We're the Only Ones Tea-Timing Enough

Sorry, wrong house: Drug squad's sledgehammer raid nets a dinner lady drinking tea

Or "We're the "Only Ones" Earl Grey Enough?

Tell me this doesn't have all the makings of a Monty Python skit:

Head 3: Oh stop bickering and let's go have tea!
Head 1: All right, all right, let's kill him first, and then go have tea and biscuits.
Head 2: Yes.
Head 3: Oh not biscuits.
Head 1: All right all right, not biscuits, but let's kill him anyway!

At least this time, the reporter notes, there weren't any dummies in the house. Oh, wait...

[Via Jeffersonian]

A Liberal Interpretation

When it comes to discussing the Second Amendment, liberals check at the door their ability to think rationally.

I'd argue they do that on just about every issue. Still it's nice to see a cogent intellectual argument presented to those who normally don't see such things.

Predictably, with a lot of the "dont confuse us with the facts" belligerents haunting Daily Kos comments, it's a wasted effort. Reason only works with reasonable people.

[Via Rick R]

Happiness IS a Warm Gun

We give more, too.

[Via M. R. Jarrell and Thaddeus Fendon]

Occupied Territory

A spike in Chicago shootings that made national news over the weekend was caused in part by a gang war that flared on the South Side, police said.

And police plan to respond with gun, tactical and gang teams -- even SWAT officers in battle gear.

The "spate" has mutated into a "spike"?

Cops on the beat aren't happy. I guess being "The Only Ones" with guns can create unintended consequences that actually make your job more dangerous. Who'd have thought?

Get ready for a Summer of Love, Chicago. Especially if Hillary manages to derail Barack.

[Via HZ]

Keep Your Powder Dry

Chris Cox summarizes the latest ammo "control" schemes being plotted. He uses this to urge us to "be in the voting booth on Election Day 2008."

Since there are only three viable candidates in the race, take that as NRA's implied endorsement of John McCain--without them coming right out and saying so, and all the while maintaining the plausible deniability that they haven't.

What a surprise.

Who could have seen that one coming?

[Via Dave Licht]

Thank You, Mr. Zavala...

...for the eloquent defense you put up on my behalf in the June 2008 issue of GUNS Magazine ("Crossfire" letters, pg. 6). I just got mine yesterday and was pleased to find out I am probably not a "Trojan Horse" after all.

And thanks to the rest of you who also wrote in. My editor shared your emails with me, and I appreciate there are some willing to stand with me. That's important to know when you rankle as many people--on both "sides"--as I seem to.

We're the Only Ones Not Investigating Enough?

The NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau has announced they will not investigate the allegations that cops broke into the home without a warrant.

But the New York Post promised they would...

If they truly suspected there was a hostage, since when does the department train its "Only Ones" to bang on the door and threaten to break it down?

[Via Cycjec]

This Day in History: April 23

The Provincial Congress in Massachusetts orders 13,600 American soldiers to be mobilized. Colonial volunteers from all over New England assemble and head for Boston, then establish camps around the city and begin a year long siege of British-held Boston.

Part of God's Plan

An American pastor who was sentenced to more than three years in Russian prison on Monday for smuggling hunting ammunition into Russia is confident that "what’s happening to him is part of God’s plan"...

Perhaps.

But it's also part of the plan that you're now a convicted felon, that is, a prohibited person, albeit it is a foreign felony. Say, couldn't promoting Christianity count as a felony with our good friends in China and Saudi Arabia?

No matter, because it's part of the "Vote Freedom First President's" plan that all foreign felonies be used to disqualify American citizens from firearms ownership.

And it's part of "conservative" Supreme Court "Justice's" plans that such foreign laws apply here. *

And it's part of NRA management's plan that all felons be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for "illegal" gun posession.

So much for the original plan, at least as far as the Framers were concerned. As for God's plan for Mr. Miles, I'll leave that between them.

* Ain't it curious how the "liberal" justices ruled in Small v US? And we're told the reason we must hold our noses and vote for McCain is because of his judicial appointments?

We're the Only Ones "Dirty Dozen" Enough

Under pressure to increase their numbers, the Army and Marine Corps are sharply raising the number of recruits with felony convictions they are admitting to the services.

So they'll be giving M16s to "prohibited persons"?

If we ever suffer a major natural or induced catastrophe requiring military control, their inclusion among "The Only Ones" should make for some interesting dynamics.

Still, this give me an excuse to segue into this, from one of my favorite "guy" movies:

One: down to the road block, we've just begun
Two: the guards are through
Three: the Major's men are on a spree
Four: Major and Wladislaw go through the door
Five: Pinkley stays out in the drive
Six: the Major gives the rope a fix
Seven: Wladislaw throws the hook to heaven
Eight: Jiménez has got a date
Nine: the other guys go up the line
Ten: Sawyer and Gilpin are in the pen
Eleven: Posey guards points five and seven
Twelve: Wladislaw and the Major go down to delve
Thirteen: Franko goes up without being seen
Fourteen: Zero-hour, Jiménez cuts the cable, Franko cuts the phone
Fifteen: Franko goes in where the others have been
Sixteen: we all come out like it's Halloween.

Guns at Work

Jennifer Freeman of Liberty Belles weighs in.

WRSA REMINDER

Western Rifle Shooters Association will be holding a two-day Basic Rifle Markmanship Course -in Coeur d'Alene, ID, this Saturday and Sunday. Click on the title link for details.

Preying on the Weak and Stupid

It's extraordinarily unwise to allow ANYONE off the streets, no matter how insane, to buy a firearm that fires a 7.62x54mm cartridge for so low a price. That gun is cheaper than most pistols are, and can down a mountain lion with one shot. Plus, that rifle is often equipped with a bayonet. (a folding one)

Check out his slogan: "Preying on the weak and stupid."

Yeah, that's what gun control freaks do, Crabby, although it sounds like there's a bit of projection going on, particularly with the "stupid" part.

This is the main reason I can't stomach most forums--the prevalance of ignorant opinions, combined with a totally unmerited sense of authority, makes me despair for the reasoning abilities of many of our countrymen.

[Via SaMael]

Colum Lynch, Authorized Journalist

Scott G wrote the WaPo reporter who filed this story, wondering how a US government UN diplomat could have an AK-47 in his office. Here is the reply:

From: Colum F Lynch <lynchc@washpost.com>
Date: 2008/4/21
Subject: Re: Banged up AK-47

It is an A47 on a plaque: a gift from General Petraeus and the members of the multinational force. I've seen it and Ambassador Khalilzad has displayed it in a prominent site, on the wall of the living room of the residence. I'm sure it is not loaded, and I suspect it has been rendered inactive.

I'm delighted reporter Lynch's firearms expertise surpasses that of the late Col. Jeff Cooper, so that Rule One can be ignored and dismissed with such certainty, especially considering the firearm in question was never personally handled and examined.

