David E. Young Interview

Our guest today is David E. Young, author, historian researcher...

Before we begin, a brief biography is in order to introduce some of you to who this man is, what he's done, and why it's important for RKBA activists to know about his significant work.

Biographical Information:
David E. Young

Born, 1947, Flint, Michigan
Graduated with high honors, Michigan State University, 1972, with Bachelor of Science Degree in Park and Recreation Resources specializing in Environmental Interpretation (Naturalist).
Have minors in Music Composition, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, and Biology.

Retired from career with Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources in 2002.
Primarily employed as Park Ranger and Commissioned Park Officer at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan's largest.

Founded Golden Oak Books in 1987 specifically to self-publish results of research (all self-financed).
Author: True Bear Tales, 1987, 1992, 1996, 2005
Editor: The Origin of the Second Amendment, 1991, 1995, 2001
Author: The Founders' View of the Right to Bear Arms, published Dec. 21, 2007

Hobbies and avocations:
Studying American historical documents relating to development of the Second Amendment as part of the U.S. Bill of Rights and Constitution
Collecting Lake Superior Agates

With the preliminaries out of the way, let's ask some questions!

DC: Until I started doing some background research on you, I’d assumed you were a lifelong academic. But I find out you’re a retired park ranger. Tell me about that part of your life.

DY: A career in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources working as a mid-level state park ranger, primarily at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, made it possible for me to spend my non-working hours at home with my family pursuing my own interests. For eighteen years at work, I volunteered as a chief steward for the Michigan State Employees Association helping other DNR employees with work related issues; experiences that helped me much better understand people and bureaucracy.

While park ranger may not be the most prestigious of all careers, most Americans trapped in large metro areas can only dream of the fabulous surroundings in which I worked at Michigan's largest state park along the shores of Lake Superior, or the variety of endeavors rangers there were involved in. Porkies rangers are jacks of all trades. As a result of my career, I can do anything (almost).

DC: How did you get interested in Second Amendment scholarship?

DY: Because of the tremendous push for gun control after President Kennedy's assassination in 1963 and the disagreement about the meaning of the Second Amendment that resulted from the gun control agenda that developed afterwards, I got hooked on the controversy over the amendment's intent. By the time I was at Michigan State in the late 60's and early 70's, with the Second Amendment intent dispute continually increasing as more and more gun control laws were sought, I decided to find out for myself exactly why the Founders used the specific language they did and exactly what it meant to them. After graduating from Michigan State University, I decided to pursue in my spare time a personal study of the relevant period historical sources for understanding the Second Amendment. It took several years before it was clear exactly what the RELEVANT historical sources were that I needed to obtain and study.

DC: You started doing your research in the 70’s—long before the Internet made a lot of information available from the comfort of home. I’m assuming it involved a lot of travel and no small amount of personal expense. Give us a feel for what that was like, the major places where you looked for information, an overview of the process you went through…

DY: Not being a wealthy person, having well-to-do relatives, or living next to an extensive university library, I sought out used books early on in my research. Hunting for document collections at used bookstores became a passion. A trip anywhere resulted in considerable time spent rummaging in used bookstores, especially any trip to the East Lansing or Ann Arbor areas. Research led to a better understanding of exactly what sources were those most relevant, and it became apparent that I must do some library research as well as obtain certain document collections, even if that meant buying new books. The more information I got, the more information it became apparent would be needed. I made several overnight trips specifically to hunt for material at Northern Michigan University's library. I also started forking out a small fortune by my standards for new copies of document collections so they could be pursued at my own pace at home. The $50+ price of many of these volumes needed in the late 70's and early 80's was really a problem due to the fact that my wife took care of our children and did not have an outside job, and park ranger is not the highest paid of professions.

DC: Any surprises along the way? Did you glean any information from any unlikely sources? Did you have any preconceptions challenged or overturned?

DY: I was surprised how little attention those arguing the Second Amendment's intent paid to The Origin of the Second Amendment, with a clear exception for Dave Kopel, who has reviewed it four different times and used it extensively in one of his articles. I was also surprised that ORIGIN did not bring a relatively quick end to the Second Amendment intent dispute, which is probably because everyone largely ignored it.

Unlikely source: I noticed an almost exact analog of the Second Amendment engraved across the front of Angell Hall at the University of Michigan many years ago on a used bookstore hunting trip. It took a number of years before I discovered that the analog sentence came from the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. [In the Heller case respondent's brief, it is pointed out that the Northwest Ordinance containing the analog was reauthorized by Congress the same year it passed the Bill of Rights amendments].

Preconceptions: Well, like everyone else, I have my own little theories about why certain things happened based on the available historical facts. My first theory about why there is Virginia and Pennsylvania style state bill of rights language combined in the Second Amendment was wrong. After obtaining all the historical facts, it became apparent that my original idea was not tenable. This situation is the very reason why I quit writing short articles after the 1970's and pursued collecting all of the Constitutional Era sources before writing anything else. It is also the reason why I have studied the sources an additional sixteen years before writing my new book, The Founders' View of the Right to Bear Arms. Much of the material that has appeared in law review articles over the decades has consisted of little theories based on partial facts that are not consistent with all of the historical facts.

DC: Tell me about the “Bear” book. And while you’re at it, and understanding that there are many behaviors people can follow to minimize dangerous encounters, if you were attacked by an aggressive bear, what would you prefer as your ultimate backup: pepper spray or a firearm with adequate stopping power?

DY: True Bear Tales is a collection of anecdotal black bear stories, mostly from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, that were collected during my career at Fort Wilkins and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Parks. The Porkies was black bear problems central in the Upper Peninsula in the past. My stories are presented as humorous incidents (with a few appropriate exceptions) so that those interested can understand what the bears are usually doing as well as what they are capable of doing. True Bear Tales, which is sold mostly to tourists in the Copper Country region of Michigan, is the funding source for publication of my Second Amendment research. Without the bear book, the Second Amendment related books might not exist.

As for the hypothetical bear encounter question, the ultimate backup is a firearm. Note, however, that bear spray is very, very effective when properly used.

DC: I’ve told WarOnGuns readers before that the most dog-eared book on my shelf is “The Origin of the Second Amendment.” Give us the Cliffs Notes version of what it’s about. How many years in the making was it, from concept to publication? And here’s kind of a nosy follow-up, but as one who appreciates what you’ve given us, I’d like to know if we almost didn’t get it: Were you ever tempted to give up along the way?

DY: Origin of the Second Amendment is a complete document collection relating to the Second Amendment and Bill of Rights covering the period from 1787, when the Constitution was written, until 1792, when notification of the Bill of Rights' ratification was announced. ORIGIN contains relevant material literally transcribed from newspaper articles, editorials, broadsides, pamphlets, speeches, proceedings, and amendment proposals that directly or indirectly relate to the Second Amendment and its adoption as part of the U.S. Bill of Rights. It was first published in 1991 and took twenty years of collecting documents to produce. It took about two years to type in all the material. The documents are presented without editorial comment as to their meaning or significance. The second edition has just short of 800 pages of documents, which includes approximately 450 separate sources, and runs about 900 pages total. It is a research tool for Second Amendment buffs. I decided in the mid-1980's to publish all of the documents as the dispute over Second Amendment intent continued unabated.

I was never tempted to give up along the way, first, because the historical materials I uncovered always reinforced the rights protecting nature of the Second Amendment, and second, because the anti-rights "scholars" just kept spinning and explaining away our history and culture as if they never existed and were completely unimportant.

DC: Was Emerson your first “big break” in terms of being cited in a court case? How did your work influence the 5th Circuit ruling?

DY: Yes, the 2001 Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Emerson was the first time ORIGIN was cited by a court. In fact, that was also the first case in which ORIGIN was cited to a court. Thus, for the first time, judges had all of the Constitutional Era documents relating to the Second Amendment easily available to base a decision on. The court's justices used ORIGIN to verify the accuracy of the competing arguments being presented to them about the Second Amendment's intent and also to document their decision with over a hundred citations.

I have examined the Emerson decision very carefully because of the large number of cites to ORIGIN. Probably two of the justices and at least one court clerk actually read The Origin of the Second Amendment in order to come up with the decision and its particular layout. The Appendix to the Emerson decision is based upon ORIGIN but not solely upon the documents cited from it. The organization of the Appendix is clearly based on a series of period arguments presented in the Introduction to The Origin of the Second Amendment. I do not claim that ORIGIN won the case because there was lots of material from other pro-rights scholars presented in a number of amicus briefs in that case. Only the Second Amendment Foundation cited ORIGIN, however.

DC: Your work is also cited in Heller? By whom, and how did they use it?

DY: Both The Origin of the Second Amendment and my new definitive history, The Founders' View of the Right to Bear Arms, have been cited extensively in the Heller case.

