We're the Only Ones Brutally Expensive Enough

Mayor Daley could buy 5,000 new cop cars or 7,000 blue light security cameras for the money rogue cops have cost the city the last five years. It’s a staggering number that you haven't heard, until now. Mark Suppelsa investigates the cost of police brutality.

What costs? It all comes from the slave work force, but still, I'm wondering what the effect on crime would be if that $111 MILLION had gone toward arming the Citizens of Chicago as opposed to paying for the sins of Daley's thug "Only Ones" who have disarmed them under threat of even more vicious brutality.

Sodomized with a screwdriver. Good Lord, what kind of sick mad dog perverts relish their own brutality this way?

That Snuffy and Jesse aren't leading outraged mobs of indignant rabble against these domestic enemies instead of an out-of-town gun store shows what evil police state apologist frauds they are.

And the excuse given at the end of the video--that this is in line with what other cities are shelling out--ought to outrage and chill every thinking American. It certainly puts the oft-tendered "few bad apples" apologia in the proper light. You know--like the manipulation perpetrated by the "Authorized Journalists" using the word "rogue" in the lead-off sentence...

[Via HZ]

This Day in History: November 16

On the morning of November 16, 1776, at about 7 a.m., the British and Hessian forces were lining up to start the battle. These combined forces would attack the fort and its defenses from all sides. Due to the inclement weather and the tides running against the Royalist forces under the command of Cornwallis and Matthew, the initial assault was delayed until about noon.

Sink Sullivan Now

A week ago, Ryan Horsley put out yet another call to oppose the confirmation of Michael J. Sullivan to the top slot at BATFU. I've also raised that flag, once in September and again last month.

I have no idea when the full Senate will take up the vote, but the bottom line is, this guy is very bad news. Follow the links Ryan and I have provided and see for yourself. Actually, this link should give you all the reason--and motivation--you need to understand how dangerous this enforcement freak will be to our right to keep and bear arms.

I'm asking all gun bloggers to join me in spreading the word and asking their readers to contact their senators with the message to VOTE NO ON SULLIVAN'S CONFIRMATION. I'm asking WarOnGuns visitors to do the same, and to spread the word to your gun-owning friends through forums, emails, clubs, ranges, shops, you name it.

Here's how you can contact your senators--please pass this link along, too:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC

Now I know some of you will say "My senators are gun haters, so it will be no use." Do it anyway--just let them see that numbers of voters are against Sullivan. Find a reason besides guns (see this link) if you think it will help: He's attacked health care companies; A dozen US attorneys quit on his watch; He's done patronage hires with his buddies; He's alienated federal judges with his heavy-handedness; Ah, here's one--his policies single out minorities for the most extreme punishment. You get the idea.

The other common objection I see is based on pride: people tell me they are done pleading with servants who act like masters. So don't plead. Act like the boss and demand.

Last week I asked people to send a simple email on behalf of Red's, and was just astounded at the level of resistance and vitriol asking for such a simple, easy thing generated. There were 81 comments alone on KABA Newslinks, each one taking as much or more time and effort than just doing what was asked would have taken. I'm afraid I don't put too much stock in big talk of "Molon Labe" from people who won't even send an email.

Anyway, that's it-- do it or not. But if you're going to do it, do it now.

UPDATE: Neither of my senators give a damn about gun rights, so I took a different tack with each one based on their predispositions:

With democrat gungrabber Sherrod Brown, I talked like a fellow collectivist:

Oppose Michael Sullivan as head of ATF. His track record of heavy-handed prosecution of minorities should concern all Americans who champion social justice.

I am going to urge Rev. Jackson to decry any and all senators who turn Sullivan loose on the nation's urban communities.

Actually, siccing Jesse on this ain't a bad idea. Any chair in a bar fight...

I put on the fellow fascist mask to approach RINO (GOA "D"-rated) George Voinovich:

I strongly oppose nomination of Michael Sullivan to head ATF. His disturbing record of cronyism with questionable hiring practices of friends and fellow land owners will turn out to be an embarrassment to all who support him. Likewise, his mismanagement caused a dozen career US attorneys to quit, and he has alienated federal judges with his heavy-handed unprofessionalism--that's no way to achieve effective law enforcement.

As a lifelong Republican, including campaign volunteer, I am counting on you to oppose his confirmation, and will be extremely disappointed and disillusioned if you fail your constituents in this important matter.

Ron Paul: Abolish ATF

So naturally, gun owners will find plenty of reasons to back some other candidate, and will-- before this is through-- resort to blaming "absolutists" who won't jump on the Rudy-Because-Otherwise-We'll-Get-Hillary bandwagon.

Making the Grade

Dustin tells us why flunking out may not be such a bad thing.

We're the Only Ones Who "Fly With US" Enough

A former police officer said his gun was stolen at Philadelphia International Airport...

Now, he's convinced his gun is in the hands of a criminal on the streets of Philadelphia.

I doubt it. Criminals have been too scared to have guns in Philly since '99.

Read the rest of this comedy of errors--11 guns reported missing, probably twice that many in three years. And BATFU is trying to shut down Red's?

This really does illustrate the utter incompetence of the lowest common denominator forced charity cases guarding America's airports. Workers are left with security "loopholes" you could taxi a 747 through and don't get me started on the TSA "Only Ones"...

I'm convinced the only reason we haven't had another hijacking is because passengers now know they'll die anyway, so they might as well kill on the way down.

There's a wider lesson to be learned in that observation, don't you think?

[Via MacEntyre]

A Gun Guide for Authorized Journalists

Nathaniel has found one...

