Bradys Call for National Protest on Aug. 28

On August 28, activists in cities across America will hold a national day of protest to focus attention on the scourge of illegal gun trafficking.

As I said on KABA Newslink Comments:

I'm going to try and start a blog swarm at WarOnGuns to get gun owners to buy a box of ammo on Aug 28--be nice if gun stores would offer some sort of nominal discount or a door prize (no purchase necessary to enter, just to keep things legal) or some such on that day to encourage this--Tuesdays may typically be slow days anyway, so this would get people in their stores and probably work out to their profit.

It'd be nice unintended consequences for the Bradys if we could demonstrate a few percentage points of sales increases on that day because of this.

If gun stores use a door prize incentive, I'd like to see them give away a copy of JPFO's "The Gang," but the point is just to make it happen, not to get caught up in the details of how. We're far enough away to where this won't encroach on National Ammo Day, and it would be a great in-your-face to have our enemies' plans backfire on them.

But here's the thing: It won't happen if it's just me pushing. It will die in obscurity on this blog.

Will YOU take it on yourself to spread the word, to participate, to get this message to your favorite gun store, to post about it if you have a blog, or to ask blogs you frequent to encourage their readers to join in?

As gun owners, we need to buy ammo anyway, and this really will take minimal effort on everyone's part. Or will this just be another "Profile in Apathy," where little is asked and nothing is done?

UPDATE: Looks like the Firearms Coalition thought up a similar idea for the same date. They call it "National Exercise Your Rights Day," and urge us to:

[S]tage active counter-protests, picnics, and marches to clearly demonstrate that a majority of Americans support all civil rights for all citizens, not the watered-down, pick-and-choose version of civil rights advocated by Jackson and his RainbowPush coalition.

Interesting Name for a Blog...

...and, of course, what we all should be working toward.

[Via M.D. Creekmore]

Archdiocese Checking Up on Snuffy

I wonder if Snuffy Pfleger knows his bosses are doing Google searches of his name--hopefully to assess how much damage he's done to the church's reputation with everyone who's not a race-baiting loon. I'd love to see them make good on their order to reassign him .

Cool Video

The link to "The Great Global Warming Swindle" online video has been deactivated, but it can still be viewed here.

The producers of the documentary say a new and expanded DVD version will be available in July, but I don't see order information.

[Via Don Hagen]

This Day in History: August 16

August 16. 1775

In New Jersey, the Provincial Congress resolves to organize a military force consisting of 48 battalions, one ranger company, and 63 companies of minutemen.

In New Jersey...

We're the Only Ones Demonstrating Department "Ammo Retention" Procedures Enough

The San Francisco rookie police officer who accidentally shot himself to death fired his weapon while displaying for a female friend how officers are taught to avoid having their guns used against them...It apparently was part of a demonstration of the department's "weapons retention" procedures. However,there was still a bullet in the chamber...Some of those at the party apparently were drinking...

Yeah, I always found shooting myself in the neck at parties was one way to really impress the ladies. Just use your gun against yourself first, then no one can use it against you--I gotta admit, it works. And San Francisco's ruling elite want us to believe such as these are "the Only Ones" who should be armed.

And yeah, I know, it's a magazine, and what was in the chamber was a cartridge or a round. But consider what we're dealing with here...

[Via Heartless Libertarian]

Arterial Girl

Madonna is reported to have started injecting herself with vitamins to boost her energy levels.

The singer, who turns 49 on Thursday, is said to have surprised passengers on a recent flight from New York to London by injecting herself with a vitamin shot in her arm.

And she got a hypodermic needle past our highly-trained TSA professionals how?

Magic Bullets

"Authorized journalists." Is there anything they don't know?

[Via SayUncle]

Hastert to Retire

Good riddance.

We're the Only Ones That Kind Enough

"I've got to wonder what kind of moron would Tase an adult holding a baby," said George Kirkham, a former police officer and criminologist at Florida State University. "It doesn't take rocket science to realize the baby is going to fall."

What kind? Meet "David Boling, an off-duty Houston police officer working security at the hospital..."

What is it about "Only Ones" and shooting people holding babies?

[Via Bruce W. Krafft]

The Answer to School Shootings: Increase Number of Soft Targets

In Scotland, a massacre occurred at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, and laws were subsequently changed to control hand guns. In the years since then, I don’t believe there has been a school shooting in Britain.

You don't need to single out schools, Howard, when your entire country is a criminal empowerment zone.

Cradle to Grave

"You have the rest of your lives to make the decisions that will keep you from losing your lives around this bay. Don't put 15 minutes in the hands of our trauma surgeons and expect them to bring you back the life that you squandered."

Showing consequences of bad choices seems like a legitimate effort to help deter violence (while it would have been appropriate if they didn't just focus on guns, but also showed the results of stabbings, blunt force trauma, etc.) Still, I didn't find any calls for more anti-gun legislation, so that's not bad, considering this is from ABC News.

A lot of people visit that site, so it wouldn't hurt if some of you left a comment there.

"Danger Lovers" May Get Their Wish

But even the inventor of AC current wouldn't have foreseen this Flash Gordon style wireless plasma gun, based on the Tesla Coil and built by the danger lovers at RM Cybernetics...

The best part? According to the site, "It is also possible to use butane gas which makes this thing into some kind of flamethrower - plasma gun hybrid."

Let's just hope BATFU doesn't get wind of this, or the "danger lovers" may get more danger to love than they bargained for.

But if they do, here's another device that may keep them at bay:

Macrolying for Microstamping

A proposed state bill requiring all new handguns to be stamped with microscopic identification tags could significantly decrease violence and shut down the illegal gun market if passed, proponents said in a news conference Tuesday.

No it could not either.

Good Lord, are these despicable creatures so incapable of approaching the truth that even the lies they spew need to be whoppers?

That's a stupid question, when Mike "Der" Feuer is involved.

We're the Only Ones Buttary Enough

Montpelier Police Officer Kevin Buttars was charged last night with unnecessary assault by a police officer...

The criminal complaint states Buttars shoved and choked Finley, slammed his head into a wall and possibly forced simulated sodomy on Finley.

You'll note it's a misdemeanor charge--I wonder what it would have been if roles had been reversed--and if there's such a thing as "necessary assault" for non-"Only Ones"?

And why can't I get this song out of my head?

[Via Bruce W. Krafft]

The BATFU Equation

This is the guy whose presence with a camera at Red's Trading Post so intimidated the Heroes of BATFU that they reacted in terror and withdrawal, and so notified the judge.

