Who Shall Guard the Guards?

[I just received this essay from Mike Vanderboegh. It is pasted here as a Guest Editorial complete and unedited except for minor formatting.]

"Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?" -- Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis, Juvenal's Satires, 6.347-48.

Lisa Simpson: "If you're the police, who will police the police?"
Homer: "I dunno, Coast Guard?"

We've been here before. A Republican administration, mildly allergic to the Second Amendment, is about to give way to a virulently anti-gun Democrat regime. The lying, arrogant and armed bureaucrats of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are eager to curry favor and lick the boots of their incoming masters. The last time this led to Waco and the deaths of 85 innocent people. This time I fear it will lead to something worse.

David Olofson is not a household name, even in the community of gun rights activists. He should be. While gunnies have been worried about the Bush administration's petty treasons to the Second Amendment in the matters of the Heller D.C. gun ban case and the appointment of the new anti-gun director of the ATF, Michael J. Sullivan, the decision in the case of US v. Olofson in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin has escaped much attention. Forget Heller. It is, in the grand scheme of things unimportant, trumped as it is by endemic government misconduct. Whether the Supreme Court decides this summer if we are citizens or serfs is immaterial if the abuses of power, constitutional rule of law and even common sense which are evident in the Olofson case are left to stand unchallenged.

"A government is a body of people, usually, notably ungoverned."
-- Shepherd Book, Firefly, Episode Nine, "War Stories," 2002.

Len Savage, firearms expert and owner of Historic Arms testified at the Olofson trial. Here is his rendition of the facts of the case:

Mr. Olofson, a Drill Instructor in the National Guard, was asked by Robert Kiernicki to teach him how to shoot a firearm. Olofson did and from time to time would let Mr. Kiernicki borrow his oldest AR-15 , go to a public range and target practice. . . (O)n his third time at the range after 120 rounds down range the rifle sputtered three times and jammed. The Law enforcement on the range swept in... The rifle in question seized now by the ATF; It was sent to Firearm Technology Branch (FTB), the testing Arm of the BATFE. They examined and test fired the rifle; then declared it to be "just a rifle". You would think it would all be resolved at this point, this was merely the beginning. The Special Agent in Charge Jody Keeku asked FTB to re-test the firearm and this time use soft primered commercial ammunition.

FTB has no standardized testing procedures, in fact it has no written procedures at all for testing firearms. They had no standard to stick to, and gleefully tried again. The results this time..."a Machinegun". ATF with a self admitted 50% error rate pursued an indictment and Mr. Olofson was charged with "Unlawful transfer of a machinegun". Not possession, not even Robert Kiernicki was charged with possession (who actually possessed the rifle), though the ATF paid Mr. Kiernicki "an undisclosed amount of money" to testify against Mr. Olofson at trial.

At the same time Mr. Olofson was being charged with "Unlawful Transfer" because the rifle malfunctioned and had a M-16 trigger, disconnector, and hammer; calling it an AR-15 with M-16 trigger parts (not the parts that make a machinegun). The ATF removed "a machinegun" from the NFRTR or NFA registry, claiming it was an AR-15 with M-16 parts, therefore NOT "a machinegun". I have the documents, I can prove this. The court was never shown this information. When Mr. Olofson's Attorneys requested the court compel the ATF to provide this and other documents that proved his innocence to the court. The ATF Chief Counsel's Office told the court the documents contained tax information (federal excise tax stamp for $200) and the court was prohibited from seeing them. All documents were kept secret from the Honorable Judge Clevert and the rest of the court. Even the letter from the ATF to the manufacturer of Mr. Olofson's rifle from 1986, which mandated a "safety recall" due to the rifle going "full auto" if it malfunctioned. ATF Chief Counsel told AUSA Haanstad, who then told the court "The Court will have take our word, that the documents in question contain tax information and contain no exculpatory evidence".

It gets even worse... AUSA Haanstad claimed the law does not exempt a malfunction. He claims that it states "any weapon that shoots more than once without manual reloading, per function of the trigger is a machinegun". To clarify when I was on the stand, I asked him "Are you saying if I take my Great Granddaddy's double barrel out and I pull one trigger and both barrels go off, its a machinegun?". He went back to the law (United States Code, Section 5845 (b)), and claims "any weapon that shoots..."

Mr. Savage concludes with this observation:

If your semiautomatic rifle breaks or malfunctions your are now subject to prosecution. That is now a sad FACT. I guess we know now what Senator Kennedy meant when he said he looked forward to working with Mike Sullivan on Gun control issues, after his committee approved him for full Senate vote. To those in the sporting culture who have derided "black guns" and so called "assault weapons"; Your double barreled shotgun is now next up to be seized and you could possibly be prosecuted if the ATF can get it to "fire more than once". Hey, but don't worry. The people testing it have no procedures in writing and the testing will be in secret. Also if you know of information that proves YOUR innocence, maybe the ATF won't claim that it's tax information at your trial and prevent YOUR judge from viewing it. Are you next up on the menu?

(Source: http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2008/01/len-savage-duck-hunters-and-sportsman.html)

David Olofson was convicted, despite the facts presented by the defense, on the words of a paid informer and an assistant United States prosecutor who refused to release exculpatory "Brady" material (something he is required to do by Supreme Court decision). There is chance that, if Mr. Olofson is finally able to sustain the costs of an appeal, that this egregious case of ATF and Justice Department misconduct will be overturned. But don't bet on it. What you should be certain of is this: We are now going back, if we ever left it, to the time of Waco Rules. You remember what they are, surely? "We are the avenging angels of the ATF, representing the god-on-earth Imperial Federal Government. If you resist us, we will crush you. If you shoot back at us, we and our big brothers of the FBI will kill you -- we will burn down your house, your church, your family and all you hold dear, AND WE WILL NOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE." Those my friends, are Waco Rules. They can do anything you can't stop them from doing.

You see, it doesn't matter what the Supreme Court decides if we have bureaucratic criminals enforcing the law to suit themselves and the purposes of their antigun financial masters, the Democrat-controlled Congress. Do you really think that Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi will undertake oversight hearings on ATF abuses? President Hillary, perhaps? This is as likely as George Bush seriously enforcing the immigration laws. The ATF understands this. You should too.

Sheriff Johnny Behan: "You're under arrest!"
Wyatt Earp: "I don't think I'll let you arrest me today, Johnny."
Tombstone, 1993.

Of course, like everything else, the Olofson case is subject to the immutable Law of Unintended Consequences. A reasonable man, observing the outcome of Olofson's case might conclude that there is no point in an honest fellow playing the game of an abusive regime that flaunts the law and manipulates the courts. A reasonable man might conclude that, if he is approached by ATF agents, he should probably consider them as little better than unconstitutional gangsters operating under the fiction of legal pretense. A reasonable man, realizing the system is rigged against him, that the rule of law has broken down and not wishing to go to federal prison for a crime he did not commit, might decide that the best thing to do is refuse to be the victim, right there and then. And you may infer from that whatever you wish.

