Foreign Enemies

Matthew Bracken is back. Click on the title link for a sample from the forthcoming conclusion to his trilogy.

Here are my reviews of his first* and second books.

Matt tells me he's about 2/3 of the way through and he's shooting for an early 2009 release.

Good stuff. Can't wait.

And, of course I'll keep you posted.

[Via Matthew Maynard]

* Yeah, I know about "dosmetic." I emailed the site admin some time ago and never got a reply.

We're the Only Ones Persuading Enough

About 40 Chicago police officers rode a bus from Chicago to Des Moines in hopes of persuading an appeals court to free a fellow police officer serving a prison sentence.

From accounts I've read, I don't have a problem with Mette's actions if they were really as described. I don't think an "Only One" should have fewer human rights. It sounds like he reacted about the way a man should to intolerable physical provocation, and that the judge is an idiot.

By the same token, I can't imagine his brother Chi-Town officers having any concern whatsoever were the situation reversed, that is, had a "civilian" punched a cop out in self defense.

[Via Joel T and David H]

UPDATE: See Chris Mallory's comments to this post for a different take.

Young to Attend GRPC

From David E. Young:

Wanted to let gun bloggers know that I will be attending the Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix on September 26, 27, and 28, 2008. The Second Amendment Foundation is providing me with a book signing table. For those interested, a limited number of copies of my new definitive history of the Second Amendment, The Founders' View of the Right to Bear Arms, will be available there.

We're the Only Ones Doggone Enough Update

A Denver police report released Friday backs up a witness account that an officer chased down a yellow lab named Rocky deemed "vicious" before shooting it to death.

But it still sounds like they're trying to come up with something plausible, what with that "turned on the officer" excuse.

I wonder where a private citizen would be right now if he'd shot an "Only One" dog that had "lunged" at him?

[Via Mike H]

When We Said "Wealth Redistribution" We Meant YOUR Wealth

The Internal Revenue Service is trying to collect billions of dollars in late taxes from nearly half a million federal employees.

Documents obtained by WTOP radio through the Freedom of Information Act show the federal employees and retirees did not pay more than $3.5 billion in taxes owed last year.

And it's not just lowly employees.

Tax and spend advocates Charles Rangel and Al Franken are two of the prominent names that have surfaced recently as being perfectly willing to bleed you dry while not ponying up--what is it the collectivists call it?--"their fair share."

[Via Mike H]

This Day in History: September 17

The Enemy and we are very near Neighbours. Our advanced Works are not more than five or 600 Yards from theirs, and the main body of the two Armies scarce a Mile. We see every thing that passes, and that is all we can do, as they keep close on the two Peninsulas of Boston and Charlestown, both of which are surrounded with Ships of War, Floating Batteries, &c. and the narrow necks of Land leading into them fortified in such a manner as not to be forced without a very considerable Slaughter, if practicable at all.

The Injured Party

We don't have to wait until after the election for a race war. We're in one now.

See, I start the fight and then blame you for hitting back.

What is it with these hostile people of privilege?

A Federal Snipe Hunt

Showing a keen interest in marksmanship, obtaining sniper-related books and other training materials, spending time at shooting ranges, modifying vehicles in a nontraditional manner, and purchasing rifles and associated optics may be indicators of potential terrorist planning efforts; however, most of these indicators can be associated with legitimate purposes.

Well, thanks for that last bit.

Thing is, as I read through this report, it is just so...basic, I can't believe anyone in law enforcement doesn't already know this stuff. I guess that's why it's unclassified. If anything, the people who would be most helped by this would be the ones who want tips on what patterns and behaviors the authorities are looking for.

I do wonder about the classified stuff, though--what it talks about that they'd rather we didn't hear...

[Via Peter G]

The Scope of Our Rights

If you want a device that allows you to locate, target and kill a subject, you need look no further than DARPA's Super-Resolution Vision System (SRVS), which I looked at recently in the New Scientist technology blog.

What I'm wondering is if it will bear the warning:

"RESTRICTED FOR GOVERNMENT OR LAW ENFORCEMENT USE ONLY"

[Via Carl S]

We're the Only Ones Paternal Enough

An off-duty Chicago police officer shot his nine-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son in the head before shooting himself to death in their home on Monday. The girl also died while the boy was critically wounded.

Yeah, he was the "Only One"...

Forget it, Jake, it's Chi-Town.

Conditioned to Surrender

A man robbed a Walgreens store early Monday by passing the cashier a note and implying he had a weapon, police said.