Surprisingly, I've found that this interaction can be reduced to a simple equation, and if we understand it, it may help us in future encounters. Here's the formula:

+

=

Note this also results in the following corollary:

This Day in History: August 15

Brig. Gen. Thomas Sumter got the approval from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates for a secondary effort against the British line of communications between Camden and Charleston. Gates reinforced Sumter's force with 100 Maryland Continentals, 2 guns, and 300 North Carolina militia.

Ted Meets Red's

Last night I was able to get a chance to meet Ted in person (along with his son Toby). We discussed what is happening to dealers across the nation...

Mr. Nugent and his family continue to strongly support the Second Amendment and support firearms dealers in this fight.

Let's hope we hear from him soon, in his own words on this.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

We're the Only Ones Hot Dogging it Enough

A Chandler police dog that died after his handler left him unattended in a hot patrol car was in the vehicle more than 12 hours before being discovered...

Lovejoy, a 15-year veteran, was not put on leave and returned to work Monday...

In March, a Phoenix police dog was rushed to a veterinarian after being left in an unmarked police vehicle without ventilation.

One would think the Arizona statutes are pretty doggone clear.

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

The Larry Hincker Solution

For their part, Virginia Tech officials haven't actively lobbied against attempts to modify Virginia's law, spokesman Larry Hincker said, but the university's position on weapons hasn't changed after the shootings.

"We don't believe that guns have any place in the classroom," Hincker said.

"We've experienced far more of guns in the classroom than any university should have to endure."

Thanks in no small part to you, Larry.

We're Supposedly the Only Ones Bringing You Closer to God Enough

Fearing that he was going to die when the supposed policeman cocked his pistol and pushed it against his head, Peng prayed for a quick death.

A "supposed" Only One? How would someone know?

Good thing we're conditioned to submit and never resist when a uniform or a badge are presented.

Isn't it?

Laura Washington's Race-Based Initiative

While blacks make up about 13 percent of the nation's population, they comprise 49 percent of all murder victims. And the vast majority -- 93 percent -- were killed by African Americans. Most likely wielding firearms.

Hmmm...

So, Laura Washington, are you implying that certain demographics can't handle the responsibilities of free people? And so the rest of us who do conduct ourselves peaceably must be blamed and have our freedom restricted because you don't trust them?

By the way--nice leadership the black media elites are providing. What does it say about what you must think of your audience, that you feel compelled to reach them in such a manner?

Sick of Gun Violence?

[Try BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

While it was the right thing to do, the council's vote will not solve the growing gun menace that Sacramento faces. Similar measures enacted in other cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland, have not reduced gun crimes.

So because it doesn't work, we need to expand it and do it everywhere...particularly in those places with high gun ownership and low violent crime rates.

Yep, look for blame. Just make sure you look in the right direction, and at the right people.

I see nobody has left any comments at the SacBee site as I type these words. I hope some of you can find the time to leave them a sentiment or two...

Here's an Idea

A 10-year-old boy spends several harrowing minutes locked in a gun safe at a Sam's Club in Worcester.

Maybe they ought to put childproof locks on those things...

If it saves on life...

The Fighting Irish

A decision to allow a Co Armagh couple accused of involvement in a Real IRA gun smuggling plot to take a holiday in Co Donegal was last night slammed as "scandalous and ridiculous".

I'll say it's ridiculous.

Haven't these people heard that the IRA has disarmed?

It says so here
and here
and...oops.

Uh, never mind.

Pistolless in Peoria

Gun-toters will find it more convenient to do business at Peoria City Hall.

The city recently installed 20 gun lockers throughout the municipal-complex grounds...

The Legislature last year amended a law passed in 2000 to require that storage be readily accessible to the gun owner who enters public buildings where weapons are banned.

So the servants demand we disarm before they will grant us an audience. This evokes for me nothing so much as "One of the People," from the Philadelphia Federal Gazette, July 2, 1789 (via GunCite):

"What should we think of a gentleman, who, upon hiring a waiting-man, should say to him—'my friend, please to take notice, before we come together, that I shall always claim the liberty of eating when and what I please, of fishing and hunting upon my own ground, of keeping as many horses and hounds as I can maintain, and of speaking and writing my sentiments upon all subjects.' A servant must be a fool, who would not suppose such a master to be a madman... Let these truths sink deep into our hearts: that the people are the masters of their rulers and that rulers are the servants of the people..."

This Day in History: August 14

August 14, 1779

Congress approves peace plan.

The Continental Congress approves a peace proposal that calls for not only independence but also the evacuation of North America by the British and free navigation of the Mississippi River.

Nugent to Help Red's

I just had a great conversation with the Motor City Madman Ted Nugent...

That's great news.

I take it all back and apologize.

Ryan also says Nugent's website will carry updates. Based on the outcome in this case, I prefer having to eat my words.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

Ryan has Mixed Feelings...

...about this.

Interview with Hollis Wayne Fincher

I don't know how I missed this--it's been out a few weeks.

[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

Groom Raider: The Windy City

According to "Boots" a Brangelina security guard had to pull a gun on what certainly sounds like a crazy fan while the gang is in Chicago watching Jolie work.

In Chicago? Where are Jesse and Snuffy when you really need them?

How does a person who's not a Daley, a cop (or an alderman) get away with armed protection in Chicago?

Particularly one who disapproves of guns?

A Crazed Right-Wing Militant Responds

Between the post-shoot steak dinner catered by a professional chef to the (legal) cannon and automatic weapon firing demonstrations, there was a concerted effort to help Zumbo understand that AR-15 shooters and hunters aren't crazed right-wing militants waiting for an apocalyptic one-world government takeover.

What are you trying to do, Brent Wheat, outzumbo Zumbo?

Why do you perpetuate the stereotype that prudent Americans taking personal protective measures because of real threats--internal and external--that could very well bring this nation to its knees, should be ridiculed as kooks?

Put another way:

[W]here in history is any civilization guaranteed stasis? Has not despotism and mass destruction plagued every civilization that preceded ours? Is it not, in fact, still commonplace throughout the globe? By what suspension of reality, by what denial of the observable and the probable, by what art, device or magic are we sheltered few immune from catastrophe? Are we certain, from our brief and privileged vantage point, that such things will ever remain headline curiosities? Is it not just plain stupid to proclaim that our familiar way of life will forever be the norm, when everything that has gone before us shows we are, instead, the extremely lucky beneficiaries of a rare and fortunate convergence of circumstances; and one, by the way, that has only been preserved under force of arms?

Brent, it seems you haven't figured out this hunter/sport shooter elitism won't fly with Americans who believe--without apology--that a militia of the whole people is the ultimate guarantor for "the security of a free state." Instead of helping bridge the gulf, your "ill-considered [viewpoint]" widens it--unless you think dispensing disparagement from above will endear chef-catered-to sport shooters to those who take preparedness seriously.

