Always Think Deception

U.S. Rep. Bill Sali accused the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of offering a misleading account of how the federal agency ended its use of a training slogan that angered some gun owners.

What, BATFU's obfuscating? Who would have guessed?

I think Rep. Sali ought to file that FOIA demand we talked about. Although why one would be required over something like this is more an indication of agency arrogance and resistance to oversight standards than anything else.

The Chicago Alderman Loophole

Mayor Daley said today he's all for the idea of temporarily re-opening gun registration in Chicago -- not as a favor to Ald. Richard Mell (33rd), but to get a realistic handle on the number of guns in Chicago.

Yeah, OK, I'll buy that. And how much for the bridge?

Hey, this is Chicago. What's a little "L'État, c'est moi" among cronies?

Many of you sent me links to various accounts of this in-your-face hypocrisy, and it's being covered like crazy everywhere else in the gun blog universe, so I'm probably going to reserve most of what I have to say for a magazine article--this one is a natural.

I do wonder why Snuffy hasn't made an apearance, though...

I Think I've Just Been Insulted...

Conversely, people looking to say that new media and citizen contributions to news-gathering are of little value point to some ramblings on 'Have Your Say', blogs about kittens, crackpot conspiracy theorists and angry gun freaks.

And guess where he's got "angry gun freaks" linked to?

It appears self-impressed Martin Belam still doesn't grasp things--or if he does, you and I probably don't even want to know about it...

Marathon Man

An act of bravery to defend a co-worker has cost a Minnesota gas-station attendant his job.

Mark Beverly, an overnight shift supervisor at a SuperAmerica in Roseville, Minn., was fired in March after he jumped on a masked robber who he believed was attacking a fellow employee.

SuperAmerica said he violated company policy when he came to his colleague's aid in the early morning of March 26. So instead of accolades, Beverly got the boot.

Hey, the company handbook is clear: "cooperate: don't argue, resist or attack the robber."

I mean, the guy even took "a computer-based training program." How much more does a company need to do?

I'm sure "Marathon spokeswoman" Linda Casey and her bosses have all kinds of formal expert training on safe practices to employ during violent physical attacks--from the time honored "cower and cringe" method to the more interactive "pleading, blubbering and howling" technique. Besides, we've seen time and again if gas station attendants just give attackers what they want, all will usually end well. Right?

If you'd like to tell the ironically named "SuperAmerica" (also branded under "Speedway") or its Marathon parent anything about your future gas purchases, here's a link.

This Day in History: May 21

On May 21, 1775 the Palatine Committee of Correspondence, later to be known as the Committee of Safety and to govern the valley in their own way until a stable government was finally formed in 1777, met at the home of Philip Fox opposite old Palatine Church and adopted the following resolution:

"As we abhor a state of slavery we do join and unite together under all the ties of religion, honor, justice and love of our country, never to become slaves and to defend our freedom with our lives and fortunes."

A Request About Comments

I just deleted two comments, not because they were "bad," but because they were irrelevant to the post. Please keep comments on topic. If you have a link you'd like me to feature, please send it to me via email to dcodreaAThotmailDOTcom and I'll consider it.

I see a lot of sites where the thread gets derailed and don't want that to happen here.

We're the Only Ones Centennial Enough

A former Los Angeles police officer who participated in home invasion robberies staged to look like police raids was sentenced Monday to 102 years in prison.

And all the "Only One" apologists are whining the sentence was too severe. I have problems with mandatory sentencing, too, but in this case, it looks like we're right not to "trust people like" U.S. District Judge Gary Allen Feess.

I am curious about what "firearms charges" means. If it means initiating force for personal monetary gain and threatening to kill hostages unless they obey you, I don't see what the problem is, or what's cruel and unusual about separating known vicious predators from the victim pool. Forever.

In a rational world, neither this orc nor his precious brother would have survived the first invasion.

But I guess we're all conditioned to obey instantly or be destroyed, aren't we?

[Via Joe G]

David E. Young Meets the Gunbloggers

David E. Young shares his experiences meeting gun bloggers at the NRA Annual Meeting:

All went well at the Convention. The interview was obviously read by a lot of the gunbloggers. I am certain it generated interest. Many of them mentioned it.

Two young men stopped me out in the main entranceway the afternoon before the Show started and asked if I was David Young. They saw my picture on your interview page. One said he was Sebastian. That rang a bell, so I said Snowflakes in Hell. The other indicated he was Say Uncle.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, more and more gunbloggers stopped by at the booth to say hi to Dave Hardy and I. I think that all of them had read your interview. Here is a partial list.

A Keyboard and a 45
Bloggo the dog boy
Captain of a Crew of One
damnum absque injuria
Dave Kopel
Days of our Trailers
Gun Pundit
Say Uncle
Sharp as a Marble
The Bitch Girls (Bitter)
The Smallest Minority
Snowflakes in Hell
The View from North-Central Idaho
View from the Porch

There were others. I cannot remember them all at the moment.

I have been to eleven consecutive NRA Shows ending in 2004. None were so much fun as this one. It was a blast, especially because of all the bloggers stopping by and knew something about me due to your interview.

Thank you again, David.

One last thing. For anyone who has copies of my books*, there are up to date errata lists on my webpage. Those serious about accuracy should check these lists and correct the few printing errors I have located in the volumes. Also, if anyone notices an error, please bring it to my attention.

The bloggers listed may or may not have seen the interview, but I'm glad things went well. One other bit of good news: My editor at GUNS Magazine gave me the green light to review "The Founders' View of the Right to Bear Arms," so I have some work to do to meet deadline.

* That would be all of you, right?

Down the Rabbit Hole: Part V

Per David R. Olofson:

This one only reinforces what the others on the range said, the next 2 will bring up further allegations of increasing severity. I’m trying to convince one of my other neighbors to do one on when they dropped me off after the raid. If he does it would prove perjury on the part of the ATF at a motion hearing. But he is pretty scared right now so I’m not sure if #8 will ever get done, but at least we have these 7 if anything.

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV

The Genius That Is Christopher J. Kelly

Russ Howard gives "Authorized Journalist" Christopher J. Kelly a well deserved thumping:

"...as I read the state statute, I don’t see anything that expressly affords the right to “open carry,” as it is called by advocates. Nor do I see anything in the statute that expressly prohibits it."

Is the statute superior to the PA & US Constitutions?

"While some gunslingers will adamantly disagree, a room in which there are no guns is safer than a room in which even one gun is present, no matter what color hat you’re wearing. This is just as true with other lethal instruments, such as the broadsword, catapult, rocket launcher and French horn."

In other words, if there are 10 people in a room, one of whom is a 6'4" 250-pound psycho with a machete and a black hat, 9 of whom are civilians in white hats, you're safer if none of the guys in white hats have a gun.

That "logic" would, of course, apply to a living room or a bedroom. Or any other room.

And even if one of the guys in white hats was wearing a state trooper hat 20 minutes earlier, you're safer if everyone is defenseless except the crazy guy with the machete.

By your "logic", you would also be safer OUTSIDE the room, or in a patio, or a park, or a sidewalk, or a car -- i.e., everywhere else -- if all of the decent citizens were defenseless. So your argument undermines the rationale of deterrence, damage mitigation, and crime prevention not only for any carry law, but for any gun ownership at all.