The Olofson case confirms that we are still living in the time of Waco Rules, so let's not kid ourselves over the maybes of Heller. Supreme Court decisions don't count for spit in the wind to these people. But if the law no longer protects us, it no longer protects them either. Which is something they probably haven't considered, but should, given the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Mike Vanderboegh
PO Box 926
Pinson, AL 35126
GeorgeMason1776@aol.com

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/16/08

Let's have a contest:

Will CeaseFire PA formally welcome professor Alexander Tristan Riley into their hallowed ranks by updating their director's website to include his name, will they or he issue some statement saying he cannot accept the position due to whatever reason, or will they all just continue to ignore this?

If it turns out to be one of the first two possibilities, either listing him or disaffiliating from him, what Day Number do you think it will happen on?

In the Pink

I am so tired of pink men...

Count how many times Erica Jong repeats the phrase, or a variation of it.

And finally near the end she sets her sights on "brown men and tan men and wheaten men," just to be inclusive I guess. [Wheaten men?]

Her solution?

I have seen enough men in high office to last a lifetime. Let's give women a chance!

Racist and sexist.

But I thought the HuffPo was outraged by that...?

Me, I'm tired of pinkos.

So How Come...?

So why is it that Barack Obama can closely affiliate himself with a preacher who endorses a chronic bigot who makes statements that clearly meet the criteria for unequivocal racism, such as "White people are potential humans - they haven't evolved yet," and then, when Obama issues a lame, off-point CYA response, the political left is willing to give him a pass?

Ron Paul never made such a statement, and if you look at the notorious past newsletters that are at the center of the maelstrom, they didn't go anywhere near that far, either.

We're the Only Ones Whose Chances Are Rare Enough

“The chance of actually having the gun at the time it would be needed would be rare,” Sanguinetti said. “We don’t feel it’s worth the risk of bringing a gun into the situation.”

The reason the chances would be rare of having a gun when you need one are because of mudheads like you.

Let's see what happens in one of those "rare" chances:

[A] coyote dragged a young boy...The boy’s older brother beat off the coyote with a stick. The child survived but he was “torn up pretty bad...Those rangers weren’t capable of doing anything because we weren’t armed”...

Time was, the boys would have had a .22, and probably even earned a couple dollars bounty for the pelt.

I can't feel too much sympathy for the Peace Officers Association though, as the thrust of their effort is to be "The Only Ones" armed. The chance of one of them being around with a gun when a citizen needed it would indeed be rare.

You have to wonder what kind of mentality would require a human being to be defenseless in the presence of wild animals, what kind of human being would demand such an absurdly evil edict. But I also wonder at what kind of human being would obey it, especially when the chance of being discovered would be so rare.

"Rest Assured"

Ron Paul is the strongest candidate on the 2nd amendment hands down! You can rest assured Ron will denounce this!!

Any time a flack says "rest assured," it gets my hackles up.

Resting assured and relying on promises is what got us in this mess.

You can rest assured I'll keep on this business of getting an unequivocal statement about Heller and what the Solicitor General would do in a Paul administration. There should be no hold up and it should be a no-brainer, as there is literally no cost and plenty to gain.

It's like I speculated before--for a lot of these campaign folks, this is a brand new experience, and most of them are volunteers--so all in all, they're doing a pretty remarkable job. But we also see some costly mistakes being made, like not scheduling in the NRA's "Celebration of American Values." One place I see where this campaign could do a much better job is in processing suggestions and getting management to react to them--after all, grassroots is your front lines--the eyes, the ears, the field intelligence reporters...

Note to Kent Snyder: Show us how bureaucracies will be streamlined by showing us some responsiveness in your campaign. Let We the People do more. Show us you can listen as well as direct.

The Political Chessmasters

From NRA-ILA:

The National Rifle Association endorsed Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue`s re-election bid Sept. 28. "We support Gov. Perdue because he has stood with the gun owners, hunters and sportsmen of Georgia at every turn," said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.

From AP:

Gov. Sonny Perdue said Tuesday that he opposes a gun bill backed by the National Rifle Association that would allow employees to keep their firearms in their parked car at work.

Without intending to reopen that debate here, I do find it interesting how political candidates are selected for endorsement--and how they are not.

This Day in History: January 16

Boston loyalist Peter Oliver reports that the old North Meeting House is pulled down for fuel for the loyalist Associators. The meeting house had been abandoned by the Reverend John Lathrop and his patriot congregation, most of whom had left Boston.

We're the Only Ones Troubled Enough

The Boston police officer accused of using his BPD-issued weapon to hold up a Roslindale gas station was drunk, off his medication and troubled by his cancer-stricken father on the day of the brazen daytime heist, his attorney said yesterday,

Yeah, there all kinds of mitigating circumstances for "what happened" as opposed to what he caused. I like the previous pass for the "domestic incident," the history of injury claims, and especially think the "chest pains" are a nice touch...as well as the thought of an armed Boston cop on meds.

See, the argument goes: If a highly trained "Only One" like this can get himself into such a jam, what chance would one of we poor mortal sovereign citizens have? After all, who knows what crises we will have to face in life?

Or as the Brady's tell us:

Law-abiding citizens with the best intentions underestimate how hard it is to use a gun for self-defense successfully. Even highly-trained police officers lose control of their handguns; according to the FBI, 5 out of 41 law enforcement officers (12%) killed by gunfire in the line of duty in 1999 were killed by an adversary with the officer's own service weapon. And police officers know that the very sight of a gun can escalate a situation, so that instead of simply losing your wallet, you can lose your life. That's why almost every major law enforcement organization - including the International Brotherhood of Police Officers and the International Association of Chiefs of Police - opposes the weakening of CCW laws. (See Law Enforcement Relations)

So best to leave it to the professionals--like Officer Jones.

Here's the address for Faulkner Hospital, in case anyone wants to send him a "Get Well" card...

[Via Brian F]

What "Slippery Slope"?

"Why does a 22-year-old in a city like Toronto need a handgun? It's just not acceptable and I think it's time the federal government passed legislation to end the ownership of handguns in this country, period," the mayor said.

See--all you paranoids warning against a slippery slope are demonstrably wrong. If the antis had their way, it would be a sheer precipice.

And David Miller will finally achieve the world he so desperately wants to mandate, with even more guaranteed outcomes like this...

And then, of course, when that doesn't work, we'll need to look at the source of supply from the south and...naw...

That's crazy talk.

A Walk in the Park

National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell is drawing up plans for cyberspace spying that would make the current debate on warrantless wiretaps look like a "walk in the park," according to an interview published in the New Yorker's print edition today.

More reasons to hate us because we're free, from the VFFP...

[Via Ron W]

The Thing That Menaced Walthamstow

The .22 calibre short round bullet was found at the entrance of the 99p Stores in Walthamstow High Street...

Good thing there was a licensed gun owner who believes in enforcing existing gun laws nearby to handle this horror!

I mean, really: "How can you feel safe..."?

I do have one thing I'd like to say to Mr. Khan, though...

