Incrementalism Illustrated

A picture being worth a thousand words and all that...

The Worst Mayor in America

I run Jackson. I do it in a weird way, but I run Jackson.

Here's a nice little summary about my old buddy Frank Melton. I guess when you show up in force looking official, no one dares shoot--no matter how much you deserve it.

Any wonder why he's an enthusiastic member of Mayors Against Guns?

[Via ryanmguard]

Extreme Mitt Romney

I firmly believe in the importance of responsible gun ownership and sales. As a member of the National Rifle Association, I do not believe that we need any more federal gun control laws. I also recognize that some types of extreme weapons, those which were not meant for hunting, sport, or self-defense, have no business being on the streets.

Mitt Romney, you have no business being on the streets. As a public official who betrayed his oath to uphold the Constitution, you belong behind bars with every other traitor who spat on the rights of his countrymen for personal gain.

Along with recalling Joaquin Jackson, I'd like to see a movement demanding you be expelled from NRA. But seeing as how Fairfax management violated their own bylaws and never even responded to my call to do that to the grotesque Michael Moore, I don't see that happening.

"Extreme weapons." Nice. Thanks, Mitt. That's gotta be right up there with with "military style handguns."

We're the Only Ones Diplomatic Enough

On the other hand, if a diplomat is caught with an illegal weapon, he (or she) does have immunity from U.S. law: "He cannot be detained, he cannot be prosecuted, he cannot be searched," Alvarez noted.

More outrageous, in-your-face hypocrisy from our international friends who want to disarm us on a global scale--you know, the ones with the twisted gun barrel statue in front of their headquarters.

The "authorized journalist's" assumption that African genocide requires arms from a New York gun shop notwithstanding (ice cubes to Eskimos and all that), the outright corruption in this story stinks worse than just about anything I have read in recent years.

It's stipulated that New York's draconian gun laws are in force for ordinary herd animals, and that Jovino's deals primarily with "Only Ones"--so what can we deduce from it also being "one of the biggest suppliers of guns to New York's criminal class"? And if so, why is it and other NYC retailers apparently immune from Bloomberg's lawsuit crusade (were I one of his out-of-state victims, I'd be investigating that, looking for any hint of quid pro quo "protection")?

As an aside, neat trick there, Mr. Weinstein, reclassifying semiauto pistols as "military-style handguns." Yeah, prove government is corrupt, then give them all the propaganda cover they need to usurp a monopoly of force.

Agenda, anyone?

[Via Thomas H]

This Day in History: October 24

October 24, Washington writes to the Falmouth, Maine, Safety Committee to explain why he cannot send the detachment from his army they request. Throughout the war, the British attempt to lure Washington into committing his whole army to battles he cannot win, or, into weakening it by sending out detachments to meet British incursions.

Proof that MA is Run by Turkeys

The turkey eyed Jean-Felix. Jean-Felix eyed the turkey. It gobbled. She gasped. Then the turkey proceeded to follow the Dorchester woman over the Green Line train tracks, across the street, through traffic, and all the way down the block, pecking at her backside as she went.

"This is so scary," Jean-Felix said...

Jean, the Sons of Liberty are spinning in their graves.

Y'all are evidently unfamiliar with WarOnGuns' traditional Thanksgiving essay...

Rage Against the (Vending) Machine

The wearer hides behind the sheet, printed with an actual-size photo of a vending machine.

Just in case anybody thinks they've come close to seeing it all.

I'm not sure I've ever seen anything quite this stupid before.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Today's the Day

Some students at Western Kentucky University are wearing empty holsters to class, as part of a national collegiate protest.

We talked about it here.

SayUncle says beware of tolerance and diversity arbiters.

I'll just betcha that Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin would be one heck of a gal to have in your corner when the shooting starts. Maybe I should resurrect those opinion polls we used to do here, to see if most people think she would squeal, whimper or howl...

We're the Only Ones Raging Enough

A New York City police officer turned himself in to colleagues on the street yesterday and said he might have shot and killed another driver in a predawn road-rage encounter in Upper Manhattan on Sunday...

Might have? Yeah, I black out and forget whether or not I shot people all the time, too, don't you?

These are "certified police officers"?

New York "Only Ones," eh? 'Roids, anyone?

And note the special guest appearance by our benevolent pals at the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, evidently here to make sure nobody "lifts a finger"...

[Via KABA Newslinks]

We're the Only Ones Certified Enough

The Maricopa County Community College District might allow its police officers to carry guns on campus in the coming months, ending its decades-long ban on all weapons...

“It’s not a difficult issue,” Pearce said. “These are certified police officers with 25 and 30 years of experience.”

It's an easier issue than that, Rep. Pearce. The hell with your "certified Only Ones" crap--let 'em face the same risks everyone else does. How about just getting the hell out of the way and submitting to the command "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"?

Why is it every time I read about idiot "authorities" discussing campus gun bans, I hear Puck's voice in my head?

Detecting Winnipeg's Nightlife

While many nightclubs in Winnipeg already require patrons to pass through metal detectors, the provincial government is looking at the possibility of forcing certain types of bars to install the devices.

Right--and then they can be held liable and sued out of existence at the first failure.

I mean, we see how well security checkpoints work when staffed by highly professional trained "Only Ones". Yeah, I'd expect frickin' bouncers to do about that well.

We're the Only Ones Automatically Secret Enough

The Albany Police Officers Union wants to keep secret the names of any officers who illicitly purchased machine guns through the department years ago.

Naturally. And we'd expect them to fight just as hard for the principle that non-"Only Ones" deserve the same privacy considerations when they intentionally violate gun edicts, right?

Seriously, how come these elites aren't being prosecuted?

The U.S. attorney's office declined to take action on the Albany gun purchases. Federal prosecutors in Albany were briefed about the matter four years ago by the ATF, sources in the investigation said.

Right. That's the same BATFU that's throwing all the king's horses and all the king's men at destroying Red's Trading Post, and the same "Department of Justice" that made sure everybody knew Wayne Fincher's name as they destroyed his life and locked him away. And let's not even start on how eager they were to "enforce existing gun laws" at Waco and Ruby Ridge.

Ain't it grand, living in a Republic where we're guaranteed equal treatment under law?

