Red's Update

From Ryan Horsley:

Several have already jumped the gun but that is ok, here is my post:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/national-report-atf-abuse-day.html

This will at least be an every year event that we have to start, this continuing cycle of the ATF getting out of control and then reigning them back in every couple years does not work, they continue taking more liberties and our rights continue to dwindle.

Also in my ongoing quest to find where Presidential Candidates stand on ATF abuse, todays blog features Fred Thompson:

http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/fred-thompson-on-atf-abuse.html

Thank you again,

Ryan

P.S. With Sullivan's confirmation hearings coming up this will give our Senators alot of questions to ask.

I was one of those guilty of jumping the gun. Here's my email to the OIG:

From: dcodreaAThotmailDOTcom
To: oig.hotline@usdoj.gov
Subject: Glenn Fine--Investigate BATFE Abuse
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 15:21:16 -0800

Mr. Fine,

I for one am sick of these unelected bullies and their arbitrary standards designed to harass honest gun shop owners out of existence.

If you want to see some examples of what I'm talking about, just click on the following link. I have publicly designated them as BATFU, because that exemplifies their attitude better than anything else I can think of.

Shame on the Bush administration, which was put in power in hair's-breadth elections TWICE by gun owners, to allow this abuse of power to happen on its watch.

David Codrea
[Phone and Address]
The War on Guns

Would those of you who tell me you get value from this site please send your email today?

Against Ron Paul

Let me start by saying I agree with Ron Paul on virtually all of his platforms, domestically. But when it comes to Paul's ideas of foreign policy, a policy of non-intervention, a policy of letting the chips fall where they may, is an even greater blunder than invading Iraq with no clear post-war plan with too few troops.

Free Constitution fisks my post supporting Paul. I'm not going to do a detailed rebuttal because I just don't have the time, but I will come up with something general over the next day or so, dealing with the specific concerns of national security, foreign policy and overseas military deployments.

Suffice it to say we have been given an opportunity--unprecedented in my lifetime--to select a man who actually believes what he says. Because some among us reject that for the myriad of objections they raise, I believe based on current trends that the GOP nominee will be Rudy Giuliani, or possibly Mitt Romney.

If that's what pans out, even though he's said he has no interest in doing so, I will urge Rep. Paul to run as a third party candidate. As friend Russ Howard points out, if Ross Perot can get almost 20% of the vote, there's no reason why Paul--who actually stands for something--shouldn't be able to compete in a 3-way race. It's not my ideal scenario, but it beats the alternative.

Anyway, go read what Stan has to say and consider his arguments. Ain't no law says you have to agree with me...

This Day in History: November 8

Chase to Ox Swamp:
Upon learning from a Tory spy that General Marion slipped back east of Jack’s Creek, Tarleton gave chase with the Green Dragoons. Marion, staying just ahead of the dragoons, and fighting a series of delaying actions with his rear guard, rode to the head of Jack’s Creek, then down the Pocotaligo and finally slipped away into Ox Swamp. Here Tarleton gave up the chase and said “as for the old fox, the devil himself could not catch him.” Thus, General Francis Marion became known as the “Swamp Fox”. Marion and his men continued east to Benbow's Ferry on the Black river where he had established the ambush for the British.

ACTION ALERT: Red's Trading Post

I am declaring tomorrow, November 8th, NATIONAL REPORT ATF ABUSE DAY. I am encouraging everyone to contact the US Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (who has been very critical of the ATF in past reports) and your Congressional Delegates.

Please follow the title link, read the rest of Ryan's post, and send an email to the OIG about BATFU abuses.

And please forward that information to your gun-owning friends, blogs you frequent and forums you belong to. Please do this NOW.

Pat Robertson Completes Conversion to "The Dark Side"

Pat Robertson, one of the most influential figures in the social conservative movement, will announce his support for Rudy Giuliani's presidential bid this morning in Washington, D.C., according to sources familiar with the decision.

Go figure. I always thought when you adjusted the TV tint to green that he looked more like Yoda.

Taxiing Toward Tyranny

The proprietor of a taxi service who allegedly had a gun in one of his cars was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Another life, family and business shattered. Our job here is done.

We're the Only Ones Guarding Enough

"A crowd started to form around the security guards and they tried to disperse the crowd. A security guard accidentally discharged his weapon killing one and injuring another," she said.

Thank goodness they were licensed, registered and authorized "Only Ones."

As Reasonable People

The doctrine of nuclear disarmament represents mankind's (grudging) admission that we can't be trusted with nuclear weapons. But where guns are concerned, the political gales seemingly have eroded our resolve to abide by what our instincts tell us: that no halfway ''controls'' will succeed at mitigating gun violence. As long as there are guns in general circulation there will be Columbines and Virginia Techs and Amish school shootings, and more massacres like the one that took place in Wisconsin.

As reasonable people, we already know the only approach that would be effective in preventing such horrors. The question is whether we have the will to undertake it.

Until I got to the conclusion, I couldn't tell where he was going with his disjointed babblings, but now it's clear. Somebody needs to buy this child a box of disposable wipes.

We're the Only Ones Possible Enough

A former Oakland police officer is facing the possibility of a prison term after a Sonoma County judge said he was considering new information before sentencing him on gun-related charges...

Previously the judge in the case indicated he would probably order probation or county jail time instead of state prison.

Yeah, I'm sure if a non-"Only One" were "guilty [of] felony assault with a deadly weapon and a gun enhancement" and had a criminal record for previously doing something "strikingly [HA!] similar," probation would be on the table for us, too.

Hey, anything's possible.

We're the Only Ones Leveling the Playing Field Enough

The war on the streets is escalating. As gangs and other criminals pack more firepower, police departments say they find themselves in an arms race.

The officers say they need to level the playing field to survive.

So let me get this straight...when the enemy becomes more dangerous, prudent people who wish to "survive" should render themselves more helpless? Unless they're "The Only Ones," and then they should do the exact opposite?

Is that the theory behind "gun control"?

How does that work, exactly?

[Via Sam]

UPDATE: I figured this article for yet more tripe so never got past the first paragraph because it presented a point I wanted to make. But good grief, a trip to Uncle's/Sebastian's/Ahab's shows I missed a real adventure in "authorized journalism"--one on par with magic bullets hitting a house:

He lays the blame squarely on lawmakers who allowed the assault weapons ban to expire in 2004.

Designed to be fired from the hip, assault rifles such as the AK-47 can spray at a rate of up to 600 rounds a minute in full automatic mode. It is the weapon of choice for guerillas and gangsters.

Susan Candiotti, CNN: Doing the job the Brady Campaign can't.

Illspirit has more.

A Cryptic "Only Ones" Three-fer

Cryptic Subterranean, that is:

A British homeowner tackled a teenager trying to break into his home and when the police turned up they charged him with assault. I can just imagine them doing the same thing if the homeowner had happened to be an off-duty cop and not a chef, can’t you?

British cops wait 10 days to respond to burglary reported by man but find time to threaten his young children with a fine for selling pumpkins without a licence.

Two Staten Island cops strip a teenage boy to his underwear and strand him in a desolate area to teach him a lesson.

Is it any wonder why we love "The Only Ones" so?

