And the NEW Winner is...

I just got an email from George K, winner of the coveted Ammo Day Red's Trading Post cap (or I guess, more appropriately, "Ammo Day Jr."):

David,

I wish you worked for the lotto commission! Random drawing=George K. never happens to me. While it is an honor to have won the prize, I have to decline as I already own 4 Red’s hats (2 red and 2 orange, they change colors with each order). Plus, I can pick up another at any time as I visit Red’s about 4 times a week! If you would not mind, please draw another name for the hat. Hopefully someone far from Idaho wins it. Next time I travel back east to visit family, I would love to have a “Red’s hat sighting”.

Thank you for the hard work you do in supporting our rights, and for the help in regards to Red’s fight with the ATF.

George C. Kinslow II
Owner, Idaho Ordnance
http://www.id-ord.com/

I don't blame him--if I won a cap, I'd be afraid it would ruin my luck for the Power Ball or the Mega Millions or whatever it's called these days. So I replied to thank him for his generosity:

George, that is very gracious of you--thank you. The process was very scientific and rigorous--at the time I was ready to pick a winner we had 86 comments. I told my 12-yr-old to pick a number between 1 and 86, and counted down to you.

I'll select another winner using the same methodology from the current comment posts.

May I have the envelope please?

The new winner is:
SailorCurt

Hey, the kid picked "3" fair and square with no prompting. But we're up to 105 and still adding comments, which means we officially outnumber the rally in Maryland.

If they'd stopped with SailorCurt, we'd have already outnumbered the one in Seattle!

I'll be emailing you soon to claim your prize--and as I already mentioned, it is due to the generosity of WarOnGuns supporter "Sam," who suggested we do this tally in the first place.

A Great Question

Tom Gresham and Clint Smith nail it.

OK, you know I can't leave this alone, especially considering our success with the last call to action.

What, another assignment, already?

Yep. The Republican YouTube debate will be hosted by CNN in November.

So I wrote to them via their website contact form:



(Note I clicked the "Positive" feedback option, as I figure everybody, especially "authorized journalists," likes to read compliments.)

I got back this form reply:



Did'ja get that part?

[W]e pride ourselves in making the opinions of our viewers known to CNN senior management and producers. Your comments will be part of the Viewer Response Report provided to our news division on the next business day.

So what if they get hundreds of comments urging them to "Play Tom Gresham and Clint Smith's question in the YouTube Republican Debate"? What if they get thousands with just that simple message?

And what if gun blogs like this one joined in the call, and CNN knew it would be documented if they avoided presenting the single most relevant Second Amendment-related question I can envision being asked of a presidential candidate? How could they justify suppressing this, especially in light of their taking great pains to select the guy who calls his guns his "babies" in the Democrat debate, with the express intent of portraying gun owners negatively?

It will literally take you one minute to do this.

One of the problems we saw with our August 28 ammo buy is there simply was not enough time to mobilize a nation of gun owners between when the idea was proposed and "Game Day." Well now we have plenty of lead time--but that's no reason to put this off, because if we do, we'll forget about it.

I urge all WarOnGuns visitors to take a moment right now and contact CNN at the above link. I urge my fellow gunbloggers to get their readers on board.

One caveat--I'm not trying to horn in on Tom and Clint's great idea, so I'm not asking for anyone to link to this post. Just pass the YouTube video in the title link and the CNN contact link along to gun owners and the mission will be accomplished. But I would appreciate visitors to this blog to leave me a comment telling me you took a minute to do this.

[Via RuffRidr]

We're the Only Ones With Gun Rights Enough

The complaint is not addressing the disciplinary action against the officers, but the confiscation of their personal guns. Christopher Taylor, the attorney for Officers Jason Bailey and Matt Williams, says the Rockford Police Department violated their civil rights by taking them away.

Wait a minute. We have a right to own a gun in Illinois?

Or do only "The Only Ones"?

[Via Third Power]

We're Number One!

The United States has 90 guns for every 100 citizens, making it the most heavily armed society in the world, a report released on Tuesday said.

