You're Invited to the Tea Party

Tomorrow. For Ron Paul.

[Via 45superman]

Merkel for Cow Killer!

The other day, WarOnGuns posted a quote by Alvin Police Chief Mike Merkel from a story at Click2Houston.com:

...Merkel said there are three things shoppers need to know if they are trapped in a chaotic shooting situation inside a mall.

First, stand still.

"They're going to pick out individuals who are running to or away from them," Merkel said. "Standing still may keep you from becoming a victim."

Correspondent Mack, who first alerted me to this story, tells me Merkel is running for sheriff.

In the interests of presenting the chief's citizen defense platform to his voting constituents, I've taken the liberty of preparing the following billboard prototype to illustrate what I've decided to call "Merkel's Mall Maxim":


See, it's a...a metaphor. The gunman could be either the mall shooter or one of Merkel's "Only Ones" qualified enough to engage and return fire, and the cow standing still, too witless and helpless to act in its own defense, represents... uh... you in Merkel's eyes, or at least someone who would vote for him.

If the campaign decides to use these billboards, they can also be adapted. For instance, the caption could read "Like Shooting Cows in a Barrel" or...I don't know. Feel free to leave suggestions in "Comments," below.

And if you're wondering why I didn't make one of those moving slide shows like I have for the "Burma Shave" signs, well, that wouldn't be very illustrative of Merkel's Mall Maxim, would it?

Savage on Sullivan

Speaking of Len Savage, I got the following email the other day and just received permission to post it:

David,

My thoughts on Sen. Kerry's Urging: I have experienced first hand Mr. Sullivan's leadership of the ATF. He is vindictive, and will have his people fudge the evidence in court just to make a case. {look it up US v. Kwan}.

I have had armed audits, and visits, not to mention, been penalized by Mr. Sullivan for having the Babylonian indecency to tell juries that ATF has no written testing program for firearms evidence in Federal Court. They actually admitted it Congress back in 05. "Maximum Mike" was informed, instead of cleaning up the mess he opted to cover it up! Faking evidence in Federal Court. If you think bullet testing was bad, look at how ATF tests the rest of the gun!

"Because he has responsibly enforced our country's laws."

Ha! Sen. Kerry talks out his ass so much I can't tell if he farted or not!

Mr. Sullivan has ATF Chief Council work on "Novel Theories of prosecution". Mr. Sullivan reserves the right for ATF to reinterpret the law "United States Code". I found Sen. Kennedy's comments rather telling as well. I did not know that "gun control issues" were part of the United States Code. Obviously a "deal" has been cut that Mr. Sullivan agreed to pursue a lobbyist agenda on behalf of Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Kerry.

I challenge either Sen. to show me otherwise. Why else would they black out the Hearing on his confirmation, and won't release the transcript?

I think it's time to demand a public hearing on this by the Senate.

Senator Kerry, Put up or shut up!

Len Savage
President,
Historic Arms LLC

JPFO Interviews Len Savage

Aaron Zelman has an updated interview with Len Savage, President of Historic Arms, discussing court cases dealing with gun owner's rights that the ATF would rather you not know about and also about some of the most recent vindictiveness of the ATF towards Len and others, and a little bit about their sloppy record keeping.

I meant to post this a couple days ago but dropped the ball. Hopefully I'll find the time this weekend to listen to it myself.

Open Letter to NRA on Confirmation of "Maximum Mike"

In the last presidential election, NRA rallied its members, raising millions of dollars against John Kerry by telling us he would initiate and support measures harmful to our right to keep and bear arms. Kerry is supporting confirmation of Michael Sullivan as head of ATF, and is joined by Ted Kennedy and the Brady Center's Peter Hamm.

Every national "pro-gun rights" organization has come out against this confirmation except for NRA. The biggest of them all, the leader, is silent.

Why?

David Codrea
Life Member

If you oppose the Sullivan confirmation, please contact NRA via this form.

[Thanks to Armed and Safe]

This Day in History: December 15

I'd say "Happy Bill of Rights Day," but that somehow seems inadequate, trivial and irreverent for what this document and the men behind it represent. We need a different word than "happy"...

