SiteMeter IE Issues Resolved

So I put the widget back in the margin.

We're the Only Ones Who Shouldn't be Questioned Enough

When police arrived, they found Hutchinson under an overpass on U.S. 65 Saturday morning, Springfield's KY3 News reported. The boy had fallen 30 feet off the overpass and was lying on the shoulder.

When the boy didn't respond to police, they Tasered him, repeatedly.

I'll bet that got a response.

Authorities say their use of a Taser weapon should not be questioned, because they were trying to help Hutchinson to safety.

We're going to help you or else. What's that road to hell paved with again?

[More from The "Only Ones" Files]

That's Pretty Funny There

Peter G says about links to gun grabber sites:

I wouldn't click them with *your* mouse.

"I Wouldn't Say No"

Well somebody should.

See, It's Old Subversives Like This...

...that make a Mike Vanderboegh response a necessary part of the toolkit, regardless of any condemnation you might hear from the more amenable. And incidentally, 45superman confirmed what I suspected and would have reported on yesterday had I not been locked out: All the PSH over that, and I mean all of it, came from that camp.

When a paper bills itself as "You Progressive Voice," I have no problem speaking to communists and their supporters like the genocide-enabling dogs they are.

That includes you, Amitai. That you fled from Nazi Germany and yet still embrace "gun control" and"communitarianism" as "a carefully crafted balance between rights and responsibilities and autonomy and order" makes you especially contemptible.

Foolish Homeowners Endanger Selves and Children

Alexander Erion Neal, 20...and two other armed men had kicked in the door and were trying to rob the house, when they encountered an elderly couple and their adult sons, police said. One of the sons, who is in his 20s, was armed with a high-powered rifle, Lt. Brian Whitten said. The man opened fire on the intruders, killing Neal in the doorway.

How sad--another "child gun death."

Don't these people realize the statistics about a gun in the home? They're lucky the assailants didn't take that rifle and use it against them.

And "high-powered"? I wonder what it will turn out to be...

Why "They" Hate Us

Because we're free, of course.

Federal agents may take a traveler's laptop or other electronic device to an off-site location for an unspecified period of time without any suspicion of wrongdoing, as part of border search policies the Department of Homeland Security recently disclosed.

Guaranteeing More Marios

"If we see someone calling the police, then we target them," said Mario Garcia, 20, who describes himself as a former tagger trying to become a professional artist. "You are trying to stop me from what I live, what I believe in and what I breathe? We are not going to let no one get in the way."

Let me explain something, young and ignorant savage. When human beings suffer property damage from territory-spraying animals, they either neuter or eradicate them, depending on what's most cost-effective. When the animal proves dangerous, it's generally the latter.

You know nothing about honor--you seem to have it confused with a psychotic demand to have everything your way or you'll attack. That you find yourself a jackal among sheep is merely your good luck. Try that crap around men, stupid little boy, and you'll be lucky if all they do is kick your worthless ass. I'm envisioning a large red smear on a wall left as a warning--I don't know art, but I know what would amuse me.

So naturally, the "official position" is to let the animals run wild on the streets and let the trained, professional "Only Ones" handle everything. Talk about guaranteeing more Marios...

There and Back Again--Sort Of

Well, I'm no longer blocked from posting. But Google must have done something in their "fix" to screw up IE. I'm doing this in Firefox, and Safari also works.

Someone suggested clearing the cache, but that can be a pain, particularly if you do it and it still doesn't work. I'll do some searching around--I know there are other Blogspot blogs this is happening to, so rather than try a local fix, I think I'll see what's happening globally first.

Anyway, expect blogging to be haphazard this weekend. My goal is to be up to full speed by Monday.

Many thanks to all of you who generously offered me assistance of all kinds--I may indeed end up taking some of you up on it as soon as I figure out the direction I want to go.

UPDATE: A cursory search as well as comments by some of you here, on the WordPress site and via emails showed the "culprit" to be the Site Meter code. I gather the folks there are doing some upgrading and didn't count on the legendary stand-offishness of Microsoft to play well with others. I removed it and IE is now working. Pity--it was more useful for quick snapshot access to BATFU visits than Stat Counter. Perhaps after they work the bugs out, I will restore the code.

UPDATE: Here's the bird's eye lowdown on Site Meter. They're doing an upgrade and it blew up in everyone's face. The thing is, I went to their site and they say nothing about this, so it's a double screw-up on their part that we have to find out from others.

My suggestion, bearing in mind that I have the computer savvy of a coral reef: Remove the code from your site (but copy it and save it somewhere). Also record the numbers so you know where to reset (this probably isn't necessary because deleting the code should not terminate your Site Meter account, which ought to have the code and last count, but I've always been a big Department of Redundancy Department fan in situations where not having backup might mean either everything I've worked for all these years is lost, lost and gone forever, I tell you, or else it's readily retrievable and restorable.

UPDATE: Bottom line, it's Bill Gates' fault.

Turns out that this was the result of a bug in Internet Explorer, which the Sitemeter developers didn't account or test for. The technical details and a description of the bug involved are here. Does this still mean that Sitemeter are to blame, or are we about to see the backlash shift to Microsoft because of a known bug and a developer not testing.

This Day in History: August 2

Capt. Oliver Parker of Col. Prescotts Regiment, tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Glover was President, for “defrauding his men of their advance pay, and by false Returns, imposing upon the Commissary, and drawing more Rations than he had men in his company, and for selling the provisions he by that means obtained” is by the Court found guilty of the whole charge against him and sentenced to be cashiered, mulcted of all his pay and rendered incapable of future service.

"Zero Tolerance"

On Board Restrictions
For everyone's safety and comfort, Greyhound asks that customers please follow certain restrictions while on board. Federal law does not permit smoking on Greyhound buses. We have a zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, weapons and unruly behavior.

Yeah, right.

Go Greyhound and leave your safety to us.

Fight or Flight

It's one of several Illinois communities — reluctant to spend money on legal fights — rushing to repeal their gun bans after the court struck down a Washington, D.C., ban, even as cities such as Chicago and San Francisco stand firm.

For some reason, that bit about Frisco doesn't sound quite right. But the hold 'em/fold 'em reactions to these post-Heller challenges bring to mind a question for those more pragmatic than me: Say a liberal court like the Ninth Circuit twists the ruling and allows a ban to stay. Then say SCOTUS ducks the issue and refuses to hear the case.

What next? Elect better representatives and change the law? In California?

Is that it? "Majority rule democracy" is the end word? And until that changes, tough luck for blue-staters and urbanites who wish to exercise their rights?

Under those circumstances, you'd condemn civil disobedience and self defense against those who would deny rights? Would this apply across the board to all rights, or just to RKBA?

Since some of the "radical" sentiments expressed by some of us are dismissed out of hand, I think it's fair to ask where more moderate guidance could ultimately lead us.

Is there a pragmatic line in the sand? What is it? What happens if it's crossed? (Assuming discussing it openly won't traumatize the melanin-deficient, of course...)

What'll it be--fight or flight? Assuming there will always be a place to flee to if no one ever make a stand...