Yeah, I know you advise your readers to "[flex] their political muscle in support of the Second Amendment," but if anticipating and preparing for freedom-threatening catastrophes is something to be ridiculed, I'm not certain I understand why.

Advise and Consent

The gunman ordered children out of the sanctuary before opening fire, killing three people and wounding at least five others in the middle of a worship service. He held 25 to 50 people hostage before finally surrendering...The gunman surrendered to authorities after about 10 minutes of negotiation.

Looks like the coward wanted to live. So if men showing up with guns caused him to stop, what principle can we extrapolate?

The thing about guns in Missouri churches is:

[A] person is prohibited from bringing a concealed weapon on to the premises of a church or place of religious worship, unless the person has obtained the consent of the pastor, priest, or person or persons representing the religious organization that exercises control over the place of religious worship.

Looks like nobody got "permission".

This Day in History: August 13

We were not here above an hour until we went to view the lines where the English camp is all in plain sight. We crossed the lines, and went beyond the outposts to a small hill, within musket shot of a man-of-war and a floating battery, and not further from the works at the foot of Bunker Hill, where we could see them very plainly. Whilst I was standing there, some of our riflemen slipped down the hill, about a gunshot to the left of us and began firing.

BREAKING NEWS: GUN CONTROL LAWS AFFECT LAW-ABIDING!!!

The number of licensed gun owners in Massachusetts is falling.

In the past six years, gun licenses have dropped by 25 percent, a decline driven by more restrictive laws, higher fees and a gradual change in culture, according to law enforcement and gun owners.

Predictably:

Some in law enforcement are applauding the decline, but caution that there are still plenty of illegal guns on the streets.

No, duh. How ya doin' on decreasing those? Making any progress?

Chief Crowley (we've met this authoritarian spokesthing before) weighs in:

"The average citizen who has a gun 24-7 I don’t believe has the experience, knowledge and training to know when and if they should use a firearm."

No, of course not, Chief. They're not "Only Ones," with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, like you.

The Path of Least Resistance

A 41-year-old man stormed a beauty salon and bludgeoned four grandmothers with a hammer, fracturing one's skull, before making off with less than $90, police said...The women, aged 56 to 76, did not resist but were beaten anyway...

So take a tip from Detective Kevin Coffey:

You've heard it before and now here it is again: Never resist if you are the victim of a robbery. Do exactly as you are told to do in order to minimize your chances of being injured and to speed the departure of your assailant before he gets other ideas. The assailant, in most cases, doesn't want to hang around much longer than you want him to...

He must know better than us, because:

Kevin is the media's favorite expert on travel safety and related topics. Most likely you recognize him from appearances on Oprah, 20/20, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, The Travel Channel, Court TV, The Today Show or countless other broadcasts. He is regularly quoted in the written press, including: USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Fortune, Inc., as well as in many trade publications.

No surprise this guy is the darling of the "authorized journalists," is it?

Too bad those grandmothers didn't heed his advice, though, because they did have access to "(HAIRSPRAY, KEYS, PURSE) as a weapon," but in fairness to media favorite Kevin, this wasn't a rape prevention situation. Still, why wouldn't he advise free people to train themselves to deploy the most effective means of personal defense known?

After all, he carries a sidearm.

Oh but I forget...he's an "Only One"...

I'm the Father of "The Only One"

Interesting excuse making.

Here's the post he should have commented on.

Dad seems to be focused on who rode the bull and that his son shot himself in the leg, not the foot. Fine--I have no problem accepting that version over the one reported by the "authorized journalists."

But funny: They've changed the story and deleted the quote I copied that was posted at that time on that link.

Still, the whole reason this was a story in the first place was due to the negligent discharge. And "The Only One" responsible for that is the negligent operator.

And I stand by my comment: If it had been you or me or anyone not connected to the local LE establishment negligently discharging a firearm in a public place that serves alcohol, I have no doubt we'd have been arrested and charged.

And justifiably so.

New Trial Ordered for Kwan

Per Len Savage:

Found buried in todays edition of Seattle Times...

Don't think you got redirected to the wrong page if the headline you see involves a decapitated snake (and why that guy didn't just call in the Noble, OK PD for professional snake dispatching is beyond me). No, you need to scroll down through "Local News" to the next story to find:

A federal judge has granted a new trial to Albert K. Kwan, a Bellevue gun collector who was found guilty of illegally possessing a short-barrel rifle after a three-day jury trial in June.

Imagine that: the jury wasn't told parts need to be connected to make a whole. And while I see nothing about Kwan's acquittal on machine gun possession charges, I do see plenty of innuendo suggesting he's a shady character somehow involved in murder--that and a liar.

That goes with being an "authorized journalist," I guess. But funny--when Kwan was convicted, they had no problem reporting it not once, but twice. And again with all that nasty innuendo.

And what has Mr. Kwan been evidently wrongfully convicted of?

Investigators who searched his home...seized several weapons, including...a Heckler and Koch pistol that could be attached to a shoulder stock, making it a short-barreled rifle.

If that's all it takes, I might be guilty, too. I could take the stock off one of my rifles. I'm sure I have some bolts and a clamp somewhere in the garage I could use to attach it to one of my pistols--it wouldn't be very pretty, and I wouldn't want to use something so poorly modified, but it would certainly seem to meet the government litmus test.

I guess a government with unlimited resources can afford to throw them at anyone it sets its mind to. And if you anger the beast, it will set its mind to bringing you down.

New and Improved

Jeffersonian suggests the following "product improvement for the Only Ones":



Perhaps, but I do see a potential legal problem. Just as I pointed out several years back in "Smart Guns-Dumb Lawsuits":

...they would still be deemed negligent for not including such warnings in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and Tagalog.

I mean, our diversity is our strength. Right?

[Image via Funpic]

Considering Kennesaw

GeorgiaCarry.org President Ed Stone said he is pleased to see Kennesaw take steps to change its ordinance, but said the organization would pursue legal action if the city failed to act.

Here's more information on a story WarOnGuns talked about a couple days ago.

[Via Ed Stone]

This Day in History: August 12

The court martial of George Washington's second-in-command at a crucial stage in the War of Independence was the culmination of a tense relationship between the two men and ended General Charles Lee's military career.

My Kind of Gals

They sure make our Million Mommy types look pathetic, don't they? Even the women members.

I'm the Only One--No, I'm the Only One

When Elitists Collide...

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Book Learnin'

"If the kid has a backpack next to them, or under the desk, they can pick it up, the straps act as a handle and it becomes a shield," Curran said.

It's much lighter than a 15-pound police vest. After three years of experimenting, the backpacks that were tested by an outside lab ranked threat level two. It stops an assortment of bullets, including 9-millimeter hollow point bullets.

