Submit Your Artwork to the Payne Jr High Gun Drawing Contest

Hmmm....looks like Principal Karen Martin has deactivated her email.

I wonder how she'd react if people were to send (non-threatening) pictures of guns to the school via mail? Say, that's a pretty ferocious looking panther in their school logo--fangs bared and all... I guess the message is, animals with weapons are good, people with weapons are bad.

I don't know what the big deal about children drawing guns is. I used to do it all the time.

Responsibility

Concerning responsibility, there is a topic that seems taboo unless it is dealt with negatively.

That is the subject of gun ownership.Most firearms are owned by decent honest people for a variety of uses. This includes self defense. That said, we have the responsibility with the right to keep and bear arms to know how to responsibly and effectively operate them.

Check out the first comment: Naturally, an effete Huffington Poster who is all in a dither over "unfettered access to Uzis," disagrees.

Where are All the "Assault Weapons"?

A key component of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) enforcement mission is the tracing of firearms on behalf of thousands of Federal, State, local and foreign law enforcement agencies. Firearms trace data is critically important information developed by ATF. ATF has prepared the following state-by-state reports utilizing trace data which is intended to provide the public with insight into firearms recoveries.

Perhaps an alternate title would be "BATFU Does PowerPoint."

One thing that strikes is that of all guns recovered during the report period, the "National Average Time-to-Crime" is 10.17 YEARS! That's quite some flow for the "pipeline, " wouldn't you agree?

But the thing that caught my immediate attention was the "Firearm Types" graphic presented for each state:


Where are all the "assault weapons" they're tracing? I mean, these are the bogeyman guns we're always hearing about from the Bradys and their "authorized journalist" heralds...

Aside from a very rare machine gun trace, all the other classifications I see make no distinction...

Hey, wait a minute...you don't think the antis might be all about manipulating semantics, that is, lying, do you...?

[Via Of Arms and the Law]

This Day in History: August 23

On the march to day I was honoured with a Letter from Congress transmitting Sundry Resolutions for calling out reinforcements of Militia, to repel the threatned invasion by the Enemy, who have arrived high up in the North East part of Chesapeak Bay.

Rendering Unto Caesar

A church whose pastor is a leader in the local pro-life efforts has earned an Internal Revenue Service demand for an audit of the organization's books by posting its biblically mandated support for life on its marquee.

Funny--I'd expect by now they'd also be looking into Snuffy Pfleger's anti-gun political activities.

A Call for Black Vigilantism

So here's the question: Should black people accept government's dereliction of its first basic function, that of providing protection? My answer is no. One of our basic rights is the right to defend oneself against predators. If the government can't or won't protect people, people have a right to protect themselves.

You say, "Hey, Williams, you're not talking about vigilantism, are you?" Yes, I am.

Time was, before charlatans like Jesse and Al and their ilk took over the "leadership," this was understood through bitter experience.

Some Small Comfort

There is some small comfort in the University of North Carolina's gun-free policy on the system's 16 public campuses.

Don't be so modest. Prospective shooting rampage perpetrators find enormous comfort in that.

Nothing like giving aid and comfort to the enemy, is there?

How can there be any doubt that anyone proposing enforced defenselessness is anything but an enemy himself?

We're the Only Ones Oldest Professional Enough

A Newport Township part-time police officer was working as an escort when he was arrested in a prostitution sting at a Wilkes-Barre motel on Friday, according to arrest papers.

I guess he's blown his career now...

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Gary from Billings

We showed yesterday how we have a choice to either lead or snipe from the sidelines. I wanted to share an email exchange I just had with "Gary," the gun owner who has taken it on himself to lead the effort in his home town to spread the word about the August 28 Ammo Buy :

I dropped off flyers at the 3 remaining ‘big box’ sporting goods stores, Billings Gunsmith, and 2 pawn shops. I also wrote a letter to the editor of the Billings Gazette flagrantly plagiarizing your post. Will concentrate on the remaining pawn shops tomorrow with some help from coworkers. Will be emailing the info to every sportsman in my address book tonight.