Real genius, pal. Good thing you're not one of those 2nd Amendment types who make gun owners look stupid.

Russ and I both agree that this observation, by "haris@hilton.com" on KABA Comments, is brilliant:

Ask that idiot if he would feel safer in the National Matches at Camp Perry or in the exercise yard of San Quentin?

This guy Kelly is another of those gun owners I've started calling IQFs.

GOP Fails to Recruit Minorities

Yeah, they could use a person or two of unbending principle and fidelity to the Constitution, instead of all those quasi-democrats.

Oh, wait--that's not the kind of minority being talked about...?

They're just interested in physical appearances so they can attract a demographic that awards power based on superficialities...?

Oh, I see the problem--they're just not democrat enough.

What HE Said

But the probable results of this pragmatism were entirely predictable long before the negative results could be observed...

I've been saying the same thing for years myself. Some people don't like to hear it, do they?

We're the Only Ones Fired Up Enough

Philadelphia's police commissioner said Monday that four officers will be fired and four others disciplined for their roles in the beatings of three shooting suspects, an encounter that was captured on videotape and drew widespread outrage.

That way, we can convince enough that the problem is being handled, and that they should continue with their demands that only "The Only Ones" deserve the option of employing force.

When Bats are Outlawed...

The family of a boy who suffered brain damage after he was struck by a line drive off an aluminum baseball bat sued the bat's maker and others on Monday, saying they should have known it was dangerous.

This is tragic. It is heartrending.

But the family's reaction is horribly misdirected and deserving of condemnation.

We're the Only Ones Child Protective Servicing Enough

Keio Suapaia didn’t think it was right when she was arrested on a warrant late last month by a Colorado State Patrol trooper and hauled away, with her 7-month-old baby girl and her 15-year-old niece left alone in her vehicle at night by the side of the road near Whitewater.

Hey, if you don't like it then you shouldn't have 10-year-old dog violations.

Good call, Trooper Jeffrey Verbas, you acted in true "Only Ones" fashion. Thanks for being out there making all of us safer.

Button, Button, Who's Got the...

What?

We're the Only Ones Occupying Enough

One answer to curbing Chicago's gun violence, according to police, is putting officers on the streets dressed in full battle gear and traveling in vehicles normally used in hostage and barricade situations.

Welcome to Brady Paradise! Coming to a city near you!

Nice vision of Amerika, nein?

This is the shape of things to come for any society that thinks the answer to anything is to create an "Only Ones" state.

[Via ChareltonHest]

This This Day in History: May 20

Resolved: That whosoever directly or indirectly abets, or in any way, form, or manner countenances the unchartered and dangerous invasion of our rights, as claimed by Great Britain, is an enemy to this country -- to America -- and to the inherent and inalienable rights of man.

"Loophole"

This dangerous anger comes from our frustration that we have been gradually stripped of any possibility of the redress of our grievances by peaceful means. What do the courts mean when the BATF and their handmaiden US attorney enablers are able to violate with impunity the laws which are supposed to regulate them? Of what significance is a positive ruling in the Heller case when measured against the government villainy represented by Olofson? And how long as it been since a traditional view of the Constitution has been delivered in the wrongly named "main stream media?" In truth, we have become a despised minority in our own country, shoved back from the free exercise of our God given rights, and its about to get worse.

Western Rifle Shooters Association presents Mike Vanderboegh's expose of, among other things, the fraud that is John McCain.

It's Time to Close the "Only Ones" Loophole!

People with criminal backgrounds had access to a Houston police property room for months or even years, and more than 30 guns disappeared.

Good grief.

And naturally, the assumption is it must be due to "lax security," as opposed to...oh, I don't know...

And just as naturally, the solution must be to spend $13.8 million on a property room.

Government. Is there anything it doesn't do well?

Technology to the Rescue!

College students tackle gun and knife crime with mobile technology...

Ha HA! You're in for it now, Cho! We're equipped with state-of-the-art Vodafone v1615 handsets! Now prepare to feel the awesome power of our collaboratively-produced video clips, music, interviews and images, you wretched FOOL!

I've heard of less-than-lethal defensive tools, but this is the first time I've read about less-than-logical technology...

And yes, I noticed the photo. Pathetically, it was probably the least stupid thing on the page.

We're the Only Ones Too Few Enough

The increase in knife and gun crime in urban communities is due to the lack of police presence, according to new research.

I don't suppose making everyone an "Only One" has occurred to anyone?

John M. Morganelli Has a Big "But"

...I've supported the right to carry a concealed weapon with a permit and the right to use deadly force if necessary to protect one's life or the life of another.

And I've opposed misguided efforts to sue gun manufacturers and to require law-abiding citizens to register their guns with the government.

Here it comes...ready?

BUT:

One of the ways to do this is to require that lost or stolen guns be reported to law enforcement...

Nothing "clever" about that at all, John, especially with the Philadelphia Illuminati trying to do an end run around "existing laws" under the guise of "home rule." If they succeed, a whole lotta people could end up still owning guns they'd rather not tell anyone about.

Besides--haven't we established that real criminals need not worry?

And the Crowd Went Wild, Part II

...and they vowed to fight to the death for their cherished right to bear arms...

And who wouldn't believe that level of commitment from people who allowed themselves to be cowed into disarming at a "Celebration of American Values" so they could give two standing ovations to the potentate demanding it?

And the Crowd Went Wild

In front of a crowd of about 6,000 people who gave him two standing ovations...

I've read enough.

Good grief.

The Video in Question

A comment in "Down the Rabbit Hole: Part II" asked if it would be possible to post the BATFU video used to help convict David Olofson. As what was introduced was an edited tape, I asked if his attorneys had an unedited tape--to include failures to achieve a malfunction--so we would be able to judge for ourselves the manipulations needed to produce desired results.

"They will not release it." Olofson wrote back. "Not even to my attorneys."

Last night I received the following from Len Savage, also copied on my query.

The Govt. flat refused to even give Olofson's attorney a copy [he had to view it at the AUSA office only]. The judge backed the govt's play. There were word to effect "We don't want to see it in a documentary" or some such nonsense to that effect.

I can tell you:

All of about 15 seconds long, played again and again for the jury.

The entire magazine dumped, no bursts.

The rate of fire was between a MAC-11 [1200rpm] and a Glock 18 [1850rpm]. approx 1600rpm if I were to guess.

A full auto M-16 fires about 750-800rpm +/- depending on ammo.

Was filmed at a distance, I can't tell if it was even Olofson's rifle.

I would have never fired that rifle, instead a shooting vise would have been used.

Max Kingery [ATF/FTB] was terrified to fire the rifle, holding it away from his body like a stick of dynamite.

Without ever making a good inspection of the internals I can only guess how they did it, [I have a pretty good idea] This is most likely why I was never allowed to inspect it.

In an email I just received this morning, Len added:

You may want touch on that HR 1791 [Fairness in Firearm Testing Act] would have prevented editing, and we would all know "how" it was done....

Yeah...right...let's see:

Last Action: Apr 20, 2007: House Judiciary: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

He's right. I may want to touch on it. But it sure looks like nobody in government does.