[Via Jeffersonian]

Jedi Awakening to Empire Tyranny

Ewan McGregor said he is sick of Britain's "ludicrous nanny state" rules, which he said might force him to quit the country, in an interview to be published Tuesday.

Health and safety regulations were becoming "insane", the 36-year-old film star told the weekly Radio Times magazine.

As long as we're on the subject of Merry Olde England, I thought Obi-Wan's observations had relevance.

One can only hope he may some day also learn and espouse the value of a blaster or a light saber...

WoG on BBC

Supposedly I will be part of a discussion today on the BBC. Per host Martin Vennard:

Between 1:30pm and 2pm East Coast Time in the States we will be talking to Shirley Katz live in our international discussion programme, World Have Your Say. She is the Oregon teacher who wants to be able to take a gun to school for her own protection.

I have no idea if they will even end up calling me, or if they do how much I will have a chance to say. I understand they have also approached some other pro-RKBA bloggers and activists, so I'd assume they'll also have plenty of representation from the Dark Side.

Be all these considerations and caveats as they may, here's a link that should lead you to where you can listen, and I understand they also archive things.

We'll see what this is all about. I'm going in with no expectations other than this will be fraught with opportunities to rise and fall, and am hoping I get a chance to open my yap once or twice.

[Via my booking agent]

UPDATE: Well, they never called. I tried to listen and their live program link wouldn't connect. And on top of it all, my agent still wants his 10%.

UPDATE 2 (Response to my inquiry on why nobody called):

----- Original Message -----
From: Martin Vennard
To: David Codrea
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 2:52 PM
Subject: RE: BBC

I'm very sorry. It was just because of the number of people wanting to take part. Hopefully we can speak to you in future.

Best wishes

Martin Vennard
BBC World Service radio.

Seeing as how they initiated contact with me and then asked me to rearrange my schedule to be on today, that's pretty inconsiderate and unprofessional.

This Day in History: October 23

In 1776, a New England newspaper published an extract of a letter written from Eastchester on October 23, 1776 -- five days after the Battle of Pelham on October 18. The letter described the British troops in Eastchester and speculated on the likelihood of an upcoming battle between the warring armies. Only days later, of course, the armies fought the Battle of White Plains.

Wayne Fincher Update: Transcripts Consolidated

Click on title link then scroll down page to:

All transcripts in a single volume Volume is 884 pages. File size: 2.5MB

[Via Paul W. Davis]
[More about Wayne Fincher from WarOnGuns]

Setting the Standard

In 1998, an IG report found that the ATF contract employees had improperly destroyed NFA records, and ATF employees had not followed proper procedures during the registration. This bureaucratic mess has left many of my constituents with potentially illegal guns solely because of ATF mistakes.

Ryan Horsley documents more BATFU negligence, incompetence and hypocrisy.

We're the Only Ones 'Roid Ragin' Enough

Six New York City police officers are under investigation for possibly obtaining anabolic steroids improperly, police said late last night.

You talkin' to ME...?

Naturally, no arrests were made. At least of "The Only Ones," although it looks like the pharmacy employee and clinic operators won't be afforded the same exemptions.

And if a beefed-up raging ape throws a beating your way, just remember not to lift any fingers...

We're the Only Ones Not Surprised Enough

Deputy Police Commissioner Kieran Walsh says he is not suprised by the findings of a report outlining concerns over corrupt cells within Victoria Police.

I'm not surprised.

Color Me Perplexed

A month after civic leaders and the police chief in this crime-plagued city called for 10,000 black men to patrol the streets, thousands arrived Sunday by foot, car, motorcycle, bus, in wheelchairs, with sons and nephews in tow.

How come when people who are not exclusively black do essentially the same thing along our southern border, that is, look for violations of law and report them to the authorities, they are branded as racists and vigilantes?

Hold the Anchovies: Kim Landers Reporting

Yet in some states like Pennsylvania, getting a gun is almost as easy as ordering a pizza.

OK, Kim, let's see you prove that by extending the analogy you created. Call a gun shop and have them deliver a made-to-order firearm to your house--and remember, you don't need to go through a background check to order a pizza.

KIM LANDERS: How easy is it to get a gun in Philadelphia?

RAY JONES: Extremely easy. I mean, just any kid that I know in the neighbourhood zone, which we walked, either know someone who has a gun or they know where they go and ask somebody to get a gun. So, it's very, very easy.

Oh wait a minute, I see now--you're talking about purchases that violate the law. Sorry, your deceptive pizza analogy threw me off there for a second, because those transactions always take place through licensed businesses that follow applicable laws.

So what you're saying is, it's almost as easy to break the law as to order a pizza? Well duh, Kim.

So having established that breaking the law is as easy as ordering a pizza, why on earth would any rational person be calling for more laws to break? Are we trying to make it as easy as ordering multiple pizzas, or what?

Great unbiased straight news "reporting," there, Kim. Sometimes I wonder if you need to take some kind of stupid lying propagandist test to become an "authorized journalist." Personally, I expect more competent service from the pizza delivery man.

This Day in History: October 22

W 22. this moring are informed that a party of the Enemy crossed Cooper fery last Evening and was on their way thro Haddonfield for this Fort / Came a crost this morn from Fort Mifflin / had scarce an opportunity to git into the Fort, before a Flag came to Colo. Green, who commanded the Fort threatning to put the Garrison to [death ?] if he did not surrender it immediately, Colo. Green answered with disdain, that he would defend it 'till the last drop of his Blood...

"Burma Shave" IV

Previous "Burma Shave" Signs:
I
II
III

[For those not familiar with the Burma Shave roadside billboard campaign or the CCRA RKBA campaign]

A Searching Question

More young people should be stopped and searched to help tackle knife and gun crime, a leading black police representative says.

See, we...um...can't really talk about demographics here because then we'd be...uh...intolerant, and we can't really point out where the majority of...I'm not going too far, am I? Anyway, if we include all "young people" it makes it look like we're not singling out any one group, even though...

I've probably said too much already. No one here is interested in elephants.

Anyway, how about those BET honorees? No justice, no peace, 'n all that.

Sticking it to 7-Year-Olds With Zero Tolerance

A single mother said the school district overreacted by suspending her 7-year-old son for drawing a smiling stick figure shooting another smiling stick figure with a gun.

The Diversity and Tolerance Arbiters strike again.

Note how it was another citizen Nazi who got the ball rolling on this.

