Sunday, December 09, 2007

There's Something About Oakland

In the last five years, 557 people were slain on the city's streets, making Oakland the state's second-most murderous city, behind Compton.
Man, I just don't get it.

First off, Oakland is under the protection of ethical giants like Capt. David A. Kozicki.

Second, Arnhole's Kollie-for-n'yah has an A- grade from the Bradys.

Maybe that quantum connection is at work here, and it's the fault of Pennsylvania's rural gun owners...? Because otherwise, we might have to notice that embarrassingly conspicuous elephant. Either that or read a m*****f*****' book...

Jim Thompson's Happy Vision

On the strength of one word in a two-year-old state law, GeorgiaCarry.org, a gun-rights group claiming several hundred members, is working - successfully, as it turns out - to force its sad vision of how people should have to live on a number of communities, including Athens-Clarke County.
As opposed to Jim Thompson's happy vision? Just look at that idiot smile, and realize how quickly it would be wiped off his silly liberal mug if he was ever in a situation where his or his loved ones' lives depended on returning fire.

I wouldn't necessarily call that so much a sad vision as a pathetic, unmanly one.

Cause and Effect?

Last week's mall massacre in Omaha -- which occurred Wednesday, the same day as the walkout by the Black Caucus -- could add even more intensity to
the debate.
Now wait a minute--I may have found some kind of quantum connection here...

If the black lawmakers are right, and inner city black-on-black "gun violence" can be blamed on white suburban and rural gun owners, doesn't it also stand to reason that white suburban and rural "gun violence" is caused by black lawmakers...?

Crazy Like a Fox

Police Chief James Fox is fully aware of the argument that gun buyback programs don't do much to quell violence.

But scrambling to cut a city murder rate that has surged this year, Fox is looking for answers.
Even if he needs to resort to tea leaves, chicken bones and other primitive superstitions, like "gun buybacks".

Hey chief--did it ever occur to you what you're doing is the equivalent of bleeding a patient?

Repeating the Question

Six people have been targeted in a gun attack at a house in west Belfast.
You know what we need to stop this?

The Lords of the Guns

Three years after they were jailed, police are still unearthing the murderous legacy of Britain's most prolific gun barons. From their ramshackle store in the Derbyshire village of Little Eaton, an unlikely father and son duo presided over an underworld racket that provided Uzi sub-machine guns and AK-47 rifles to organised crime syndicates.
You know what we need to stop this?

More gun control.

Blimey! Why didn't we think of this before?

We're the Only Ones Rarely Punished Enough

A media report says off-duty Chicago police officers involved in shootings of civilians are rarely seriously punished -- even when their conduct is questionable.
Well of course not. We're "The Only Ones," and Chicago Only Ones at that...

Duh!

[Via HZ]

This Day in History: December 9

The tents are near the bridge, on the Skippack road, and so many are to be immediately sent for and pitched, as are necessary for officers and men that have not huts, that will keep themselves and their arms dry. But the General earnestly recommends that no more tents be pitched than are absolutely necessary to shelter the troops. Neither officers nor men are to be absent from camp upon any pretence whatever.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

The Commissar Vanishes

Right out of Uncle Joe's playbook...remove all traces of historical evidence.

They probably got a panicked call from their legal department worried about liability. If someone sues, I hope they subpoena not just the removed signs, but also any and all memos, emails, etc., ordering and discussing the removal, as well as obtain depositions from the decisions makers and those who carried out the removals.

Meanwhile, those of you who live in Omaha, get on your local papers and TV stations and ask them why the investigative reporting on this all seems to be getting done by lowly bloggers as opposed to highly paid, professional "Authorized Journalists." See if they'll look into why the signs were taken down, and note the names of who you spoke with.

I wonder if this was done before the "crime scene" had been cleared, and if this could possibly be construed as removing evidence, or alternatively, if "The Only Ones" greenlighted the removals?

And by the way: Kudos to Joe's Crabby Shack for the outstanding job in bringing us this information. Keep checking in on that site--it has become the "go to" place for breaking news on this story.

UPDATE: Feel free to add your voice if so inclined.

Today's Blog to Watch

Joe's Crabby Shack, for his coverage of the Omaha mall shooting.

He's got a first responder narrative, plus a picture of the "No Guns" sign at a sister mall--and he'll be going over to Westroads with a camera to check out their sign and posting on it later today.

Are Antis Truly This Clueless?

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli used the incident to take a strong position in favor of the right of lawful citizens to carry guns and use them in self defense.

Naturally, Bryan Miller would have liked to have seen the robbery succeed.

And how about the mental giant who said this?
I just don't agree with the idea that it's right for people to get guns to defend themselves, because then the bad guys have guns, the good guys have guns and then everybody's just shooting at each other.

Yeah, I'll be basing my choices on that informed opinion...

What amazes me is these geese give no hint they're aware of how idiotic they sound. It's like they actually believe it.

A Reason for Optimism?

Leading presidential candidates for the November 2008 U.S. election issued statements expressing sorrow and support for the victims. None called for tighter gun laws, which are traditionally left to state and local authorities.

Well, the day ain't over, but that is a good sign...

Think how much better it would be if most gun owners were actually informed and engaged.

McDaniel Brief Has Hidden Bomb

“I believe the Second Amendment confers a Constitutional right to bear arms on individuals, not just on militia members,” McDaniel said.
It confers nothing, and someone playing at your level ought to know that.

Look, we appreciate your filing on behalf of Heller--but don't let this twisted understanding make its way into your final brief--it can do more harm than good. Our opponents will point to it as an ingress for what they're calling for now that they perceive the wind may blow against them--repeal.

[Via Paul W. Davis]

Return of the Elephant

Some startling trends can be seen in the latest national homicide data. From 2002 to 2006, the rate of murder committed by black male teens rose 52%, with a smaller but significant increase among black male young adults and black women. In contrast, there was no increase among whites of any age.

Gang-related homicides have crept upward in recent years, virtually returning to the peak of the early 1990s. Since 2002, gun killings have climbed 13% overall — but 42% among teens and 71% among black teenage males — while non-gun homicides have essentially remained unchanged.