Suggestions?

Caution at LSU

Double Homicide on LSU Campus; LSU Community Urged to Use Caution...

The LSU Police Department is investigating a double homicide that took place on LSU’s campus late in the evening on Thursday, Dec. 13. The homicides occurred at the Edward Gay Apartments, located near the intersection of West Roosevelt Street and Gov. Claiborne Drive, adjacent to the LSU Band practice field.

"Use caution"? Like being able to defend themselves against unknown armed and murdererous home invaders in their midst...?

Well, no actually...

I would also like to remind students that the LSU campus is a firearm-free zone and the university has a zero-tolerance policy regarding this. LSU’s firearm policy is backed by the state, through Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.2, which prohibits the carrying of a firearm or dangerous weapon on school property, at school-sponsored functions or in firearm-free zones. We expect students to adhere to this state law and LSU policy, and will hold accountable those who do not adhere to it.

So, Chancellor O'Keefe: How's that working out for you there?

I'm Tired

I am tired of spineless legislators who are so afraid of the gun lobby that they won't vote to ban assault weapons. I am tired of hearing that "guns don't kill people...I am tired of having 3 million Americans who refuse to consider any compromise on the possession and use of guns...

Who does Gail Schoettler think she is: Lili Von Schtupp?

Just Like a Deer in the Headlights

Alvin Police Chief Mike Merkel said there are three things shoppers need to know if they are trapped in a chaotic shooting situation inside a mall.

First, stand still.

"They're going to pick out individuals who are running to or away from them," Merkel said. "Standing still may keep you from becoming a victim."

That's your best advice, get all wide-eyed and paralyzed? That's what you train your "Only Ones" to do in fluid tactical situations, right, Chief?

And how about that mall management, providing "complimentary" security escorts "as requested"? I wonder if one of their $9/hr. rent-a-cops will be ready to throw himself between my family and an armed assailant?

Facts folks: there is no one-size-fits-all procedure to follow, and the Chief ought to know better than to issue authoritative pronouncements without knowing what the hell he's talking about. We know from experience that a moving target is harder to hit, as is one that puts distance between himself and the shooter, and that even if hit, the likelihood of sustaining a fatal wound is decreased. We know that diving for cover can offer brief shelter, but that assumes a stationary shooter not hunting down prey--which, if we look at Virginia Tech and Columbine, just isn't the way these things go down.

Here are two other things we know: by the time Chief Merkel's finest are in position to engage the madman, the brunt--if not all--of the killing will have been done.

That and the only proven deterrent to a shooter is shooting back.

[Via Mack]

Is That "Victims Treble" or "Victims Tremble"?

THE number of people hurt or killed in firearms incidents in London rose to a record high of 1,221 last year, it has emerged.

Some will argue that this is still dwarfed by what the US experiences.

Just hold on. We ain't seen nothin' yet, particularly with the cultural abdication that practically guarantees a Europe in flames at some point in this century. And the way things are going, and unless we get our act together, we may not be that far behind.

Not exactly a time to individually disarm, is it?

[Via Bruce Mills]

America Fights Back

From Alan Gottlieb and Dave Workman:

Our new book, America Fights Back: Armed Self-defense in a Violent Age, just sold out in the first 30 days and just had a second printing released by Merril Press.

America Fights Back details gripping stories of armed self-defense by law abiding American citizens, woven into analysis of gun control laws and a broken justice system, and how they have failed to protect us.

We hope you'll find the book worthy of your time and attention—and that you'll follow the links to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and order your copy if you missed getting one in the first printing.

John Kerry's Friend

John Kerry, who has an F rating from the NRA and an F rating from GOA, is urging Idaho Senators to drop their hold on his friend Michael Sullivan's confirmation as director of the ATF.

So Kerry's for him, as is Ted Kennedy and Mr. Vote Freedom First himself--you know, the guy gun owners put over the top in the last two elections.

If "Maximum Mike" is confirmed, expect more of the same abuse.