And don't you just love the "self-inflicted wounds" comment posted at the bottom by democrat defender "JR"?

Wanted Poster

Click on the title link for more information on the Joaquin Jackson Recall.

10/22 UPDATE: Download your own copy of the Wanted Poster to distribute at gun stores, ranges, etc.

This Day in History: October 21

Not only had the Sons of Liberty accosted Gilbert on that same road the previous year in an attempt to prevent him from accepting the post of sheriff for Bristol County, but they had also had committed the ultimate act of sedition on October 21, 1774. The Sons had erected a 112-foot high "Liberty Pole" on Taunton Green that day, opposite his majesty King George's courthouse, raised an American flag proclaiming "Liberty and Union," and pledged "to resist, even unto blood" attempts to restore the laws of England. This was the first open and organized demonstration of rebellion against the British Crown in the colonies.

"We Have Met the Enemy and He is Us"*

"I would like to thank the local residents who had the foresight to bring this collection to our attention, and the owner for his full co-operation."

The total subjugation of UK liberty is damn near complete, as the sheep themselves have been conditioned to demand stronger pens. And we're not that far behind as evidenced by the evil neighbor on our side of the pond who turned in the little girl making sidewalk chalk drawings.

Yeah, I know we're all sinners, but it really does seem like their ought to be a special room in hell for these traitors to humanity.

[Via The Liberty Zone]

*Title Quote by Walt Kelly

Paul Harris, "Authorized Journalist"

A gun in a US home is 22 times more likely to be used in an accidental shooting, a murder or a suicide than in self-defence against an attack.

Nice manipulation, Paul Harris. This is a total misrepresentation of conclusions by anti-gun researcher Arthur L. Kellermann. Here's what his findings actually stated:

For every case of self-protection homicide involving a firearm kept in the home, there were 1.3 accidental deaths, 4.6 criminal homicides, and 37 suicides involving firearms.

There's a vast gulf of possibile outcomes between a DGU, which does not require a shot even being fired, and a "self-protection homicide," but the agenda-driven Paul Harris won't let his readers know that.

Tell me, Paul--when you set out to become an "authorized journalist," did you have your heart set on specializing in propaganda?

We're the Only Ones (Hic) Violating Gun Bans Enough

A policeman was detained at the police precinct in barangay Parian, Cebu City for being drunk and for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in barangay Kamagayan on Thursday morning.

That's why only "The Super Exclusive Only Ones" are "automatically exempted from the ban."

Gun, Drugs Found Stashed at Katy School

Maybe they should put up signs...

Supply and Demand

The monster, sitting in a cage in back of his gun store and shooting range in Lawrenceville, can cut down a tree — and could easily fetch $30,000 in a perfectly legal sale. But for Powell, the sale would be the equivalent of hawking a Picasso or vintage wine.

The gun increases in value exponentially each year.

That is because it is the law — not the manufacturing costs — that drive the price. The federal government has outlawed the manufacture of machine guns for the civilian market in the United States since 1986. Only machine guns that were legally owned by civilians before that year can be sold privately.

Unless, of course, you're an "Only One."

If this isn't a blatant conspiracy to deny Americans their right to own militia-suitable firearms, I don't know what is.

And we talk about pitching gun owner against gun owner--why would these privileged elites--the very ones with the resources to finance Second Amendment challenges without batting an eye--want to let us hoi polloi into their exclusive club--and watch their investments devalue?

How this evident discriminatory result isn't an equal protection violation is also something I don't understand.

UPDATE: Brutus reminds me not to over-generalize and I agree there are exceptions. I'm not confident in how widespread they are, though.

The Second Amendment Works

Chris Horton shows us how.

This Day in History: October 20

The committee meeting with Washington about the Army agrees that the forces should be supplied with provisions by the New England colonies. Washington is given the authority to impress wagons, vessels, horses, and other necessary items.

Recall Joaquin Jackson Blog Update

They're he...ere.

My read: Unless and until they see this gather momentum, they'll ignore it and let their supporters carry their standard on the forums. Not until it looks like they'll be forced to incur expense to implement a recall will we see any move toward preemptive resignation. And I would expect all submitted petitions to be scrutinized for technicalities that could be used to reject them.

Recall Joaquin Jackson Blog Link:
http://www.recalljoaquinjackson.blogspot.com/

More from WarOnGuns:
"Recall Joaquin Jackson" Blog
Joaquin Jackson Recall Underway

Buckling Down Under

A man in a bank building, wearing a belt buckle shaped like a small gun, has sparked a security alert involving police in bullet-proof jackets in Adelaide.

If the buckle in question is what's on the hood of the car in the accompanying photo, I kind of understand why Aussies unused to seeing armed citizens would have a heart attack.

I do remember as a kid I always thought Yancy Derringer's buckle rig was pretty slick, and I sure hope nobody tells ebay (which is why I'm not including a link) that somebody is selling this cool girl's fashion accessory on their site:

I remember reading about a Nazi officer's belt buckle gun some years ago in one of the gun mags--it was apparently designed to spring open and fire hands-free into the belly of someone standing in front of the wearer--presumably to escape being taken prisoner. I recall the writer took a self-righteous tone and wondered at the mentality that would produce such a weapon, and remember thinking that was a hell of an attitude to take against a tool that could very well be morally deployed by someone interested only in defense.

I want one of those concealed spring-release wrist derringers James T. West had, too.

Do "Gun-Free" Zones Encourage School Shootings?

According to Wayne, no. No they do not. And anyone in the NRA hierarchy who suggests otherwise will be shut down.

He further states "We believe America's schools should be as safe as America's [pre-9/11] airports."

We're the Only Ones DUI Enough

Aguilera was driving off-duty and uninsured in his Ford Mustang when he struck 26-year-old Mark Streech's motorcycle from behind...Aguilera was traveling at least 61 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone...The accident report indicated that Aguilera had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash...

Streech lost his leg and is confined to a wheelchair due to the accident.

So my question is, had he been out drinking and did he have his gun with him, and if so, why charges weren't filed for that? Just asking, because I note past opposition by "The Only Ones" to mere citizens being able to defend themselves in restaurants and establishments where alcohol is served. And like the County Attorney said:

"Law enforcement personnel are as subject to our laws as anybody else."

Right?