It'll also give the assailant a nice target to aim at center mass. Besides, guess what else will stop "an assortment of bullets, including 9-millimeter hollow point bullets"?

How about just an ordinary backpack that doesn't cost $175 full of...uh... books?

But I wouldn't recommend betting my child's life on that. What would I recommend?

Oh, gee, I don't know.

Besides, Wayne doesn't like the idea.

Just So We're Clear on How This Works

...Carranza, who has a fake Social Security number, had been arrested on charges of raping a 5-year-old girl and then threatening the child and her parents. In that case he faced a 31-count indictment.

In another, he was arrested on assault charges stemming from a bar fight.

Immigration officials apparently were aware of Carranza's illegal status since his prior arrests, according to Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura.

The solution, of course, to prevent such execution-style killings by known illegal immigrants is to disarm American Citizens.

Take San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (please!), who is trying to shut down the gun show at the Cow Palace (it's not even in his jurisdiction), while declaring San Francisco a "Sanctuary City" for the likes of Mr. Carranza.

As we've seen before, this despicable, out-of-control reprobate just ignores laws he objects to, but will not tolerate even the hint of defiance for one of his edicts.

That is the very definition of rule of man, the very definition of tyranny.

We're the Only Ones Permissive Enough

[I used BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

The FBI is looking into concealed-gun permits issued by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, according to documents filed in a lawsuit that alleges former Sheriff Lou Blanas issued permits as political favors....The lawsuit, filed in December 2003 when Blanas was sheriff, alleges that Blanas denied David Mehl, a chemical engineer, and Lok T. Lau, a retired FBI agent, equal protection under the law when his office turned down their applications for gun-carry permits.

Gee, you don't suppose having one of their own get denied was what prompted this. do you? I mean, it's not like this hasn't been SOP for California Sheriff and Police departments...

All animals deserve equal protection, but some animals deserve more equal protection than others.

[Via 1894C]

[More from "The Only Ones" files]

Nuge to Red's: You're on Your Own

"At this time, it does not appear that Ted's schedule will permit."

Yeah, 10 minutes of the Great Man's time is a lot to ask for.

The guy's in Boise, making untold profits off a fan base that includes untold thousands of gun owners and he can't be bothered?

Ryan has been trying to work with "his people," so he knows about the situation at Red's Trading Post. Evidently he doesn't want to involve his name in the controversy. Because if he wanted to, he could point Ryan out in the audience.

Ryan says "the positive side is I still get to see Ted in concert."

If it was me, I wouldn't go.

"What Better Person..."

...to explain to you how to make one of these videos than someone who knows absolutely nothing about technology?

Yeah, like firearms technology, seeing as how you Brady Luddites want to ban those employing designs that were developed in the same period as the light bulb.

Lewis Black adds his peculiar brand of acting like a smug urban smart ass while remaining typically unfunny in this latest Brady Campaign propaganda foray. He invites us to submit our own videos and "Tell us what you feel" (significantly, not "what you know"), and the thought strikes that we could do a repeat of the Million Moon March--except I fear the effort would be wasted and they'd never show critical viewpoints.

Pity, because the one I had in mind involves a look-alike of Black sitting at an identical set, going into his whiny rant when suddenly...well, let's just say it involves ski masks, rubber gloves and a meat fork, and he's powerless to stop it.

Hey--it's funnier than what he's doing, and he's a professional comic.

Years ago, I did a video called "Minute Men." We were at a gun rights rally in Sacramento, CA, and I set up a camera on a tripod and gave attendees (who signed a release) one minute to speak their mind on the right to keep and bear arms. I still have the tape and really ought to get it converted to digital format, edit it and post it online. All I need is the time to teach myself to do all that.

Guest Editorial: Liberty is Risky

By Charles H. Sawders

In a free society potential behavior cannot be punished. To the extent that it is, is the measure of the absence of liberty.

Unacceptable behavior proscribed by law, may be punished. But in a free society what one might, maybe, could, possibly, perhaps, be able to do is not grounds for punishment or truncation of rights. Only after the unacceptable behavior has occurred can a free society protect itself by punishing the actor, both as retribution and deterrence. Any punishment or restriction prior is a veto of liberty.

Liberty is risky. We must rely on the good natures of our fellow citizens to a large extent. Though risky, it has proven throughout history to be much safer than entrusting ourselves to the good natures of governments.

Those unwilling to risk liberty can always find a master. If that be their desire, I will not strive to prevent such, so long as they seek subservience and servitude on a personal level. They are not empowered to seek either, nor a master, for me. When they venture to do so they have become my enemy. An enemy who will not be tolerated. An enemy who will be counted among the forces of evil by free men everywhere.

Also by Charles H. Sawders:
The Downsides of Liberty

This Day in History: August 11

Under the present Situation of Affairs, I can give you no better direction than to remain at your post and collect all the force that you possibly can, the Season of the Year is to be sure inconvenient for the Militia to be out, but the necessity of the Case requires that as many as possibly can, must be retained in service, for if Genl. Burgoyne persists in his advance upon our Northern Army, we must offer them support or suffer him to make himself Master of all the Country above.

No, Mike. Just No.

A career statist loon wants to ban handguns and dictate barrel lengths of long arms. [More]

Here's my reply. I encourage you to follow the link and leave comments of your own.

No, Mike.

That's it, just "no."

Now what are you going to do about it?

How many men like me, who refuse to bend to your will, are you willing to have killed or ruined in the futile attempt to enact your agenda? Because we won't just give up. We won't just surrender our guns.

And in order to get them out of the 80-plus million households in this country, you're going to need to conduct a full-blown national occupation. The "authorities" won't have time for 80-plus million search warrants and habeas corpus and all that other Constitutional nonsense, so it will just be block sweeps and dynamic entries. Nice police state your little fantasy will create.

What, you thought "benefits" didn't come with offsetting costs?

You're talking tripwire scenario here, Mike--real resistance and everything that implies.

And I assume you won't be doing the disarmament yourself--you expect hirelings to risk their necks doing your dirty work for you. Except most of those hirelings
have family. I wouldn't count on all of them staying "loyal."

It doesn't surprise me that you've worked for the state your entire career, that is, been a career statist, Mike. That much is evident from your attitudes. So I guess you haven't dealt all that much with free men who earn their own keep without relying on plundering the productive sector--perhaps you even had power to deny permits--that kind of stuff--make the rabble jump through your hoops, rather than be a public servant.

Free people don't need your permission to keep and bear arms, Mike. If you try to act like they do, you'll be in for a rude awakening.

[Via Alphecca]

Ryan Horsley Video Interview

WarOnGuns has talked about the deficiencies in reporting on Red's Trading Post by High Country Times, first in the "Guns R Us" piece, and then in the "Ready, Aim, Compromise" editorial.