Gary

My response:

Gary, thank you. If there was one gun owner like you in every city, we'd be winning this thing. I just saw another forum idiot put the idea down and recommend a 'solution' that would require a thousand times the effort--with of course no pledge that he would do a thing toward making it happen.

I appreciate your leadership.

I'd appreciate yours, too.

Time to Separate Church from State in Kennesaw

"We passed an ordinance banning firearms, and the state, in its infinite wisdom, passed a law saying people can have guns in parks and endanger our kids," said Church. "We think we ought to have the right to protect our kids and our citizenry."

Now tell 'em the truth, Mayor Leonard Church.

The truth is, it's already illegal for criminals to carry, so these "people" you don't trust--the only ones who would obey such a ridiculous edict--are the ones who aren't causing a problem. You insult them by accusing them of being a danger to "our kids" (and the claim that children belong to some collective hive is symptomatic of your statist mindset). And you offer the further unsubstantiated assertion that the best way to protect yourself is to allow the state to disarm you while it utterly fails to disarm the violent among us.

And let's extrapolate a bit: if a citizen with a gun is a danger to himself and others when he's in a park, why is he not also a danger to himself and others when he's at other places where it's "legal" to have one? How could anyone adopt your position, Mayor Church, and not also hold that the only solution is to give martinets like yourself the power to ban guns everywhere?

Great logic there, genius. Perhaps you're right--perhaps anybody dumb enough to vote for a an ignorant, blowhard tyrant wannabe like yourself is too stupid to have a gun.

Hopefully, come the next election, there'll be enough smart ones in Kennesaw to vote for separating Church from state.

I got this story from Ed Stone and Matt Knighten of Georgia Carry. Matt adds:

The good news is that they repealed their ordinance because Georgia has a law preempting local counties or cities from "regulation in any manner" the carry and possession of firearms (other than discharge or bans regarding county employees).

The bad news is that they are so upset that they are going to lobby against the preemption law during the next legislative session.

The AJC has done something with the first article that appeared online earlier Tuesday which quoted Mayor Church of Kennesaw as saying GeorgiaCarry.org is a group “that doesn’t have anything better to do than to endanger our kids” in Kennesaw and other cities.

Well, so much for Guntown USA.

How You Can Show Support for Red's

Buy a hat. Click the title link for details.

Ryan Horsley "will be speaking out Thursday at the Regulatory Fairness Forum in Boise."

He continues:

Second Amendment Organizations: Let me make this clear, I have not been speaking out to receive help, this is not about Red's Trading Post, this is about all dealers. Our case is in the hands of the Judge, I have been speaking out to raise awareness of what is happening to our Second Amendment. Since speaking out I have become an even bigger target of the ATF. I'm not looking for a pat on the back, all I am looking for is some support. Simply write a letter, acknowledging what all of us know, that there is a problem with the ATF and it needs to be resolved. Thank you!

Hear, hear. Aside from JPFO and some individuals affiliated with gun rights organizations, the organizations themselves have been conspicuously absent from the fray.

It may not be "about Red's," but that's certainly where the current engagement--that will either chasten or embolden BATFU--is being fought. It's past time these groups--that rely on gun owner generosity to exist and prosper from--stopped lurking from the sidelines while volunteers do all the heavy lifting.

This Day in History: August 22

August 22, 1777

British Colonel Barry St. Leger abandons Fort Stanwix for Canada as Arnold's forces approach.

"Can Do" vs. "No Can Do"

Can you identify the person above you would want on your side?

Oh, and look--Gary has done even more. Because he has demonstrated himself to be a take-charge type of person, that doesn't surprise me.

How many other leaders like Gary are out there? We have a week left to make this happen. How can we count on you to lead?

RELATED POSTS:
Bradys Call for National Protest on Aug. 28
More on the August 28 Ammo Buy Proposal
Red's and Others to Offer Aug. 28 Ammo Discounts
The Next Steps Toward Aug. 28


UPDATE: Some continue to have problems downloading the flyers I posted on esnips, so SailorCurt kindly offers them to us here:
Appeal to gun store/range owners to participate
Notice for gun store/range patrons

He also tells me:

FYI: I got the Virginia Citizens Defense League (http://vcdl.org/) to print links to our posts about the event in yesterday's VCDL Update e-mail so the word is getting out slowly but surely.