A Tale of Two Outcomes

Another body found in burned-out dumpster

Chicago Police are investigating the deaths of two women whose bodies were found burning in or near trash bins on Chicago's South Side. One body was discovered early Wednesday morning. The other was found Tuesday. Investigators are not sure if the two deaths are linked.

An autopsy confirms one of the women was strangled before her body was set on fire. The victims were found within about a mile of each other.

Hammond woman fatally shoots alleged stalker

A northwest Indiana woman shot her alleged stalker to death.

Police say 41-year-old Ryan Lee Bergner broke into the woman's home in Hammond Monday night. The 51-year-old woman called 9-1-1 and hid in a closet with a gun she had been given for protection. She says she shot him when he opened the closet door and started choking her.

Same day, same ABC7 Chicago "Authorized Journalist" news outlet. Do you think they'll notice the difference?

Let's see, they both involved choking, so that's not it.

I know: One took place in Chicago and one just across the state line in Indiana?

No? Something else?

[Via HZ]

This Day in History: November 15

After considerable debate and alteration, the Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. This document served as the United States' first constitution, and was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789 when the present day Constitution went into effect.

The Borg Collective Wants YOU

These are some of the statements that are made about the ATF in their recruitment video:

*The one phrase that defines an ATF Agent is someone that is committed to improving the public's quality of life.
*One of the best and most respected federal law enforcement agencies
*Voted best places to work in the federal government
*Self motivated people who seek a sense of honor and loyalty
*Strive to uphold the highest level of standards and integrity
*Value each other, as well as the citizens we serve
*Exciting place to work with many wonderful people

Me, I like where BATFU tells us they have their "roots going back to the creation of the American Constitution" (yeah, like enforcers for tyrants were the reason the Founders wanted to place strong, unequivocal restraints on the central government).

That and the close-up showing the field agent knows how to tie his boots ("Make two bunny ears. The bunny runs around the tree. The bunny jumps in a hole. Close it up tight!").

I'm also relieved to know that--at least when they stage takedowns for the camera using stand-ins for "criminals," they look like they know how to apply proper restraint, as opposed to what happens in the real world.

And I repeat my call to make sure all required-by-law federal procurement regulations were followed in the making of these videos. Too bad Leni Riefenstahl passed on. She would have been a natural at producing these...

We're the Only Ones Not Going on Trial Enough

A former Idaho Falls police officer facing felony weapons charges plans instead to plead guilty to a misdemeanor to avoid a trial that could have put him behind bars for years, his lawyer said.

Todd Ericsson, now a U.S. Department of Defense contractor in Iraq, is charged in 7th District Court with two counts of grand theft for receiving stolen property from Kimball Mason, the disgraced former Idaho Falls prosecutor now serving a prison sentence for stealing weapons from the city's police evidence locker.

Plus he'll end up with a clean record. But I'm sure, under the same circumstances, you know, stolen property, lying to investigators, transporting evidence out of state, all the normal, understandable stuff, that the prosecutor would have offered you and me the same deal.

Meanwhile, as long as we're in Idaho (and transporting stolen firearms across state lines to Utah), we might ask where's BATFU in all this? Tell me no federal violations were involved. Oh, yeah--making cartoons and recruitment videos--and destroying a family business.

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

And the Larry Hincker Award Goes To...

Former state police Superintendent W. Gerald Massengill said yesterday that he is willing to personally support restrictions on sales of firearms at gun shows.

Stepping into a volatile political issue that he said will take on a new urgency and tenor in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, Massengill described himself as a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights but as a man who has witnessed an intolerable rise in gun violence and gun presence.

"We can't allow the proliferation of guns to continue," he said, speaking before The Virginia Center for Public Safety, a nonprofit group that is part of a coalition of gun-control advocates.

What...?

And the Winner Is...

The award, considered the UK benchmark for awarding campaigns on the basis of results, credited the campaign with leading to an 86% rise in calls providing information on gun crime, and a 15% reduction in actual gun crime.

Yeah, right.

Good grief.

We're the Only Ones Groping Enough

A former stripper testified that she was humiliated and then terrified when an on-duty Toronto police officer allegedly groped her breasts and pointed his gun because he did not like her attitude...

The traffic services officer was on duty and in uniform when he visited the For Your Eyes Only strip club in downtown Toronto on Oct. 8, 2004, near the end of an evening shift.

"Near the end of his shift," as in "still on duty."

Interesting the way the Canadians do it--identifying "The Only One" and protecting the name of the Citizen...

We're the Only Ones Making False Arrests Enough

Prosecutors have dropped the case against a TV reporter who was arrested carrying a loaded gun near a high school while working on a story on school violence, authorities said Tuesday...

Weinsier had been charged with armed trespass on school property, possession of a weapon, violation of carrying a concealed weapon and resisting arrest without violence. But he was not on school grounds when police approached him and ordered him to leave, Gerson said.

It's nice that he's considering civil legal action, but my question is why the officers involved (what were their names again?) haven't been arrested for kidnapping, false imprisonment, assault, battery...

Actually, there is something kind of transfixing about watching "Authorized Journalists" and "Only Ones" collide...

Permissible Restrictions

What restrictions on gun possession and use would be permissible? Almost no one argues that 2nd Amendment rights are absolute. After all, under the 1st Amendment, the right to free speech does not protect disturbing the peace; religious freedom does not shield human sacrifice.

I'll go along with that.

...Indeed, the appeals court acknowledged that Washington might be able to justify such things as concealed-carry restrictions, registration requirements and proficiency testing.