[Via ChareltonHest]

The Tannerite Maneuver

[Use BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

Goodhue County Sheriff Dean Albers said Brian Childs, 30, 21000 Prairie Island Blvd., placed about 100 pounds of explosives into the rear of a truck Sunday on his property. A group of people on his property could be seen on a videotape.

The explosives were detonated when the truck was shot by a .50 caliber rifle from about 300 yards away, Albers said. It is unclear who fired the rifle.

It was a relief to learn no one was injured during the incident, he said. But since the material can be purchased over the Web — and possibly fall into the hands of those seeking to do harm — is concerning, Albers said.

Sounds to me like nobody got hurt and everybody had a good time. But the new standard, as applied by our masters, is whether someone "seeking to do harm" might get their hands on it.

You know, really dangerous stuff, like utility knives, fuel oil and fertilizer, gasoline and matches...

[Via ChareltonHest]

On Being Assured

It is important that we have strong, effective leadership at the top of the ATF. Please be assured that when making a decision, I will have your views in mind.

Kent McManigal replies to the unsurprising weasel words from Sen. Bob Casey on "Maximum Mike."

A Liberal Reading of the 2nd Amendment?

But Breyer's book, through its philosophical discussions of the meaning of liberty, does show a way to reconcile the subordinate clause of the Second Amendment (the importance of the militia to a free state) and the main clause (gun ownership as an individual right). And this reconciliation of the two clauses strongly suggests that the D.C. gun bans are unconstitutional.

Dave Kopel seems to think there's a good chance we'll find a sympathetic judicial ear with Stephen Breyer, generally acknowledged as a "liberal." Let's hope he's right.

[Via Greg L]

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/15/08

As 45Superman pointed out weeks ago, perhaps they're having second thoughts?

We're the Only Ones Reconciled Enough?

More than 10 months after being arrested and seven months after a change of venue, a Lockney justice of the peace faces trial beginning today in Randall County for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of her husband...

McPherson said Michelle Araujo, 33 at the time of the shooting, and Romeo Araujo, then 39, remain married. Romeo Araujo filed for divorce but withdrew the petition, McPherson said.

If I were to do any speculating, I'd be looking into the legal and financial advantages of remaining married under these circumstances, as opposed to undying love. I can't help but wonder if "mitigating" testimony he could now volunteer would diminish the charges--and, undying love notwithstanding, what other incentives there might be for him to do so...

Or, it could just be I'm cynical, and she really is the "Only One" for him...

This Day in History: January 15

Contrarians as always, the Vermonters could not come to terms with the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and chose instead to proclaim their land an independent republic. Thus was born the Republic of Vermont on January 15, 1777, in large part the creation of younger brother Ira Allen.

The Great Race

Somewhat surprisingly, as the campaign has tightened, racial tensions have bubbled to the surface with the two camps exchanging accusations. Those tensions are reflected in this week’s polling data. Overall, Clinton and Obama are close nationally in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll. But, among white voters, Clinton leads 41% to 27%. Among African-American voters, Obama leads 66% to 16%.

Now hold on just a dang minute here. I thought all the racists were over in the Ron Paul camp...???

A Faulty Conclusion?

The following is the unedited and complete response of Jay Smith, President of Cox Newspapers, to my Open Letter. I present it here with no further personal comment and invite you to draw your own conclusion:

Mr. Codrea: I have read the editorial and did not draw the same conclusions you drew. Gun control is a heated political issue. Organizations opposed to gun control have done a better job, over time, of packaging and presenting their arguments in the political arena than have those who support gun control. The editorial, while clearly supportive of gun-control legislation, urged gun-control advocates to become equally effective in making their political case.

In no way should a reader infer that this means The Dayton Daily News will skew its reporting to reflect that view. I believe you have drawn a faulty conclusion. I am copying Dayton Daily News Editor Kevin Riley and the newspaper's publisher, Doug Franklin, in hopes that you will continue your discussion with them.

The newspaper, I am sure, will be open to presenting views, such as yours, which take issue with the editorial. I appreciate your concern and your willingness to write to me. Sincerely, Jay Smith

We're the Only Ones Shushing You Up Enough

Holy and his friend told police that Anderson and Loughridge pointed their guns at them and told them to get on the ground. Before the officers left, the report says, Anderson told Holy that he'd kill him if he said anything about the incident.

Now I want all of you contributing to this divisive "us vs them" mentality to just stop it, OK?

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

Just Stop It

The solicitor general holds an unusual position in the government.

He is an appointee of the president in the Justice Department, representing the administration's view in court.

To all of you who are floating the in-denial hope that somehow, this latest power grab/act of sabotage has been done without the implicit consent and direction of the "Vote Freedom First President," grow up. It wasn't slipped through by Clinton administration holdovers, and yes, the VFFP had full knowledge of this action. He authorized it.

Good grief.

More KoolAid Please...

No, the Bush Administration has not betrayed gun rights...

Right. I note this My Republicans Right or Wrong apologist doesn't allow comments. The better to avoid alternative viewpoints I guess, kind of like the more famous gun grabbers do on their sites.

The old "Who else do they have to vote for so we can get them to eat anything we scrape onto the floor" crap gun owners conditioned these people to expect.

And y'know what? I bet he's right. Before this thing is over, we'll see plenty from "our side" fulfilling that expectation, and chastising those of us who won't for throwing away our vote and giving the election to the democrats.

[Via Say Uncle and Snowflakes in Hell]

How YOU Can Be a Part of History

I first told you about Academics for the Second Amendment here.

They need financial help to fund their legal work on behalf of Heller. As we've just seen over the weekend, the novel betrayal by the "Vote Freedom First President" has made the need for compelling scholarship even more critical.

The work these men are doing on our behalf can be all consuming--they are devoting their time, their labor and their expertise to help bring us the best outcome possible.

We can continue to stand by as spectators, or we can do something to pitch in. Please help out by sending a donation and by spreading the word.

Wouldn't it be nice if our side prevails to know that you helped make it happen? Wouldn't it be pathetic if we lose and you know you didn't?

To reiterate who these guys are and their qualifications:

David T. Hardy
Clayton Cramer
Joseph E. Olson

[Via Greg L]

Use the First Amendment to Protect the Second

Mindful Musings reports on a petition to save the Second Amendment. Click the title link here to get to Chris Horton's commentary, and click the title link on his blog to sign the petition.

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/14/08

Maybe this'll be the week...?

You Bet HIS Life...

She then hid in a closet, armed with a gun.

The tape captures the woman struggling with a man, repeatedly saying,
"Stop it. Stop it."

The woman eventually shot and killed the intruder.

We reported on this here.

Maybe she'd have been better off playing dead?

Listen to the tape and judge for yourself.

And make note of the fact that our "Vote Freedom First President"--the most heavily protected man on the planet--and his DoJ lackey are perfectly OK with the "playing dead" option. In fact, when push comes to shove, betting your loved ones' lives is their choice of preference.

[Via HZ]

You Bet Your Life

She'd just been raped in her bedroom, hacked and slashed in the face, head, hands and neck with a butcher blade until her mattress and pillows were slick with blood and the white bones of her pinky finger were exposed, in her words, like a split "chicken wing."

