Another Unexpected Resource

We talked yesterday about how GunPolicy.org was a surprising resource for gun-related articles we could use to our benefit. Here's another.

I'd say The New York Times has put together just about the most comprehensive one-stop page out there--it certainly merits regular consulting for people who want to keep up on current "gun control" events.

You'll also note some familiar gun blogs listed. Lest anyone dismiss this as just a robot key word match up, note "The publications tracked by Blogrunner are chosen by New York Times editors."

So congratulations to those of you who were selected. We are making inroads, and my belief is--at least from the Internet side--NYT is starting to realize that presenting our side is good for business, and probably, based on my interactions with them, may even be starting to resonate with some insiders. Anyway, it's progress.

I'm going to put a link to this page in my blogroll sidebar so we can access it whenever we want.

My prediction: As our recent adventures with the Brady/Huffpo folks demonstrated, I think they're going to see a respectable number of hits coming from the "pro-gun" side, and only a trickle out of the antis, whose sites evidently are mostly visited by us anyway.

We're the Only Ones "Bratz" Enough

A Starr County grand jury has indicted the police chief of the small South Texas town of La Grulla on a charge of soliciting sex from a minor.

And again with the age-old question: On the date, would you buy her a Big Kids Meal or a Happy Meal?

If you were an "Only One," which would you choose?

No Good News

When I was compiling the "Academic" post, below, I also happened across an excellent analysis of our choices in the presidential race.

Go and take in the whole thing. I'll still be here when you're done.

Hey...nice button!

Oregon Citizen Disarmament: It's Academic

The Oregon School Boards Association has filed an amicus brief in an effort to prevent trained, licensed, school employees from having self defense firearms on school property.

This is no surprise as the OSBA has a long history of opposing self defense in schools. But now the Oregon Department of Justice has joined the battle against self defense with their own amicus brief.

So what's the problem? Pragmatic gun lobby organizations agree:

[W]e believe in absolutely gun-free, zero-tolerance, totally safe schools. That means no guns in America's schools, period ... with the rare exception of law enforcement officers or trained security personnel.

So the Oregon Firearms Federation is just being divisive. Besides, it's a political non-winner. If you talk about guns in school, it will just scare the general public into thinking all gun owners are extremist maniacs, and it will make us all look bad.

No?

If you disagree with that, you could argue your case in "Comments," below. But I would suggest if you really disagree, it wouldn't hurt to show how much, by sending a contribution to help fight this battle in court.

[Via Jeffersonian]

This Day in History: May 24

May 24, 1775 - United Committees meeting of Palatine, Conajohary (sic- hereafter spelled Canajoharie) King'sland and Germanflatts districts at the house of William Seeber in Canajoharie District

This probably looks like one of the more dull entries for the "History" feature, something I usually post without much comment. If you just read the above date selection, you'd never know what an interesting page this is. It shows us the structure of local self-government, and how, when an active citizenry is involved in charting its own political destiny, things like a wayward sheriff or delegate representing the best interests of the community are kept under control.

We could do worse than to emulate such a system--and we have.

But hey, who has time? Besides, tonight is "Dancing With the Stars."

Cav Arms Indictment Still Sealed?

Three posts up from the bottom of the page, from "Cabby":

Ok...News from the Eastern front.

I got a call from Sen. Chambilss' Chief of staff this morning. With Sen. Kyle in the lead they have made inquiry into this matter with the ATF. The ATF has responded that they can not comment, as the INDICTMENT IS STILL SEALED!!! WTF!!!

Has anyone else heard this?

Ok enough bad news. From my conversation with Chambliss' office:

The good news is that a number of Senators are really pissed at the ATF. The directors confirmation has been shelved. On Jan. 21, 2009 he will be out on his ass. Red's Trading Post was brought into the conversation, and not by me!!!

I think we may actually have friendly troops in Washington who are actually willing to stand and fight on this one.

I need to include my standard caveat when dealing with raw and unconfirmed data. I post this because cases like this really do affect us all, even if only tangentially, and we're sure not getting this news about how "our" government operates from the "watchdog media."

But again--I have not confirmed this and view it as interesting, plausible and even likely, but just not validated by me. The info is out there--so I'd just as soon people getting it know to keep that in mind before drawing other speculative conclusions.

Assuming it's reliable, such behavior is intolerable. Let's hope some of those "friendly troops in Washington" are in a stomping mood.

[Via Jed]

Bloomberg Gets a Pass

“I’m not going to permit the case to turn into a media show on either side,” Judge Weinstein said in court to a city lawyer, Kenneth Taber. “I see no reason to have the mayor here. From the city’s point of view, he doesn’t add anything to your case.”