By contrast, their video interview comes off as balanced--it's easy to see why Ryan Horsley would feel a reporter asking such questions in such a manner would be sympathetic, and Ryan comes across more than anything else as a decent man.

One thing struck me as particularly ironic, and it didn't happen until the last few seconds of the last video segment, "Ryan Horsley on the 2nd Amendment." I recalled that the interviewer and reporter, Ray Ring, made a specific point in his story of telling readers that JPFO's "The Gang" video "includes no substantial interviews with ATF staffers."

Well, gee, Mr. Ring. Based on your admission that "The feds have been characteristically tight-lipped about their enforcement actions," I wonder why, particularly considering the last frame of your video interview:

Kennesaw Agrees to Consider Repealing Gun Ban

From Matt Knighten:

Yes, that Kennesaw, Gun Town USA has an ordinance that bans the carry of firearms in city parks (even those legally carried by license individuals). Though the state has a law preempting it, they have agreed to "consider" repealing the ban. Actually, that is what the AJC says. The letter from the city attorney to GCO says they have agreed period.

The AJC has most of the story. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2007/08/09/guns_0810.html

Letter from the City attorneys is found on this page: http://www.georgiacarry.org/cms/2007/08/07/kennesaw-agrees-to-repeal-parks-ban/

Also, to put it in perspective, here is a link to GA's preemption law 16-11-173 http://www.georgiapacking.org/GaCode/?title=16&chapter=11&section=173

In light of all that, notice that in the AJC article that the county of Coweta (which has a similar ordinance) is fighting GeorgiaCarry over it. They have even one the first court case. GCO is who is appealing to the GA Appeals Court. If you want to read more about that, you can read our updates about it http://www.georgiacarry.org/cms/category/action-items/coweta-county-preemption/

and/or if you feel like reading the court/lawsuit related documents http://www.georgiacarry.com/county/coweta_parks

Matt Knighten
Owner GeorgiaPacking.org
Secretary and Member of the Board GeorgiaCarry.org

"Y" and "N"

Here are some questions I'd like to see put to BATFU DIO Richard Van Loan under oath:

Q: Form 4473 states that "The information you provide will be used to determine whether you are prohibited under law from receiving a firearm." Is any other purpose for completing it stated on the form?

Q: You cite as a violation that firearm purchase forms were found that had "Y" and "N" entered instead of "Yes" and "No". What difference does that make?

Q: If the only stated intent of the form is to determine if a person is "prohibited...from receiving a firearm," can you cite one instance where a gun has been sold to such a person by a licensed dealer for no other reason than BECAUSE "Y" and "N" were accepted in lieu of "Yes" and "No"?

Q: Question 13 of Form 4473 has check boxes for "Yes", "No" and "Not Applicable". As it's not specified on the form, would an "X" instead of a check mark be a violation, and if so, has a dealer ever been found in noncompliance for accepting it? If not, we're back to the question: What difference does it make?

Q: Form 4473 states that a false statement on the form is "a crime punishable as a felony." Would a prohibited person who wrote "Y" or "N" when they should have given opposite answers be exempted from such charges? If not, what difference does it make?

Q: Is it fair to say that entering "Y" or "N" instead of "Yes" of "No" makes NO DIFFERENCE in terms of determining whether a person is "prohibited under law from receiving a firearm" or the government's ability to prosecute a person for making false statements on Form 4473? If so, hasn't the stated intent of the form been accomplished regardless of whether a letter or a word has been entered on the form?

Overlooking the Obvious

This feeble comparison overlooks the obvious: There is no constitutional right to dress as you please, or to sell cookies at work.

My point here is not to engage in the property rights vs gun rights debate--it's to return to a point I've tried to make again and again, yet some of our "conservative" leaders just won't get it.

The Constitution was never intended to define all of our rights. Workplace dress codes and charitable solicitations on company premises have everything to do with voluntary agreements and nothing to do with government infringements of rights.

This Day in History: August 10

On August 10, 1776, seven months after being elected Governor, Archibald Bulloch read a copy of the Declaration of Independence to the council members of Savannah , Georgia . Afterward, he read the Declaration to an audience at the public square. After reading it for a third time at the Liberty Pole, the Declaration of Independence was praised for its importance by thirteen thunderous rounds from a canon. Every since that historic event, residents of Bulloch County have celebrated "Archibald Bulloch Day" on August 10 th .

One Nation, Under Gun

From Wolfesblog:

AMAZING. Newsweek has published a photo essay of gun owners and they are all normal people. No demonizing, no snide remarks, just photos of average people who take personal responsibility for protecting themselves and their families.

If You Can't Beat 'em, Smear 'em

"All of these facts undermine Respondent's claim that Petitioner was out to 'intimidate and harass' the inspectors," the filing said. "It is equally as likely that Respondents decided to exaggerate innocuous circumstances to justify terminating an inspection that was not finding any regulatory violations or breaches of the Court's order."

Yeah, that and lie.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

Linda Young in Camo?

Y'know, that might not be a bad solution...

Reasonable Compromise

The following comment appears after the article. Not sure why they ID'd me as "Anonymous," since I submitted my name and got back an email from their News Editor thanking me for my comments. I noticed the links didn't translate into their form either.

John, it's real easy to call for "compromise" in a generalized way and expect to come off sounding like you're "reasonable".

Maybe if you'd define some of the specific compromises you'd like to see, we could let you know if we agree.

How does John Mecklin define "reasoned common ground"? And how can we "collaborate" with people who--despite your and Ray Ring's apparent beliefs that they can be sated, do indeed want to disarm us?

Conspiracy hysteria? Hardly. Don't take it from me, take it straight from the sources, compiled and verified by Eugene Volokh, Professor of Law, UCLA Law School, including:

"1. Quotes from gun control proponents praising the slippery slope, and urging mild restrictions as steps toward a total ban.

"2. Citations to laws that in fact ban all guns or all handguns.

"3. Quotes from politicians urging gun bans.

"4. Quotes from leading media figures and institutions urging gun bans.

"5. Quotes from advocacy groups urging gun bans."

(See: http://www.gunscholar.org/gunban.htm)

Why not write another opinion piece? Let us know how you intend to find a solution to such a seemingly "intractable" agenda through "compromise".

Those of us who believe in reasoned discourse can't wait to hear your proposals.

The Baltimore Social Registry

A Baltimore City Council committee has approved Mayor Sheila Dixon's proposal for a public gun crime registry -- similar to sex offender registries....

Gun offenders who fail to register could face jail time.

The term "gun offenders," of course, includes those who are caught with the means of defense on hand because they fear for their lives. As for those who commit violent crimes, one can only wonder why most of them are living among us in the first place, and how many of the remainder are already registered with parole officers...