And it's your and my job to keep it that way.

[Via 1894C]

We Get Press

Gun owners should therefore do what we can to counter this protest. Buy a box of ammo, some targets, or some other gun-related items Tuesday. If we vote with our wallets, we will send a powerful message.

Way to go Drew!

Red's Sets Ammo Sales Record

Thank you this has been the most ammunition that we have EVER sold in one day.

In your face, Jesse, Sarah and Snuffy!

And all you gun stores that couldn't be bothered--how would you like this to have been your Tuesday traffic?

Amendment II Democrats...

...wish to clarify their position.

I've promised to give them the space, but advised them to be prepared to stand by for questions and comments.

And the Winner is...

George K.

Shoot me an email and I'll make arrangements to get you your cap.

And the losers are Jesse, Snuffy and the Bradys.

How do I figure? With all the foot stomping I've been doing trying to draw attention to this, and considering how many visitors come to this site each day, finding only 86 comments awaiting me this morning (with more coming in as I compose this post), the reality is, only one in 20 of you even bothered to respond--meaning the overwhelming majority, at least in this case, sat out from something so simple and self-beneficial as buying a box of ammo.

That's no way to win a rebellion. What are you sideliners gonna do when necessity presents real demands that you can't avoid against a foe that is purposeful and mean?

That's why the name of our winner is so appropriate. Most gun owners have been content to do little more than gripe, and when it comes to making a contribution or taking an action, adopting the "Let George do it" philosophy.

And spreading the word to gun stores was just pathetic. A few of you got out there and hustled. But most stores were clueless. And in truth,I blame them--their survival depends on knowing the winds and the currents of their trade. It's really their job to inform themselves of happenings affecting their business. In a rational world, they would be leaders and educators of their customers. By insulating themselves, they've pretty much assured they'll stand alone when the wolf appears at their door.

Jeez, we're pretty negative this morning. So why do I say our enemies are the ones who are the losers?

Because they did even worse. We did this with no free publicity from the major media. They had world famous names like Jesse Jackson and Sara Brady prodding their respective constituencies with shrill and desperate urgings. They had church "leaders" and their congregations in the communities they selected to demonstrate in, to get the word out "in the community." They had a budget (tax deductible in many cases), to pay for fliers and buses and press releases and website announcements and billboards and Jesse's hotel suite and airfare for himself and his bodyguards and entourage and child support payments, along with feeding him in the style to which he's accustomed... They saturated newspapers and TV newscasts throughout the land, which announced the upcoming events and sent reporters to cover them when they happened (in some cases, as we shall see). They sent out paid press releases promising "In Communities Across America, Huge Crowds Protest Gun Violence."

And they fell flat on their face in the delivery.

Here are the cities the Bradys touted. I've entered the names of the cities into a Google News search along with the words "gun" and "protest."

First, let's look at Chicago/Lake Barrington (the Brady site said "Evanston"), which was The Main Event--the one led personally by Jesse and Snuffy. Per ABC News, "about 150 marchers took their message to the DS Arms company plant..."

That's it? With all the hoopla and resources put into this, with all the free media exposure, with national names and a free ride to and from the protest, that's all the troops our mighty enemy could muster to the field in a fight they picked? Based on the comments left in this obscure blog, we managed to put together an opposing force of almost 60% of that number--and our volunteers paid for everything themselves. And we did it with no budget, no media exposure, no requests for donations...and that's just what's been reported on this blog. I note many visitors at Kim duToit's place pledged gun and ammo buys, and I look forward to a report from The Firearms Coalition.

OK, what about the other Bra-inbow PUSH cities? Remember the news search terms, "city name" and "gun" and "protest".

Newark: No after-the-fact stories appear. If there had been thousands do you think that would be the case?

Maryland: There are plenty of stories--let's link to one:

About 100 protesters rallied outside a gun shop in Maryland just across the District of Columbia border.

100? That's it for the nation's capitol?