Silencers are for Harpies Too

What you're doing isn't working. It's time to try something else, such as talking *to* us rather than *at* us. Because sitting right next to my bug-out bag is a rifle and 420 rounds of ammunition. Which you and yours are never going to take away from me, at least not while I draw breath.

Correspondent Peter gives a shrieking anti what-fer. (Scroll down the title-linked page for his comments.)

I'm actually surprised the editor allowed anything critical through, since last time people called Diva Lady Jayne to task, she took her ball and went home in a huff. Oh well, at least she still doesn't allow comments on her blog, so she can always hide out there, with her hands over her ears chanting "Lalalalala...." and fantasizing how "You may keep your guns, with my pleasure, I can think of no better solution to the problem of overpopulation."

She does remind me of her hero, John Lennon, in two ways, actually.

First she echoes his raw "artistic" arrogance:

I'm a genius …. What do I have to do to prove to you … who I am? And don't you dare criticize my work like that. You who don't know anything about it.

[Incidentally, if you've never heard National Lampoon's "Radio Dinner" send-up of this, you've missed one of the funniest recordings ever.]

And second, if anyone ever did pull a gun and start shooting at her, all she'd be able to do is "Twist and Shout."

This Day in History: November 7

The approaching season, and the distresses of the army in the Articles of Blankets and Cloathing make it necessary, that every practicable measure should be pursued to procure supplies.

And the Heirs of Liberty argue from their warm and sheltered comfort over why even voting for principle is too extreme an act, and compromise, sweet compromise is the only path to follow that we can all be sure will work.

Devolites Watch

Click on graphic to enlarge

WarOnGuns will update this graphic as the evening progresses. See "Last Reported" in the graphic for the time it was updated and posted on the official Virginia State Board of Elections website. So far, so good.

UPDATE: FROM WBDJ7

In one of the most expensive and hotly contested races of the year, Republican Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis lost to Democratic former Delegate Chap Petersen in Fairfax County.

I'm going to bed. Turn the lights off, will you, Jeannemarie?

Why DON'T We Know Where the Candidates Truly Stand?

If voters want to know exactly where candidates stand, they are going to have to nail them down to specifics. You can claim to support the Second Amendment and still vote to outlaw 90 percent of the firearms on the market or in private possession.

Exactly. As far as I know, there's only one who will roll up his sleeves and actually start going after federal gun laws. (Incidentally, were you aware of Ron Paul's current fundraising blitz? He set a one-day record for the GOP--and this is the guy who only has a handful of internet spammers in his corner according to GOP establishment mouthpieces like Rush Limbaugh.)

But the incrementalists caution it's too soon to expect the candidates to talk plainly about guns and freedom. We radical absolutists need to just be patient, because all our crazy talk is just going to scare people. Oh, yeah, and Ron Paul doesn't stand a chance, so we need to just do the pragmatic thing and support the Republican choice, whoever that turns out to be.

I saw this same scenario play out in California. Tom McClintock was a faithful friend of gun owners. But the establishment wanted a "sure win" and went with a celebrity, as the mighty "gun lobby" hid in the shadows and didn't dare show their faces. And we ended up with the bans on .50s and lead ammo, and microstamping .

Before any critic steps up and opines McClintock "didn't stand a chance," be prepared to offer evidence, as opposed to just your say-so, contradicting the CNN/Gallup poll that demonstrated McClintock beating the democrat opposition by a solid 19% had the party convinced Arnold to drop out.

Look--it's real simple. You--yes, you--can either, right now, get behind Ron Paul's campaign or not. Rationalize it any way you want, but the fact remains--there is one, and only one candidate whose stance on the Second Amendment is clear and consistent. And those who want the status quo--or those who would counsel you can't have real liberty because it's too extreme a goal to shoot for--are the ones advising you to pick "not."

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FRED HEADS:

Even Fred Thompson doesn’t think he will become president. Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.

Tell me of one team that ever won a championship with that kind of pre-game resignation and defeatism. That means the GOP fare will be either Mitt or Rudy. I'd like to hear something that makes sense from any "activist" gun owner who won't throw their support behind Ron Paul in the primaries now. We literally have nothing to lose.

Finger Bang II

Henrick Vierula, 19, and Stephane Laurence-Pressault, 18, are being charged with disturbing the peace and mischief after participating in a stunt that involved entering an Ottawa mall and staging a mock gunfight, using their hands as guns.

Thank goodness there's no real crime involving dangerous criminals for Ottawa police to concern themselves with here, right? And you gotta wonder at the type of citizen nazi who prides himself on being a police state informant.

I wonder if Canada is like the UK, where getting arrested for finger gestures is based on who you are?

Albany Anti-Gunners Have Soares on Their Seat

District Attorney David Soares has agreed to serve on a new Gun Violence Task Force for the city of Albany, as the Common Council named the final seven members of the panel Monday.

All 13 of their seats have been filled. With this, no doubt.

Tough Talk

Teachers union leaders say they are not backing down from tough talk about school safety in the wake of an incident in which a Union High School student brought a gun to school.

Ooh--"tough talk." That'll impress a school shooter. Right before he gets you to give him a tough scream, tough plea, and tough sob in mindless animal pain and terror. One of the things that "really grinds my gears" is the word "stakeholder." Unless it applies to Abraham Van Helsing standing over an open coffin, I'm afraid it just sounds like so much socialist agenda-driven manipulative psychobabble. We all know there's only one thing that will stop a school shooter. A tough, that is an armed, response. Isn't that right, tough-talkin' Wayne? Isn't it past time you went back to your "stakeholders" and revised your tough advocacy of Harris-Klebold Empowerment Zones?

We're the Only Ones "Doing the Jobs Americans Won't Do" Enough

A former Houston police officer has been sentenced to just more than three years in prison for hiring illegal immigrants as guards and then arming them.

So why isn't the ACLU all over this? Oh, yeah, I forgot.

Don't worry, migrantes. Eliot Spitzer'll help.

[Via 45superman]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

We're the Only Ones Authorized to Crack the Code Enough

It's known in police circles as professional courtesy, and now there's a website where cops complain about other cops who won't extend that courtesy.

The "authorized journalists" take note of what lowly bloggers have been talking about for some time.

I'd like to address something posted on the "Only Ones" Entitlement Site that I didn't cover the first time out. On their "About Us" page, they state:

Should we be given breaks on tickets that normal people would be given a break?
Yes. Best Buy employees get an employee price (which is awesome), Subway employees get free subs, military people get free hops on planes, airline employees get the jet around the world for free ($50 is free). Every profession gets some kind of 'perk'.

Is it fair?
No, but when is life ever fair.

Best Buy is a private company, and the employee policy is authorized and overseen by management. Ditto for Subway and the airlines. As for the military, that too is authorized by command--you don't think an enlisted man can just hop on any flight he wants, do you? If we were to truly apply their analogy, it would mean a Best Buy employee could--on his own authorization, determine whatever discount struck him as "fair" based on his own say-so, and give it to a friend who works for a different electronics company. That's called employee theft, and people get fired for it all the time.

As for when life is fair, allow me to shed some light--when Constitutional laws apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their station, profession or circumstances of birth. There's a document that covers government rules of conduct on this, particularly Amendment XIV. These self-entitled whiners ought to try reading it some time (and as long as they're there, they might want to check out the Bill of Rights, too, especially if their job required them to take some kind of oath or affirmation).

Damned if You Do...