And, of course, no murders will be prevented. And of those that are solved, how many does anyone honestly think will be because of this stupid list?

But it gets herhonor's name in the paper, and she can brag to her willing dupes in "the community" how she's protecting them. This is just another small step in the agenda of portraying all gun owners as seedy, as perverse, as less than righteous human beings, as...vermin.

All the News That's Fit to Print

Lowlifes too stupid and irresponsible to be trusted with matches create a child endangerment scenario where the inevitable happens. And the "authorized journalists" are all over it, naturally, as it suits their agenda.

Sounds like a great reason to demand more laws to disarm you and me.

How to Deal with the FedGov

Lie.

This guy admitted lying to "illegally" purchase guns. Two cops are dead in the sequence of events that followed. He'll get "three to four years."

Wayne Fincher told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He peaceably owned guns--which he manufactured and which never entered interstate commerce, and were never used for any purpose other than to serve in the Constitutionally-recognized Citizen Militia. He got six-and-a-half years.

The moral here is, when dealing with the government, lie. It's a language they understand. And one more thing, perhaps the most important: confess. They get off on knowing they've broken you. And they seek revenge on those who won't break.

US v Kwan Update

From Len Savage:

The Judge set aside the Jury's verdict, and granted motion for re-trial. He stated reasons that the ATF/US attorney mis-stated the facts. The Judge gave the US Attorney three weeks to consider dismissing the charge, appeal his decision, or get ready for a new trial. I will let you know how the next hearing goes in a couple of weeks. This good news for all the 9th circuit...

I went looking to see if this story has been picked up by the "authorized journalists." It hasn't been, of course, but they were sure all over him when it suited their purposes to paint him as a domestic terrorist). And they sneer at mere bloggers as their circulations plummet.

I did find that Ryan Horsley posted on this already, so he gets the "breaking news" credit.

This Day in History: August 9

On our side, all accounts agreed, that a number of the enemy is killed; the flower of our militia either killed or wounded, except 150, who stood the field and forced the enemy to retreat; the wounded were brought off by those brave men; the dead they left on the field for want of proper support.

"Now That's a Recordkeeping Error!"

David Hardy shows how good the government is at keeping track of its own guns.

And they're shutting down private dealers for accepting "Y" and "N" on their stupid form instead of "Yes" and "No"?

High Country Bias

The editor at High Country Times asked me to link to this piece dealing with Red's Trading Post.

I wrote back:

I have several problems with the article in question, and was going to link to it when I had time to compose my thoughts, but I'm afraid my commentary will include my objections, including its heavy reliance on Joan Burbick.

I don't have time to do a fisking, but if you read the HCT piece, you'll have no problem seeing what I mean.

The BATFU Time Machine

Funny thing about BATFU claiming in legal documents they called off the audit of Red's Trading Post because they felt "harassed and intimidated."

Here's the time line of events leading to Area Supervisor Linda Young throwing in the (wet?) towel:

8:30am- The ATF Inspectors and Supervisor arrive.

8:37am- The first blog is written.

11:15am- The ATF calls off the audit without warning or letting Ryan know what was going on.

3:08pm- After waiting several hours Ryan writes a recap.

7:59pm- Anonymous post appears on Red's blog--after everyone had gone home and shut down the store.

So here is essentially what this was about: A citizen came in and took pictures, so they fled in fury because they couldn't legally stop him. They even admit as much in their complaint.

All this business about the car and the hotel and the hostile comment are just smoke and mirrors--designed to persuade the judge that a threatening situation existed. If it had, why is there no record of a call to the local police? After all, interference with their "lawful duties" is a "crime". In order for any of these factors to have affected their decision to terminate the audit, they would literally have had to been able to travel back in time. Yet they present them to the judge as if they were all elements that led to that decision.

In other words, they are manipulating and lying. Surprise, surprise.

Let's hope Judge Lodge doesn't fall for it. Let's hope he sees this transparent attempt to deceive his court for what it is--and then takes appropriate action against them. That is, unless they can demonstrate an ability to navigate through the Fourth Dimension...

Getting Clinical Over Guns

Rifles, anyway.

Western Rifle Shooters Association is holding an Intermediate Rifle Clinic in Douglas, WY, on 8/25-26. From the looks of their agenda, this promises to be a very through, informative and fun two days.

It sounds like the last one was very much appreciated by those who attended.

Take the Red's ATF Poll

"What do you think should happen to the ATF?"

I didn't see the option I wanted, so I settled for "Abolish."

Go take the Red's poll and spread the link. He ought to have a thousand times the numbers that are showing so far. No wonder BATFU thinks it can get away with anything.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: August 8

The British outpost of Detroit supplied and encouraged these natives to attack colonists in Kentucky. This painting shows the retaliation.

More Cities are Punishing You...

...and exempting the criminals.

Y'see, since "prohibited persons" can't "legally" own guns, they're under no compulsion to report when theirs are stolen. That's because requiring them to do so would violate their Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination.

But those police chiefs getting their names in the paper won't tell us that, will they?

We're the Only Ones Giving Unwarranted Privileges Enough

Because a conviction of possession of a firearm without an identification card can mean two years in jail, the Ethics Commission determined that Inostroza used his role as a police officer to give an "unwarranted privilege of substantial value" to the councilor's daughter.

But the councilor says she "did the right thing," and has been cleared.

Why is the truth so hard to nail down when dealing with "The Only Ones"?

Full Auto Fundraising

The machinegun fundraiser for the New Hampshire Republican Party on Sunday was an opportunity to let off a little steam and tell candidates in next year's US presidential election that for many Americans, gun rights matter.

While I support the concept of a machine gun fundraiser in principle, my problem with money going to the Republican Party, as opposed to a specific candidate, is that they will allocate the funds to candidates because they have an (R) after their names--not necessarily because they have shown any fidelity to the right of the people to keep and bear arms. So if Giuliani or Mitt is the nominee, guess where the gun owner contributions will end up?

Not a man in the pack is interested in doing anything to roll back federal infringements except Ron Paul. And the "moderate" GOP establishment--and NRA-- are following the same course with him that they used in California to sideline Tom McClintock.

Another Chicago Child Gun Death

Chicago Police on Monday evening shot and killed a teen on the West Side who police say pointed a gun at an officer...The fatal shooting triggered a near-riot by neighborhood residents disputing the police version of the incident...

So when can we expect Jesse and Snuffy to show up at the station?

Prosecute Our Trespasses

"We want sensible gun laws," Jackson said. "You don't hunt with M-16s. You blow holes in tanks with those weapons. They were built just to kill people."

Jesse, listen to yourself. Truth literally has no place in your posturing, does it?