And They Say There Are No Stupid Questions

L.A. red light cameras clicking for safety or revenue?

Los Angeles. Securing the blessings of liberty since...um...uh...

[Via Maureen]

Hitman Leaving Town

U.S. Solicitor Gen. Paul D. Clement, the lawyer who spoke for the Bush administration in the Supreme Court but not always in a way that pleased conservatives, said Wednesday that he was stepping down next month.

So long and thanks for all the plausible deniability!

This Day in History: May 19

1775, May 19. "In Provincial Congress Watertown May 19, 1775. Resolved. That Colonel Bond be and hereby is directed to appoint a Guard of six men to escort Lady Frankland to Boston..." Signed by Jos. Warren.

Using Your Brain, Christian Science Monitor-style

'He's eating my brain. I can feel it,' recalls bear attack survivor...

A local game warden later found the bear and shot at him, killing him.

Because these things can only be done by trained, professional "Only Ones." And only after the fact, never as a preventative measure, unless, of course, you happen to be an elite government employee.

Don't believe me? Hey, who am I to argue with the trained professional "Authorized Journalists" at the Christian Science Monitor?

And who are you?

Lead Us Not Into Appeasement...

The answer for GOP presidential candidate John McCain: take a page out of the Schwarzenegger playbook and sell a product that is "counter" to the current GOP brand on issues like global warming, spending and even immigration reform.

Yeah, that's the problem with the Republicans. They listen too much to their base. They need to "rebrand" and move even further to the left. That's what the "leadership" wants, and that's what the leadership is going to get--and McCain is ready to give them all that and more.

What's the definition of insanity again? How do some among us who claim "leadership" status think we got to where we are now? Tell me they don't know, at least the ones on the top.

Oh, and look: The leftists cheerleaders are already out there promoting the meme, with the intent of consolidating the infiltration and takeover of Democrat Party (R).

Professor Quigley would no doubt approve.

We're the Only Ones Semi-Only One Enough

An irate off-duty cop went wild and attacked a traffic agent for giving his girlfriend a ticket, but police decided it wasn't a felony - and ended up handcuffing the agent...

"I had been writing tickets and people standing on the street were applauding when I got arrested," Celemi said.

And the crowd went wild.

Nothing like watching a camp guard administer a good beating to the resident Judendienstordnung collaborator to cheer up the inmates...

"I told him he didn't need to do that because I work for the NYPD just like he works for the NYPD," said Celemi...

Celemi's lawyer said traffic agents appear to be treated like a "subclass" in the NYPD.

Yeah, no duh, Sherlock. Ultimately, there's no such thing as being a little bit "Only One". They may say they'll eat you last, but you'll be eaten nonethless--just as soon as your usefulness wears out.

[Via Andre]

"This is Not to Belittle Violent Crime in the Parks..."

Yes it is.

That's exactly what it's intended to do, along with disparaging human rights and dignity, and assaulting the character of your countrymen just because you live in miserable fear and distrust.

Left to your "logic," people would not be able to keep and bear arms anywhere.

If you want to belittle someone, why not pick contemptible elitists and police state-empowering liars...?

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

The Disease and the Cure

Officers swept through every home within a half mile of the church.

And held an entire neighborhood hostage, it would seem.

Let's see, criminals hold up two people at gunpoint for a couple minutes, and the solution is to hold up everyone who didn't do it within a half mile radius at gun point for hours? I'm afraid if my elderly parents were behind such a line and I couldn't reach them by phone, I might just end up getting shot in the back. And if I were in my home, the only entry would be on my terms.

Funny thing about hostages. None of them ever seem to be carrying guns.

[Via ChareltonHest]

Down the Rabbit Hole: Part IV

This is the second sworn affidavit indicating planted evidence.



When will the national media notice and the congress investigate?

Also from David R. Olofson:

This is why we question some of what happened. Ref. Rabbit hole 2, 3, & 4.

Part I
Part II
Part III

This Day in History: May 18

On May 18, 1775, five months before that historic beginning, Colonel Benedict Arnold and other Continental Army officers mounted a surprise attack on the British garrison at St. John's, Canada, capturing a sloop and other smaller vessels.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Part III

How many independent sworn statements by people with nothing to gain by lying and everything to lose if they do are needed to establish credibility?

[Via David R. Olofson]

Part I
Part II

Down the Rabbit Hole: Part II

This is a sworn statement. That means the person giving this deposition risks having his life destroyed if he makes a false statement. That means if he is not committing perjury, an independent investigation must determine if BATFU planted evidence.




The charges raised herein are among the most serious of crimes a government enforcement agency can perpetrate on a citizen. This document alone ought to be enough to DEMAND congressional hearings.

[Via David R. Olofson]

Part I

Friends

L. Neil Smith vents.

Hoo-boy, does he.

One point of clarification: NRA members do not have an individual representative to write to as this suggests. And seeing as how nobody wants to run with my suggestion of finding out where they stand and supporting them accordingly, I wouldn't expect that to be much of a pressure generator anyway.

But I do expect this to generate a lot of pure hatred on the gun forums.

Yikes!

[Via Ron W]

Texas Democrat Gun Owners Caucus

Amendment II Democrats is organizing the first-ever meeting of the new Gun Owners Caucus of the Texas Democratic Party at the upcoming 2008 State Convention in Austin, TX next month. If you are a delegate, alternate, or guest to the Texas convention, you are welcome to attend. Here are the details:

Friday, June 6, 2008 at 9:00am
Austin Convention Center
Level 3, Room 8B
500 E. Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701

We've had extensive discussion on and with these folks before--on several occasions.

There are many issues I could raise and ask if they've taken a stance (and if not, why not?), when and what was it on timely and vital subjects like BATFU, Red's, Olofson, Cavalry Arms, etc., stuff that I focus on every day and certainly ought to merit comment from a gun rights group. But I believe there is a more clear and unequivocal demarkation line they could stand behind.

Fellas, you shouldn't need to wait until the June caucus because the candidates' positions are established, clear and not subject to credible change.

Who are you backing for president?

Where Credit is Due...?

U.S. Rep. Bill Sali, R-Idaho, said Friday that his complaints about the slogan - "Always Think Forfeiture" - persuaded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to end its use on the Leatherman tools handed out to participants in a training program.

But a spokesman for the federal agency said Friday that the agency actually stopped using the slogan about two months ago, when other members of Congress first raised concerns.

So who the hell does BATFU think they are to require a FOIA demand before they'll release the names of other congressmen who "had inquired about the slogan"? Why is that not a freely-accessible public record, and does it not nicely illustrate what light-fleeing shadow-dwellers they are?

Oh, and nice try, Walt Minnick. I see you credit yourself with being "instrumental in the creation of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)." So I see what you mean about "pay[ing] attention to details" when the topic of assert forfeiture comes up.

I also see that as of a couple months ago, the majority of your support came from out of state donors--that'll serve the independence of Idahoans well--nothing like a little carpetbagging by proxy, eh?

I truly don't fault Sali. You don't know what you don't know, and those other congressmen should have come to the fore on this and been the leaders they tell us they are. And BATFU getting all snitty didn't help. The bottom line is, it's a good thing.