ORIGIN was cited a total of thirty-eight times in six briefs supporting Heller, including the respondent's merits brief by Alan Gura, and amicus briefs from Academics for the Second Amendment, Gun Owners of America, State Firearms Associations, Retired Military Officers, and the Paragon Foundation, as well as in two briefs supporting DC. One of the latter cited ORIGIN twenty-eight times along with numerous other period sources in an attempt to snow the justices, event though some of their cited documents directly contradict their own argument and none of them actually support it.

The Founders View of the Right to Bear Arms, which was just published a few weeks after the Supreme Court consented to review the Heller case, has been cited a total of seventeen times in various pro-Heller briefs, including Alan Gura's respondent's merits brief and amicus briefs from Gun Owners of America, the Pennsylvania Senate President Pro-tem, and Academics for the Second Amendment. Both books were used largely to document various historical facts. It is also the case that some other points in the respondent's brief were based upon information presented in The Founders' View and cited to the original period documents, which I provided upon request.

DC: Tell us about your newest book, “The Founders’ View of the Right to Bear Arms.” How does it tie in with “Origin”? How does it diverge?

DY: The Founders View is a concise history. In other words, it is my straightforward story about the relevant history, not a document collection like ORIGIN. The Founders' View traces only the most relevant American characters, comments, actions, and resolutions that resulted in development and adoption of the Second Amendment as part of the Bill of Rights. My new book relies on ORIGIN as its main document source for the Constitutional Era. ORIGIN intentionally included all Constitutional Era sources, whereas, The Founders' View covers only the most relevant information by design in an effort to cut through all the decades of politicized spin and get to the heart of the matter in a concise manner.

DC: Where do your sales come from? The Internet? Your site? Online vendors like Amazon? Brick-and-mortar chains? College bookstores? And what can readers do to help raise awareness, get stores to carry them and libraries to order them?

DY: Most sales in recent years came from Amazon. The Second Amendment Foundation and Gun Owners of America have sold ORIGIN in the past and both will probably sell the Founders' View, although, at present, only Gun Owners of America has it listed on the book sales page. The only "bookstore" to carry ORIGIN was that located as part of Guncraft Sports in Knoxville, TN. The vast majority of those who obtained ORIGIN were actually individuals who are died-in-the-wool Second Amendment types, just like you, David. Often, they are so fed up with all the wrangling in the law reviews about the Second Amendment's intent that they decided to actually take a look at the documents and see all the historical facts for themselves.

Awareness is the big problem. Other than a few of the brief writers in the Heller case and those who have actually read those briefs, practically no one is aware that the new book, The Founders' View, exists, or that it actually contains a considerable number of new and essential facts for understanding the development and purpose of the Second Amendment. Libraries are always happy to hear from people regarding the books they would like the library to obtain. All one has to do is ask. Bookstores are not ever likely to carry either of these books because they are set up to handle commercially published books. Readers can help raise awareness by informing their friends who are interested in the Second Amendment about my books' existence, just as you are doing with this interview.

DC: So what is the purpose of the Second Amendment? Insurrection? A National Guard? Hunting? Self defense?

DY: The goal of the Second Amendment is to secure the free state the people have authorized against possible future tyranny. This requires that the militia, the able-bodied males, be capable of effective self-embodying defensive action, something which is dependent on them having access to their own arms and knowledge of their use. The only way to assure this against misconstruction and abuse of the government's powers is to protect the right of individuals to have and use arms for any legitimate purposes. The overriding concern is mutual defense against government tyranny, which is entirely dependent upon each individual having the right and ability to defend himself so he can associate with others for defense of the community if ever necessary. Hunting and target shooting, etc., are clearly beneficial aspects of this right, and since they involve having and using arms, are protected. I have emphasized the developmental historical examples relating to these points in The Founders' View.

DC: Here’s an unfair question. Look into your crystal ball and give us the likely outcome of Heller. Do you think SCOTUS will rule it an individual right with a lower standard than strict scrutiny, and if so, what’s the next best challenge or strategy to proceed?

DY: This IS entirely out of my area of expertise, so here is my guess. I think it likely that the Supreme Court's Heller decision will be 7-0, maybe even a 9-0, that the Second Amendment was intended to protect an individual right. The justices will not want to write an opinion that is directly contradicted by overwhelming historical evidence. Any split will be over the level of scrutiny. The minority, if any, will want a low level of scrutiny so most laws, including DC's complete handgun ban, will be considered reasonable and constitutional. I think the majority will rule that the Second Amendment, like the first, protects fundamental rights. My research, which has been set directly before the Court in several different briefs, certainly backs up a fundamental right of the highest order. None of our rights would ever have been protected in any of the original American bills of rights if Americans had not been armed and able to protect those rights against the British. The British claimed a right to "bind Americans in all cases whatsoever," and they attempted to enforce their right with arms.

However, the Court has a simple means to avoid making this type of ruling if it so desires. It can simply affirm the lower court ruling in Parker, leaving all other issues to future cases. Because the historical sources are so clear and voluminous, and also because The Founders' View makes the development of the Second Amendment so easily understood by presenting the rest of the history not previously known, I have great hopes that the Court will make a historic ruling by addressing the clear history in this case. If there is any delay in promulgation of the decision, I predict just as I did for the Emerson case that the justices are actually reading the period sources. That would be a very good sign because the result will be another blockbuster individual rights ruling like Emerson, but actually overturning an unconstitutional law in this case.

DC: I’ve had a bone to pick with some of the leading 2A academics for some time. Some have deemed registration not to be an infringement on RKBA because of the requirement for militia members to muster with specified armaments and accoutrements, which would then be logged into the rolls. My argument is that ensuring an adequately equipped fielded force is one thing—but it’s not the same as making citizens register everything back at home they did not bring with them, nor did it require those not in service to provide such information—and likewise, private sales/bartering between individuals were commonly just that, with no record or trail. Thoughts?

DY: Gun control advocates refer to the period requirement under militia laws of showing up at militia muster with a specific type of firearm, or the very rare provision which provided for unannounced visits by officers to men's homes for the purpose of verifying their possession of the required type of firearm, as registration. Such period requirements were far different than the registration that anti-rights types want imposed by government today. Many people would happily comply with a government provision requiring them to possess the current issue military rifle, and even a requirement that militia officers could show up unannounced and demand that a man actually get his firearm out of the house and show it to them. But that is far, far from what gun control advocates are after, isn't it? Don't hold your breath for them to push adoption of true militia laws anytime soon.

The specific action underpinning Americans' modern distrust of gun control advocate inspired registration was the disarming of Bostonians after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. What started out as an agreement to turn in arms so people who desired to could depart from town with all of their other possessions soon unilaterally morphed on the part of the British into a decree that all were enemies of the King who possessed any. Anyone found afterwards with hidden arms in their house was put into prison for 75 days. It is interesting how those who have a monopoly or massive overplus of force have a habit of making everyone else do what they want, by force if necessary. There is no reason why the government needs a list of all firearms and owners other than to make it easy to seize such arms, an action giving those in control of the government a monopoly of force never intended, in fact, protected against under our Constitution. Registration of firearms and owners is not much different than registration of Jews or any other religion or sect. Why register those who exercise their rights?

DC: I’ve reported that you’ll be attending NRA’s upcoming 2008 Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. When is that, what will you be doing there, and how can people meet you in person?

DY: Yes, I will be at the Second Amendment Films booth (number 1551) on all three days of the Show at the NRA Exhibits Hall. The Show days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 16, 17, and 18. I will be answering questions, discussing points of interest to attendees, and promoting not only my own books, The Origin of the Second Amendment and The Founders' View of the Right to Bear Arms, but also David Hardy's Documentary, In Search of the Second Amendment. David Hardy will also be present at the booth on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th, but he will be at the Firearms Law Seminar all day Friday. We are calling this unique event for an NRA Show "Hardy and Young giving 'em Heller". Second Amendment Films will be selling copies of my books and David Hardy's DVD Documentary at booth 1551 during the Show hours.

To meet me, all one need do is stop by booth 1551. It is located about four booths from the back of the Exhibits Hall in the 1500's isle, which runs approximately in the middle of the Hall from front to back. Note, however, that It is not a through aisle. Sometimes people miss booths using the standard up and down each isle method to make sure and see everything. Most of the isles are not through isles at this year's show due to large displays by major manufacturers. Anyone who is interested should stop by and have a chat. It ought to be most interesting, especially now that the Heller case is before the Supreme Court. I can imagine a lot of friendly animated discussion.

DC: Any thoughts you’d like to share with WarOnGuns visitors before we open the floor for questions?

DY: I specialize in study of the Constitutional Era and, to a lesser extent, the Colonial and Revolutionary Eras. Remember that my area of expertise is the development and adoption of the Second Amendment ending with Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson's announcement regarding ratification of the Bill of Rights amendments on March 1, 1792. Historical questions about anything after that date are simply requests for my personal opinion based on my best guess. Ask away!

----------------
Thank you, David E. Young. This has already been a real education as well as a pleasure, and I can't wait to see what else we're going to learn here today.