A violently angry, mixed-up teen loomed over her and was going to kill her, because he had a $10,000 bet that he would...

That's why "Women's groups from across Canada call on political leaders to stand firm on gun control."

Or something...

This Day in History: January 14

The Continental Congress, which was temporarily situated in Annapolis, Maryland, at the time, ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Prove YOU'RE Not a Racist

Even if Paul, as he claims, didn't write or utter one of the offensive words, or hold the sentiments, that are attributed to him, his odd mish mash of ultra conservatism and libertarian spoutings marks him as suspect.

Typical of HuffPo leftists, that is, statist collectivists: guilty until proven innocent. This is the kind of thought that always devolves into show trials when their ideological kindred, the communists, establish a monopoly of power.

Hey Earl, how come you're always so preoccupied with race--aside from the fact that you earn a handsome living stoking the fires? Do you ever write an article where it's not your central theme? Doing a bit of projecting here?

Well you and your racist fellow travelers haven't quite taken over yet, and conservative/libertarian throwback that I am, I still believe the accused should be presumed innocent. So being an equal opportunity exposer of loudmouths, liars and just plain idiots, regardless of race, color or creed, I'll give you the same challenge that all the other loudmouths, liars and just plain idiots have so far failed to man up to:

List all the quotes by him--along with a credible source--where Dr. Paul has written or spoken an unequivocally racist statement--and by that I mean a statement advocating that whites are superior and other races are inferior.

Find a statement by him where he advocates either an enhancement or reduction of liberty for individuals belonging to any group of people based on their ethnicity.

If you're going to publicly speculate about another human being's character and ethics, Earl, let's see what you've got to justify the damage that will do to his reputation among people relying on you as a source of truth.

Take the challenge, Earl. Put up or shut up. To do otherwise is immoral and cowardly, the work of a mere assassin, not a challenger.

And that goes for the rest of you irresponsible accusers, too. What do I have to do around here, start posting another daily graphic?

The Lady Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks

Anti-gun male Bernd Debusmann has been wronged, and it's all my fault.

It seems in Friday's post, I accused him of writing "a fluff piece comparing tyrant Hugo Chavez to a rock star."

Bernd shot me an email with this link under the subject heading "Fluff Pieces for Chavez?" Unable to hold his water and wait for a response, he also posted it in a comment.

Read, Bernd, read.

I didn't say "fluff pieceS," I said "fluff piece." It was a perfectly accurate statement for an article where your words called this thug "the political equivalent of a rock star." If you wrote another article critical of him, bully for you. But I still note you make an effort to include words of praise even there for this collectivist strongman--a courtesy you have not extended to American gun owners in your hit piece on us (you truly couldn't find any positive examples of gun use to balance out any of that "massacre" meme?). Apparently even your enablers at Reuters found the piece to be enough of an embarrassment to want to put some distance between their reputations and yours.

Your outrage is amusing, Bernd. You present "facts," conveniently neglecting to mention who paid for them. You present sources, conveniently neglecting to mention they are bought and paid for by the same anti-gun benefactors. And you present this all as reliable information.

But the one thing you glom on is I didn't research everything you've ever written about Hugo Chavez? Sensitive, aren't we? Well, sorry, Bernd. When I catch a "man" lying to me, I have a tendency to lose interest in anything else he might have to say.

Tell you what, though, I'm a pretty fair guy--just ask anybody. You'll find plenty of examples on this site of people disagreeing with me, and that's fine. If you still have a beef, feel free to post a comment. I'm sure more than a couple regulars around here wouldn't mind hearing your side of things, and maybe even having a word with you themselves.

UPDATE: Armed and Safe gives us a summary of gun blogs deeply concerned with ensuring Bernd's reputation isn't unfairly sullied, making sure it only reflects what he's done to it himself.

Packaging Lies at the Dayton Daily News: An Open Letter to Cox Newspapers

To: Jay R. Smith, President

Dear Mr. Smith,

In a stunning admission, the editors at The Dayton Daily News have admitted an agenda to exploit and misrepresent gun-related issues.

Recommending that "horrifically violent events" be exploited as "opportunities to be used," the paper essentially advocates dancing in blood as a way to shape public opinion.

"Proposed reforms can't be called 'gun control'," the editorial continues, "even though that plainly is what they are. Better to spin them as 'law enforcement.'"

They are telling their readers--your readers--they will not just present straight facts. They will dupe them, if they have to, in order to promote what they see as a greater good.

This is not only a gross violation of accepted journalistic ethical standards, it is a betrayal of your subscribers, an insult really. Why not just tell them you consider them too stupid to just present facts to? Why not just explain you don't want them to form their own conclusions?

Once trust has been demonstrated unmerited like this, what are the safeguards to assure readers it's not just on the opinion pages, but in news accounts as well, where they can't be certain they're not being manipulated? When an editor publicly endorses being a propagandist, why is there a reason to believe anything he prints is unbiased and reliable? And when the journalists in the organization see this tone set by their leadership, what pressure compromises the integrity of their work in order to please their bosses?

I call on the leadership of Cox Newspapers to fire the editor of the Dayton Daily News and issue an immediate apology to their readers. It's really the only way such an egregious lapse of standards should be dealt with, and the only way to begin restoring public trust and a reputation that has perhaps been irreparably damaged by personal zeal to promote a pet crusade.

If you don't apply severe sanctions and repudiate this outrage, the signal you'll send to the rest of your newspapers is it's OK--regardless of the issue, they can exploit and spin with your blessing as long as it fits a greater agenda. They can go ahead and abuse the trust of your customer base and you'll watch their backs. That will be the reputation you'll ensure for your entire empire.

I'd ask myself, especially in today's competitive, evolving, and most importantly, shrinking newspaper market--if you can really afford to give up another point or two of market share because political activists on your payroll recklessly and needlessly blew off yet more public trust. That doesn't serve you, it doesn't serve your owners, it doesn't serve your advertisers and it certainly doesn't serve your readers.

I urge you to fix this--no spin, no manipulation--just make it right and do it now.

Sincerely,

David Codrea

[Via Blogonomicon]

Own a Broken Gun: Become a "Prohibited Person"

A drill instructor in the National Guard has been convicted in a Wisconsin federal court of illegally transferring a machine gun after a rifle he loaned to a student malfunctioned, setting off three shots before jamming.

WorldNetDaily reports on a story we touched on here.

Just more of the same from the administration of the "Vote Freedom First" president...

[Via Ryan Horsley]

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/13/08

This is a harder finding game than "Where's Waldo?"

This Day in History: January 13

These men are continually harping on the great sin of our bearing arms, but the king of Britain may lay waste the world in blood and famine, and they, poor fallen souls, have nothing to say.

Open Message to Ron Paul Campaign

I just submitted the following to the Ron Paul campaign via their contact form:

The Bush DOJ just filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Distict in the Heller case.

It is imperative that Dr. Paul issue an immediate and unequivocal statement condemning this move and detailing what he would do if he were president.