What about from Jay Wallace's point of view? Might it add anything to his case? Or are we being told there'd be no benefit to a cross examination?

Is there really nothing to learn about...oh, I don't know...conspiracy and lawbreaking...by having Bloomberg under oath? I mean, it's not like some states and even the feds haven't warned him about running afoul of their laws and screwing up current investigations.

And it's not like Weinstein hasn't been a silent partner throughout all this.

I do note the article says Wallace's attorney could not be reached, so I don't know if he would consider this a favorable development or not. I'm just commenting as an outsider looking in. From over here this looks staged, and my first reaction is to wonder if the city attorney is shedding crocodile tears.

Whatever you do, PLEASE don't throw me in that briar patch!

I'm Stephen Aboot...uh...Patrick Lynch of the WG...uh...PBA!

Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch promised his members the sun, the moon and the stars - huge raises, no givebacks - and wound up winning them a pinch more than bupkis. [More]

So what they're saying is, Liberty Lynchin' Patrick of "lift a finger and die" fame is essentially incompetent?

That Patrick Lynch of the PBA is about as effective a negotiator as "Stephen Abootman of the WGA"?

Frustrated ineptitude combined with authority would explain the affinity for citizen disarmament and the proclivity for threatening violent retribution.

Thing is, Abootman was funny.

We're the Only Ones Flatfoot Enough

With gasoline climbing toward $4 a gallon, police officers around the country are losing the right to take their patrol cars home and are being forced to double up in cruisers and walk the beat more.

Walk...the..beat...?

You've got to be kidding.

In some neighborhoods, they're the "Only Ones" not on the street, and they aim to keep it that way. Go out there? What are you, nuts?

They ought to make them turn off the air conditioning and roll their windows down, too--besides, if they notice what's going on around them, they'd actually be safer.

Shhh...It's a Secret

Is the next president willing to continue this degree and extent of kingly secrecy, in which the Justice Department will be deeply complicit?

And they say there are no stupid questions.

Besides, Hentoff's a lefty--figures he wouldn't like the "Vote Freedom First President." If you're not doing anything wrong, what have you got to worry about?

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

[Via ryanmguard]

An Unlikely Source

From WarOnGuns Correspondent 1894C:

This rabid [edited] anti-gun site:
http://www.gunpolicy.org/
is a surprisingly good source of articles that I found interesting.

From Japan a story of a pathologist for the state being tried for casting bullets.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20080522p2a00m0na011000c.html

From England a story about the continued failure of GBs war on guns, knives, pointy sticks...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/may/22/ukcrime.jacquismith

From Washington a story on how the Dem controlled Gov may not mean a free pass to the gun grabbers.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gun-control-backers-not-bold-on-2009-2008-05-20.html

So help me out here--are you saying they know the truth but they're lying anyway?

One point of clarification--this originally said the site was tied in with the Joyce Foundation. I looked at the principles involved and did not see them listed, and the site doesn't appear to be one of the beneficiaries from this list.

Setting a "LEO" Straight

I'm sure you meant that what I said is too extreme, a word that depends on context: extreme compared to what? In this case it seems that it's extreme compared, not to what the Second Amendment actually provides, but what you'd rather believe it does. A firm believer in the strict interpretation of the Second Amendment would not go on to say the other things you do about the rights it was written to preserve. But perhaps I can help.

Perhaps.

Assuming a degree of open-mindedness and a recognition that help is needed...both tall orders from what I've experienced.

[Via Ron W]

What DC Means by "Home Rule"

City police in DC are about to get a lot more firepower. Thanks to military surplus, the Metropolitan Police Department is converting hundreds of military automatic weapons into semi-automatic rifles and hopes to have many of them deployed on city streets within the next month.

So how much time until the conversions are complete and we reverse DC government's stated goal of getting more guns off the street? And these are the same people who won't let you keep a handgun in your home?

My first thought was that doesn't leave much time for training--particularly in urban warfare tactics, which is essentially what they'll be used for. Y'know, just because you give some yutz a rifle doesn't mean he'll know how to deploy in the variety of scenarios he'll encounter--and just as importantly, when not to.

Figures the FOP, who froth at the mouth about how home-as-refuge protections will endanger their precious hindquarters, would be on board with this for all the "more equal" animals.

And here's a speculation worth peeling back and looking under, from Len Savage:

M-16 minus auto sears are semi auto? I thought that they are machine guns? [as in frame or receiver of MG]

Without a proper ATF form 5 [tax free transfer to law enforcement], these are contraband according to ATF.