This is bigger than who heads BATFU. The message to Republicans needs to be loud and clear. The GOP keep expecting us to put up with their betrayals, and they're offering us front runners with a history of doing just that. If they want to lose really big in '08, just keep it up.

In the mean time, as a token gesture of gratitude for past support and good will for the future, we need to make it known we expect them to oppose this nomination.

Of course, if it's just a few of us saying this, it will amount to nothing. You have written your senators, right? (I eagerly await the first late-comer to give the "but they're Democrats" excuse...click this link to see how to address that)

And by the way--how come our self-proclaimed leaders from Fairfax are nowhere near the fray, and purposefully quiet about the whole thing?

A Simple Solution

I don't own a gun. I'm not responsible enough.

Then don't own one. Just keep your opinions away from my guns.

One other thing: since you obviously don't value your life enough to invest what it takes to become responsible, don't expect anyone else to risk his or her life saving it.

And don't get me started on your friend Dave...

Where There's Smoke...?

Teams of federal agents swooped down on up to 10 close associates of the Rev. Al Sharpton Wednesday, demanding the flamboyant clergyman's financial records since 2001.

Jeez, and almost immediately after he threatened to disrupt Chicago's Olympic bid...

Hey, what took you guys so long? And what about Jesse and Snuffy?

Yeah, I Know: Ads

No, I don't choose them, they're assigned. And I'm not allowed to ask anyone to click on them.

I've decided to give it a try and see if it's worth the space and making my motives suspect for this shameless abasement before Mammon. I don't know if I'll let them stay or not.

In the mean time, anybody who doesn't like it can have 100% of their money back.

This Day in History: December 14

At 10:00 P.M. on December 14, 1799, George Washington died at his Mt. Vernon home after five decades of service to his country. His last words reportedly were: "I feel myself going. I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quietly. I cannot last long." Washington was sixty-seven years old.

Someone to Watch Over Me

The Pentagon is about to embark on a stunningly ambitious research project designed to gather every conceivable bit of information about a person's life, index all the information and make it searchable.

What national security experts and civil libertarians want to know is, why would the Defense Department want to do such a thing?

What kind of mind would want to have such control over other minds?

And what kind of mind could read about this and conclude the Second Amendment is no longer relevant, and government really should have monopoly of power, that is, complete control over us?

As an aside, this reminds me of nothing so much as the opening paragraph in "The War of the Worlds."

[Via Jeffrey H]

J'Accuse!

An accusation has been made.

A response has been given.

We'll see in 12 hours if it stays posted.

Chuck Goudie Delivers as Promised

No surprises here...

No "laws" broken by the gun shops either, but that doesn't stop this despicable police state apologist from making it seem that way.

So much for "government watchdogs."

Chicago "Authorized Journalists." They really do make guys like Goebbels seem like primitive amateurs.

Today's Red's Update

Questions for BATFU: You really expect us not to think this is a vendetta you're conducting against Ryan Horsley and his family business because he dared to stand up to you instead of baring his throat and letting you kill him? Who the hell is up at 4:30 AM doing Internet searches for "reds trading post news" except someone obsessed with trying to find...anything...to use against him?

This is the kind of stuff you expect to see in a criminal investigation. I'd like to see someone explain this web search and their motives--under oath.

In other Red's news, Ryan has a warning for Curios and Relics holders: Don't think the eye of Sauron hasn't noticed you...

He also posts some good news in the ongoing effort to deny confirmation to Maximum Mike. For a reason that totally escapes me, some are discouraging gun owners from participating in this, and I think that's unnecessary and destructive. It's not like asking people to send an email or letter to their senators is going to break anybody's back in terms of effort. If they don't want to support this, fine, that's their business--but why they feel a need to derail the efforts of those who wish to participate is something I don't understand.

We'll see if it's a lost cause--two senators disagree with you, and even if it is, what does it gain us to give any ground without a fight? It's not like if we lose this that we've lost any more than a few minutes apiece writing letters--and the gun groups ask us to do that all the time.