You Don't Assault People When They're Armed...

California Rep. Bob Filner was facing charges Monday for allegedly assaulting an airline worker at Dulles International Airport after becoming upset that his luggage had not arrived at a baggage carousel.

Do you think his juvenile proclivity for resorting to violence when he doesn't get his way may explain his GOA rating?

The Brady's Unmasked

Renowned Oscar-Winning Actress Makes Case For Common-Sense Gun Laws

So by their own admission, denying people firearms for self defense in a time of need is "common-sense." Remember that the next time they ridicule the notion they want to take guns away from Americans as "paranoia."

RELATED POSTS:
Goodbye, Clarice
What's Wrong With this Picture?

We're the Only Ones Making it Better Enough

"It's not stopping anyone from purchasing a gun, it's that they're going to wait a few extra days to get that gun," said Trooper Linette Quinn, a state police spokeswoman. "It's not that we're trying to hurt anybody's sales or anything - it's an update to the system. It's only going to make it better."

"Better" being defined as not being able to get a gun when they want one.

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

We're the Only Ones Watching Your Neighborhood Enough

In an interview, Mr. Ortiz, the police chief, applauded Mr. Greer and others in Edgewood, saying their actions had spurred other areas to initiate neighborhood watches. And he said major criminal activity in the neighborhood had quieted since June.

But he said he did not support their carrying weapons.

Because, as we've proven time and again, only "The Only Ones" are competent enough to do that...

[Via RuffRidr]

BATFU Earning Every Dollar

Consider the fact that the ATF is seeking more government funding, while they spend their time changing Wikipedia pages, as well as shutting down Gun Dealers and Manufacturers.

Hey, at least they're not playing electronic games and drinking with prostitutes...

[More about Red's Trading Post and BATFU from WarOnGuns]

WRSA Intermediate Rifle Clinic Update

Grab your gear and join us on August 25-26 in Douglas, WY for our next Intermediate Rifle Clinic!

We talked about that here...

This Day in History: August 21

Michael Berry tried by a late General Court Martial for "stealing a Hat from Capt. Waterman" is found guilty, and sentence'd to receive Thirty Lashes, but in Consideration of his long Confinement; the General pardons the prisoner.

The Next Steps Toward Aug. 28

Get ahold of gun shops and ranges in your area. To find them all, go to YellowPages.com or a similar online resource.

Enter "gun" in the "Business Name or Category" dialog box, and your City and State or ZIP Code in the box to the right. Click "Find" and that will take you to a page with gun businesses in your area.

If you have time, search for them online and see if they have a website with an email address or contact form. If they do, send them the following message (feel free to modify):

On August 28, the Brady Campaign is teaming up with Jesse Jackson for a nationwide protest against what they call "illegal guns," meaning guns they've succeeded in banning or are working on banning. We're forming a counter-protest by encouraging gun owners across America to buy a box of ammo, or components, targets, etc., on that day. We're asking gun stores and ranges across the country to participate and enjoy additional business and goodwill created by this campaign, and are asking you to show your support by either offering some sort of discount or a door prize to customers who come in on that day.

This campaign is being conducted on the internet and we are trying to make it grow so it catches the attention of the national media. For further information, please go to:

http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/08/bradys-call-for-national-protest-on-aug.html.

Please let us know that you will join other gun stores and ranges across the nation and support this. We'd like to let people know to shop at your store on August 28.

If you can't find an email address, just call the store or range and ask to speak to the manager, and tell him about this using the above "script." (Instead of giving him the long url, just tell him he can find out more by visiting "The War on Guns" and he can find it by typing those words into any search engine.

Better than that, personally visit the store or range and give the manager copies of the following two flyers:

• Gun Store Appeal--to request their participation

• Gun Store Flyer--to notify their customers

Again, feel free to modify these any way you like.

Blogonomicon also had a great idea:

[M]aybe writing letters to the editor of the local paper would help bring attention to it...

and this was echoed by JR who said:

I will be writing the local media outlets after we get more, and informing them of the event. The more dealers we have involved, the bigger the story. The bigger the story, the more coverage we can get by the media.