[Via Frank G / Just Warriors]

The Mechanism of Death

As she holds her mechanism of death in her hands, Katz should understand the responsibility she takes on.

For no longer would she be Shirley Katz, English teacher, but Shirley Katz, killer of a fellow human being.

Not necessarily. If you had a clue about the subject on which you babble, you'd know most DGUs don't even result in shots being fired (15.6% per Kleck/Gertz, but that's assuming we intend to ground our opinions in reality.

If she listens to you and the situation arises, she may very well end up Shirley Katz, corpse. As might any number of her charges she could have otherwise protected.

And this fool speaks to us of "powerlessness."

So, "Mr." Unknown Editorialist: How does it feel to be contemptible, you despicable coward, you weakling?

[Via KABA Newslinks]

This Day in History: October 19

The surrender of Yorktown ended the fighting in the War for American Independence, except for some minor fighting that continued in the south, and other battles that still went on overseas. Losses on both sides were light: British and Hessian 156 killed and 326 wounded; French, 52 killed and 134 wounded; American, 20 killed and 56 wounded.

Crackdown Smackdown

LEGALLY held firearms will be seized and destroyed by police if licences are not renewed on time, the PSNI in north Antrim has warned.

Hmmm...

Are You Sure You Don't Mean "Oblivious"?

Trolley Square survivor calls need for tighter gun laws
'obvious'...

Obviously.

And the fact that you were helpless--and saved by another man with a gun--is obviously of no relevance.

It's hard to feel sorry for some people--at least the ones who demand imposing their despicable abdication of responsibility for self defense on the rest of us--under force of arms. While planting daffodils outside a police station...

Good Lord.

On Shaky "Higher Ground"

A couple weeks ago, my boyfriend told me something that nearly brought me to tears.

"I bought a gun," he said.

Dude, I hope for your sake you're not considering marrying this silly little girl.

She starts to halfway get things right, but keeps reverting to inanities and hysteria. Why the proto-"authorized journalists" at The Teen Titan perceive this bipolar train of cognitive dissonance to be worth five pages is anybody's guess--probably because the ovine "thought" processes on display here mirror their own...

Which part of Europe did you say you were from, again, Aleksandra...?

Cry Havoc

THE THREE people leading the march up North Broad Street in the Gun Violence Survivor's Walk and Rally this week were a poignant reminder of the havoc guns play on lives.

Y'know, I've been told by "authorized journalists" that guns go off, kill, fire accidentally, threaten, and terrorize, all by their own selves from the reported accounts, but this is the first time I've heard of one playing havoc.

I wonder if I could teach one of mine to play piano?

I don't suppose it occurs to the hand-wringing editorial writer that the price of guns would go down considerably if they shucked all the useless prior restraints--and the societal cost of individuals committing violence with firearms would go down considerably if government stopped enabling predators and parasites.

Gun Amnesty Yields Its Bounty

Edmonton has the worst record in Canada for firearms homicides, Statistics Canada reported Wednesday...

The finding comes on the heels of a provincewide gun amnesty last year that allowed Albertans to hand over unregistered firearms without punishment.

Edmonton police Chief Mike Boyd said the service may discuss offering another such amnesty with the province.

Because the first one worked so well, no doubt.

Q.E.D. and all that. Maybe they should put up signs...

All in the Family

Antonia Gadson, whose 7-year-old son is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Liquarry Jefferson in June, was arraigned yesterday on charges of unlawful gun possession and trafficking more than 100 grams of cocaine in a school zone, which could send her to prison for 12 years if she is found guilty.

It was another turn in the tortured story of the Gadson family, whose long history of violence and tragedy became public after Liquarry's death.

If only we'd enact some "common sense gun control" and disarm you and me, these tragedies would never happen again.

Signs of the Times

"Gun-free zone" signs soon will go up around Richmond schools, the city's latest effort to curb violence.

Well then, all right.

Golly, Eric--It's a good thing there were no signs up!

"Recall Joaquin Jackson" Blog

We do not feel it is appropriate for an NRA director to disparage ownership of any type of firearm, and believe anyone who does should not sit on the board.

We discussed this yesterday. The site to coordinate this effort is now online. Click on the title link to find out more.

This Day in History: October 18

On October 18, 1775, six short months after the outbreak of fighting at Lexington and Concord, a British naval squadron under the command of Lt. Henry Mowatt bombarded and destroyed a large part of Falmouth (Portland) along with most of the port town’s commerce.

The Microstamping Loophole?

There's a discussion going on over at CalGuns about a possible wrinkle in California's new microstamping edict that may make implementation problematic:

Now what is really interesting is the line "provided that the Department of Justice certifies that the technology used to create the imprint is available to more than one manufacturer unencumbered by any patent restrictions." Right now one company (ID Dynamics) claims the patents (7111423 and 6886284 amongst others) to microstamping spent shells in firearms and subsequently reading them. Those patents are valid until about 2023 and I'm quite sure that Mr. Lizotte and Mr. Ohar claim that they are patent that occupy the entire field of firearm microstamping - kind of how NTP claims all of the space of push email against RIM/Blackberry and others. Since the legislature required that the technology be avialable from more than one provider and not encumbered by patent I'm quite confident that DOJ can not complete an OAL rulemaking that conforms with the legislation and Patent Law before the expiration of ID Dynamic's patents in 2023.

I'm not sure what bearing that really has, because the patent owner has "promised that the Microstamping technology would be provided royalty-free to firearms manufacturers with gunmaking facilities in the United States."

That said, I just don't seen an "out." Anybody with a different read on this?

[CalGuns link via Paul Nelson]

Joaquin Jackson Recall Underway

I was approached with a link to a Joaquin Jackson recall effort being discussed at GunThing forums. They asked my opinion and if I was interested in joining them.

As you see from my reply, I did have some reservations--I still do, but not enough to let these guys muster without me.

The same day, I found out there was an identical effort being promoted at Western Rifle Shooters Association. This one was more developed, and an actual petition has already been crafted.

I introduced the principals to each other and they are proceeding with the existing petition. I completed mine and mailed it in yesterday.

To sum things up, you must be an NRA Life Member or higher, OR an annual member of five years' standing. If you're not, you can still help by spreading the word.

A blog is being developed to be a central information repository and to provide updates. I'll post the url when it's ready to be released into the wild.