What are your qualifications again, Colum?

As for what you "suspect," Colum, is that the extent of your nose for news? You really don't think there would be a story there if your suspicions (what known facts did you base them on again?) were unfounded? You're not in a position to ask a few questions and find out for sure?

And even if it has been somehow disabled, you're sure it wouldn't fall into one of those intentionally arbitrary areas continually and deliberately exploited by BATFU to determine whether it's readily restorable and subject to NFA jurisdiction?

"Authorized Journalists." Is there anything they don't know?

Yeah, We're Back in Kansas

Kansas Governor Signs Two Pro-Gun Bills into Law!

Ultimately, the only thing that will really protect RKBA is a gun owner willing to resist confiscation by force. As for enhanced privileges and immunities for those who do the obedience dance, whatever.

It is what it is, and very little of that resembles "shall not be infringed."

[Via Zachary G]

There's Something Happening Here*

What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

JPFO tells us what's happening.


[Via Ron W]

* "For What It's Worth", Buffalo Springfield

"An NRA Member and Hunter"

An NRA member and hunter who has had a gun since he was "a kid," Dean said he supports the Second Amendment and students’ rights to protest, but not the intended outcome of the SCCC. Dean said trained officers, not unskilled students, should respond to any campus emergency.

"I don’t want to see someone use a weapon under stress and not hit their intended target. The educational environment is not the place for firearms," he said. "Our police response to any place on campus is under two minutes."

Right.

We'll save you.

We're "The Only Ones."

Chief, you just told the world you support the Second Amendment. Then, out of the other side of your mouth, you endorse citizen disarmament. Care to tell us what you think "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" means? Care to tell us how ensuring defenselessness among the most physically capable segment of the citizen militia enhances "the security of a free state"? Care to tell us why anyone should believe a word you say?

Yeah, you're a hunter and an NRA member and a disarmament enforcer. Something for everyone to love! Why, you're a regular one man good cop/bad cop routine, aren't you, Chief?

I'd say pick a side, but it's evident you already have, and the wrong one at that.

Look Who's Rooting for Gun Control

David Boeri reports that William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) has been accused of sexual assault by a female employee of the Police Department.

This is the felon-for-gun-control I was talking about yesterday in the "shameless plug" for my new Guns Magazine column. The title link goes to an old incident I hadn't known about.

But of course, none of this concerns those rooting for citizen disarmament at all.

[Via Gun Law News]

This Day in History: April 22

I think it proper to observe, that when I had got some miles on the march from Boston, I detached six light infantry companies to march with all expedition to seize the two bridges on different roads beyond Concord. On these companies' arrival at Lexington, I understand, from the report of Major Pitcairn, who was with them, and from many officers, that they found on a green close to the road a body of the country people drawn up in military order, with arms and accoutrement, and, as appeared after, loaded.

Looks Like the Fresh Meat Has Arrived

I think weapons should be only allowed for police and army, the people who are in charge of protecting a country, unfortunatly, the NRA lobbies o much with politician, and has too much power. One day you will need, for the safety of all of you, to separate yourself of your guns.

C BOSSY, A french student who doesn’t like weapons…

Really?

This isn't a set-up? Or one of our guys being cute?

If you choose to reply, please remember you are representing gun owners in front of an audience inclined to judge us all by your words. As tempting as following initial instincts might seem...

Aborting the Exhibit

Shvarts will not be allowed to install her project unless she admits she did not try to inseminate herself and induce miscarriages and promises that no human blood will be displayed in her exhibit...

“That said, Yale does not encourage or condone projects that would involve unknown health risks to the student,” Storr said.

Wonder where they got that idea?

Well, we're making progress with the "Lux" part, but I think we still have a ways to go with "Veritas." Right now it's tough telling where the most repellent effluvia is discharging from--the administration or the monster they helped create.

We're the Only Ones Diplomatic Enough

At his residence at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York, Zalmay Khalilzad displays a banged-up AK-47 assault rifle from Saddam Hussein's arsenal: a souvenir from a war Khalilzad supported and a regime he helped topple.

It doesn't say if it has been rendered inoperable. If not, we might ask he why can he have one and Wayne Fincher cannot. Not that I'd expect the craven opportunists at BATFU to go after anyone with actual power.

And no, this is not a case of diplomatic immunity, where we give foreigners special "Only Ones" powers and ability far beyond those of mortal sovereign citizens.

This guy works for "The Vote Freedom First President."

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Rational Thinking

Food Rationing Confronts Breadbasket of the World

Well then, we'd better all disarm. Some wacko might try to hoard when things get really tight.

A Conservative Estimate

Clinton met with the Tribune-Review's editorial board, including Scaife, last month. Afterward, Scaife wrote an editorial titled "Hillary, Reassessed," declaring how impressed he had been by the former first lady.

"Her meeting and her remarks during it changed my mind about her," Scaife wrote.

Yeah, just like "conservative" Faux News' owner Rupert Murdoch.

Anybody else tired of these frauds playing them for suckers?

A Case Study in Pictures

The "professionals" have made it clear that police are "the Only Ones" who should be armed on college campuses.

Let's explore that with a school shooting from not so long ago, at a university that agrees with that policy, Case Western Reserve. [Really? You can't even have kitchen utensils?]

Understand that it took the police seven hours from the initial sound of gunfire to gain control of the situation.

Understand that the initial armed responders fled the scene, allowing the assailant to take control of the building:

Then you can see campus police arriving on the scene. They throw themselves at the wall, scrambling for cover as Halder starts shooting at them

Halder was firing so aggressively, according to Sergeant Daniel Stein, that he and his partner retreated outside behind some parked cars to check each other for bullet wounds.

You can see what happened for yourself. Go here and click "Launch."

Let's begin our little photo essay joining "Dateline NBC," already in progress:

What would you do--hide or run? Pick up a phone to call for help or stay as quiet as possible?

Note the assumptions. Defending yourself isn't even considered worth mentioning.

So let's see what the people who do have guns are doing while the unarmed people who depend on them--the ones hiding and running and calling for help and staying as quiet as possible are doing just that--for hour, after hour, after hour...But before we do, let's get a bit of media bias out of the way:

Note the voice-over for the scary gun picture 2 minutes and 50 seconds into the video: "...a volley of automatic gunfire..."

The killer was reported to be armed with a 9mm Cobray semiautomatic pistol.

OK, on to our montage. Can you spot what all these pictures have in common?



In fairness, not all the cops stayed protected. According to MSNBC, these guys arrived 20 minutes after the shooting started and entered the building "under the gaze of an entire city":



Meanwhile, those inside had to wait another six-and-a-half HOURS for the situation to end.

Because what did we see when the "Only Ones" did initially encounter the armed lunatic? Look quickly--it's at 12 minutes and 19 seconds into the 12 minute and 25 second video, and only lasts a few seconds:


Really? That's what they teach when you have a clear shot and vice-versa, to immediately TURN YOUR BACK on your assailant and run?