One could only know if one looked at the "converted" firearm....

Red's to Stay in Business

Mark Geston, an attorney representing Terry and Ryan Horsley of Red's Trading Post, said he could not yet release details, but said the proposal would allow the Twin Falls gun shop to continue operating.

We'll post them as we receive them.

This Day in History: May 23

The Committee of One Hundred was officially replaced by the New York Provincial Congress which first convened on May 23, 1775, but the committee continued to meet for a while.

Red's "Close to Settlement"

An Idaho gun shop that went to federal court to keep the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from stripping it of its gun license has
reached a tentative settlement agreement.

Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for Ryan and his family that this means they'll be able to stay open.

UPDATE: Here's another account. It doesn't really say a lot more, but there is a video (that suddenly cuts off near the end).

Olofson Responds...

...to Sebastian's post and to comments that we discussed yesterday.

Go and read.

UPDATE: Sebastian properly deemed it deserving of its own post.

Let Me See If I've Got This Straight

But I applaud the mayor and Council for the audacious act of civic disobedience.

So the answer to making Philadelphia "thug-free" is to let the top thugs disregard the law and do what they want?

Hey, can I do that too, or does it only apply to...uh..."Only Ones"?

I know it's considered bad form to point and stare at the mentally defective, but Jill Porter's publicly-documented serial descent into barking-at-the-moon lunacy is such a fascinating curiosity to observe first-hand.

I also like the comment by "Barbara Moss":

I wish Jack-Ryan-Would-Please-Die...

Oh now Barbara--sometimes people don't realize they have posted and they resubmit comments. I know multiple posts can be irritating, but really--I wonder if there might be something we could... extrapolate from this...?

My Kind of Promo

Buy a Car, Get a Gun or Free Gas! Your Choice America!

Your choice. Exactly.

Guess what they're choosing?

Take the survey and show your support. And let Max Motors know you appreciate it. And if you live in the area and need a car, why not give them first crack at your business?

[Via SameNoKami]

What's to Lose?

Kent McManigal just shared a thought with me:

If "they" can now punish us for owning a machine gun that isn't a machine gun until they tamper with it, why would "theoretical gun owner" worry about getting caught with a real machine gun? Is there a worse penalty? There seems to be an unintended consequence lurking there somewhere.

We're the Only Ones Critical Enough

A push by the National Rifle Association to loosen a number of state gun laws is drawing heavy criticism from prosecutors and a variety of law-enforcement groups who argue it will make them and the public less safe.

Oh, these were the geniuses...

Figures they'd be "Only Ones." Hey, they've got theirs...

Here's the NRA-ILA contact list.

[Via Jeffersonian]

Dial 911 and Have an Extended Conversation

The way I see, it, you can either do this...

...or you can end things sooner.

Simply put, you can rely on others to be responsible for protecting you and yours, or you can rely on yourself.

What gets me is the idea that the choice isn't mine. What genius thought that one up?

[Via Jeffersonian]

Calling All California Gun Owners

From Tom McClintock:

[M]y opponent has unleashed the ugliest smear campaign I have seen in over 30 years in politics attacking both my integrity and my patriotism. He has backed it with over $2.5 million of his personal fortune and actually bragged that he planned to “bury McClintock in money.”

...[W]e’re stretched to the breaking point to keep our ads on the air. In fact, I’ve had to ask my campaign staff to hold off paying some of our bills for the primary election in order to keep at least a minimal presence on the air.

Are you going to help out? Or do you like it when "moderate" Oseholes betray you and support gun and ammo bans?

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

...and even Republicans are afraid!

Boogedy-Boogedy!

[Via ChareltonHest]

We're the Only Ones Legally Entitled Enough

Peterson claimed he legally owned the rifle as an officer, and the law only pertains to civilians.

Drew, Drew, Drew...

Just when I was starting to feel the love, you turn around and pull "Only Ones" rank on us.

[Via Michael Dukes]

A Tribute to Our Troops

Somewhere, there is a line between reasonably prudent and cautious, and stark nutjob paranoid. The Secret Service doesn't even trust the soldiers, sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and obey the orders of the President.

Maybe they're worried about some of the new recruits...

[Via Stephen S]

OMB Issues Rulemaking Restrictions

From Len Savage:

OMB just issued M07-13
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/fy2007/m07-13.pdf
Which follows on M07-07
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/fy2007/m07-07.pdf
and EO13422
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/inforeg/eo12866/fr_notice_eo12866_012307.pdf

All of this is intended to curtail agencies regulating through opinion letters rather than notice-and-comment rulemaking.This is germane in that: ATF opinion letters have been contradicting themselves frequently.

