We're the Only Ones Breaking You from Swearing Enough

A man arrested after he used the word "bitch" when a woman took his parking space can go forward with a lawsuit against three Las Cruces police officers, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday...

Gallegos — contrary to his training, the documents states — "decided to use his own arrest technique in which he grabs and handcuffs the suspect before explaining that he is under arrest."

York reflexively drew back his arm, which Gallegos interpreted as resisting arrest. Gallegos executed an arm-bar takedown and York struck his head and shoulder on the pavement.

Martinez then placed a Taser on York's neck and threatened to shock him if he did not untuck his arms from underneath his body, the documents state.

"I can't. I think you broke my arm," York reportedly responded.

Things may come and things may go, but "Only One" tactics remain the same. Anybody remember "Invisible Agent*"?

Old man--sign ze papers.

I can't--you have broken my fingers!

*-Incidentally, here's the cool trailer for it.

[Via DONE! SEO]

We're the Only Ones Sloppy Enough

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office plans to review a year's worth of Detroit criminal cases involving firearms amid concerns raised about the accuracy of police ballistics testing.

...federal authorities would be called in if any evidence of criminality is turned up. At the moment, however, the problem appears to have resulted from sloppy work performed by a former employee

See, that's the problem when the city's "Only One" elites are demonstrable perjurers: how can you not suspect corruption, or believe a word they say?

I feel like anything coming from that city can be summed up by paraphrasing the last line from "Chinatown":

Forget it, Jake. It's Detroit.

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

An Innocent Man

Former U.S. Rep. Craig Washington proclaimed his innocence Friday to a charge alleging he fired a gun at an 18-year-old's car as the teen was driving on a downtown Houston street.

Washington, 66, was indicted Thursday on a charge of aggravated assault with a gun, a second-degree felony. Taylor Brooks, 18, told police that three bullets struck his car as he was driving away from a confrontation with Washington on Jan. 1. Another 18-year-old also was in the car, police said.

Be sure and read the comments by former legislator Larry Warner, and my response.

Seems during his congressional career, Rep. Washington was--surprise!--a gungrabber.

UPDATE: As the report in the title link is from AP, I have no way to contact the reporter. The Chronicle did do a local take on the story, however, and I sent the following email to their reporter:

I note the shooting allegedly took place outside his law office.

I'm wondering why no mention was made in the reporting about whether or not Mr. Washington has a CHL permit. That seems a valid and newsworthy question, especially since Washington advocated gun laws during his political career, and even said there were too many handguns in citizens' hands.

One would think a gun law advocate would obey gun laws. Will you follow up on this in your reporting and at least get the question out there?

This Day in History: April 28

We, the delegates of the people of the state of Maryland, having fully considered the Constitution of the United States of America...do, for ourselves, and in the name and on the behalf of the people of this state, assent to and ratify the said Constitution.

So...uh...when are they going to start acting like it?

"Semi Fully-Automatic..."

...expialidocious...

[Via 45Superman]

The Stuff of Fairy Tales

Trolls under bridges, that is.

Except this one was put there by the government.

Mr. Sinatra, your cue please:

Fairy tales can come true,
it can happen to you...

Situation Under Control

At this point we believe we have investigated the alleged threats and the verifiable threat sufficiently and extensively and have dealt with both in a manner relative to the alleged and actual threats. We treated both of these incidents as serious and investigated them accordingly and dealt with them immediately.

And what will you do if you have to deal with an actual threat incident immediately, Principal Berndt? Which children entrusted to your custody are you and your staff personally prepared to protect, and how?

Ah well--at least you're in good company.

We're the Only Ones Absolutely Discharged Enough, Eh?

Former Ontario cabinet minister John Snobelen received an absolute discharge on weapons charges today in a court in Oakville, Ont...

Justice Stephen Brown said the former Progressive Conservative politician has already endured public embarrassment by being arrested, and his “foolish mistake will follow him.”

"Justice" Brown? As in "just us"?

Or would he do the same for a non "Only One" too, eh?

Rising Unabated in the UK

THE number of gun crimes has risen by four per cent in a year, official figures revealed yesterday.