[Via Jeffersonian]

Zargonians Issue Ultimatum

Alabama Boy Gets Death Threats for Hunting 1,000-Pound ‘Monster Pig’

Anonymous cowards wishing death on children they hate. How very courageous.

My feel is, the boy could no doubt take 'em.

On a positive note, if the Zargonians are resorting to psy-ops instead of direct engagement, it means we've got 'em on the run.

[Via Zachary G]

I'm the Only One Begging Off Enough

I'm getting so many "Only Ones" tips I'm losing focus on other issues of equal importance.

They will continue to be a regular part of this blog, but I'm noticing how many I've already posted today, and several more are in the queue I doubt I'll be able to get to.

It's a tough balance to know how much is too much. I don't want to discourage tips and am gratified to see this category resonates with so many. By the same token, I don't want it to be the dominant theme here.

I suppose the outrageous thing is that there is an unending and continually replenished stream of examples.

I guess all I'm saying is, don't stop, just please understand if I don't select your tip--in this category or any other--and again, I should be, and am grateful so many of you invest your time and thoughts toward bettering the content of this blog.

Thank you for understanding.

A Handgun Against an Army=10 Years After

Mike Vanderboegh revisits an essay, available for both your edification and general melanin-deficient individual traumatizing purposes, at two convenient locations: Mindful Musings and Western Rifle Shooters Association.

All Your Babe Are Belong to Us

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to debate two bills that could give the federal government unprecedented control over the way parents raise their children – even providing funds for state workers to come into homes and screen babies for emotional and developmental problems.

Securing the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, government-style, I see...

[Via Cigar Rollers]

We're the Only Ones Shocked, Shocked Enough

“I’m shocked - completely shocked,” Raynham Police Chief Lou Pacheco said of Valerio Rodriguez’ no-show at Taunton District Court on July 29.

Yeah--after reading about how you let the groper go, Chief, and went after the child victim's father, why would any reasonable person believe the suspect was a flight risk?

Good grief.

[Via JD]

We're the Only Ones Awarding Enough

A family whose house was raided by police in error is outraged that eight officers involved were honored. Police say the eight, who also took fire, "performed bravely."

Fine.

The "Only Ones" at the Minneapolis PD want to play it that way, then let's give 'em back their own policy in spades.

The criteria is "the officers 'performed very bravely under gunfire and made smart decisions'"?

OK, well their victim, Mr. Khang "thought he was being robbed. Khang shot through his bedroom door at the officers until he understood who they were."

Why is his bravery and intelligence under fire any less worthy of recognition?

In accordance with Minneapolis Police Department Policy 2-306.01 CITIZEN’S AWARD OF VALOR, which states:

The Citizen’s Award of Valor may be awarded to citizens for exemplary and heroic acts that expose them to considerable danger.

I'd say Mr. Khang qualifies just as much--if not more so--than his assailants. Since the award needs to be initiated by a MPD employee, I call on Chief Timothy Dolan to nominate and approve him for the award.

Please take a moment and join me in writing to the chief: police@ci.minneapolis.mn.us . And please spread the word and recruit others--it'll only take a minute, so let's have some fun with this.


[Via kissme126, TedPB, Brian F, Plug Nickel Times]

Kitsch

Maybe so, but I'd rather be a well-defended and self-sufficient Heartlander than a helpless "sophisticate" bleeding out all over designer clothes.

[Via cycjec]

Something About Mary

Mary McFate was a prominent gun control activist. Mary Lou Sapone was a freelance spy with an NRA connection. They are the same person. [More]

In general I have nothing against an activist going underground to mess up the enemy. In general I'm uneasy when they do it for pay at the behest of an organization, because if they get caught, "it makes us all look bad."

That said, the way this is worded, it's inconclusive. And as far as gaining valuable intelligence on the goals of the groups she infiltrated, there's hardly any secret on their targets, their tactics, and their MOs.

Now if she had come up with damaging quotes, questionable practices, names of covert donors unwilling to "come out," etc., we might have something. Mostly what I see here is a forum for antis to make a lot of noise and act like injured parties, courtesy of the subversive media co-conspirator that is Mother Jones.

Just keep in mind that penetration "at the highest levels" works both ways.

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

This Day in History: July 31

[H]aving just before the Receipt of it had Accounts by a private Hand of the Sailing of a Number of Men of War and Transports from Boston; which I conjectured were designed to supply the Enemy with fresh Provisions. I immediately sent the Intelligence to Block-Island together with a Quantity of Powder Ball and Flints to enable them to defend their Property, and gave them Assurances of further Assistance if necessary.

Just So They Know Who Owns Them

A school in Texas will force students who don't follow the rules to wear prison-like jumpsuits in a controversial move this coming school year.

Sounds like good preparation for the Chattel of Tomorrow. And what a moral lesson for impressionable young minds: If you have the power, you can force those with less to do any damn thing you please.

Props for Jerry

American comedian Jerry Lewis has been held by police after an unloaded gun was found in his hand-luggage at the main airport in Las Vegas.

If it was a prop, why do the cops say it was registered?

Per this account:

Lewis's manager, Claudia Marghilano, said the handgun was a hollowed-out prop gun that Lewis sometimes twirls during his show.

We shall see...

Olofson Incarceration Update

From Len Savage:

On Monday I received a collect call from David Olofson. David says he is doing well. He was assigned to the prison law library and does duties as teachers aide, and helps other convicts look up the subject laws involving their cases. He tells me he helped three so far.

He has been receiving correspondence regularly and he enjoys it. He was disappointed at the level of censoring, and his family photos keep getting sent back to his family.

David remarked at the sub-standard food. He gave me an example that when they serve ground beef, it means it includes beef byproducts like gristle, kidney, etc. He said if that is the worst he has to deal with he will manage just fine.

David is very concerned for his family, his wife could use some encouragement. The fact is his family is getting the worst of the punishments according to David. His wife gets up at 4:00am to gather the children together so she can still work, as they have a home, and to make ends meet.

As a side note please give David's mailing address again. If possible a link to GOA website for those who would like to help save the family home during his incarceration.

"De Oppresso liber" to liberate the oppressed...

Gladly:

David R. Olofson
08632089-K1
Federal Correctional Institute
PO Box 1000
Sandstone, MN 55072

Olofson Relief Fund

Why Not Treat it Like the "Gun Epidemic"?

The AIDS epidemic among African-Americans in some parts of the United States is as severe as in parts of Africa, according to a report out Tuesday.

Sounds like some people can't be trusted with genitals. Time to get them out of the hands of young people, off the streets, out of our homes...perhaps a "buyback" of sorts could be arranged, with gift certificates offered in exchange for...

And why aren't "community leaders" calling for the same types of "solutions" they do with "gundeaths"? You know, laws, prohibitions, bans...but for everyone, everywhere...or wait...should it be based on "home rule"? They keep changing demands...

Maybe Snuffy Pfleger can lead a march on a suburban sex shop...

[Via John G]

We're the Only Ones Improving Race Relations Enough

A white police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed black woman holding her 1-year-old son thought he was being fired upon by a drug dealer when he pulled the trigger, his attorney said Tuesday.