Now comes the time when I promised I'd turn the questioning over to WarOnGuns visitors. Before I do, I'd like to set the ground rules to keep everything on track.

Please look at the questions I asked and the questions posed by others so we're not covering the same ground twice, and please heed the caveat about Mr. Young's area of expertise. Please limit your questions and give everyone a chance.

And of course, off-topic posts, spam and obscenities will be deleted without comment.

Finally, and this is important: Please ask him concise questions. We're here to hear him out, not post essays or engage other question posters in debate. Look at my questions as a general guide to requested length. If, based on my judgment I think it appropriate, I'll just hit "delete" and you can take it up with me by email [dcodreaAThotmailDOTcom].

Sorry if this seems rule-heavy, but I've learned I need to do this from past interviews to keep things running smoothly. If we keep things on track and just observe a few simple courtesies, we all ought to learn from this and have a good time.

One last note--I disabled CAPTCHA word verification on comment posts for the duration of this interview.

The floor is now open for questions.

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED

Past WarOnGuns Interviews:
Matthew Bracken
David Hardy
Ryan Horsley
Clayton Cramer

Meanwhile, Back in Gun-Free Japan...

Three Japanese men were found dead in a car Monday in what police suspect is the latest in a string of suicides using lethal gas made from household detergent.

This just makes me want to SHOUT. How can we stem this TIDE? They couldn't have been feeling much CHEER, but what did they hope to GAIN? After ALL the Japanese have put into citizen disarmament to see their efforts WISK away like this...

And I do apologize for this, but it is my soap box.

Meanwhile, Over in the Gun-Free UK...

The number of police officers wounded in shootings has increased by 60% in four years, according to figures released by the Conservatives.

They ought to...I don't know...ban guns?

Meanwhile, in the Land Down Under...

THE man who went on a murderous rampage in the CBD last year emptied his gun into his three victims, court documents have shown.

Men at Work? Your cue...

"Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."

Because it's not like your government will let you do much else.

We're the Only Ones Non-Causative Enough

...his gun accidentally went off...

...his service pistol "unintentionally" discharged...

...and naturally, his "name has not been released."

I think "Only One" guns must be more sophisticated than the ones you and I are allowed to own. Mine never go off all by their own selves. They always just lay there until I act--with the "responsibly" or "irresponsibly" part totally up to me.

We're the Only Ones Unbelievable Enough

After listening carefully to the two policemen, the judge had a problem: He did not believe them.

...Yet for all his disapproval of what the police had done, the judge said he hated to make negative rulings about officers’ credibility. “I don’t like to jeopardize their career and all the rest of it,” he said.

He need not have worried. The Police Department never learned of his criticism, and the officers — like many others whose word has been called into question — faced no disciplinary action or inquiry.

I hope no one is suggesting this kind of "Only One" abuse is routine, pervasive and unpunished...? Because if citizen rights can be violated by civil authority with impunity, that would mean we are living in a police state. And once you tolerate and encourage lawbreaking by those who are sworn to uphold it, the whole thing begins to unravel and everyone becomes a criminal--creating a "need" for yet more enforcement.

You don't think there could be any design behind that, do you...?

Nah. That's as unbelievable as a LEO lying under oath.

[Via The Earth Bound Misfit]

Meanwhile, Back in England's Green and Pleasant Land

A gang of teenage girls may have blown up a house with a home-made liquid bomb, which killed a man in a neighbouring property, after arguing with another girl about a love rival.

Somehow, I'm thinking this may have been illegal.

Ingenuity and unintended consequences certainly do provide some interesting manifestations, don't they?

[Via Zachary G]

This Year, Why Not Give Your Mom the Gift of Genocide?

But our elected representatives need to hear from every mom, loudly and clearly, that we support this bill and that we will keep pressuring them until it is passed and signed into law.

Getting gifts on Mother's Day is wonderful. But imagine if every mother in America joined together and persuaded Congress to close the loophole that makes gun violence against our children so prevalent.

More insipid and baseless "gun show loophole" crap. And the pathetic thing is, GOP presidential hopeful and NRA Annual Meeting speaker John McCain agrees with her.

Any bets that polite applause will rule the day?

If you have the stomach for it, and warning, you'll need to have, go take a look at how evil government regimes treat defenseless mothers. It's graphic, it's ugly, and unfortunately, it's true.

[Via ryanmguard]

We're the Only Ones High and Mighty Enough

"People don't get it," Holcomb said. "When you go to an airport, the only people that can carry a gun are federal agents."

Demonstrably untrue.

You can also get away with it if you're an anti-gun mayor.

But you're right, I don't get it. That's why I post stories about "The Only Ones."

I also like the presumption that "it was not clear why he was carrying it," as if exercising rights demands an explanation. By the same token, I can't get too worked up over this. If Dennis Farina spent 20 years in the Chicago PD, I have to believe he was a willing part of a machine that grinds people up every day for similar "crimes"--speaking of which, let's see if state charges for illegal concealed carry are also pressed--as they would be against you or me.

UPDATE: HZ points out the ex-Chi-Town cop was flying to handgun-free Chicago.

[Via Maureen]

Monopoly

El Guapo and Jefe are concerned, you see, that the upcoming Heller decision may overturn their gun control cart for good and all. Scratch a liberal, get a fascist...

Mindful Musings presents the latest from Mike Vanderboegh.

This Day in History: May 12

May 12, 1775 at Crown Point, New York - On May 12, Col. Ethan Allen had sent an expedition, led by Lt. Col. Seth Warner, his second-in-command. The expedition was to capture Crown Point, located on west shore of Lake Champlain. Crown Point began as a trading post but was later started to be built as a large fort by the British. It was garrisoned but the construction was never completed. The American force captured the disabled British post without any resistance. They took 9 enlisted British soldiers prisonor, along with some cannon, and 10 women and children. Conclusion: American Victory

Don't Forget...

...tomorrow is the David Young Interview.

This is going to be good. Please spread the word.

"FREE RICH's GUN PROTEST"

Outrageous.

I'm interested in knowing when.

[Via ChareltonHest and Skullz]

CBS 2 is Proud

CBS 2 is proud to bring together resident and community leaders for a town hall meeting to talk about ways to keep everyone safe...

The guest list for the invitation-only meeting included about 70 very high-profile members of our community who were tapped specifically because of their expertise or insights into gang culture or law enforcement.

Among them were: Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, Chicago School Board President Rufus Williams, Jesus Garcia, president of the Little Village Development Corporation, and CBS 2 legal analyst Irv Miller.

Let me guess. The consensus was for more "gun control."

"Invitation only"? You mean it was a private "public meeting"? Nothing like stacking the panel with rabid advocates and keeping out alternative thought to reach a foregone conclusion.

Because when you hold open public meetings, who knows what unexpected things might happen?

CBS 2, you have nothing to be proud of. Decent "Authorized Journalists" would be shamed at presenting manipulated and engineered events as "news." You have demonstrated for all to see that you are mere propagandists, lapdogs of government as opposed to watchdogs. This is absolutely disgusting, absolutely contemptible, and I'd be interested to see what kind of complaints could be filed with the FCC concerning abuse of your broadcast license.

"Speaking Truth" indeed. I guess just because Felicia Middlebrooks says "there's no shortage of leadership and ideas in this room" we should believe her, especially the part about "compelling dialog, open and honest." Still, when she talks about "leaving with a mandate and making some radical changes," her credibility does go up a notch.

No audience manipulation going on either, what with the melancholy piano solo in the film clip, the sympathetic announcer, the crafted script. Still, it's a wonder no one saw the irony of the segment with Blair Holt and "his bright future snuffed out," particularly with Snuffy "I didn't know it meant that" Pfleger on the panel.

[Via HZ]

We're the Only Ones "Better Half" Enough

The wife of former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek was among 20 people arrested in an upstate drug bust Thursday morning.

Sounds like a sweet gal. And, of course, hubby was a model "Only One."

[Via Declan]

Gun Rights Under Fire

Now, Olofson, who had no prior criminal record, is facing five years in jail, and the loss of his position serving his country in the Army Reserve. His sentencing is on hold thanks to a defense motion to gain access to a government memo. The Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms memo was not admitted at trial, but it may be what Olofson needs to be exonorated or have another chance at a fair trial.

Lou Dobbs presents all four parts of this report.

[Via Len Savage]

We're the Only Ones Playing it Safe Enough

That’s right. Jeff Brown was walking his bicycle — across his own front yard — when he was stopped by a police officer. The cop began to cite him for not having a headlight on the bike, then said, “”I smell the presence of alcohol on your breath”. Jeff was stunned — and refused to take a breath test. Result: convicted of drunk driving — with four days in jail, a 6-month driver’s license suspension and a criminal record.

I guess Columbus must be pretty safe these days as far as real crime goes. Either that or this unnamed "Only One" has an authority complex, but finds using it on everyday citizens poses fewer occupational hazards than going after, say, these guys...