More than 27 firearms offences are committed on our streets every day.

Well, yes, but in fairness, our resources have been tied up on sausage roll and wheelie bin patrols...

Gun Nuts and Racists

They're all the same if you listen to The Capital Times' resident indignant little socialist he-man, Joel McNalley.

The video in question is shown in this news report.

What's clear is that the clerk would have been shot had he not pulled his own gun--and the thug could have gotten away without incident had he not chosen to fire first.

That there was a bystander is simply the existing reality. Perhaps this McNalley character thinks that's justification to consent to being executed. Or perhaps, realizing how utterly useless he would be in such a situation, he just needs to spit bitchy venom in the desperate hope that others who share his unmanliness will find comfort in numbers--and in the state of the Social Democrats, he ought to find no shortage of fellow travelers .

As for hateful ignorance in YouTube comments, duh. Check out any topic and you'll find no shortage of foul-mouthed morons. But if you truly want to observe a link between spiteful bigotry and an identifiable group of people, look no further than "Your Progressive Voice," The Capital Times.

Shutting it Down

Hundreds of angry people marched through Harlem on Saturday after the Rev. Al Sharpton promised to "close this city down" to protest the acquittals of three police detectives in the 50-shot barrage that killed a groom on his wedding day and wounded two friends.

Interesting pickle the "liberals" have gotten themselves into.

I wonder if they're going to call out the "Hercules Teams"? And if they do, what the reaction will be in Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit...

[Via Chris Horton]

Doritos Recognizes Those Who Do Something

So look at who they're recognizing and do something yourself. And read the response from corporate wormtongue Cathy Dial. Where do they find such creatures?

Stuff's bad for ya anyway.

As an aside, I remember the North Hollywood shootout, and the shameful way B&B Guns, now closed down, was treated after they loaned the police rifles. They should have been honored in an official ceremony by a grateful city, instead of ignored and despised by wretched ingrates intent on their destruction.

[Via Jeffersonian]

Notice of Opportunity

With his rubbish collected only once a fortnight, Gareth Corkhill's wheelie bin was so full the lid wouldn't shut.

And for that, the father of four finds himself with a criminal record.

Hard to believe this is what has become of the British Empire. They've managed to fulfill Orwell's and Welles' visions, what with calling an extortion payment demand a "Notice of Opportunity," and with the way the Morlocks treat the Eloi.

We're headed down that path ourselves, and I just don't get why so few apparently see that or care.

[Via Deadcenter]

This Day in History: April 27

In answer to your favor of the 25th. delivered to me yesterday, I shall beg leave to inform you, that it was my design to have included the Militia of this City, in the 2000 or 2500 Men, which I thought might be wanted upon an emergency; but whether common prudence may not dictate the expediency, of extending your views to a greater number, in case of necessity is submitted to the wisdom of your board.

South Side Story

The problem is guns...
The problem is bad parents...
The problem is drugs...
The problem is jobs...
The problem is our schools...

In other words, you clearly have no idea what you're doing. But you're bound and determined to keep doing it, even if it kills people.

Nice.

Still, their mantra sounds familiar...where have I heard it before? Ah!

The trouble is he's crazy.
The trouble is he drinks.
The trouble is he's lazy.
The trouble is he stinks.
The trouble is he's growing.
The trouble is he's grown.
Krupke, we got troubles of our own!

Emperor Daley
You've done it again
If there were any justice
You'd get life in the pen
And commie pal Snuffy
Would get what he's due
Gee, Emperor Daley,
Snuff You!

[Via John R]

Time for Some Hunter Education

The Medford Mail Tribune, a newspaper which has repeatedly editorialized against self defense for public employees, has won a court case .pdf to get the names, addresses and occupations of all concealed handgun license holders in Jackson County.

Yeah, you can email the ironically-named editor Bob Hunter, but fascists like him probably get off on knowing how mad they make us.

I believe the most effective way to handle this is by making it their advertisers' problem, as they are the ones who finance and enable these subversives.