This is a chance to get immediate attention from gun owners and once again set Dr Paul apart from the pack.

Don't let Fred Thompson beat you to the punch on this. Get this to the attention of campaign decision makers now.

More:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2008/01/vote-freedom-first-president-speaks-for.html

I know you people reading these are volunteers. Trust me, this is huge. Go right now and get this into the hands of someone who can do something with it.

Now what I'm hoping is that those of you in the Thompson and Mike Huckabee camps will actually take exception to this and do the same. We need all the political pressure we can muster, and it really is past time to separate the talkers from the doers.

Let's race.

I'm hoping Paul supporters will--right now--click on the contact form link and tell the campaign to get moving on this without delay. And spread the word.

A Clarification

I just wanted to take a moment to set the record straight regarding the quote that was attributed to me.

Ken Blumreich was misquoted. Here is what he really said, and what he really thinks.

It's always nice to come across the real deal. Thanks for sharing this with us, Mr. Blumreich.

We're the Only Ones Down Under the Influence Enough

A DARWIN policeman has been charged with drink driving after crashing an unmarked police car.

Maybe he was chasing Sidney Blumenthal?

The off-duty officer... the officer...The policeman...He...

What's his name, mates?

Looks like "Aussierized Journalists" give the same kid gloves treatment to "Only Ones" as they do here.

[Via Luke O]

Why Don't You Learn to Control Yourself First, Sidney?

Blumenthal, an unpaid senior adviser to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, was arrested in Nashua on the eve of the New Hampshire primary and charged with aggravated DWI, according two members of the Nashua police force.

Aggravated drunk driving? Isn't that an issue of self control?

And naturally this control freak directs his energies outward:

The "promising idea" identified by Blumenthal involved filing massive product liability and negligence lawsuits against major handgun makers, "the opening salvo in a campaign against the gun industry by an alliance of anti-tobacco attorneys and local governments," wrote The Los Angeles Times. According to one of the lawyers involved in the lawsuits: "We are going to do to [the gun industry] what we did to tobacco. It's going to be a very large war."

And

Mr Blumenthal said: ''We will be advocating a whole new set of gun laws.

''It's clear that while there are many other causes behind this tragedy, the availability of guns is key. If we can limit the availability of guns, we can limit the number of these horrific incidents.''

Control yourself, Sidney. Leave us the hell alone.

Ron Paul is No Racist!

There is now underway a full-blown smear campaign to paint Ron Paul as a racist. First, there was the lame attempt at guilt by association, with a mere campaign contribution by some red neck racist being touted as “proof” that Ron Paul is racist. And then there were equally stupid Kevin Baconesque degrees of separation attempts to connect Ron with various so-called “hate groups.”

Now the muckrakers are dredging up ancient, obscure newsletters written by some equally obscure ghost writing employee(s) of Dr. Paul’s way back in the early 1990’s. This only tells me that Ron Paul is a real threat to the political establishment, and they are pulling out all the stops in an attempt to stop the Ron Paul Revolution.

Excellent commentary by a proud American of Mexican/Indian heritage who worked for Ron Paul.

I keep promising to get to this, but Stewart Rhodes has written an important piece that says much of what I would have. Paul supporters should forward the title link that goes to his complete article far and wide to help combat the evil lies that are being spread about a decent man.

The level of hatred and vitriol shown to him by some in the supposed "gun community" is simply shameful. Debate the issues. This has no place in the debate, and anyone employing it is either a willful fool or a knowing liar.

Anyone.

And here's how you can prove it for yourself: Paul's public record spans decades. Have his bloviating accusers list all the quotes by him--along with a credible source--where Dr. Paul has written or spoken an unequivocally racist statement--and by that I mean a statement advocating that whites are superior and other races are inferior. Find a statement by him where he advocates either an enhancement or reduction of liberty for individuals belonging to any group of people based on their ethnicity.

If they can't, just remember your Shakespeare: "[I]t is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing."

Here's my bet: Anything they come up with will be so indirect, or out of context, or possibly even true, just politically incorrect to admit in today's environment of conditioned Nazi-like sensitivities, that the reaction by anyone of fair and open mind will be: Is that all you've got? That's it?

Let's see what you've got, loudmouth saboteurs. Give us all the naked ugly racist remarks Ron Paul has made over the years. You've got a free forum in the comments, below. Put up or shut the hell up.

And if you had an ounce of integrity, you'd publicly apologize.

"Vote Freedom First" President Speaks FOR "the Record"

Quick read: Gov't says, yes, it's an individual right. BUT we join with DC in asking Court to reverse the DC Circuit, because it applied strict scrutiny to the DC law. It should only have applied an intermediate standard. That is, the legal position of the US is that DC Circuit was wrong, a complete ban on handguns is NOT per se unconstitutional, it all depends on how good a reason DC can prove for it.

And this is filed in the name of the Solicitor General. [More]

The brief is here.

I trust no one is surprised by this fraudulent neocon pawn in the White House? You shouldn't be. They made their position crystal clear back when then-Solicitor General Ted Olson submitted briefs arguing that "the Second Amendment [is] subject to reasonable restrictions designed to prevent possession by unfit persons or to restrict the possession of types of firearms that are particularly suited to criminal misuse."

And naturally, government--the body the Second Amendment was intended as a people's check and balance against--is the arbiter of who and what. We've just seen the path for half of the pincer cleared--this is the other. They've been telegraphing their moves while we squabble over arcane details.

Anyone surprised by this latest rape attempt hasn't been paying attention. Republican Kool-Aid (who else you gonna vote for?) has a tendency to blur the vision and hearing. Mix that with a preponderance of denial and just about any sleight of law is possible.

Think about the language: "types of firearms that are particularly suited to criminal misuse." That was what they said back when they asked the court not to hear Emerson. Here's what they say now:

Congress has enacted numerous laws regulating firearms. Those statutes include restrictions on private possession of types of firearms that are particularly susceptible to criminal misuse. The United States has a substantial interest in the constitutionality and effective implementation of those laws.

At least they're consistent.

Tell me--with a straight face--that can't--and won't--be interpreted to mean any type of firearm, depending on what a particular jurisdiction thinks it can get away with, and that stare decisis won't then be used to bind communities where such sentiment does not prevail. That's what the federal courts do.

I see people already commenting that this or that Republican presidential candidate would not allow this on his watch. I hope they're right, but now it's time to find out. Anyone with contacts in any of the campaigns, let's make a concerted effort to see which one(s) will issue a clear, immediate and unequivocal denunciation of this latest treacherous act of sabotage--and pledge to not only rein in the "Justice" Department, but to start the process to repeal the very laws we have to march through bloody hell to take to court--only to have the doors slammed in our faces when we get there.

UPDATE: Uh-oh. I'm in trouble now...

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/12/08

Why don't you CeaseFire PA people just be honest and...uh...wait a minute, I forgot who I was speaking to.

Never mind.