[Via Zachary G]

And There Was War in Heaven

In the five years since the FBI and ATF were merged under the Justice Department to coordinate the fight against terrorism, the rival law enforcement agencies have fought each other for control, wasting time and money and causing duplication of effort, according to law enforcement sources and internal documents.

Which may explain some of "Maximum Mike's" zeal for headlines in pursuit of relevance.

"At This Stage..."

On licensing and registering guns, Helmke says, they are "being realistic" in recognizing "there's no support for pushing that forward at this stage."

And if you think they want more than "common sense gun control," you're paranoid.

[Via JPR9]

We're the Only Ones Making Fluid Dynamic Entries

"The poor guy," Spinella said. "They ripped the catheter off his person. They assaulted the guy. He's got major problems as a result of this. He's a mess now."

Spinella said officers "tossed" Glover's apartment during a search Jan. 30. In February, he said, Glover returned home from the hospital after his surgery to find officers searching his apartment again. That's when they assaulted Glover and left him alone in the apartment without calling for medical help, Spinella said.

Proof that interactions between citizens and "Only Ones" can be quite draining.

We're the Only Ones Just Ducky Enough

A California Highway Patrol captain is under investigation for allegedly fixing a ticket for an Anaheim Ducks player.

In all fairness, the "Only One" involved was Goofy.

Gungrabber Proposes "United States"

States must unite to put an end to illegal gun trafficking

Uhh...the states have united, Richard Aborn. They're called the "United States." Maybe you've heard of them?

If not, these United States have a compact they call the "Constitution," and within that document is a "Bill of Rights"...

I dunno, Richard--looking at that, my first impression is the state uniters wanted Americans to be armed...

57

That's how many states Thulsa Doom has been to in his quest for power.

I thought of working up a 57-star flag image to reflect the new Empire, but what the heck--this'll be more accurate anyway...



UPDATE: Looks like somebody beat me to it anyway.

This Day in History: May 11

On the night of May 11, 1775, Joseph Habersham led a party of six men who broke into the powder magazine and took away all the ammunition it contained. Some of it was sent to South Carolina and some to Boston, and it is said that some of it was used at the battle of Bunker Hill.

We're the Only Ones Fare-Minded Enough

A man who tried to get away from Transit Sheriff's Deputies on a Metrolink Train yesterday was shot at, but not hit. Police were checking fares in Norwalk when one man split after the train doors opened.

Unbelievable. Over an unpaid fare. Can you see a private cab driver getting away with the same response? Oh well, Norwalk is in LA County--it's not exactly like anyone not connected has a chance in hell of getting a carry permit anyway.

So what did the bullet strike, and how far did it go before it did?

Man, I can't wait 'til those full-auto New York "Only Ones" from "Operation Torch" with the 34% hit rate are up and running in the public transit depots...

[Via Cigar Rollers]

We're the Only Ones Pushing Things Enough

A former Clarksville police officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for dealing drugs...

Mikel was a candidate for town judge at the time he was arrested.

Honest to God, I do not go out looking for these.

I don't need to. "The Only Ones" do all the work.

[Via Shermlock Shomes]

It's Not About Guns

Lawyers for Mayor Bloomberg are asking a judge to ban any reference to the Second Amendment during the upcoming trial of a gun shop owner who was sued by the city.

Of course they are.

And the miserable black-robed subversive will probably agree with them. Just like the miserable black-robed subversive did in the Fincher case.

When you can ban any part of the Bill of Rights, books* and freedom of expression can't be far behind.

When it's clear that our oppressors are neo-Stalinists, the conviction to remain armed in spite of any human dignity-hating edict they pass becomes obvious.

[Via Jeffersonian and * John R ]

A Sneaking Suspicion

"I have a feeling that the Department of Public Safety is using the process as a filter to keep people from even having a gun," said Freeman, 60, who moved to Texas from Arizona last year.

Could be. Or it could just be another typical government Orwellism--with the Department of Public Safety rendering the public less safe.

[Via Jeffersonian and SameNoKami]

We're the Only Ones Routinely Lying Under Oath Enough

A former Atlanta police officer testified Thursday that narcotics officers routinely lied under oath when seeking search warrants, a practice that led to police killing a 92-year-old woman.

So how come more Atlanta "Only Ones" aren't "routinely" serving hard time?

And they say there are no stupid questions...

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

We're the Only Ones Statistical Enough

[W]hen they do fire, even at an armed suspect, there is often no one returning fire at the officers. Officers hit their targets roughly 34 percent of the time.

When they fire at dogs, roughly 55 percent of shots hit home...

Officers’ guns go off unintentionally or by accident for a variety of reasons: wrestling with suspects, cleaning the weapons, leaning on holsters — even once, in 1996, when a gun was put in an oven for safekeeping.

I wonder what'll happen with the averages now that "Operation Torch" will be joining the "Hercules Teams" on full auto?

This does give me an idea, though: "Only Ones" cards--like baseball cards--there's a piece of unpalatable gum in the pack along with collecting/trading cards--a picture of "Only One"/affiliation on the front, a short bio and stats on the back...

Collect 'em all!

[Via Brian F]

Glenn Beck's Gun Week

EMail from The Glenn Beck Program:

Gun Week
Fans of the Second Amendment take notice---Glenn will be doing Gun Week all next week on both the television and radio programs. Great guests will come on the air to talk about the thing that makes Rosie O'Donnell cry herself to sleep---the right to own a gun.

While I wouldn't use the word "fans," this still is encouraging. It's nice to see the media coming around and recognizing there is an audience they've been not only ignoring, but driving away.

Beck will be one of the headliners at NRA's 2008 Annual Meeting in Louisville.

[Via Tony G and Dave Licht]

Dave Grossman on School Shootings

Because of the forum, the emphasis is from a cop-training perspective, but he also makes his endorsement of armed citizens clear.

Interesting website, too.

[Via Robert P]

We're the Only Ones Tasering Octogenarians Enough

Or is it "Taseing"?

No matter, he was in no mortal danger from "The Only Ones, Eh?"

CSI Akron says so.

[Via Cigar Rollers]

This Day in History: May 10

In the early morning hours of May 10, 1775, the patriot forces...reached the east side of Lake Champlain near Fort Ticonderoga.

If you've never visited there and get the opportunity, go.

Lou Dobbs on Olofson Part 2

Click on the title for the promised segment from last night.

I'm so delighted to see the national media breaking the fact that BATFU and the "Vote Freedom First President's" US Attorney have been intentionally withholding evidence from the defense and the judge in order to destroy a man's life.

I've had access to the information that they begged off on introducing the document under the fraudulent tax excuse for some time now, but have not been able to share it with you prior to this. And tell me the judge shouldn't have insisted on seeing the document--even if it meant blacking out identifiable information. If sanctions aren't applied here it will be beyond me what excuse will be given.

Another thing that struck me--note the reporter's wording about the Berlin Conservation Club, and their "strict anti-automatic weapon policy." Fine and good, and well within the rights of a range to define what can safely be used at their facility--but what troubles me is the statement "the police were notified."

By whom? By the range proprietors? They couldn't tell a rifle had malfunctioned, and just order the shooter to cease using that particular weapon? Let me make clear it's not definitive who called in the authorities, but it seems relevant to ask.

Lou Dobbs' spirited outrage certainly is refreshing, and the most relevant question he asked:

Where in the world is the NRA?...Why in the world would anybody be waiting here?

Indeed. I expect leaders to lead, meaning entering the fight when the odds are uncertain, even perilous. Waiting around until the outcome is more promising, and then riding in on a white horse to claim a share of the victory is, unfortunately, a pattern we've seen before.

I value the man who stood with me in the dark.

One other note worth mentioning: Following this clip, a spokesman for Law Enforcement Alliance was interviewed. He was strongly on the side of David Olofson.

We're the Only Ones "For the Children" Enough

No criminal charges will be filed against two police officers who accidental shot a South Jersey toddler after a gun went off in his home.

Well, why would there be? It says right here it's the gun's fault.

I'm sure they'd reach the same conclusion if a non-"Only One" had been involved. Thank goodness officials in Philadelphia are doing their best to make sure they can't be.

Ode to Emma Gee

Ordinarily, I adhere to a "Don't Feed the Trolls" philosophy. I put a lot of work into this site and I'll not allow my goals to be derailed or hijacked, particularly by malevolent and insignificant vandals seeking attention and a forum to promote their pathological hatred for those who aren't losers like they know themselves to be.

But in this case, I'll make an exception. This one gets the spotlight.

Meet Emma Gee, racist, foul-mouthed coward, possible agent provocateur/informer, probable anti-gunner, and definite mental/emotional defective.