The first step would be to determine who their big regulars are--maybe come up with the top 5, and then send their CEOs a letter. It ought to be nice, that is, let them know you know they don't set editorial policy, but since the paper depends on them for their lifeblood they have been inadvertently drawn into this thanks to a newspaper management that places its subversive crusading above the interests of its customers. And who knows, maybe some of them will be gun owners.

I think if a business like a car dealership knew they could expect about a dozen protestors on the sidewalk outside their business on a busy weekend with signs highlighting how they are enabling undermining of rights, most would not want the controversy. If they knew their businesses were going to be regularly randomly selected for this, it would give them incentive to bring requisite pressure to bear.

This, of course, all depends on whether or not Oregon gun owners are interested in personally pursuing this and have the manpower to make good on it.

Being in Ohio, there is only so much I can do, but I will report on it via the War on Guns if anyone there wishes to pursue it. I'll also do what I can to recruit support from others.

Newspapers are fighting for survival right now, with circulation and revenues way down. Case in point, The New York Times will undergo a major bloodletting from among their reporting staff in the coming days. I just don't see the Medford local having the kind of against-the-trend prosperity to be able to sustain this, especially if their advertising guys are getting angry calls from big revenue sources demanding to know what the hell they've dragged them into.

[Via Jeffersonian]

Meanwhile, Over at the Ministry of Sausage and Biscuit Crumbs...

A single mother has been fined £75 for "littering" after her daughter dropped a piece of sausage roll on the pavement...

I guess it's safer than taking on criminals.

The UK truly has devolved into an actualization of "Brazil."

[Via Zachary G]

Why Illinois 10th District Gun Owners Should Vote Third Party*

Recently, Congressman Mark Kirk from Illinois 10th District introduced a bill to create a “Secure Social Security Card”. This new card is clearly a run around to the state’s opposition to Real ID and we must do all in our power to prevent it from becoming law.

This Kirk character is a real piece of work. He's an anti-gun extremist and an enemy of just about any core conservative belief you could name--in short, the essence of "moderate republicans" who have taken center ring in "The Big Tent." I mean, the guy's endorsed by the Brady Campaign, for the love of...

Illinois gun owners, why put up with it? Who cares if his "democrat opponent" is also an evil gungrabbing collectivist? You need to teach the GOP the object lesson that betrayal will not be rewarded, but will be properly punished. There is no "lesser of two evils" rationale to use as an excuse here. Aside from the "R" he campaigns under, the guy's a democrat Fifth Columnist.

The only way to change this is to force Kirk out. That means, as odious as the prospect is, helping Dan Seals beat him.

Do, it, make it known you are doing it, and let everyone know afterward that you did it. And make sure they know why.

That is, if you're serious about sending the party a message and getting an acceptable candidate next time around.

[Via Less]

*UPDATE: I'd originally said "Democrat," but 45Superman gives a superior alternative in "Comments."

We're the Only Ones Getting in Our Licks Enough

The two page complaint was filed April 11th, regarding an incident in late march, when Sheriff Morton allegedly groped and performed oral sex on the woman against her will.

You said a mouthful, sister.

In all seriousness, though, I had doubts about the plausibility of the charges once I read her claim that he "forc[ed] her to get drunk."

I also don't think serious charges ought to be leveled against anyone while shielding the identity of the accuser. I understand the arguments for doing so in rape cases, but still think the danger to freedom must be the paramount consideration. Likewise, I don't believe in withholding the names of minors from news accounts--if the twisted 12-year-old down the street is setting fire to kittens, I think I have a need to know about that.

Anyway, back to this: Something was going on, and I guess the investigation will tell us whether we're dealing with an "Only One" predator or a disgruntled employee.

But there's something fishy here. The story, I mean.

[Via rabid]

We're the Only Ones Absolutely Immune Enough

Generally speaking, it is smart public policy to shield prosecutors from lawsuits when it comes to determining in which cases they'll pursue charges...

But you could make a good case that absolute immunity takes this idea too far. Even police officers are given what's called "qualified immunity" from civil rights suits, which in 1983 the Supreme Court determined meant, "insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known."