Here's somethihg else good that came out of this:

That changed March 19, when a blogger looking at ATF contracts on a government-purchasing database found an order for 2,000 Leatherman tool-kits engraved with the slogan.

The blogger wrote about it on www.freedomsight.net, and the issue took on a life of its own in the blogosphere. Gun owners and private property rights activists seized on the phrase as a sign that the agency was biased toward law-abiding gun owners.

It's very nice to see Jed get some recognition, and affirms that bloggers can and do affect the course of things.

So--who knows how to file that FOIA request? Not that I don't automatically believe every word they say...

[Via Wayne Newton :) ]

Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast...

...Daddy, slow down some 'cause you're makin' me run...

AvgJoe is on a tear--all these links and so little time...:)

Here--I've combined 'em in one post:

We're the Only Ones Not Really Only Ones Enough

A man coaxed an aspiring model into his car by flashing a fake police badge and then raped her at gunpoint, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office.

Well--they've got just about everybody conditioned to obey on command, don't they? Figures some enterprising sort would figure out how to work that to his advanntage and actually increase violent crime.

We're the Only Ones "All in the Family" Enough

Drew Peterson won't get back 10 guns authorities seized last year, but his police officer son appears likely to end up with the weapons, Peterson's attorney said Tuesday.

I didn't realize Peterson had been convicted of anything. If he has, what's he doing on the street? If he hasn't, why is it lawful to take his guns?

The Microstamp Workaround

Codes engraved on the face of the firing pin could easily be removed with household tools, Beddow found.

That alone should be enough to stop this foolishness. And of course, there are many other reasons, too.

I guess California in general--and the University of California in particular--must be pretty flush despite desperate pleas for more money...

We're the Only Ones "Mentoring" Enough

Authorities in New York have launched a case against a police officer who once led a department "gay" organization, alleging he preyed on a relative's adopted son and forced the boy to have sex with him.

But don't you dare lift a pink...uh...finger against him...

-------------------------

Ahhh--I see he just sent me another one. I'll get to it in a bit, AJ--I see it merits it's own separate post.

Fulfilling All Expectations

The 50 U.S. states are holding more than $32 billion worth of unclaimed property that they're supposed to safeguard for their citizens. But a "Good Morning America" investigation found some states aggressively seize property that isn't really unclaimed and then use the money -- your money -- to balance their budgets.

We've let them get away with being thieves for so long I don't know why anybody would be surprised to find them stealing whatever they can get away with. But that won't stop the "Authorized Journalists" at ABC from continuing to cheerlead for more and more government, and of course, a monopoly of force. And acting all surprised at finding that power corrupts.

[Via AvgJoe]

There's Stupid

...and then there's Huckabee.

And not one person "booed"?

Say, can I make jokes about aiming guns at presidential candidates, too?

McCain Pledges More Infringements

But I believe an accurate, fair and instant background check at guns shows is a reasonable requirement. I also oppose efforts to require federal regulation of all private sales such as the transfer between a father and son or husband and wife. I supported campaign finance reform because I strongly believed our system of financing campaigns was influencing elected officials to put the interests of "soft money" donors ahead of the public interest.

And not one person "Booed"?

This Day in History: May 17

On May 17, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was presented in Philadelphia, the inhabitants of Coxsackie signed a Declaration of Independence of their own. The faded yellow parchment, found in an Albany attic some years ago, bears the names of 225 signers, most of them Dutch names of freeholders from the Coxsackie District of the Colony of New York.

Always Think Oversight

A federal agency has halted a controversial program giving agents engraved Leatherman tool kits reminding them to focus on the seizure of private property, after Congressman Bill Sali, (R-Idaho), raised objections.

Sali said he will pursue legislation to prevent the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from restarting the marketing program.

I always preferred monkeywrenches to pliers anyway. A symbolic victory in light of the "long train of abuses," but a significant one nonetheless if for no other reason than to jerk the leash and remind them one exists.

Good job, Congressman. Well done.

Any chance we could collect the undistributed tools and melt them into a pro-gun sculpture?

Why Do We Buy Annette John-Hall's Line?

Vernick's opinion is shared by the 25,000 members of the American Hunters and Shooters Association, a new organization created to bring reason back to the gun issue.

Oh, look. Another ignorant fanatic more interested in ginning hysteria than the truth.

The way she interchanges semiautomatic handguns with AK-47's, it's evident Annette doesn't even know what an "assault weapon" is--and that's just the way Josh likes it. The more she places blind faith in Philadelphia " Only Ones" having these weapons and denying them to We the People, the more she shows her statist bent. Tell it to the guy gang-stomped on the ground the other day, Annette. The way she gets her knickers in a knot over a "body-armor-penetrating weapon" shows she has no clue that virtually any hunting rifle and round will do the same--the semiauto function has nothing to do with that.

And of course, her total ignorance on the inconvenient"roots" issue demonstrates yet another [yawn] in a line of oportunists who, "rather than being a leader in liberty...opted to become just another one of the plantation's overseers."

But that's not what I'd like to focus on. I don't even care about the Idiot Quisling Fudd* who appears noodleheaded enough to believe he'll be eaten last.

Naw, what I homed in on was "25,000 members" for AHSA.

Oh, really. And how do we know?

Apparently because Judas Bob said so? He's the only quoted rep. And we all know his track record means we can believe Judas Bob!

[Via DJK]

* I think I'm going to start using "IQF" as my preferred term for these mudheads.

McCain Reaches Out to Lefties

You know, because he's the gun owners' pal.

There's room in the Big Tent for everyone! Except maybe we deluded few who believe in archaic and unpopular notions like core principles mattering.

Did Ignorance or Flawed Ethics Kill Jill Porter's Credibility?

Did guns or a flawed justice system kill Sgt. Liczbinski?

Actually, Jill, a depraved animal did. But what did Mr. Pynchon say about asking the wrong questions?

Here's the part I'd really like to address, though:

Some of the folks who think that the Second Amendment is sacrosanct have little regard for other provisions of the Bill of Rights.

I've seen this baseless insinuation creep up in other places, on forums, in comments, in anti-defense editorials, which leads to the conclusion it is an intentionally planted diversionary tactic, and the bottom line, Jill, is you have no truthful basis to make such a claim. So are you doing it out of ignorance, or are you intentionally lying?

If you're going to go there, Jill, square it with the FACT that the NRA joined forces with the ACLU, the AFL-CIO and others in leading the fight for free political speech and equal protection.

Square it with JPFO being a national gun rights organization that has proposed and continues to promote efforts to "reestablish a Bill of Rights culture."

Square it with GOA denouncing edicts that have the effect that "legal aliens somehow enjoy fewer Fourth Amendment protections against search and seizure than other residents in this country".

Square it with established positions of the Libertarian and Constitution parties.

None of this is new, Jill, and it took me literally under three minutes to find all of it. If I really rolled my sleeves up, I could bury you with references, but the point is made.

I do wonder if there's a bit of projection going on. Because the ones who routinely allow for the erosion and subversion of our rights and freedoms are proponents of the Leviathan state. Like you, Jill.

Anyone who spreads the outrageous falsehood that RKBA-supporting Americans disparage the whole Bill of Rights, or indeed, the entire Constitution, is quite simply and demonstrably a liar.