UPDATE: Sebastian thinks this isn't worth the effort. I left a comment wondering if his objections may provide the key to resolving this.

Take the Red's Trading Post Challenge!

Send this message to all 100 Senators (it took me a little over an hour) and then contact me and I will send you a Red's Trading Post Translucent tumbler (Fancy word for Traveling Mug). Good Luck and encourage others to do so as well.

I wrote Ryan back when he notified me of this post and urged him:

1. To require verification
2. To add the caveat "While supplies last."

I also wrote:

It seems one hour could be spent composing a list of every email address--if such doesn't already exist--that people could paste in their email "BCC" address bar--then--with a pre-prepared email, it could literally take supporters seconds to do this instead of an hour. I'll look into this and advise--if there is not any online list, and if people literally need to visit every senate website to fill out a form, we should compile a list of actual email addresses--you might want to save any email replies you get from them to compile such a list--I'm surprised the gun groups haven't done this already.

I spent some time blundering around Google and didn't find a consolidated list anywhere. What say we compile one, starting with the Senate.

If you help Ryan out in this and fill out the forms for the Senators, you should get some sort of confirmation email reply with an address--assuming it's not just an autoresponder that no one checks...Damn politicians making us jump through hoops to send 'em our wishes really grinds my gears (and yeah, I know about spam.)

Feel free to leave as many senate edresses as you can find in comments, below.

If a gunblogger who has the time and is looking to generate some traffic wants to take this on, I sure wouldn't mind...

Genocide Resistance

Whatever may be said about the U.S. House of Representatives committee vote concerning the use of the term “genocide” in reference to Turkey’s atrocities against the Armenians during World War I, two facts are indisputable: It was gun confiscation that made the atrocities possible. And it was the possession of firearms that saved many Armenians.

Read the latest from Dave Kopel & Paul Gallant, & Joanne D. Eisen.

We're the Only Ones Videophobic Enough

Officers wrote in their reports that Waterhouse ran off, they chased and then bean-bagged and Tasered him. One officer wrote, "He had refused to drop the camera which could be used as a weapon."

How's that for the new justification to keep citizen oversight at bay?

"The camera...could be used as a weapon" ?

Especially if he was deploying one of those assault cameras.

How can you tell? Easy--was he a mere citizen, or an "authorized journalist"?

Good Lord.

[Via Jeffrey H]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Antis to Lie at Gun Show

The Million Mom March/Brady Campaign is planning a protest this Saturday at the C & E Gun Show at the Showplace in Richmond. They are planning a "lie-in" (boy, isn't THAT the truth!) at noon near the building. They plan on having women dressed in black to lie down for two-minutes to represent how long it took Cho to get his guns.

Why can't I get the image of Cartman doing skateboard jumps out of my mind?

[Via Clint K]

A 12th Century Mentality

A 12th-century common-law right becomes a cudgel to prevent common-sense regulations that could constrict the easy availability of weapons.

In a nutshell:

If we disarmed you, criminals who are forbidden by law to have weapons would become harmless. We should be more like England. I come out at the end and admit this wouldn't have had an effect on the latest shooting I'm prattling on about, but I'm smart and sophisticated and obviously not primitive like you, and this is how I define "common sense."

Fanatical certitude based on ignorance--talk about your 12th Century mentality. It's hard to recall the last time I read so much concentrated stupid in one place--at least by a grownup.

Oldsmoblogger has a more detailed take on this.

This Day in History: October 17

Finally on October 17, 1777, Burgoyne formally surrendered. Under the generous terms of the Convention of Saratoga, Burgoyne was allowed to march out of camp "with the Honors of War", which included retaining his colors and the return of his men to England. His 6,000 men marched out of their camp, surrendered their weapons and began their march west. However, when they reached New England, Gates' terms were not honored and the British soldiers spent months in sparse guarded camps.

Oh, and something else happened in 1781...

A Mugged Liberal

Randi Rhodes was mugged on Sunday night on 39th Street and Park Ave, nearby her Manhattan apartment, while she was walking her dog Simon.

According to Air America Radio late night host Jon Elliott, Rhodes was beaten up pretty badly, losing several teeth and will probably be off the air for at least the rest of the week.

Some are already floating the proposition--without any evidence--that "this an attempt by the right wing hate machine to silence one of our own..."

Speaking as a self-appointed minor functionary within that hate machine, let me just say how I wish Ms. Rhodes had possessed the means and the will to defend herself and either stop her attacker in his tracks or send him off howling in the darkness.

I wish she did not consider advocating gun rights to be "pimping,"and that she did not disparage those who advocate an armed citizenry as "nuts."

And I certainly don't mean to diminish the pain and horror she experienced. But I will note that the policies she advocates will enable future attacks on new victims, who will be compelled to either obey the law and suffer, or defy it and assume the legal risks of state retribution.

Why would anyone want to force another human being to make that choice?

I know the term has been bastardized over the years, but how is that even remotely considered "liberal"?

UPDATE: IT TURNS OUT SHE WASN'T MUGGED AFTER ALL. THIS WHOLE STORY IS APPARENTLY NOTHING MORE THAN LYING HYSTERIA FROM THE POLITICAL LEFT--AS IF THAT SHOULD SURPRISE ANYONE.

UPDATE 2: It's telling how the Democrat Underground is ready to form a lynch mob and "round up the ususal suspects" with absolutely no evidence other than their own paranoia and bigotry.

Oxnard Criminalizing Theft Victims

Oxnard will become the fourth city in Ventura County to approve a new gun control law that allows police to better track the sale of illegally purchased weapons.

...The ordinance requires gun owners to report stolen or lost firearms within three days of their disappearance or face misdemeanor charges. Owners who had guns go missing in the past five years will be required to report them within 90 days of the law’s adoption.

Criminals, of course, will be exempt. Fifth Amendment-articulated right against self-incrimination and all that.

Attempts to contact the National Rifle Association for further comment were unsuccessful.

Why am I suddenly thinking of a motivational poster titled "Leadership"?

Sure glad California has preemption. Or isn't registering stolen guns considered "registration"?

We're the Only Ones Hushing You Enough

The state's top law enforcement official is drawing criticism for encouraging the public not to answer reporters' questions about a north woods shooting by an off-duty sheriff's deputy that left seven dead, including the gunman.