That sets a hurdle for lawsuits against the police, but not a wall (some would argue that this hurdle is also too high). It might be time to consider applying that standard to prosecutors, too.

Actually, it's past time. The absolute immunity doctrine should never have been established.
The simple fact is, freedom depends on responsibility and accountability. You just can't have one without the others.

Having "Only Ones" impervious to the laws the rest of us are bound by is the essence of tyranny.

And as for incentives for prosecutors, the incentive ought to be to reduce prosecutable "offenses."

[Via Carl S]

This Day in History: April 26

Hannah Bradish, of that part of Cambridge, called Menotomy, and daughter of timothy Paine, of Worcester, in the county of Worcester, esq. of lawful age, testifies and says, that about five o'clock on Wednesday last, afternoon, being in her bed-chamber, with her infant child, about eight days old, she was surprised by the firing of the king's troops and our people, on their return from Concord. She being weak and unable to go out of her house, in order to secure herself and family, they all retired into the kitchen, in the back part of the house. She soon found the house surrounded with the king's troops; that upon observation made, at least seventy bullets were shot into the front part of the house; several bullets lodged in the kitchen where she was, and one passed through an easy chair she had just gone from. The door of the front part of the house was broken open; she did not see any soldiers in the house, but supposed, by the noise, they were in the front. After the troops had gone off, she missed the following things, which, she verily believes, were taken out of the house by the king's troops, viz: one rich brocade gown, called a negligée, one lutestring gown, one white quilt, one pair of brocade shoes, three shifts, eight white aprons, three caps, one case of ivory knives and forks, and several other small articles.

Was There Ever Any Doubt?

In what marks the end of one of the most high-profile police-involved shooting trials in New York City, a judge has acquitted three NYPD detectives of all charges in the shooting death of 23-year-old Sean Bell on Friday. Bell was gunned down in a hail of 50 bullets outside a Queens strip club on what would have been his wedding day in November 2006...

Investigators found no gun at the scene.

Well, the weather's getting warmer. Y'all might need those "Hercules Teams," Mr. Mayor...

Scraping Off the Guano

That's right. A US Marshal was making threats against a good, honest man for not...

...ahhh, you'll just have to read the rest of that sentence for yourself. But there is truth in it.

Truth vs. Evil shares some observations about WoG's first (and only to date--I'll have to remedy that) Bite-Me-Gram recipient.

When's the Next Shuttle Mission?

I think they ought to test Existing Thing's hypothesis.

You'll Pull Us Through, Sonny Boy*

Is the gun bill still loaded? Gov. Sonny Perdue said he has not decided. He could pull the trigger on the controversial gun bill that passed the legislature earlier this month.

The bill lets you carry your gun into restaurants that serve alcohol, or onto public transport, if you have a concealed weapons permit.

But Sonny, I thought you were one of us...

I mean, you shoot sporting clays, for goodness sake...

If that doesn't make you pro-Second Amendment, I don't know what does...

I know we can count on you, A+rated "Vote Freedom First" Sonny!



Why would there even be a doubt?

*

Bravo, Mr. Thompson!

It took courage to do this, plus you have a very effective presence and ability to articulate the case.

Well done. Especially considering the way the AP "Authorized Journalist" stacked her report against you.

A Better Judgment

Guns are bad. Guns kill.

Oh, look. Little boys making noise.

One question, Phil, Jacob and Brian: When the time comes, how do you children propose sharing this?

In the Lap of Freedom

It may hold our financial records, innermost thoughts and pictures of our loved ones - but there's nothing private about a laptop computer at the nation's borders, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

No, of course not. And if they really want it, there's nothing private about them within our borders, either.

Just who do you think is calling the shots here?

[Via End the War on Freedom]

Proof That Bloomberg's Not "Anti-Gun"

Machine Gun-Toting Officers To Patrol NYC Subway...

"It's going to make me feel safer, much safer, yes it will."

Now hold on just a dang minute here.

I thought the purpose of these "bullet hoses" was to kill as many people as quickly as possible. How the hell are you going to deploy them in a crowded subway station, or sardine-packed subway car, with requisite precision and without massive "friendly fire collateral damage"?