I won't go along with that. But chances are that's exactly the interpretation we'll get--if the Court takes the case, and if they "rule" in favor of individual rights.

There are some highly respected names in Second Amendment scholarship--people with a lot more formal academic credentials and wider name recognition than I'll ever have--who are on record stating registration would not be an infringement. To back this up, they cite militia laws and practices employed in the Founding Era, where a Citizen would be required to muster with certain predefined arms and accoutrements and subject them to inspection and being recorded into the rolls.

That I have no problem with. If the sheriff puts out a general call to arms (right), I expect him to ensure those of us answering the call won't end up being a detriment. But I see nothing in early militia laws suggesting the people of that era would have considered arms not brought to muster as anybody's business, and am unaware of any widespread legal parallel for recording what people of that time kept in their homes, or bought, sold or bartered.

As always, I'm willing to be educated. That said, the historic lessons of registration ought to be brutally clear to all, and the answer based on that alone ought to be "No."

As an aside, it's nice to see these sentiments getting ink in The Los Angeles Times.

We're the Only Ones Giving the Brush Off Enough

The mother of an unarmed, mentally ill teenager who could be heard on a 911 call yelling "I've got a gun!" cautioned police that she didn't think he was armed before officers killed him in a 20-bullet barrage.

But police officials insisted Tuesday that Khiel Coppin, 18, gave five officers no choice but to open fire after he suddenly charged them outside his mother's home with a black object in his hand; the object turned out to be a hairbrush...

The officers backed up and ordered him to stop, police said. When the teen refused and kept approaching them, they began shooting from a distance of 5 to 7 feet, police said.

"5 to 7 feet," and Bloomberg's highly trained ("all with at least 10 years of experience") "Only Ones" can't tell the difference between a brush and a gun? I was prepared not to even comment on this story until I read that sentence. Had he been farther away, what with moving rapidly and all, I'd have been able to accept that they couldn't be sure. And since when in their training do they let a suspect with a gun get that close?

Naturally:

Patrolmen's Benevolent Association president Patrick Lynch was quick to come to the officers' defense.

Well, yeah. The kid lifted a finger.

There does seem to be something missing from this story, though, and maybe you can help me put my finger on it. We know the victim's name. We know his mother's name. We know his brother's name and his stepfather's name, and even the family attorney's name. Shoot (sorry), we even know the neighbor's name (Hi, Bernice!) Now as we all know, the Associated Press assigned three "authorized journalists" to this story (and we know their names, too), so why do I have the nagging feeling that these highly trained professional watchdogs of government left something out...? Oh well, it probably wasn't important.

This Day in History: November 14

Now we are upon the subject of Grievances, I am constrained to observe, that I have a variety of Accounts, not only from Prisoners who have made their escape, but from persons who have left Philadelphia, that our Private Soldiers in your hands, are treated in a manner shocking to humanity, and that many of them must have perished thro' hunger, had it not been for the charitable contributions of the Inhabitants. It is added in aggravation, that this Treatment is to Oblige them to inlist in the Corps you are raising. The Friends of these unhappy men, call daily upon me for their relief, and the people at large insist on retaliating upon those in our possession. Justice demands it. However before I would proceed to a measure my feelings recoil at, I thought it right to mention the facts to you, and I would propose, that I may be allowed to send a suitable person into the city, under the usual restrictions, to examine into the Truth of them.

Court Takes No Action in Guns Case

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court took no action Tuesday in the case involving the District of Columbia's ban on handguns.

The justices discussed the case at their private conference on Friday, but reached no resolution.

See AAARRGGHHH!!!! and Heller Watch, below, for further details.

AAARRGGHHH!!!!

Court takes no action on gun case

Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 10:02 am Lyle Denniston
The Supreme Court on Tuesday announced no action on a new case testing the meaning of the Second Amendment. The next date for possible action on it is likely to be November 26, following a pre-Thanksgiving Conference set for November 20.

What's the matter, people? 68 years isn't a long enough time to make us wait?

As an aside, if you follow the title link on "Heller Watch," below, at the time of this posting there is nothing filed by the "authorized journalists" who get paid grand money and have billions of dollars in facilities and resources at their disposal to bring us all breaking news. Remember that the next time you hear them bemoaning the unprofessionalism of mere bloggers--or the government declaring we are not to be recognized as sanctioned media.

Since this has only appeared at this writing on SCOTUS Blog, I've "pulled rank" and called SCOTUS itself to verify the report, identifying myself as a field editor for the magazine. The receptionist promised to have the Public Information Officer call me. Sorry to take advantage of my royal blood, but I figure the need for accurate and timely reporting may cause some of you to excuse line cutting and surface hypocrisy.

I'll update this if I get a callback, or once this starts showing up as confirmed in the "official" media.

UPDATE: "Official media" has now reported this, and as of 11:47 AM EST, the promised return call has not happened--I doubt it will now that the story is out, because my message said I was calling to verify the SCOTUS Blog report. That's now not necessary.

But speaking of folks with resources, not to mention dedicated paid staff AND a strong vested interest in informing gun owners, I do find it curious that at this writing, our leaders are yet again not leading us.

[Via Joe's Crabby Shack]

Heller Watch

The title link should take you to the Google news results page for the Heller case, where the Supreme Court is expected to announce today if they will hear the case.

Check back on occasion to see the latest updates, and I will do the same.

The roller coaster is clacking as it's slowly towed up the first incline...

A Czar for Mary

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles
Look down as she sells her wares.
Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling
Each time someone shows that he cares.

The Old Bird Woman must die! And leave it to Bürgermeister Bloomberg's New York enforcers to come up with a jackbooted police state final solution.