Dallas: There are plenty of stories giving free PR to announce the rally, but not much reporting on the actual event. This CBS TV "report" does its best through selective camera angles and cuts to make a few dozen people look as large as possible, but for some reason reporting the actual number of protesters didn't strike "authorized journalist" Steve Pickett as newsworthy. If we are to believe the Brady's press release (and why wouldn't we?), "the news media said [the march] attracted hundreds..." but the source I found said "about 60 people marched." Hmmm....I wonder why the discrepancy...?

Denver: No after-the-fact reporting. It must have been glorious.

Duluth: Apparently matched only by Denver...

Evanston: I guess everybody figured out it was in Lake Barrington?

Ewing: Hey, at least they got mentioned in the Brady's paid press release.

Houston: Apparently, if we are to believe the demonstrably credible paid press release , some people hung some signs from a bridge.

Minneapolis: "Thirty-two people staged a 'lie-in' - [appropriate use of a term--DC] lying down on a north Minneapolis sidewalk." Y'know when I read about these and see the pictures, the first thought that comes to mind is Evel Knievel is never around when you really need him.

Philadelphia: "Dozens stage anti-gun rally"--well hold the presses.

Phoenix: In your face, Denver!

San Diego: A strong contender for edging out Phoenix...

And then, of course, 32 each for all the ridiculous "Protest Easy Guns" cities listed in the Brady announcement.

That's it. In spite of the enormous amount of advance pre-billing for this circus event by the mass media, and despite the money, power and names behind it, it turned out to be a dud. The fire in the belly seems to be mostly for self-promotion by Jesse and Snuffy, and a desperate search for relevance by the Bradys. Of course I have no scientific way to validate this, but my sense is that the stated goal here at WarOnGuns was achieved: That between (admittedly unvalidated) reports of ammo sales on this site and elsewhere, we probably came real close to buying a box of ammo (or spending equivalent dollars on guns or other gear) for every anti-gun protester that showed up.

Which means all the citizen disarmament mobs managed to do was produce the exact opposite of what they wanted: thanks to them, there are now tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition in private hands that would otherwise not have been bought on August 28. And they got meager after-the fact publicity for their failure because it was just so damned embarrassing to show how ineffectual they truly are at motivating anything other than staged grass roots support. Even the authorized journalists couldn't spin it as a victory.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

This Day in History: August 29

August 29, 1779
Battle of Chemung (Battle of Newton), New York

At what is modern-day Elmira, Continental forces are led by Generals John Sullivan and James Clinton and defeat a combined force of Loyalists and Indians commanded by Captain Walter Butler and Chief Joseph Brant. The Continentals are ambushed but manage to use their artillery to drive off the Indians. However, the Americans are criticized for their failure to pursue the fleeing Indians and gain a major victory. The Indians have many of their villages destroyed along with valuable supplies in retaliation for their continued raids against frontier settlements. Still, they manage to keep up the pressure on frontier settlements.

August 28 Ammo Buy

This is the only post I'm going to make today, and I'll make it brief.

WarOnGuns regulars know about today's proposed ammo buy as a counterprotest to the Pfleger/Jackson Citizen Disarmament Mobfest and Rabble-Rousin' Jamboree.

The rest of today's posts are yours, via comments. Please tell us:

Your name or screen name
What you bought
How much you bought
Where you bought it (name of store or range), including the city
Did the gun store or range help promote the ammo buy, and if so, what did they do?
If you like, you can tell us how much you spent, but that's optional.

Please restrict your comments to that information.

This post will remain up until 12:00 midnight. I'll determine a "winner" via random drawing from all entries. As previously mentioned, the victor will receive a handsome Red's Trading Post cap, courtesy of WoG reader "Sam."

One last thing--I thought about requiring some sort of proof of purchase, but that's the government's MO to consider people suspect right off the bat. We operate on the honor system here at WarOnGuns. When I announce the winner tomorrow, it will be up to them to contact me at dcodrea at hotmail dot com to claim the prize.

Shameless Plug: Freedomnomics

Don’t be put off by the fact this is essentially an economics book. It’s not a difficult read. Lott’s clear writing doesn’t assume we’re anything but interested lay people, and his use of simple tables and graphs at key points bring his conclusions into focus.

