mile in a virtual lunatic's shoes.

Still, if they're going to have this danged contraption, why not employ it in a way that could benefit a much larger section of society? Why not devise a scenario to develop empathy for citizens having their rights violated?

[Via 45superman]

This Day in History: June 14

Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pen[n]sylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; that each company consist of a captain, three lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, a drummer or trumpeter, and sixty-eight privates.

That each company, as soon as compleated, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.

Bracing for Revocation

Ryan Horsley has some rules for gun dealers that they would do well to learn and heed.

Americans United for What Again...?

I just sent a follow-up email to our pals at Americans United for Separation of Church and State:

I didn't realize the name of your organization was Americans United for Separation of Non-Left Wing Churches and State. You've had ample time to "look into" the Mike Pfleger issue and it's evident from your lack of response that you intend to ignore it.

So would it be fair to tell people your whole mission is just to go after churches from the right--leaving churches on the left free to use their 501(c)(3) tax exemptions to effect their (and presumably your?) political agenda?

http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/06/nothing-new-about-pfleger-pflouting-tax.html

We're the Only Ones at "A Place for Friends" Enough

Police charged a 24-year-old city man with illegal weapons possession after he posted photos of himself with the gun on his myspace.com Web page and detectives determined he had no permit for the weapon...

I haven't been able to locate the page and picture in question, but I'm curious--if the picture was taken inside, how would the police be able to determine it was taken in New York?

Fire Dept. Firearms Under Fire

"I don't know how appropriate I feel it is for a department that is out for our safety," said Donna Rauch of Girdletree.

Donna--you remember that line about opening your mouth and removing all doubt?

We're the Only Ones White Enough

A former police officer from Henderson is in police custody. The man, who may have ties to the KKK, allegedly chased a black couple while brandishing a gun.

And Jesse Jackson, who has bodyguards, shares the assailant's sentiment in wanting to make sure that black couple stays unarmed.

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

Why They Hate the Second Amendment

2A from a Christian perspective, submitted by Paul W. Davis who says "I know the liberals and gun grabbers won't like this. But I also know many gun owners will get angry as well. However, it is true."

We're the Only Ones Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bacy Enough

A police officer was shot in the wrist when the service weapon that she kept under her pillow went off. Albany police Sgt. Kinshishi Adams, 34, was lying in bed Sunday when a .40 caliber pistol she kept under her pillow discharged and struck her in her left wrist...She apparently sleeps with a weapon under her pillow, and somehow it discharged.

Since she has one of those special "Only Ones" guns that goes off all by its own self, too bad it didn't have a snooze button she could hit so it would go off again in 10 minutes.

Kinshishi?

[Via KU]

PS: In my morning scans I saw Shooting the Messenger had a very similar post--looks like great minds think alike :)

This Day in History: June 13

I am further directed to inform your Excellencies, that Congress are inclined to peace, notwithstanding the unjust claims from which this war originated, and the savage manner in which it hath been conducted; they will therefore be contented to enter upon a consideration of a treaty of peace and commerce, not inconsistent with treaties already subsisting, when the King of Great Britain shall demonstrate a sincere disposition for that purpose. The only solid proof of this disposition will be an explicit acknowledgement of the independence of these states, or the withdrawing his fleets and armies.

The Hero of Medicine

Special foreword posted on Dec. 20, 2012: Visitors coming over from the Slate Thacker/Wintemute interview: You've been lied to. Look this post over and then see my rebuttal here.

UPDATE 2: Visitors from The Atlantic Wire-- it looks like Adam Clark Estes has no more integrity than the other two --he repeated the lie in his column even though he had the link and knows better.

My original blog post from 2007 follows.

-----

Wintemute’s first challenge was to find some way to eavesdrop on gun transactions without attracting notice. At first he tried recording his observations by speaking into a hidden tape recorder that he carried with him, but the quality of the recordings were poor.

“Then I realized that everybody (at the gun shows) was using cell phones,” he recalled in a recent interview.