Look, I know the flying rats can be filthy as hell, and I really have no problem with finding incentives to discourage their out-of-control propagation, but a freaking "Pigeon Czar"? And as I usually ask whenever that term is employed, how come we never call them Führers?

If you find Mary Poppins too saccharine and treacly for your tastes (not me, I'm a sap for that kind of stuff, and having raised two cubs still know most of the Disney Sing Along Songs by heart), try this as a counterbalance.

Hey Kids: It's BATFU Toon Time!

What is interesting though, is that these videos must have cost tax payers quite a bit to educate dealers. However neither I nor any other dealers that I had asked, had any ATF employee notify us about them.

Yeah, I think an FOIA demand to see who authorized this, how much they paid, who produced these and whether or not all federal procurement competitive bidding regulations, including requirement considerations for small/disadvantaged/woman-owned/minority businesses--and if there even was an IFB or RFP--were adhered to.

These same thugs will whine about how they don't have the resources to do their "job," but have money to burn on this silly crap. Maybe that's a good thing, come to think of it...

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

[Image from "A Brush With Politics: The Life and Work of John Frith"]

We're the Only Ones Electrified Enough

Wis. officer accidentally Tasers himself

Another Lee Paige, the Godfather of "The Only Ones," in the making...

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

BBC...Fair and Balanced ...NOT!

From WarOnGuns Correspondent 1894C, we have a list of examples of "authorized journalism" in its purest and ultimate form. Seeing as how the BBC is an appendage of the state, that it would work toward their interests, rather than those of British subjects, is hardly surprising. Still, it's instructive to note how glaringly evident the anti-defense agenda is, or would be if people weren't conditioned to consume news as mindlessly as they do snacks:

Britain's changing firearms laws

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7056245.stm

How guns get into the hands of crooks

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6937453.stm

Who supplies the guns on our streets?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6937457.stm

Gun crime: A glossary

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6286562.stm

Who makes the world's guns?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6294242.stm

What can be done about gun crime?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7047649.stm

RELATED INTERNET LINKS (On BBC Page)

Gun Control Network

http://www.gun-control-network.org/GCN02.htm

Mothers Against Murder and Aggression

http://www.mamaa.org/

Stop The Guns (Operation Trident)

http://www.stoptheguns.org/

The notion is crystal clear, guns are violent (imagine the absurdity of an inanimate object being violent, but reason has nothing to do with it), gun owners are evil, and relinquishing your sovereign rights is the path to security. This message has blatant support by government across the UK in defiance of logic or facts, it is simply accepted. It is the future here unless gun owners stop it.....

Cave Creek Misery

A Cave Creek resident is taking a stand against what he calls a dangerous sport in town.

Herb Natker filed an appeal recently in his complaint against Cave Creek buffalo wrangler T.C. Thorstenson...

Let's see--a guy gets thrown from his horse three years ago when a hayride wagon spooks it, so that means mounted cowboy shooting must be banned. Yeah, I follow that.

I did some checking on this Herb Natker character, and it seems he's continually complaining about something or other. Maybe some people apparently just can't stand to see other people having a good time, and feel so strongly about it, they'll even demand employing the coercive power of the state to stop it, with it's "obey or be destroyed" enforcers to impose their will.

I'll bet'cha if he'd have just taken an interest in the goings on at the outset, and maybe had his wife bring over a tray of hot muffins, his whole outlook would have been changed. I guess some people would rather be miserable, and make life miserable for everyone around them.

[Via Featherless Biped]

This Day in History; November 13

On November 13, 1775, General Richard Montgomery led American troops in the capture of Montreal.

That's Actually Pretty Funny

Wayne Fincher Appellant Principal Brief.

The principal brief has now been filed on Wayne's appeal. The brief was filed in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals by Quentin Rhoades of Montana as pro bono counsel with the assistance of Stewart Rhodes of Nevada.

The Government's response is due within 30 days. There will then be opportunity for rebuttal argument.

The link to the actual document is on the page the title link takes you to. Paul W. Davis wanted people to read the update before downloading the brief.

I posted an announcement about this yesterday, because this is an important document to read, not just as it pertains to the story of Wayne Fincher, but also because of the legal and historical information pertinent to the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms that it contains. I urge everyone to read it completely--if you can't do it now, set aside an hour later today or this week when you can. Then share this link with other gun owners.

EU May 'Fast Track' Gun Control

What, they're not going to hell quickly enough?

A "Pro-Gun" Democrat

Gov. Ted Strickland endorsed Hillary Clinton for president yesterday and will campaign with her in Iowa today, fueling speculation that he will be on Clinton's short list of possible running mates next year if she wins the Democratic nomination.

But he's our friend!

I don't suppose it's occurred to anyone that we're being played, or as Stieger says:

We've been conned. Bare-ass naked in the town square conned.

Think about it--"The Winning Team" helped put him in office--over an A-rated Republican, one supported, incidentally, by GOA and various state grassroots groups. He then endorses their biggest enemy, and she in turn could give him the opportunity to vacate his office to an avowed anti--one everybody knew about in the campaign. There's a master chess strategy for you.

Even if these speculations don't come to pass, anyone who endorses Hillary has picked his priorities, and is no friend of gun owners.

I can't wait to hear the spin chastising me for not realizing that "politics is the art of the possible." How those who preemptively surrender and go for short-term opportunistic manipulation as part of the game plan can be authorities on what truly is possible lies beyond my poor ability to fathom.

[Via The Ready Line]

He Got Game

What's dumber than Rosie's website?