This Day in History: January 12

The arrival at Tybee, January 12, 1776, of two British men-of-war and a transport, with a detachment of troops, served but to aggravate matters. Major Joseph Habersham took a squad of patriots, marched to the house of the governor, and, placing his hand upon his shoulder, said, " Sir James, you are my prisoner! "

Yeah, the Founders intended for government to control guns, alright. Just ask the Bush DoJ.

Why is Wayne Fincher in the castle dungeon again...?

BATFU's Latest Assault in the War on Guns

Ryan Horsley presents the latest BATFU outrage in a guest post by Len Savage.

Go and read it--you won't believe it. Or sadly, you will.

This is the way a government agency runs under "Maximum Mike"--within the administration of the "Vote Freedom First" president who gun owners put in office.

Chareltonhest sent me a link to a related thread on AR15.com. The comments to pay particular attention to are by "Bladerunner 2347."

I Always Knew They Were Worthless...

..but I still think this overvalues* "The Gun Guys" (I won't link to them here--why send them traffic?)

Stan's post that I just reported on included a link to The Joyce Foundation's 2005 Annual report. Do you realize they gave Mark Karlin Associates $650,000 "To support the continued efforts of its Freedom States Alliance," of which Gun Guys is a part, so they could put out lame, vindictive, lying crap that nobody reads (except those if us who know better)? I guess we should be thankful those resources are going down the drain rather than being used effectively against us.

[*I'm sure this just means they're not part of any system that allows their real numbers to be tracked by the public. Why do you think that is?]

Bernd Again

We spoke of this shill yesterday.

Free Constitution takes him apart, and includes a Joyce Foundation connection that makes everything clear. Click on the title link and read it--it is very good.

As for why Reuters included this in their "news" section, it appears to be because they don't have an "opinion" section. See, at Reuters, their opinion is the news.

I did some Googling around on this Debusmann character and learned all I really wanted to about him: He's a German who bemoans "obstacles" to national socialism in Venezuela--in other words, a German national socialist. Curious that Germany does not allow free speech, particularly that which promulgates Nazism, so he conducts his subversion here, exploiting our First Amendment to undermine the Second. He also wrote a fluff piece comparing tyrant Hugo Chavez to a rock star. Chavez, of course, is notorious, among other reasons, for "Not tolerat[ing]" media outlets that oppose him.

Say Uncle has more on the subversive "Autorisierten Journalist" Herr Debusmann and his naked propagandizing.

"A Case of Vigilante Justice"

That's how "Authorized Journalists" think of self defense--and want their viewers to think. Reporterette Bryn Hough takes the cake in the accompanying video, when she declares "This is Charlotte's fourth murder of the year." And while the interviewed "Only One" is technically correct to use "homicide," one can only wonder why he then says "It's troubling," clearly indicating he thinks--or wants us to believe--it's somehow comparable to the other three.

Note to News 14 Carolina: If you morons want to see vigilantes in action, rent a copy of "The Oxbow Incident" or "Death Wish." This man protected himself and, according to your own televised report, called the police and waited on the scene for their arrival.

A couple more germane factoids come out in other reports of this incident.

From WCNC:

The federal government includes food delivery drivers in the 5th most dangerous job category.

From The Charlotte Observer:

[T]wo suspects approached the delivery man with a gun and demanded money...

It's against policy for Domino's Pizza employees to be armed on the job, said company spokesman Damien Carper. However, disciplinary action will not be considered in the matter until after the police finish the investigation, he said.

Note to flack Damien: I don't know who you think needs your crappy jobs so badly they'd die following your stupid policy of denial. Truth is, more Americans die--by an overwhelming margin--from diseases associated with eating the greasy fodder you and yours foist on the public under the guise of food, than die from gun-related injuries. Fire this guy and it will be made known to a lot of gun owners.

[Via MacEntyre]

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/11/08

This isn't looking too good...

This Day in History: January 11

The County Committee in Tryon County, New York, sends an urgent appeal to General Schuyler for men and arms to repress an impending attack by loyalists.

It's Only a Movie

"One (officer) grabbed my daughter Beth (18 years), who also had a gun to her face, slammed her down and kneed her in the back and held her in that position… My sons Adam (14) and Noah (only 7) lay down willingly, yet they were still forced to put their hands behind their backs and were yelled at to keep their heads down.

"My daughter Jeanette was coming out from the back bedroom when she was grabbed, drug down the hallway, across a couch and slammed to the ground," she said. "The officers then began throwing scissors and screwdrivers across the room (out of our reach, I suppose) and going through our cupboards.

"I asked if I could make a phone call and was told, 'no.' My daughter asked if that wasn't one of our rights. The reply was made, 'That's only in the movies,'" she told WND.

Assuming these are the facts, the sheriff's department is committing acts of war against citizens. Assuming these are the facts, the only way this will stop is when the personal costs of such behavior outweigh the perceived benefits.

Red's Update for 1/10/08

From Ryan Horsley:

Here is my post on Utah Senator Bob Bennett, who seems to side with ATF over gun dealers.

Also Gun Owners of America provides input on the new BATFE Reform Act.

Where There's a Will...

Police are receiving an urgent warning: be on the lookout for an old-style gun that's apparently making a comeback on the streets.

...And what's even scarier – the gun can apparently be made at home.

I trust we'll be able to do an NICS check on all these folks...?

Debusmann Burned

Is America, land of shooting massacres in schools and public places, slowly falling out of love with guns?

With his very first statement, Bernd Debusmann reveals for all to see that he's more interested in being obnoxious than engaging in an examination of the merits of his arguments. And relying on Josh Sugarmann to bolster his wishful thinking just confirms what we're dealing with.

Sorry, Bernd. We're not French smokers. And neat propaganda term: "gun rampages." Made possible only because fools like you enable "gun free zones" prohibiting "defensive gun uses."

Bottom line: If someone came into Bernd's Reuters office--no doubt another place where guns are prohibited--with evil and violent intent, just what do you think he'd be prepared to personally do about it? If the answer is "nothing," isn't that pretty much a contemptible position for a "man" to intentionally put himself in?

A Wrongheaded Extremist

It's past time to voice our disgust with wrongheaded extremists.

OK, but while you're voicing it, let me ask a few questions:

Wouldn't you have preferred that your son had a fighting chance to save his life?

Why are you bent on consigning other parents to the same anguish you are suffering--under armed force of law?

If someone brought guns one of those public place where you think they don't belong, and then began shooting, what precisely would you be able to do to protect yourself , your loved ones and anyone else until the police arrived?

If you won't protect yourself, why would you expect someone else to risk his life protecting you?
I'm sorry for your pain, but not so sorry I'll let you use it as a claim on my life, or the lives of those I love. Go ahead and give each of these questions an unequivocal answer, and we'll see who the wrongheaded extremist really is.

We're the Only Ones "This Bud's for Me" Enough

A small-town police chief has been fired after he was convicted of stealing beer from the fire department's refrigerator.

He was canned. Get it...?

Oh, never mind.

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/10/08

It's almost like they're ashamed of something...