Just how ignorant are your and Snuffy Pfleger's followers, anyway?

Any bets on whether the jury nullifies?

Set Phasers on "Puke"

It looks like a big flashlight — but it's really a nonlethal weapon designed to make you sick.

I have to wonder if some kind of protective lens goggles would defeat this thing...

Assault Rock on ebay

It's used, but in otherwise excellent condition.

[Via Joe Bethancourt]

We're the Only Ones Virtually Immortal Enough

During a demonstration on gun safety to a group of kids in Florida, he accidentally shot himself in the leg...

"My main concern is to make people in the public aware of the fact that I was a productive agent and not some bumbling buffoon that shot himself in the foot."

Could'a fooled me.

But thanks, Lee Paige, Godfather of "The Only Ones," for giving me what I hope will become a virtually immortal term to describe those in positions of civil authority who act as if they're (as Say Uncle says) "Like you and me, only better."

[Via HZ]

This Day in History: August 7

August 7. 1775

In Paris, France, King Louis XVI agrees to send Julien Achard de Bonvouloir to America on a fact-finding mission. He is also instructed to assure the Americans that France has no aspirations for the reconquest of Canada.

Another "Gun-Free School Zone" Report Card

Three friends were forced to kneel against a wall behind an elementary school and were shot to death at close range, and a fourth was found about 30 feet away with gunshot and knife wounds to her head, police said.

Perhaps their assailants failed to notice page 46 from the Newark Public School's Discipline Policy? Or perhaps, if they were not students, they failed to heed the Brady Campaign's assurances that "it is illegal for CCW permit holders to carry guns into schools"?

Just asking. It seems "A-" rated New Jersey could use some more laws, or signs, or something to pull that grade up to a 4.0.

Starting with a Lie

Sacramento police want to take guns out of the hands of criminals and keep them with law abiding citizens.

That must be why they want to pass laws that will exempt criminals and burden law abiding citizens.

Why read any further when it's obvious we're being lied to from the outset?

Why the Delay?

The case of a licensed gun dealer busted 14 months ago as part of Mayor Bloomberg's anti-gun initiative has been stalled repeatedly to give prosecutors time to discuss strategy with City Hall, a lawyer for the defendant claims.

I mean, it's not like Bloomberg's tactics haven't been rebuked--by both the feds and other states.

I wonder what happened to Jack Togati's "right to a speedy...trial"? I guess when someone like Bloomberg gets away with trampling the Second Amendment, there's not much reason for him to fear crossing the line on the Sixth.

The other thing I wonder is why a blog search shows practically nothing about this, and nothing at all presenting Mr. Togati's side of things. I'd think there would be some gun rights advocates in New York who would see the benefit of keeping a light shined on these types of stories.

When Logic Fails...

...just rely on wishful thinking.

Hey, you can't prove gun "buybacks" don't work, and if it save just one child it's worth it.

Besides, if you had a gun in the home, this might happen.

Oh, wait, it might not. Never mind.

"It's Really a Values Issue"

The decision of administrators at the University of Toronto to shut down the venerable Hart House Rifle and Revolver Clubs next month speaks to more than political correctness run amok...

There's never been a deliberate or accidental shooting at the range in the 88-year history of the gun clubs...

An assistant VP called it "really a values issue. This is not a safety issue as strictly defined."

Sounds more like a lack of values to me.

We're the Only Ones Serpentine Enough

City Manager Bob Wade said rumors of overeager Noble officers are inaccurate. "I was told that they tried several ways to get the snake down, but it was still hissing at them and firmly lodged,” Wade said. "What I was told is that the owner of the home either suggested or agreed that they should go ahead and shoot the snake, and then everything happened from there.”

Wade refused to identify the officer suspected of firing the shots but said the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents were told that officers decided to shoot the animal after being told there was a field behind them, said Jessica Brown, bureau spokeswoman. [More]

Excuse-making mouthpiece Wade would have done better saying nothing than trying to blame the homeowner for his officer's appalling lack of judgment--as if anyone but the operator is responsible for firing a gun. Ditto for Brown, who indicates telling a cop there's "a field behind them" somehow excuses firing a gun when what's behind the target and in the bullet's path hasn't been determined.

This story is just so appalling on so many levels.

First of all, assuming the Noble "Only Ones" couldn't use a rake handle or a shotgun or snake shot in their handguns, it doesn't seem unreasonable to ask why this wasn't a job for animal control--particularly since they're in the same building as the Noble PD.



And then we have the matter of refusing to release the name--that seems to be a recurring theme--unless "authorized journalists" covering the story are getting their ox gored.

Ironic thing about Noble. They appear to be murder-free.


Until now. And you can bet this will be added to Oklahoma's "child gun deaths" statistics and used as further "justification" against private gun ownership.

One other thing stands out in light of a post from yesterday:

The first shot was so loud it made the hair stand straight up on Jack Tracy's arm.

That's understandable. Now compare that to what "stands the hair up" on an "Only One."

[Via HZ. Additional link provided by Mike S]

Guest Editorial: The Downsides of Liberty

By Charles H. Sawders

Everybody understands the multitudinous blessings of liberty. We all know that living to one's own lights is the ultimate human condition so cherished and desired by most of the world's population.

However, let's talk about the downsides of liberty. Oh, yes! Liberty has some downsides, especially when we talk about every common ordinary man being armed and walking among other men with weapons of deadly capability.

Should this be allowed? Should we honor the claim to the right to be able to protect one's self and other innocents? Should we countenance a society in which anybody and everybody might be armed with implements of fatal potential?

Those are the questions we need to answer. So here goes.

Liberty's downsides are mainly two. Only two, but they are big ones.

The first is that liberty is by definition risky. That's right, risky. For every freedom of choice, habit, or intention that one has, so have others. Others who may not be as moral or principled have as much liberty to do what they will, as do you. As most people are good and decent, the risk is not great, but it is real.

The second downside to liberty is responsibility. Uh huh! The big R. Scares the Hell out of a lot of people. There are a great many that believe they can have liberty without the responsibility to maintain it. I know that sounds unrealistic, but it is true. There are many people in our nation who would abrogate their responsibility to maintain their liberty and their security to hirelings who may or may not have their employers' best interests at heart. To the extent that they surrender their responsibility to protect themselves and their liberty, they surrender their liberty. This trade of freedom for security is a straight one for one trade until the point of "inability of the society to envision themselves as free and deserving to be so". When that point is reached the hirelings take control and liberty is outlawed. Period.

So, I have a proposal for all that would disarm the people. It is simple. Come to me. I will protect you so long as you do what I tell you to do. I will protect you at least as well as the police do (which they are not obligated to do, by the way)and I will consider it an obligation. I will treat you with more gentleness than you will find among the operatives that want you helpless. This I promise.