This exchange:

Valade, a hunter, was skeptical about Obama's position on gun owners' rights.

Patrick discussed the issue, adding that he had hunted before.

"I've never done game," he said. "I've done birds, quail, and pheasant."

"So we share some things," Valade said with a nod.

He hunts! He's a sportsman! This changes everything! Come on in and have some blueberry wine!

Never mind that neither he nor the "authorized journalist" reporting the exchange seems to have a clue about what "game" is.

Good grief.

Your Privacy is What WE Say It Is

A top intelligence official says it is time people in the United States changed their definition of privacy.

Privacy no longer can mean anonymity, says Donald Kerr, a deputy director of national intelligence. Instead, it should mean that government and businesses properly safeguards people's private communications and financial information.

"Authorized privacy": Now there's a concept.

Well, why the hell not. They've already redefined "shall not be infringed."

I'm tempted to quote Orwell's Party slogans, but in truth, these control everything freaks remind me more of the opening to "The Outer Limits."

They're not even attempting to mask it any more. Yeah, I want to give up my guns to these people...and everybody noticed who nominated him, right?

[Via Jeffrey H]

We're the Only Oneth Thinging a Thong Enough

A 36-year-old Ohio police officer, who is married with children, is facing public indecency charges, after a park ranger allegedly caught him in a sexual act in a park's public restroom, according to a report from MyFoxCleveland.com.

Ohhh...that kind of thong...

[Via Tony G]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

So THAT Explains It

Displaying reading level appears to be the latest blog fad. Hey, I'm as quick to don a Nehru jacket to appear fashionable as the next guy.


No, not WarOnGuns.

This childish blog.

Try entering her url yourself if you don't believe me.

And in case you're wondering, WoG came in at "High School" level, which is pretty much where I try to keep things for the sake of clarity, but heck--at least the algorithm thinks I'm smarter than this guy, and we all know Internet site graphic generators are the ultimate standard of authority in such matters. But I could use bigger words and longer sentences if it bothers anybody...

Still, all in all, I wish I was on the same level as Blogonomicon.

This Day in History: November 12

Sir: I last night received your favour of the 10th. instt. and am sorry to find the Enemy's Batteries had played with such success against our Works. Nevertheless, I hope they will not oblige you to evacuate them. They are of the last importance, and I trust will be maintained till the latest extremity. I have written to Genl. Varnum to afford you immediate succour by sending fresh Troops to releive those now in Garrison, and also such numbers of Militia, as he may be able to prevail on to go to your assistance. With these, every exertion should be used for repairing in the night whatever damage the Works may sustain in the day. The Militia are principally designed for this end, and they are to be permitted to return every morning to Red Bank, if such shall be their choice. Genl. Varnum will furnish all the Fascines and palisadoes he can. You may rest assured, I will adopt every means our situation will admit of to give you relief. I am &ca.

Burma Shave VII

This week's virtual billboard campaign alongside the information superhighwway is dedicated to Sovereign Citizen Shirley Katz and Circuit Judge G. Philip Arnold:

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

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

If You Can't Buy 'em, Build 'em

The manufacture of country-made guns is an illegal industry that is thriving in the jungles of Assam and has turned into a cottage industry here, finding a market from poachers to militants.

How many more resources do we have available to us? Be sure and watch the video.

When Guns Are Outlawed

A DISTURBING number of school children in the sprawling suburbs of north and west Dublin are joining gangs and using guns by their mid-teens, according to new findings to be published this week.

Note to everyone: Gun bans don't work. Why is this even a debate any more?

We'll See, Adam. We'll See...

City leaders hope a gun buyback program will help lower crime in the Cleveland area. "Easy access to guns equals more violence and we really felt that this initiative would help lower violence in the neighborhood and across the city," said Adam Gifford with Slavic Village Development.

And as we all know, Adam, predators really care about your feelings and your hopes.

Coming Monday: Fincher Brief

The foregoing facts are basically undisputed by the Government, just as Fincher does not dispute that he was in possession of the guns, and he had no license issued by the Government for him to do so. What is disputed is whether, as a matter of law, his possession of these weapons has some reasonable relationship to the maintenance of a well-regulated militia.

You can't argue Miller as binding Supreme Court precedent on one hand, and then reject the whole rationale behind the findings of Miller on the other. That is, without admitting the entire judical process is a meaningless scam, where government capriciousness and self-interest rules, and justice for We the People, if attainable at all, is merely a matter of happy coincidence.

Stay tuned. Wayne Fincher's Appellant's Principal Brief has been released. On Monday, WarOnGuns will take you to it.

I Don't Get It

When then-Attorney General John Ashcroft opined the Second Amendment protects an individual right, it evoked worldwide headlines, trumpeting from the "gun lobby" and nothing less than raving hysteria from the antis.

New AG Michael B. Mukasey claims the same position and...anybody hear that pin drop? Not a word in any "authorized journalist" news outlet and no triumphant or frothing in rage press releases from the interest groups.

Arguing that you don't believe he's sincere when it comes to "shall not be infringed" misses the point. Ashcroft had all kinds of escape hatches installed, too, but it nonetheless was news.

Let's Be Careful Out There

Ah, "authorized journalists."

Good Grief

I'm sorry I asked. And to think--all I ever wanted was their love...

Hey, be of good cheer. We got some good stuff done on short notice, and next year, when we know it's coming and will have time to do advance announcements, should be a lot better.

But Ryan is definitely not paying me enough.

This Day in History: November 11

The Cherry Valley massacre was an attack by British and Seneca Indian forces on a fort and village in eastern New York on November 11, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War.