Turns out his fellow raiders were the "Only Ones" who fired...

Eight months maximum sentence...? Really?

And an all white jury in a community with a substantial black population?

Oh, this should end well.

[Via The Price of Liberty]

“Have I Said or Done Something to Offend You?”

Oh, gee, I don't know, Bob Barr campaign.

[Via Luke O and Say Uncle]

Bound by Law

The lone 19-year-old female clerk was confronted by two of the robbers, one of whom was armed with a black semi-automatic pistol. She was moved into a back room where she was bound with duct tape.

Very scary. And once they have you bound, they can do anything they want to you, no matter how much muffled-howling terror or agony it causes. That they did not seems more a matter of luck for the clerk than anything else, because anyone lacking sufficient morality to pull a gun and bind a fellow human being for petty gain is capable of any evil.

And, of course, while 19 is old enough to serve in the military, well, California law wouldn't permit this young lady to even possess, let alone carry a handgun. Of course, it's a sure bet that the predators aren't allowed either, not that such formalities ever stop them.

We're the Only Ones Commemorating the Occasion Enough

The allegations began when pictures were posted on MySpace. We are told they were from a negligee party the weekend before last where teenagers were drinking and having sex...

But there weren't any pictures of the dispatcher.

Investigators are being told the dispatcher, Lorene Cheswick, was the one behind the camera taking the racy pictures.

Say chee-eese!

[More from the "Only Ones" Files]

"Nothing Was Lacking"

Mall marketing director Bob Jenkins said nothing was lacking the day the bullets flew inside the mall. Police were on the scene in minutes, and surveillance cameras captured the shooting and footage of the suspect.

Of course something was lacking, Bob. And that you don't know what it was shows something lacking in you.

This Day in History: July 30

July 30. 1775
- Samuel Adams writes his wife that the Continental Congress will adjourn soon, the delegates having decided "to make a Recess during the sultry August of August."

Militias...uh...Malicious Lies

Oklahoma City Federal Building bomber Timothy McVeigh was linked to a militia. The siege and eventual destruction of David Koresh and the Branch Davidian complex in Waco, Texas, was tied to militia activity.

Repeating the Morris Dees fundraising mantra, are we?

Mike Vanderboegh wrote them a letter asking for a retraction, saying in part:

McVeigh was not "linked to a militia." He was NEVER a member of any constitutional militia. The only militia meeting that I'm aware of that he and Nichols attended, they were asked to leave...

That's bad enough. But what crack pipe hallucination were you in when you wrote that the massacre of innocents at Waco had ANYTHING to do with the constitutional militias that sprang up in its aftermath? Waco was an ATF initiated, FBI concluded federal operation against a loony reclusive Christian sect. The militias, those few that existed then, had no part in that federal atrocity.

Michael McNulty then weighed in:

My Name is Michael McNulty. I am an award winning Documentary film maker. From 1993 to 2005. I dedicated my time as a film maker and investigator to looking into the tragedy at Waco. In all that time and effort, I found absolutely NO support for the statement that recently appeared in your publication that the Branch Davidians or David Koresh were involved with any kind of militia group.

More to the point, the FBI, the BATF and the Texas Rangers didn't find any "militia" connection either. So what are you folks talking about? Can you provide indisputable evidence that your allegations are true? Or is this just your poor excuse for attempting to re-write history? An answer, please.

As did Dan Gifford:

I spoke with the reporter and gave him the real facts. He said that it was his editor, not him, who inserted the militia stuff and that he'll take that matter up with her this morning.

I find it curious that while some are (still) expending efforts trying to convince gun blog readers that Vanderboegh is hurting our public image, he's out there leading the constructive effort to work within the system and get the lies and stereotypes corrected and retracted.

I call on these folks--who are always reminding us of the importance of appearances and asking for unity--to join this effort, and tell the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review a retraction is in order. Naturally, I call on WarOnGuns readers to do the same.

You can write the reporter, Richard Gazarik, at : rgazarik@tribweb.com.

Editor Frank L. Craig can be reached at: fcraig@tribweb.com

And Then He Touched Me...

One journalist was also overheard wishing him luck, while another squealed, "He touched me!" as she left the ballroom.

Ah, the ecstasy that is The Lightworker.

And the objectivity that is "Authorized Journalism."

Babs? Your cue:

He touched me,
He put his hand near mine
And then he touched me
I felt a sudden tingle when he touched me
A sparkle, a glow
He knew it...
It wasn't accidental, no,
He knew it
He smiled and seem to tell me so all through it
He knew it, I know...
He's real, and the world is alive and shining
I feel such a wonderful drive toward valentining
He touched me, I simply have to face the fact
He touched me...
Control myself and try to act
As if I remember my name
But he touched me...
He touched me...
And suddenly nothing is the same!
'Cause he touched me...
He touched me...
And suddenly... nothing, nothing, nothing is the same!

Yeah, when nothing is the same it's called "Change."

Look at me, Damien. It's all for you!

Hey, uh, would somebody tell Chris Matthews to wipe off his leg?

Obama's "Short List"...

...grabs gun owners by the short hairs.

Megalomania Defined

Pelosi: 'I'm trying to save the planet'

This is one disturbed individual. Giving her any power at all over the choices of the non delusional is just plain nuts.

We're NOT the Only Ones...

Each of the intruders was dressed in black and was wearing a jacket with “Police’’ on the back, the report said.

So the safest thing to do is obey, right?

[Via Carl S]

We're the Only Ones Stone Cold Enough

A former police officer faces theft and official misconduct charges for allegedly pocketing money while investigating a scam that sold fake autographs of action film actor "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

While I think anyone who would blow money on anything this stupid is asking to be ripped off, I don't think he should have been The "Only One" doing it...

[Via Shermlock Shomes]

We're the Only Ones Bristling Enough

Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans today bristled at any suggestion that one of his detectives should have arrested Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick during last week alleged porch-shoving incident.

Yeah, just like he'd bristle if it had been you or me shoving one of his guys--even if his daughter didn't work for us. Oh--I see she resigned after the event--for "family" reasons.

What is it with trough-feeders bringing in the whole litter?

Anyway, I'm sure "Mayor Against Guns" Kwame's security detail would have assisted the deputy in his lawful duties, right? Otherwise, that would just make them a gang of armed thugs.

Like Frank's.

A Bare Bones Budget

In a state known for sending innocent people to prison, Gov. Rod Blagojevich has angered prosecutors and defense attorneys alike by vetoing millions of dollars lawmakers set aside to fight wrongful convictions and support sweeping death penalty reforms.

What's he supposed to do? They've used up all their money (and doesn't everybody who "contributed" feel like they got every nickle's worth?) .

And what's with this wrongful convictions slander? What an insult!

Besides, what's more important? Ensuring the system doesn't railroad innocents--or going after rogue text-walkers and keeping Jesse White family snouts buried in the public trough?

From the "They Hate Us Because We're Free" Department

Scheiner has no idea when she became a text-walker, though she knows some state officials, including Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, have spoken out in support of a new bill that would ban using a wireless device while crossing streets.