"Freedomnomics," my Rights Watch column for the October 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, is now on sale at capitalist newsstands throughout the Republic.

BONUS: See page 114 to find out how you can win a Taurus Judge 3"-barreled revolver that shoots either .45 Colt or .410 shotshells.

The Final Frontier

How could the FAA issue rules in conflict with the DOJ and President? Who had approved this?

According to the Senior Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel for the FAA, “This rule … was reviewed and approved by the Executive Office of the President.”

"The Final Frontier," my September 2007 Rights Watch column for GUNS Magazine chronicling my adventures with the FAA, is now online.

Is BATFU Creating a Gun Registration Database?

Ryan Horsley has some questions.

We're the Only Ones Purchasing Enough

A Times Union investigation has found that Romano was one of dozens of city cops, along with at least one Albany County assistant district attorney and possibly a judge, who used the department to illegally purchase an arsenal of automatic assault rifles and ammunition for personal use at tax-exempt, discount prices in the mid-1990s.

The illegal gun purchases, which were concealed from the public, did not result in any disciplinary or criminal charges, and ultimately they exposed more than just wrongdoing on the part of the police force. To this day, it is unclear how many of the weapons were never recovered.

So...Bloomberg's gonna sue 'em, right?

[Via Magus]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Separating the Wheat From the Chaff

Do you understand that I include myself as a "crazed right-wing militant"????

...Please read more of my writings and understand the concept of 'tongue-in-cheek'.

Please feel free to check out http://www.brentwheat.com/ to understand a little more of my background and writing.

Well, that's a relief.

Believe me, Mr. Wheat, I understand the ramifications of having "tongue-in-cheek" commentary misunderstood better than most.

And I did check out your site--I note you are currently a Lieutenant with the Lebanon Police Department.

So I guess my question--tongue-in-cheek, mind you--is, if I let you know I'll be coming up to Lebanon keeping and bearing arms--as any "right wing militant" can tell you is my Constitutionally-acknowledged unalienable right--will you arrest me?

We're the Only Ones Framing Enough

Federal prosecutors Thursday filed criminal charges against 10 Puerto Rican police officers in an anti-narcotics unit, cracking down on police corruption on the heels of widespread outrage over a video showing an officer killing an unarmed civilian.

Nine officers and their lieutenant were accused of stashing cocaine, heroin and crack at their precinct in Mayaguez for the past 3 years so they could frame people in several of the city's low-income housing projects.

And guess who non-"Only Ones" need to grovel to for permission to possess or carry weapons in Puerto Rico?

Yep--the Superintendent of Police.

[Via Third Power]

This Day in History: August 27

The Battle of Long Island took place on August 27, 1776. The American outpost of Colonel Edward Hand's sent word that the British were preparing to cross Long Island from Staten Island on August 22, at dawn. There were three frigates, the Phoenix, Rose, and Greyhound, and two bomb ketches named Carcass and Thunder, in Gravesend Bay. The frigates were anchored in the Namews.

2A Dems to Hold 8/28 Rally

Your humble Webmaster for Amendment II Democrats is planning a Save the Second Amendment Rally to be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, 12:00 noon CDT in Dallas, Texas. We will be gathering outside the Warren United Methodist Church at 3028 Malcolm X Boulevard, where the North Texas Brady Campaign and Rainbow PUSH members are scheduled to hold their own anti-gun rally. It's time for Democrats who support the Second Amendment to take a stand against those who seek to undermine our Constitutional rights.

I agree. I support and applaud this effort. But one thing troubles me greatly:

Do you actively oppose Democrats who support sensible gun measures if they run for public office?

We are Democrats, and as such we will support our party's nominees for local, state, and federal office. During the primaries, however, if any Democratic candidate supports gun control measures that Amendment II Democrats oppose (such as reauthorizing the national ban on semi-automatics), that primary candidate is fair game, and we will encourage voters to support Democratic candidates who are in greater harmony with our outlook on Second Amendment rights. But once the primaries are over and the candidates for the general election have been chosen, it is important that all Democrats pull together and support our party's candidates as best as we are able. Under no circumstances will Amendment II Democrats support Republican candidates who run against anti-RKBA Democrats. We are, after all, Democrats.