Wintemute decided to do likewise. He recorded his observations by calling up his voice mail, the capacity of which he had expanded for the study. The voice mail messages were then transcribed by members of Wintemute’s staff. He made visual recordings of the gun shows by taking pictures with a hidden camera. [More]

I won't go here into why I think this study is crap, aside from the fact that Wintemute is one of the more notorious agenda-driven anti-defense propagandists out there. Going to gun shows is hardly equivalent to doing "shoe-leather epidemiology" in South Central or East LA amongst these guys. And I'll only note in passing what a disappointment I find this PhysOrg.com site to be--is this what purported scientific "news" has been reduced to: blatant rah-rah press releases for anti-defense fanatics?

What stands out most for me was this character snooping in on private transactions without the knowledge of the people involved--and many gun shows I've seen have a "No Cameras/Recording Devices" policy. I've also seen some case law involving "news gathering" and hidden cameras/microphones, but "research"--particularly for propaganda purposes--is arguably a different beast altogether. If the shows were posted to keep cameras out, dealers and patrons may well have had some sort of expectation of privacy. I invite anyone with knowledge of California law in this regard to weigh in via "Comments," below.

At the very least, it ought to tell us something about the ethics of this character who has to sneak around like a cheap, bumbling East German spy. And here's the clincher:

Eventually, he hopes to train others to become observers at gun shows — and possibly to go one step further than he did and notify local police when they witness an illegal transaction.

This isn't science. This is a police state informant developing his own private snitch patrol--and I would hope any evidence he gathered would be inadmissible, since he's made it clear his real purpose is to effect criminal prosecutions.

Actually, I would hope he's done something for which he can be prosecuted and sued. And I wouldn't mind if he was forcibly ejected from the next gun show he attends.

In the mean time, as a public service, WarOnGuns would like to assist promoters, dealers and customers in detecting an enemy in their midst--feel free to adapt this into a flier to post and distribute at gun shows:

WARNING!
IF YOU SEE THIS MAN, NOTIFY SECURITY IMMEDIATELY.
HE IS GAREN J. WINTEMUTE,
AN ANTI-GUN "RESEARCHER" KNOWN TO STALK GUN SHOWS WITH HIDDEN CAMERAS AND RECORDERS. HE IS REPORTEDLY TRAINING HIS FOLLOWERS TO MONITOR YOUR TRANSACTIONS AND CALL THE POLICE!

I guess it's easier going after citizens at gun shows than it is stalking and reporting on criminals. It's sure a hell of a lot safer for "The Hero of Medicine"--because we know what the folks who are truly causing the problems do when they find snitches in their midst.

"The Hero of Medicine." That sounds like a title Stalin would hand out, doesn't it?

Letter to Judge Lodge

I wanted to share a letter to Judge Lodge I was sent a copy of, because the writer has some first-hand knowledge of the forms and the audits.

June 11, 2007-06-11

Hon. Edward J. Lodge
Federal Building &U.S. Courthouse, MSC 039
550 W. Fort St., Room 400
Boise, ID 83724-0039

In re: RED'S TRADING POST, INC. v. RICHARD VAN LOAN

Dear Judge Lodge,

I am a FFL dealer in West Texas and I have been trying to follow this mess with Red's Trading Post. I have felt free to contact the local BATF office for questions and felt that I could trust their word. If there was something the BATF inspector wasn't sure about he would contact the BATF legal council in Dallas.

About a year ago I became uneasy because of BATF behavior in other parts of the country and started asking the inspectors to send me written verification. The inspectors have never been wishy washy and promptly complied with my requests with their name on the document.

Today I called the BATF office to make sure & clarify that the way I was keeping firearm transaction records was legal & approved. The BATF inspector directed me to the white 2005 FEDERAL FIREARMS REGULATIONS REFERENCE GUIDE,PAGE 64,"CODE 478.124 Firearms transaction record. ", paragraph (b) A licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer shall retain in alphabetical (by name of purchaser), chronological (by date of disposition), OR numerical (by transaction serial number) order, and as a part of the required records, each Form 4473 obtained in the transferring custody of the firearms.