We're the Only Ones Getting a Bang Out of Our Jobs Enough

Madison's police commission has heard allegations that several town officers have had encounters with prostitutes while working the overnight shift.

I wonder if they at least paid them...

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

This Day in History: January 10

Time makes more converts than reason.

BREAKING NEWS: CA APPEALS COURT RULES UNANIMOUSLY IN FAVOR OF SAF LAWSUIT

In a unanimous decision today, the California Court of Appeals ruled that the City of San Francisco’s handgun ban is illegal under state law, upholding a lawsuit filed by the Second Amendment Foundation and several other groups...

SAF was joined in the lawsuit by the National Rifle Association, Law Enforcement Alliance of America, California Association of Firearms Retailers and several private citizens.

Click on title link for complete press release.

Click here for Appeals Court decision.

UPDATE: Here's NRA's press release. Notice how SAF credited NRA, as they always do, even though the courtesy is never ever ever ever ever ever reciprocated?

We're the Only Ones Getting Our Percentage Enough

What's particularly interesting is the authors' section on bargaining and the law. They estimate that roughly 3 percent of all tricks performed by prostitutes who aren't working with pimps are freebies given to police to avoid arrest. In fact, prostitutes get officially arrested only once per 450 tricks or so, leading the authors to conclude that "a prostitute is more likely to have sex with a police officer than to get officially arrested by one."

Blown away in the Windy City.

Gauleiter Daley's finest. "The Only Ones" Snuffy and Jesse tell us are trustworthy enough to be armed. And in this case, don't forget the ironically named Beavers.

Lives Not Worth Protecting--At Least Legally

A 30-year-old woman found dead in some Daytona Beach woods may be the latest victim of a serial killer already blamed for the deaths of several women in the same area.

I have a question for the "just give them what they want" advocates: What if this is what they want?

We talked about this a while back. But the victims are part of the criminal underclass, prostitutes, drug users, so they're prohibited by law from possessing the means of defense. And most "enforce existing gun law" gun owners are OK with that.

120 Pounds of Pure Tough

UPDATE NOTE: Ken Blumreich was misquoted by the reporters. See his clarification comment here, and my clarification post here.

She was an experienced hiker and accomplished martial arts student described by her self-defense instructor as "120 pounds of pure tough."

"I've seen her take down men twice her size," said Ken Blumreich.

No you haven't, Ken, not in a real fight, against a man whose intent is to kill. Those don't take place on mats, wearing protective gear, and with a sensei enforcing rules of engagement, including when to break off. And I don't know of too many dojos where full contact between men and women is allowed--or too may insurance carriers that would underwrite such an operation.

Look at the specs on the alleged assailant: He's 60 years old, 5/10", 160 lbs., bad teeth...doesn't sound like the most formidable of opponents, does he?

She was less than half his age, in the prime of health and strength and endurance...

We touched on this here. Life just isn't like the movies, where dashing heroines employ their fighting skills to dispatch multiple hulking killers with skill, and most of all, style. The simple fact is, except for extremely rare anomalies, a woman stands no chance against a man in a mortal physical confrontation.

I truly don't mean to disparage martial arts--they have their place in the toolkit. But ultimately, when confronted by a man intent on doing her vicious harm, a woman needs the ability to respond with lethal force, meaning she needs training, she needs the mindset, and she needs an equalizer.

A Victory in Chambersburg

Greg Rotz says he did nothing illegal when he brought his openly carried firearm to a voting precinct on election night in November.

According to state law, he's right. That's why after a very short hearing Tuesday afternoon, a judge decided Rotz's permit should be returned.

Two questions:

Since when do rogue sheriffs get to make up their own laws with no personal consequences for when they're caught doing it?

Why hasn't the name of the fascist constable been made public, and what the hell does his being comfortable have to do with our rights?

Be sure and watch the accompanying video. The reporter's last statement is worth noting: One of the reasons this came to a swift and successful conclusion is because of Internet mobilizing of gun rights activists. Fulfilling their supposed role as government watchdogs better than they do is another reason why so many "Authorized Journalists" resent and disparage the "amateurs."

[Via Seth]

An Obvious Solution

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Tuesday proposed requiring background checks for everyone who tries to purchase firearms at gun shows - legislation he called critical to helping prevent tragedies like the shootings at Virginia Tech.

Why didn't we think of this before? Next time there's a school shooting, just step up and inform the madman about Tim Kaine's critical new edict--that ought to stop him in his tracks! Providing he isn't one of the over 99.3% of criminals who obtained their firearm from a source other than a gun show...

[Via SameNoKami]

We're the Only Ones Popping Our Partners Enough

The trooper shot last month while attempting a traffic stop in far East El Paso was wounded by a bullet fired from his partner's .357 handgun, officials disclosed Monday...

I guess "a bullet fired from his partner's gun" sounds better than "a bullet fired by an "Only One."

And, naturally:

The name of the trooper whose gun went off is being withheld by DPS and the Texas Rangers. Hoelscher was unable to say if the trooper will face disciplinary action.

[Via Michael S]

It's All About Control

What should be controversial in the proposed revisions to Title 24 is the requirement for what is called a "programmable communicating thermostat" or PCT. Every new home and every change to existing homes' central heating and air conditioning systems will required to be fitted with a PCT beginning next year following the issuance of the revision. Each PCT will be fitted with a "non-removable " FM receiver that will allow the power authorities to increase your air conditioning temperature setpoint or decrease your heater temperature setpoint to any value they chose.

I like the way Joseph Somsel begins this piece, parodying the intro to "The Outer Limits": We will control the horizontal...

Y'see, it's not about "gun control" per se, it's about control, and more specifically, who gets to do the controlling.

I've been warning for years that the next step after personalized guns are mandated will be to require a remote radio-controlled shutoff switch for the authorities. After all, who could possibly be against such a life-saving device--except someone up to no good?

How tough of a sell do you think that would be to our savvy and informed electorate?

[Via Les K]

We're the Only Ones Stunning Enough--Just Kidding...

A Fentress County deputy lost his job after being accused of zapping a fellow deputy and an innocent citizen with a stun gun.

Investigators say Deputy Chris Peters borrowed a stun gun from the constable and then started shocking people.

Ha ha. Good one, Chris.

Hey, as long as you're in the mood for pranks, I've got another one for you to try: Break into an armed relative's house at night and don't tell 'em it's you!

Oh, my ribs, they ache with mirth!

I do have one question though: If I go and commit criminal assault on a couple people, including an "Only One," the worst thing that'll happen is I'll lose my job?

[Via Tony G]

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/09/08

I'm starting to get worried. Maybe someone should knock on the door and see if everybody's OK in there...?

This Day in History: January 9

On January 9, 1777, Congress, without consulting Washington and without holding any hearing, passed a resolution dismissing both Morgan and Stringer from the army. Thus ended the army career of a man who never had a chance of a success. A man of high character and ability, of tireless energy under every discouragement, he made a gallant struggle against the impossible. If the medical service of this period of the war was a failure, so was every other service of the army, and the army command itself. An army of amateurs was pitted against professionals and only the costly lessons of failure could equalize them. Morgan retired a disappointed and broken man, the victim of public clamor against failures which were more chargeable to Congress than to any army service.