...and damned if you don't.

BATFU told Red's Trading Post they needed a computerized acquisition/disposition system. At no small expense they got one, and have been told it meets all the arbitrary requirements of the moment.

But BATFU is still gonna revoke their license. So there.

I'd like to take a moment to offer two comparisons of support for Red's from links on Ryan's blog under the heading "Red's Trading Post News":

The first has been described as an 800 lb. gorilla, an organization with paid staff, millions of members, a feared power on Capitol Hill, that takes in untold millions in gun owner contributions.

The second is an obscure blogger that most will never hear of.

Anybody notice something backwards going on here in terms of level and quality of effort vs. influence and resources...?

Not particularly looking for any special love here, just kind'a sayin'...

"It"

Kenny Antrobus wants to add one item to the artwork, soccer trophies and family photographs that are a reminder of the daughter he lost at Trolley Square: the handgun that killed Vanessa Quinn. "If I had it, I know it wouldn't kill anybody else," said Antrobus, of Cincinnati.

I can't pretend to know or understand the level of sustained grief that goes with losing a child--or the emotional and often irrational need to do something, anything, when of course, there's nothing we can do to bring back our loved ones.

The handgun, of course, did not kill, nor does "It" have volition to kill again. A deranged and evil person is solely to blame. It's interesting he doesn't want the handgun used to save further victims from being killed, which is probably just as well, since using the same logic, it is free to save again.

This Day in History: November 6

Silas Deane, Connecticut delegate to the Continental Congress, leaves for France on a secret mission on this day in 1776. The Committee of Congress for Secret Correspondence, consisting of Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Harrison, John Dickinson, John Hay and Robert Morris, instructed Deane to meet with French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, to stress America's need for military stores and assure the French that the colonies were moving toward "total separation.”

"Not Obliged"

John McClelland, a fiction writer who blogs about liberty issues from Northern Ireland as “Cryptic Subterranean,” also tried to get this information. Being a British citizen (and one who understands principles of American Constitutionalism better than the vast majority of US citizens), he is in a better position to approach his public servants than some foreign interloper from “across the pond.”

“Your request for information has now been considered,” the Orwellian-titled “Freedom of Information Officer” informed him, “and I am not obliged to supply the information you have requested.”

"Not Obliged," my Rights Watch column for the December 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, is now online.

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

In yet another example of a politician advocating one position while running for state or local office and a completely different one upon running for president, Rudy Giuliani has decided that he now supports a very strict interpretation of the Second Amendment.

Strictly speaking, the pompous little fascist is a shameless liar. What I said about Jeannemarie goes double for Rudy.

Gewehre = Gefängnis

As we've already established, you don't actually need to be doing anything evil to qualify for being hauled off--keeping and bearing arms has been deemed a sufficient offense against das Vaterland. Hey, what's a Konzentrationslager without barbed wire? They have towers with machine guns and scary guys in uniforms, too.

Do you believe this scheiße, issued by the state as a warning to citizens against exercising what is supposed to be an unalienable right? Are we now the Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika?

Anybody think the Oberherren who proclaim and enforce these edicts are moved by entreaties for reasonableness and incrementalism, or do you think maybe the only thing that might give them pause would be the likelihood of being brought to justice--where, as in the past, "only following orders" is not deemed a valid defense?

They're actually threatening us with barbed wire if we don't obey them and disarm. They couldn't state it any clearer: They want us to fear them.

We're the Only Ones "In the Navy" Enough

A senior Navy officer has been charged with conspiring to sell two military style semi-automatic rifles to undercover police...

Two Glock handguns, four Ruger rifles and a Smith & Wesson revolver belonging to the navy were among the items confiscated.

Well blow me down. And here I've been believing the military and police were "The Only Ones" who could be trusted with firearms.

We're the Only Ones Linked Enough

A Wisconsin mayor has ordered a businesswoman who helped lead an unsuccessful recall against him last year to remove a link to the local police department from her business website.

I've seen "Only Ones" claim all kinds of special privileges for themselves over the years, but this one reaches new depths in terms of arrogance and sheer ridiculousness.

I'd like to see some sourpuss mouthpiece for a bobble-head statist try ordering me to take his stupid city police link down. That sounds like a job for a WarOnGuns Bitemegram.

What the hell is wrong with creatures who attain positions of "authority"?

A "Gun Crime" in Albany

“Yet again, another young man is going to jail for the next five years for carrying a gun on the streets of Albany County. I hope every young man realizes that you don’t have to use, or even show off the gun, just having that weapon can land you in prison for a long time,” said Soares.

"Shall not be infringed..."

"Enforce existing gun laws..."

"Shall not be infringed..."

"Enforce existing gun laws..."

Gee, I don't know what to make of this, especially with all the respect the Albany PD showed for the Fourth Amendment, too...

I don't know the character of the "young man" in question. He could have been a very bad hombre indeed. On the other hand, the presumption during a traffic stop is supposed to be that he is one of us--a gun owner keeping and bearing arms for defense of self or community, or for whatever damn reason he pleases--as is his unalienable right.

NOTE: As of post time, the Empire State News site where this story is posted will not open from the title link.

This Day in History: November 5

November 5, General Orders, Washington reprimands the troops in Cambridge for celebrating the anti-Catholic holiday, Guy Fawkes Day, while Congress and the army are attempting to win the friendship of French Canadian Catholics. He also writes commander of the northern army, Philip Schuyler, on the importance of the acquisition of Canada to the American cause. George Washington, General Orders, November 5, 1775 George Washington to Philip Schuyler, November 5, 1775

Burma Shave VI

Today's billboard campaign alongside the information superhighway is dedicated to gun owners in Virginia who are sick and tired of being abused by a Republican establishment that is not only non-supportive, but actively hostile to their rights.

Previous "Burma Shave" Signs:
I
II
III
IV
V

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

Dee-dee-deescrimination?

The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is low. In fact, "the overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small." More often, people living with mental illness are the victims of violence. Acts of violence are exceptional.

So what's all the brouhaha about, and why is it right or fair?

I think it'd be a fitting unintended consequence if this law passes and then gets challenged under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The Devolites is in the Details

We've talked about anti-gun Jeannemarie Devolites Davis before, including how her daughter was convicted of armed robbery. In the interest of helping to deny power to a wretched tyrant wannabe, here are some more accounts.

First, I want to head off any criticism that bringing her family into things is off-limits. First, it shows how well she who would control us controls that which she is immediately responsible for. (How does that line in "Sunshine" go? "He can't even run his own life, I'll be damned if he'll run mine...")

Second, she's not above dragging her opponent's family into the race:

The Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney is looking into whether a recent campaign flyer from state Sen. Jeanemarie Devolites Davis (R-Fairfax) went too far.

The flyer contains the home address and phone number for her opponent, Democrat Chap Peterson [sic], and his kids' names.

And she's not above exploiting her own brood for political advantage. Besides, any chair in a bar fight, sez I, and this deserves to be a broken bottle brawl.

Here's the link to the Fox News report "Virginia State Lawmaker's Daughter Goes on Crime Spree." In it we find:

The daughter of a leading northern Virginia state legislator pleaded guilty in federal court to armed robbery and faces up to 27 years in prison for a five-week crime spree that stretched from New York to Virginia.