What I do know is, all the major "gun groups" --except NRA, the "leader"-- have taken a position on this. I know Fairfax knows about this, so that means they're choosing to be silent. They can't claim this would overwhelm their resources, as they put out alerts anyway, and all it would take is a paragraph or two asking their members to contact their senators. So without a break in their silence, I can only assume their priority is not pissing off the 4 am lurkers and impairing their access to the BATFU hierarchy.

This Day in History: December 13

As Maj. General William Howe entered winter quarters on December 13, 1776, Lt. General Charles Cornwallis now received permission to halt his advance at the Delaware River. Howe, supported by Maj. General Henry Clinton, wanted to pull his line of defense to between Brunswick and Newark. However, Cornwallis convinced Howe to extend the lines for several reasons. The Americans were considered a minimal threat to the distant garrisons and lines of communication. Pulling back would make the British appear weak and unable to maintain positions. Such a move would also deprive New Jersey Loyalists of military protection during the winter.

Red's Update

Ryan posts on Len Savage.

Chuck Goudie and the I-Team Reporting

Not content to be left out of the treason in Chicago, the "Authorized Journalists" need to get in on the act and add their fuel to the flames.

From frequent correspondent HZ:

I saw a commercial tonight for an "investigative" report that will air tomorrow night (Wed Dec 12) on ABC 7 Chicago. I heard and caught the tale end of the promo commercial. The investigative reporter, Chuck Goudie was confronting someone on the street and asking him if he had just bought a gun while the person was trying to get in their car. You can hear him continuing his questioning the person and asking him "don't you live in Chicago?" I'm assuming the implication is that a Chicago resident just bought a gun in a suburban gun shop. The voice over then goes on to say something (paraphrased) like Chuck Goudie and the I-Team look into the flow of guns into Chicago ... blah, blah, blah.

Here's the link where it will more than likely be posted after it airs tomorrow night.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/channel?section=news/iteam&id=5755443

Cook County Turning Up the Heat

Cook County Board Poised to Shut Down Cabela's Superstore

Discontented Cookie posts an ISRA release.

It would seem with all the permitting a store like this must go through--beginning years before groundbreaking, that this is actionable for Cabela's against Cook County, and may even qualify as ex post facto...

But it does show the extent haters of liberty will go to be in your face with their treasonous agenda.

Also from Cook County:

Armed and Safe posts on "OutDCing DC":
Part 1
and
Part 2
where we learn more about the evil machinations to shut down gun shops by Larry Sufredin Succotash, and his partner in treason, the unfortunately named William Beavers, who has a registration plan to eliminate guns from all but "The Only Ones"--you know--those guys who are shielded from the truth...

Sic 'em, Al...

Machine Gun Shootout

Join Current TV's Vanguard Journalist, Kaj Larsen, as he gives viewers a closer look at how guns are being used in America in the compelling new pod, "Machine Gun Shootout." On Wednesday, December 12th at 10 pm ET/PT viewers will be shocked to see what Larsen finds at the Knob Hill Gun Range in Kentucky ­ from the operation of tanks and Napalm firing to a 9 year-old shooting machine guns. In this Vanguard special report, Current TV exposes one side of the gun culture issue at the largest machine gun shoot in the country ­ an event most Americans probably didn¹t know existed.

The above text is from the promo email notifying me of the program.

"Viewers will be shocked"?

Sounds hysterical--we'll see. The title link takes you to the general website--I guess we'll need to wait for showtime to get a specific url.

I wonder if a "Vanguard Journalist" is even more special, hip, avant garde and just plain groovy than an "Authorized" one--I guess we'll find that out, too.

UPDATE: LINK NOW GOES DIRECTLY TO VIDEO--and it's not as hysterical as the promo email suggests--it is, in fact, surprisingly well-balanced and enjoyable. My first inclination is to say the PR folks did the segment a disservice by presenting this as a shock piece, but then again, for many who know no better, it probably is, and we can help change that.

(Thanks 45Superman!)

Original Understanding

Lawyers are not necessarily historians, and sometimes it shows.