And what's with names like "Hercules teams"? Kind of a comic book action hero mindset there, don't you think? In an elite "we have huge balls" 'roid rage kind of way. Just what we need more of for New York "Only Ones."

$151 million from Homeland Security? Bender's outfit? I thought I felt the "Vote Freedom First President's" touch on this.

I know "they hate us because we're free" and all, but I'm starting to wonder just how much "freer" the government intends to make us.

What with Bloomberg's and Ray Kelly's demonstrable love of high tech firepower, I don't suppose trusting the true "first responders" is an option...?

The Security and Prosperity Partnership

[A] Mexican press attaché was caught on camera pocketing several White House BlackBerries during a recent meeting in New Orleans...

Sources said Quintero Curiel made it all the way to the airport before Secret Service officers caught up with him. He initially denied taking the devices, but after agents showed him the DVD, Quintero Curiel said it was purely accidental, gave them back, claimed diplomatic immunity and left New Orleans with the Mexican delegation.

Yeah, the problem with Mexican crime is the Second Amendment.

ABC said it, I believe it, that settles it.

Gun Stories

From Second Amendment Foundation via email:

A new website is looking for stories that show what experiences shaped what people believe about guns and gun rights. Some of the stories may end up as part of a feature documentary or a TV series in the early stages of development.

Terrific idea if done properly.

But this one also includes Tales from the Antis.

So as SAF says in their email alert:

Gunstories.org has stories from all points of view -- pro, anti, and everything in between. Let's make sure our stories get heard.

Someone to Watch Over Me

The criminal that can hurt you on the streets near your home.. What is your advice to people about preventing armed criminals near us? I was robbed at gunpoint in Hermosa beach the night before the shooting in El Segundo theather. I was walking at a reasonable hour when a lot of people were out and around. I personally think that we really need to have armed officers not just driving around but walking around the area just to keep them out!

Why does this remind me of John Prine's classic song, "Dear Abby"? Probably just the tone of utter helplessness, the abdication of responsibility and personal choice...

Feel free to advise police state market demand facilitator "Blessed Assurance" if you think it'll make a blessed bit of difference.

We're the Only Ones Mentoring Enough

An off-duty 65-year-old Baltimore police officer was shot and killed by another officer Thursday morning after he left a strip club wearing brass knuckles during a brawl and drew a handgun, police said...

"Officer Stamp was a mentor to some and a friend to many," Bealefeld said.

I'm sure he was, and there will be no shortage of younger officers following his example.

Gee, I thought "metal knuckles" were illegal in Maryland. Oh, they are--with proper "Only One" exceptions, of course. I have mixed feelings about them--on the one hand, using them in a "fair fight" seems cowardly, on the other hand, I don't believe in fair fights--if someone attacks me, I will have tried to disengage if possible, so anything goes.

Still, I've never seen a drunken bar brawl that didn't involve poor individual choices by all parties involved, starting with the decison to frequent such a place, or not notice what it's like and get the hell out. Add an aggressive disposition and a bit of alcohol, bring in a few sexy young thangs to stir up male rivalries and...

But there I go being "judgmental" again.

See, this is why they need to pass laws making sure you and I can't carry in bars. If a trained heroic professional can't handle it, what chance do I have, immature and moral weakling that I am...?

And if I know I can't trust myself, I sure as hell can't admit that I might trust you.

[Via Carlton R]

This Day in History: April 25

We, Solomon Brown, Jonathan Loring, and Elijah Sanderson, all of lawful Age, and of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, and Collony of the Massachusett Bay, in New England, do testifie and declare, that on the evening of the Eighteenth of April, Instant, being on the Road between Concord and Lexington, and all of us mounted on Horses, we were, about ten of the Clock, suddenly surprized by nine Persons, whom we took to be Regular Officers, who Rode up to us, mounted and armed, each having a Pistol in His Hand, and after Putting Pistols to our Breasts, and seizing the Bridles of our Horses, they swore, that if we stirred another step, we should be all Dead Men, upon which we surrendered our selves. They Detained us until Two o'Clock the next morning, in which time they searched and greatly abused us; having first enquired about the Magazine at Concord, whether any Guards were posted there, and whether the bridges were up, and said four or five Regiments of Regulars would be in Possession of the stores soon; they then brought us back to Lexington, eat the Horses Bridles and Girts, turned them Loose, and then Left us.