I guess that pesky elephant has no intention of leaving.

No wonder "urban lawmakers" are so upset. If true solutions were applied, they'd be irrelevant.

[Via Bruce Mills]

2A Carnival

Free Constitution is having another one, with a special bonus--read the whole post to find out how you can enter his raffle and win a prize.

This Day in History: December 8

Colonel Benedict Arnold and General Richard Montgomery lead an American force in the siege of Quebec. The Americans hoped to capture the British occupied city and with it win support for the American cause in Canada.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Survey Says...

While Shoppers who were surveyed in focus groups indicated they would rather not have to go through metal detectors, they appeared willing to accept them if the government raised the terror alert level, he said.

Yep--and put your backpacks and purses on conveyor belts, take off your shoes...

Everything in the opposite direction of the obvious solution.

We're the Only Ones Chomping in Our Choppers Enough

No one begrudges a cop his or her doughnuts, but questions are being asked in Albuquerque about one recent case in which a pair of the city's finest dropped in for a box of Krispy Kremes in a police helicopter.
As Jay.Mac observed when he sent me this link, you can't make this stuff up. What could they have possibly been thinking, and if they weren't, what does that tell us about an ingrained sense of entitlement?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

A Different Detroit Outcome

A 29-year-old Rochester Hills man learned the hard way that some homes are protected by scatterguns made by Browning, Remington or Winchester.
Well, technically not Detroit, but close enough...point being, the homeowners didn't need to be shielded behind a 7-year-old...

[Via Michael S]

Woe Unto Thee, O Jerusalem!

The IDF is conducting a large scale operation to confiscate weapons from the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, according to Channel 10 TV. The purpose of the operation is described as "putting the settlers' gun permits in order."

... "I have no idea who is giving the order, it seems to be coming from up high, but they've decided to take the weapons away from everyone."
It's not like history has anything to teach us on this subject, is it?

If I were to view this development in a spiritual light, I'd say one thing should be clear: this order does not come "from up high."

[Via HZ]

The Aguila Militia

With little law-enforcement protection and a crime wave that has left two residents dead and hit just about every business in Aguila, many residents have armed themselves, installed security systems and taken to patrolling residential areas.
Wait 'til the accusations of vigilantism start to fly.

[Via Featherless Biped]

We're the Only Ones Shielded from the Truth Enough

The rush to clear police in shootings...Nearly every shooting in last decade 'justified'
Knowing what they know, it kind'a makes you wonder why the "Authorized Journalists" at The Trib are so adamant about advocating an "Only Ones" monopoly of force. I guess because for government worshippers bent on imposing their superstitious dogma on the rest of us, the only reason statism doesn't work is because we need even more statism.

[Via Tony G]

Exactly Backwards

A 7-year-old-girl is being hailed as an "angel from heaven" and a hero for jumping in front of an enraged gunman, who pumped six bullets into the child as she used her body as a shield to save her mother's life.

I think it's a damn shame the mother wasn't prepared to defend her child, which is the way it's supposed to be, instead of bringing in scummy reptile boyfriends to endanger her children.

[Via Mack]

Good News from Red's Trading Post

From Ryan Horsley:

Today I received great news, CCRKBA is asking the Senate to withhold Sullivan's confirmation:

http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/12/ccrkba-urges-senate-to-withhold-acting.html

Also, the Idaho Attorney General has joined other AG's in support of the Second Amendment:

http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/12/idaho-attorney-general-joins-other-ags.html
We are making progress. Please help keep the momentum going. If you haven't already done so, write your senators and ask them to oppose Sullivan's confirmation. If you're an NRA member, contact them and ask them why all the other national RKBA groups don't have a problem joining in this. And write your state Attorney General and ask him to add his voice to the briefs being filed on behalf of Heller.

It Took a Village

State Spent $265K On Hawkins' Care

Mall Shooter Was State Ward For 4 Years
If this isn't an illustration against depending on the state to take over our lives, I don't know what is.

[Via Mack]

This Day in History: December 7

Princeton is looted

New Brunswick, December 7, 1776 — British and Hessian troops occupied this town and the surrounding countryside today and lost little time looting homes, assaulting women and arresting anyone suspected of aiding the rebel cause.
Also, happy birthday to my father, who turned 21 on this day in 1941, and went on to serve with the United States Marines at, among other places, Guam.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Slow Going Ahead

Or at least obstructed going.

My computer will not connect to the Internet. I'm using my kid's, but that means I no longer have unlimited access whenever I want, as homework cannot be ignored.

So please cut me some slack on correspondence until things normalize--particularly if I don't reply timely. I'm already behind on a few dozen replies and may not get to them at all if things keep piling up.

A Good Gun Lawsuit

Shields, the mayor of Rutledge Borough, plans to sue the city himself if Nutter implements the policy – just as soon as he gets done suing Upper Darby Township for what you might call its "take-and-keep" approach to gun control.

Shields is representing township resident Mary Welsch, who claims in a federal lawsuit before U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sanchez that police illegally took her deceased father's guns from her house, then refused to return them without a court order.

The township has agreed to give the 16 guns back to Welsch, her father's sole beneficiary, but she is pushing ahead with the civil rights suit in an attempt to have the department's gun-seizure policy declared unconstitutional.
This is the first I've heard of this. Good for Mr. Shields. We would do well to watch this case as it develops.

Meanwhile, Over in Sarah Brady Paradise...

A gang of up to 25 masked men, carrying guns and dressed all in black, were seen patrolling the streets of a Manchester suburb, police said.

I'm sure there's a point that could be made here, but what...?

It IS Frightening

It is frightening to see such educated men so thoroughly defend the right to bear arms.
Doesn't the irony of that statement even occur to you, young student who presumes to teach?

That and resorting to quoting a fictional script from "The West Wing" as an authoritative source?

We're the Only Ones Honoring Enough, Eh?

The Coalition for Gun Control will be honoured on Thursday by Quebec's top police unions and associations at their annual awards gala.