We only have a week to get this in place, so please, everyone, keep up the effort. At the very least, please make a point of sending emails to your gun-owning friends--and continue to get this information out on other websites, blogs and forums.

RELATED POSTS:
Bradys Call for National Protest on Aug. 28
More on the August 28 Ammo Buy Proposal
Red's and Others to Offer Aug. 28 Ammo Discounts

Pirates for Gun Control

Many are said to be run by criminal gangs who use them as a front to sell drugs. Police raids have found drugs, guns and ammunition among piles of CDs...Pirate DJs have been involved in the world of gangs and drug dealers when coded text messages are read over the airwaves. But they see themselves as social entrepreneurs, who have an influence over communities that authority figures lack.

Police will not attend the event but are supporting the campaign, which is backed by the Home Office, the Greater London Authority and Mothers Against Guns.

They're not even pretending any more. The UK citizen disarmament cabal is openly teaming with the underworld.

We're the Only Ones Catty Enough

A New York judge has criticized the state police for playing a game of "cat and mouse" over a request for public records and ruled it had no legitimate reason to delete certain information from the documents in a police brutality case.

What is it about thugs wanting to keep their activities secret?

[Via Declan]

Fincher District Court Docket Updates

Click on title link to access the updated docket for Wayne Fincher.

And to repeat information we've posted here before:

To support Wayne and your Second Amendment rights please send checks to:

The Wayne Fincher Defense Fund
P.O. Box 215
Elkins Arkansas 72727

You may write Wayne at the following address:

Hollis Wayne Fincher
07863-010
P.O. Box 9000
Forrest City, Arkansas 72336

PLEASE NOTE: You must include the number below his name anytime you send anything. If you do not, it will be rejected.

If you want to send money (money orders only) the address is as follows:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Hollis Wayne Fincher
07863-010
P.O. Box 474701
Des Monies, IA 50947-0001

All money must be sent to the above address. The Forrest City facility does not accept money.

If you wish to send items, books, pictures, etc., please adhere to the following rules:

Inmates are allowed up to 25 pictures, 5 magazines, 5 paperback books. NOTE: Inmates are allowed to receive magazines, soft cover books, greeting cards and photos (NO POLAROIDS). All hard cover books and newspapers must come directly from a publisher (BOOK STORE, ETC.). Please note that any photos, magazines or books that show any form of nudity will be rejected by mail room staff (Wayne would not accept them anyway).

[Via Paul W. Davis]

This Day in History: August 20

George Washington begins to move his troops south to fight Cornwallis

Goodbye, Clarice

"Isn't it possible that we all have that bit of insanity in us?

"That's why I'm for gun control. Absolutely… I don't believe that people should have access to life-or-death situations at any emotional time in their life.

"I don't really believe that a human being who feels [things] should have the option at their fingertips." [More]

Jodie Foster takes all doubt out of what we speculated on earlier: She's not a smart person, but she plays one in the movies.

[Via Alphecca]

Inert, Expended and Discarded Tube Turned in at Gun Exchange

Police in the American state of Florida have been handed a surface-to-air missile launcher at a gun exchange.

Any bets its a 1-time-use only disposable rocket launcher, the kind with a 350 meter maximum range, about half that against moving targets, that it's not intended for surface-to-air, and is now just an inoperable tube?

Just asking. It's not like the "authorized journalists" have filled me with awe on their assumptions.

I wonder if having military ordnance could override the generally promised "no questions asked" policy? It'd sure be problematic if the Army--or whoever this was taken from--would send out investigators.

UPDATE: Here it is--



Anybody recognize it? The Orlando Sentinel says it's "designed to blow jets out of the sky."

"Willful" Disregard

"Our position is that laws are made by Congress, not bureaucratic agencies."

Unless that Congress is willfully neglecting its duties, the Judiciary is willfully ignoring the Constitution, and the "Vote Freedom First" Administration is willfully ignoring our rights.

If BATFU can redefine one word, what's to stop them or some other agency from redefining others? How does it go? Oh, yeah:

WAR IS PEACE; FREEDOM IS SLAVERY; IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH...