Well, it worked. They were safe. Anybody want to trust that it will also work for you?

What's amazing is how far this country has strayed from its founding principles to where we are even having this debate.

Educating Joedy

Police response was faulted, not school policy which is designed to prevent such occurrences.

Yeah, that design worked great.

I guess some minds are just unopenable.

In the Spirit of Bipartisanship

From Sherrod Brown:

Thank you for expressing support for an amendment to S.2483, the National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act, that would allow loaded firearms in United Stated National Parks.

Passing legislation that allows states to override federal jurisdiction over carrying firearms in federal parks sets a precedent that implies it may be appropriate for the federal government to override state jurisdiction over other gun carrying laws. I do not think it is appropriate for Congress to override the separate jurisdictions of state and federal government. As I consider the implications of promoting state jurisdiction over gun carrying laws in federal parks, I will keep the views expressed in your letter in mind.

Hmmm:

...implies it may be appropriate for the federal government to override state jurisdiction over other gun carrying laws...

Well, let's see:

...the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Now consider William Rawle, whose "View of the Constitution" was the constitutional law text used at Harvard and Dartmouth until the mid-19th century. George Washington wanted Rawle to be the first Attorney General.

His take on the 2nd Amendment:

No clause in the Constitution could by any rule of construction be conceived to give the Congress a power to disarm the people. Such a flagitious attempt could only be made under a general pretence by a state legislature. But if in any pursuit of an inordinate power either should attempt it, this amendment may be appealed to as a restraint on both.

So yeah, no sh**, Sherrod.

But don't be too hard on him. In the spirit of "bipartisanship," democrat Brown is simply supporting the position of our republican "Vote Freedom First President."

I wonder if "this administration" feels the same way about the rest of the Bill of Rights?

And they say there are no stupid questions.

Shameless Plug: The Root of the Problem

“Boston anti-gun group leader [is a] disgraced police director,” reads the Boston NOW headline, announcing the opening of the first satellite office for the Washington DC-based Reaching Out to Others Together (ROOT).

“The group says it doesn’t expect its local leader’s past, which included a stint in federal prison, to be a distraction.”

What? An anti-gun group headed by a felon?

"The Root of the Problem" is my Rights Watch column for the June 2008 issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at firmly-rooted newsstands throughout the Republic.

We're the Only Ones Tearful Enough

Orange County Court Judge Robert Freehill said he was torn about what punishment best fit Heatherine Tomlinson's crimes yesterday, but in the end, he heeded her tearful plea for mercy.

Freehill sentenced the former county correction officer to five years' probation for the felonies that got her fired: Identity theft, possession of stolen property and five counts of forgery, all arising from Tomlinson's December 2006 booze-buying spree with someone else's credit card. She found the card at an ATM.

Thanks, Judge Bob. I'm sure you'll have plenty of mercy left over if any non-"Only One" comes before you charged with the heinous crime of possessing the means of unlicensed self defense. Just let us know how hard you want them to cry.

[Via Declan]

We're the Only Ones Buddy-Buddy Enough

A Tulsa police officer is now suspended with pay. He's the subject of a criminal investigation.

Police Chief Ron Palmer says Officer Buddy Visser was relieved of duty Tuesday afternoon. Visser is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

...In 2000, Visser and his wife, Officer Lori Visser were fired after being accused of pulling over a car while off-duty and in personal cars, and pointing guns at the people inside.

In 2001, an arbitrator declared the Visser's were wrongfully terminated and ordered them back to work.

What? You're not supposed to use "the Buddy system"? You mean the perks of being an "Only One" don't include a little extra money-making on the side?

[Via Jeffersonian]

This Day in History: April 21

That hearing of an insurrection in a neighboring county, he had removed the powder from the magazine, where he did not think it secure, to a place of perfect security; and that upon his word and honour, whenever it was wanted in any insurrection, it should be delivered in half an hour; that he had removed it in the night time to prevent an alarm, and that Captain Collins had his express commands for the part he had acted; he was surprised to hear the people were under arms on this occasion, and that he should not think it prudent to put powder into their hands in such a situation.

We're the Only Ones Going Swimmingly Enough

An off-duty New York City police detective's gun accidentally went off yesterday inside Peekskill Middle School and the bullet shattered, with a tiny piece striking a woman by the pool.

That's why Wayne says cops should be "The Only Ones" at schools with guns.

Me, I think he's all wet. I'd hand him a towel, but the unidentified officer's gun might fall out and discharge again.

Let's look at that: They offer up flimsy mitigating circumstance excuses to make it appear this was not gross negligence. First off, I'm not sure I believe it, because so much else about this story screams "cover-up" and "lie."

Assuming his finger did not press the trigger, he's carrying around a service piece that discharges when jolted? Do these people not maintain their weapons? They don't think that endangers the public?

And leaving it wadded up in his clothes unsecured on a bench where children are playing is not negligent? Oh, but his wife was sitting with them, so that's OK. It's not like your or my wife would be charged with illegal possession.

And we can't know his name, obviously because he's "undercover." Just blew that one, didn't you, genius?

And finally, of course, "the detective was not charged in the matter."

No, of course not. Just like what would happen if one of us had endangered everyone at a middle school and injured a fellow citizen with a bullet fragment, that is, shot her.

Fits has more.

A Chi-Town Spate

Four people were shot to death in Chicago in less than four hours in an unusually violent start to the weekend -- and at least 15 more were wounded.

The warm weather Friday evening and Saturday morning may have contributed to the violence, authorities said...

So I don't get it--what's to blame: guns or global warming? Perhaps we need to mandate lower carbon-emitting firearms...?

Y'know, I read once that rapes increase during spikes in ice cream sales...

Always glad to see the ubiquitous reference to the "AK-47 assault-style weapon." No "Authorized Journalist" hysterics would be complete without it.

That Boss Daley gun control sure is working out for them, isn't it? And I'd say it's time for Snuffy Pfleger to mount another crusade against the people who didn't do it, wouldn't you?

One thing does confuse me, though: I thought a spate was three...

UPDATE: It looks even worse. Fine weather for a blood dance we're havin'...

A Petty Offense

Finally, House Bill 2630, also introduced by State Representative Russell Pearce (R-18), would reduce the penalty for carrying a concealed “weapon” without a concealed carry permit to a petty offense.

Mixed feelings here--but unless there are hidden, as opposed to the obvious implications, I'd have to admit these are improvements, and not insignificant ones. But defining exercising a right as a "petty offense"? I find that offensive in a major way.

NRA-ILA urges support for three bills. It rankles me that they are even issues, but they are, and unless someone can wave a magic wand, these appear to improve the lot of people who believe in keeping quiet and taking their chances.

[Via Zachary G]

Taking a Hike With Your Glock

I just got word from one of my distributors that Glock magazines will be increasing 40% by May 1st.