Hey, it's not like the are any real or dangerous criminals for Illinois "Only Ones" to go after, and this seems a lot safer gig.

And it's not like people are capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time. If we don't legislate and gear permissible activities down to the most oblivious among us--ostensible free people incapable of safely and awarely crossing a street--how else will we continue propagating the least fit among us at the expense of everybody else?

And besides, we need all these rules to keep Jesse's relatives employed.

A Discriminating Lady

If you're a smoker, scratch Akron Children's Hospital off your list of job prospects.

As of Nov. 1, the hospital will not hire any applicants who test positive for nicotine, regardless of their experience and qualifications...

''We're proud to be taking the lead on this,'' said Children's spokesperson Laurie Schueler.

And why shouldn't employers be able to lower their costs by eliminating all kinds of high risk activities from job consideration?

Why not refuse to hire motorcycle riders, or meat eaters or...gun owners?

We can just social engineer out the behaviors we want to discourage.

It would probably be even less risky if we kept our employees on premises at all times, fed them individually-calculated portions of tailored gruel, led them into padded stalls at shift's end, monitored their interactions and audio-visual inputs to keep out depressing thoughts...

It's interesting how you can condition laboratory animals to press the right button so a food pellet drops out. The downside is, I'm afraid the spirit that made America great is lost on Proud Laurie.

We're the Only Ones Who Gotta Do What We Gotta Do Enough

Police have stripped a New York City officer of his badge and gun after a video posted on YouTube showed him body-checking a bicyclist who was part of a Times Square demonstration.

Here's the video. Sure looks like attempted murder to me. Why aren't there criminal charges?

Oh there were? But not against the surprise attacker "Only One"? Against the cyclist?

[A]ttempted assault in the third degree, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct...

And looky here. The ape "lives at home with his father...a highly respected detective." Again with the word "respected." What is it with this part of the country?

And according to Pops:

"He's my son. I'm proud of him. He's third-generation that's been serving the city," said Pogan Sr..."These people are taking over the streets and impeding the flow of traffic. Then you gotta do what you gotta do"...

So we're into the Third Age of Pogan and this particular family has been inflicting themselves on... I mean, "serving" the populace like this for three generations?

You know what would have gone down had this fortuitous video not been taken and made public. One can only wonder how many others have been and continue to be brutalized without witnesses or legal recourse--how many generations have been subjugated by those with a "gotta do" attitude, backed up with that "lift a finger" promise...

[Via SameNoKami, Dave Licht, Leo G, Andre D, did I miss anybody?]

This Day in History: July 29

A Serjeant and six Men to parade at the Head quarters at eleven OClock, to escort certain prisoners and Deserters to Worcester, this party to be victualled for this day and to morrow: The Serjeant will receive his orders from the Adjutant Genl.

To Heller and Back Again

Gun Ban Plaintiff Dick Heller Files New Lawsuit Against Washington, D.C.

Good. A just outcome would have real and personal consequences for Fenty and Lanier.

A "Respected NJ Pol"

New Jersey Assemblyman Neil Cohen resigned from the Legislature on Monday, four days after it was reported that he's under investigation for suspected possession of child pornography...

The headline and the speaker call him "Respected"?

I don't respect the gun-grabbing old pervert. What is there to respect?

It figures the "Authorized Journalists" who came up with the headline, and his fellow excuse-making domination deviants in the legislature do.

Oh, and look--so no one else does it, they've installed "safety locks." Because, you know, it's the tool's fault.

And surprise: No charges! But he is off to head-shrink rehab. Hey, when you get caught rosy...I mean, red-handed, redirecting outrage and disgust into sympathy is a pretty smart move.

No wonder these sick creatures don't trust anyone else.

[Via Defender]

And the Winner Is...

Real GunGuys, for this entry in the Bob Barr Poster Contest:


The prize?

I decided on a copy of "The Gang.

Congratulations and thanks to all for entering. Contact me (dcodrea AT hotmail DOT com) so I can get mailing details to ship your DVD to you.

A New York Volunteer

A Long Island man who reported his gun missing has been arrested after police found it and said he'd owned it illegally.

See, this is why we need laws requiring people to report stolen guns--so we can bypass that pesky Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination.

It's Common Sense

"Handgun violence is on the rise, but taking guns off the streets will help to stop the senseless slaughter of our citizens," said Sen. Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson. "It's common sense."

New Jersey would join Virginia, Maryland and California as states that restrict people to buying one handgun per month.

And we all know how much safer Richmond, Baltimore and Oakland are because of it.

Why, it's common sense.

I can just see the aborted alley transaction now: "Sorry, man, I can't buy that stolen piece from you--I already bought one last week, so I need to wait another three. It's the law."

Getting The Lead Out

California, of course, foreshadows what is to come. Already, the extremist Violence Policy Center is exploiting ignorance and fear to recommend banning anyone under 18 from shooting ranges, to call for local “audits” to harass and close ranges, to ban the use of “assault weapons,” to mandate a moratorium on new range construction, and — get this — to halt firearms safety training because “any possible benefits … are outweighed by the risk of lead poisoning.”

"Getting the Lead Out" is my Rights Watch column for the September 2008 issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at nontoxic newsstands throughout the Republic.

Unitarian Universalists on Gun Control

Gun Control
1991 General Resolution

They're probably going to have to expand this now to include Fudd guns...

BECAUSE safe coexistence within society requires reasonable compromise with the concept of absolute personal liberty...

[Via Mack H]

Worth a Thousand Words

Theo Spark has a picture that is.

The Oy Ring

Yonatan Stern, the "Sgan Mefaked Hakita" (deputy squad commander) of Kitat Konenut New York, insists his "paramilitary emergency armed response team" is no "group of vigilantes or a JDL [Jewish Defense League]."

"The goal of the organization is to have a competent and professional group of armed volunteers ready to respond to a threat at a moment's notice in any area where Jews reside," explains the Israeli combat veteran.

Eplseed?

Good idea. Except the problem with being apolitical is their members may still vote for proponents of Nazi gun laws, which is self-defeating and dangerous.

[Via cycjec]

Outraged!

I think after reading this issue, it will be my last. As a veteran (six years of service) and a member of the Sheriff's Department and volunteer rescue squad, your arguments for the assault weapons, the .50 BMGs etc., vs. healthcare, obscene corporate gas profits and other facts, not opinions, by Mike Matara (Crossfire, March 2006), is about as small as the number of gray cells in Bush's head. Wake up and get your head out of your a**!

I'd seen this letter in an old issue of GUNS Magazine and decided to go looking for it on the Internet so more could read it.

I had no idea RKBA arguments in a gun magazine could possibly alienate leftist "Only Ones." Perhaps I should temper future submissions to be more inclusive so that we can expand our base.

We're the Only Ones Crocked and Locked Enough

Salman Rushdie was once locked in a cupboard for two hours by fed-up police guards who then disappeared to the pub, an ex-special branch detective has claimed.

Tell me there's not a broader analogy that could be drawn here about depending entirely on The "Only Ones" for your safety.

Cryptic Subterranean shares his thoughts.