Nu-uh, guys. It doesn't work that way, and don't think that bit about "sensible gun measures" went unnoticed--what the hell are those?
I like your strategy for the primaries, but the general election is where power over lives is awarded. If you would pick an "F" over an "A" simply because of blind party loyalty, you have made yourselves part of the problem.

What this indicates is, ultimately, the Second Amendment is expendable to you, not as much of a priority as re-electing Carolyn McCarthy or Chuck Schumer, or electing Hillary Clinton. It means you consider other social and economic issues more important than my elemental right to defend my life and freedom, and will aid and abet those trying to strip me of the means to do so.

I take that personally. A friend wouldn't do that to me.
If an authorized representative from your group would like to respond on this blog and entertain questions and comments from WarOnGuns readers, I'll give you the space.

[Via A Keyboard and a .45]

UPDATE: See response here.

Got a Free Moment Today?

It's Sunday. Surely you'll have a free 5 minutes today.

Why not call a gun store where you do business and recruit them to support the August 28 ammo buy?

If not, why not?

We're the Only Ones 5-0* Enough

Speaking of raging "Only Ones," I found this video (click title link) on WikiProtest.

My 12-year-old is a skateboarder. I understand there are places that are off-limits, but there are plenty of effective ways adults can deal with children without resorting to out-of-control, vein-bulging mouth-foaming and name-calling. Losing control is the least effective way to deal with young people. While I stipulate we don't know what preceded the taped encounter, that's still no excuse for the "official" temper tantrum recorded here. And there is nothing from the demeanor of the victims to suggest they were doing anything but attempting to obey.

Imagine this is your kids being treated this way, intimidated, assaulted, extorted, having their property stolen by a loud-mouthed raving bully with a badge. I note this took place in San Francisco, and it may explain why they are so keen on disarming the populace--so the thugs can get away with treating everyone like this.

Time was, men were employed from their communities to act in the capacity of "peace officers." Now that the paradigm has shifted to "law enforcement," we see results that are exactly the opposite of the original intent--indeed, we see them introducing conflict and belligerence, rather than peace, into their encounters with citizens. In reality, the "Only Ones" are now "control officers," albeit out-of-control ones, and we ought to start calling them that.

This is an interesting microcosm of the way government--instituted among men to secure the blessings of liberty--has mutated into the grotesque enslaver it has become.

I would suggest an official investigation of this, but does anyone really believe it would accomplish anything? It's clear this behavior is SOP for the coward in question. That means he and his ilk have been getting away with it for years, and those who resort to coercion as a means of maintaining power are not about to force a change.

That's our job.

* 5-0

While the most common usage of this term is as a grind, the 5-0 grind...it is also used to refer to the police (a play on both the trick of the same name, and Hawaii Five-0).

We're the Only Ones--No, WE'RE the Only Ones...

In what was described by authorities as "a road rage incident," a Jackson County sheriff's reserve deputy was charged Thursday with aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash and reckless driving, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports...

The driver of the other vehicle was confirmed to be off-duty officer Charles Vance of the Metro Nashville (Tennessee) Police Department.

So which one is the ONLY Only One? Well, this statement says it all:

Samuel Efurd III was not booked into jail Thursday, but was given a notice to appear...

"Professional courtesy," I suppose. Because we know what happens to a mere citizen who "lifts a finger."

Aaron Russo, RIP

Longtime movie producer and 2004 Libertarian presidential candidate Aaron Russo is dead at age 64, having succumbed to cancer yesterday.

I had the pleasure of sharing a dinner table with Mr. Russo a few years back at one of our "ATF Nights."

His "Freedom to Fascism" is a must-see video.

We have lost that rarest of human beings, a good leader.