I guess I need to avoid being judgmental on this one. After all, I don't know the sex, age or physical condition of the clerk, and it's not exactly like a crappy chain drugstore job is worth taking any risks over. Still, I can't for the life of me (!) imagine rolling over for the guy under those conditions.

After all, it's not the job he's threatening.

You see this in banks all the time, too--just a note is all it takes for tellers to cave--which they're told to do by management. I guess they figure it's not worth the risk, give him what he wants and they'll catch the guy later.

Thing is, what he wants is to threaten your life, meaning as far as you know, he will take it if you don't immediately become his slave. And, as far as you know, he'll take it anyway.

I'm not suggesting anyone take a risk they don't believe themselves capable of handling. What I am suggesting is that we train and mentally prepare ourselves to improve those capabilities so that our decisions are based on our best judgment, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all corporate policy.

We're the Only Ones Exposed Enough

For some reason, I can't get Mr. Rogers singing "Won't you be my neighbor?" out of my head, but I'll let Jed tell this one.

What an Appropriate Name

"Harmer."

You Haven't Broken Any Laws--But We'll Just Keep Those Guns

Prosecutors said Monday they won't bring criminal charges against a man who carried guns in a case into a Denver hotel during the Democratic National Convention last month.

What was he thinking, scaring Master like that?

He says he's relieved the case is closed but hasn't gotten back his guns or other personal items seized from his truck.

Why the hell not?

I think Hyatt Hotels has some 'splainin' to do. Can all Americans traveling with cased firearms expect to be snitched on if we patronize their chain instead of a competitor's?

UK Courting Disaster

Five sharia courts have been set up in London, Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester and Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The government has quietly sanctioned that their rulings are enforceable with the full power of the judicial system, through the county courts or High Court. Previously, the rulings were not binding and depended on voluntary compliance among Muslims.

Which means if you resist and defy, their trump card, if all else fails, is killing you. In the name of Allah, of course.

We're the Only Ones Choking Under Pressure Enough

A Mt. Juliet police officer has been arrested by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in connection to an April 6 choking incident during a traffic stop along Adams Lane in Wilson County.

So if his victim wasn't resisting arrest, why the attack, unless he thought there was "Only One" way to stifle dissent...?

This Day in History: September 16

In South Carolina, William Drayton and loyalist leader Colonel Thomas Fletchall sign a treaty of neutrality in the interior community of Ninety-Six.

The Politics of Hate

I hate...

I hate...

I hate...

And that's just the first three paragraphs.

Well golly, Mary Mitchell--doesn't that make your column "hate speech"?

Not that it should surprise anyone...

From the Ivory Towers of Higher Learning

Law Prof Presidential Campaign Contributions: 95% to Obama, 5% to McCain

I trust no one is surprised that academia is cranking out brainwashed little twits like Barbie...?

Law professors. Think about what that means.

More Guns Are Not the Answer

Well, I dunno, Barbie.

Like its "war" counterpart, don't you think that might depend on the question?

Still, I'm willing to hear you out. What's your rationale?

Even if people were given a greater opportunity to defend themselves with guns, it would not stop people from being killed. Think about it: If someone kills another person in defense of their own life, their attacker is dead. A life would be saved, but one would be lost, too. It is not our job to determine whose life is more valuable.

OK, Barbie. I've thought about it. You've made your qualifications to offer advice on this more than clear.

And I think you win. Academia and law enforcement side with you: it's their job to determine whose life is more valuable. And ultimately, they're willing to kill anyone who defies the mandate foolish little girls like you have given them.

"Not Properly Bound"

I received the following email. By way of caveat, I have not personally verified this information, but my source has proven reliable in the past. I am told the principal may be willing to come forward and identify himself if they actively try to remove his license, but for now wishes to avoid the revenge this would surely prompt if he removes the mask.

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

He wishes this to be in no way connected to his name, but he'd like the story out.

He would like to be described as a Southern/Southwestern 20+ year long Type One FFL holder. Never been cited for anything ever ever ever before. Occasional gunsmith and does some trading on the gun show circuit. He's getting on in years and doesn't get out and around as much anymore. Happens with age.

BATFOO appeared on his doorstep last week unexpectedly and for the first time in 23 years requesting to look at EVERYTHING, including personal firearms. Cited him for "improper bound book" even though he has been using the "bound book" pages and binders that Brownell's has sold for years..."not good enough, not properly bound". Checked the serial numbers on everything both inventory and personal. Some of his collectors pieces pre-date mandatory serial numbering and have none, which caused an issue with the "inspector". He was also cited for "lack of significant business activity" whatever that means, and it was "implied" they are going to consider revoking his license and are planning to come back to look for further infractions "soon", whatever in hell that means.