This Day in History: July 28

However incredible it may appear, that, at this enlightned period, the leaders of a nation, which in every age has sacrificed hecatombs of her bravest patriots on the altar of liberty, should presume gravely to assert, and, by force of arms, attempt to establish an arbitrary sway over the lives, liberties, and property of their fellow subjects in America, it is, nevertheless, a most deplorable and indisputable truth.

We Just Don't Understand It

Mell argued that reopening gun registration wasn't just a personal favor. He insisted that there were hundreds, if not thousands, of otherwise law-abiding Chicago gun owners just like him who had inadvertently allowed their gun registration to lapse.

On Friday, Chicago Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond was hard-pressed to explain the slow response to the city's one-time offer.

"Either the public is unaware or they just haven't had an opportunity to come in and register," she said.

Or it could just be that Mell was, you know, lying, and this was naked abuse of political office for personal advantage, and no amount of lame excuses spokesprevaricators regurgitate will cover that up.

Not that they need to.

Forget it Jake. It's Chi-Town.

Gundamentalism

Rev. Rachel Smith, whose blog "God Not Guns" is a project of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, calls it gundamentalism.

"America’s gun culture is marked by zeal closely akin to that of religious fundamentalism. The gun-rights movement is built upon a system of belief that is both absolutist and aggressive. It has its sacred text, its creed, its icon and its ideology."

Coming from someone who portrays herself as centered on "religion," it seems like we have a bit of projection going on.

Gundamentalists. I like that, Rachel. You're quite the pundamentalist!

Mind if I adopt it, even if I flaunt the term with pride rather than resent it as a pejorative?

The Government They Deserve

Chicago police received about 6,000 weapons Saturday during the city's gun turn-in program...

So many people came out that organizers ran out of the $100 prepaid debit cards for turning in guns...

"For you young people, the new word for you is: 'Start snitching,' " she said.

I won't be able to muster any sympathy should any of these ever come to regret their decision.

Playing 20 Questions

...[W]hat's to prevent those guns from being used against police officers and firefighters [?]...What does a policeman do when there's a domestic battery [call] and they're both armed? Do they enter the home or apartment or do they wait outside? ... How 'bout the neighbors? How 'bout the postman -- all the other issues that go with people coming into your home or close to your home? ... Whose responsibility is it when your son takes the gun outside and police come by?...How many guns do you have -- 50, 60? Can they have a .357 Magnum? Can they have ammunition that will go through a wall? What is the liability of the owners? ... Do you have to have insurance if you have a gun? How much ammunition can you have if there's a fire? If a fireman is going to your home and you have 40 weapons and 1,000 rounds, do we have a responsibility to notify all the neighbors?

Now your turn to answer one, Bodyguarded Boss Daley: You don't trust us with guns. Why should we trust you?

[Via Dan Gifford]

A Temporary Stopgap

Peyton said even an increase in the number of police officers would only be a temporary stopgap and residents need to band together around community programs designed to fight this culture of crime.

What, you mean like a citizen militia?

Nahh...

[Via John G]

This Day in History: July 27

July 27. 1775
- Congress establishes The Army Medical Department.
- Henry Laurens, President of the Council of Safety of South Carolina, urges Captain Clement Lempriere to purchase gunpowder, lead, and muskets for the colony, relying on force only as a last resort.

I'm Sorry if I Gave This Impression

(and I know that writing this here does meet with David Codrea’s contempt, as I blog here anonymously)

Not at all, and I apologize if anything I said led you to believe that. I actually wanted to leave a comment, but they're closed on the linked post--and now's probably a good time to clear this up, what with the doings of recent days.

Like anything else, it's a choice. Those of us who have made it know full well that it carries a cost in terms of reputation, career options, etc. But I honor the spirit of Publius, and believe that anonymity can be a key guarantor of freedom.

What I have contempt for is not anonymous blogging, but those who abuse that anonymity to troll and insult without any personal accountability. I believe in their right to do so, understand, but I think it's unethical and cowardly, and have no respect for them as individuals. I have a pretty simple rule--I never expect anything out of another that I'm not willing to do myself. As such, I have never said anything to anyone on the Internet that I would not have said to their face, with their full knowledge of who I am. Which means I will accept real and personal consequences for my words and actions.

Kwame, How I Love Ya Redux

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a possible assault by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick on a deputy accompanying an investigator for the Wayne County prosecutor Thursday at the home of the mayor's sister, Sheriff Warren Evans said.

Evans said the 6-foot-4 mayor, a former star football player at Florida A&M University, allegedly pushed a sheriff's deputy and knocked him into the female investigator, who was working for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. The officers were attempting to serve a subpoena on Bobby Ferguson, a city contractor and close friend of Kilpatrick.

"Investigating"?

What's there to investigate? Did it happen or not?

And the deputy retreated from the property instead of taking his assailant down?

Why? What was "the mayor's executive protection unit" prepared to do if the deputy had?

What does Sheriff Evans mean by "escalate further"? Would Kwame's detail have resisted with force? If it had escalated, would the force level they were prepared to use have as well?

Do you think the deputy would have retreated if one of us had shoved him? Do you think he'd let us go and the police would "investigate" later?

Then again, you and I don't rule a thugocracy. We don't have armed taxcow-funded bodyguard details 24/7. We're not Mayors Against [Your] Guns.

It's good to be the king.

UPDATE: Oh, look. He's been ordered to undergo random drug testing.

What a community leader.

A Mechanism for Restoring Gun Rights

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) has introduced legislation to restore the gun rights of individuals convicted of minor, non-violent crimes.

H.R. 6622, the Second Amendment Restoration Act, ensures states have the discretion to restore individuals’ gun rights after conviction of minor crimes.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed the legislation this week.

This is absolutely a step in the right direction.

We're the Only Ones in the Nick of Time Enough

COPS may get three hours to respond to 999s...

And 24 if you're an old lady under hammer attack...

[Via Jeffersonian]

How to Get a Gun in DC

This would be funny if it wasn't so outrageous.

[Via John G]

And That's Why I Support Barack Obama

A Blaine County judge has ruled he has no authority to stop guards employed by actor Tom Hanks from carrying guns while accompanying inspectors at the star's sprawling compound north of the central Idaho resort town of Ketchum...

"We are happy the court rejected Storey's request to impose control over how we manage our own property," the couple said...

Los Angeles attorney John Hanover, who represents Hanks and Wilson, said the couple has the "right to protect their property."

"The guards always have guns," he said. "It's a private home."

I'm sure Tom's bosom buddy, Barack Obama, will be happy to make exceptions for bodyguards of the elites.

We're the Only Ones in Hot Water Enough

A Florida prison guard has been charged with violating the civil rights of an inmate by pouring hot water on him, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday.

Things are heating up for a bad egg "Only One." I'd heard prisons turned out hard boiled criminals, but never understood the complete process.

[Via John G]

I'm Sorry, So Sorry...

“I think the bond is way too high,” Smith said. “I didn't mean for any innocent people to get hurt.”

That's quite some apology for shooting three people there, genius. What did you think would happen to them?