Like you, Jill?

All the Facts that are Fit to Withhold and Distort

A Berlin man who loaned a machine gun to a man at a conservation club in July 2006 will spend time in a federal prison.

This has gotta be the most blatant example of "Authorized Journalism" I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot.

Why, you'd never even know there was any controversy, would you?

As far as The Oshkosh Northwestern's readership is concerned, a dangerous criminal has been convicted. They can all go back to sleep now. This doesn't affect them.

Shameful. Just shameful.

Then when birdcage liners like this start to lose circulation, their apologists complain about unreliable blogs.

We're the Only Ones Planting Enough

Relatives, witnesses and friends of a 19-year-old man shot and wounded by police on Mother's Day allege that a gun was planted on him after he was shot, according to a Channel 5 news report.

Nah, I don't believe it.

Not Chicago "Only Ones."

Why Would Anyone Want To?

State law prohibits a town or city from banning guns in most public buildings, including a town hall, so residents do have a right to carry legal firearms into a public meeting.

The common sense question here is, "Why would anyone want to do so?"

Oh, I don't know, genius. Suppose you tell me.

Council member Peggy Steele probably spoke for most residents when she said, "That (carrying a gun at the meeting) worries me, especially if it is someone who has a temper."

And tempers did flare, especially about the residency issue, which is being looked into by the Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney.

Gee, that's funny. All those flaring tempers and all those VCDL members--you'd think an explosive mixture like that would have produced more than peaceable citizens firmly reminding their employees of their rights.

And say a temper did truly flare. Just what would you and Peggy be able to do about it?

UPDATE: AvgJoe sent me this story link, that includes a poll I urge you to take and help spread the word on.

We're the Only Ones On Course Enough

The longtime martial arts instructor for former Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona was convicted Thursday of criminally threatening a golfer during a dispute that began with a wayward fairway shot.

Raymond Yi was acquitted of all other charges, including three felony counts of assault with a firearm, by a San Bernardino County jury that deliberated less than a day in a case that drew attention to Carona's troubled reserve deputy program...

The case drew headlines because Yi, sworn in as an Orange County sheriff's reserve deputy in 2002, was among friends and allies of Carona who allegedly misused their badges.

Well first of all, and unless all those movies I've watched are wrong, I'd like to know what a karate expert needs a gun for. And then I'd like to know why the "Only One" who felt compelled to use one was a pseudo-"Only One."

Is Lee Amos Truly That Clueless?

Tyrone Gilbert was shot on 27 July 2007 at the wake of his friend Ucal Chin, who was shot in Longsight on 15 June.

Lee Amos, 32, of no fixed address, has been charged with the murder of and conspiracy to murder Mr Gilbert and conspiracy to murder Mr Chin.

Lee?

What the hell's with you, man?

Is everybody in the UK clued into the fact that handguns are illegal except you?

Where the hell have you been? We even know about it over here in America.

Pay attention! Wake the hell up!

The Usage Creeps

"I know that my son would not have died if he had not been Tasered and I know that he did not deserve the treatment he encountered at the Vancouver airport," Zophia Cisowski told a public inquiry into the use of the weapon.

Sorry, lady.

Judge Ted Schneiderman, aka "CSI Akron," says you're wrong.

I do like the term "usage creep," but I mean it as a personal description.

I Took the Road Less Traveled By...

If C-plus rated Sen. McCain hasn't changed, why is the NRA highlighting him in Louisville?

Does the NRA still believe McCain is a "premier flag carrier for the enemies of the Second Amendment"?

Imagine that.

Me being at the same place on the same road at the same time as Paul Helmke.

Of course, we're traveling in different directions...

We...Respectfully Disagree

The Georgia Attorney General’s office has responded to GCO’s letter requesting a repeal of the ban on possession of firearms in Stone Mountain Park. In its letter, the Attorney General succinctly informs GCO that it “respectfully disagree[s]” with GCO’s position. The letters may be viewed here.

The GCO attorney painstakingly crafts a four-page explanation of why the Stone Mountain Memorial Association is violating state law, and Assistant Attorney General Teri D. Fields squeezes her eyes shut, puts her hands over her ears and screams "LALALALA..." to keep any heretical information from getting in.

I don't know what the hell is so respectful about presuming the authority to disarm your fellow citizens and employers, Teri, or of ignoring unassailable logic and law with such a flippant and disrespectful response. In fact, Teri, you are acting in a criminal manner, willfully violating laws you are charged to uphold.

Imagine: a lawless assistant attorney general. Plus it makes you look ignorant, and incompetent as a lawyer.

Tell me something, lady--when you were a little girl, did you dream of one day growing up and becoming a corrupt mandarin and police state apologist?

Correct me if I'm wrong: Won't Sonny's signature make this a moot point?

[Via KABA Newslinks]

Olofson Transcripts

Dave Kopel has them.

Click on title link for url's.

[Via Stephen]

This Day in History: May 16

Hannastown, Pennsylvania, Resolutions declare that it is the duty of Americans to resist British oppression and form a defense association.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Part I

From David R. Olofson (via Len Savage):

Now a while back I promised to show everyone how deep this rabbit hole is and let them see the whole story. As such I am releasing a number of witness accounts. Most have nothing to lose or gain from speaking up other than the fact they make themselves a target of the feds. These will be released one at a time over the next few days. Draw your own conclusions about who has been telling the truth through this, who has been full of BS, and who is out of control. Now with no further ado here is the beginning of the rest of the story from those who lived it.

Len Savage on G. Gordon Liddy

How You Can Become a “Gun Felon”

The opposition would have none of that. Savage was not permitted to personally examine the rifle — not even to touch it. He was required to observe as the ATF officer opened it for inspection. His professional credentials were challenged by the prosecution, who wanted his testimony excluded, even though Savage is a firearm designer by profession, and the government’s expert witness received all of his training in the 2-1/2 years he’d been with the bureau. Then the prosecution reneged on its pledge not to sequester witnesses, and had Savage removed from the courtroom so he could not hear the government’s testimony.

The timing of this could not be more fortuitous as far as current developments in the Olofson case go--particularly as I submitted the draft to my editor at the beginning of March.

My newest Guns Magazine Rights Watch column is now online

How can We RSVP if We Didn't Get an Invite?

From AR15.com, toward the bottom of page 64:


That's funny.

One of the expert witnesses in the case says he's sent your liaison information and has been ignored.

And I see not being invited didn't stop y'all from inserting yourself in the Parker (now Heller) case. You not only just "stepped in on your own," hell, you tried to derail it. Just like your attorney tried to do with Silveira, a case you were invited, that is practically begged, to support.

Seeing how the outcome of this case affects every owner of a semiautomatic firearm in the country, one must ask what you have done to show the least bit of curiosity AND LEADERSHIP. Did anyone call Olofson's attorneys, ask 'em what's going on, see if there's anything you could do to help? Did they reject your advances?

God, this forked tongue misdirection out of Fairfax drives me nuts.

Wisdom from the East

CTone said...

The NRA should tell the secret service and McCain to piss off. A couple of months ago, the Sikhs turned down their chance to visit the Pope because the secret service wouldn't let them in with their Kirpaans - a little dagger. Best line: “We cannot undermine the rights and freedoms of religion in the name of security.”That's what I'm saying.