I've run into this creature before, most recently as it sprayed its waste on KeepAndBearArms.com Newslinks comments, where it called me a...I think it was "treasonous dolt." I invited it to contact me, because if I were going to call someone a name I wouldn't be so unmanly as to hide and do it from the shadows, but I guess talk is cheap when you think you can get away with anything anonymously.

But it seems Emma Gee couldn't resist the temptation to try and foul WarOnGuns comments as well--it's afraid to contact me directly, but has convinced itself that indirect strikes are safe.

In its first post [LANGUAGE WARNING], it made generalized death wishes for BATFU agents, as well as obscene and racist comments.

But its second post is where a legal line has most probably been crossed.

WarOnGuns regulars will recall US Marshal Dave Meyer warned not only me, but also people who comment on this site, against violating the Court Security Improvement Act of 2007. And you'll recall the reason Marshal Dave was brought in was because BATFU claimed they felt threatened.

One can hardly argue that specifically calling for the execution of a sitting judge by name is something the feds are going to take lying down. And while Emma Gee did not reveal any personal information about the judge, so this particular act may not come into play, it's evident the intent was "to threaten, intimidate, or incite the commission of a crime of violence against that covered official."

While I don't off-hand know the law that was broken, you can be sure one was--if nothing else, some domestic terrorism Homeland Security provision. These people protect their own and they play hardball. Remember, Rick Stanley was convicted of attempting to "influence a public official" merely for speculating to the judges in his case about being arrested.

Plus, as I've demonstrated time and again, this site is routinely monitored by visitors from the DOJ. Recall the post from a while back where I found a website specifically endorsing the violent rape and murder of an ATF agent by name. I have reason to believe that was/is being investigated. While the offshore nature of that site may make tracing to the originator more problematic, we're talking about a government with near unlimited resources to throw at the investigation--and I doubt Emma Gee is posting both here and at KABA using such layered masking. But the sentiments are so similar, I can't help but wonder if there's a connection.

I'm sure the government can find out. After all, they can access my Site Meter, Stat Counter and Go Stats visitor records. I'm no computer tech, but I'm also sure that's just the tip of the iceberg for them to start peeling layers back on--and remember, Blogspots are provided by Google--a company that even cooperates with the Chicoms--I'm sure they'll have all kinds of records that can be used as evidence.

Well, you got the attention you wanted, troll. I even stopped everything I was doing just for you. And everybody's looking at you. Some, I wouldn't want looking at me.

Feel free to continue adding all the comments you like--I'm sure they'll help in the triangulation that's probably going on right now. Don't worry, though--I won't report you. I don't have to. You've already reported yourself.

As I've stated before, I do things in the light. When you know you're being scrutinized, as I've documented before, it would be stupid not to--my best protection is in doing just what I'm doing. I just hope they can get everything they need from the servers and don't see fit to impound my computer.

But Emma Gee: I really would not want to be you right now.

Stop What You're Doing...

...click on the title link, and watch this video.

And do not talk to the police.

Tell a friend.

[Via AvgJoe]

We're the Only Ones Affirmative Action Enough

Even now the official department line on the issue is that standards have not been lowered. “There’s no lowering of standards,” says LAPD Captain Jeffrey Greer, the commanding officer over the SWAT team. “If anything, the standards have been enhanced. We’re raising the bar, and we’re looking for the best quality individual to go into the SWAT team.” This assertion was laughable even when Greer made it, but it is more so now given the revelation that the first woman selected for SWAT school under the so-called enhanced standards accidentally fired her submachine gun on the practice range last month, a violation of weapons-safety protocols that would have disqualified any candidate, male or female, under the previous selection system.

It's a two-eged sword.

On the one hand, incompetence makes "Only Ones" more randomly dangerous.

On the other hand...

[Via Michael G and Jeffersonian]

Back to the Futures

Dozens of illegal guns seized in raid on commodities trader's home in Lake Forest

Breathe easy, Marquette Park! The commodity trader threat has been eliminated.

Anybody ever hear of this guy? I ask, because when I hear about rich guys having guns, I can't help but wonder if they ever did anything to help out...

Regardless, note an arrest is not a conviction, and he is owed a presumption of innocence. To take away his guns before that happens based on a domestic squabble is just plain unAmerican. But note how the "Authorized Journalists" just couldn't help bringing up that he was "upset about flooding at his residence following a water-main break," as if anybody wouldn't be. But it does help them cement his image in the public mind as a dangerous and violent person with anger management issues--and an armed one at that!

[Via ChareltonHest]

We're the Only Ones Dismissed Enough

Judge Gayle Guynup sentenced Higdon to four months in the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility and Lusk, who also recently resigned from the Santa Rosa Fire Department, was sentenced to a six-month term.

Both also were sentenced to three years probation and are eligible to apply for electronic home confinement. Higdon also is eligible to apply for work furlough. They are to turn themselves in at the county jail June 20 if electronic home confinement is not approved.

Both men were also charged with possession of machine guns, illegal possession of assault rifles and destroying evidence. Those charges were dismissed at sentencing.

Must be nice to be an "Only One." You don't think you or I would get a break like that, do you?

Or how about Wayne Fincher?

[Via Dave Licht]

I Don't Know Art...

...but I know what sucks:

"We really have no use for handguns, except for the police. And it shouldn't be going out like we do. There are many countries that don't allow guns. And these wonderful people are making headways, but it's not there yet," he said.

I guess there's no fool like an old fool, eh, Kearney? But your stupidity and fawning, contemptible need to suck up to government thugs does not excuse you for the evil that you do.

[Via HZ]

We're the Only Ones Private Enough

A Chicago neighborhood faced with crime is taking an extra step to keep residents safe.

A private security firm patrols the streets of Marquette Park, in addition to the Chicago Police Dept.

Private "Only Ones"? You mean all the King's horses and all the King's men aren't enough? Even in battle mode?

What the hell are Chicagoans getting for all that protection money Boss Daley's racketeers are shaking them down for?

Oh--you'll just tax 'em some more? And turn it over to the Lithuanian Human Services Community Center? So now "Marquette Park residents [can] say they feel safer"?

Hey, how 'bout passing some along to us Romanians? We impale our enemies on stakes and leave 'em there as picnic decorations, and you never saw a safer neighborhood!

[Via HZ]

Lou Dobbs on Olofson

The conviction of a Wisconsin gun owner has people saying the case threatens their right to bear arms.

If you missed the segments from the past two nights, here is the first one, from Wednesday.

They've done a hell of a job summarizing things.

I made this argument with my little wading excursion at The New York Times and I'll make it again here: If mainstream media outlets perceive a market demand for RKBA-related stories, they will feature them. If they don't, they won't.

That means, if you find out they are featuring something like this, you need to not only watch it, but spread the word. Likewise, I now urge you to watch and spread the word for the video clip the title to this post links to.

Plain and simple: If they know it's being watched, their incentive to do it again increases. Plus it's pretty evident Lou Dobbs is both interested and sympathetic. I know it's easy to dismiss CNN as the "Communist News Network," but I've seen more truth coming out of Dobbs than I ever did from those sterile queen bee frauds O'Reilly and Hannity over at Faux News.

I also encourage you to do one other thing: When they do something right, let them know you appreciate it.

Look at how easy it is to do--and it only took a few seconds:


I'll post the second segment when it becomes available. It was even better than the first, with a very interesting development I'll talk about when I post it, and Len Savage does a fine job representing out position, that is, the truth.

So What Position ARE You In?

Three men, one of them armed with a gun and wearing gloves, threatened a Protestant church and its pastor in the Turkish capital city of Ankara yesterday. The culprits fled in a car before police could be summoned...

“Unfortunately these things keep happening here in Turkey,” Ozbek told Compass. “I hope that the state will do something, because we are not in any position to protect ourselves.”

I sure hope so, too. Because we all know that armed citizens and religion don't mix?

What person of religious conviction would even want a gun?

And why would they need it?

This Day in History: May 9

I am glad that you have given your Attention to the Works, which I doubt not by this Time are compleat. It will give me Pleasure to hear they are: For should these Accounts of Hessians and Hanoverian Troops coming over prove true, it is possible the Enemy may make some Attempts to regain a Footing in your Province.

We're the Only Ones Belting One Down Enough

The teenager accused Elmore of beating her with a belt in an argument on Nov. 18. The prosecutor, Forest Worgum, says her bruises were visible for nearly a month.

I agree with Fits. And I don't understand the mindset of some who have commented on "gun boards" about how a good lickin' never hurt them. Good lickin's don't leave bruises for a month.

Sons Uday and Qusay are now 13 and 17, and I can't recall the last time I laid on hands--possibly to separate them when being young animals, meaning being boys, but not to actually smack them with any force. I do recall some bottom-swatting when younger for things like bolting off the sidewalk into a parking lot, but that was an instant reaction/immediate lesson thing. Formalized beatings were never part of the toolkit and were never needed or even considered, and all the normal frustrations aside, I could not ask for two more endearing sons.