So much for rank and file "Only Ones" supporting armed citizens with all the "anti" sentiment coming from the top brass--at least in Canada. And, of course, New York.

Fair and Balanced Reporting

Google News links about Omaha mall shootings

Google News results for search term "No Guns sign"

"Authorized Journalists." No wonder we trust them so.

UPDATE: I'm not the only one who noticed...

Don't Let the Door Hit You in the...

Black lawmakers from the state's urban areas, frustrated in their efforts to get a vote on gun control measures, walked out of a House session in protest Wednesday.
And this is a bad thing how...?

[Via SameNoKami]

7 Minutes 13 Seconds


Uh-oh...

And look who they out-clicked on...

NOW She Tells Us


I feel fragile ... unsure, struggling to figure it all out...I always feel like something of an impostor. I don't know what I'm doing... [More]
Gee, thanks, Jodie Foster. I don't suppose you could have shared this little tidbit about yourself back when you were acting like some kind of authority on people carrying guns in real life .

That wasn't very gentlemanly of you.

The Bush Time Line

Thanks in no small part to this, combined with GOP frontrunners who are obvious charlatans, we'll probably be able to look forward to a Hillary Time Line.

[Via ryanmguard]

This Day in History: December 6

By a Letter of the 4th Inst. from a Mr. Caldwell, a Clergyman and a staunch friend to the Cause, and who has fled from Elizabeth Town and taken refuge in the Mountains about Ten Miles from thence, I am informed, that Genl. or Lord Howe was expected in that Town, to publish pardon and peace. His words are, "I have not seen his proclamation, but only can say, he gives 60 days of Grace and Pardons from the Congress down to the Committee. No one man in the Continent is to be denied his Mercy." In the language of this Good Man, the Lord deliver us from his Mercy.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Huddled in the Corner in Omaha

Fidler said he huddled in the corner of the men's clothing department with about a dozen other employees until police yelled to get out of the store.

The heirs of Liberty...

Anybody know if the mall is posted "No Guns"?

UPDATE: Joe's Crabby Shack says it is...

UPDATE 2: For some reason, this link to the Omaha.com Business Section is not currently working, but I was able to access the cached story with the relevant section below:



Sue the mall. And tell Bag 'N Save to Bugger 'N Stuff.

We're the Only Ones "Willfully Depriving" Enough

A police officer has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges for pulling over Hispanic drivers and stealing their money...The 33-year-old Hilsinger pleaded guilty to four charges of willfully depriving individuals of their right against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Misdemeanor? That's all an "Only One" gets for multiple counts of armed robbery? Even if he didn't pull a gun, he had one during the commission of a crime, and the implication was there that a police officer must be immediately obeyed or else...

And selecting Hispanics? Why aren't "hate crime" statutes being invoked...?

[Via Ben]

Don't Forget to Mark Your Calendar for Tomorrow

By contrast, the Canadian public never seems to weary of the annual Dec. 6 tribute to the 1989 Montreal Polytechnique shooting massacre of 14 women.
So, do you have any special plans for Canadian Blood Dance Day? Aside from marveling how anyone who's not clinically insane could propose that the solution for predators exploiting victim disarmament zones is to disarm even more potential victims?

[Via Bruce Mills]

How Many (Ignorant?) Lies...

...can "Authorized Journalist" Maureen Downey cram into 774 words?

Let's see, she's never heard of GCA '68 for out-of-state purchases, doesn't know about dealers being required to do background checks at gun shows, and, rather than being spontaneously "given rise" as implied, "iron pipeline" is a propaganda term invented to poison opinion against family business lawsuit defendants and to undermine...what is it the Brady's so vociferously argue for in DC?...oh, yeah, "home rule." And this is just the third paragraph.

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

The Montclair Mandate

Nearly six months after Slippery Rock University introduced a RFID payment system for mobiles at its campus, we've learned that Montclair State University is requiring that all full-time undergraduates carry a school-issued mobile for their own safety. The handsets, which cost some $210 per semester, are already being carried by about 6,000 students, and feature a GPS function that can be activated to ensure campus police are alerted of their location if something goes awry.
Let's see, that'd be $210/semester X 13,500 undergrads, with the Provost planning for 18,00 in '08...not a bad chunk of change for a security device that's never stopped one violent crime in progress--and never will unless the victim uses the handset as a weapon...

And speaking of something that would immediately stop an attacker...well, what did you expect?

Ain't it curious that regular "Only Ones" are also prohibited from bringing their sidearms on premises (but they will give you temporary storage, just like at the morgue). All of us who went to college know if you want true safety and security, Campus Only Ones are the way to go...

[Via DaKid]

WaPo's New Hampshire GOP Poll

This Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone Nov. 29 - Dec. 3, 2007, among a random sample of 488 New Hampshire adults likely to vote in the Republican primary. The results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points. Sampling, data collection and tabulation by TNS of Horsham, Pa.

The good news is, most oppose stricter gun controls. The bad news is, gun control is not esteemed as an important issue, and the moderates are in firm control.

The only way to make our issue their issue is to deny them that critical margin of victory by which most elections are won and essentially hijack and blackmail the party--we don't get what we want, you don't get what you want. And no, I don't expect that to happen. But that doesn't mean it's not true.

[Via Vinnie]

Red's Sullivan Update

Ryan Horsley continues leading the campaign to oppose "Maximum Mike" for BATFU Gauleiter, and includes his letter to NRA asking them to bring their influence to bear.

I can't wait for some to tell us why this is a bad idea because then they will lose vital access--politics being "the art of the possible" and all that. As if people who refuse to push the envelope are ever the final arbiters on what is truly possible...

This Day in History: December 5

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Scholastic Testing Police State Style

U.S. Drug Czar John Walters is in Tampa touting local programs aimed at stopping students from using and abusing prescription drugs...

In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public schools could conduct random drug testing of athletes, expanding that in 2002 to include students involved in extracurricular activities.

Again with the "Czar", and I repeat my standard question:

How come they never say Führer?