Not only had young Ashley "served as the trio's driver or lookout, but she was responsible for selecting targets," and furthermore, she "knowingly and intentionally provided misleading information which hindered and delayed the investigation of this case."

So how did it work out?

As per The Washington Post:

The daughter of a leader in the Virginia House of Delegates was sentenced today to more than nine years in federal prison for her role in a gas-station robbery in Fairfax City that authorities said was one of a string of armed holdups in Virginia and New York last summer.

Not bad. I wonder if someone not so connected, who "knowingly and intentionally provided misleading information," and "intentionally persuade[d suspect Christopher Martin] to withhold information from law enforcement," would have received only a third of the sentence--and would serve their time in a "minimum security federal prison" at that?

The thing that really shows the Imperial Devolites arrogance more than anything is her condemnation of media coverage of the trial--God forbid a free press act as watchdogs of government activities, and report public record legal proceedings to her constituents:

"I think it's a shame that all the members of the press that are here today do not have the common decency to show a family some privacy during a difficult time."

You own the courts now, Jeannemarie? By what stretch of the imagination do you claim a right to privacy when the feral felon you raised faces the music for her predation on the people you supposedly represent? Although perhaps it helps explain why you want those folks unable to resist, and maybe return lethal force to those so debased as to threaten their lives over a cash drawer-full of bills.

Countertop is going so far as to work for Jeannemarie's opponent, Petersen. I can't go that far, since the guy went out of his way to explain to the voters how he's just as big a gungrabber as she is (Good Lord, what's with the stupid bow tie? He looks like freakin' Jimmy Olsen), including bragging about his NRA "F" rating, but I do understand and support gun owners sitting on their hands here, and letting the Republican establishment know in no uncertain terms that ambitious fascists with an "R" after their names are wholly unacceptable.

We're the Only Ones Billy Goat Gruff Enough

Accused corrupt cop Jerome Finnigan is cooperating with federal authorities in an attempt to “get someone bigger than himself,” law enforcement sources said Monday.

"Oh, you don't want to eat me," said Little Billy Goat Gruff to the Troll.

"My older brother will be coming over the bridge in just a moment, and he'll make a much bigger meal than I will."

What I don't get about this is, it suggests--if you can believe it--that corruption among Chicago "Only Ones" is not isolated, and that it goes up the ladder to God knows how high. Talk about the stuff of fairy tales!

My bet is they'll only nail Middle Billy Goat Gruff, and Big Billy Goat Gruff will continue gorging himself in the green pasture.

[Via Vaughn Croteau]

This Day in History: November 4

Peter Buise, under sentence of death for desertion, is further reprieved 'till Wednesday.

Intrigued by this solitary entry, I did some checking around. From the scant information available, I found the hapless Buise ultimately met a deserter's fate, reconfirming Washington's opinion about relying on the militia and "The few, therefore, who act upon Principles of disinterestedness."

I gotta say, with the rampant apathy I see while things are easy, I don't have a lot of confidence in either the involvement or the staying power of most gun owners should more serious and demanding commitments be required. And if I don't see it, I doubt those arrogantly rubbing mandates in our faces see it, either.

The Peace Lover

Spanish movie star JAVIER BARDEM almost turned down his acclaimed new role in NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN - because he hates guns.

The peace-loving actor admits he was left scarred after holding a gun in the film Perdita Durango at the beginning of his acting career, and never wanted to do it again. [More]

Are you sure it was scarring? It sounds more like a bad case of diaper rash...

He's also apparently afraid of cars, is a self-centered hypochondriac whose phobias prevent him from helping those in need, is obsessed with AIDS movies, is incompetent at life in general, and fantasizes that if he were gay, he would "get married tomorrow, just to f*** with the church."

Sounds like a pretty wholesome, well-rounded guy, don't you think? Why our culture rewards these universe-revolves-around-my-navel exhibitionists and neurotics with wealth and fame is beyond my ken, but it does give us a pretty good profile of a classic hoplophobe male.

What such as he are prepared to do if they ever encounter someone who does not love peace is another story. I suspect giving his attacker what he wants--be it a wallet, a posterior or a target--would be the probable outcome. You know, something that really will scar him for life, provided he is allowed to live.

Eliot's Mess

Once they got driver's licenses under Gov. Spitzer's plan, illegal immigrants could arm themselves to the teeth simply by lying about their status, gun experts said Thursday...

Spitzer aides called such a scenario highly unlikely. If illegal immigrants wanted a gun, they'd more likely buy them on the streets, they reasoned.

If we go with the first paragraph, it means this avowed enemy of armed Americans is facilitating the arming of criminal aliens. If we accept the second, why it means that Eliot's political lifetime of subverting the right of the people to keep and bear arms has been in vain, and that [GASP!] "gun control" doesn't work...

I keep coming back to one grim reality though: anyone stupid enough to vote for this Marxist fraud probably is too stupid to own a gun.

[Via Russ Howard]

Magnificent Obsession

He asked the jury to consider whether Couchman was a collector or had an "unhealthy obsession with guns and was interested in their use".

There ya go, you gun lovers are just a bunch of sicko hoplophiliacs.

Maybe we can get that added to the list of qualifying mental disorders that will be reported as disqualifiers on the McCarthy/LaPierre NICS Funding Expansion bill...

Gonzo Guys Demonstrate Ignorance (Again)

David Hardy shows us they're telling people black powder rifles were designed to shoot down airliners.

Why anyone pays attention to these shrieking boobs is beyond me, and that's one of the reasons I won't directly link to them. Hardy does if you really feel a compelling need to read some stupid lies.

Bradys Fail to Kill in Two Florida Incidents--Will Try Again

For the second time in two days in South Florida, victims have opened fire on armed robbers. And both gunmen ended up dead.

In the latest incident overnight, a man sitting in a car alongside a woman was confronted by a man dressed all in black, wearing a ski mask and carrying a gun. He demanded money -- and to see the woman strip naked, Miami police said.

So just give him what he wants, right?

But here's the real outrage that this story represents: The Brady Campaign did it's best to derail Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law--misrepresenting it as a "Shoot First Law" that would allow nervous gun owners to get away with murder, and producing fliers, newspaper ads, billboards--even trying to scare tourists at airports with warnings they were in danger of being killed because of the new law. And leading the charge was Peter Hamm, someone who evidently feels being threatened is not sufficient grounds to shoot someone, but being called "Petey" is.

Make no mistake: Petey and his fellow subversives would rather the survivors in the above two incidents had been victims--as they most certainly would have been if the Bradys had their way. It would actually work out to their advantage, because there'd be fresh blood to dance in, fresh victims to jack up their donation request amount. And if a violent predator demanded Petey's money, and that he strip naked, he'd be helpless to do anything about it but snivel, whimper, plead and cry (assuming he objected) and, of course, give him what he wants.

[Via Sam]

'Nuff Said

Any questions?

[Via "MACpistol" at KABA Newslinks]

This Day in History: November 3

Washington is informed that a conspiracy is afoot to discredit him with Congress and have him replaced by General Gates.

A Real Terror

A man in Sweden who was angry with his daughter's husband has been charged with libel for telling the FBI that the son-in-law had links to al-Qaeda, Swedish media reported on Friday.

The man, who admitted sending the email, said he did not think the US authorities would [be] stupid enough to believe him.