I wasn't raised that way either. I remember in High School, I was joking with another kid in Art class and the teacher walked up, backhanded him across the face and tried to do the same to me. I blocked it, looked him in the eye and told him if he wanted to hit me, he would need to call my father first and ask permission. If Dad said it was OK, I'd let him, but otherwise we were going to have a problem. We didn't have a problem.

Back to "Only One" Elmore: I know children can push and frustrate you to the brink of reason. But if he can justify doing this to someone he ostensibly loves, imagine what he would be capable of doing to someone he doesn't. The young woman is old enough for tough love if her behavior is intolerable--meaning she lives by the rules of the house or lives on her own.

"Gun Accidentally Discharges"

...his handgun discharged...

...it accidentally discharged...

...Johnsey's Smith & Wesson semiautomatic handgun went off accidentally...

All by its own self, no doubt. Good grief.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Announcing "The Warrior Mindset"

"Warrior Mindset" is a class being offered by the North Little Rock Police Department. Taught by Dr. Jason Winkle, It is an opportunity to train with one of the most sought after tactical trainers in the country.

You know, in case you need to shoot up a guy sleeping on his couch or something.

"The Warrior Mindset."

Chilling. The intentions could not be more clear. They are training for war.

So: Who all is for developing a "Militia Mindset"? You realize that question would scare the hell out of most people, who would also outright dismiss it as "wacko." There would even be those on "our side" telling us not to talk about that kind of stuff because "it makes us all look bad."

But "The Warrior Mindset"? Hey, that's OK to mainstream. They're here to protect us. If you're not doing something wrong, what's the big deal? And besides, "Only Ones" with guns don't scare us--just "regular people" do.

[Via cycjec]

UPDATE: Brillianter thinks this is much ado about nothing.

BATFU-Twin* Declares Supremacy Over First Amendment

Weed brewer Vaune Dillmann faces possible sanctions or fines from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau* if he continues to brew and sell beer with bottle caps printed with the label "Try Legal Weed."

Yep, this is what the federal power junkies have nothing better to stone out on, all courtesy of the tone set and authorized by "The Vote Freedom First President."

This is the level of control the Masters strung out on authority abuse insist on. And their message is unmistakeably clear: Obey or be destroyed.

Is it me or is there something in the air today? The absurdist outrages just keep rolling in.

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

* The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, shortened to Tax and Trade Bureau or TTB, is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury. On January 24, 2003, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the Act) split functions of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), into two new organizations with separate functions. First, the Act established The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) under the Department of the Treasury. Second, the Act transferred certain law enforcement functions from Treasury to the Department of Justice. The ATF was transferred to the Justice Department and was renamed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Securing the Blessings in Little Rock

What makes the case especially egregious is not that the police may have gotten the wrong home, that they shot a man, or that they were covering it up or going silent. We’ve seen all that before. What’s mind-blowing about this one is that they’ve continued abusing the poor guy, even after it should have been clear for some time now that they made a mistake.

Because the purpose of our government is "to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity."

[Via deadcenter]

The Group W Bench

Mark Robinson was driving through downtown Melissa last week when he was pulled over for failing the use his turn signal.

But instead of getting a ticket, the officer took the 24-year-old to jail.

He was booked, strip searched, and sat for 3 hours with criminals. “People talking about using drugs and shooting heroine. They asked me what I was in there for and I said a turn signal violation,” said Robinson.

Mr. Guthrie, would you handle this one, please?

And the meanest, ugliest, nastiest one, the meanest father raper of them all, was coming over to me and he was mean 'n' ugly 'n' nasty 'n' horrible and all kind of things and he sat down next to me and said, "Kid, whad'ya get?" I said, "I didn't get nothing, I had to pay $50 and pick up the garbage." He said, "What were you arrested for, kid?" And I said, "Littering." And they all moved away from me on the bench there, and the hairy eyeball and all kinds of mean nasty things, till I said, "And creating a nuisance." And they all came back, shook my hand, and we had a great time on the bench, talkin about crime, mother stabbing, father raping, all kinds of groovy things that we was talking about on the bench.

The parallel is almost perfect.

These authoritarian excesses have the unintended consequences of working in favor of liberty as more citizens are caught up in the net, and as the ridiculously absurd demands for obedience and "respect" result in well-deserved ridicule and contempt instead.

[Via Zachary G]

We're the Only Ones Detecting Enough

The bill ( Intro 650) mandates companies get a permit if they have any equipment, which can detect radioactive, biological or chemical weapons. The bill, which was drafted by the Police Department, has been toned down since its original introduction, which was hotly contested.

Yeah, let "The Only Ones" draft a bill like this and don't be surprised if you have to get a permit for your five senses. Because making it harder to protect yourself is what modern government is all about.

Don't be too hard on the Big Apple Mandarins, though. As we've already seen, they were prompted into this and egged on by minions of "The Vote Freedom First President."

[Via cycjec]

Reminder

Watch Lou Dobbs tonight.

We're the Only Ones Stealing Your Land Enough

A district judge in Boulder, Colo., who earlier awarded a former judge and his wife a substantial portion of a neighbor's nearly million dollar parcel of land, has reviewed the case and concluded he was right.

This is about as corrupt an act of judicial tyranny as I have ever read about. This is the kind of "Only One" in-your-face-no-other-recourse outrage from which acts of rebellion arise.

Squeeze, baby, squeeze.

[Via AvgJoe]

Obviously

Officials say a bailiff shot and killed a gunman who opened fire in the lobby of a courthouse in St. Petersburg, Fla.

What, you mean the attacker wasn't able to amass a horrific death toll? People didn't need to hide and lock themselves in, praying helplessly and in terror, waiting for rescuers to take position behind cars, buildings and trees?

I wonder what was different about this attack than some of the others we've seen recently...?

I know! Obviously, bailiffs must be superior to ordinary humans.

We're the Only Ones Chubsy-Ubsy* Enough

Rana Parker tells pudgy police they have the right to remain chubby, but it can and will be used against them on the streets of Los Angeles. The dietitian lays down the law for recruits, veterans and top brass, letting them know that eating right can help them do a better job and could even save their lives.

Well, this is revealing:

"For the longest time in law enforcement we trained our people in policing, but we didn't teach our people about how to maintain their mental and physical well-being," he said.

Did he just admit that, until now, authorities have neglected the mental well-being of "The Only Ones" they want carrying guns?

"Oh, Miss Crabtree. There's something lying heavy on my heart."

*

This Day in History: May 8

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment in the Revolutionary War...

Organized on May 8, 1775 to consist of 8 companies from Kings and Kent Counties.

Len Savage on Lou Dobbs

"Tonight, tomorrow, and next week..."

That's all the info I have--just wanted get it out there as a "heads up."

It's on at 7:00PM EST. Check your local listings for other time zones.

You'll recall last time, the episode was split in two, and Len's segment didn't come on until the next night. I have no idea if that will happen again, but with this raw information just coming in wanted to put that out there in case anybody ends up disappointed and thinks I gave bad info.

UPDATE: He wasn't on tonight's segment, but they are doing a great job summarizing the Olofson case.

A Lockdown in Virginia

The University of Richmond lifted a campus lockdown Tuesday evening after police did not locate a man seen wearing a holster with some type of handgun.

Thank goodness there was a no-nonsense firearm prohibition and a professionally developed plan in place!

[Via Defender]

Mark Your Calendars: David E. Young Interview

I'll be conducting another WarOnGuns interview on Monday, May 12, with author and historian David E. Young.

As per our usual practice, site visitors will have an opportunity to ask him their own questions via "Comments" during specified hours (to be announced) on Monday.

If you're not familiar with Mr. Young's work, you should be. Here's a link to his website.

And here are links to previous WOG Interviews so you can see how they work:

Matthew Bracken
David Hardy
Ryan Horsley
Clayton Cramer

This is going to be both educational and fun. Please pass the word along to help maximize awareness and attendance.

The Secret Location of the BATFU Cave

Anderson said he expects the new office to be opened in the upcoming months. The exact location of the office would not be disclosed, he said.

Gee, I wonder why. BATFU does so much to engender good will among their countrymen.

Take note of the fear. And note it makes them even more dangerous.

This is the climate under the leadership of "Maximum Mike," the number one pick of "The Vote Freedom First President." But don't think he'll just go away in '09: He's also the darling of Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, so I'm sure the democrat power structure has noted the attack dog is indifferent to his master so long as the meat supply holds out.

UPDATE: I just noticed one of the flash ads on the page works well with my title. Also, check out reader comments from some of the jackboot polishers in the Brockton area.

We're the Only Ones Impersonating Enough

A sadistic gang of police impersonators abducted and tortured scores of East Coast cocaine traffickers, forcing them to hand over multimillion-dollar stashes by threatening to squeeze their testicles with pliers, authorities said Tuesday.

How could they tell they were impersonators and not real "Only Ones"?

At least the imposters knew their victims have been conditioned to be afraid to "lift a finger."