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

Wayne Fincher Update-8/19/07

From Paul W. Davis:

I have updated the Raid page on the Militia website with the addition of the Appeals Court docket and the transcript of the July 3rd IFP hearing conducted by Judge Jimm Larry Hendren.

Relevant items on the docket are 12 through 19 as they pertain to Wayne's IFP status.

I have not yet updated the Trial docket as I have had other pressing issues. I am also slowed down somewhat due to recent surgery on my left arm.

[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

Judas Returns

Our old friend, the person claiming to be "Bob Ricker" has graced us with another comment post, to which I replied.

He refers us to the California Senate Committee on Public Safety analysis of AB 854, dealing with ...SHORT-TERM LOANS OF FIREARMS FROM FEDERALLY LICENSED MANUFACTURERS, DEALERS OR IMPORTERS TO CONSULTANT-EVALUATORS... and credits its passage to NRA.

Why? Well, because I was complaining about BATFU trying to be the arbiter of who is or is not an "authorized journalist," and the bill in essence does that, assigning to the California DoJ authority for deciding who qualifies to be a "consultant-evaluator."

I fear I may have played a small part in this. Some time back, I got a call from one of the editors at GUNS & AMMO, one I had not worked with during the time I wrote for them. He had assumed I was a lawyer, and wanted to know if certain proposals in the legislature would prevent his field editors from getting guns to test and write reviews on. I let him know I was not, and he wanted to know if I knew any firearm lawyers he could ask. I referred him to NRA/CRPA's attorney, Chuck Michel--even though I have some differences with them and their tactics--because he is a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of developing firearms-related bills and their legal impacts.

Perhaps that anecdote was just coincidental to this bill, but what remains is a situation where California now has "authorized gun writers," and we know from past experience that what starts there often metastasizes its way eastward.

But here's the thing, and I invite comment and analysis: If California was poised to ban all transfers without exception, does this bill represent a victory of sorts? Or would it be best to have all share equally in the pain?

By way of complete disclosure, I have a press card for the purpose of writing for a gun magazine. To date, I've never used it, although I have been approached to test some products by companies that don't realize I'm an opinionslinger, not a gunslinger.

That said, I'm of the opinion that no branch of government has any business telling free citizens which of them is authorized to be a journalist, and they certainly have no moral authority to limit which firearms anyone not in custody is free to transfer and receive from other sovereign citizens. I stipulate that my way does not produce a "political solution"--but won't hold my breath waiting for NRA's game to produce a real and lasting one either.

Does it make a difference? In practice, probably not, as I don't know of any manufacturer who would transfer a product to someone who has not established a professional reputation as an evaluator or writer. But it's the precedent of government dictating who it will recognize that concerns me.

And as for "Judas Bob's" motives in calling this to my attention? Unless and until I hear him decry this bill and demand that all citizens be free to receive firearms from manufacturers, I think he just wants to start a fight within the gun community, so he can get off on it from the sidelines.

We're the Only Ones Who Can Afford Tuxedos Enough

The former acting police chief of the Village of Tuxedo Park pleaded guilty yesterday in Orange County Court to pocketing money that should have been used for new police computers.

We looked in on the front-end of this story.

Funny. I wonder why this story doesn't talk about the missing guns.

[Via Declan]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

BATFU to Wyoming: "You Will Be Assimilated"

The state of Wyoming says the federal agency that enforces gun laws was wrong to reject a state law that seeks to allow people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence to regain their firearms rights in the state courts.

Now why would an agency that reports to the "Vote Freedom First" president do that?

This Day in History: August 19

August 19, 1779

American Raid on Paulus Hook (Jersey City), New Jersey

An American force consisting of 400 men and led by Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, who wins 1 of 8 medals awarded by Congress during the war, assaults the defensive positions of the British. Lee captures the position and the British losses are 50 killed and 158 taken prisoner while Lee’s losses are only very minor. American morale receives a major boost because of this action although Lee undergoes a court martial because several officers are jealous of his success. Lee is not only vindicated but also is praised for his actions by the court.