You'd be amazed at how stupid US authorities can be, Bucko.

So much for those 3/4 million names on the Terror Watch List being reliable national security indicators.

So much for people being classified as terror risks.

And who would ever think that encouraging snitches might be perverted by motives of personal ambition or revenge?

Yet the "common sense gun control" folks at the Brady Center--you know, the "Don't call me Petey or I'll shoot you" people--think that's good enough to shriek hysterically to anyone who'll listen--basically vacuous women and inadequate men-- about "Terror Gap!!!" (talk about a manufactured emotional manipulation term) suspects buying guns.

Frickin' insanity.

Here's the Tip-Off

"I know the importance of providing prevention for students in an anonymous way," said New Brunswick Police Sgt. Raymond Trigg, who will run the outreach program in city middle schools. "Especially because a lot of kids are concerned with being a rat or a snitch."

Not at all, Sarge.

The smart ones will take advantage of it to get you to do their dirty work for them and eliminate their competition.

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

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has reached across state and party lines to support candidates who agree with his policies, is scheduled to appear in Northern Virginia on Thursday afternoon to endorse State Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, a moderate Republican who is facing a tough fight for re-election.

Democracy in action. I guess if you can convince enough voters that a citizen disarmament extremist is a "moderate," that is redefine the center to a position formerly occupied by the left, you can force the right to move inward--and relegate lunatics like me who believe in "shall not be infringed" to the hinterlands of political irrelevancy.

That way, we can make excuses for our "leaders" negotiating all kinds of compromises, and keep chasing that siren of incrementalism.

Pretty neat trick, and as long as the critical mass needed to keep it from happening remains asleep, apathetic, resigned, fearful or in denial, we can count on the frog staying in the pot.

Interesting character, this Devolites Davis: her Congressthing husband is also a "moderate" republican, meaning GOA gives him a "D" rating. And I gotta wonder if the personal failure of raising a daughter convicted of armed robbery makes blaming guns an easier out than introspection on personal responsibility and ambition-over-parental-attention career choices...

Teach Your Children Well

Gun safety is a lifelong learning experience for children in the Yough School District. The district starts with the basics, but by the time many of the kids graduate from high school, they've spent quite a bit of time on the gun range.

Good on them.

I guess my only question would be why all other school districts aren't doing this.

A National Craving

Against such a backdrop of catastrophe it is easy to portray gun-owners and their favourite politicians as priests in a cult of death.

Yeah, if you have no reservations against being a damned liar, I guess it would be easy.

With some of David Williamson's observations, I thought, just maybe, we might be getting a little rationality in the mix--but the wrap-up in his final sentence pretty much tells us all we need to know about this subject's mindset.

We're the Only Ones Caught Off Guard Enough

Springfield officials were caught off guard Saturday when residents turned out in droves — some waiting in line an hour and a half or more — to exchange unwanted firearms for $100 debit cards.

Mayor Tim Davlin said that because he had figured police would collect 100 guns at most in the buyback program, authorities had only 150 debit cards on hand.

But police collected 526 guns from people who either no longer wanted them around the house or wanted debit cards. Because of the large turnout, dozens of people walked away with rain checks and a guarantee that they could collect their debit cards later.

WarOnGuns correspondent Peter had this to say:

The Law of Unintended Consequences strikes again. The city of Springfield guesstimated 100 guns would be exchanged for $100 debit cards, and 526 guns were turned in. They have to float an emergency budget thingie to pay for all the debit cards! Heh.

Which brings up a perhaps interesting scenario: suppose another city sponsored another Gun Buy-Back Day, and they were flooded with Lorcins, etc., such that they didn't have the funds to issue the promised debit cards. Would the gun owners involved then 'own' that city or town? Would they be entitled to demand personnel changes as part of a settlement conference? Instead of happenstance, what if this was a planned event? And, would hoisting a city on its' own petard advance or hinder 2A advocacy?

Then again, if someone handed you Springfield, Illinois on a platter, would you want it?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

It Would Seem a "Thank You" is in Order

Sheriff’s Office detectives said they won’t seek charges against Keith Gray for the following reasons:

Bates, armed with a shotgun, had threatened Gray’s mother
Bates aimed the shotgun at Gray as he chased Bates
Although not armed when shot, Gray had no way of knowing whether David Bates had an additional weapon when he approached Gray after the vehicle chase

"Won't seek charges"? Aside from the fact that it would be political suicide for the sheriff if he did, I'm wondering why they don't go the extra step of giving Gray a commendation and a cash reward.

Police at "buybacks" hand out "gift certificates" for getting a "gun off the streets." How much more is getting a predator off the streets worth?

[Via Chris Horton]

Red's Trading Post Doubling Up

From Ryan Horsley:

There is a tremendous movement underway and everyone is really taking notice of what the ATF is doing. This was a Double Post day, the first one is part of my ongoing search to see what Presidential Candidates and Elected Officials response to the ATF's current agenda.

My featured response today is Presidential Candidate and Congressman Ron Paul:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/ron-pauls-response-to-atf-shutting-down.html

My second post is the latest from GOA solely devoted to the growing abuses of the ATF and trying to rein them in:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/gun-owners-of-americas-latest-on-atf.html

This Day in History: November 2

Colonial response to Governor Hutchinson's declaration was swift, and not surprisingly, it was led by patriot Samuel Adams. At a Boston town meeting on November 2, 1772, at Adam's suggestion, a standing Committee of Correspondence was appointed for the purpose of writing a declaration of colonial grievances and an assertion of their rights. Adams' "Rights of the Colonists" and Dr. Joseph Warren's "List of Infringements and Violations of Rights" were transmitted to other Massachusetts towns, and soon more Committees of Correspondence sprang up. With each new committee came new declarations, invariably denying the authority of Parliament over the colonies...

With the Committees of Correspondence, the organized political machinery for revolution was being assembled.

If anyone can provide a link to the complete text of Dr. Warren's "List of Infringements...", please advise. But just a cursory glance at Adams' treatise, particularly "Natural Rights of the Colonists as Men," demonstrates to anyone who can read what a damned lie the fraudulent "collective rights as intent of the Founders" deception really is.

Why "we" continue to bargain with deceivers, liars and frauds is beyond me.

GUNS Magzine: November 1957

REPORT ON LEGISLATION:-In hearings which dragged on for two days, the Firearms Section of the Treasury's Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit met a snowballing storm of protest against their revised regulations governing commerce in pistols and pistol ammo. From all over the nation firearms enthusiasts collected to express their disapproval. The Treasury-revised regulations, a thinly disguised stab at national registration, developed angry condemnation from leaders of over 350 clubs, groups, associations, and journals in the shooting field, representing conservatively over 10,000,000 shooters. Only three men could be found to speak in approval of the regulations! As was pointed out at the hearings, the importance of such rules is not what good administrators will do with them, but what bad men can do with them.