As with all other essential commodities, I hope everyone is taking steps to make sure you have what you need for when the time comes that you'll need it. If you have feedback from others in the industry, please share in "comments," below.

Mock Training

Ohio State University's ROTC cadets have ended the decades-long practice of combat training with mock rifles on the main campus because of public edginess in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, officials said.

And just to even things out, the enemies these young people will likely face have agreed to cease practicing with mock IEDs. The blue plastic mock suicide vests were scaring all the young jihadists at the training camps anyway.

All this and appeasing the environmentalcases, too.

Good grief. Talk about mockery.

It's just plain nuts. Why don't we just cut to the chase and require troops to wear straightjackets?

Fat White Man has more.

A Speedy Dispatch

I don't know why, but I suddenly feel an urge to go varmint hunting.

This deformed monstrosity sure is creepy looking, isn't it? I can't imagine it giving a young child anything but nightmares. What is it, some kind of mutated pederast woodchuck?

I also don't get how it's supposed to be "a positive role model for young black men." If this thing is supposed to be a representation, it's as patently racist as anything on exhibit at the Jim Crow Museum.

UPDATE: Apparently the gender-confused Tasmanian Devil with the lazy eye isn't Speedy--the character here is.

So what the hell is with the freak steroidal chipmunk, and why was it the illustration chosen for this story?

This Day in History: April 20

The New York Provincial Congress (1775-1777) was an organization formed by rebels in 1775, during the American Revolution, as a replacement for the Province of New York Assembly, and as a replacement for the Committee of One Hundred.

The first meeting was convened in New York City on April 20, 1775 with Philip Livingston as its chairman.

Wonder what these rebels would think of the likes of Bloomberg, Schumer, McCarthy, Clinton...

I'm Late, I'm Late...

In a big hurry this morning, so everything will be included in this post.

SB 184 Passes Senate
Thanks to all who helped.

Mike Vanderboegh's latest brilliant essay,"JUDENDIENSTORDNUNG," is available at Mindful Musings and Western Rifle Shooters. He gives us an historical perspective to illuminate what the subversives at AHSA are really about.

Go and read "A Proclamation," posted about half-way down the page the link takes you to. Good stuff. Pass it on.

Reader "Bob" sent me this tip, where BATFU wants today's Hitlerjugend to send them theirs. How do you say "Be cool--don't let guns rule" in German? And will the anonymous stoolies be paid off in dollars or Reichmarks? Let's hope there will be a civil lawsuit against individuals promoting this by the parents of any young, impulsive, dollar-driven snitch found beaten to death, because we all know how circumspect children are when they suddenly have $500. Can you say "knew or should have known"?

WorldNetDaily updated their article on the Yale "artist," and included new quotes from yours truly.

It looks like comments are back open at the NYT/V Tech panel. Go there and have your say with them--and use their megaphone to spread our message.

No time for any more this morning. Off to stack some logs, then spread some fertilizer (as if linking to crap like recruiting student snitches isn't enough), and get it all done in time to be 40 miles away at 1:00.

This Day in History: April 19

Citizens respond to "gun free zone" enforcement.

Democracy, Democrat-Style

An increasingly firm Howard Dean told CNN again Thursday that he needs superdelegates to say who they’re for – and “I need them to say who they’re for starting now...We’ve got to know who our nominee is.”

Because otherwise, we'd have to, you know, let the people decide...

Large Decals

Large decals have been placed on the doors of every building to warn students of six years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $3,000 if a firearm is brought onto school premises. The decal also states that those who have the appropriate concealed handgun license are not excluded from those penalties.

Large decals. And "these are viewed as helpful and useful changes"?

By who? The ignorant? The stupid? Or just college administrators?

Does anyone seriously believe a large decal will stop this?

"Feeling safer" indeed.

Good grief.

[Via SayUncle]

Lux et Veritas

Those particular plans raised the ire of David Codrea, a 2nd Amendment advocate who blogs at War on Guns.

"One could make the argument that the exhibit legally should be classified as hazardous medical waste, and without proper handling, storage and spill clean-up/disposal procedures, with training for affected staff and employees, it poses a danger to the public and to all involved," he wrote. "I wonder if Yale's risk management department was consulted?"

Huh. Virtual ink at WND. I could do worse.

As we saw yesterday, this story has been altered several times, to where the truth of matters has been totally obscured by lies, excuse-making and confusion. The crazy person is playing the media and the Yale administration like a yo yo.

Here's the latest spin:

“Her denial is part of her performance,” Klasky wrote in an e-mail message. “We are disappointed that she would deliberately lie to the press in the name of art.”

Coming from the school with the motto Lux et Veritas. Nice.

Here's what I wrote Ms. Klasky last night:

Disgusting. Regardless of what this young head case claims, how can you not think she "violated basic ethical standards and raised serious mental...health concerns"? And it looks like she's betrayed you, too, because the Yale Daily News is now reporting :

Shvarts '08 disputes Yale's claim
But Shvarts stood by her project, calling the University’s statement “ultimately inaccurate.”

So she lied to the paper to advance her project and/or she lied to "three senior Yale officials today — including two deans" about the nature of her project?

I presume the reporter took notes or recorded the conversation, and the administrators are prepared to testify as to what she told them?

I thought Yale had a policy against academic fraud?

Oh, yeah: here it is.

So when do the expulsion hearings begin?

Or do you consider academic fraud "expressing herself in performance art" and a "right," too?

Lux et Veritas,

David Codrea

You might ask what all this has to do with a gun rights blog. Aside from the fact that this is my journal and it exists to express my opinions and serve my interests, there is, in fact, a tie-in.

We just observed the first anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre. We know the only thing that can possibly lessen the carnage is for people under attack to be able to defend themselves. And yet we see that idea is still resisted and ridiculed by the prominent voices of influence in academia, government and media.

Whether their self-delusion permits them to admit it or not, their obstinate refusal to consider the armed citizen option makes them anti-life, even though they have succeeded in presenting themselves as exactly the opposite.

Bottom line: administrators and educators promulgate an anti-life attitude under the guise of liberalism, but it is truly a reflection of moral relativism and repression, and their refusal to admit there is right and wrong. We see it still in the wretchedly amoral apologetics of Ms. Klasky, who presents herself as a defender of artistic expression, all the while enabling lies, enabling craziness, enabling evil.

Such environments aren't just targets for future attacks, they're incubators for them.

And, of course, when the weaker-minded among their charges finally snap from all the confusion, the neo-Marxist philosopher kings who guarantee moral bedlam will once again sound the mantra calling for less freedom and more helplessness.

Because they don't trust you.

Gray Lady Down

The New York Times Company, the parent of The New York Times, posted a $335,000 loss in the first quarter — one of the worst periods the company and the newspaper industry have seen — falling far short of both analysts’ expectations and its $23.9 million profit in the quarter a year earlier.