More Damned Foolishness in Cleveland

While the city holds a gun buyback program on Saturday, it will also host a toy gun buyback program for the children.

Boy, that Channel 5 News Team is on top of things, aren't they?

"News on Your Side"...talk about "authorized journalists" personified.

Not on my side, that's for sure. But it's nice of them to admit they have a social agenda that influences their selectivity and objectivity.

Damned Foolishness in Cleveland

The program is called Enough is Enough. The gun buyback offers a $100 gas card instead of cash.

Police said such efforts make our streets and homes safer, getting guns out of homes where children can find them, and injure themselves or someone else.

What more can I say?

Who Will Protect the Protectors?

A college district spokeswoman confirmed the victim attended the college. Police aides are non-sworn district employees who wear uniforms but do not carry weapons.

It doesn't seem like chasing suspects is a particularly advisable course of action under those conditions. I would hope the training is to stay well back and radio in a report.

Still, it makes me wonder what good college escort programs are when the protector can't even protect himself.

[Via Tony G]

Dial Project Safe Neighborhoods and Die

Correspondent Mack sent me a timeline of related news stories that give us a real-world illustration, not only of how relying exclusively on "The Only Ones" to keep people safe is unwise, but also how government programs designed to deter crime can actually contribute to it.

September 2005: A delusional reptile, street name "Lump," bursts into a neighbor's home, killing a woman and wounding a man.

August 2006: A jury convicts said reptile.

April 2007: Turns out the police had earlier found said reptile--a convicted felon--with a gun, and rather than charge him, deferred to the feds to prosecute. The murder victim's mother sues the city and the officers involved.

October 2007: A judge dismisses the lawsuit on the grounds that--among other things--police can't be liable for failure to act and there is no affirmative duty of police to protect individuals absent a "special relationship."

Nothing about this story changes my often-stated belief that being a convicted felon per se should not be an automatic disqualifier from firearms possession. As I've repeatedly maintained, those who can't be trusted with a gun can't be trusted without a custodian, and it certainly sounds like said Lump was a beast in need of a keeper.

That said, we can't spread the word loud and far enough that the law exempts police from any duty and attendant liability to protect us. That is a key element often missing from the "gun debate" and it shouldn't be, as it is a powerful and persuasive argument. The best tool I know for proving this is Richard Steven's excellent classic: "Dial 911 and Die."

The other point of note is how local law enforcement, by relying on federal government welfare programs like NRA-endorsed Project Safe Neighborhoods, will continue to produce the results we would expect from laziness , lack of accountability, and abdication of responsibilities.

"Not Guilty"

Calvin Turner pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to not telling federal officials Hollis Fincher made and possessed machine guns. He withdrew that plea Thursday.

Good for him. WoG will continue keeping an eye on this one.

[Via Paul W. Davis]

Canucks Cut Registry

The Harper government paid a $10-million settlement this year to kill a contract designed to modernize the long-gun registry's computer system, federal records show.

Considering the alternative, that sounds like a pretty wise investment, howls from the subversives notwithstanding.

Court to Katz: We'd Rather See You Dead

An Oregon high school English teacher will not be allowed to carry her gun to school, a state circuit court ruled on Friday in a decision closely watched by both sides of the gun debate.

Be interesting to see what Wayne's gonna say about this, if anything...

This Day in History: November 10

Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or insisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required: that they be insisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.

Mukasey: "Second Amendment Secures an Individual Right"

Per The New York Times:

Michael B. Mukasey was sworn in as attorney general this afternoon, less than a day after winning Senate confirmation despite Democratic criticism that he had failed to take an unequivocal stance against the torture of terror detainees.

Robert Levy had advocated Mukasey disclose his position on the Second Amendment. I'd wondered the same thing, and expressed concerns that he backs Rudy Giuliani for president, and is backed in turn by Chuck Schumer for the top law post.

Presumably we now have an indication of Mukasey's position on 2A, albeit from an unlikely source, Senator Dick Durbin, in his explanation of why he opposed confirmation:

Take another unsettled legal question: whether the Second Amendment secures an individual right to bear arms. Here is what Judge Mukasey told me: “Based on my own study, I believe that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms.”

In other words, Judge Mukasey agrees with the Bush Administration when it comes to retroactive immunity and the Second Amendment.

Note I'm not focusing on the waterboarding charges here or making any proclamations about the desirability of this appointment or Judge Mukasey's potential as AG. I'm merely pointing out his reported position on the Second Amendment, something I have been looking for but have not previously found.

Excluding all other considerations, and with the caveat that this is based only on the rhetoric, it would appear gun owners could have done worse.

UPDATE: Looks like The Washington Post knew about his leanings over a week ago and we all missed it, although they don't have the above quote. Here's the relevant bit from their story:

Mr. Mukasey's 172 pages of written responses to senators' questions leave no doubt that he is a staunchly conservative lawyer. He believes the Second Amendment bestows an individual right to bear arms.

Realize, of course, that what WaPo considers to be "staunchly conservative" is what, in 1960, would have been considered a mainstream Democrat. And note the all-too-common "bestows" assumption, as if an unalienable right independent of government proclamation is so difficult a concept to grasp.

Boise State to Risk Sheep Stampede

Two weeks ago, the Boise State Veterans Coordinator brought up the idea of having a 21 gun salute during the school's Veterans Day activities...

At first, Boise State officials turned down the idea because of safety and security concerns. The university says recent school shootings, like the one at Virginia Tech, still have some people on edge. They believe the sound of gunshots on campus, in the middle of the day, could cause some people to panic.

Maybe they could just text message everybody...