He deals primarily in high-end collectables and high-end shotguns, so his inventory turnover isn't very high, it's quite low actually, but it is a business, not a hobby. It's a limited market. He does and has done ABSOLUTELY NO EVIL BLACK RIFLE gunsmithing or sales, NO HIGH CAP PISTOLS, "SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS", etc, and has never had any interest in military rifles post M1 Garands/M-14s, and didn't like M1/14s much, outside of shooting them very well in Marine Corps Military Rifle matches and in actual combat when he was in the service Korea/Vietnam, he's mostly always been a bolt rifle and bird hunting oriented High End Shotgun guy (Think Browning Citori and up to and including Holland and Holland) who perosnally likes German and Belgian pistols of the WW I era, GI early 1911s (NO-MODERN-HI-CAP/RACE-GUN STUFF), and .22 Match Pistols of the Ultra High End Bullseye-Olympic variety.

He was a competitive shooter of the Pre-IPSC/IDPA "bullseye" generation, and has no knowledge or interest of the modern stuff other than the blather that's more or less advertisements in the National Rifleman that comes in the mail each month.

Now he's a possible criminal?

Utah Gungrabbers to Bring Back Frontier Days

"The issue of restrictions on guns in terms of carrying should be left up to local control," Hatch said. "I believe in the Old West thing - there's a sign at the front of the town saying, 'Check your guns before you enter.' "

I've seen variations of this statement before and suspect much of it is movie fiction assumed to be true. I'd heard that the Earps imposed disarmament in Tombstone, but I don't know how much of that is movie lore vs actual historically-recorded law. I did find this reference to the "Dead Line" in Dodge. Brutal--shooting armed citizens on sight "if an officer was so inclined, and meant certain arrest." That's what Utah's latter day gungrabbers seem intent on emulating.

I confess ignorance here, and wonder who has done research on gun control in the Old West to know if this was a common occurrence or a rarity, and whether or not local edicts would have been backed by state or territorial law if challenged. Is there an authority on frontier gun laws?

I put the question to Clayton Cramer, who offered:

I've long been curious about this. It is clearly the case that some frontier law officers imposed such rules to deal with drunken cowboys. I don't know how common such laws were; they have left very little case law for the Wild West era. There is a bit of case law from the close of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century--and generally, local laws completely banning carrying of guns didn't do well. For example, Lewiston, Idaho, had a ban on carrying of guns in town, struck down by the Idaho Supreme Court case In re Brickey (Ida. 1902).

State v. Rosenthal (Vt. 1903) struck down a similar Rutland ordinance. City of Salina v. Blaksley (Kan. 1905) is one of the relatively few such bans of that period that survived court challenge. You can find other examples of the period in _For the Defense of Themselves and the State_.

The Human Factor

Jones shows that the CIA is not doing its basic job, penetrating our enemies’ organizations and getting their people to work with us. One of The Human Factor’s most surprising revelations is that, despite all the hue and cry about the need for more and better human intelligence, despite the billions of dollars that have been poured into this project, we don’t have any more case officers today than we did back when. So where did all the money go? It went to create a domestic empire right here in the United States.

Well, uh, yeah...

We "Homegrown Terrorists" are basically a peaceable lot. I'm not aware of one recorded case where we've sawed anybody's head off and posted the video to the Internet.

Safety first.

Anybody who wants to go home at the end of their shift knows that.

[Via Michael G]

Why Herbivores Don't Top the Food Chain

Scientists have discovered that going veggie could be bad for your brain-with those on a meat-free diet six times more likely to suffer brain shrinkage

Yeah, but on the other hand, it gives you huge...uh...what I meant to say is this may explain Pamela Anderson...

New Research vs Old-Fashioned Know-How

“Officers often feel they are prey and that there’s nothing much they can do about it. We need to alter that mind-set.”

Yeah, taking the paranoia and the us vs. them "Only Ones" worldview out of their community relations would be an improvement.

According to Smith, about 85% of the counts in federal indictments brought against terrorists in the U.S. relate to precursor activities, such as manufacturing silencers, failing to pay tax on explosive devices, converting semi-auto to fully automatic weapons, and illegal immigration.