Yes, the old "Authorized Journalist" media must adapt to the online age and the competition from alternative outlets that give people information and opinion previously barred by the gatekeepers. And the economy-stifling socialist policies The Times endorses don't help stimulate revenues either.

But ultimately, it's about delivering information, and the perception and reality of bias eroding trust and driving people away can't be ignored. Not if they want to survive.

We just saw an attempt at fair play, as lopsided as it may have been, but at least "our" message--mine and the overwhelmingly supportive comment posters'--was given a forum to reach a much broader audience.

That was a start. But it was just their blog. The paper itself, what the guy on the street will see, or a casual visitor to their main website, remains out of our reach.

Many of you had some pretty positive and enthusiastic things to say about Wednesday's Virgina Tech panel posts. Telling me is appreciated, but how many of you have since contacted The Times and let them know you liked it, and that you'd read them more often if they presented more opportunities for RKBA advocates to tell our side of the story?

It's basic supply-and-demand. Let them know there's a demand.

We're the Only Ones "Best Little Whorehouse in Custer" Enough

An Oklahoma sheriff resigned after an investigation reveals he was running a sex-slave operation from his jail, police said.

Michael Burgess surrendered to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents and posted bond Wednesday night, hours after he resigned as Custer County sheriff amid 35 felony charges, including accusations of forcible oral sodomy, kidnapping, rape and perjury. Investigators said at one point Burgess oversaw wet T-shirt contests at the Custer County Jail.

"Only Ones" and bondage. Now there's a set-up that's sure to produce some interesting dynamics.

[Via Anonymous and Shermlock Shomes, Investigator]

McClintock Kicks A...uh...Ose

In his opening statement, McClintock set the tone for the evening by making it clear that this primary race is a battle between two factions in the Republican Party—the traditional conservatives and the moderates. He explained that he believes our country has seriously moved off course...

McClintock then went right to Ose’s voting record...and asked Ose why he had signed a fundraising letter for the Republican Main Street Partnership, an organization that is committed to electing moderate Republicans. Columnist Michelle Malkin has uncovered that liberal millionaire George Soros actually donated money to this cause...

The questions included...whether the support the 2nd Amendment (McClintock has an A+ rating from the CA Gun Owners, Ose has an F)...

California gun owners, you made one of the gravest political mistakes possible by not wholeheartedly supporting Tom McClintock in the governor's race.

You have a chance to make partial amends for that, but you need to personally get involved. You need to tell your friends and put the squeeze on them to join you. And you need to do it now.

Or will you do nothing, and let a bunch of moderate oseholes win again?

This Day in History: April 18

Paul Revere of Boston, in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay in New England; of Lawfull Age, doth testify and say, that I was sent for by Docr Joseph Warren, of said Boston, on the evening of the 18th of April, about 10 oClock; when he desired me "to go to Lexington, and inform Mr Samual Adams, and the Honle John Hancock Esqr that there was a number of Soldiers, composed of Light troops, & Grenadiers, marching to the bottom of the Common, where was a number of Boats to receive them...

"Evil Is"

[The thought occurs that the project could just be an elaborate lie to elicit social outrage--if that's the case, I hardly feel bad for giving someone the benefit of the doubt that they're not a liar until proven otherwise. Although with the "person" described herein, anything is possible.]

LATEST UPDATE: It may NOT be a lie after all!!!

But Shvarts stood by her project, calling the University’s statement “ultimately inaccurate.”

My head hurts. That happens when you deal with serial liars and a web of lies. This is bizarre, and this creature is a head case, so don't expect anything that, ultimately, isn't crazy.

I thought universities could expel students for academic fraud ...?
-------------------------

UPDATE: It is a lie. But it's still the act of an evil and demented person, so the fact that she is a liar should not surprise us. And it looks like she managed to make The Yale Daily News pay a credibility price for her irresponsible manipulation of their reporter and editor. Thanks to "Cranky" in "Comments," below.

Statement by Helaine S. Klasky — Yale University, Spokesperson
New Haven, Conn. — April 17, 2008

Ms. Shvarts is engaged in performance art. Her art project includes visual representations, a press release and other narrative materials. She stated to three senior Yale University officials today, including two deans, that she did not impregnate herself and that she did not induce any miscarriages. The entire project is an art piece, a creative fiction designed to draw attention to the ambiguity surrounding form and function of a woman’s body.

She is an artist and has the right to express herself through performance art.
Had these acts been real, they would have violated basic ethical standards and raised serious mental and physical health concerns.

Ms. Klasky, that is hardly the statement of condemnation one would expect from someone who is not a moral relativist. Women have had abortions and suffered tremendous emotional pain as a result. Others have suffered miscarriages or stillbirths. And others are heartbroken that they can never have a child.

How can you not think she "violated basic ethical standards and raised serious mental...health concerns"? This was just plain wrong, and that you don't condemn it speaks volumes about the type of creatures "educating" society's elites.

My original post follows.

"Evil is."

That's a line spoken by Kirk Douglas' character in the classic murder mystery film "The List of Adrian Messenger."

Well he was right. Evil is. And it attends Yale.

Art major Aliza Shvarts '08 wants to make a statement.

Beginning next Tuesday, Shvarts will be displaying her senior art project, a documentation of a nine-month process during which she artificially inseminated herself "as often as possible" while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. Her exhibition will feature video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process.

What an abomination this twisted, self-absorbed creature Shvarts is. Ditto for "art major Juan Castillo," advisor Pia Lindman, who "could not be reached for comment," all "donors" involved, and the administration at Yale that will host this obscenity at Green Hall, ironically on Chapel Street.

One other thing:

[L]ined between layers of the sheeting will be the blood from Schvarts'self-induced miscarriages mixed with Vaseline in order to prevent the blood from drying and to extend the blood throughout the plastic sheeting.

One could make the argument that the exhibit legally should be classified as hazardous medical waste, and without proper handling, storage and spill clean-up/disposal procedures, with training for affected staff and employees, it poses a danger to the public and to all involved.

I wonder if Yale's risk management department was consulted?

I know, none of this is gun-related, but these are the "liberal elites," and I was feeling kind of artistic this afternoon. And that's a statement I want to make.

I also want to note that this statement has nothing to do with the "safe and legal" abortion argument. I am personally morally against abortions but that is not the issue I feel called to marshal my energies behind--RKBA is.

UPDATE: I just sent the following email to the Yale risk management office, the president, and the president's office student affairs contact.

Art Exhibit at Green Hall
From: David Codrea
To: marjorie.lemmon@yale.edu
Cc: presidents.office@yale.edu; nina.glickson@yale.edu

I see your "art" department is giving an exhibit:

[L]ined between layers of the sheeting will be the blood from Schvarts' self-induced miscarriages mixed with Vaseline in order to prevent the blood from drying and to extend the blood throughout the plastic sheeting.