Let's see...cop goes on murderous rampage...911 went continuously unresponded to...

Yeah, I can see where the "Only Ones" wouldn't want the people affected participating in any independent investigations.

Thing is, it's a small town. If someone does decide to talk freely and openly, will there be repercussions?

That chilling sensation must just be a blast of air coming down from the north across the lake...

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Can We Talk About Resuming the Conversation Yet?

The six-month anniversary of the shootings at Virginia Tech is Tuesday, and dozens of family members of the victims will be on Capitol Hill tomorrow urging Congress to strengthen gun legislation regarding background checks.

I don't suppose any families will be urging an end to mandated Cho Empowerment Zones?

I can understand. In the wake of Virginia Tech, the best Wayne & Co. could do was treat with the antis on HR 2640. To actually move forward on legislation that would give future victims a fighting chance would be exploiting the situation--or at least that's the line we were sold.

"What does it hurt to pause for a few days in the midst of a tragedy...?" we were asked. That presupposes a moratorium by maniacs, too, doesn't it? Do we need to wait until it does hurt, and if we do, what does experience with these matters show us the likely manufactured public sentiment will be?

"There is a time and a place for the discussion, the debate, and even the argument over gun control. I believe there is a time to resume this conversation," we were told.

Is it time yet?

We're the Only Ones Incompetent Enough

The rookie Houston Police Department officer who shot and killed a 14-year-old special education student in one of the decade's most controversial shootings earned his badge and gun despite flunking a crucial test of firearms handling as well as initial police field training, according to documents recently made public as part of a civil rights lawsuit.

The child was not guilty.
The child was not armed.
The child was crying for his "Mama."
And this...this creature gets 60 days.

At some point, I'd like to see the name Arthur J. Carbonneau remembered--perhaps as a special "Only One" award for exceptional incompetence and brutality. But not right now. I have boys near the victim's age, and the overwhelming love I have for them never fails to humble and awe me when I reflect on it. I can't even begin to think what my reaction would be if this were my son.

[Via LibertyPlease]

This Day in History: October 16

The enemy last night made a sortie for the first time. They entered one of the French and one of the American Batteries on the second parallel which were unfinished. They had only time to thrust the points of their Bayonets into four pieces of the French and two of the American Artillery and break them off, but the spikes were easily extracted. They were repulsed the moment the supporting Troops came up, leaving behind them seven or eight dead and six prisoners. The French had four officers and twelve privates killed and wounded, and we had one serjeant mortally wounded.

BREAKING NEWS: DC GUN BAN VIOLATED!!!

Later this month DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier will put about 30 officers on the streets to try and make a dent in the thousands of illegal handguns that are being used in violent crime in the District.

Homicides are up seven percent this year. Assaults with guns have escalated. Chief Lanier was quoted recently as saying "It's ridiculous. There are too many guns out there".

When, oh when will our Nation's Capitol implement some "common sense gun control"?

Oh, wait...

Getting Serious About Gun Control. No, Seriously.

In the meantime, we must stop exploiting the Second Amendment to justify our pathetic, quasi-patriotic, petty imitations of antediluvian, cowboy-esque individualism.

Hoo-ee. He sure makes purdy words. Not only that, but we live in "an inversed Orwellian state."

Soo Yang said it, I believe it, that settles it. How does the government endure all these pesky oversights?

What is it lately with sophomoric opinions? And I wonder if this child has any idea how seriously some of us are taking things?

...Try, Try Again

Mr McNulty said the number of incidents for which police firearms were authorised rose from 12,379 in 1996/7 to 18,891 in 2005/6 - a 53% increase.

In London, the number almost doubled during the same period, from 2,439 to 4,711, while in the West Midlands it nearly quadrupled, from 270 to 1,044...

"Firearms offences used to be rare in Britain and we associated gun crime with America. Now it is a daily concern for millions of people in our country.

You know where they ought to try this approach?

Australia.

If at First You Don't Succeed...

A ban on all firearms in South Australia has been urged by the state's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in response to a wave of shootings. [More]

That's the ticket--find something that doesn't work and then do more of it!

They're the Only Ones, Eh?

The repetitious paperwork is all in a day's work. But with an increased emphasis on air safety in a post-9/11 world, such red tape has become a hassle for U.S. air marshals crossing the Canadian border. That, in part, is why the federal government wants to relax rules so that foreign law enforcement officers don't need a permit when bringing their weapons into Canada. But some fear it may be opening Pandora's box by giving police agents carte blanche to carry guns in Canada.

There's not a thing to worry about. As we've proven here time and again, they're "The Only Ones," with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men...

"Exaggeration" is Such an Ugly Word

As Kent McManigal observed, the proper word is "lied."

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

This Day in History: October 15

The Battle of Ridgway Farm
October 15, 1778

...At the Ridgway Farm, the lone sentry was easily overpowered and sleeping soldiers were awakened and killed, before they could mount a defense. Only 5 were left alive and taken prisoner. Pulaski's camp was close by and they were quick to respond, but arrived too late. Ferguson's plan to remove the planks from the bridge, plus the high tide, cut off the pursuit and most of the British returned to their ships without incident. Baron Rose and from 30 to 50 of his men died in the attack.

Hessian Signs Microstamping Bill

Delivering a top priority of the gun-control movement, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation yesterday requiring that new models of semiautomatic handguns sold in California be able to stamp identifying serial numbers on shell casings.

In a surprise move, he also signed a bill banning lead ammunition in the sprawling range of the endangered California condor.

Aren't you glad the major gun groups sat out on the recall election, some even spreading the word to gun owners that Arnold was a "stealth pro-gun candidate"?

It's not
like some of us (OK, me)
didn't warn you.

Is the betrayal complete yet, or are we still going to follow the "lesser of two evils" route? We have a grand opportunity to repeat the Arnold experience on the national level, you know, and we're even being primed for it.

Keep listening to the establishment gun lobby apologists, particularly the ones from those islands of success, California and New York, as they drip with poisonous scorn against anything not originating within their little controlled circles, and boast of their wonderful achievments of getting invited to surrender ceremonys.

"Burma Shave" III

As always, credit for the original idea goes to the Champaign County Rifle Association.

Burma Shave I
Burma Shave II

March Against "Gun Crime"

Keep those knees straight...

Get those boots up higher...