Heller Watch

Today's the day...

A Temporary Reprieve

St. Clair County Associate Judge James Radcliffe dismissed the county's eminent domain lawsuit against the Caseyville Rifle and Pistol Club in Mascoutah.

But it ain't over. The covetous county thieves will be back after they cross their "t's" and dot their "i's", and the judge thinks that'll do the trick....

Just amazing--they clearly want to steal the land on behalf of a private developer, but lie about glide paths in order to provide a facade of justification. Thanks for Kelo, SCROTUS.

You Mean Project Exile Didn't Work?

Visibly moved by the funeral Wednesday for slain Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy, Gov. Rendell yesterday called for tougher penalties for shooting at a police officers and pledged to renew his fight for three gun-control laws stalled in the Legislature...

The proposed laws would require gun owners to report lost or stolen weapons, limit handgun sales to one per person per month, and enable municipalities to enact their own gun laws.

I don't get it. I thought Philly was a done deal...?

We're the Only Ones Furloughed Enough

A Sonoma County judge on Wednesday sentenced Christopher Del Rosario to five years of probation and nine months in jail after he pleaded guilty earlier this year to felony assault with a deadly weapon and a gun enhancement.

Del Rosario, 46, will be allowed to apply for work furlough in lieu of straight jail time. Inmates on work furlough spend the night in jail and are allowed out during the day to go to work.

See, there are benefits to being one of Captain David A. Kozicki's crack "Only Ones."

Rampages Rare...

...in land where 56% own a gun

So does that mean guns aren't the cause?

Well, yes, according to all historic and objective evidence. So naturally, there will be those bent on changing all that after this incident. And when they do lessen the cost side and increase the benefit side of the predator equation, expect rampages to become less rare. And expect that to prompt demands for even more restrictions...

Too Much to Ask For

Based on some the comments posted so far, it would appear sending a simple email is too much to ask of many "activist" gun owners--they'll not only find a reason not to do it, they'll elaborate on how it's a defeated effort from the outset, so why even try?

Look--nobody proposing this effort is under any illusions--if anything, we're among the most cynical of the lot. But you tell me it wouldn't have an effect if ten thousand or more pissed off gun owners sent a no-uncertain-terms missive to one official on one day. Then tell me how much more of an impression it would make to flood his inbox with 100,000. Or a million.

Thanks guys. It would have taken one minute of your precious time.

Why would anyone believe the chatroom warriors will do anything but fold in resignation if anything requiring actual effort and sacrifice is ever asked of them? Some gun owners ensure their own defeat every step of the way, and the damndest thing is, those of us who are carrying water are routed along with them.

Nobody ever won a thing starting out with the mindset that losing was inevitable.

Girls and Guns

From HZ:

Of interest

Short trailer here:
http://agirlandagunfilm.com/agagframeset.html

Long clip here (originally seen here):
http://thebredafallacy.blogspot.com/2007/11/its-girl-thing.html

It will be interesting to see the final product.

I agree.

How to Honor a Vet NPS Style

Beginning this Veterans Day, November 11, 2006, U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their families will be admitted free-of-charge on Veterans Day to most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. The administrative fee waiver of entrance and/or standard amenity fees will apply annually on Veterans Day at public recreation lands managed by Interior’s National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation and Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.

So does that mean you honor them enough to suspend your evil edicts that disarm them in national parks, or does it mean you're just paying lip service, you don't really trust or honor them at all, they've served their purpose, and all you're really offering is a free pass to voluntarily surrender their most elemental of freedoms?

NOTE: Yes, I know the linked document is for 2006. I was sent a link to a new page and couldn't get it to work this morning, but it is an ongoing annual event.

[Via Michael S]

GOP Loyalists to Paulites: Be Civil

I'm not talking about people who simply support Ron Paul. I'm talking about the aggressive network of online fans who bombard discussion boards, spam web sites, flood online polls, and behave in a manner that puts their candidate in an extremely bad light. These so-called supporters not only hurt the Republican Party overall, but they also hurt their candidate.

Yeah, I guess every movement has its screaming zealots. But from where I sit, the most uncivil, hostile and downright irrational behavior has been coming from those who would stand to benefit the most from a principled Constitutionalist presidential candidate. Hence the dismissive term "Paulbots," as if we're all a bunch of glazed-eye Moonies, racists, crazed conspiracists and suicidal foreign policy retards. The insults, the lies, the flat-out hatred and even death wishes I've read in recent days from mainstream GOP candidate supporters, all on sites and by people who supposedly support the Second Amendment, have done nothing to persuade me that Paul's opponenents will deserve any less than the government they get after their sabotage of his candidacy is complete.

And note to Bobby Eberle: I've heard "They'll make us all look bad" in relation to 2A absolutists more often than not--and my typical thought is "Not as bad as appeasers." The bottom line is, if Rudy, a proven enemy of personal defense rights is the pick, GOPUSA and all the other Republican-firsters will fall in lockstep with the program. As such, I could not care less if the party gets hurt. If they want my support, here's a novel idea: earn it. If they're going to impose a fascist on people like me, the party ain't seen hurt yet.

[Via HZ]

Reds: Ted's New Pal and a JPFO Clip

From Ryan Horsley:

Here is the latest, Ted Kennedy's friend is confirmed as ATF Director by the Senate Judiciary Committee:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/ted-kennedy-looks-forward-to-working.html

More on the the ATF's record keeping with a JUST RELEASED clip from the JPFO documentary The Gang:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/inside-look-at-atfs-own-record-keeping.html

Have a great weekend and thank you for the letters to the OIG, it went very well and I look forward to it being an every year event.