As I note here:

One could make the argument that the exhibit legally should be classified as hazardous medical waste, and without proper handling, storage and spill clean-up/disposal procedures, with training for affected staff and employees, it poses a danger to the public and to all involved.

Your own web pages state:

Please keep us informed of the activities your group is considering so we can work together to minimize the risk.

and:

The Risk Management Department at Yale will provide integrated management of financial and traditional risk, including the identification, evaluation, and measurement of the impact to Yale, and the selection and maintenance of various solutions to mitigate risk. There are many departments at Yale involved with risk exposures and safety, but developing a coordinated response is the responsibility of Risk Management.

and:

Biological Safety is responsible for the control of health hazards related to biological agents within the University community. Programs implementing University policy have been established to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and meet regulatory requirements that are required by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. Biological safety programs have been established to provide a central registry of potentially hazardous microbial agents, animals and other hazardous biologicals, oversight of recombinant DNA activities, surveillance and certification of biological safety cabinets and laminar flow benches and to control exposures to bloodborne pathogens.

So, Marjorie--for the record--has this event been approved by your office, and have all appropriate regulatory conditions been documented as compliant? Is your insurance carrier OK with it? How about the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection? EPA? OSHA?

Would you like to ask them, or do you want me to?*

I'll be posting this on my website, along with your response or lack of one.

Artistically yours and Lux et Veritas,

David Codrea

* I actually won't report anyone to any government agency, but have no control over anyone else calling this to their attention.

The 11th Commandment?

Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill into law on Tuesday that will allow Florida residents to keep guns locked in their cars at work.

Clay tells us how he feels about that. We've had that discussion here before. Suffice it to say, I agree that more of a focus should be placed on schools.

If that's not a typo in his title, and if I were a lobbyist, I'd be thinking seriously about the approach I wanted to use there...

We're the Only Ones Thieving and Corrupt Enough

Former Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Sharpe James and co-defendant Tamika Riley were found guilty Wednesday of charges related to property fraud...

...James...hijacked a program designed to encourage urban renewal by offering developers land at low costs, and approved the sale of city-owned properties to Riley, 39, then his girlfriend, at a fraction of their actual value...

Riley alone was additionally found guilty of tax fraud and evasion...

In a separate case, James is accused of charging nearly $60,000 on city-issued credit cards between 2001 and 2006 for vacations for himself and several women other than his wife...

And this is the type of "Only One" thug citizens allow to infringe on their unalienable rights? These are the outright criminals who would use the force of the state to disarm you and me?

I'd like to see the gun manufacturers turn around and sue him.

And of course, the irony is, I'm sure there is no shortage of constituents who would vote for him again.

Say "Ahhh"

The government plans to begin collecting DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency — a move intended to prevent violent crime but which also is raising concerns about the privacy of innocent people.

Yet more Liberty enhancements from "The Vote Freedom First President."

Gee, if a republican will do this to us, just imagine what the democrats will do when they take over. Perhaps the frog will jump?

McCain'd never do this to us...would he?

And remember: "They hate us because we're free."

That's "Herd-ers," Not "Herd"

Aid has failed to end gun trade among herders

Why would anybody in Africa need a gun?

The Gun Owners' Pals

“Sen. Obama will be a strong voice an unabashed voice for America's hunters and shooters and it is with great pleasure that we endorse his candidacy,” President of the Association Ray Schoenke said, citing Obama’s commitment to the traditions of gun ownership.

Yeah, the moles at AHSA are a "gun group" alright. And ain't nobody our friend like Thulsa.

Check out this outstanding bit of nonsensical weasel-wording and misdirection:

“I’m not sure I think in talking with the campaign that Senator Obama has not taken a position on the DC gun ban case,” but said that they were conformable enough with his position that he supports individual rights under the 2nd amendments to endorse him.

Good grief, Ray, did you wake up one morning and say to yourself "I want to be a worm-tongued putz," or is this something you've been working on for a lifetime?

To WarOnGuns readers, I hope you don't just keep stuff like this to yourself. I hope you warn other gun owners about this Fifth Column in the gun rights movement. I hope if their representatives show up at ranges or gun shows to recruit (do they do that, or even have any "regular" members who aren't part of their subversive little cabal?) that you have the facts (you clicked on the "AHSA" link, right?) to expose them for what they are to any who will listen.

Wal-Mart Business Must Be Good Enough

I talked about doing this the other day. Here's what I mailed the head of Wal-Mart. I recommend you do the same, as real letters make much more of an impression than emails.
-------------

15 April 2008

Lee Scott
Wal-Mart President & CEO
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

Subject: Wal-Mart Taping/Logging Gun sales

Dear Mr. Scott,

This is an incredibly short-sighted move on your part that will alienate many gun owners who have been regular customers. I guess you know your business better than I do. But I know my business better than you, and I guess that means my business won’t be with Wal-Mart.

I don’t get it---why go out of your way to alienate heartland America, your core customer base?

Don’t bother with a weasel-word response. The only thing I’m interested in hearing from you is that you’ve retracted this obnoxious policy and reprimanded the dolt who authorized it. Until then, I’m doing my part to alert other gun owners about this needless betrayal.

I guess business is good enough to where you won’t miss those of us this has pissed off?

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

David Codrea
[ADDRESS]

We're the Only Ones Fortunate Enough

"The officer was fortunate that he was able to defend himself," the chief said. "This officer had a secondary weapon that very likely could have saved his life."

And if he hadn't been an "Only One," he wouldn't have been so "fortunate," would he?

I'm just wondering when that's finally going to sink in with Wayne. Possibly because there are so few voices calling him on his inexcusable endorsement of "gun free school zones" he doesn't feel enough pressure. And that's probably because, with the way things are, calling to repeal localized bans will only scare "normal" people, so it's not pragmatic to even talk about it.

[Via Andre]

"Untouchable"

We are approaching the 15th anniversary of the Waco massacre in a few days. I guess that's why I started thinking about Kevin Costner's snappy hat.

How can you not get into writing like that?

Mindful Musings presents the latest offering from Mike Vanderboegh. It is as fine and important a summary on the pathogen that is BATFU as I have ever read.

An Important Message from Jay Wallace

I need all the help I can get. The $$$ have gone through the roof. I don't have other dealers to split the cost with any longer. I have run my business as honest as I know how. I follow all ATF laws to the T. I can and will win this case. I know this issue is bigger than my store. It's important to the industry and freedom as we know it to continue the fight. Please continue to pass the word.

We're quick to complain about dealers for "selling out," but when someone takes a stand, we leave them on their own. Does that seem right?

Jay says "The next 3 Months are projected to cost another $400,000.00 in legal fees and costs." No one can bear that alone.

Please go here and do what you can to spread the word and send a bit of financial assistance their way.