What a Difference a Mindset Makes

They're having a gun show.

And the newspaper isn't going into hysterics.

See? Is rational, factual reporting really that hard?

This Day in History: October 14

October 14. 1775
In London, Secretary of State Lord Suffolk receives intelligence that the colony of Pennsylvania is preparing an armed fleet and floating batteries to prevent the passage of the King's ships through the Delaware River. He recommends that the Admiralty dispatch vessels to destroy the floating batteries.

Kennedy 'Eating Ice Cream' After Surgery On Artery

Excellent.

Would you like some butter and Crisco with that, Senator?

How about some fries?

We're the Only Ones Making Honest Mistakes Enough

According to police, the man thought the gun policy at school didn't apply to current or former cops.

Gee, I wonder where he'd ever get the idea there may be two sets of rules, and why he'd be conditioned to assume that there are...?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Great White North Justice

"He put the public safety of Canadians at risk," said federal prosecutor Michael Robb. "This is an extremely serious offence."

Hardy was in custody 86 days. Robb said the sentence might be perceived as harsh, but said Americans should be made aware of Canadian gun penalties. Canada Border Services Agency officers found a loaded .22-calibre semi-automatic pistol in a case under the passenger seat of Hardy's vehicle as he entered Canada July 18 at the Blue Water Bridge.

Yeah, no criminal record, gun cased under the seat. Sure sounds risky to me. For Hardy.

But it is what it is, and we need to understand the consequences of carelessness or defiance, do what we can to avoid the first, and approach the second seriously and with as many precautions as we can.

2A Carnival 13

Over at Free Constitution...

Stan tells me via email the dang flash movie from two days ago is really annoying because the sound comes on and stays on. I agree--I don't think I'll use that medium again unless I can figure out how to keep it from automatically coming on. Still, I'm glad I made it and stand by its message, so no, no one gets their money back.

As I said in that post, left click, then right click, then click on "Pause"--in any case, as I add new posts, it will soon move off the page.

But I digress. Go check out the Carnival.

Blood Dancing With Sarah

Yuri Orlov shows us the steps, and they're pretty convoluted and twisted.

I got the same email and was going to comment on this myself. My primary observation: How in hell would "strengthening" NICS to incorporate more mental health records have any impact whatsoever on a 14-year-old who bypasses the system altogether to get his guns?

The answer, of course, is it wouldn't, and the Bradys are once more lying for dollars.

I wonder if I gave them my physical address if they sent me this kind of stuff via snail mail--and then I could file a complaint and start a mail fraud investigation?

God Allowed Back in Capitol

The acting architect of the Capitol cleared the way Thursday for the certificates that accompany flags flown over the building to include the word “God,” reversing policy on an issue that was becoming the latest touchstone in the nation’s culture wars.

I'm sure my anonymous atheist friend who thinks I'm "every bit as dangerous to this republic as any islamic fundamentalist" will only confirm his position by this, and maybe even have another tantrum, but what the hell. Anybody think I do this because I want everyone to like me?

Besides, "political expressions" were also verboten.

That's a far cry from when I got my anti-gun congressthing to process this:

Standing Army Lowers Standards

The Army made its recruiting goal last year despite an increasingly unpopular war by turning to people convicted of serious crimes.

So the standing army can deploy felons, but if the militia does, it runs afoul of "prohibited persons" statutes?

I wonder what the liklihood is that these recipients of "moral waivers" will think of the Constitutional implications of orders.

This Day in History: October 13

Just as there wasn’t a United States of America on July 4, 1776, there wasn’t a United States Navy on October 13, 1775. But, what led to the formation of the United States Navy happened on October 13, 1775.

Right to Bear Arms Placed on Administrative Hold

The Board of Firearms Permit Examiners refused to hear any gun permit cases at its regular meeting Thursday, saying a lawsuit brought against the state police by one of its own board members may constitute a conflict of interest.

Translation: Screw with us, Bub, we'll shut the whole thing down--which is what we'd prefer to do if the power trip didn't give us such a heady rush and sense of self-importance. We're bureaucrats and we rule you. Our forms and stamps and procedures are more important than your life, more important than your liberty, more important than your pursuit of happiness. And more important than the safety of your loved ones. We are government, duly appointed, backed by overwhelming force, and that's the way it is.

I know of someone who couldn't get a permit in California if he tried. He defended himself and his family twice in the almost 30 years he was there (without firing a shot), never reported either incident to the authorities, and he apologizes to no man for it, although I'm sure there's no shortage of "gun rights activists" who would tell you he'd have deserved what he got if caught: You know, either being killed or separated from his wife and children, that is, his deepest and most abiding loves--and thrown in prison for years at the mercy of the most violent societal dregs imaginable. He knew full well the risks and assumed them soberly, although with a burning resentment that such a terrible choice, with such life-destroying consequences, could be forced on a supposedly free man.

I have reason to believe this scofflaw radical also defied the California "assault weapon" registration edict and still has his semiauto rifle in spite of mandates from the state DOJ with the enthusiastic cooperation of the NRA, so we're talking one serious attitude problem here.

I sure hope he doesn't end up making us all look bad.

Time to Act!

Jenna’s mother, Lisa Sutton, said: “I think schools should check pupils’ bags.

Yes, it's time to act! Lord knows nothing has been done in the UK to date--it's like a virgin field of snow, with nary a track to be seen.

Since we don't know who can be trusted, the answer, of course, is to restrain the liberty of everyone.

Why not just cut to the chase, Lisa, and shackle everybody in a padded room?

Here it Comes...

Every Republican candidate – including current front-runner Rudy Giuliani – has promised to appoint originalists and textualists to the Supreme Court.

And we can believe what Rudy promises, because he's our friend.

I've been saying this is coming. Expect a lot more paving of the way in the months to come.

Anybody think this does not reflect the sentiment of management in Fairfax?

Craig on Red's

He says he can't really do anything because it's in federal court. Ordinarily, I'd say at least he could be using his bully pulpit to call public attention to it and to press for BATFU investigations, but with his recent media difficulties I'm not sure his direct involvement would be helpful at this point.

On a related subject, this blog has been getting quite a few hits from the feds in recent days--particularly from DOJ--and I also see they're then exiting the site directly to Red's...

[More on Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

Rape Victim Delivers Message To Other Women

"The only one who can really protect me, is me."