The crushing blow to the Treasury's stand came on Sunday, August 25, when the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice convened at Camp Perry to discuss these rules. A resolution condemning them was passed, and Army Secretary Milton communicated to Treasury Secretary Anderson the Defense Department's strong opposition to the regulations and their effect. (Civilian fun saves the Army millions of dollars in training.) When GUNS learned of this conference between the two cabinet members, we spoke to the assistant Director of Civilian Marksmanship, Col. Ellis Lea, and were asked to introduce this information at the Treasury hearings. In signing off om phone talk, we said "Well, it looks as if this thing is licked. Next step: repeal the National Firearms Act." And, in agreement, Col. Lea said, "Check!" This view of the Army, on the importance of individual firepower and civilian marksmanship training, is shared by top-level policy-making personnel. The appreciation of automatic weapons' importance is directly recognized by these men. A new national shooting association, the American Automatic Weapons Association, 317 Houseman Bldg., Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been formed to study the problems of sport-shooting and recreational training programs involving lawful use of automatic weapons. Unofficially,during the course of the hearings, this organization obtained the blessing of many top men in the Defense Department and the Marine Corps. With progress in modern legislation this "blessing" may become official.

Meanwhile, firearms enthusiasts must become far more active politically than they have ever been since 1776. The strength of the gun enthusiast is through his shooting club and association memberships. These groups are awake to the immediate need for political action. To help shooters, we are making available reprints of "Why Not Have A PRO-Gun Law?" from the September, 1957, GUNS, ten for a dollar, postpaid. We have mailed out hundreds to legislators, law enforcement, youth group executives all over the country. You should do the same, contacting your elected representatives. This is not an election year-there is plenty of time to learn now how your representatives think, before you go to the polls.

The November 1957 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online. I am once more reminded of the foresight these folks had half a century ago--talking about repealing the NFA, where today, some caution us it's too soon.

And again, I'm pleased to be associated with a magazine that still devotes space each month to the right to keep and bear arms, and more than a little disappointed in some of the ones that do not, especially major ones that used to...

Give Them Nothing

Yield nothing, not an inch, not a penny, not a hair on your head, without fighting for it tooth and nail. [More]

This is one of the best essays on self defense I have ever read, and I have read quite a few. The only thing I would venture to add as an aside is that these principles also apply on a societal scale.

This deserves to be on the editorial page of every newspaper in the country.

[Via HZ]

Hillary Supporter Says Tim Russert "Should Be Shot"

Another said Russert “should be shot,” before quickly adding that she shouldn’t say that on a conference call.

What is it with anti-gun lefty democrats talking about shooting people lately? First Peter "Petey" Hamm and now a Hillary supporter on a campaign conference call...

Who among my ideological opponents can I talk about shooting without getting myself in trouble? If I can't do it, why can they?

Let's reverse what the Hillary supporter said--suppose that comment was made about her candidate? Anybody think the Secret Service wouldn't be crawling all over it--serious statement or not?

Lot of projection going on with these emotionally troubled antis, don't you think? It's been said before, the reason they don't trust anybody else is because they really don't trust themselves.

We're the Only Ones Automatically Child-Loving Enough

Federal authorities have charged Anthony Rypka, Jr., a police officer in Tarrytown, with distributing and possessing child pornography and possession of an illegal, unregistered fully automatic sub-machine gun.

Honest--as I keep saying, I don't go looking for this stuff.

Someone, please, MAKE IT STOP!

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

A Negligent Discharge

"We have no indication that there was anything other than a negligent discharge on his part."

Finally, they get it right.

But how come when an "Only One" is involved, the discharges always seem to be "accidental," or better yet, "the gun went off"?

We're the Only Ones Who Can Hit the Broad Side of a Barn Enough...

...or at least a house with a crossword-filling granny sitting in her armchair.

Read the excuses on page 2 of this story.

Winkowski said they had all been 'high' on an emotional roller coaster...

Wilson twice responded, "Alcohol impaired my judgment. "

Massachussetts "Only Ones." 'Nuff said.

Terror on Campus!

A text message alerted Wittenberg University students about an armed suspect on campus late Tuesday night.

Wittenberg Police Chief Carl Loney said one or two airsoft guns were recovered. The guns shoot soft projectiles and are considered a weapon banned from campus. The campus has a "zero-tolerance" policy on all weapons, Loney said.

Yeah, but that applies to "firearms [and] dangerous weapons", Chief. Unless you have a different policy not readily accessible to the general public, it's tough seeing how anyone would know soft projectile guns meet that definition, because the policy I'm reading doesn't say a word about them.

Maybe they were just taking The Airsoft Challenge? You know, proving how moronic and useless your stupid, evil anti-human disarmament policy really is?

By the way--from the time the initial report was made until your "Only Ones" who can be trusted with weapons showed up, how much damage could a maniac with a "bullet hose weapon of war designed only to kill" have done? And if he'd been inside a building silencing lambs, why should we believe your bravos would have done anything besides stake out behind cars, buildings and trees, especially considering that your own active shooter protocol relies on the Springfield PD for all tactical responses...?

Another Anti-Gun "Lie-In"

Seeing how this agency has lied so much, how can believe a word that they say when ATF employees such as Kelvin Crenshaw tell about 47 gang related arrests in Seattle and later is caught for lying about 77 gang related arrests in Spokane. Why did Crenshaw lie? It appears to justify their own existence, to establish a permanent gang field office and also an ATF Regional Crime Gun Center (Note that Crenshaw is interviewed in both stories).

Ryan Horsley points us to yet another chronicle of BATFU credibility.

I'd wish all the agents and inspectors a happy November 1, but I wouldn't want it to be misconstrued.

We're the Only Ones Academic Enough

Iowa's college overlords have decided to arm the police on the three state campuses.

That's great news!

Now campus "Only Ones" can hide behind cars and trees while students are being slaughtered. But at least they'll be safe.

The Blame Game

Anti-gun rhetoric has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with surrendering freedom.

Liberty Belles look at blaming gun owners.

This Day in History: November 1

By November 1, 1765, the day the Stamp Act was to officially go into effect, there was not a single stamp commissioner left in the colonies to collect the tax.

Gee, I wonder why.

I'd be inclined to speculate on a modern application of time-honored methods, but some might not approve...

And There Was War in Heaven

Mr Feldman, who is public enemy number one for the NRA, has just published Ricochet: Confessions of a Gun Lobbyist, in which he accuses the association of using scare tactics to keep the money pouring in so that its executives can pay themselves vast salaries. [More]

My first instinct was to dismiss this guy as just another Judas Bob, but I gotta say, his premise is not without foundation. I'll need to get my hands on this book (in my copious free time) and see what else he says, but I'll get it from a library rather than pay for it. Feldman's hands aren't clean by a long shot, being the architect of the Clinton White House Quisling Fest. The lesson to be learned here: You can't serve two masters. But some won't learn that lesson. Despite the outright defection of that wretched mercenary Ricker and the protection bartering of Feldman, The Firearms Coalition reported NRA advertising for a State Liaison, where "Experience with firearms, hunting and criminal justice reform issues helpful, but not required." If you're going to dally with whores, don't act all shocked and indignant when you find them doing somebody else. This whole scenario reminds me of nothing so much as the Mr. Slave/Paris Hilton face-off on "South Park". And just think--these guys are our "leaders," the ones making all the money at this racket.

How, Oh How?

Baltimore police said yesterday that they are investigating how a 15-year-old boy came into possession of a large handgun that they say he pointed at an officer, who then shot and killed the teen Monday.

Yeah, really. Unless maybe...gun control doesn't work?

What Happens When You Really Don't Have a Gun

The iron pressed against his arm was so hot that he could smell his flesh burning.