Now hold on just a dang minute--aside from that last part, I'm wondering who the people who ought to feel like prey are...

And research by policy wonks notwithstanding, I keep coming back to "uneducated" Muhammad and Malvo keeping an entire region of LEO's at all levels in blind, Moose-headed befuddlement for weeks. In the end, it was their own arrogance that allowed a citizen to call in their whereabouts.

[Via Carl S]

Summer in the City

CBS 2 Chicago will be tracking all reported shootings between Memorial Day and Labor Day--considered the unofficial summer season in the city. Shootings marked in red are fatal.

Maybe they should ban guns or something.

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

[Via Zachary G]

This Day in History: September 15

We are infested by Ministerial Ships and Transports—I gave your Commissary General a Narrative yesterday—beg leave to refer you to him, from the haste of this Express—Our Coasts are kept in continual Alarm, Three Ships of War with thirteen other Vessels of divers sorts were seen off Fisher’s Island and in the Sound yesterday, they have gained no provisions from the Main—have heard nothing from Montaug or any part of Long-Island—New London is in great fears, and Stonington expect another Attack...

Put a Fork in it Barr, it's Done

Ian Branson finally gets Bob Barr to address the question we've been asking, and the tap-dancing and obfuscation begins. Telling the audience how he improved a bad bill hardly addressed his assertion that Lautenberg "is strong protection for women and children," or his claim that his amending language kept it from being "declared unconstitutional." He then goes on to support the concept of "prohibited persons" (how libertarian!). Incidentally, Ian has the entire event recorded--it's a monster file, 56 minutes of 720p video with a total file size of 2.46 Gb, but if you have time to download it and want to see the whole thing, right-click here and save it to your computer.

So the answer is, no, he won't repudiate his past support and spearhead the effort to repeal. Instead, he'd prefer you be caught in the trap and then go through a Catch-22 appeals process that has no funding to change anything--and won't for the foreseeable future.

It's not just me who's had enough of this guy.

David Nolan has pronounced the Barr campaign dead. Other LP activists are trying to oust him as the nominee. Meanwhile, Barr is employing the authoritarian tactic of appealing to the state to knock out his competition in New Hampshire.

I also note the post about Barr inviting Ron Paul (or more specifically, Ron Paul's money) to join his ticket is no longer featured on the main page of the Barr Blog (although entries appearing before and after it was posted do). A little "Commissar Vanishes"?

That last move was bugging me. I was trying to figure out what simultaneous wooing and insulting reminded me of, and then it hit me.


I'm going to start calling Barr Otis B. Driftwood.

AARP: Still Anti After All These Years

Friday night when I was a guest on The Michael Dukes Show, a caller asked about AARP's stance on guns.

I had to admit I'd heard they'd adopted some anti-gun policies and that their executive leadership was trying to downplay that, but needed to do some checking around to be more specific. I promised Michael I'd get that info to him for next week's show.

Here it is:

Per AARP's THE PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA 2000, Chapter 12, "Personal and Legal Rights," pg. 12-21, "Federal Policy - Criminal Justice":

The federal government should continue to regulate the availability of handguns and semiautomatic and automatic weapons. Congress should eliminate the 1998 expiration date for the Brady bill's five-day waiting period and should leave in place the assault weapons ban.

OK, but that was eight years ago. What about now?

Apparently the heat induced them to tone down a tad, but not much.

From their 2008 POLICY AGENDA, pp. 12-33 to 12-34:

Congress should eliminate gaps in and strengthen enforcement of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and other federal gun laws.

...States should: ...enact legislation to eliminate gaps in and strengthen enforcement of federal and state gun laws, particularly with regard to possession by juveniles, convicted domestic abusers and those under domestic violence restraining orders;

If you're of the age where these subversive coots are soliciting you, I hope you tell them to go to hell and why.

We're the Fauxnly Ones...

When Gene Angelino pulled a motorist over for a parking violation Wednesday night, he broke the first rule of impersonating a police officer:

Don't pull over a real officer.

I never understood the compulsion some otherwise inconsequential men have for donning a uniform and presuming authority over others. Conversely, I think we all should wannabe "Only Ones," that is, sovereign individuals acting as preservers of peace and guardians against evil violence in our communities--just like the Founders intended.

When in Rome

"I have to admit, it's a major issue, women passing through here in that dress code," Simon Weisser, a member of Community Board 1 in Williamsburg-Greenpoint, told The Post.

"It bothers me, and it bothers a lot of people."