Despite the obvious importance of the Constitution’s original understanding, legal writers attempting to deduce the original understanding often have reached their conclusions based on astonishingly few sources. Furthermore, they sometimes misinterpret the sources they use. Among the malefactors, alas, are some Supreme Court justices and contributors to the nation’s most prestigious law reviews.

In an effort to raise the quality of originalist research, this essay is designed to introduce legal writers to the general range of material readily available for competent work.

Here's an interesting resource from the University of Montana--I haven't had time to give this anything but a cursory scan, but look forward to returning and wading in more deeply.

[Via Angel Shamaya]

This Day in History: December 12

...I cannot think Princeton, under the present situation of affairs, by any means a proper place for the sick. Should they remain there they would be liable to be taken. At the same time, I do not wish you to precipitate their removal in such a manner as to endanger them. In respect to the Hospitals at Easton and Bethlehem, I also am of opinion that they should be removed: But these, as their situation is not so dangerous, may be deferred till the last. We must keep the Sick always in the Rear of the Army, or they will be subject to captivity.

Let the Character Assassination Begin

The man who killed four people at a church and missionary training center shot himself in the head and died after being hit by shots from a church security officer, police said Tuesday.

Perhaps. But there can be no doubt she stopped him and hastened his choice to pull the trigger before he bled to death--or worse, in his mind--was saved by paramedics.

But here's where it really gets good:

Also Tuesday, Minneapolis police Sgt. Jesse Garcia said Assam was fired from the Minneapolis force in 1997 for lying during an internal investigation. Sgt. John Delmonico, president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, said police were investigating a complaint that [Jeanne] Assam swore at a bus driver while she was handling an incident on a city bus.

I wonder if they're in the habit of releasing past employee personnel records like this, and wonder if that shouldn't prompt an investigation. What Assam represents, and therefore, she herself, must be discredited at all costs. They can't let us have her as an example: it's just too dangerous and damaging to their agenda.

She once swore at a bus driver? They are desperately digging for any mud they can throw that might stick, aren't they?

I'm waiting for God-only-knows-what to come slithering out from under the woodwork. I hope this lady has a fine support network, and a way of getting feedback about how many people are grateful for her inspiring bravery.

Jerry Seinfeld is On the List

He can afford to be.

GUNS Magazine: December 1957

IT IS DIFFICULT, at least for anyone having more than a passing interest in guns, to witness one of Hollywood's standard slam-bang Western movies without raising a skeptical eyebrow now and again during the smokey flow of film. Admiration often gives way to a snicker when a single bullet, fired from the hero's hip, neatly disarms a distant badman. The snicker evolves into a sneer when later the same hero bags his seventh, eighth, or ninth (depending upon the casting director's budget) outlaw with his trusty but unreloaded six-gun.

Questions arise. "Who the hell does Hollywood think it's kidding?" is one of the most frequent. [More]

True, but if it's Anne Francis doing the kidding...

What were we talking about? Oh, yeah, the December 1957 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online. I think they talk about some other stuff, too.

Meet Jeanne Assam, Armed Citizen

Jeanne Assam appeared before the news media for the first time Monday and said she "did not think for a minute to run away" when a gunman entered the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and started shooting.

Mike Vanderboegh provides the following thoughts:

OK, my first comment is that Pastor Boyd had it right: "The security guards are members of the church who are screened and not 'mercenaries that we hire to walk around our campus to provide security.'" "Mercenaries that we hire" is an accurate description of the security guards who froze at the mall shooting. If you are a security guard and are offended, I am sorry.

Second, there is an old cavalry dictum which states, "When in doubt, ride to the sound of the guns." Jeanne Assam did not call for backup and wait. She did not set up a perimeter. She had no need of an "incident command post." She moved to the sound of the guns, although she says "There was chaos . . .I will never forget the gunshots. They were so loud." Through crowds of panicked people, SHE WENT FORWARD. She moved, in best cavalry fashion, toward the sound of the guns.