But in spite of his protests, the men torturing Reservoir Hills resident Kirtikant Desai refused to believe he did not have a gun or a safe.

I, for one, believe him.

Open Letter to Diane Edbril of CeaseFire PA

Daniel Barnett of Amendment II Democrats asks a gun-grabber if she really has no interest in grabbing guns.

We're the Only Ones Shooting AND Shooting Enough

Yesterday, city officials showed off the PistolCam, a lightweight, pager-sized digital camera that attaches to an officer's gun barrel and automatically begins recording as soon as the officer draws his weapon.

Yeah, I'm sure Daley and Bloomberg's enforcers will jump right on it. In NYPD's case, maybe they ought to put cameras on plunger handles.

But like "smart guns," supposedly being developed for the police, but now, somehow they're the "Only Ones" being exempted from requirements, I can see some opportunistic political whore proposing requiring these on all "civilian" guns. While we're at it, maybe we can also make the gun dial 911, where an attendant watching a monitor can authorize whether or not it will fire. And we can put any gun not so equipped on the "unsafe" list, just like they're doing with "microstamping."

Think of what an aid this would be to police investigations. And if it saves one life...

[Via Declan]

We're the Only Ones Conspiring Enough

Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona was charged with conspiracy, mail fraud and witness tampering in a wide-ranging indictment unsealed Tuesday that also implicates his wife, his “longtime mistress” and two former assistant sheriffs...

The Los Angeles Times reported in 2005 that he had issued badges and concealed-weapons permits to campaign contributors without proper training or background checks.

Well, that sucks. It always baffled me how he would be honored at CRPA banquets because he was a bit more liberal about scraping CCW crumbs on the floor for gun owners to scramble for. I fantasized at one such occasion, when he was being feted as a champion of RKBA, to publicly ask him if he was prepared to arrest me in front of the audience that was honoring him if I revealed I was carrying without a permit. Knowing what the certain answer would be (and mindful of the number of "pro-gun" cops at the event), I didn't see much payoff in having my life destroyed to prove an obvious point (that is, if I was truly carrying. Heavens. What kind of scofflaw radical white people-scaring extremist would actually engage in covert civil disobedience instead of just talking about it?)--and besides, it would have upset the ceremony where everyone was congratulating each other and passing out plaques over what a fine job they've done protecting gun rights in California.

All this aside, here's the part of this story that "really grinds my gears":

In August, Carona agreed to a settlement with the state Fair Political Practices Commission and paid a $15,000 fine after he incorrectly billed his campaign committee for thousands of dollars in non-itemized expenses.

Anyone care to explain why the FPPC economically destroyed Russ Howard's life with over $800,000 in fines over "infractions" nowhere near as serious, when he was trying to do the right thing?

[Via M.S.]
[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

The Oathbreakers Wall of Shame

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

HR 1022 Supporters. May their names, if remembered at all, be recalled by posterity with contempt:

Sponsor: Rep McCarthy, Carolyn [NY-4] (introduced 2/13/2007)
Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] - 4/16/2007
Rep Ackerman, Gary L. [NY-5] - 3/7/2007
Rep Berman, Howard L. [CA-28] - 3/13/2007
Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3] - 5/8/2007
Rep Capps, Lois [CA-23] - 3/9/2007
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] - 7/12/2007
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] - 3/9/2007
Rep Crowley, Joseph [NY-7] - 3/7/2007
Rep DeGette, Diana [CO-1] - 3/13/2007
Rep Delahunt, William D. [MA-10] - 3/13/2007
Rep Emanuel, Rahm [IL-5] - 4/26/2007
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] - 3/9/2007
Rep Farr, Sam [CA-17] - 4/16/2007
Rep Fattah, Chaka [PA-2] - 3/7/2007
Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] - 3/7/2007
Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] - 3/7/2007
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 3/9/2007
Rep Harman, Jane [CA-36] - 4/19/2007
Rep Hastings, Alcee L. [FL-23] - 10/22/2007
Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] - 3/13/2007
Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] - 4/19/2007
Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15] - 8/2/2007
Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] - 3/7/2007
Rep Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [GA-4] - 9/4/2007
Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] - 3/22/2007
Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] - 10/25/2007
Rep Langevin, James R. [RI-2] - 5/3/2007
Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-9] - 9/4/2007
Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] - 3/15/2007
Rep Lowey, Nita M. [NY-18] - 3/15/2007
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] - 3/7/2007
Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] - 3/13/2007
Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] - 9/25/2007
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 3/13/2007
Rep Meehan, Martin T. [MA-5] - 3/7/2007
Rep Miller, Brad [NC-13] - 3/9/2007
Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] - 3/7/2007
Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] - 5/8/2007
Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [DC] - 5/8/2007
Rep Olver, John W. [MA-1] - 5/3/2007
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] - 3/13/2007
Rep Pastor, Ed [AZ-4] - 3/22/2007
Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] - 6/6/2007
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 3/7/2007
Rep Schiff, Adam B. [CA-29] - 3/7/2007
Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] - 3/15/2007
Rep Sires, Albio [NJ-13] - 6/6/2007
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [NY-28] - 3/13/2007
Rep Solis, Hilda L. [CA-32] - 7/19/2007
Rep Tauscher, Ellen O. [CA-10] - 3/15/2007
Rep Tierney, John F. [MA-6] - 9/4/2007
Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] - 3/7/2007
Rep Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [FL-20] - 3/22/2007
Rep Watson, Diane E. [CA-33] - 4/26/2007
Rep Watt, Melvin L. [NC-12] - 5/8/2007
Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] - 4/16/2007
Rep Wexler, Robert [FL-19] - 3/9/2007
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 4/26/2007
Rep Wynn, Albert Russell [MD-4] - 9/4/2007

Lest it has escaped anyone's notice, they are all democrats. That doesn't excuse the RINOs of a thing, but the observation must still be made.

Bob (and Weave) Casey

As you may know, I support the Second Amendment and will continue to uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. I also believe we must fully enforce local gun laws and help local governments put more law enforcement officers on the street. Agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms do not have the resources to enforce current gun laws.

Ryan asks for help and gets back weasel-wording doublespeak.

Alien vs. Predator?

Speculation is rampant in California that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will challenge liberal Democrat Barbara Boxer for her Senate seat in 2010 – and a new poll has them running neck and neck.

Whoever wins...we lose.

Tell me this poster isn't prescient.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

This Day in History: October 31

Washington tries to encourage re-enlistment in the Army by reserving new supplies for those who agree to commit to another year of service. He also promises each man time to visit his family during the winter.

Brady's Misplace Entire US Population

How do you make "the people" disappear?

Simple: through selective omission. Just pretend they aren't there. Dennis Henigan has been doing it for years.

My favorite hypocritical quote:

It is not appropriate for the courts to edit the Constitution

...he says, after editing the Constitution.

Today's Special

From MassBackward:

Me (after picking up my jaw): You'd rather be killed than kill someone, even if that person is trying to kill you?

Mitt Guy: Oh, God, yes.

Who does that remind me of...?

Oh, yeah, now I remember.

The Dish of the Day:
[Via Geek With a .45]

When Zombies Attack

Look at the picture and tell me it doesn't look like that.

The Way Government Works Part 2

The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a lawsuit by the city of Gary against several gun makers can go to trial.

The court ruled 3-0 that a provision in the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005 does not bar the case from going forward in state court.