"I'm the ARA"

I've been curious about the financing for our good friends at American Hunters and Shooters Association. It's not like they have a large membership base, and somebody's bankrolling them.

One of the resources I use to check nonprofits is Guidestar. They were useful in checking the IRS filings of the ROOT program for my latest GUNS Magazine article, and a while back some of you may remember this shot across the bow of Freedom States Alliance, just to convince them that two can play their little "outing" game.

What I found when I looked up AHSA was the American Rifle Association Foundation, and opening up their 2006 Form 990 shows the name of their organization is American Hunters and Shooters Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Why they are listed under a different name is anybody's guess, but here is their "mission":

TO SUPPORT, PROMOTE, AND PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE U.S.A. TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS FOR ALL LAWFUL PURPOSES.

Right.

Bottom line for the foundation: gross receipts just under $250K, and all the principles (Rosenthal, Vince, Shoenke, Hickok) say they work 5 hours or less per week for no compensation. But bear in mind this is the foundation, because Part VI, "Other Information," asks if they are related to any other organization, to which they check "Yes," and type in "See Statement 2."

The name of that organization is American Hunters and Shooters Association, Inc., and they, too, are "exempt," but to date no 990 has been posted (unless, as with the foundation, it is listed under another name?).

I leave it to people skilled in such matters to see what conclusions can be drawn--for instance, why is there no Form 990 for AHSA-proper? Do they take in under $25K annually, and are not required to file a form? Is the foundation all there is? Do they rely almost entirely on free publicity from a supportive media? Or hasn't their filing been posted yet?

Beats me. I'm hoping more people looking into this will help bring the information to light. As I understand it, someone ought to be able to just write them and and ask?

UPDATE: While we're at it, here's Freedom States Alliance. $408K in, practically nothing out. Doesn't say much, does it? Particularly about any money being spent. Who pays for "Gun Guys"? Oh, I see--they need an extension...

A Really Wrong Turn

A U.S. soldier being held by Mexican authorities said he accidentally drove across the border with guns, knives and ammunition while looking for a place to park.

Congratulations, Spc. Torres.

"The Vote Freedom First President" and his fawning cronies say a foreign conviction should put you on their prohibited persons list.

Aren't you glad you risked your life overseas to defend American "freedom"?

Hey, if you're not with us, you're against us!

The Lords' Will

The family of a man who was shot dead by Sussex Police while naked and unarmed can sue the force for unlawful killing, Law Lords have ruled.

"Law Lords"? Good grief.

But at least the family gets a consolation prize.

I note the "Only One" who panicked and murdered an unarmed man escaped prosecution and incarceration.

The Lords' will, no doubt.

No Choice

The RCMP says if the government allows an amnesty on rifle and shotgun ownership to expire, police will have no choice but to fine or jail unregistered long-gun owners.

In other words, you're leaving gun owners no choice but to obey or resist, Sgt. Strong?

"Terribly Offensive"

We talked with Larry Hincker from Virginia Tech about the visit. He says "Free speech is a hallmark of university life. Still, I find it terribly offensive to learn that the gun-seller of the weapons used in the Virginia Tech campus murders would set foot on this campus."

Hincker went on to say he thinks it's incredibly insensitive to the families of the victims.

No, Hincker.

What's terribly offensive is you, murderer enabler.

What's incredibly insensitive is that you continue to endanger other human beings with your bloody-handed incompetence.

"A Simple Yet Effective Tool"

Who? BATFU "Special Agent in Charge" James Cavanaugh?

UPDATE: Mike Vanderboegh made up a poster just for this occasion, but adaptable for so many others!

We're the Only Ones With Judgment Enough

For the first time in its history, a weapon was fired inside a courtroom at the Gatineau courthouse yesterday.