This Day in History: November 9

November 9. 1776
- The citizens of Rochester, NY pleaded for aid from the New York Convention. "The town of Rochester is in great need for salt, as the season of the year is now for killing their winter provision and pork for next summer, and when they can't get a supply of salt, they will be obliged soon to turn their fat hogs out of the pen, and their fat cattle among their other, to a great loss of several poor families.

Most don't realize how something as taken for granted as salt has been one of the most important catalysts for human decisison-making throughout history.

Sounds of Silence

Pretty cool.

We'll all be able to get one, right?

[If somebody sent me this link, sorry, I can't find the email and give you proper credit]

Parade of Fools

Progress is occurring, however.

If you understand that "progressive" is a code word for Marxist, then yeah, I guess it is.

Funny how this section is titled "Intelligence Report," as it contains so little.

Parade Magazine has long been an insidious source of "authorized journalist" subversion that manages to ooze into American household every Sunday--from mindless celebrity worship to political manipulation, they rely on a readership dumb enough to embrace a "benevolent" state that leaves them just enough left over to blow on overpriced mail order collector plates. That formula has made it "America's best-read, largest circulation magazine."

They gave Warren Burger a national forum to promulgate the collective rights and sporting purposes lies into the public consciousness.

I wrote a short piece for a pro-gun newsletter I published back in 1996 based on a quote from a fawning "profile" Parade did to convince everyone what a great guy the head of BATFU was:

Tarzan's Ape/English Dictionary

"I'm not going to interpret the Second Amendment. The ATF is simply in the business of enforcing and regulating existing law."- John Magaw, Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Translation #1: Yeah, yeah- I know I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and defend it from all enemies, foreign and domestic, but jeeze, it's just a ritual- you don't expect me to actually consider the intent of the words I hope...

Translation #2: Ve vere only following ORDERS...

Translation #3: Oooh-oooh-oooh-oooh eee-eee-eee! (ooops, sorry, that means "Cheetah want banana!")

I recall they had a bumper sticker contest shortly after that, where they asked readers to send in pictures of what they had on their cars. I got a few readers to send in Polaroids of theirs with the one that says "Ted Kennedy's Car Has Killed More People Than My Gun," just to mess with them.

And, of course, Parade was the source for that quote I used to demonstrate what a weakling that wretched global disarmament advocate and UN "Messenger of Peace" Michael Douglas is, leaving no doubt why he so resents people who can control themselves.

It'd be nice if more people got the message that Parade is a source of fascist manipulation and propaganda that cannot be trusted to do more than line the birdcage--and that we could track its demise and note "progress is occurring."

[Via Bounty Hunter]

Adventure Outdoors a Class Act that Deserves Our Support

From Chris Horton:

Just sent off a thank-you to Jay Wallace of Adventure Outdoors.He sent me a cool little RUKO folding knife for supporting his fight against Bloomberg Inc. It's got A.O. engraved on it with thank-you for your support.Bloomberg Fightback Fund. VERY sharp as well!! I told him it wasn't necessary,but greatly appreciated,and that we all must stick together in this important fight for our 2A rights and RKBA.

We need to support businessmen like Jay and like Ryan Horsley, who aren't afraid to shoulder the risks and the burdens of standing out as leaders. I'm serious: look how we grouse about dealers who folded and settled--there simply isn't enough profit margin in a gun shop to withstand a legal assault from the City of New York--they cannot do this without our help, and we shouldn't expect them to march to the battlefield alone.(And don't expect a freebie just because Chris got one.)

Sticky Wicket, What?

An argument between several Indian men during a cricket match in Orlando led to an on-the-field shooting that seriously injured one of the players, according to police.

It's great that charges weren't filed, and Sgt. Spike Hopkins, who publicly acknowledges a bat is a lethal weapon and that people have a right to defend themselves, gives me hope. But unless he considers carrying his own sidearm around wherever he goes "odd," he's still trending towards "onlyoneism," and we need to point that out when it happens .

[Via WmH]

Fincher Update: Feds Invoke Thought Crimes

Calvin Turner didn't tell the Feds Hollis Fincher made machine guns. Turns out that's a crime.

Turner pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday. He waived grand jury indictment and pleaded guilty to information from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Turner is the first person other than Fincher to be charged in connection with Fincher and his militia buddies building and possessing machine guns.

According to court documents, Turner knew Fincher had made and possessed machine guns but he "did conceal the same and did not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority."

I know they can get you for lying to "authorities," even though "authorities" are free to lie like hell to "We the People," (you know, the legitimate Constitutional authorities), but I guess this is just another snare they can use against us homegrown terrorists. Boy, we get more like Stalinist Russia every day, don't we?

I emailed "authorized journalist" Ron Wood:

"Buddies"?

Seems pretty dismissive and disrespectful, either that or intended to convey hick imagery--or do you routinely use that word in other news stories describing friends, acquaintances and associates?

Notice he also tells his readers Fincher "didn't testify before the jury," but conveniently left out that he wasn't allowed to...

Sure glad we have a watchdog press out there guarding our rights against government abuses. Why, they make the need for bloggers almost redundant...

UPDATE: Reporter Wood responded to my inquiry:

I use it all the time.

Cool. But while I hate to be distrustful and all, I do find it curious that a search for the term "buddy" or "buddies" produces ony one hit in relation to his name on The Morning News site, and the same holds true for a Google search, whereas that search engine turns up multiple hits where he used the word "friend." Not to split hairs or anything...

[Via Paul W. Davis and Connie Fields]

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.