Yeah, well, too bad, Simon. I have about as much sympathy for you as I do the Somali meatpackers.

It All Depends

Microchips in tablets could monitor pills

That they could.

And depending on who's doing the monitoring, that could do a lot of good.

Depending on who's doing the monitoring...

We're the Only Ones Doggone Enough

"If he lunged at him, why was he shot in the back and the back of the head?"

And why did a neighbor report it was the "Only One" chasing the dog?

Looking for Cause in All the Wrong Places

PBS's "Bill Moyers Journal" will focus Friday night on media-driven hate speech and whether it had an influence on the recent shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.

I dunno, Bill--lots of us have seen media-driven anti-gun hate speech from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting/PBS Television, and we haven't come and shot up your offices and studios.

After the Flood

Sedonia Owen, 75, and her son, Lindy McKissick, defied evacuation orders in Galveston because they wanted to protect their neighborhood from possible looters. She was watching floodwaters recede from her front porch Saturday morning, armed with a shotgun.

"My neighbors told me, 'You've got my permission. Anybody who goes into my house, you can shoot them,'" said Owen.

We'll see how long that's allowed to last. With power out for millions, and restoration for many estimated to take weeks, things are going to get very disorderly.

Let's hope my fears are unfounded. And let's hope if they're not, that good people won't allow bad things to be done to them...by anyone.

Crazy 'bout a Sharpe Dressed Man

Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James reports to prison on Monday

By-bye, gungrabber.

Don't let the bars slam you in the...

What with Kwame and Sharpe and...who else...? I know they're all crooks, I mean the ones who've been caught...?

Oh, look: I hadn't noticed Snappy Sammy Rivera, another Mayor Against Guns.

I wonder how the ratio of criminally convicted anti-gun mayors compares with, say, the membership of the NRA...?

They're So Light(worker) and Fluffy

Activists at a conservative political forum snapped up boxes of waffle mix depicting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as a racial stereotype on its front and wearing Arab-like headdress on its top flap.

The flap ought to be that anyone--including democrat "Authorized Journalists," are making a flap out of this.

If the caricature on the box is racist, then so is every political cartoon out there with The Lightworker's likeness. And so is every cartoon of anyone. If his devotees really want to play down any Islamophobia, they ought to stop acting like fatwah-issuing fanatics, and like his image is too sacred to graphically portray.

This Day in History: September 14

The unnatural Contest between the English Colonies and Great-Britain, has now risen to such a Heighth, that Arms alone must decide it. The Colonies, confiding in the Justice of their Cause, and the Purity of their Intentions, have reluctantly appealed to that Being, in whose Hands are all human Events. He has hitherto smiled upon their virtuous Efforts—The Hand of Tyranny has been arrested in its Ravages, and the British Arms which have shone with so much Splendor in every Part of the Globe, are now tarnished with Disgrace and Disappointment.

RIP George Putnam

I used to listen to him all the time when I lived in LA. I thought his program was the best thing on the air.

Oh, Canada!

Bill 82 2008

An Act to make manufacturers and importers liable for harm caused by the unlawful use of handguns

To be enacted by "Her Majesty," of course, with no shortage of loyal subjects demanding to be ruled.

This really is a stake through the heart. Let's hope gun manufacturer's follow Ronnie Barrett's lead and refuse to sell to government and police agencies--because the thing is, I don't see an "unlawful use" exemption for them.

Kevin Daniel Flynn's name, if anyone remembers it after he's gone, should live in infamy.

[Via Bruce Mills]

We're the Only Ones Blaming You Enough

Bank robberies are up 50% this year, and the NYPD says it's the banks' fault, the Daily News has learned.

Yeah, it's the rape victim's fault.

But in a way, if you think about it, they have a point.

Then again, any private citizen taking the only proven steps to send predators howling into the darkness would quickly find out about the difference between "Only Ones" and the rest of us.

[Via DJK]

Now There's a Good Idea

Rule Changes Would Give FBI Agents Extensive New Powers

What could go wrong?

[Via Zachary G]

Epidemic Proportions

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and other city officials told state lawmakers that gun violence has reached epidemic proportions in Nebraska's largest city.

So what are you getting for your membership, Mike?

City Councilman Jim Suttle said creating jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, would get prospective gang members off the streets.

I don't suppose you've considered that some of these guys are so scary they're a danger to have around, Jim? Why not hire them to do some chores around your house? Maybe the wife can bring them out a tray of lemonade? Or give them city jobs where they hang around you all day?