Anyone who does not find my proposal acceptable, yet favors citizen helplessness and disarmament, by definition are mentally defective. For what difference who be the master if one is willing to be a slave?

If one see a problem with my proposal, I submit that they should be just as wary of all others who have offered the very same thing.

If you would be free, you must accept the risks and responsibilities of liberty.

Think about it.

This Day in History: August 6

Donald McDonald, leading a combined force of 60 Indians and Loyalists, surprises the Patriots as they work in the fields. Most run to Fort Clayton about five miles away but a German, John Christian Shell (Schell?), and his family make a stand in their blockhouse. McDonald is wounded, captured, and dies the next day, after his leg is amputated. Additionally, Shell and 11 attackers are also killed while another six of their number are wounded in the failed raid.

Every Family's Nightmare

The urban literati at People project.

Sorry, but not every family's.

"How could this happen?"

Where would I even begin...?

We're the Only Ones Making Judgment Calls Enough

"There's nothing that stands the hair up on a police officer more than a firearm," Lewis said. "In those cases, it's a judgment call."

Not quite, Lewis. They see firearms carried by fellow "Only Ones" all the time, and their hair stays perfectly in place.

The Fitty Factor

An alleged associated [sic] of 50 Cent was arrested in Hartford, Connecticut early Friday morning (August 3) after he fired a gun in a crowd of people over a dispute for a chain.

See, this is why they need to disarm you and me.

This Day in History: August 5

This engagement is between Lieutenant Colonel James De Lancey’s Loyalists and the Connecticut Brigade commanded by William Hull. The patriots destroy numerous buildings and food stores while also capturing several Loyalists, along with some horses and cattle. First-hand accounts give conflicting figures as to the number of casualties incurred by each side.

We're the Only Ones Authorizing Journalists Enough

And it's funny how the "authorized journalists" are all of a sudden vitally interested in learning the name of an offending "Only One" when they're the victims.

Rule 6

Kimberly Grosset was visiting her boyfriend, Robert White when their time together took a bad turn. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says, "White and Grosset were engaged in consensual sexual behavior involving a firearm when the firearm was discharged, resulting in his death."

Keep your...uh...whatever off the trigger until you're ready to...uh...whatever.

And to think it was just yesterday that we added Rule 5.

Stop the NRA?

Why would you want to stop someone who's on your side? Isn't that a bit like the Germans saying "Stop the Vichy French?"

Oh, and those 1.4 million prohibited persons you say your prior restraint edict stopped? Back when I almost got arrested for asking Sarah Brady and Jane Harman about that, it was only touted as 100,000. Anyway, each attempt by a prohibited person to buy a firearm is a violation of federal law, so if you guys really knew what you were talking about instead of grabbing numbers out of your...uh...the air and lying to everyone, we'd see that many arrests and prosecutions, right?

The California Caliphate

Police are testing guns recovered from raids in which authorities arrested seven members of an Oakland Black Muslim splinter group who investigators suspect were involved in the killing of a journalist and two others.

Oakland?

Isn't that the city Jerry Brown mismanaged? And he went on to be elected California Attorney General because all those police groups said he was such a hotshot crime fighter? Like, you, Dave Kozicki? Great job you're doing there in Oakland, buddy. Bet all those .50 cals that can go through two police cruisers are hell to face every day.

Get ready to see it spread, Californians. Your "public servant" are primarily interested in their benefits and pensions--that and getting raises in percentages you in the private sector who pay for everything can only dream about.

But take heart in one thing: they're working 'round the clock to make sure you don't have any guns. After all, the policy of the AG's office is you have no individual right, and that's backed up by rulings from both the California Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit.

That'll show those "splinter groups".

Insha'Allah.

UPDATE: And let's not forget the role that self-promoting "conservative talk show host" Michael Savage played in bringing Brown more political power.

What ARE the Powers of a Sheriff vs the Feds?

I've read elsewhere, and even heard it suggested in comments here at WarOnGuns, that the sheriff is the highest law enforcement officer in his county--and that federal agents may not conduct investigations without his cognizance. One of the reasons generally given is that because he is elected, he represents the highest actual authority--the people.

Generally cited to back up these claims is the case of Castaneda v US. The story goes something like INS targeted a family in Wyoming with an Hispanic surname as illegal aliens and recruited the local sheriff to assist in the bust. It turns out they were citizens, and in the resulting legal settlement, the ruling was made acknowledging the doctrine of "Sheriff Supremacy."

Thing is, I can find no such ruling from any court. I found sites that say there was a private and undisclosed settlement, and even sites that quote the court as saying this, and one (but not an "official" one) with a docket showing the case was dismissed. I found sites that say precedent was established and sheriffs can now wield this power if they only knew--if they only would. I found sites claiming the whole thing is a hoax. And a general conclusion among the "naysayers" is that any sheriff who tried to interfere with a federal investigation would soon find himself behind bars and facing charges.

This latter part is believable, regardless of any purported stare decisis, only because my experience has been that the largest, most vicious gang controls the turf. And my sense is that such a doctrine would run afoul of the Constitution being "the supreme law of the land"--and as doors swing both ways, it could allow sheriffs to enforce all kinds of infringements on civil liberties.

My point in all this being, I was going to write an open letter to the sheriff in Twin Falls about the persecution of Red's Trading Post, with the assumption that he has some sort of say in what goes down in his county. But when I started doing my basic fact-checking, I quickly realized I could not back that assumption up.

Feel free to chime in with comments and educate me. I'm not trying to slam the door shut on this. But this is a legal area where I freely admit ignorance, and I need more than unsubstantiated opinions and wishful thinking.

Three Developments from Red's

US DOJ visits us 33 times at...9:30am

As of 9:30am this morning the US Department of Justice (which the ATF is under) has already visited our web site 33 times and is our number one visitor.

Red's Trading Post is getting Nifonged by the ATF

Nifonged describes the railroading or harming of a person with no justifiable cause, except for one's own gain.

Another ATF Casualty

It appears that we will be buying the inventory of another gun shop that the ATF shut down here in Idaho.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

This Day in History: August 4

On August 4, 1777, the main body of Lt. Colonel St. Leger's force reached Fort Stanwix. Colonel Peter Gansevoort had been in command of the fort since his arrival with 550 New York Continentals in April 1777. They had made significant improvements to the fort's defenses. Just prior to St. Leger's arrival, 200 reinforcements joined Gansevoort, bringing the garrison's number up to 750 men. St. Leger had now outdated intelligence on the strength and condition of the fort. He attempted to bluff the Americans by staging a review within sight of Fort Stanwix, but the Americans knew of the Indians in his force and did not expect any quarter or protection from the savages.