The college website's search feature isn't working right now, so I can't tell if they have any policies guaranteed to stop such incidents before they happen...

[Via Joe Bethancourt]

Judge "Whips Out" Knife

Connor got out the folding black-handled knife at Oxford Crown Court to show how it worked.

Excuse me while I whip this out.

[Via Brian F]

This Day in History: July 26

Notwithstanding the strict and repeated Orders, that have been given against firing small arms, it is hourly practised, All Officers commanding Guards, posts and detachments, to be alert in apprehending all future Trangressors.

Principle Freaks Need Not Apply

It may surprise some of you to hear me admit this, but I believe questioning Mike Vanderboegh's letter to the editor is an entirely appropriate discussion to be having in the RKBA activist community. No, I'm not going soft--at the risk of sounding presumptuous, I believe Mike will agree with me.

But what happened the other day was uncalled for, hysterical and ugly. And it points to a greater issue that must be addressed and faced--the widening gulf between majority "pragmatists" and we happy few "principles freaks."

I personally would not have used Mike's approach with an edge-of-the-pool audience. My goal there would be to persuade them to stick their toes in, perhaps wade around a bit.

But Mike did not share goals with me in this instance, and that's fine, too. He wanted to introduce a concept most had never thought about: What happens if "they" keep pushing and "we" say "No"? What rule says all letters to the editor must be geared to "win hearts and minds"? By what authority does anyone presume that public warnings of dire consequences have no place? How about letters that inspire some of us, and let us know we're not alone, or letters that give those doing the pushing pause to consider there may be an "or else" with personal consequences attached to the "Stop it now"?

That's legitimate. It needs to be considered. And I really see no difference between the letter Mike wrote, which has received such reactionary disapproval, and Charlton Heston, whom the same people revere, holding up a gun and proclaiming "From my cold dead hands!"

They both presuppose an unjust attack by government precipitating forceful resistance. Just what the hell is the Second Amendment ultimately supposed to be about, if not this? Why is everybody acting like this is some kind of big secret to be kept from the public?

Instead, Mike's letter has been presented in a fundamentally dishonest way--that he is advocating initiating violent revolution, shooting government agents and cops, fomenting civil war. People claiming this are either intentional liars, or just plain ignorant as to the facts and irresponsibly willing to spread malicious information without verifying it.

The corollary to this is Mike's a coward--a loudmouth from the sidelines, a fool who has no clue as to the implications of mass insurrection, urging others to do his dirty work and shed blood while he stays safe. Since the first claim is untrue, this is a mere fabrication based on false assumptions. And hypocritical projections, when you consider how so many of those leveling the charge of cowardice post under aliases.

I also see arrogance and foolishness on the part of Mike's rude critics--their way is the only proven way, anything else is counterproductive. Their presentation is the only one (!) that works. Any other is a diversion of resources and "makes us all look bad."

That's a pretty historically unsubstantiated stance to take. It reminds me of nothing so much as military maneuvers of centuries past--everyone marching in rigid lines into a hail of enemy fire. There's no room for asymmetric guerrilla warfare--political, propaganda or otherwise--in this unimaginative worldview.

There are other niches to be filled than the political, you know, other tactics to be employed than marching in lock step. Of course there's a place for political activism--if that's where you want to direct your efforts. But ultimately, the way it's being practiced, everything depends on majority rule democracy. Which means anyone living in a major urban area or blue state is screwed. (Unless you file a lawsuit, which the pragmatic leaders initially did everything in their power to sabotage.)

I notice these same people are strangely silent on undeserved NRA ratings given to gun-grabbing politicians. I see them lining up to prove there is no betrayal they will not accept and reward with a "lesser of two evils" vote, as they level ridicule, contempt and blame at anyone who suggests voting on principle.

What I'm really seeing here is hatred--I'm seeing a hatred for those who advocate no compromise that is even fiercer than that which they direct at out-and-out gungrabbers. Wrap your head around that for a moment, and what it means. And this is illustrated by one comment poster on another blog who says he "would shoot the yahoo first," meaning a radical gun owner fighting the government. What's really telling is, not one "pragmatist" chastised him for it.

And it's a greedy hatred. The pragmatic political compromisers have the megaphone in this debate. They are the ones who have the loudest voices, the farthest reach, the most financial backing. The voices of men like Vanderboegh are mostly confined to echoes at wilderness outposts. Blogs like this one hardly make a dent except for a thousand or so daily readers. Most others where Mike's work appears get even fewer.

Yet, as I've said before, and as this latest example illustrates, there are those who begrudge us even this small portion. They demand nothing less than to silence us altogether. There is no room in the debate for men like Mike, men like me, and if you're one of the WoG regulars who believe as we do, men like you.

They want us to shut up. They want us to go away. Here's substantiation, from two gun blogs much more popular than this one:

Get on board, or get your f*cking shed in Montana and start living up to your words. If you aren’t ready to start storming the gates, so to speak, then deep down, you believe that something can be changed inside the system. Get to work now, or shut the hell up and get off the internet. You’re clogging the tubes for people who really want to organize.

and

It is important that law-abiding, patriotic, and SANE/RATIONAL gun owners silence these fools (giving them no platform), because they make us all look like we’re a bunch of paranoid delusionals.

Their way or the highway.

Sorry. I don't think I want to trust my freedom to such as these, so if they don't mind, I'll keep doing what I'm doing. And if they do mind, I'd say they have a problem.

Claw Hammer Murderers for Obama

Before he died Wednesday evening, death row inmate Dale Leo Bishop apologized to his victim's family, thanked America and urged people to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama...

A Lee County jury convicted Bishop in 2000 of participating in the murder of Marcus Gentry, who was beaten to death in December 1998 with a claw hammer.

Well now, there's an under-represented constituency.

In the interests of rooting for the underdog, I'd like to give this emerging political movement a small boost. Nothing big, just a bang-for-the-buck way to help spread the word...

We're the Only Ones Outdoorsy Indoors Enough

State Rep. Sally Kern says she's an "outdoors girl” who's done some shooting but didn't intend to bring her pistol into the state Capitol on Wednesday.

And it's happened twice.

As a gun-carring Oklahoma republican, I'm assuming (but haven't documented) Rep. Kern is OK on our issue. The point to be made here is, will a pass be given to all of us, or is that courtesy reserved exclusively for "Only Ones"?

[Via Mike H]

The "COPS Effect"

Police work is carried out by armed people invested with the power to commit discretionary lethal violence; it's a monumentally bad idea to appeal to the vanity of such people and to encourage them to act in ways calculated to enhance their image.

William N. Grigg analyzes a troubling and dangerous police state-enabling trend in "entertainment."

Not to be confused with Unreality TV...

[Via Zachary G]

Asleep at the Switch

Three Air Force officers fell asleep while in control of an electronic component that contained old launch codes for nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles, a violation of procedure, Air Force officials said Thursday.

I wonder if there's a government trusting us with weapons tie-in here...?

[Via Zachary G]

The Way it Works

The deaths immediately drew public outrage, which intensified when authorities revealed that Ramos, 21, is an illegal immigrant who managed to avoid deportation despite previous brushes with the law.