Don't like a law protecting private enterprise, freedom or property?

Figure out a way to bypass the spirit and intent of it through legal chicanery.

Note: This only works if you're in government, or assisting them in subjugation and thievery.

The Way Government Works

The St. Clair County Board passed a pair of resolutions Monday to shut down and seize a nearly 32-acre shooting range that lies within the glide path of planes landing at Scott Air Force Base.

They showed the judge there's no danger, but when greedy, self-important home-grown kleptocrats with political ambitions set their minds on "seizing" property...

That's the way with most cancers. Unless you treat them locally and early, they grow and spread and become damn near impossible to control.

It's a Mystery to Me

Although he teaches firearms classes to people of all ages, he has specialized in training scouts and is the official firearms instructor for Boy Scout merit-badge training in Flagstaff.

Sometimes classes meet over objections of parents. Wainwright convinces them of the importance of firearms safety.

You have to wonder at the type of parent that would enroll their child in scouting and then object to shooting activities.

The Fighting Irish

Fine Gael is claiming that the Gardai are not being properly equipped to tackle rising gun crime in Ireland.

So if they can't do it, and the people aren't allowed do it, just who the hell is doing it?

This Day in History: October 30

Sir: By this Opportunity, I do myself the pleasure to congratulate you on the signal success of the Army under your command, in compelling Genl. Burgoyne and his whole force, to surrender themselves prisoners of War. An Event that does the highest honor to the American Arms, and which, I hope, will be attended with the most extensive and happy consequences.

Shameless Plug: "Not Obliged"

So much for disarmed subjects of the crown relying on the police for protection. But what could be more important than an octogenarian under potentially lethal and immediate attack? Police departments, after all, have limited resources. Perhaps there was a critical emergency endangering more lives and a tough decision had to be made? A riot? A terrorist act? A fire?

Well, no, actually.

"Not Obliged," with special guest star Cryptic Subterranean, is my Rights Watch column for the December 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at obliging newsstands throughout the Republic.

WarOnGuns regulars will recall our coverage of the Thames Valley Police. This is an expansion on that story that illustrates how outrageous the bureaucratic arrogance and incompetence really is.

Stanley Still Crouching

Stanley, there is nothing bold about anything you propose. It is the same old contemptible servitude that the powerful have always imposed on the weak.

What I said to Mayor White goes double for you:

I wonder what these constituents would say if they were provided the truth about the racist origins and continued discriminatory application of the gun control measures you promulgate? Have you told them about the Slave Codes, that would allow a black man to be whipped (or worse) for possession of any kind of weapon? Or the post-Civil War Black Codes, designed to keep the newly emancipated from obtaining the means of defense during the heyday of Klan terror?

Why don't you circulate the following Louisiana statute among a few of the churches that you get your precinct walkers from, and see what they have to say?
"No negro who is not in the military service shall be allowed to carry fire-arms, or any kind of weapons, within the parish, without the special written permission of his employers, approved and endorsed by the nearest and most convenient chief of patrol."

If that doesn't make an impression, why not try the following offering from Mississippi?

"No freedman, free Negro, or mulatto not in the military service of the United States government, and not licensed so to do by the board of police of his or her county, shall keep or carry firearms of any kind..."

Oh, hell, Mayor White, let's cut to the chase and clue them in to Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393 (1857):

"Protection of the ‘absolute rights of individuals' to personal security, liberty, and private property is secured in part by ‘the right of bearing arms'--which with us is . . . practically enjoyed by every citizen, and is among his most valuable privileges, since it furnishes the means of resisting as a freeman ought, the inroads of usurpation."

Tell them how racist Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney concluded that blacks, as legal scholar and civil rights attorney Professor Don B. Kates has recorded, "could not be ‘citizens,' because if they were, they would have the right to vote, to assemble, to speak on political subjects, to travel freely, and ‘to keep and carry arms wherever they went.'"

Now tell them how the City of Cleveland has neither the legal obligation nor the capability to protect them, and how your police will not arrive in most life-and-death situations in time to do anything but tape off the crime scene, cover the body and take a report. Then make sure you tell them that you don't credit them with having the judgement or maturity to be entrusted with the means of personal defense, in spite of landmark peer-reviewed studies from Florida State University and the University of Chicago that conclusively demonstrate the crime-deterring, life- saving value of guns in private, law-abiding hands.

I suspect you won't tell them any of this. And, because of the unique privileges and stature that you enjoy in your position, this is especially contemptible.

To have risen to such a prestigious and powerful position speaks of many positive and remarkable characteristics that you must be blessed with, including intelligence, determination and leadership. But a true leader would use his authority to preserve, protect and champion the freedoms of those he serves. How sad, how telling, and how ultimately treasonous that you have chosen to misapply yours for your own gain.

And rather than being a leader in liberty, you have opted to become just another one of the plantation's overseers.

Mike's Fast Track

Three men were killed over the weekend in separate gun attacks in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, New York police said Sunday.

Sure glad to see MIKE ON FAST 'TRACK' TO CURB GUN CRIME.

Maybe he can make all our home towns as safe as the Big Apple.

Whose Life Is It, Anyway?

Doctors fear such proposals would go against patient confidentiality, which is at the centre of their medical ethics. A spokesperson for the British Medical Association said: "If the victim wants the police to be called, they will be called. We don't want to see a blanket rule that a doctor should report something to the police. People won't go to hospital if they fear the first thing a doctor will do is call the police. And that won't help the police."

I thought we were already "required" to do that here...? I'm surprised that not SOP in the UK.

Scaring White People...

...over Ron Paul and the North American Union.

I side with the conspiracy wackos, but that's OK. I'm used to having people roll their eyes at what I rant about.

But I'm willing to be educated if I'm wrong. I just need something more than dismissive generalities to convince me that I am.

Fair Dinkum

A PSYCHIATRIST who brought a pistol into Melbourne Magistrates Court has been spared jail.

Jerry Gelb, 49, was sentenced at Melbourne County Court today to a 12 month intensive corrections order...

They oughtta do like "A Clockwork Orange," strap him in a chair and keep his eyelids forced open as they brainwash him with drugs, images and sound.

That'll teach him how crazy it is to take measures to protect his life.

And how about that pal of his, getting fined for having a wooden pole?

Forget about putting another shrimp on the barbie--if Aussie authorities have their way, there won't be a man with a spine left anywhere Down Under.

Not that we're doing that much better here, mind you, as evidenced by the majority of posts on this blog.

Their Own Private Idaho

Simple mathematics: Taxes + Heavy Labor Costs + Frivolous junk lawsuits = A very costly gun.

Ryan Horsley encourages gun manufacturers to go where they're appreciated.

He also makes it clear that school kiddies had better be careful if they're caught drawing a picture of the state.

Public Enemy

High-school senior Kim Peters carries an Olympic identification badge and an Arizona skeet-shooting members' card, but neither got her out of a four-day suspension for bringing shotgun shells onto school grounds.

She'd better watch that posing with guns--didn't a similar action by a friend get Peyton Strickland murdered by home-invading "Only Ones"?

She even looks like an extremist.

[Via Featherless Biped]

This Day in History: October 29

Four armed American vessels sail from Cambridge as part of a fleet created to cruise the coast in search of enemy transports carrying arms and provisions.