Yes, exactly right. Thanks for reminding us.

The Spittin' Image of a Deadly Weapon

An HIV-positive man convicted of spitting into the eye and mouth of a Dallas police officer has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

A true assault weapon is anything used to assault someone with.

If someone was trying to spit on me or a loved one, I'd stop them.

If I found out he had a deadly communicable disease and had exposed us to it intentionally, I'd want him banished from civilized society.

If his victim(s) died, I'd want him to pay the ultimate penalty.

[Via AvgJoe]

Captured on Tape

Carjacking suspects who beat an El Segundo man with a crowbar and set his vehicle ablaze in Hawthorne didn't know they were captured on tape in a 7-Eleven store, police said Wednesday.

Captured on tape. As opposed to captured. Or stopped.

And, of course, multiple feral assailants with a crowbar trump a lone motorist in LA County who's not politically connected, meaning people like you and me...

Resistance is Futile

A masked gunman shot a Gardena T-shirt shop owner repeatedly even though she made no effort to resist the robbery, a videotape of the killing showed.

Never fight back. Just give them what they want.

Right?

Olofson on Olofson

David Olofson's reaction to his conviction being upheld and sentencing--begin on page 63, about halfway down the page, and look for posts by "Bladerunner2347"...

[Via ChareltonHest]

We're the Only Ones Good Humored Enough

The Secret Service is under fire for racist and sexist e-mails, including one aimed at Chicago's Rev. Jesse Jackson...

The Secret Service e-mail, CBS 2 obtained from a court filing in Washington, was titled "The Righteous Reverend," and jokes about the deaths of Jackson and his wife when a missile strikes their plane. The e-mail ends with, it "certainly wouldn't be a great loss and probably wouldn't be an accident either."

Interesting all around--first to note the Good O'Boy Roundup mentality is still alive and well among fed LEOs, to wonder if the Secret Service would be so tolerant of death jokes by a non-"Only One," and also to observe how the miserable hypocrite Jackson is not averse to armed defense as long as it's his precious hind end being protected--and the people he wants disarmed are picking up the tab.

Anybody going to the NRA Meeting want to substitute "John and Cindy" for "Jesse and Jaqueline," and try that "no great loss" joke out on the attending security detail--just to see if you can get them to crack a smile--as opposed to your skull?

A Sonny Day in Georgia

Gov. Sonny Perdue waited until deadline day to sign a controversial gun bill that lets people carry a concealed weapon into more public places, provided they have a state permit to carry the gun.

All week, the governor has signed some bills in public, and explained why.

But not this time. Perdue did not even issue a statement, and his press secretary said the governor is now out of town until Friday.

You don't have to hide from it, Sonny. You shouldn't have even needed to be prodded. Keeping and bearing arms is not some embarrassing or disreputable scandal or affliction you need to distance yourself from--it's the birthright of us all, and your proclamation should be proud, bold, even defiant. Let the embarrassment and sputtering explanations fall on those malevolent and paranoid creatures who do not trust themselves, and thus their countrymen, to make free choices like responsible adult citizens.

Aside from the "permit" part, ya done good.

[Via Jeffersonian]

A Scanner Darkly

Police are to use hundreds of airport-style and hand-held weapon detectors in the crackdown on knife crime.

Because the UK is part of "the Free World," y'see, as opposed to being a totalitarian police state.

Just like New York.

[Via Jeffersonian]

Excuse Me, Everybody--I Have a Gun...

The patrons at Champps, an upscale restaurant and bar chain, were eating ribs and drinking beer on a recent Saturday when customer Bruce Jackson stood up and made an announcement: He was armed, and so were dozens of other patrons.

See, this isn't something I would do. I just don't think it helps, it probably scared some, and I also don't think using someone else's property as a public forum for advancing your agenda is appropriate.

By the same token, we've seen what happens when gun owners try to mind their own business.

Still, I think the best path to normalization is just acting normal.

[Via Jeffersonian]

We're the Only Ones With Locker Room Humor Enough

Marijuana, knives, handguns, pornographic magazines and evidence from sexual assault cases were among dozens of items found in police Chief Joseph Solomon's locker after he was fired last week.

I guess the punch line to this joke is he's "The Only One" who doesn't think he did anything wrong.

[Via Brian F]

Resistance

I suppose this is always the way it is with those who start the wars. They simply can't or won't see what the unintended consequences of their actions are going to be, even when others are completely unsurprised and even predict it publicly. Which brings me, as many of you familiar with my work have probably already guessed where I was heading, to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Mindful Musings brings us Mike Vanderboegh's observations following the most recent Olofson outrage.

Mike wrote me via separate email:

Olofson's sentencing has hit me pretty hard. They really don't understand that old saw about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind, do they? God what ignorant arrogant asses. Where is the adult supervision here?

I think the adult supervision is pulling the strings.

I don't think it that far fetched to imagine a physical reaction is exactly what some in authority want--to provoke a weak link into snapping, and exploiting that to their advantage and against ours. And I don't think such calculating minds would think twice about sacrificing a few of their own pawns, and, in fact would require it as part of their strategy.

All decent men are outraged by what is developing around us by design. Let us be prudent in how we express that outrage, lest we play into the hands of creatures counting on a misstep.

Now go read Mike's great new article.

This Day in History: May 15

A Liberty Pole was raised eight miles west of Fort Johnson (near present day Fonda, NY). Tryon County Sheriff Alexander White led a posse to disperse the Rebel gathering. No shots were fired. Several accounts say no one was hurt, however, Stone wrote that he had narratives describing the beating of Jacob Sammons by the Loyalists.

Lou Dobbs Tonight?

My info says they'll be talking Olofson at some point. I won't be able to verify that until it airs.

Check your local listings and let's hope this proves out.

We're the Only Ones Who Luv You Enough

A Fordland reserve police officer has been suspended from duty after being charged with forcible rape of a 14-year-old girl...

She said the first time the two had sex was after they had been out to dinner. Thompson ripped her T-shirt off and later kept her clothes, the statement said, sending her home in other clothes.

A romantic dinner for two, "Only Ones" style...

The burning question: Happy or Big Kids' Meal?

[Via KABA Newslinks]

A Blatantly False Swipe?

Here's an exchange you may find interesting. Let's hope it's discussed in detail at the Annual Meeting.

-----Original Message-----
From: len savage
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:00 AM
To: Sanders, Robert E.; Brown, LtC. Robert K.
Cc: Ouimet, Jason
Subject: US v. Olofson

Yesterday the government has redefined what a machine gun is--any firearm that malfunctions and fires more than one round before jamming. [US v. Olofson]

I am awaiting the transcript of the hearing, however:

Judge Clevert [I am told] stated is does not matter what ammunition, or what error rate ATF testing has, or that a malfunction occurred, or even if it required ATF to modify the firearm, just that more than one round be fired per function of the trigger.
Every firearm in possession of your membership is a "machine gun" under this narrow interpretation. This is scientific fact, not my opinion. For example:
*A double barrel shotgun firing both barrels with a single trigger pull.
*A Colt single action loaded with thin primer ammo. [the pierced primer will "fan" the hammer with gas pressure] Look up Georgia machine gun statute, they exempted it by stating a machine gun must fire more than 6 shots per function of the trigger.
*The ATF firearms technology branch can test a rifle 100 different times, if they can manipulate it just once out of 100, your indicted.