Lying Their Way to Tyranny

I guess "taking a stand lying down" beats "taking a **** standing up," but I'm wondering if what this harridan is doing to the little boy couldn't be considered a form of child abuse.

This Day in History: April 17

On April 17, 1778, a raiding party out of Philadelphia made a surprise attack on Bristol and captured a number of American officers and men, given in various sources as between 40 and 65. They also took five civilians who lived in town.

And So it Begins

I'm going to focus the rest of my blogging today on updates for The New York Times' Virginia Tech panel.

There is a new addition to the list: Dr. Richard Kadison, chief of mental health services for Harvard's health services.

It appears mine was the first panelist submission, so I've linked to it below, under John O'Neil's introduction. The basic ground rules are keep each post around or under 300 words. I will continue to add links to this post as they appear, so check back in if you want to keep informed on this.

Master Link to Panel Page (All Posts)

Virginia Tech: After the Shootings
by John O'Neil

Guns on Campus: Could They Prevent a Repeat?
By David Codrea

Better Prepared, but Safer?
By Richard Canas

Changes at Many Levels
By Ada Meloy

Remembrance and Protest
By Rev. Alexander W. Evans

The View From the ‘Lie-In’
By Josh Horwitz

No More ‘Easy’ Guns
By Rev. Alexander W. Evans

Changed Law, Unchanged Danger
By David Codrea

What Campus Police Think
By Ada Meloy

Sharing the Worries When a Student Is Troubled
By Richard Kadison

Rethinking the Role of Campus Police
By Richard Canas

Guns No Deterrent to the Suicidal
By Josh Horwitz

Arguing for Gun Choice
By David Codrea

Creating More Routes for Help
By Richard Kadison

UPDATE: We're done. I emailed Mr. O'Neil and asked if comments were closed for good and will advise when he replies--it may be tomorrow 'til he does.

Thank you all for your kind support here, and especially to those of you who provided the best, most intelligent backup I could hope for. I knew going in I'd be surrounded on the panel by people conditioned and incapable of grokking our views, and also that I would not be able to catch every chair and bottle thrown in the melee. You articulated our "side" with thoughtfulness and composure, and I'm sure gave their readers much to mull on. And based on the near absence of contrary comments, I'd say that despite my being outnumbered, you kept the hordes at bay.

If they do this again, it will no doubt be due in large part to the way you handled things.

Illinois Gun Owner Alert!

I'm otherwise occupied and don't have time to address this properly, but please click the title link and go on over to Armed and Safe to see how the antis are mounting an all-out assault in Illinois--today.

As extremists are involved, this is extremely important.

We're the Only Ones Who Will Rock Your World Enough

A police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave amid accusations she threw rocks at a car owned by her estranged husband's girlfriend.

I wonder--if you threw rocks at an "Only One's" car if you'd be "placed on administrative leave."

Even if your "emotions got the best of" you?

Why not try it and report back to us?

[Via Shermlock Shomes, Investigator]

Sparen Sie Geld. Live Besser.

The Real Gun Guys show us how.

Defender of the Castle

Another one weighs in. This time, it's Tim Schaffer.

Thank you for contacting my office regarding Senate Bill 184, the Castle Doctrine Bill. I am a proud co-sponsor of this legislation.

As a defender of second amendment rights, I support the law-abiding citizens’ right to bear arms. This bill is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee. I will continue to do all I can to support the passage of SB 184.

Thank you again for your letter and please feel free to contact my office if you have any further questions or concerns.

Ohio castle-dwellers: You're doing your part, right? There will be no breach in the wall because your station is undefended?

Close the Candidate Loophole

You know, the one that allows democrats to run as republicans...

[Via Zachary G]

We're the Only Ones Getting the Boot Enough

The weapon was accidentally discharged. The bullet struck the boot sole of a team member behind Sgt. Turner.

Nah, no CYA weasel-wording there.

Sure glad "The Only Ones" got that ammo away from someone who might have endangered others with it, though.

[Via Jeffersonian]

A Long Train of Abuses

What this comes down to is that if the federal government wants to f*** you over, without having to bother with due process, then they effectively bring an action against your property.

Jed brings us the latest on BATFU's murder attempt against Cavalry Arms.

Death of a Whipping Boy

There is nothing remotely liberal in demanding that the state should have a monopoly on the use of force over the rest of the population...

Whatever his motives, whatever underpinned his passion for guns, Charlton Heston, in demanding equal treatment for blacks in the 1950s and later calling for everyone to have the right to bear arms, was a better representative of the spirit of American equality than any of those gun control campaigners who turned him into their favourite redneck whipping boy.

Nice to see the light of reason has not completely flickered out across the pond.

[Via M. Terry]

Gray Lady Update

I sent in my opening statement and got back the following:

Thanks. I'm about to hop on the train, so this won't go up for a bit, but it will!

I was the first panelist to clock in, and the list has not changed. I did recommend considering Messrs. Cramer and Hardy and Dr. Lott, and expressed concern that I may need to weigh in more often that anyone else due to the stack-up, but was told they'll be discussing more than guns, so essentially, don't worry my pretty little head about it.

Hey, when your head is this pretty and this little, what else is there to worry about?

I'll post again on this when something develops on the NYT site. Until then, I'll see how many of your link tips I can get through while waiting.

And They Lived Happily Ever After

Last night, the 15th, the McHenry Co. Board voted unanimously to pass the Illinois Second Amendment Resolution! I think we were the 75th county and the 1st collar county to pass the resolution... It is possible that another county voted to approve the measure last night too...

I love a happy ending.

[Via Discontented Cookie]

A Rose By Any Other Name

Assembly Endorses Gun Safety Measures

Because "gun safety" sounds so much more palatable than "citizen disarmament."

My hands-down favorite: "ban advanced weaponry used to kill police officers."

Hell, if that's the justification, ban 'em all!

Think they're talking about the .50? Sure reads that way. But what else would we expect from a lying propaganda rag, I mean, the North Country Gazette?

[Via cycjec]

This Day in History: April 16

Resolved, That Jacob Hans be, and he is hereby, appointed Captain to one tier of Fire-Rafts.

Resolved, That Mr. Owen Biddle and Mr. Parker be a Committee to prepare a plan for a Powder Magazine, and to lay out the ground upon which it is to be built.

Invitation from a Gray Lady

The New York Times just contacted me and asked me to be on an online panel tomorrow to discuss Virginia Tech.

I'll have more as things develop.

A Golden Opportunity

"This is a tool, an additional tool, that the police departments across the land can use," said Sen. Marty Golden, R-Brooklyn. Golden said he plans to push for a similar bill in the Senate.

Because the republicans are our friends.

This is why you can't donate to the party. Individual candidates, yes, but party contributions can be spread out to enable police statists like Smarty Marty here.

I'm sure there will be some gun owners who support him anyway, because the democrat would have really wanted to hurt us.

And then we wonder how things got this way.