I use the numerical system of keeping records and the inspector said that was perfectly legal according to the regulation.

Judge Lodge, notice the key word "or"in the method of keeping records. The word "or" is an exclusive term and means that anyone of the methods named in the regulation can be implemented and that the use of more than one of the named methods is not required.

Judge Lodge, notice that no where in that paragraph does it say that there must be a "front to back"or a "back to front" method of arrangement.

Sir, I cannot say for sure if BATF DIO Richard Van Loan and the Government's attorney do not understand the English language or they are abusing their authority under color of law. There is no greater offense to our fragile Democracy than a sworn officer that commits perjury or abuses their authority. If DIO Richard Van Loan, agent Caleb Rushing, and the Government's attorney get by with what they are trying to do,then they will become a law all in their own and can make up the laws as they go. AND that, Judge Lodge, is a tyrannical dictatorship.

Judge Lodge, I pray that you will do the right thing and relieve Red's Trading Post of this travesty, hold the authorities accountable, and grant Red's Trading Post compensation for the way they have been wronged.

What it Would Take

Pfleger has had limited success urging adults to search their own homes for weapons they may not know their children have, but spoke with CBS 2 late last month, he worried about what it would take to stop the killing.

What, like snuffing out John R-i-g-g-i-o?

A Variety of Perspectives

In putting together the panel, we sought input from a variety of perspectives so that we could have a frank, unscripted discussion of the many issues and complex web of problems that have led to the tragic deaths of these young people. We had representation from the faith community, the public schools, the police, family members of those killed and those accused of killing and community leaders and we met directly with students from some of the most affected schools.

Ah, the Queen of the Authorized Journalists weighs in. ABC 7 President & General Manager Emily Barr sounds like she actually believes her own line of ...

RELATED:

• A Panel of Experts
• Stop the Snuf...uhh...Violence

We're the Only Ones Just, Peaceful and Paid Enough

Araujo will continue to be paid as Justice of the Peace until the outcome of her trial for Felony Assault Charges with a Deadly Weapon.

And there are new developments for her attorney (and former DA) Terry McEachern as well:

“The Court finds and concludes that the material allegations contained in the (complaint) are true and that (McEachern committed) professional misconduct” in not turning over information that could have been used to impeach the only witness against some 45 Tulia residents: discredited undercover narcotics officer Tom Coleman, whose unsavory law enforcement background and alleged racism ultimately led to the pardon of most of the defendants, the majority of whom were black.

Don't you hate it when bad things happen to good people?

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

There Oughtta Be a Law

US veterans are twice as likely as civilians to commit suicide, according to a study released Monday, which researchers said underscores the need for mental health care for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan...

More often than not, firearms were used in the suicides, the study found.

Maybe we could get our pro-gun leaders to negotiate some sort of mental health background check deal with the Democrats...

WarOnGuns Hiatus

Friday will be my last post to WarOnGuns for an indefinite time--possibly as short as a few weeks, perhaps up to a month. I'll have more details then--I just wanted to give an advance heads up.

And no, nothing bad is happening. Quite the opposite, actually.

We're the Only Ones Getting Off Lighter Enough

William Kloss III, 37, of Neversink, pleaded guilty to felonies for arson and insurance fraud before County Court Judge Frank LaBuda. He's expected to get 2½ to 7½ years in prison when he's sentenced...

Kloss, who works in auto body, made it known to friends that he would destroy their cars. These included former sheriff's deputy Amanda Cox and former New York City Department of Environmental Protection officer Edward Kowalik Jr.

Cox, 25, was sentenced to probation and will be terminated from the sheriff's department. Kowalik, 32, pleaded guilty last week to felonies. In exchange for his plea, he's expected to get six months in jail and five years probation.

Via Declan, who adds: "Mr. Kloss gets his picture in the paper and a sentence of up to 71/2 years. While his 'only one' accomplices get light sentences, with little or no jail time and no mug shots plastered across the local rag. How nice!"