JPFO's Follow-up Interview with Red's Trading Post

Talkin' to America interviewed owner Ryan Horsley in May, shortly after Red's won an injunction to keep their business running ( www.jpfo.org/alert20070503.htm ). Now we follow up with another interview to learn what has happened since. The interview is available for download in MP3 format at www.jpfo.org/talkamerica.htm , with a transcript expected next week.

Red's and Others to Offer Aug. 28 Ammo Discounts

We will be offering ammunition at a discounted rate that day. Anyone buying 5 boxes or more of ammo (22 LR is excluded) will receive a copy of the JPFO Documentary The Gang.

That's great, Ryan--thank you.

And there's more:

A Keyboard and a .45 says Dallas Tactical Supplies will offer "FREE shipping and handling on all holsters purchased on August 28th. Just mention National Exercise Your Rights Day in the comments section of the online order form."

Captain of a Crew of One has recruited two Norfok, VA participants: Bob's Gun Shop ("offering 10% off on accessories and gun safes to anyone who mentions National Exercise Your Rights Day") and Shooter's Inc. ("offering free range passes to the first ten people who mention National Exercise Your Rights Day").

This is a good start--please keep the momentum going by emailing your gun-owning friends, informing your gun clubs and organizations, asking bloggers you frequent to mention this, and ESPECIALLY by contacting gun shops and shooting ranges you patronize and asking them to come on board.

Please keep me informed of any more businesses that agree to participate and I'll give them a plug. One caveat: please include contact info for that business so I can verify if needed. We don't need some mole signing up businesses for an event they're not even aware of as a way of sabotaging this.

Meanwhile, thank you to all the blogs, forums and websites that have mentioned this so far. I'd like to put together an "Honor Roll" to include everyone who takes part in this, but am actually hoping the list will grow so big that I won't be able to keep up with it.

UPDATE from KABA Newslinks Comments:

I work at Panther City Firearms in Ft Worth Texas and have the Aug 12th Fort worth Star Telegram posted in our shop. Aug 28 needs to be a nation wide message to our so called leaders in Congress. So ask for Darrell and mention this site I will discount my AR-15s,30 rd mags and ammo all day Aug 28, 9am till 6. Call me at 817-731-2065. God Bless and Happy shooting.

We're the Only Ones Breaking Down Enough

They saw a rifle in the back seat of Venable's car and Snow attempted to take it apart, Miller said. That's when the gun went off, he said.

All by its own self, no doubt.

Why the hell was this boob trying to take apart a rifle he obviously knew nothing about?

And naturally, it was the citizen who was cited.

Here's a question for all of you who aren't "Only Ones": What's the first rule of field-stripping a firearm?

That's right--point it at someone with your finger on the trigger!

And what's the first rule for when you're not certain of how an unfamiliar firearm operates?

Bingo! Pick it up and start dicking around with it.

[Via RuffRidr]

The Cult of the Elite

This book, which grew out of a controversial essay published last year by The Weekly Standard, is a shrewdly argued jeremiad against the digerati effort to dethrone cultural and political gatekeepers and replace experts with the “wisdom of the crowd.”

...Whereas historians and journalists traditionally strived to deliver the best available truth possible, many bloggers revel in their own subjectivity...

This guy manages to combine two of my favorite categories, "We're the Only Ones" and "authorized journalists," into one obnoxious and elitist screed.

The purpose, Mr. Keen, of having "political gatekeepers" is to keep out those you wish to exclude. We've had enough of media bias and "historians" bent on changing the past to suit a present agenda.

Revolutions tend to get a bit messy, a lesson the elites never seem to learn as they continue to prod and provoke. The demand for a new type of information has been created because your elite stewards have done such a miserable job with the trust they were given, Mr. Keen.

If you think blogs are propaganda vehicles, you ought to take a look at some of the pamphlets produced by "rabble" from our Founding Era. And as for "informed debate becoming more difficult," I'll put this one-man-operation blog up against the mighty New York Times any day of the week when it comes to providing both broad and in-depth accurate coverage of what's really happening on the RKBA scene--even with my obvious predispositions.