[Via AvgJoe]

Unarmed Emergency Preparedness Planning

The rumored shooting was allegedly associated with Cinco de Mayo, a regional holiday in Mexico that is celebrated on the fifth of May.

...“We just asked the faculty to be visible and available and to keep all of the students at the back of the school during the lunch period on Friday and Monday,” he said.

I've said it before--what a way to get out of a test or a due homework assignment.

I've also broached the subject of armed adults on school grounds, but Wayne's voice carries farther.

Well bless me! I had to use The Wayback Machine! My old links to the LaPierre "no guns in schools except for 'only ones'" speech don't work any more--they now get routed to a speech archive page and guess which one is missing?

Little bit of "Commissar Vanishes" historical revisionism going on here, or was removal of that particular record just a coincidence? Funny--Heston's 1999 remarks are still posted...

Oh well--screen shots have been duly recorded.

[Via AvgJoe]

We're the Only Ones Careless Enough Redux

The police chief who shot himself in the ankle was waving a loaded pistol and being careless, according to two students who were attending his class to qualify for a concealed-weapons permit. "We were told the gun is the chief's personal sidearm, but it looked to me like he didn't know anything about the gun," Lewis Walker said.

We talked about this the other day. This just confirms what we all suspected.

I'd say Chief Hansen is the odds-on early favorite to win this year's coveted Lee Paige "Only One" Award.

[Via Anonymous]

We're the Only Ones Kicking You When You're Down Enough

Hey, if he doesn't like it, he shouldn't twitch.

It does partially explain why Philly wants special rules to give their "Only Ones" more of an advantage though.

[Via DONE! SEO]

We're the Proto-Only Ones "Animal House" Enough

Those arrested included a student who was about to receive a criminal justice degree and another who was to receive a master's degree in homeland security.

It just sounds like you young men were precocious and ahead of the curve.

My favorite quote came from the ABC report:

Ralph Partridge, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency's San Diego division, said that "the sad part" was that the student graduating with a masters degree in Homeland Security asked "whether it would have an effect on [his] being a federal law enforcement officer."

Colleges sure are doing a great job instilling that "Only Ones" attitude, aren't they?

Don't worry son. There's plenty of market demand for someone of your ethical standing.

[Via Hobbit]

We're the Only Ones Criminally Conspiring Enough

The evidence at trial showed that the defendant and his co-defendants were members of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy, led by former Los Angeles police officer Ruben Palomares and including other law enforcement officers and drug dealers. Together, they committed more than 40 burglaries and robberies throughout the Los Angeles area between early 1999 and June of 2001. The robberies generally were committed after the group received information that a particular location was involved in illegal drug-trafficking. The robbery teams usually consisted of multiple sworn police officers in uniform or displaying a badge, who would gain access to the residence by falsely telling any occupants that they were conducting a legitimate search for drugs or drug dealers. Victims often were restrained, threatened or assaulted during the search. These assaults included firing a stun gun at a victim, striking victims with police batons and putting a gun in the mouth of a victim. When the group stole drugs, they would use co-conspirators to sell the drugs and they would split the profits among the group.

Yeah, these are "The Only Ones" trustworthy enough to be armed in LA, alright. Just try getting a "permit" (if you're not "connected") from Obergruppenführers Baca and Bratton.

But they're just "a few bad apples," right? From four different agencies, and all seriously warped enough to think the systems they operated within provided enough opportunities to make it worth the risk.

Why was it we're not supposed to have "ammunition capable of penetrating a police vest" again?

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

Dial 911 and...

...stand agape in befuddled amazement at a level of frustrating and obnoxious incompetence that approaches superhuman...

The operator basically provided enough distraction cover to enable a getaway.

And so much for gun owners being bloodthirsty trigger-happy Rambo wannabes...if anything, our natural aversion--and all good people have it--to harming another human being puts us at a disadvantage when confronted by those who share no such reservations. This is exactly where we must subordinate conflicting emotions to training.

I am pleased this decent man did not get hurt. I saw an opportunity for a determined adversary to get close enough to do so.

[Via Chad C]

VCDL: Time to Move on National Parks

Instead, the DOI change is nothing more than a token effort to appease both a majority of the United States Senate and over a million gun owners while still retaining their "if you have a loaded firearm, you're a poacher" attitude.

So, VCDL is asking you to do the following:

Respond to the DOI's request for input to its proposed rule by politely urging them to assimilate state firearms laws for ALL law-abiding gun owners where the National Park Service's sites and the National Wildlife Refuges are located.

To send in your comments to the DOI, click here...

True, the proposals on the table fall short. That's why your comments are needed.

[Via Clint]

It Makes Sense When You Think About It

Rosie O'Donnell defended Rev. Jeremiah Wright on the "Today" show on Monday, saying Barack Obama's former pastor "made sense to me."

And we all know how grounded in reality she is.

Hence the oxymoronic nature of the term "common sense gun control."

And speaking of oxy morons...

This Day in History: May 7

A little knowledge of human nature, and attention to its ordinary workings, might have foreseen that the spirits of the people here were in a state, in which they were more likely to be provoked, than frightened, by haughty deportment.

What did Santayana say?

Those Who Would Would Give Up Essential Liberty...

...etc.

Meanwhile, Over in Sarah Brady Paradise...

London square sealed off after police gun battle...

I can't help but feel American gun shows are at fault...

We're the Ony Ones Touché Turtle* Enough

Body Floats in N.J. Canal, Gnawed by Turtles, for Nearly 24 Hours After Police Got Call

So much for Jersey's "Only One" heroes in a half shell...

Dial 911 and decompose?

*-For you youngsters

Bloomberg's Finest Want YOU

BENEFITS
NYPD Police Officers will earn $75,000, on average, after 5 1/2 years of service (See our Web site for further details.)

Excellent promotional opportunities

A choice of paid medical and dental programs

20 Paid vacation days your first year

27 Paid vacation days after 5 years of service

Unlimited sick leave with full pay

Optional retirement at one half salary after 20 years of service

Annuity fund
Earnings include base salary, average overtime and night shift differential, holiday pay, and uniform allowance.

As we've asked before, "Is this what NYPD's low pay is leading to?"

Right. Try getting this deal in the private sector. Particularly with the education level required.

Plus you can't lift a finger to them.

Otherwise it Would be Eight Bells (Beaus?)

"What we really want to know, did he feel anything along the way?" PETA spokeswoman Kathy Guillermo said. "If he didn't then we can probably blame the fact that they're allowed to whip the horses mercilessly."

Uh...a filly's a she, Kathy.

Glad to see the people with expertise on horses weighing in.

We're the Only Ones Jumpin' Jack Flash* Enough

Minden Police Officer Arrested For Stealing Gas From City

"Only Ones"--The trusted leaders in gas relief!**

[Via Shermlock Shomes]

* I really don't need to explain this, do I?

**Or this?

Conclusive?

Linked before to the cop who had the magazine in her AR backwards. There was some disagreement about whether or not it was. Well, I found a better pic and am now almost 100% certain that magazine is in backwards.

Here’s the pic.

I'm not ready to reach the conclusion that it's even real...yet.

Some of you will recognize this story as one you've sent me in the past, and I've always begged off because I can find no reference to the story on the Internet or on the River Cities Daily Tribune website.

A while back I tried to get an answer from the bylined reporter, and sent him an email:

Mr. Porter, I have not been able to verify if the attached picture is real or Photo-Shopped. I imagine I'm not the first one to call to your attention that the officer in the photo has the magazine inserted backwards in her rifle.

Could you please verify if the photo is as appeared in your paper or doctored, the date of the story, and if it appears anywhere online (I've looked but can't find it)?

Thank you,
David Codrea

He never replied. I just left him a voice mail, so we shall see...

Too Bad The Inquirer's Not "Idiot Proof"

It's called the "poor man's deer rifle."

Inexpensive, deadly, and fairly common, the gun that killed a Philadelphia police officer Saturday was originally designed for the Soviet Army in the mid 1940s.

All by its own self, no doubt. And they're cheap! And "idiot proof"!! And "poor men" own them!!! And you can find out how to clean them on YouTube!!!!

Think "Authorized Journalist" Sam Wood of "The Poor Man's Newspaper" could have packed any more PSH into his "straight" (no editorializing or bias here, honest!) "news" story?

I would like to address the "idiot proof" slander though, or at least the motivation behind it, as if reliability and simplicity of tool use is a bad thing.

It's a squeeze play. Because while Sam and his fellow travelers are working one side of the street decrying "idiot proof" guns, their cohorts in citizen disarmament are working the other demanding them:

There you have it, their true goal, laid out in black and white. The only acceptable guns are those which can be handled in complete safety by fools. Forget responsibility and accountability. Forget training and judgment. Forget the fact that life is fraught with risks and benefits and trade offs. Forget individual freedom and inalienable rights. Unless a drooling moron can hold the gun in his toes and gnaw on the barrel and yank back on the trigger with his (presumably opposable) thumbs in utter and oblivious tranquillity, it must be banned.