This Day in History: August 26

The Rhode Island Assembly resolves to have their delegates to the next Continental Congress ask if they may build a fleet of ships at Continental expense "for the protection of these colonies."

Snuffy's New Political Advocacy Billboard Campaign

The Faith Community of Saint Sabina has put up 40 billboards throughout the city of Chicago...

It certainly doesn't look like Snuffy Pfleger is abusing the church's nonprofit tax status to advocate specific legislation, does it? I mean, who could possibly consider this to fall under the IRS proscription:

In general, if a substantial part of the activities of your organization consists of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, your organization’s exemption from federal income tax will be denied.

Besides, the IRS is already busy, chasing down churches that post pro-life advocacy messages from their own marquees, or processing letters from The Separatists demanding a church have its tax status revoked because the fundamentalist pastor told his flock not to vote for a Mormon.

But Snuffy's a left-wing subversive, so the rules don't apply. And never have.

I wonder if they paid full price for the billboards with tax-deducted donations, or if the billboard company donated the space and took a write-off themselves?

WarOnGuns Correspondent Les K, who sent me the title link, which also gives the schedule of the Pfleger/Jackson Citizen Disarmament Mobfest and Rabble-Rousin'Jamboree for August 28, writes:

I've already called and have gotten about 20 folks to call the Chicago Archdiocese. 312-751-8200. Maybe you could post the number and ask folks to ask the Chicago Archdiocese why they allow a Catholic priest to engage in political and potential illegal behavior...

And while you're at it, ask 'em who's paying for the buses, the drivers, the gas, and whether or not it's "substantial" and coming out of tax-deductible contributions...

This We May Simply Call the No-Pointy Other End

The Dissident Frogman educates "authorized journalists" about "bullets" in an hysterical video.

[Via Dave Licht]

Thanks...

...Joe's Crabby Shack, for helping spread the word on August 28.

Why?

Arthur Bremer, who shot and paralyzed Alabama Gov. George Wallace in 1972, will be released from a Maryland prison this year, an official at the prison said Thursday.

Chris Horton has some thoughts on this. I can speak for Jesse here, Chris--he would use this as a call for disarming you and me.

Another Gun Shop Comes on Board

Anything and everything in our gun shop will be discounted by 10% all day Tuesday Aug. 28, 2007. Keep up the good work.

David and Bruce Nelson
Montana Ordnance & Supply
2100 Stephens Ave.#118
(In Stephens Center)
Missoula, Mt. 59801

What You Can Do About Jesse Jackson's Aug. 28 Anti-Gun Protests

Through a massive and coordinated blitz of letters to the editor of our local newspapers in the days and weeks leading up to the August 28 demonstrations, we can speak directly to American citizens and our elected officials with the facts straight from the mouths of voting constituents.

Fine, yes, by all means do that. But gee, NRA--would it have killed you to encourage the membership to buy a box of ammo on that day? One announcement like this from Fairfax and this really would become a national news item.

Same with the other gun groups--you're aware that a small number of gun blogs and supportive individuals have been the only ones doing a thing about this. I just don't get the downside.

This Day in History: August 25

Britain refused the mediation of Spain at a Time when their Spirits were elated by their Successes in the West Indies, and the southern States; and by the accounts they received of Discord in Congress, Discontent among the People, and a Prospect of the Evils with which we were threatened by the Depreciation of our Currency. Deceived by these illusory Gleams of Hope, they permitted their Counsels to be guided by their Pride. What Reason they may have to expect Succor from other Powers, is as yet a Secret. Mr. Gerard is decided in his opinion, that they will obtain none. The Conduct of France in establishing Peace between Russia and the Porte has won the Heart of the Empress; and the Influence of Versailles at Constantinople, will probably give Duration to her Gratitude. The Emperor and Prussia are under similar obligations. The latter wishes us well, and the Finances of the former are too much exhausted to support the Expences of War without Subsidies from Britain, who at present cannot afford them. There is no Reason to suspect that the Peace of Germany will soon be interrupted. Britain may hire some Troops there, but it is not probable she will be able to do more. Portugal and the Dutch, while directed by their Interest, will not rashly raise their Hands to support a Nation, which like a Tower in an Earthquake, sliding from its Base, will crush every slender Prop that may be raised to prevent its Fall.