Does that mean there's not a lot of amateurish junk out there in "Web 2.0"? Of course there is, but guess what--the people who take it upon themselves to get and stay informed develop pretty good instincts when it comes to divining the truth of things. And working in real time, without a net, can be a pretty unforgiving environment for anyone discovered propagating falsehoods or unreliable information. Reputation is everything, and the type of readers I get aren't too inclined to forgive someone they've caught trying to play them--because they expect the same standards they hold themselves to. And it's not like your precious gatekeepers don't put out a lot of trash for the masses.

Ultimately though, it boils down to this is "costing us a fortune," doesn't it? Hey, what can I say? The environment changes--it's been doing that since the Dawn of Time. Adapt or die out.

Keen is keen on oligarchy, that principle of rule that has produced such misery throughout the ages. He doesn't get that our system is supposed to be one of self government--he doesn't trust that we are wise or capable or competent enough to be given free choices--which is really what the struggle for liberty is all about. He evidently believes our only real purpose is to feed the beast, that is, to assume our traditional role of serfs under the benign rule of philosopher kings.

We threw that yoke off once and may be on the cusp of doing it again. And that scares the hell out of certain people like Mr. Keen--and those he speaks for--who are starting to sense the winds of change.

[Via D.W. Lawson]

Maybe it is About Hunting...

Meanwhile his BATFU continues to force gun dealers out of business in record numbers...

This Day in History: August 18

More on the August 28 Ammo Buy Proposal

In answer to some comments: Yes--you can buy reloading components. You can buy something else if you don't need ammo. Buy some targets.

Thanks to the happy few who have taken the initiative to help spread the word on this. Please inform me if I've missed anyone:

KeepAndBearArms.com
The Liberty Sphere
Rational Review News Digest
A Keyboard and a .45
Kent's Hooligan Libertarian Blog
Ohio CCW Forums
The High Road

I appreciate the mentions. That said, this is pretty pathetic, and this minimal effort is doomed not to happen if that's the extent of it.

I guess I never seem to understand the extent of gun owner non-involvement and apathy--even though I should know it better than most. This site had under 2,000 hits yesterday (and that's pretty pathetic, too, especially considering the kind of mega-traffic anything about LiLo or Paris will generate), and yet how many of you--who come here every day--have even sent an email to anyone about this, let alone asked other blogs, or gun organizations, or gun stores, or whoever, to help promote this concept?

And by the way--where are the gun stores that are signing on to this?

I must confess--when I read posts (generally anonymous ones) saying things like "From my cold dead hands" or "Molon Labe" and I know from experience that most gun owners won't even send an email, it does not fill me with hope that these will show up on the green when muster is called.

Churchill said it best:

If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a small chance of survival. There may even be a worse case: you may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.

Enough bitching. I hope you join me, but I'm fresh out of ideas on how to make that happen. So ultimately, the fault must lie within me. Maybe it's just because it's a trivial idea, but I keep coming back to the worry that if we can't even take small steps together, dreaming of ever taking giant strides is futile.

Press Credentials

Here's a story, and I suspect the bottom line is the reporter didn't understand what they were writing about.

Oh come on, Mr. Hardy--the person is a trained, professional "authorized journalist." Who ever heard of them getting anything wrong when it comes to reporting on guns?

My editor at GUNS Magazine sent me a link to this story yesterday. My hip-shot reply:

Not sure how ATF can legally do that since they're specifically withheld funds for the purpose of establishing a database--NICS records aren't supposed to be kept, and it requires a specific trip to a gun store to check form 4473s--unless the store has gone out of business, in which case the records go to ATF (and that may help explain why they're shutting down so many dealers).

It may be a database only of guns reported stolen--just don't know yet. Lemme check around.

So I admit I don't know what's going on. Anyone who does, please feel free to enter a "comment" below and educate us all.

"Authorized Journalists" Give Thanks for Parasites

Gun dealers over a barrel thanks to strict laws

"Thanks?"

Gee, Michael Doyle and the Bee editors, I wonder which side of the debate you're on?

And why not just assume for your readers that declines in reported gun ownership and "gun-related crimes" are directly attributable to a decline in dealers? I'd love to see the data and methodology you used to derive that conclusion. After all, it's not like demographics, birth rates, economic conditions, and declining public trust of the media, along with dozens of other factors, would have any impact...