Len adds:

I love this part:

"Experience has shown, however, that guidance documents [ATF determinations] also may be poorly designed or improperly implemented. At the same time, guidance documents may not receive the benefit of careful consideration accorded under the procedures for regulatory development and review.4 These procedures include: (1) internal agency review by a senior agency official; (2) public participation, [Akins Ruling...not] including notice and comment under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)"

Gee, do think a written set of testing procedures qualifies as a "guidance document"?

This is the Executive Branch documenting the fact there are problems, and stipulating policy that is not being upheld by ATF. This could do some serious damage both in Federal Court and Court of public opinion.

"The phenomenon we see in this case is familiar. Congress passes a broadly worded statute. The agency follows with regulations containing broad language, open-ended phrases, ambiguous standards and the like. Then as years pass, the agency issues circulars or guidance or memoranda, explaining, interpreting, defining and often expanding the commands in regulations. One guidance document may yield another and then another and so on. Several words in a regulation may spawn hundreds of pages of text as the agency offers more and more detail regarding what its regulations demand of regulated entities. Law is made, without notice and comment, without public participation, and without publication in the Federal Register or the Code of Federal Regulations."

Yupp, they know it is happening....

David Hardy has more.

Whose Side Are You On?

"You have to decide whether you're on their side – the men and women who wear blue – or whether you're on the side of the gun lobby."

Gee, gRendell, that's a tough one.

But fortunately, I've addressed it before.

[Via AvgJoe]

My Kind of Town

A great example of Chicago Gun Control

It's also my new desktop wallpaper. If it's some kind of hoax, it's a funny one.

[Via Less and SayUncle]

The Big One

"We're going to have to think about out-of-the-box solutions," he said.

Indeed you will.

Any bets we'll hear stories about neighbors wanting to know if they can borrow a gun?

Fool Me Once...

"She left the door open; when she turned around there was a white male standing there."

This Day in History: May 22

On May 22, 1775, the New Hampshire Provincial Congress voted to raise a volunteer force of 2,000 men to join the patriot army at Boston. These “provincials” were organized into three regiments, each regiment having an official establishment of 648 officers and men in ten companies. The troops were enlisted to serve until December 31, 1775.

The Flood That Never Happened

Sen. John McCain spoke to the National Rifle Association in Louisville last Friday, and the reaction seemed mixed.

If you click on the word "reaction," you'll see Paul Helmke is linking to The War on Guns.

"Neat," I thought. I'd wondered why "Handgun Control" was lurking here yesterday morning. But having this appear on both the Brady Blog and especially The Huffington Post ought to really drive some traffic my way, and that never hurts.

And then a funny thing happened. Nothing.

I noticed the link under the word "mixed" went to Snowflakes in Hell, so I emailed Sebastian:

I'm sure you've noticed by now we've both been linked to by Helmke's Brady blog/HuffPo.

Thing is, I'm getting zero hits from them in the past few hours, a couple max all day, and it's been up for a while.

Conversely, the few times I've gotten links from InstaPundit, it was like someone put a solid rocket booster on my site meter, generating 3 to 4 times normal visitors.

If the same thing is happening with you, I think we can legitimately extrapolate that they may not be as influential as they make themselves appear to be--from their comments, pro-gunners are their biggest audience. I'm not surprised by that conclusion, but I am a bit surprised at how little of an impact this has had on traffic--I would have thought it would at least result in several dozen if not hundreds of extra visits. I got nothin'.

Just thinking out loud. I'll probably say something about it tomorrow.

He indicated he had noticed the same thing and was collecting metrics.

To China and Back

David Codrea’s post attacking the NRA and individual staffers is one of the most over the top pieces of defamtory bullshit I’ve ever seen on the internet and if I was the NRA or said staffer (who really is good guy), I’d sue his ass to china and back.

The long knives are out for David Olofson, and people who generally dismiss guys like me as "divisive" are using words like "moron" and "idiot" and other "reasoned discourse" techniques to throw him under the bus.

I stand by what I've written to date, and I'll let David and Len Savage deal with correcting misconceptions if they feel it necessary. What I'd like to do here is give Countertop a chance to make his case. If a self-described "fairly well-connected lobbyist [and] former trial attorney" weighs in not only on the merits of Olofson's case, but also on my committing apparent libel, I owe it to myself--and to anyone my opinions may have influenced--to see how credible his opinions are.

This is evidently the post he was referring to. It was an email exchange I'd received from Len Savage, copied to a distribution list that included two national gun rights organizations, a major cable network reporter, a magazine publisher, an author, some others I don't recognize....