But the man who inadvertently pulled the trigger was the Quebec court judge presiding over the case.

Because everyone knows the best way to find out if a gun works is to squeeze the trigger. And the police couldn't figure out how to unload/unjam it? That's quite a chain of incompetency the Quebec "Only Ones" have going for them there.

No wonder they're against guns. People typically fear that which they're ignorant of.

And lest we miss the larger point, it doesn't seem to occur to anyone that they have created a society where goblins feel secure enough in the defenselessness of their victims to dare conducting home invasions with an air pistol.

That's just plain pathetic.

Gun Virgins

Although my clients clearly had a "blast" with their first shooting experience, they didn't have more fun than I did, proudly explaining America's fine tradition of empowering the individual with firearms and standing up to "authorities" who were in reality elitist snobs bent on convincing them they were unworthy underlings.

This is a fun read and parallels my experiences every time I have introduced a new person to shooting. It truly is the single best way to begin changing perceptions.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Creating a First Impression

It would also be nice for him to examine why it is that British tourists have such an unrealistic view of America as a violent place that they are shocked at how safe they feel when visiting. Does the media, including BBC, bear any responsibility for conveying such a misleading impression?

Oh, I don't know, what do you think?

[Via Thaddeus Fendon]

A Matter of Ceremony

A charge of carrying a dangerous weapon was dismissed against a Sikh man arrested in Kern County with a ceremonial dagger in his possession.

Good.

If we have equal protection under the law combined with "no laws respecting establishment of religion," I'm sure I can do the same, right?

[Via Maureen]

Meanwhile, Back in Boss Daley's Paradise...

Five people were found dead Wednesday afternoon in a house on Chicago's South Side, police said.

The spate...uh...spike continues, despite the city's best efforts to keep you and me disarmed. This sounds like a job for Snuffy Pfleger.

Fact of the matter is, there are some on the South Side who can't be trusted with water. So I guess the only way to deal with that equitably is to lower the boom on...I mean, bar for all of us.

[Via HZ]

Defending the Indefensible

In a move that can only be described as deranged Linfield College has instituted a policy that "prohibits weapons on college property, in any vehicle on college property, or at any college-sponsored event on or off campus." [Emphasis added.]

Oregon Firearms Federation has done such a superlative job dissecting this, I have little else to say--except maybe tell Campus Safety Director Mike Dresell what you think of his defending the indefensible (literally): mailto:mdressel@linfield.edu%20

[Via Jeffersonian]

Propaganda: It's as Easy as ABC

"It's virtually impossible to buy a firearm in Mexico as a private citizen, so this country is where they come," said Newell.

And as we all know, in Mexico, it is virtually impossible to break any laws, so naturally, firearms laws would fall into that category.
It's not like a lack of border security that permits millions of foreign nationals to cross illegally is going to be able to stop guns. Funny--that isn't even mentioned. And forget the War on Drugs that makes it all profitable.

No, the solution, according to the ambitious BATFU careerist, is to infringe on the right of citizens to purchase firearms. While throwing M60 machine guns into the mix of "lenient American gun laws," taking a page right out of Josh Sugarmann's playbook.


And bringing up the hysteria over ballistic vest/car door-piercing firepower, as if any hunting rifle won't do that. And demonizing firearms with intent, as in "Mata Policia."

And, of course, blaming it all on "the Second Amendment."

Charlie Gibson. Now there's an unbiased chronicler.

And as we all know:


Way to cheerlead, ABC News! No wonder "More Americans get their subversive propaganda from you than any other source!"

[Via George S]

Texicans

Pound for pound, for sheer orneriness, in 1835-1836 Texicans set a new standard. As usual in showdowns between free men and dictators, it started over gun control.

Mike Vanderboegh gives a history lesson we would do well to learn, especially since history has a habit of repeating itself.

This Day in History: April 24

[Affidavit] No. 5.Lexington, April 24, 1775.