Walls of the City...

...has a real good summary about August 28.

Guns and Hunting

I got the following in an email from NRA:





I perused the site and didn't see Word One about the right to keep and bear arms (not even a forum category, guys?). Surely there's room for just a section? Maybe I'm being unfair, and I confess a contempt for "sportsmen" who ignore and disparage "the animating contest for freedom," but this just looks to me like a breeding ground for more pre-apology Zumbos.

We're the Only Ones Cutting a Rug Enough

A grand jury indicted a former police officer on murder charges Thursday in the death of his pregnant girlfriend, whose 2-year-old son was left alone in an apartment to tell police: "Mommy was crying ... Mommy's in rug."

Bobby Cutts Jr. could receive the death penalty if convicted in the June death of Jessie Davis and her unborn child.

But I thought men like Cutts were a cut above the rest of us, who can't be trusted with guns like they can. I thought they were "The Only Ones"...

[Via Dave Licht]

Gelding the Flock

"For the clergy team, one of the biggest tools that they will have in helping calm the public down or to obey the law is the bible itself, specifically Romans 13."

Yeah, well praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.

So much for separation of church and state.

[Via M. Terry]

August 28 Ammo Tally

I received the following email:

David, how about an honest posting on "War On Guns" beginning on 29 Aug. until midnight 1 Sept. of how much ammo we bought? That might really give the Brady Bunch a shock. It's my challenge, my rules. A 500 round spam-can counts as 500 not 1, etc. You could then make comments like 'Enough ammo was bought to fight small war or would stack 2 miles high.' It could be fun. I'll donate a Red's Cap in the color of choice to the top purchaser. Honesty being the key. You be the deciding judge on who wins. It's your blog I'll be committing to the effort. My sign on name is SamenoKami. Thanks, Sam

My reply:

That's a great idea--I can do a post and invite people to leave comments as to how much they bought--I can even adjust the time on the post to leave it at the top of the page until midnight of 9/1. The key would be, whoever claims the prize must email me so I can determine proof...

So starting Aug. 28, I'll have a post up on this blog to enable people to do this.

Meanwhile, keep spreading the word. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to extrapolate a box of ammo has been purchased for each "protester"?

Guest Commentary: NICS Story

By Thomas Bostian Harris

I build, repair, and collect and sometimes sell firearms. Due to not wanting to handle all the atrocious paperwork the ATF requires and the related meddling, I do not have a personal Federal Firearms License and transact my trading quite legally through a friend's gun shop on his license when an FFL is required. He charges me a minor handling fee.

I had a hunt planned from Monday to this evening.

I had a rifle I had purchased a month ago from a person in Idaho I wanted to take on the hunt for my father to use.

It came in on Saturday to my friend's gun shop.

The gun shop is an hour each way in the wrong direction from where I was going hunting.

I get called that the gun is in and plan to load up on Sunday, drive in to town, get the rifle, then drive out to go hunting.

I go to pick up said rifle, fill out the 4473 form, NICS is called, they "delay me" and I can not receive the firearm until they approve it or Thursday if they don't deny it, whichever comes first. Two hours wasted.

I drive out to where I'm going hunting. The next day, while I'm taking a break to have lunch, I check my voice mail. Transaction approved, you can come get your firearm (three hours drive away in each direction).

Side note. Ten firearms transactions involving NICS (on Custer Drive because even their street name is a loser) this year. Three delays. One multiple firearm transaction day 3 weeks prior, involving a handgun even, where all were instantly approved. No particular pattern. Pretty much a normal year in my dealing with NICS as far as their performance.

Not even a speeding ticket or parking ticket this year or last (or many years before) for that matter on my part. Each time they have run the exact same Name (with a very odd middle name), Social Security number, Drivers License number, Address, Date, and Place of Birth. I can fill out the form in my sleep and I fill it out the same every time at the same gun shop.