I don't get how this isn't a violation of the Fourth Amendment. You can explain it 'til the cows come home, and I still won't get it.

This article doesn't make it clear if now all students, as opposed to those engaged in extracurricular activities, will be subject to random testing, and if it will include public, as well as Catholic high schools. And I don't pretend to know the circumstances of the SCOTUS case where they smothered 4A in their robes, but here's a thought, perhaps already tried and discarded, but as far as I know it's original:

If the random testing applies to all students in public schools, since attendance up to a certain age is generally compulsory,wouldn't subjecting them to an involuntary search under those conditions be a violation of the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination...?

In any case, isn't it nice to know that government, instituted among men to secure the blessings of liberty, is teaching young people to be suspects and inmates, whose bodies are the property of the state, rather than sovereign Citizens?

False Alternatives

The Second Amendment doesn't "give" us a damn thing. Not that we'd expect highly paid professional "Authorized Journalists"--you know, the people whose very existence was originally to be a watchdog against government abuses of our rights--would understand what a right is.

That's why those who say we should repeal it are full of...baloney.

[Via SameNoKami]

The Winter of Our Discontent

It was revealed last week that firefighters are being trained to not only keep an eye out for illegal materials in the course of their duties, but even to report back any expression of discontent with the government...

Unlike law enforcement officials, firemen can go onto private property without a warrant, not only while fighting fires but also for inspections.
I know the source turns out to be pinko Keith Olbermann, which raises an interesting question--how is it that the political left, which so distrusts the government, then turns around and embraces "gun control," giving that government a monopoly of power?

[Via Dave Licht]

We're the Only Ones 'Splish Splash We Were Tasing in the Bath' Enough

Police forced entry into Williams home while responding to a shooting, but it turned out to be a false call. They had no idea at the time the call wasn't real and that Williams is hearing impaired. Without his hearing aid he is basically deaf.

"I kept going to my ear yelling that I was scared. I can't hear! I can't hear!"

Officers were worried about their own safety because at the time it appeared Williams was refusing to obey their commands to show his hands. That's when they shot him with a Taser.
You know what we need to stop this kind of dangerous outrage once and for all? Anonymous tip lines!

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

A Chicago Tragedy

Police said the gun belonged to Jalynn's mother, a Cook County sheriff's corrections officer. She was working in the jail complex at 26th Street and California Avenue in Chicago when the shooting occurred, said Cook County sheriff's police spokeswoman Penny Mateck.
This was sent to me by correspondent HZ, who worried "I don't know how you could use this or if I am just sending this as a rant. I do not promote dancing in blood and don't like it when the anti's do it."

That's because we're decent people, and our natural tendency is to empathize with fellow human beings suffering an unimaginable loss. That said,this took place in Chicago, where, except in very limited circumstances, handguns are banned for all but "The Only Ones" under the false premise that they're somehow more competent or trustworthy than the rest of us. As a result of that, and until that changes, other innocents will die and other families will grieve.

That point needs to be made, and as tragic as it may be, I'll take the heat for making it.

And as HZ writes, "My first reaction though, was the realization that this child's death will no doubt be used by the gun grabbers to pad their numbers of children 'killed by guns' and to bolster their argument that I need to be disarmed.

"I also reacted strongly to the Chicago Heights Police officer they interviewed (might have been the chief). He emphasized the importance of keeping guns locked up and disassembled at home. No one ever heard of 'gun-proofing' their kids instead of the other way around!?!?!"

Does anyone really think many in the Chicago PD lock up and disassemble guns in their homes?

One other note: the story says this was the mother's "service weapon," but ends with " Corrections officers are not allowed to bring their guns to work inside the jail."

So what do they need service weapons for?

UPDATE: Commentator ChicagoHandgun.Org notes Chicago Heights is a separate city and the blanket Chicago handgun ban is not yet in effect.

You've Heard of the Inmates Running the Asylum?

Well it's official: The Nutters are running Philly.
Ramsey said he and Nutter were in agreement on Nutter's crime-fighting strategy, including Nutter's promise to employ a controversial "stop, question and frisk" policy to target illegal weapons.
If the Second Amendment can be disregarded, I hope no one thinks the Fourth has any meaning. Or any of the others. Besides--if you're not doing anything wrong, you shouldn't have anything to hide. And if it saves on life...

This is democracy. This is home rule.

[Via Matthew Maynard]

Cookies for Laura

Laura Washington opens her trap. Again...
Discontented Cookie gets crumbs all over her latest kooky assault on RKBA.

Speaking of which, have you sent your picture over to Laura's tribute page, People of the Gun? Why not? Look, I know not everybody is as rakishly handsome as me, but I purposely sent a bad photo (Hah! As if I could take one!) so I wouldn't show everybody up and discourage them from participating...

Jefferson's Ghost on Heller

This was forwarded to me by Len Savage who notes, "I didn't write this, but wish I did. I was told post and share at will."

Since Ryan Horsley has already done that, I'll just send you over to his place with an invitation to come on back when you're done.

This Day in History: December 4


"After the officers had taken a glass of wine General Washington said 'I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.' General Knox being nearest to him turned to the Commander-in-chief who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up and parted with his general in chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed and fondly hope I may never be called to witness again."
When was the last time you loved a leader you would follow into hell?

Monday, December 03, 2007

We're the Only Ones Getting Into the Christmas Spirit Enough

Nassau cops deployed a new surveillance system Saturday night in Uniondale, videotaping the revelers gathered to see the annual lighting of RexCorp Plaza's Christmas tree.

We know when you've been sleeping
We know when you're awake...

Come to think of it, this reminds me of another Christmas song, too...

Stink. Stank. Stunk.

And what say we nominate Susan Dolan for a special Eloi Award?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

I Don't Suppose Anyone's Interested in Limiting Do-Gooders?

“I do not understand why some groups would try to stand in the way of legislation that is going to get soda, snack cakes and other high-fat, high-salt food out of virtually all schools,” she said.
Me neither, Margo Wootan. I mean, the federal authority is all spelled out right in here, isn't it?