I, John Robins, being of lawful Age, do Testifye and say, that on the Nineteenth Instant, the Company under the Command of Captain John Parker, being drawn up (sometime before sun Rise) on the Green or Common, and I being in the front Rank, there suddenly appear'd a Number of the Kings Troops, about a Thousand, as I thought, at the distance of about 60 or 70 yards from us Huzzaing, and on a quick pace towards us, with three Officers in their front on Horse Back, and on full Gallop towards us, the foremost of which cryed, throw down your Arms ye Villains, ye Rebels! upon which said Company Dispersing, the foremost of the three Officers order'd their Men, saying, fire, by God, fire! at which Moment we received a very heavy and close fire from them, at which Instant, being wounded, I fell, and several of our men were shot Dead by me. Captain Parker's men I believe had not then fired a Gun, and further the Deponent saith not.

John Robins.

We're the Only Ones "How Now, Brown Cow?" Enough

More charges have been filed against a Burlington County police officer who was recently charged with sexually assaulting three girls.

Authorities announced Moorsetown Officer Robert Melia Jr., 38, has been charged with four counts of animal cruelty after allegedly engaging in sex acts with cows between June and December of 2006.

Whoopie-Ti-Yi-Yo, get along little dogie!

Hey, they were horny.

I've heard of "cow tipping," but this is ridiculous. Udderly disgusting, and that's no bull, but it does add a new dimension to the term "cowpoke."

At least now we know what made the cow jump over the moon.

Sorry for the the groaners, but I'm milking this for all it's worth.

Yeesh!

[Via William Y]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

UPDATE: Oh, look! The Moorestown PD expects you to prove your mental stability to them before they'll allow you to purchase a handgun!

Hey, don't have a cow, man!

May the Schvarts Be With You

Or not.

Don't fret, Yale. I've got another artist lined up for you who makes Aliza look like the rank amateur she is.

My main man Trashman.

The ethics seem about right.

The Grasshopper and the Ants Redux

Americans hoard food as industry seeks regs

What did I tell ya.

The first propaganda step is to characterize preparedness planners as hoarders, that is, selfish, unsympathetic and antisocial.

Along with barterers...uh...price gougers.

Something must be done!

And when that happens, those who did not assume responsibility for their provisioning will be properly covetous, desperate, and importantly, conditioned, to feel the selfish bastards are getting just what's comin' to 'em...

There sure do seem to be a lot of disconcerting rumblings in the air lately...what's the recurring line from Star Wars?

I have a bad feeling about this.

DeathSponge NotePants

Those of you not into anime will have no idea what this is about and will no doubt find it a stupid waste of your time. Me, I about spit coffee all over my keyboard. [Watch]

[Via JC]

A Crisis Intervention

During the week of April 21-25, 2008, some IUPUI students will be participating in the Second National Empty Holster protest here on campus.

These students are members of the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC) and will attend classes wearing EMPTY holsters.

We are posting this information to increase awareness of this event due to our concern about the potential negative impact seeing individuals on campus with holsters may have on some individuals.

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim or witness of violent crime or been engaged in combat, it is possible that seeing holsters might trigger a memory or post-traumatic reaction.

Right. Self-insemination/abortion for show-and-tell is bold artistic expression, but see an empty holster and let the PSH begin. And I suppose none of these precious young innocents have ever seen a slasher movie or a violence-simulating video game? And they somehow don't break down into quivering, gelatinous blobs when an "Only One" with a real gun in a holster saunters by?

The only thing empty around the CAPS department would appear to be the heads of the panic-inducing loons running it.

This isn't science and it isn't medicine. At best, it's witch doctoring, but in reality, it's more likely agenda-driven manipulation and a stunt for attention and relevance.

Anyone that crippled and weak has bigger problems than seeing a holster, and is far too unhinged to not be in custodial care. And if you think about it, that's just the way the nanny-statists want you to be.

What a pathetic indictment on their self-loathing, and loathing of anyone not so deficient. That such as these don't trust their fellows to bear the responsibilities of free men is not only inevitable, why would any sane, whole person want the approval of such twitching, paranoid wretches?

The lunatics are, indeed, running the asylum. Just ask them: capsindy@iupui.edu

[Via John R]

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...