Can the Glock PSP Be Far Behind?

Taser International Inc.'s newest weapons for the public will come in leopard print and fit in a holster embedded with an MP3 player, the stun gun maker said Monday.

You gotta be kiddin' me. I had to double check this to make sure it wasn't some sort of joke article...

Yep, nothing like encouraging people to assume a perpetual state of Condition White* as the best means of situational preparedness for personal defense. This is just so profoundly stupid, but I guess that's what happens when products are designed based on a desire to create and exploit fads by people without a clue about how serious a self defense situation really is, or how a bit of alertness can prevent the need for confrontation in the first place.

It seems to me--just from a corporate risk management standpoint--that encouraging customers for self-defense products to be oblivious to their surroundings is something that could come back to haunt you in the form of a product liability lawsuit.

But what do I know? Maybe it'll be a fantastic success and make the company a ton of money. Just in case, I've hedged my bets, and have developed a product of my own: The WarOnGuns Handgun/Cellphone.

Hello, Jodie...?

This is just a prototype. The marketed version will come in a leopard print too, as well as other fashionable designs, and maybe even a choice of pine or lemon fresh scent...

*I'm admittedly abusing Col. Cooper's definition here, as he intended it to indicate preparedness for decisive action to take life.

Partnership Toward Progress

The new law — the product of a rare partnership between gun control advocates and the National Rifle Association...

Well, if The New York Times is for it, what's not to like?

"Progress on Guns."

Good title. It's refreshingly honest. It means this is but a move in the desired direction. There's more to come.

And we're all clear on what it means to be "progressive" nowadays in the world of politics, right...?

Banking on Disarmament

Citi Merchant Services and First Data Corp. are refusing to process any credit card transactions between federally licensed firearms retailers, distributors and manufacturers -- a move which will severely limit available inventory of firearms and ammunition to military, law enforcement and law-abiding Americans.

CitiCorp contact form

First Data Merchant Services email

Y'all know what to do.

[Via The Jeffersonian]

And Continue It Will

[A]s long as people continue to vote for the very people who wish to disarm them, the madness will continue.

Yep, that's the definition of insanity...

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/08/08

I wonder what the hold up is...?

Weeping for America

Big news it seems is Hillary Clinton's calculated tearing for the cameras, her Elena Ceauşescu becomes human moment. Naturally, she did it because she cares so much, and from the comments by the emotions-driven voter in the linked clip, it worked.

And then we have this.

Good grief.

Before piling on, Republicans might want to reconsider, especially if "Weapons of Unusual Lethality" Mitt Romney takes the lead: He turned on the waterworks for racial pandering and over war deaths .

The course we're heading--and the absolute refusal to change it (or even consider real change doable) by most in the "conservative gun owner" camp, practically guarantees that we'll all have plenty to cry about regardless of which mainstream "choice" wins. Not to mention wailing and gnashing of teeth.

This Day in History: January 8

Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention, that of providing for the common defence will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well digested plan is requisite: And their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories, as tend to render them independent on others, for essential, particularly for military supplies.

BATFU's Mouthpiece

I've been meaning to make a comment about a post at Joe Huffman's, that I found out about at Jed's.

It seems this BATFU character Tom Mangan is abusing his position to insert agenda-driven editorial comments into what should be straight news stories, and the "Authorized Journalists" are more than happy to let him get away with it. That the bureau under "Maximum Mike" hasn't reined in his shameless self promotion can only mean it serves Sullivan's purposes.

Maybe Mangan's interested in advancing in the ranks after the presidential elections, or bucking for a position over at Crime Gun Solutions/AHSA if things don't work out...?

Let's hope it's the latter. The thought of this guy getting even more power should not sit well with anyone interested in gun rights.

Carnival XV

IIA, that is.

We're the Only Ones "Kid-Friendly" Enough

A retired police officer, who once toured grade schools with a talking motorcycle, was sentenced Thursday to more than 19 years in prison for child rape and other offenses involving young relatives...

As an officer, Giles appeared with Harvey, the talking motorcycle, in a grade school program designed to make police less scary...

Hey kids, wanna rev Harvey's throttle...?

[Via KABA Newslinks]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

GUNS Magazine: January 1958

SOLDIERS SINCE the world was young have been "souvenir hunters," fetching home everything from dames to diamonds. Uncle Sam's wandering warriors are champs (or chumps) in the souvenir department, whether they collect by "liberation" or by purchase with cigarettes or GI chocolate rations. And the first prize in the World War II souvenir grab bag was--a foreign pistol. Judging by the number of European pocket automatics in this country today, every GI must have come home with his pockets loaded.

I'm surprised no one in the gun ban camp has gone hysterical over "The Greatest Generation Loophole"--there must be hundreds of thousands of these "weapons of war designed solely to kill people" still out there "on the street."

This isn't the only thing that's changed in 50 years, as you'll see when you click on the title link (Note: It's a big file, so if you're on dial up, be warned). The January 1958 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

Refuge, New York Times Style

They also appear to have forgotten that national parks and refuges are federal lands, set aside as peaceful preserves for all the species that enjoy them, including humans. Ready-to-fire guns have no place in them.

You tell 'em, New York Times.

We're the Only Ones Killing Over Drugs Enough

Police shot a woman to death and injured her 1-year-old son during a raid on the home of a man charged with a drug crime, police said Saturday

In another account, we find:

[Wilson] was killed by police as she held her baby...

[O]fficers were aware that children were inside the home because there were toys in the yard outside and on the front porch.

As long as we have the militarization of "Only Ones," the war on citizens will produce "collateral damages." For those inclined to judge the adults living in the house as having brought things on themselves, it could be just a matter of time before the contraband being sought is firearms--and think how much more incentive the invasion force will have to come in heavy and on edge when they're expecting armed-to-the-teeth occupants.

[Via Jeff R]

CeaseFire PA Director's Watch: 01/07/08

Well, the week is young...

We're the Only Ones Justified Enough

The sheriff said the decision to use SWAT team force was justified because the father was a "self-proclaimed constitutionalist" and had made threats and "comments" over the years.

Oh, so that explains it. When I originally read that "Nearly a dozen members of a police SWAT team in western Colorado punched a hole in the front door and invaded a family's home with guns drawn," I couldn't help but wonder if such a massive "Only One" response was justified because somebody's butt crack was showing...

[Via joefm]

Oops, They Did It Again

The LAPD has denied that they swooped on Britney Spears’ Beverly Hills mansion because there was a gun in the house.

Then why the need for "At least six police cars, an ambulance, a fire engine and even a police helicopter..."?

Maybe her butt crack was showing?

[Via Sebastian, who has more]

This Day in History: January 7

Royal Governor to East Florida, Patrick Tonyn, wrote to Lord Germain that the estates of Sir James Wright (Royal Governor of Georgia and South Carolina) and others had been seized in Georgia. A Battery was also being built at Tybee Island, GA.