The NRA's Jason Ouimet has been aware of this situation at ATF since before the congressional hearings on "the Virginia gun show incident" [I was supposed to testify at the hearings about the ATF testing issues at that time]. Much to my frustration, the hearing I was supposed to testify at was canceled. According to Jason, it was NRA who pulled the plug on me.

Now that the whole of the NRA membership is in jeopardy just by owning a firearm, will Wayne LaPierre, Chris Cox, and the NRA board going to do something about this during this week's convention?

Please pass this on to them:

Words will not be sufficient. If this gets "unplugged", as in the NRA refuses to address this issue, I WILL no choice but to go to the media with documents and emails from NRA that were generated during the last round of hearings. I WILL pull back the rug and show the world where NRA swept this mess under to hide it.

Please forgive my abrupt and obtuse attitude. It is born of frustration, and deaf ears of the NRA leadership. I am there if I can to help the NRA, thus to date the NRA have refused to address this.

My question to NRA leadership:

Is this weekends convention going to be your finest hour, or will this be noted in history as the beginning of the end of the NRA?

Respectfully,

Len Savage
Historic Arms LLC

-----------------------

Original message from "Ouimet, Jason" :

Len,

You sent me an email not long ago titled "olive branch" where you indicated that you wanted to be able to have an open dialogue with me and keep me posted on relevant firearms, issues, cases, etc. and I agreed. However, in this email you took as nasty , blatantly FALSE swipe at me and the NRA, and sent it to other people I don't even know. So from this point forward consider our relationship terminated. Do not call or email me again in the future.

Jason

-----------------------

From: len savage
Sent:Wed 5/14/08 10:18 AM
To: Ouimet, Jason

Jason,

Swipe?

By the way those "Unknown people" are on the NRA legislative action committee. As a Federal liaison you don't know them?

Cut the crap Jason, when is the last time you took my calls or answered a voice mail to call me back?

Len Savage

Dial 911 and I Don't Give a Sh**

Hey, at least he was honest.

Original Intent

The term “machinegun” means any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

As we saw in our recent interview with David E. Young, original intent can play a significant role in (honest) judicial proceedings. Supporting briefs are counting on documentation of founding era thought to guide the ruling in Heller.

The same should be done for Olofson. And the advantage here is, not only should records exist, but many of the legislative "founders" who approved U.S. Code firearm-related definitions are still around.

I've been told--but have not verified--that the discussion of malfunctions came up and was dismissed because it was considered a "gimme." Anyway, at this point, it's hard to imagine what the defense would have to lose by looking into whether the "framers" of the machinegun definition intended to include malfunctioning semiautos.

Study Shows Hunters Should All Be Dead

The meat in your freezer from the deer you shot last fall may be contaminated...

Wait a minute...your headline says "Study Shows," not "Study May Show"...

A study released today by the Peregrine Fund and Washington State University shows that people who consume venison from game animals killed with lead bullets risk ingestion of the poisonous metal.

No agenda or anti-hunting (by humans) bias there, I'm sure, and who can argue that if you're eating something killed with a lead projectile that the risk will be zero?

"[P]rocessed ground venison from 80 percent of the deer sampled in the research contained metal fragments..."

And the reason you specifically did not say "lead fragments" is...?

Previous studies have found lead residues in birds of prey and scavengers including California Condors...

Yeah. But they haven't documented that it's caused by ammunition ingestion.

We've talked the lead issue before, including the Leonardo DiCaprio connection, as well as the foolishness of taking food out of the mouths of poor people by derailing (and intentionally destroying public confidence in)"Hunters for the Hungry" programs.

I'll have more to say on this, but later. It's the topic of my latest GUNS Magazine column, submitted two weeks ago and on the stands in a few months. In the mean time, those of you who have consumed meat from game animals: What are you doing walking around? Don't you know you're deathly ill?

[Via AvgJoe]

Facing Mecca in Dickson

Here's an update to this:

“Our officers did not know what to expect. They could be walking into situations similar to shootings at school campuses and other public events,” said council President Barbara Mecca.

That's what you think of your constituents, Barbara? That they're all potential depraved and psychotic mass muderers? Yet you have no such reaction when it's an armed "Only One" because...?

Perhaps you're right, Barbara. Perhaps anyone who would vote for you can't be trusted with a gun.

Is It Time Yet?

To talk "machine guns," that is? (What did you think I was referring to?)

I ask because when some of us criticized people on the "pro gun" side who made public statements dissing machine guns, others in the "moderate" camp counseled us that it's a losing argument--people aren't ready to hear about it--it will scare them. It's dumb to even bring it up.

Never mind that some of us were not bringing it up, but were responding to one of theirs unnecessarily doing so.

So can we talk about machine guns yet? I ask, because the government has just redefined what a machine gun is--any firearm that malfunctions and fires more than one round before jamming.

So how about it--can we talk semiautomatics? Or is it too soon?

Common Ground

"We've had our disagreements, everybody knows it," NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday. "I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on those. We're not foolish enough to ignore the vast areas of agreement in which John McCain has been a friend to gun owners."

That must be why he is requiring them to disarm to show fealty during the perversely-named "Celebration of American Values" at the annual meeting. And I'm waiting for the first apologist to come in here with a straight face and tell me that's not his choice and not totally within the control of his orders and actions. What's his security detail gonna do--arrest him?

Guess what, gun owners--we don't have a horse in this race. You can rationalize otherwise ad nauseum and that won't change. The reason we don't have a choice is because we have allowed ourselves to be used for years and never insisted on one. The Republicans are counting on gun owners being so desperate and afraid they can present us with anything, and Wayne & Co. will help gussy it up. They've been prepping us to swallow this for some months now.

Oh, but McCain voted against the "assault weapons" ban . True, but more recently than that, he told the Los Angeles Times he "Supports ban on certain assault weapons...McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details."

The AP also reported "McCain favors outlawing cheaply made handguns called Saturday night specials, and favors mandating safety locks on certain guns. He said he is intrigued by new technology that electronically identifies a person handling a gun, allowing only the owner to fire it. McCain rallied Senate Republicans behind a Democratic measure requiring background checks at gun shows."

Vote for McCain and you'll be voting for "The Vote Freedom First President" on steroids. Just look at what's happening now, with Bush appointee "Pro-Gun" Mukasey running DoJ, and Bush/Kennedy/Kerry nominee "Maximum Mike" running BATFU. Yesterday's Olofson outrage happened on his "the buck stops here" watch. They're not even masking the contempt any more. They know they can rely on gun owner Judenrat "leadership" to take whatever they slop on the dish and serve it up to the membership as good for them.

And they're betting you will eat it.

UPDATE: FatWhiteMan has a copy of the Celebration of Amerikan Values disarmament edict email.

And I forgot to add: NRA could always say "No dice," too, if they wanted to. Go speak somewhere else--maybe to La Raza. That'd not only make headlines, the egg on his face would be priceless.