Third, Jeanne Assam's actions were informed by, indeed they were a logical extension of, her faith in God. She had to be scared. Anyone who's ever been shot at in circumstances that require you to do your job in spite of the fact that someone's trying to kill you knows what I mean. So yeah, she was scared. But she doesn't comment upon that. What does she say? "God was with me." "I didn't think for a minute to run away." She believed that "God gave her the strength to confront Murray, keeping her calm and focused even though he appeared to be twice her size and was more heavily armed." "It seemed" she said, " like it was me, the gunman and God." As indeed it was.

Fourth, Jeanne Assam was a volunteer. It wasn't her job, in the strictest sense of that word, to confront the gunman, it was her responsibility. It was a responsibility freely accepted and faithfully executed. It is the responsibility that all of us who are citizens and not serfs embrace along with the liberty that such a burden secures. Jeanne Assam and the other volunteers at the church were acting as a citizen's militia, in the classic American definition of that term. They were volunteer sheepdogs, watching over the flock. And they did their duty.

Finally, there is this: "Boyd said Assam was the one who suggested the church beef up its security Sunday following the Arvada shooting, which it did. The pastor credited the security plan and the extra security for preventing further bloodshed." Jeanne Assam, armed citizen and Christian sheepdog, apprehended the threat before it appeared. She planned for it, organized for it, and executed the plan when the danger did arrive, at the risk of her own life. That she gives all credit to God is correct, fitting and proper. But let us also give credit where credit is due to Jeanne Assam for living and acting in the finest traditions of the American armed citizenry. May we all measure up to the standard she has set.

Mike Vanderboegh
PO Box 926
Pinson, AL 35126
GeorgeMason1776 AT AOL DOT com

Today's Red's Update

All We Are Saying Is Give Mike a Chance

Obama's Big "But"

[Via Ryan Horsley]

Dial 911 and...

OK, Bradys--now what?

[Via Paul W. Davis]

UPDATE: The link has been deactivated because the weather advisory is no longer in effect. Here is the text that had appeared there:

Civil Emergency Message
OKC037-113-143-111500-

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TULSA OK
247 PM CST MON DEC 10 2007

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE TULSA
AREA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

SOME INTERSECTIONS MAY NOT YET HAVE TEMPORARY FOUR WAY STOP SIGNS.

CALL 911 FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT HANG
UP IF YOU CALL, YOUR CALL WILL BE ANSWERED.

THE TULSA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ON OPERATION SLICK STREETS. IF YOU
HAVE A NON INJURY ACCIDENT, DO NOT CALL 911. THE POLICE WILL NOT RESPOND.

ALL HOSPITALS EXCEPT THE OSU MEDICAL CENTER AND HILLCREST MEDICAL
CENTER ARE OPERATING ON BACK UP POWER. AEP-PSO HAS PRIORITIZED
RESTORING POWER TO HOSPITALS FIRST.

IT COULD TAKE SEVERAL DAYS FOR THE POWER TO BE RESTORED TO ALL
HOMES.

DO NOT SEEK SHELTER FROM THE COLD AT AREA HOSPITALS.

SEEK SHELTER AT THE SALVATION ARMY DAY CENTER...102 NORTH
DENVER...THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH...403 SOUTH CINCINNATI...THE
COLLINSVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH...1301 WEST MAIN...THE OLIVETTE
BAPTIST CHURCH IN SAND SPRINGS...155 NORTH 65TH WEST AVENUE...THE
NEW BEGINNINGS BAPTIST CHURCH IN BIXBY...4101 EAST 151ST STREET...THE
FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH IN OWASSO...96TH STREET NORTH AND 177TH EAST
AVENUE...AND THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN SAPULPA...200 SOUTH ELM.

CITIZENS CAN CALL THE MAYORS ACTION LINE AT 596-2100. TO REPORT
DOWNED POWER LINES CALL 888-218-3919.

TO REQUEST TULSA TRANSIT LIFT SERVICE, CALL 625-5722.

Fair Dinkum Friends

Australians overwhelmingly like American culture, arts and freedoms,but have growing concerns about the country's lack of gun control and social
equality, a survey released on Monday said.