As WoG regulars know, and as the Olofson link above demonstrates, I've been one of the few following this case with any regularity, because I believe the matters at hand can profoundly affect all gun owners. As Len Savage is not only a nationally-recognized firearms designer but also the expert witness in this case, what he says is of interest to my readers and I'm going to give his opinions an airing--especially since none of the other "gun bloggers" do.

So let's look at my "attack on NRA and individual staffers" or at least my part in this.

I posted a title quoting said staffer, followed with a question mark. That means I'm asking. And I then posted the following inflammatory words:

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

That's it. In short:
There's an important case.
There's a controversy involving NRA.
Here's what I have from both sides.
Let's hope people talk about it.

And that's what Sebastian has done by the way. I don't agree with some of his conclusions or interpretations, but he brought back info from the meeting that we didn't have before. I'll not fault him for the post--we need to know everything, even stuff we might prefer not to hear. Nobody ever gained an advantage by covering their ears.

But if this is Countertop's professional opinion of actionable defamation, I must say I'm not convinced. Make of it what you will, but I think my "ass" is safe and I won't be going to China any time soon.

He's free, of course, to weigh in here if he likes, and speak for himself. I'll listen. Or, he could just continue doing what he's doing, enjoying all the benefits anonymity gives him. For what it's worth, I'm sure more people on the sites he frequents agree with him and probably always will.

We're the Only Ones "Bottoms Up!" Enough

The police then strip-searched Clement, and made him squat in front of them. The claimed to have seen white powder on his anus So they took him to a hospital. Without his consent, they then administered drugs to sedate him, induced him to vomit, put a camera up his rectum, and took x-rays of him.

I guess it's understandable why these particular "Only Ones" were preoccupied with that part of the anatomy--there had to be a strong sense of affinity bordering on kinship.

As Agitator comment poster JJH2 noted, this is rape. It should be treated that way.

[Via Dan K]

Olofson on Live Fire with Larry Pratt

From David R. Olofson:

Did the recording for the show at 9AM CT this morning. Seemed to go well. Mr. Pratt did most of the talking so I didn’t have to chew on my foot at all...It should be there no later than Monday of next week.

And, of course, I'll pass along a podcast link when it's up.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Because some times, as much as we'd prefer otherwise, there is no choice but to fight or die. How prepared are you?

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

We're the Only Ones Instructive Enough

A firearms instructor in southern Massachusetts has been assigned to other duties after his gun accidentally went off while he was teaching a class on weapons safety.

Officials say the Glock handgun discharged while Maj. Donald Lamar was demonstrating to Bristol County deputy sheriffs how to safely holster the weapon.

Evidently he was "The Only One" professional enough in this room...

Like the story said, it was the gun's doing.

[Via Jeffersonian]

Another Law Abiding Gun Owner Goes to Jail

Family Crest Catering, owned by David Crest of Hanover, Massachusetts had been robbed four times. Approximately $3,000 worth of goods and equipment had been stolen and an additional $4,000 had been embezzled.

After the fourth robbery, it became apparent to Mr. Crest that the police could not prevent future robberies and future robberies seemed imminent. Since Mr. Crest could not reasonably continue to support his family while being robbed all the time, he decided to guard his store with his Mossberg 500 shotgun by his side. Sure enough, the robber came back.

I confess I am new to this story and "know" nothing more about it than the link tells us, so I'm not going to second-guess this man's immediate actions.

I will say with the state of edict overflow we all live under, I prefer the term "peaceable" or some such over "law-abiding."

I'll also say that at this point, none of us should know that shots fired were intended as warnings. At most, I'd have said "I was in fear for my life. I want to talk to a lawyer."

Do not talk to the nice officer who only wants to find out what happened. He is not interested in clearing your good name. And while you're dragged through a system draining your life savings, and facing total ruin, the loss of your freedom, and everything your family will suffer, the only time you'll be on his mind is when he's preparing to testify and answering questions under oath. All the while waiting for the shift to end so he can go back to his home and his family and not give you and yours another thought...

Bring a Gun to School Day

Bring a Gun to School Day tells the story of an individual finding strength and defeating his oppressors. The day after a major school shooting fills the news, seventeen-year-old Erik Shylding is harassed by people who claim he is just like the shooter. To express himself and mess with the system, he puts up posters in school that declare April 19 "Bring a Gun to School Day." Erik has a feeling that he won't get away with it.

Author Darian Worden sent me an advance copy some time ago and I've been holding off on telling you about it until the official release, which just happened yesterday. It's a unique story with an interesting premise, and it's an easy, often entertaining read.

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.