One thing is clear, though: BATFU, under a Republican administration that eked out the narrow margin of votes needed to win two terms due to the support of gun owners and their leaders, has been relentlessly gaining ground with very little scrutiny. This is why the ongoing story of Red's Trading Post is so vitally important--to cast a light on them they so obviously hate. It's why I keep harping on it here, and I must admit, I'm disappointed that so few others--with much more influence than I have --even give it a mention.

Note the bit about increasing inspection frequencies. BATFU learned from Waco and Ruby Ridge that spectacular media stunts can backfire--and that slow but steady wins the race, meaning budgets and authorities and personal career ambitions are rewarded--that is, the parasites have learned how to gorge on their host as much as possible without killing it. And the ignorant and/or intentionally subversive "authorized journalists" wouldn't have it any other way--except to get out there occasionally and cheer the destruction of liberty from the sidelines.

[Via Ted Nugent's "Hunting News"]

Ted Spreading Word on Red's

The manager of Red’s Trading Post in Twin Falls has met with a pretty famous ally in his fight against the ATF. Ryan Horsley talked with rock star Ted Nugent Monday night.

Looking good: Nugent's website this morning includes a post on Red's Blog, and a link to a "news" story (more on that later) about the decline of gun dealers.

This Day in History: August 17

Benjamin Durant of Capt. Wadsworth's Company and Col Bailey's Regiment, convicted by a General Court Martial whereof Col Wyllys was President, of "getting drunk on Guard," sentenced to receive Thirty Lashes.

New Trial Order for Kwan

Received from Len Savage.

Follow the title link for a copy of the order discussed here.

[Many thanks to Whose Paranoid for generously hosting my pdf documents, and for instructions so patiently explained even I could follow them.]

A Fork in the Road

[M]any ATF inspectors will tell you that you can try this approach, but what happens is you turn your license in, form a new corporation and then they deny request. Then the ATF contends that they did not revoke your license, you simply turned it in.

Ryan Horsley tells us of another front in BATFU's War on Gun Dealers.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

Clearing Hurdles

I guess that's a more politically correct title than "Judge a Subversive."

A Lot Easier than "Where's Waldo?"

How many Citizen Disarmament Talking Points can YOU find in this AP "report" by "authorized journalist" Ioan Grillo?

It's Not Up to BATFU to Deem Journalists Legitimate

One of the things that really stuck out in the BATFU complaint about Red's Trading Post "harassing" them was their claim that the citizen photographing their activities was not--what we here at WarOnGuns have termed--an "authorized journalist."

Ryan Horsley's lawyers need to check this out:
http://beltwayblogroll.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/08/the_bureaucracy.php

The CIA has already ceded "that bloggers are journalists, too, when it recently decided to waive the fees for Freedom of Information Act requests filed by bloggers," and that's been confirmed by an ABC News blog:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/07/spy-agency-oks-.html

They report:"Earlier this year, the criminal trial of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was the first time a federal court had issued press credentials to bloggers. A rotating pool of five to 10 bloggers sat alongside dozens of traditional media reporters to hear the government try and convict one-time aide to Vice President Dick Cheney on perjury and obstruction of justice charges stemming from the leak of an undercover CIA operative's identity."

The Beltway Blogroll article then discusses how BATFU departs from this precedent established by both the Executive and Judiciary when they claim "the person at Red's taking photos with a digital camera 'did not have any affiliation with any newspaper or news agency,'" and includes a few links to Red's Blog, along with a link to and a quote from yours truly.

In this case, the photographer was acting as an independent and free citizen with the intent of documenting and disseminating information on public government activities to his fellow citizens, and in fact, this information has been used for that purpose not only on this and Ryan's blog, but also on news sites like WorldNetDaily and now the National Journal.

If BATFU's contention prevails, they will, in essence and effect, be given judicial authority to decide who is qualified to report to us on their activities--and who is not. That's hardly within the scope of their assigned "authority," and hardly within the scope of government's authority to delegate to them.

It seems to me the judge should be given this information.

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

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.