No Argument

People who believe in gun control are ignorant, superstitious or stupid.
Yep.

[Via Ron W]

Shameless Plug: A Huge Success!

“In Communities Across America, Huge Crowds Protest Gun Violence,” read their follow-up press release headline.

I guess it all depends on the meaning of the word “huge.”
"A Huge Success" is my Rights Watch column for the January 2008 issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at hugely successful newsstands throughout the Republic.

Teach Your Children Well?

WOLLONGONG councillors are under pressure to reject a proposed gun shop located within walking distance of a Fairy Meadow primary school.

How could I possibly top that?

A Poorly Regulated Opinion

I recognize that I haven’t responded to the counterargument that more guns actually promote safety. While my understanding of the available evidence leads me to disagree with this assessment, I will say only that the debate about the purpose and role of weapons in contemporary America is best left to our elected bodies rather than our unelected courts.
Why is that your "understanding," Xan? If you have evidence, let's see it.

And "majority rule" should be the final arbiter of individual rights? Like when slavery was legal? Oh, but that's right--you maintain 2A is not an individual right. So if I have to take your word against, say, theirs, well why wouldn't I go with the student over the seasoned professors?

Besides, we all know "the people" referred to in the First Amendment also was intended to mean today's National Guard. No? (Nice little bit of sleight-of-mind there. Someone who didn't know better might not think to reference the Ninth and Tenth Amendments and see the deliberate distinction made between the states and the people. But good try.)

You Yalies are just as impressive as your Harvard counterparts.

From the Land of "Passive Bystanders"

The police-military assault on the Peninsula became an exclusively all-military conflict. In swiftly crushing the power grab attempt, troops loyal to the government made mass arrests not only of noncombatants from civil society but also journalists covering the event. Authorities imposed a curfew without a proclamation of national emergency by the President of the Republic. Shortcuts on civil liberties were decided and made solely by security authorities, reducing the civilian government to a passive bystander.
Hmmm...I think there's something someone once set up in our Constitution just in case something similar happened here. Good thing for us those experienced and mature voices at The Harvard Crimson (aka The Rich Reds) assure us the Second Amendment is obsolete in these modern times.

Rich Young Reds Say "Repeal the Second"

In the context of today’s society, the Second Amendment is outdated. Constitutional debates over its interpretation stand in the way of the implementation of pressing public policy. Instead of wasting time attempting to fix this anachronism, we should repeal this amendment and focus our efforts on legislation that will actually protect the “security of a free state”—a charge explicit in the Second Amendment. [More]
The thing is, you young fools think you'll be safe from the blow back. You might be in for a surprise there, especially if your side "wins." Didn't the Khmer Rouge execute students and intellectuals, including people with glasses, because the assumption was they could read, and thus posed a risk for discovering and spreading unsanctioned ideas? And I just love the "correction" about handgun purchase age and gun show background checks. Two major blunders in one short essay--that's some fact checking there, junior--gee, it sure makes me want to trust everything else you say. It ain't a matter of "regretting the error," you privileged little useless eaters, it's a matter of exposing your profound arrogance, sloppiness and laziness. Yep, you will all make fine "Authorized Journalists" some day.

Aussie Gun Control Working as Planned

A sex shop owner will spend six months in jail for lying to investigators about the source of illegal guns he sold to a Melbourne gangster, including semi-automatic weapons and a submachine gun.
So let me get this straight--when you make guns illegal, you create a powerful economic incentive to sell them on the black market, and the unintended consequences of "underworld" empowerment, including increased incentives for gangland killings over market share?

I mean, it's not like booze and drug prohibitions would have given anyone any reason to expect this...

This Day in History: December 3


On December 3, 1775, the flag of the 13 original Colonies is raised for the first time. Navy lieutenant John Paul Jones hoists the Continental Colors, also called the Grand Union Flag, aboard the warship Alfred anchored in the Delaware River. The Colonial banner, a combination of the British Union Jack and one stripe for each Colony, is adopted by the young Continental Army less than a month later, amid rising tensions between Colonists and Great Britain. In 1777, Congress orders the creation of a flag featuring "stars in a new constellation"—the Stars and Stripes.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Burma Shave X

This week's billboard campaign alongside the information superhighway focuses on an outrageously disturbing trend we've been following--government officials equating fidelity to the Constitution with terrorism.



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

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

What Do YOU Think?

During Thanksgiving week, the Judiciary Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives held a dramatic session to vote on whether to let the whole House vote on several gun-control measures...

What do you think? Let us know by Tuesday, in 200 words or less, by e-mailing to
chesterletters@phillynews.com.

Well, since they asked...

Go ahead and let them know--especially if you live in PA.

Making Sense of Ron

NOTE TO VISITORS FROM "THE HIGH ROAD": Despite what you have been led to believe, this post has nothing to do with Ron Paul--it is a response to an anti-gun editorial linked to in the title and written by columnist Ron DZWONKOWSKI. Since the thread appears to be closed, I trust the record on THR will be corrected?
It makes sense to me that police should have access to a national database of gun owners. If I'm rolling up to a house where there's a reported burglary in progress or some kind of assault going on, I'd want to know if guns are registered for the premises. Wouldn't that advance warning protect gun owners, too, from police reacting badly to the presence of a firearm? Seems as if it'd be safer for both.
Yeah, Ron, trust the guys who can't even get their search warrant addresses right. That's some real "safety first" you're giving us there, guaranteed to get more innocent people raided and killed. As we all know, nothing calms a cop down more than a report of a gun. And we need registration to better protect ourselves from dangerous gun criminals who don't register their guns--and as a point of law can't be required to. That's some logic there, Ron.

But perhaps you're right. Maybe if we can stop just one gun criminal, it will be worth it. Does that make sense?