But it seems I read somewhere that anyone who thinks he's come up with a fool-proof device has underestimated the ingenuity of fools.

[Via John R]

Fear and Loathing in Boise?

The training involved a worst-case scenario, an active shooter with multiple injuries to citizens. Boise police, fire and EMS responded as if the situation was real, including practicing tactical maneuvers designed to quickly locate the suspect and stop the threat. Officers then worked with Fire and EMS to get medical attention quickly to the injured.

I'm probably being unfair here--after all, we want emergency services to be able to respond to all contingencies in a "well regulated" fashion.

Forgive me if I'm jaded, and don't perceive the motive of authorities to be one of encouraging the true first responders to be able to...uh...respond, but rather, to increase dependence and reliance on them.

Me, I think it should be a team effort, and include citizens likely to be on scene if and when danger first appears. Without that, the response truly can't be considered comprehensive, and all the king's horses here will probably end up being a really well-equipped, world class clean-up crew.

Speaking of which, I have preliminary information the mall does not prohibit concealed carry. I called mall security and the person I needed to speak to was out so I left a voice mail. Any independent verification/sign photograph will be appreciated.

[Via AvgJoe]

We're the Only Ones Practicing What We Preach Enough

Cedric Benson fully intends to fight misdemeanor charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest stemming from a Saturday night incident near Austin, Texas, during which police used pepper spray to detain him.

It's nice to see "The Only Ones" adopt their own recommendations for a change.

I guess I was wrong. You really can use pepper spray on Bears.

[Via HZ]

Chi-Town Sanity

Gun control hasn't worked as a remedy for crime. So what makes anyone think the answer is more gun control?

Rational thoughts from a member of The Trib's editorial board!

This is the kind of editorial that ought to prompt positive feedback from gun owners--so they know that similar future offerings will be well received.

[Via HZ]

Proud to be a Shooting Family

I received the following email from Sean Young, along with his permission to post it:

I would like to thank you for bringing the Appleseed Project to my attention. This program will make for a wonderful father-son weekend.

My wife, Kami, and I have also instituted a new discipline program in our household.

Our son, Payton, turned eight years old on April 7. Kami and I decided to give him his first firearm, a Cricket single shot .22 (Does this qualify as a straw purchase?). Instead of the typical punishments for misbehavior, Payton now has some incentive to behave. Payton starts each day with ten .22 rounds. Each time he misbehaves, we take one round away. In the event that he goes the entire day without misbehaving, he receives a five round bonus. This makes Payton's total potential weekly haul 105 rounds.

The net result is an increase in our family shooting time. Just try explaining to an eight year old that you would rather sit on the couch and watch TV than go shooting.

What a cool story. When I asked for permission to post it, and if whether would prefer not to have his full name used, this was this response:

Feel free to share our story. You can leave the names if you want. We are proud to be a shooting family.

Like the saying goes, "Perception is reality."

The more normalized gun ownership and use becomes, the fewer people will be frightened by it and the more will be drawn to it, more willing to protect it and less receptive to the lies.

Well done, Mr. Young. Thank you for your leadership by example.

Guns in Nat'l Parks

Liberty Belles joins the call to send in comments on the National Parks gun bill.

Of course, all WarOnGuns readers have already done so.

Haven't you?

This Day in History: May 6

From the safety of his Palace, Lord Dunmore vented his anger in a proclamation against "a certain Patrick Henry, of the County of Hanover, and a Number of his deluded Followers." Issued in Williamsburg on Saturday, May 6, 1775, Dunmore's proclamation called on Virginians to "vindicate the constitutional Authority of Government." Five weeks later, on June 8, Dunmore himself took refuge aboard the warship H.M.S. Fowey anchored off Yorktown. Royal government in Virginia was over.

Isn't it curious how many proclamations and edicts are still issued from the safety of palaces...

Property Rights vs 1st Amendment?

One man's pride in and loyalty to his Confederate flag has landed him in a free-speech fight with his employer, who doesn't want it displayed on company property.

We've had the discussion about gun in cars on company property. This appears to closely parallel the issues raised there.

For some, the Confederate flag is a sign of heritage--for others, a symbol of oppression. What if it's something else--a different message?

What if that message drives away customers?

Is the employer infringing on free speech? Must an employee alienating customers be tolerated?

How is this different from the guns in parking lot issue? How is it the same?

I hope you decide to weigh in on this. If you do, it should provide for lively discussion.

We're the Only Ones Milking It for All It's Worth Enough

"They swooped in ... like a bunch of Vikings, handcuffed me and stole $30,000 worth of my milk, cheese and butter," he told the New York Daily News.

Don't you mean like a bunch of Cubans...?

Just when you thought "The Only Ones" couldn't get any cheesier...

Keep at it, guys. Keep alienating and infuriating more Americans. Keep awakening and radicalizing more with your tyrannical excesses.

Squeeze, baby, squeeze.

[Via AvgJoe]

We're the Only Ones Sorry Enough

Federal agents on the hunt for criminals on Thursday raided the wrong house while searching for drugs...

"I was frightened for my husband because they threw him on the ground"...

...one of the reasons they came to the U.S. was to escape oppression from the Cuban police...

"When I asked them about the door, they said, 'Sorry," Noel Llorente said. "When I asked them about my reputation, they said, 'Sorry.'"

It is pretty sorry when you can't tell the US "Only Ones" from the Cuban.

I don't think there'd be much argument against making Cuban state terrorists sorry for their actions.

US Kids Lead UK in Soma* Consumption

American children take anti-psychotic medicines at about six times the rate of children in the United Kingdom, according to a comparison based on a new U.K. study.

See, it's the War on Some Drugs. Others, the ones that serve the interests of the state in establishing control are encouraged and even mandated.

Then we wonder why some snap. But it sure does give us a convenient excuse to insist on even more controls...

[Via AvgJoe]

*

Goo-Goo-Ga-Ga Government

"Ultimately, behind every gun is somebody's baby. The crucial difference is not the gun but the mind of the baby holding it -- who may be either a cold-hearted gang member or a compassionate police officer."

That's what it takes to be a "noted psychology expert," Dr. Chamberlain?

And there's no room in your thesis for compassionate citizens, Doc? How about cold-hearted police officers?

Forgive me if this sounds like so much DSH psychobbabble from an ivory tower egghead--either that or an agenda-driven paving of the way for the state to begin inserting itself even more into people's lives as early as possible.

Yeah, we're all babies, from cradle to grave. And babies, you know--need someone to take care of them. Someone who knows best what's good for them.

Say, you wouldn't happen to be related to Neville, would you...?

Follow the Leader

Ireland to offer gun crime advice

O-okay...

We're the Only Ones in the Footsteps of the Master Enough

The police chief in Riverdale accidentally shot himself in an ankle while demonstrating how to dislodge a jammed hangun...Riverdale police officers carry .40-caliber pistols.

Just like...just like...

And to think I didn't believe in reincarnation.

I guess all is possible and will be revealed with "The Only Ones."

"A Community of Friendly People"

The 60-year-old Vietnam veteran and former Marine was arrested at his home Tuesday and charged with two counts of disorderly conduct after two village trustees complained that, during a heated meeting, Kachka pointed his finger at them while wearing a shirt with a Marine Corps insignia that said, "Don't Move. If You Run, You'll Only Die Tired."

Trustees allege Kachka's thumb was raised and his index finger extended, as though he were firing a gun.

We've seen citizens arrested for this before, while elite politicians do it with impunity. Congratulations, Island Lake, IL--you've officially caught up with the UK.

"A Community of Friendly people," indeed. Yeah, your Board certainly looks all smiley. I guess knowing you can have citizens who defy you dragged off pleases a certain type of personality.

I wonder--if someone emailed a picture of a finger to plaintiffs Trustee Debbie Herrmann and Village Clerk Christine Kaczmarek if they'd try to have them arrested, too?

Why not join me in emailing them a link to this post--with the scary finger graphic--and finding out?

"Assault Guitars"

I found a 4-year-old post featuring these last night in my meanderings. My initial reaction is they're pretty cool, but I have my doubts about their wielders being the best representatives for responsible gun ownership.

I'd love to see someone prove me wrong on that, but aside from Ted Nugent, I just don't see anyone from the rock world taking an advocacy leadership position--or anyone I'd want to.

For a group that supposedly challenges establishment conventions, you'd think you'd see more...I don't know...revolutionaries, and by that I don't mean the same tired old celebrity socialism. I guess for many, being a rebel is all just illusion, and it's easier to enjoy the ride--money for nothin' and your chicks for free and all that while the universe revolves around their navels.

I dunno. I'm starting to think maybe we need to ban these music hoses, with no legitimate artistic purpose but to deafen as many people as possible while they're spray-played from the hip...for the children.