There's really nothing else to say, except that anyone who would interfere with her right to do so, especially after reading about the terrifying and horrible dehumanization this poor woman was forced to endure, is either irrational or evil.

[Via Tony G]

We're the Only Ones "Days of Our Lives" Enough

The board will consider whether Giusto, once a driver for former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, lied about when he first heard about Goldschmidt’s statutory rape of a 14-year-old when he was mayor of Portland...

The board also will decide whether Giusto lied to reporters about his role in a controversy involving then-Multnomah County Crime Commission Chairman Jim Jeddeloh, including when Giusto first began dating Jeddeloh’s wife, Lee...

The second allegation in the letter concerns Giusto’s approval of a concealed handgun license to Jim Jeddeloh, the then-chairman of the Citizens Crime Commission.

Giusto told reporters he had not been aware of Jeddeloh’s criminal background, which included two arrests for drunken driving and allegations of domestic violence, when he approved his application. Normally, a record would mean an automatic denial.

Sleazy soap opera, anyone?

Today, on All My Only Ones...

[Via Jeffersonian]

This Day in History: October 12

2nd Pennsylvania Regiment...Authorized on October 12, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion and assigned to the Main Continental Army.

The Voices of Reason

More flash movies at Toufee.com

The computerized voices are a little rough, but the idea comes across--thanks to Blogonomicon for the resource--not that I'll ever get skilled enough to progress beyond crude attempts like this.

It doesn't appear to shut the sound off after the slides, but you can left click to activate controls, then right click to pause the damn thing after it starts to get irritating--which for some will no doubt be sooner than later.

Kopel on Paul

Is Paul still a longshot? Yes, but so were George McGovern, Jimmy Carter, and Gary Hart. It is true that Republicans have, for over half a century, nominated whoever was leading in the first Gallup poll after Labor Day. But the past doesn’t control the future. Until 2000, for instance, no-one who had lost the New Hampshire primary had ever won the general election.

Polls show that about quarter of Americans are libertarians, in a general sense, so Paul has lots of room for growth. If he can keep raising enough money to get his message out, then with some strong finishes in the early states, he will start getting earned media.

But the "conventional wisdom" tells us he can't win--that is, the people who always tell us to give up without a fight and to negotiate from an initial position of compromise and appeasement say don't even try...

If half the gun owners who mindlessly parrot this line would throw their support behind him, they might be surprised at what can be accomplished.

I saw this same defeated-before-engaged "strategy" play out in California, where the establishment Republicans and weak-kneed gun owners proclaimed a Tom McClintock loss a foregone conclusion--even though Gallup polls at the time showed he had a substantial lead over the top democrat if Arnold--an avowed gun grabber--was not in the picture. The result? Welcome to the first and only state (thus far) to ban a bolt action rifle based on caliber.

Ah the hell with it. Tell me I'm wrong and put your faith in a "lesser of two evils." The skids are already being greased by some in the "gun camp" to fall behind Giuilani because of the Hillary threat. Besides, why enter the fray and actually do something based on principles when we can just make a dismissive comment and give up now? Isn't that the way revolutions always happen?

I read a comment on KABA Newslinks this morning that I really like:

If supporting the Constitution makes you unelectable we're doomed anyway.

If We're "The Only Ones"...

...that makes you the "Average Joes."

I think a new term may have been born.

The BATFU Runaround

The ATF is continuing to go back and forth with our Electronic Acquisition/ Disposition system that we have been leasing. ATF Director of Industry Operations Richard Van Loan had stated earlier that he would not have revoked our license if we would have gotten a computerized system.

More Catch-22 from everyone's favorite JBTs. It has to be obvious to even a judge that this is a sick game of cat-and-mouse revenge.

We're the Only Ones Skating Enough

Former Tuxedo Park police Chief Robert Culhane could have faced jail time and probation. Instead this morning a judge said his public embarrassment and loss of career was punishment enough.

Yeah. Why on earth would anyone expect an "Only One" to face the same felony conviction as a regular citizen, not to mention being categorized a "prohibited person" ?

[Via Declan]

We're the Only Ones Slip Sliding Away Enough

If the Cosmillos had made their pool baby-proof, police would not have been called to the scene, there would have been no water on the floor, and Eichhorn would not have hurt herself, he said.

"It's a situation where the Cosmillos have caused these problems, brought them on themselves, then tried to play the victim," he said.

Nice. Call for help, suffer an unimaginable tragedy and get sued by the "Only One" responder with the sterling employment record. Why do I perceive she did a particularly excellent job in her assignment as "a prostitution decoy"?

And I can't imagine a more heartless comment. This character Heil is appropriately named.

[Via Vaughn Croteau (who gave me the title) and SailorCurt]

We're the Only Ones Not All Present and Accounted For Enough

Police Chief James W. Tuffey told Albany lawmakers recently that dozens of machine guns secretly purchased by Albany police officers had all been recovered and destroyed.

But two sources familiar with the matter said several of the automatic weapons, which were obtained by Albany police officers and at least one civilian in the early 1990s, remain missing.

Now see, if we had background checks, registration and microstamping, this wouldn't have happened. And if we can't even trust highly trained and ethical "Only Ones," how in the world are we supposed we trust you?

[Via Declan]

We're the Only Ones Roughing You Up Enough

"They never said to us, 'Stop, this is Seattle police,' or that they wanted to talk to us," De Jong said. "You know how cops in movies show badges? Nothing like that happened. I thought they wanted to fight."

To serve and protect--"Only Ones" style.

[Via Matt Maynard]

We're the Only Ones No Longer Elite Enough

After weeks of worsening revelations about the Chicago Police Department's elite Special Operations Section, a beleaguered interim superintendent finally pulled the plug Tuesday, disbanding the scandal-plagued unit and sending most of its officers back to more strictly supervised assignments.

What, you have them busting up rocks on a chain gang?

[Via HZ]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Forgive Snuffy His Trespasses

Criminal charges of trespassing against Reverends Jesse Jackson and Michael Pfleger, filed after a protest outside a south suburban gun store, were dropped Tuesday, officials said.

Yeah, the prosecutors didn't have enough evidence.

Try leading a mob to City Hall and inciting them to "Snuff out Mayor Daley!" and see if they can come up with a charge or two.

[Via HZ]