We're the Only Ones Bordering on Useless Enough

Ottawa is facing a multimillion-dollar bill to find work for border guards who can't - or won't - carry guns, newly released documents show...an internal analysis indicates that between 25% and 30% of those guards will be unable or unwilling to carry sidearms - as many as 1,440 employees.
What do you mean you want us to physically guard the border in exchange for our salaries and benefits? You mean just showing up in uniform and squealing for help and letting somebody else assume the risks isn't enough?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Glen Johnson: AP's Hillary Campaign Operative

When the hostages had been released and their alleged captor arrested, a regal-looking Hillary Rodham Clinton strolled out of her Washington home, the picture of calm in the face of crisis...
Her Serene Highness. Jeeze, Glen, do you think you could have stuck your nose up any further?

Another thing, since you've made your role as official campaign propagandist abundantly clear: After you help get her elected, will you and the rest of the "Authorized Journalists" at the AP refer to her as "Dear Leader" or "Our Beloved Führer"?

The Bourne Ultimatum

A man carrying a semiautomatic handgun approached a group of San Francisco police officers Saturday afternoon and, with a smile, handed over the pistol in exchange for $150 in gift cards.

"I used to fire it at bottles or do some plinking in the woods," said the gun's owner, 48-year-old Bruce Bourne. "But I have a 6-year-old daughter now and my wife was uncomfortable with it being in the house."

So your wife is going to protect the family Bruce? Evidently, because this guy didn't have a gun, and look what happened. Ditto this guy. And you've just announced to the world that:

A. You're defenseless; and

B. You're so henpecked you can't even make a case for home defense with your own wife. How much stronger of a case do you think you'd be able to make with these guys? Or with these?

But you'd just give them what they want, right, Bruce, and hope you could reason with them, or convince them not to hurt you? What if what they want involves doing terrible things to you and to the people you profess to love?

If I were you, I'd strap 'em on and tell my wife--not "ask"--that I was going to acquire the means and the knowledge to safely keep a gun in the home to defend my family with. If she's "uncomfortable" with that, I'd want to find out if she'd really rather have a $150 gift certificate than a man.

[Via SameNoKami]

The Liberal Case for Gun Ownership

What were our Founding Fathers thinking when they wrote the Second Amendment?

Well, they were not engaged in narrow partisan politics. They were not posturing for Fox News or trying to “make nice to soccer moms.”

These were serious men who came fresh from the white-hot forge of revolution. A war had just been fought to overthrow the yoke of an oppressive and unresponsive Government that invaded homes without warrant and which exposed the populace to "dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within."

This is as fine and concise a read as I have ever come across. While I don't quite get how someone who would give a constructionist interpretation to the Second Amendment could embrace (non-Jeffersonian) "liberal" ideology when it comes to other things we expect, demand or allow government to do to us, I think you'll enjoy it from a pure 2A perspective. If you do, share it with your friends.

This Day in History: December 2

On 02 December 1775, John Mayfield of Browns Creek, a Ninety-Six District militia captain serving under Colonel Thomas Fletchall, was captured along with several other officers at McLaurins Store in the Upper Saluda region. The commander of the Whig forces that captured Mayfield was Colonel Richard Richardson, who, shortly after the capture, wrote a letter to the ad hoc Whig Council or Committee of Public Safety in Charles Town (Charleston).

Saturday, December 01, 2007

We're the Only Ones Looking Out for Child Welfare Enough

Atlanta police knew seven years ago that a police sergeant's husband may have been paying young girls for sex and producing child pornography, but failed to investigate the allegations, federal authorities said.
And the "Only One" wife actually destroyed some of the evidence. Not that she's been charged or anything...

More Proof That Total Gun Bans Work

One inmate was shot by a gun smuggled into the Crittenden County jail Friday morning...
I think the "Authorized Journalist" meant "with a gun," but that's hardly the main point of this story, is it?

This is Madness

A Virginia court found Cho to be dangerously mentally ill in 2005 and ordered him to receive outpatient treatment. But because Cho was not ordered into hospital treatment, the court's order was never provided to the FBI and incorporated in its database...

Now wait just a minute here: if he was "dangerously mentally ill," why didn't the court order him into a hospital, and why isn't he still there until deemed no longer a danger?

Isn't that the real issue?

And I love how "the FBI has more than doubled the number of people nationwide who are prohibited from buying guns," while Paul Helmke says it's not enough and the "list is missing four of every five Americans who have been ruled mentally dangerous to themselves or others."

Anybody see a trend emerging here, or wonder why "The Winning Team" is facilitating this...?

About Ron Paul and NRA's "Celebration of American Values"

A few people have pointed out to me that he was not there. My immediate thought was to find out if he'd been invited, so I begged off posting on this until I had time to do some checking around.

There's been a lot of buzz that he was excluded, but per an NRA email, Rep. Paul was invited and did not respond.

I've been trying to reach the Paul campaign on this for comment.

We're the Only Ones at a Loss Enough

POLICE in New South Wales have lost track of a wide range of equipment including handcuffs, bulletproof vests, capsicum spray, radios, uniforms and even a squad car.
Cryptic Subterranean shows us yet again that "Only Ones" are the same the world over.

GOA Opposes "Maximum Mike"

Gun Owners of America has announced their opposition of Acting ATF Director Michael J. Sullivan's confirmation to Director. Sullivan who has been praised by anti-gun Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy, is waiting for confirmation from the full senate.

Ryan Horsley brings us some welcome news. But GOA can't do it alone.

So...you've written your senators, right?

Certainly

Certainly I don't think a gun ad in a family newspaper is what the world needs this holiday season in a nation where, according to the National Education Association's Health Information Network, American children are more at risk from gun violence than children in any other industrialized nation.

Certainly Americans don't need a gun in every stocking when, according to the Centers for Disease control, homicide and suicide are the leading causes of teen deaths, with 80 percent of these deaths resulting from guns.
Well then, you certainly don't need to buy one, Frank. But you certainly are being inconsistent about all this, especially when you admit "The market for guns is certainly out there in this nation of ours, if not to protect our freedom, then to protect our lives and possessions."

Because there's one thing you can be certain of, Frank: Those who would kill you and yours without batting an eye will still be out there during the holidays. And yes, guns have certainly been used at Christmas time to protect freedom as well.