Courageous "gun rights leaders" would. If you think it through, he needs us worse than we need him--unless you're one of those who say we're going to "lose our gun rights," that is, surrender them with a whimper.

This Day in History: May 14

The Federal Convention convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation.

David Olofson: The Fix is In

A Wisconsin man whose federal conviction for illegally transferring a machine gun drew national attention on CNN and the Internet was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in prison...

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad noted that Olofson had two previous gun-related convictions, including carrying a concealed weapon with his children trick-or-treating. He also noted that Olofson was reprimanded for corrupting Army computers and perhaps providing militia groups access to sensitive information.

He protects his children. And since when is an unproven "perhaps" on a totally different subject even relevant?

I guess they need to put as much spin on this as they can, in the hopes that enough will be fooled.

Olofson Convicted, Sentenced

Kevin Baker reports that according to the thread at arfcom, Olofson was sentenced to 30 Months incarceration, 2 Years probation.

I have not confirmed this, but Kevin is a reliable man. I have a call in to Len Savage. He and I were discussing this by phone this morning, and this is not the indication he had of how things would turn out.

Right now, prayers for Mr. Olofson and his family are in order.

Prayers for the rest of us should probably follow.

More as it develops.

UPDATE-8:53 PM: The original comment was entered by "FMD" who may be a friend of Olofson. Right now principles/lawyers in the case aren't answering their cell phones.

UPDATE-9:12 PM: The conviction and sentence are confirmed. Per Len, the reason no one was answering their cell phones is because the judge had them confiscated until afterward. His position was the statute makes no distinction or exemption for a malfunction. He denied a motion to suspend sentence pending appeal and is considering extending bond. I have been told Mr. Olofson is going home tonight. The courtroom was packed. Estimates are most of those in attendance were ATF personnel. Bill Tucker from CNN was in attendance, so this will be followed on Lou Dobbs.

NOTE-9:20 PM: I just want to caution everyone that by going live like this, I do not have the luxury of confirming information from multiple sources--so take everything you see here as raw information only. It's either this or I keep quiet until everything can be pegged down.

"Comment on this Article"

Please do. I could think of worse things than these folks noticing.

BATFU Can't Be Burdened

In evaluating the burden to ATF, the Court should consider the “cumulative” impact on ATF, i.e., the likelihood that ATF would be burdened with request for deposition testimony in other cases.

Slightly further down that same page, you find this:

ATF properly determined that the burdens to ATF from having the ATF employees respond to written questions outweighs any benefit to Adventure Outdoors.

Ahab shows us how BATFU is throwing Adventure Outdoors under the bus by reneging on agent depositions.

I guess they only have resources to support legal proceedings for shutting down gun dealers. Funny how that works, isn't it, almost as if they have an agenda...?

Who's the Real Criminal ?

Jennifer Freeman asks a rhetorical question.

We're the Only Ones Recording Enough

In a flash, a police officer draws a handgun from its holster. Less than two seconds later, a red laser and bright light shine at whatever is in the gun barrel's path while a mini-camera records it all.

Two seconds?

Sorry--I'm all for holding "Only Ones" accountable, but this is just foolish, and at $700 per unit, forgive me if I wonder just who the supplier knows. It's also not lost on me that "smart guns" were initially developed as a "solution" to police takeaway incidents, and now all proposals to mandate their use exempt them and impose on us.

Add to this a seeming preponderance of guns "going off" (although if the camera activates when removed from the holster, the next officer leaving their piece on a toilet ought to make for a "funniest video" moment), and I just don't see where making a system more complex and relying on technology--instead of focusing on improving the human operator--will create anything but unintended consequences.

[Via Dave Licht]

"Come Attend Dickson City Council Meeting Tuesday, 13 May, 7PM!"

And now its time for gun owners to act and attend the Dickson City Council meeting and support those speaking to the Council on this matter.

Here's an update to this and all the details.

That's tonight. If you live in the area you should go.

[Via ChareltonHest and Skullz]

What Cleveland Needs

Even by tough, urban-crime standards it was a grisly attack: Up to 15 people chased a man, then kicked and beat him to death on the street. Before police arrived, one attacker urinated on the victim's head.

Y'know what Cleveland needs to stop the madness?

Another toy gun buyback!

We're the Only Ones Going Swimmingly Enough

A Florida man is suing after he was ticketed on a beach for wearing a Speedo bathing suit...

"I'm a civilian out here who’s been picked on by a little bully deputy and that’s wrong. It’s just wrong."

While they admittedly creep me out, and always seem to evoke the punchline from the potato joke, one has to wonder if there's no real crime for the "Only Ones" of the Lee County Sheriff's Department to pursue.

Oh, look, there is! Maybe the "little bully deputy" is worried that if he approaches one of these fugitives, they'll stuff a potato down his pants.

Indementia Jones and the Kingdom in His Crusty Skull

Although on screen Ford has starred in many action-packed, gun-toting thrillers...Ford abhors liberal US gun laws.

"I'm very troubled by the proliferation of arms, at the fact so many people in the United States carry guns. It obviously contributes greatly to the crime problems we have. I'm sure gun laws should be strengthened in the United States. I just don't know the correct mechanism."

It figures. These people we attribute fictional character virtues to so often prove to be little more than stage props. This gun business isn't news, by the way--the article is from 2003. I just thought it fitting, with his new movie coming out, to revisit the fact that in real life, he'd limit Indy's defensive options to a whip.

I've got "the correct mechanism" for ya, Dr. Jones. Why not wax your chest? It worked to save the "rainforest" (has "jungle" become politically incorrect somewhere along the way and I just missed it?).

Good grief.

I mean, it's not like three homes in LA, a ranch in Wyoming and a property in New York leave much of a carbon footprint, not to mention flying private helicopters and jet planes.

None of which I begrudge anyone, by the way. I just don't particularly appreciate the in-your-face-I've-got-mine hypocrisy that seems to be the rule in Hollywood.

Aging anti-gun "action heroes." Is there anything they don't know?

Let Me Be Frank

An alleged witness to the 1995 slaying of Jackson police officer Robert Washington has accused Mayor Frank Melton of being the guiding hand of the city's neighborhood drug lords.

In a rambling and, at times, confusing sworn statement to police and prosecutors, career criminal Stephan Hickman accused Melton of using his money and community influence in the 1990s to control the actions of the leaders of Jackson's drug-peddling gangs.

"Frank Melton had his hand - got his hand in everything," Hickman said in the statement taken March 27. "Now, everybody that didn't (comply with) Frank's rules was getting pushed out of the picture. Not just, you know, well, you need to go sit down. They were getting killed."

We've met "Mayor Against Guns" Frank before.

If any of these allegations prove true, they will help explain why he's so against me and you having guns.

WarOnGuns has obtained Hickman's deposition a 1+ mb pdf file. I'm trying out a new free online file sharing service, so let me know if you have problems downloading the file or if it works OK for you:
http://www.orbitfiles.com/download/id2802752945.html

This Day in History: May 13

I enjoy too much pleasure in softening the Hardships of Captivity, to with -- hold any comfort from Prisoners; and beg you to do me the Justice to conclude, that no Requisition of this Nature, that should be made, will ever be denied.