There's nothing I can add to that.

Working Together

Together, we have crafted a bill that will prevent gun violence, but maintain the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

What rights were those again?

And did you ever figure out what a barrel shroud is?

This Day in History: June 12

WHEREAS the infatuated multitudes, who have long suffered themselves to be conducted by certain well known Incendiaries and Traitors, in a fatal progression of crimes, against the constitutional authority of the state, have at length proceeded to avowed rebellion; and the good effects which were expected arise from the patience and lenity of the King's government, have been often frustated, and are now rendered hopeless, by the influence of the same evil counsels; it only remains for those who are entrusted with supreme rule, as well for the punishment of the guilty, as the protection of the well-affected, to prove they do not bear the sword in vain.

Another believer in the supremacy of big government who was in for a big surprise.

Foreign Mayor to Join Bloomberg Coalition?

A coalition of mayors working to crack down on illegal guns in the United States may soon include Toronto Mayor David Miller.

I think admitting foreign mayors is a great idea. Maybe they could also invite the mayors of Havana and Beijing and...

Shilling for Snuffy

Puh-leeze. The only threat Father Pfleger represents is a threat to the rigid top-down hierarchy of the church and, at times, to certain store owners and billboard salesmen...You can question Pfleger's methods -- I often do. But he also represents the best the priesthood has to offer, and a glimpse at its possible salvation.

This coming from a paper that never reported the "snuff" comment until those who objected to it made it impossible to ignore--and this from a paper that refuses to look into 501(c)(3) abuses.

The "authorized journalists" co-conspirators not only give this punk cover, they laud him as the model for the future. And they wonder why their circulation keeps dropping. But then, they lied about that in the past, too. "...[F]or several years."

Still, maybe that explains a bit: billboards compete with The Sun-Times for advertising dollars. And this punk columnist has no problem with someone being a "threat...to certain store owners"? What if threats are reciprocated?

Interesting choice of headlines this vignette is posted under: "Ready for 3rd War?"

More than you enuretics at The Sun-Times, I'll wager. You have no idea what you're starting, Neil Steinberg, you morally bankrupted tool, do you?

The BATFU Trouser Inferno

Ryan Horsely gives us the latest developments. Basically, an agent has changed his story, and "miraculous" new evidence has been conveniently "discovered" in an audit for which a clean bill of health was previously given--and documents previously could not be found...

Just another day at BATFU, as they represent a government "instituted among men to secure the blessings of liberty."

Have you written to the judge yet?

Why not?

Hon. Edward J. Lodge
Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, MSC 039
550 W. Fort St., Room 400
Boise, ID 83724-0039
or
Fax: (208) 334-9229

Everybody realizes that throughout this, Ryan has never asked any of us for a dime.

Oh, and take this week's poll in the left margin.

We're the Only Ones Confessing With Immunity Enough

Two former Sheriff's Department employees confessed to stealing and selling department weapons and accessories, but a U.S. Supreme Court decision prevents prosecutors from using those statements against them, sheriff's officials say.

Hey, if I ever get busted, can I make my confession to Internal Affairs, too? And then retain all those special "Only Ones" powers and privileges?

Meanwhile, BATFU is busy throwing all the king's horses and all the king's men at Red's Trading Post to keep us all safe from Ryan Horsley.

[Via 45superman]

This Day in History: June 11

On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence calling for freedom from Britain.

New WarOnGuns Poll: Red's Trading Post

The new poll is up--see the left margin and select the answer that best describes how you think the Red's Trading Post dispute should be resolved.

Here are the results of last week's poll (click on image to enlarge).

Radio Red's

Follow the title link to listen to Ryan Horsley of Red's Trading Post talk about "Red's vs Feds" on KLIX AM 1310 News Radio.

Click on the link for "Top Story 6/4/07 GLBT Float and Red's vs Feds."

Ryan's segment begins about 31 minutes into the podcast.