So if we were more Marxist they'd like us better?

Freedom...popularity...

Freedom...popularity...

That's a tough one, mate. I need to crack open a Foster's and ponder this one.

[Via Bruce Mills]

Windy City Smackdown

Rev. Al Sharpton has a message for the city of Chicago: Do something about police brutality, or he will work to ensure that the 2016 Olympics don't come to Chicago.

Well, gee, Al, maybe if you'd stop working toward the creation of a police state...

What are you--cause and effect impaired?

I love watching the left turn on each other--it's more entertaining than an evening at Michael Vick's.

[Via Chris Horton]

The Road to Hell...

Chuck Michel, an attorney for the California Rifle and Pistol Association, said gun rights groups originally supported the creation of the program because it was designed to get guns out of the hands of violent criminals and felons.

"The CAPP program is good in theory," Michel said. "In practice, however, there are now so many complicated ways to lose your gun rights over paperwork and minor violations that many lawyers don't understand the system and many people don't even realize they're prohibited.

"Regrettably, CAPP is frequently being misused against these minor offenders who have often been misadvised about their legal status."

...is paved with what kind of intentions again? They really couldn't see this one coming?

And what "minor offenders"? The "Authorized Journalists" told us right up front this was designed to round up "California's most violent gun-toting felons"...

I'd like to know all the "gun rights groups" that threw their support behind this--as well as the ones that didn't.

[Via Bruce Mills]

This Day in History: December 11

The Wallace House was completed in 1776 as Hope Farm for John Wallace, a successful Philadelphia merchant. General Washington leased the house for use as his headquarters during the Middlebrook Winter Encampment, December 11, 1778, to June 3, 1779.

A Huge Success!

So how did it go? And remember — news of the rallies had garnered plenty of free advance notice publicity from media outlets across the land.

ABC News put the throng at “about 150 marchers.”

My Rights Watch column for the January 2008 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

The Most Important Point

The gunman was killed by a member of the church's armed security staff before police arrived...

This is what we must focus on.

Yeah, But What About Before They Get There?

Boston cops have spent the past year undergoing specialized training on how to confront and stop a crazed gunman such as the teenage killer who walked into a Nebraska mall last week and murdered eight people in a shooting spree, BPD Commissioner Ed Davis told me.

Really?

And how does Ed propose to get his crack team on site before the killer has completed his mission?

Virtually Guaranteed!

But administrators insist the university's carefully crafted gun procedures virtually guarantee a gun-free room...

And if they don't...?

The Crappiest Place on Earth

There was a little less enchantment in the Magic Kingdom Sunday morning when a 63-year-old Pennsylvania woman was taken into custody for allegedly bringing a loaded semi-automatic into the park.

Hardly surprising.

Really Enforcing the Law?

Let's try enforcing the current laws, sentence gun-toters to full prison sentences- and make prisons a place they won't ever want to go back to.

Which laws would those be that we're supposed to enforce? If it's being a "gun-toter," then I know someone quite well who is guilty, and unapologetically so, and he and his family are still here as a result. If it's not registering a semiauto after California ordered it, well...

I'll ask this again: Isn't "enforcing the current laws" precisely what the government was doing at Ruby Ridge and Waco?

The subtitle of The War on Guns, "Notes from the Resistance," isn't just there for decoration. It's an underlying theme throughout. Me, I'm for repealing current gun laws.

[Via Voolfie]

Gun Free Zones T-Shirt

John Hardin has designed one.

We're the Only Ones Off Target Enough

“You take Olympic shooters, and they practice all the time, and they can hit a fly off a cow’s nose from 100 yards,” said Mr. Cerar, the retired commander. “But if you put a gun in that cow’s hand, you will get a different reaction from the Olympic shooter.”

It would seem "Only One" metaphors are also off a bit...

[Via Declan]

This Day in History: December 10

On December 10, Col. S.B. Webb and his regiment conducted a raid against the British-held Long Island. The raid was quickly broken up by some British warships. Webb and his men were eventually captured.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?