[Via HZ]

This Day in History: December 1



This original document from the Revolutionary War is the muster roll of the Second South Carolina Regiment on the Continental Establishment, signed by its commander, Lt. Col. Francis Marion (1732-1795), Sullivan’s Island, December 1, 1778.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Suffredin Succotash!

"I am tired of business as usual. I am tired of picking up the paper or turning on the news to see reports about innocent children gunned down in cold blood, because some gang member bought a gun at their local gun shop," Suffredin said. "For nearly thirty years, I have fought for sensible gun laws. Whether it was against the NRA or legislative leaders, I fought to pass laws to keep guns off our streets."

Doing Snuffy's dirty work for him, Larry? And if John R-I-G-G-I-O doesn't shut down Chuck's Gun Shop, are you going to have your "Only Ones" snuff him out?

There can be no peace with these evil creatures--they will not allow it. They insist on pushing and pushing and leaving no choice but to obey or be destroyed. How much longer people who consider themselves free will put up with their undisguised tyranny remains to be seen. In short, Larry, when are people going to get tired of you?

And incidentally--to the Reuters "Authorized Journalist" headline writers--I was going to correct you and say the word is "Reined," but now that I've read the article, I see spelling it with a "g" is more appropriate.

[UPDATE: I see Mikestraw1 and KABA beat me to two punches...]

We're the Only Ones Interrogating Enough

Four city police officers were suspended without pay for allowing a homicide suspect to smuggle a loaded gun into police headquarters by hiding it inside her underwear.
So...gRendell...based on results, Pennsylvania's "Only Ones" can't even keep guns out of their holding cells--and you're pushing the fraud that you can control them throughout the entire state?

Europeans Endorse Stricter Gun Control

Which part would they be from again...?

North American Union, here we come!

The Mass Shooter Loophole

States appear to be taking more action to keep guns out of the hands of people with mental health problems in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, new figures show. [More]
The rejects suspected of being maniacs with murder in their evil hearts will, however, still have full unrestricted access to utility knives, fuel oil and fertilizer, and gasoline and matches, as well as be allowed to move freely throughout society. [Via Plug Nickel Times]

We're the Only Ones Shirking Enough

Male police slept on the job, faked patrol reports, watched an X-rated TV channel and ran a forfeit system where they had to buy each other doughnuts as a penalty for leaving guns lying around, an employment tribunal heard.

Cryptic Subterranean treats us to a sordid tale of airport "Only Ones" on his side of the pond.

More on State AGs

Yesterday, we discussed finding out where our state attorneys general stand on the Heller case, and if they will file an amicus brief on its behalf.

Correspondent GarandFan did some stats legwork for us in his comments.

1894C points us to this essay by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

David Hardy tells me Texas Solicitor General R. Ted Cruz "is rounding up AG amici," and reports the Arkansas AG Dustin McDaniel is filing one.


I'm toying with the idea of putting together one of those maps of the US where the states are color coded to show who's on board, who's AWOL and who's against us--here's the preliminary rough draft:


At this point, it only shows those that have actually filed at the SCOTUS level per the above-referenced comments, which I have not double-checked--point being, this is a rough draft only intended to express the concept. Maybe I should also add a symbol for those states that filed a brief at the district level, and another if they signed on to the Ashcroft support letter...

Of course, if somebody with actual graphics skills and the ability to create an interactive map where you could click on states and symbols and link to copies of the briefs, etc., wanted to take this project over, I wouldn't mind stepping out of the way one bit.

Sweet Homegrown Terrorist Alabama

Anti-government groups usually believe:
Gun Control = Enslavement
Constitution has been subverted
The U.S. has lost its sovereignty

And your point would be...?

Garrett has more on "Homegrown Terrorists"...

Nice to know the people of the state of Alabama are paying for this...I tried taking their quiz and when I completed it got a "data retrieval failure" notice--there's government in action for ya.

Maybe what we need to do is come up with one of those quizzes of our own on this--where you get the code for a graphic you can put on your website that shows what level you came in at...

Here's the Humor Paul: You're Making a Prissy Little Fool of Yourself (Again)

In last night’s Republican YouTube debate, a questioner submitted this video of himself shooting what looks like an AK-type semi-automatic assault rifle at a target in the desert. In less than two seconds, self-identified NRA Life Member Jay Fox fires off six rounds. (Check the timing of the video yourself.)

Oooh...six rounds in less than two seconds. Check the timing yourself...

Good grief. You really don't have the first idea what you're talking about, do you?

Here's a clue as to why that's no big deal, Paul.

No wonder you're so afraid--you're ignorant.

No wonder you some off like such an hysterical little girl--instead of a man.

This Day in History: November 30

The Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States, recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation. After the British defeat at Yorktown, peace talks in Paris began in April 1782 between Richard Oswarld representing Great Britain and the American Peace Commissioners Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams. The American negotiators were joined by Henry Laurens two days before the preliminary articles of peace were signed on November 30, 1782.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Larmee of One

I really assumed this was done by a child, and not a very smart or talented one at that.

To paraphrase the old saying, I don't know art, but I know what sucks.

Paul Helmke's New Math

There is the “Militia purpose” clause, with 13 words. Then there is the “keep and bear Arms” clause, with 14 words. Two clauses and 27 words. This is an uncomfortable fact to those accustomed to reading only half of the Amendment, reciting the last 14 words over and over again as if the first 13 didn’t exist.

Of course they all exist, Paul. You're the ones arguing the militia are not "the whole people," but just that fraction in active service to the government.

By the way, how come no comments on your blog, Paul? What are you afraid of? I guess your supporters will have to troll "pro-gun" sites to chime in their support for your subversive lies.

UPDATE: Hi guys. That's right, I said "LIES." Speaking of which, how come your IP Address still says "Handgun Control"?


I thought you'd established the deception that you were some sort of violence prevention campaign, because the old monicker revealed too much about your mindset and goals...

Do You Know Where YOUR AG Stands?

Ryan Horsley asks his to weigh in on Heller with support for individual rights.