Show me any other database where a simple search returns spurious results 3 out of 10 times when fed the exact same search.

Capricious.

I have other rifles, I still got my hogs, I went and picked up my rifle this evening, but they wasted two hours of my time and multiple dead dinosaurs in the truck for no reason at all.

If you google my name you will find one of the universities I attended and an amazon wishlist, if any Fibbers or BATFEces wish to contribute to purchasing any of those books they are quite welcome to do so.

A "Pro-Gun" Journalist

dove slaughterers...our constitutional right to blast a bunch of birds out of existence with the weapon of our choice...people's right to blast a bunch of birds out of existence with the weapon of their choice...people accustomed to obtaining one in about 19 minutes...That's how long it took me to buy one in April, after the Virginia Tech massacre...gun control fanatics...weapon capable of scattering dove flesh and feathers throughout the sky...the constitutionally protected sport of dove slaughtering...

And the thing is, he's arguing against the 4-day delay. This must be what passes for "pro-gun" commentary in "authorized journalist" circles.

[Via Michael S]

Gun Groups Speak Out for Dealers

Members of Senator Larry Craig and Senator Mike Crapo's staff were there among others. GOA-Gun Owners of America, JPFO-Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, NRA-National Rifle Association and NSSF-National Shooting Sports Foundation submitted letters on behalf of firearms dealers...

It'd be nice if this focuses the spotlight of oversight on the overseers. I told Ryan I hope his attorneys are mindful of the implications of this report:

BATFU doesn't inspect all dealers routinely and with standardized protocols, but they have the resources to pick Red's to death with arbitrary made-on-the fly "rules" on a continual basis--even though they know no serious violations exist. In other words, they aren't doing their "job," but they somehow have time and resources for a vendetta.

Mind you, I'm not calling for more resources to help them do this--I'd like to see them go away completely. But if they are going to exist, they ought to be bound by a thick leash that prevents them from making things personal, which is clearly what has been happening to Ryan.

This Day in History: August 24

A brief artillery exchange in New York sparks an exodus by New York City civilians to New Jersey.

We're the Only Ones Hootin' and Hollerin' Enough

Three carloads of off-duty Deerpark police officers, outside law enforcement officials and residents headed to Hooters restaurant in Franklin, N.J., Thursday night.

While the officers were out on the town, there were no town cops on duty back in Deerpark — 35 minutes away.

I agree with Chief Werner that "the safety of the town was not compromised," but probably for different reasons.

[Via Declan]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

I Make People Feel Like What?

From J.T.McAdams:

I spoke with Ryan at Red's today. I ordered the blue hat. He doesn't know me from Adam but you wouldn't know it by our conversation. He is very personable and seems to be a genuinely humble and appreciative individual -despite the downright BS he is having to endure. He was very complimentary of you and the work you've done to get the story out. I told him you had a way of motivating people to get involved...and making them feel like crap if they don't. He laughed. I did too. Keep it up David. Thanks.

I laughed too, J.T. Thanks for brightening up my day.

Open Carry While Delivering Fliers

Drew tells us of his adventures spreading the word about the August 28 Brady Counter-Protest Ammo Buy to local gun shops.

He also may get a letter published in the paper.

RELATED POSTS:

"Can Do" vs. "No Can Do"
The Next Steps Toward Aug. 28
Buy a Box of Ammo on August 28th
Ammo Day: August 28th
Buy Ammo on Aug 28!
Second Amendment News Roundup for 8/17/07
August 28th ... Buy Bullets For the "Brady Bunch"
I don't mean to slight anyone by not posting a link to your blog if you've mentioned this--because I have such limited time, I just copied these directly from my original post on this topic, and that's what shows up automatically. Feel free to add related links in Comments below.

NRA On Board with Red's

UPDATE: I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT CHRIS COX-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRA-ILA JUST SUBMITTED A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF DEALERS FOR THE FORUM

Here's a link to the letter.

[Many thanks to Whose Paranoid for hosting files.]

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

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.