The case has put San Francisco's liberal politics to the test, setting off a debate over its sanctuary law that shields undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Set up conditions for bad things to happen.

Bad things happen.

Exploit that to get more control.

Simple to the point of elegance.

[Via John G]

Another Look at Freeport Gun Seizure

A member of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corp. is suing Nassau County to get back nine rifles and 15 handguns seized from his Freeport home by police after he made repeated visits to the office of Rep. Carolyn McCarthy to complain about what he believed to be "illegal aliens" in his neighborhood.

Aides to McCarthy (D-Mineola), whose husband was one of six people slain by Colin Ferguson in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre, eventually called police, which led to the seizure of the weapons.

"Freeport gun seizure." Now there's an oxymoron.

We discussed this story the other day.

I've been in touch with Mr. Razzano. I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with him yesterday afternoon, and he briefed me on the background of the case as well as sent me some corroborating information. Here's the thing: because there is a case pending, we need to make sure his legal interests are protected and not jeopardized by premature or imprudent disclosures. As such, I've promised him that no information will be released here without his express consent, allowing him to vet things with his lawyer to make certain our desire to share the truth doesn't harm his chances of having his property returned or that his ability to obtain justice isn't diminished.

I'd also like to add that I was the one who volunteered presenting things this way--Mr. Razzano made no demands. I don't want to be responsible for hurting someone I'm trying to help.

It's a story of official arrogance and abuse of a citizen's rights that I still have trouble accepting, only because it is so outrageous and un-American. I hope to be able to disclose more next week, but will be playing everything by ear. All I can say now is stay tuned, and please understand the need for these self-imposed constraints.

In the mean time, after reading the title-linked NewsDay piece, feel free to leave a comment on their site--the more reader interest they see, the greater the likelihood they'll stay on top of this story.

Are Feds Stockpiling Survival Food?

If so, what do they know that they're not telling us?

[Via Avg Joe]

We're the Only Ones Ordering Take-Out Enough

Oregon law allows emergency responders to park in no-parking zones when responding to emergencies or chasing suspects. The law says nothing about sushi.

So, naturally, "Portland police leaders say they plan to ask city commissioners to make it legal for officers to park in no-parking zones when ordering food or stopping for a restroom break."

Because they're, you know, The "Only Ones"...

[Via IMB]

Resolution

Nicki Fellenzer reports closure of sorts in the case of Mark Edward Marchiafava.

Now There's a Skilled Orator

Daley: Don’t say that, because.. Never say that, Fran. Because if someone takes that gun and fires at you, are you willing to take that chance? Not many people are. Besides that, no one likes to have a gun placed in front of their face. So don’t ever think that the guns turned in don’t work. Because there wouldn’t be anyone left in your employ. Really there wouldn’t be anybody left in your company. We’re going to go over there and find out whether they work. We don’t ask anyone to do that. They do work. These weapons are very significant They do work. I don’t know where you’re getting that. A shotgun is a shotgun. A .22 automatic pistol is a .22. They do work.

Everyone at the Sun-Times would be wiped out? That's his argument for "buybacks"?

I guess when it comes to machine politics, having a mental defective as the front man is a plus.

[Via HZ]

We're the Only Ones on a Tirade Enough

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will investigate a prosecutor's complaint that an officer went on a tirade that left her in fear over her decision to reduce a gun charge.

Let me get this straight: Vernon Pandy is trustworthy enough to work with "at-risk youth," but can't be trusted with a tool.

And one dismissed charge shows he's "a threat to the community" if he has a gun, and a hotheaded "Only One" with "19 citizen complaints...for four in-house complaints and a written reprimand on a charge of interfering with an investigation" is not?

[Via John G]

In the Nick of Time...

Scales Elementary School officials made the right move last week when they evacuated children from the building in the wake of a bomb threat.

More needs to be done, though, to ensure these types of evacuations are more timely.

The evacuation was made July 1, nearly a week and a half after the bomb threat...

I can think of all kinds of phone control laws, if that'll help...

[Via cycjec]

This Day in History: July 25

This is the 25 of July. Gage has not made any attempts to march out, since the Battle at Charlstown. Our Army are restless and wish to be doing something to rid themselves and the land of the Virmin and Locusts which infest it. Since I wrote you last the Companys stationd upon the coasts both in this Town, Weymouth and Hingham were orderd to Nantasket to reap and bring of the Grain which they accomplished, all except a field or two which was not ripe, and having whale boats they undertook to go to the light House and set fire to it, which they effected in open day and in fair sight of several men of War. Upon their return came down upon them Eight Barges, one cutter, one Schooner, all in Battle array, and pourd whole broad sides upon them, but our Men all reached the shore and not one life lost, two only slightly wounded in their legs. They marchd up a Hill and drew into order in hopes the marines would land, but they chose rather to return without a land engagement, tho tis Thought they will burn the Town down as soon as the our forces leave it. I had this account from Capt. Vinton who with his company were there. These little Skirmishes seem trifling, but they serve to innure our Men and harden them to Danger. I hear the Rebels are very Wroth at the distruction of the light House.

We're the Only Ones Conferencing Enough

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police held a conference Monday and Tuesday on one of the worst possible threats any campus can face — an active shooter...

Sixty-six law enforcement personnel from campuses throughout the region came to Lincoln for the event, which was sponsored by the UNL PD chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, Officer Jim Davis said.

Notice no active shooters appeared. I wonder if the "Only Ones" had their service weapons with them?

[Via She Draws Him Like a Gun]

A Positive Public Relations Opportunity

Subject: A Positive Public Relations Opportunity
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:30:38 -0400

Mr. Robert J Browning
Chief, Public Affairs Division
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives
Office of Public and Government Affairs
99 New York Avenue NE
Mailstop 5S144
Washington DC 20226

Sir:

I receive a publication entitled "The Shooting Wire" via email. In the July 23, 2008 edition, the first seven paragraphs of an article by Jim Shepherd are devoted to the situation in Washington DC post Heller. In paragraph five he ponders the lack of a FFL holder in the district to effect a transfer of a firearm to residents from dealers in surrounding states.

My suggestion is for ATFE to assume this duty until a FFL holder establishes a business for this purpose in the District of Columbia.

I can forsee a very positive response from gun owners and Gun Rights Organizations such as The National Rifle Association and from Congress .

I broached this idea to two internet gun bloggers and one of them, Mr. David Codrea responded that he did not approve it. We exchanged emails and he offered to publish an essay advocating my idea on his blog "War on Guns".

Sincerely,

Sam W

The Sounds of Silence

Have you noticed the total silence about this issue in the Presidential campaign?

By his actions - not his words - we know that Barack Obama is a long time proponent of every imaginable gun control scheme. He is a perfect fit for the gun grabbers in his party.

And where is John McCain on this issue? Silent.

--Bob Barr Campaign Solicitation E-Mail

You know what to do if a presidential candidate keeps silent about a gun rights-related issue, Bob?

Hold a poster contest.

[Via Peter W, Jeffersonian]

I Broke the Dam!

Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin and the city of Memphis have filed a lawsuit to learn who operates a blog harshly critical of Godwin and his department.

What, you mean this blog, Larry?

How dare they be critical of such a fine department! I mean, you yourself told us:

I don't view it as police corruption. I view it as rogue cops, because to me, if there is corruption, it goes all the way to the top.

Whew! Thank goodness you're at the helm! And as we've proven time and again here, it really is a rarity!

To think that such a fine public servant as yourself has been troubled by criticism moves me in such a way that I'm compelled to man up, before I cause you any more pain.

It's me, Larry. I wrote the blog.

Just like I broke the dam.

Hopefully, now you can find closure.

And if anyone else would like to help him find even more closure, feel free to write him at mpd@memphispolice.org with the subject line : Attn: Larry Godwin--I Wrote the Blog


[Via Brian F]

Who's "Making Us Look Bad"?

Are you proposing to come yourself, or do you want someone else's son or daughter in federal service to take the risk? Are you truly prepared to stack up the bodies necessary to accomplish your plan? Seems a strange way to make a "safer society." More to the point, are you willing to risk your sorry hide to do it? No? I thought not. [More]

Mike Vanderboegh makes a point.

"Pragmatic" response is swift:

Could we please…not make gun owners look like lunatics in the media for all to see?

...Could we please not do stupid shit like this to fuck it up?

Swift and bitter:

Don’t be an asshole. Sorry, thought that was covered in the last instruction to be polite.

I'm fighting the clock right now to get done with my planned posts by 9:00. I'll be back later today with some observations.

We're the Only Ones Out of Tou...uh...Reach Enough

But Metro police have a warning for gun owners.

"If you're going to have a firearm in the house, you're responsible for that firearm. So if you have children or other people present, that firearm needs to be locked up and out of the reach of a child," said IMPD Sgt. Paul Thompson.

And because you "Only Ones" keep Indy so safe and all, there'll be no need to access them quickly, right, Sarge? And you never have a gun at the ready at your house?

[Via Mike H]

This Day in History: July 24

We ought to have had in our Hands a Month ago, the whole Legislative, Executive and Judicial of the whole Continent, and have compleatly moddelled a Constitution, to have raised a Naval Power and opened all our Ports wide, to have arrested every Friend to Government on the Continent and held them as Hostages for the poor Victims in Boston--And then opened the Door as wide as possible for Peace and Reconcilliation: After this they might have petitioned and negotiated and addressed, etc. if they would. Is all this extravagant? Is it wild? Is it not the soundest Policy?

Don't Mess With the Tyrant

An outspoken Long Island gun owner's home was raided by Nassau County detectives, who seized two dozen weapons he lawfully owns just one day after Rep. Carolyn McCarthy's office made a 911 call about him.

Maybe he mentioned "barrel shrouds" and not knowing what they were, she freaked?

If credible threats were made, let's see the charges for them. Let's see Mr. Razzano arrested and charged, then tried and convicted.

This just stinks of Soviet-style tyranny.

I know others are blogging on this as well, but I'm not seeing any new information. If you have knowledge to add, please do.

[Via jpr9]

Turn in Your Firearms to be Destroyed!!!

"Today I'm asking every resident of Chicago to turn in their firearm -- shotgun, rifles, automatic, semi automatic, pistol, revolver… No questions asked," Daley said.

What--did he read our old Citizens of America radio ad script?

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

[Via DJK from Second City Cop]

Obamessiah

Now there's a random, coincidental juxtaposition. I'm sure the "Authorized Journalists" had no message they wanted people to attach to the imagery.

I feel so...so spiritual living in the Age of the Daywa...uh...Lightworker.

Look at me, Damien. It's all for you!

We're the Only Ones Retired Enough

A retired police sergeant whose erratic behavior frightened his family into committing him to a psychiatric hospital fled the ward Tuesday and was killed by officers during a gun battle outside his home.

See, this is why we need nationwide concealed carry for retired "Only Ones," but not for you and me...

A Clear Channel

If your Philadelphia affiliate was thinking this group was an “innocent” non-profit association with no political agenda and no opposition, they made a very big mistake — knowingly or not, they have directly engaged Clear Channel into the gun-control debate.

Bottom line: Billboards were donated to an anti-gun group. It turns out they're not a nonprofit, but a private LLC.

We'll see if that's enough to get the donation pulled. Maybe once some beancounter realizes they can't write it off...

It's surprising a corporation can be this ignorant of who they give to, and still donate so freely. I wish I could say I was surprised that a company that either directly or through affiliates profits off "conservative" voices like Rush, Hannity, Beck, et al, would so thoroughly disrespect the values of their core audiences...

[Via SIH]

Fear of Flying

TSA Agents Forced Woman To Remove Nipple Rings, Pulled Pants Off Disabled Man...

"It makes you feel like you have no rights," Perry said.

BINGO! Give that man a cigar!

Now step through the scanner: We want to leer at your nakedness again.

But don't worry, the herders will play calming music, turn on the mood lighting and let you look at soothing pictures of flowers to distract you from the rape.

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

[Via Brian F]

Suspicion of Possession

Two male juveniles who were arrested at Pinole Valley High School on Friday were allegedly found in possession of a concealed machine gun, Pinole police Detective Timothy Cauwels said Monday.

The two boys, both summer school students at the school, were arrested for possession of an illegal assault weapon, bringing a firearm onto school grounds, being a minor in possession of live ammunition, being a minor with a concealed weapon, transportation of marijuana, being a minor in possession of a firearm with prior convictions and a probation violation, Cauwels said.

If it was a machine gun, why isn't that charge listed?

Oh, this account says it was:

The male students, whose ages were not released, both were arrested on suspicion of possession of an illegal assault weapon, possession of a machine gun, bringing a firearm onto school grounds, being a minor in possession of live ammunition, being a minor with a concealed weapon, being a minor in possession of a firearm with prior conviction, a probation violation and marijuana transportation...

So then what's this about?

AK-47s are restricted in California, where new purchases of many semiautomatic rifles have been banned.

Is it as machine gun or a semiauto? Is the Sugarmann obfuscation at work here? Or did the boys maybe also have some duct tape and chains on them?

And here's the real head-scratcher:

Despite the charges, no gun or ammunition was found on the students or recovered at the school...

Since when is "suspicion of possession" prosecutable? I don't want to trivialize things--it could be a budding Harris/Klebold redux has just been thwarted and we should all breathe a sigh of grateful relief. Then again, if that's the standard for arrest, we're all in trouble...

[Via Dave Licht]

We're the Only Ones Multi-Tasking Enough

An Altamonte Springs police officer - recently kicked out of a countywide drug task force -- and his wife have been arrested on federal drug and weapons charges. Authorities said he also was planning to kill a former drug unit supervisor.

Here's a test: Put Adams in uniform, with a holstered sidearm, in a public setting, and watch people go by without a second glance. Now you try it, and time how long it takes before you're face down with a dozen guns ready to go off if you so much as twitch.

Because, you know, "Only Ones" are just plain better, more trustworthy people than you and me.

[Via Ron W]