Honor Killings

As the nation prepares to mark the first anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, a group of Charlotteans is planning to honor the victims of gun violence Wednesday during a demonstration uptown.

How will ensuring a continual supply of defenseless victims honor anyone but the killers?

So In Other Words, Both are Traitors?

In terms of policy, there's not much to separate Clinton and Obama on the issue of guns. Both would restrict gun purchases to one a month -- and both want to renew the assault weapons ban.

Hell, I can't afford one gun a month anyway, and you don't need machine guns to hunt with.

Right, AHSA?

Mentalidad Americana

Clara imagen de la mentalidad temerosa y agresiva americana.

Yeah, that's us, fearful and aggressive.

It's not like you couldn't figure out it's a joke sign in about 5 seconds on Google. So which is it, Sergio Malagrida Rakosnik? Are you just lazy, or do you maybe have an agenda?

Do you think we should give comment poster "Fontana" the benefit of the doubt for this being a joke as well? (Spanish to English via Inside Europe: Iberian Notes):

I have been told that in some states in the USA, North Carolina, Virginia, and Mississipi (sic), man-hunting exists, they turn loose a prisoner and hunt him like a rabbit, the victims are usually marginalized, generally blacks and Hispanics, and they are hunted like deer, with dogs and big rifles, a lot of money is spent on these hunts, human life in that country is worth nothing.

[From Sam W via MaxedOutMama]

A Mother of Eight

A "single mother."

Look, I don't take away from her that she's trying to do something now, but good grief.

Sorry, My Faux Chicago, but all you see fit to bring up as a solution is more money or smaller classrooms or after-school programs.

Anybody here not know how babies are made? This isn't worth a mention because it might offend? Once can be seen as a mistake in judgment. You start a personal breeding program and there's a whole 'nother dynamic at play here.

One that should have no bearing on my right to keep and bear arms.

We can dance around the issue and ignore the elephant because we're afraid to address it head-on, but that won't help the least fortunate among us, or any of the rest of us one bit. The only ones it will help are those in "leadership" interested in expanding their power and control by creating, sustaining and expanding artificial dependencies.

The Catch in California?

From Dave Licht:

Any gun in California needs to be registered;

Note that there(technically)is no statute that says your pre 1/1/98 gun has to be registered but if you acquire a gun (even if you are not prohibited)after 1/1/98 and do not register it the "potential crime" under 12072 PC is essentially colluding with the seller to avoid registration - a misdemeanor - or a felony for multiple "violations".

HOWEVER - and this is the catch - once it comes into police possession - they will only return it to the registered owner - Sooooo, if your gun is old and was purchased by a "last known" not you, they will not give it back - period - say the last owner is dead or it went through a couple of hands before it got to you or you got it before registration was required - too bad.

Lose your guns in a "state emergency" - "just show us your registration" and you can have it back - flooded out, car stolen with "your" guns in the trunk - Burglary at your house? You live in Oakland and you want your house searched for your safety.........You will only be able to keep or get back guns that are registered to you.

Using the analogy wherein you are robbed of a couple hundred guns and it would take 10 - 20 years to get them back - Think again - every gun in that collection not "registered" to you would be forfeit to the state - you could only get back the ones "registered" to you - NO Affidavits.

Say the DOJ did a safe compliance check at your house in Kalifornia (which the DOJ can do if you sign that you have a safe when you do your purchase paperwork in CA) - Every non papered gun they find they could (arguably) take away and you would be forced to trade a felony collusion to avoid registration under 12072 PC in "exchange" for the privilege of forfeiting your guns to the "proper authorities".

This IS the knock 'em down one at a time and wipe 'em out by attrition, de facto registration law...

Interesting scenario, one I've never thought through. Anyone have any insights?

Wally World is Watching You

Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest seller of firearms, announced Monday it will toughen rules for gun sales, from storing video of purchases to creating an internal log of which guns they sell that are later used in crimes.

So you would want to patronize them why again?

Let's see if any of the major gun groups are going to organize a boycott.

In the mean time, the best way to register displeasure over this is by writing a letter, not an email to:

Lee Scott

Wal-Mart President & CEO

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

[Via HZ]

A Lopsided Forum

I just got back from the Naperville/NIU event and it was the single most lopsided forum I have ever witnessed. There were about 150 in the audience and 4 ICPGV presenters. Without exaggeration, my best guess would be that of the approx 150 in the audience there might have been less than 5 anti's with most of the remainder outwardly pro 2A. The panel took a real beating at the end of their presentation when no fewer than 20 pro2As stood at the microphone for the next 1/2 hour and gave the panel a real tongue lashing. This included the president of the ISRA who made a few "retaliatory verbal" trips to the mic to counter the blatant lies of the ICPGV.

Looks like you guys did it. Good job!

[Via "Comment" by 45superman]

HZ has more:

Based on tonight's news coverage, it seems that "our" side overwhelmed them. They showed a student from Virginia Tech addressing the crowd. The only person (from the audience) they showed was a woman from our side. I couldn't hear everything she said but she didn't appear to be too eloquent (I don't think that was on accident). Everyone lined up to speak behind her and seated in the audience looked like "ours" ... it looked like a hunter/shooter convention. I could be wrong but they didn't show anyone on camera from the crowd that supported gun control. They just showed one spokesperson from either side, the VT student and the woman at the microphone. Coverage was minimal and low-key.

I just did a cursory scan of some of the major area TV stations using search terms "gun" and "Naperville," and found nothing. If you can find a link to coverage on this story, please share it with the rest of us in "Comments," below.

Nick Wants Your Kids

From GOA:

Nickelodeon has contacted Gun Owners of America and offered us a wonderful opportunity to get out the pro-gun message to young people.

They want some teenagers (between 11-15 years of age) to appear on the May 13 taping of Nick News which will run later that month. Specifically, they would like to interview kids from all over the nation:

1. Who can talk about the right to keep and bear arms,
2. or Who have seen an example of armed self-defense in their home.

They need about ten kids. In some cases, Nickelodeon will fly a team out to your home to film your kids taking target practice, answering questions, etc. In some cases, they will fly your child (along with one parent) for an all-expenses paid trip to New York on May 12, for the taping which will occur the following day.

No doubt, they will probably have kids who tout the anti-gun position. But if you think you have a well-spoken teen who can handle this challenge, please contact Gun Owners of America at goamail@gunowners.org or at 703-321-8585.

I see where this is being greeted with suspicion on some forums, which doesn't surprise me, as they are too often places where new ideas are strangled in their cribs by dullards or those with agendas.

Yeah, Nick's a bunch of libs, and there are no doubt those who would like to distort/take out of context/edit, manipulate, load questions, etc., but it also looks like there are those who at least want to make it look like they're interested in both sides. If you have a kid who knows what he's/she's talking about, they can handle it.

The alternative is no representation.

Talk to your child if you think they have the knowledge, presence and desire to do this.