I'm delighted to see this avenue being pursued. A few days back, I sent the following link of state Attorneys General supporting the Ashcroft position to Robert Levy, hoping he would find value in it, and he noted that "6 of the 18 [were] Democrats...very impressive..."

I wasn't so fortunate in the response I received from then-CA AG Bill Lockyer, which was really no surprise, but did get a commitment from Republican AG candidate Dick Ackerman's campaign that he would go on record supporting an individual rights view.

I agree with Ryan--find out where your state AG stands on the Second Amendment--and ask him if he will add his voice to those supporting Heller.

A Word About Registration

Today's post on Ontario home inspections illustrates one of the reasons I get so irritated with some in Second Amendment academic circles who maintain that registration would prove to be Constitutional, citing militia laws specifying firearm and inspection requirements. There's no argument that those mustered were required to submit to command authority in this and other matters--but also no evidence that this universally included a thorough accounting of everything that they did not bring to the field and left for private use at home.

I don't know why these reputed smart guys think it's wise to cede this point before we've even engaged on it, and particularly with the indisputable historical record of government abuse whenever such lists are at their disposal.

ALERT in Ontario

We have just learned that the Chief Firearms Office in Ontario is initiating a pilot program to begin limited home inspections in the Toronto area.

CSSA Executive Director Larry Whitmore sent me this link to legal information they have made available to those at risk.

Think about it. Mandatory inspections. Warrantless searches. A requirement to self-incriminate. Presumed authority to seize property. All against registered collectors under the guise of "public safety," with a liberal sprinkling of the word "reasonable," and even sneaking in the Orwellian fraud of "voluntary compliance."

That'll show Ontario's violent criminal underclass.

Keep an eye on this one for adaptation here. You know our enemies will.

[Via Bruce Mills]

We're the Only Ones Who Really Know How to Party Enough

Jude, 29, said he had been at a party on Oct. 24, 2004, when a group of white men who identified themselves as off-duty officers kicked and punched him, put a knife to his throat and jammed a pen in his ears as he begged for mercy. Jude said he heard Spengler call him a racial slur.
Thank goodness it's only a few "Only Ones," right, and it's not reflective of the force? That must be why:
The police department disciplined 13 officers after the beating, including nine who were fired. Two of the fired officers won back their jobs, including Packard after a 20-day suspension.

Four others have pleaded guilty to similar federal charges.
Nope, no pattern here...

[Via SameNoKami]

We're the Only Ones Misconducting Ourselves Enough

Prosecutors said Trooper Robert Czora pulled over an out-of-state motorist on the Adirondack Northway in Ausable back in August. He told the motorist to pay $300 in bail money then kept the money for himself.
But he didn't plan on keeping the money, as evidenced by the fact that he returned it after finding out he was being investigated! Why does that remind me of something a 7-year-old would say when caught with his hand in the cookie jar?

Forget not knowing if this highwayman is going to keep his job--why isn't he being prosecuted for strong arm robbery with additional charges tacked on because a gun was on his person during a commission of a crime?

And can you imagine what he would have done had she refused to sign the ticket? Or offered an opinion? Or "lifted a finger" to stop a literal act of highway robbery under color of authority?

Only "The Only Ones"...

We're the Only Ones Flying Free Enough

Stan tells us of one story with two outcomes.

WarOnGuns mentioned Judge James here and here. I also told you about High-Flyin' Frank and the Juan that got away, The story of the hapless Mr. Hochman only proves it's good to be an "Only One."

Follow the title link and find out what happens if you're not.

GunTalk TV

It's not really a surprise that CNN chose to not air the Tom Gresham/Clint Smith question--anyone who watched the "debates" saw they did present two RKBA-related questions, one where the person had to be corrected not to throw guns, the other where the questioner--and Rudy--repeated the oblivious assumption that 2A is a granted right.

Tom didn't figure they'd select his question, but was nice enough not to discourage me from urging gun owners to request CNN do just that. He's been busy bypassing a media that too often ignores gun owners by producing his own videos at GunTalkTV, and tells me:
A bunch are free. Some require a (cheap) subscription...It's been fun, and it's going to grow like crazy. We kicked it off with 100 videos, but I plan to have 500 on it within a year. All are original (I shoot 'em) videos. We'll be adding some with Jerry Miculek next week. The safety videos are all free. Folks do need to sign up to see them...

Anyway, take a look. My goal is to make quality firearms training available to everyone.
By all means, take a look.

UPDATE: Faulty memory alert. There were three questions, actually--the third dealt with guns candidates own and if any require a stamp.

This Day in History: November 29

The officers commanding regiments are to see, that their men's arms are put in the best order possible; and of the loaded ones, such as can be drawn, are to be drawn, and the others discharged the first fair day, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon; but to prevent the waste of lead, the men of each regiment, or brigade, are to discharge their pieces, into a bank of earth, from whence the lead may be taken again.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Late Start

Computer has been down all morning. Finally have it back up, but posting has been shot to hell.

Here's an outline of what I was going to talk about today, sans commentary:

This Day in History
After the judgement and loyalty of Silas Deane is called into question, Congress appoints John Adams to succeed Deane as the commissioner to France.

We're the Only Ones Who Won't Be Charged Enough
Charges will not be filed against a district court judge who was accused of taking a loaded gun to a Detroit Metropolitan Airport checkpoint this summer.
[Via MacEntyre]
Whose Right to Bear Arms?

Some questions are best left to time, precedent and the evolving standards of the common law.
[Via Paul W. Davis]

The ABC's of Assault Weapons
This surge of deaths stemming from semiautomatic assault weapons seems unnecessary. In 1994, President Clinton signed a law banning the sale of these weapons.
[Via HZ]

Is Paris Burning?

Youths rampaged for a third night in the tough suburbs north of Paris and violence spread to a southern city late Tuesday as police struggled to contain rioters who have burned cars and buildings and — in an ominous turn — shot at officers.
[Via Chris Horton]

Reminder-Republican YouTube Debate is Tonight! There is still time to email CNN about the Gresham tape.