Say...here's an idea!

I also like how the "Authorized Journalists" at the AP provide a list of organizations at the end of their piece composed solely of organizations that have utterly failed to provide solutions.

Our Principle Thing

The Montana Shooting Sports Association says principled voters should vote for Ron Paul over John McCain or Barack Obama...

But the MSSA says "pragmatic" voters should choose McCain, because he is not as bad on gun issues as Obama.

Glad to see the term getting wider use.

The hatred against Dr. Paul from some of these pragmatic voters is still popping up--I just saw him contemptuously described as a "bizarre little man" the other day on one "gun blog." Others continue on the theme that he's a racist, or a "troofer," and one actually resorted to making fun of Paul backers by publishing the photo of a heavyset female supporter and ridiculing her weight.

I guess you can take your lead from that.

I won't write in Paul because he doesn't want it. My preference doesn't matter--it's his choice, not mine.

My advice continues to be: Vote your informed conscience. Because whether we compromise and go lesser of two evils, whether we sit on our hands, whether we go third party, it will affect the results--and we will share in moral responsibility for what follows if our decision helped enable it.

But then again, what do I know? I think it's been pretty well-established that I'm a rigid, "SNBI!"-shouting extremist.

"My Principle Thing"

I live in Kirk's district. I'll vote for him, no matter the AWB problem.

Such as this will ensure we'll always only have a choice between evils. With this philosophy, there is no escape.

I'm hoping enough will say "Enough!" and let "republicans" know they cannot win unless they insist on real principles. Barring that, they can just feel our pain.

I'm hoping, but it really is just hope. I have no confidence that enough IL 10th District gun owners will do the right thing.

If things do fall apart, I'll blame such as these as much as I do any democrat.

This Day in History: September 13

1775 John Zubly, Lyman Hall, Archibald Bulloch, and John Houstoun took their seats as Georgia’s delegates at the opening of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Any Port in a Storm

Citizens should arrive at the Civic Center with photo ID and try to limit their baggage as much as possible with only essential needs including prescription medication. No weapons, including firearms. This no firearm rule applies to those persons with Concealed Handgun licenses.

And leave the driving to us!

[Via Brian F]

"No Guns Allowed" in Action

Police were searching for the person who shot the manager of a Dairy Queen during a robbery attempt Tuesday night on the city's north side.

Plus they gave the robber what he wanted!

Any questions?

[Via Buckeye Firearms Association]

Terror at Hilton Head Island!

A 10-year-old Hilton Head Island boy has been suspended from school for having something most students carry in their supply boxes: a pencil sharpener.

The problem was his sharpener had broken, but he decided to use it anyway.

So they called the cops. They filled out a police report. They suspended him. And best of all:

The boy -- a fourth-grader described as a well-behaved and good student -- cried during the meeting with his mom, the deputy and the school's assistant principal.

HA! They broke him! That has to be done first, before the rebuilding can be done, you know.

They couldn't just throw it away, offer him use of one of their pencil sharpeners, and send him home with a note to his mom saying he needed a new one?

District spokesman Randy Wall said school administrators are stuck in the precarious position between the district's zero tolerance policy against having weapons at school and common sense.

"We're always going to do something to make sure the child understands the seriousness of having something that could potentially harm another student, but we're going to be reasonable," he said.

Bullshit, Randy. There was no "common sense" applied here. There was nothing "precarious" about this, nothing "reasonable." If you maintain otherwise, you're just an ass-covering liar, an enabler of insidious evil, and a punk.

"The school year has begun with zest!" exclaims Principal Jill McAden, who thought the hysteria also warranted a warning letter to inmate-in-training parents.

I'll say.

I did some checking on this school. It's "mission statement":

To ensure excellence in education for every learner that prepares each with the knowledge, skills and personal responsibility to succeed in a rapidly changing global society.

Which of course, means traditional American values are vulgar and regressive. Global values are where it's at. Just add a dash of "tolerance and diversity" (for everything that is approved for collective indoctrination).

One other thing, and I really don't give a damn if this "appears" sexist: the entire school is run by women, and "liberal" ones at that, I think it's safe to assume. In 10 minutes I found only four guys--two phys-ed teachers and a third and fifth grade teacher. It's part of the feminizing boys agenda--make them cry in fear of police authority for having a 3/4" x 1/4" pencil sharpener blade. If that doesn't work, if they still insist on acting out their natures, we can always prescribe psychopharmaceuticals.

And then, when a percentage of them finally snap and go apeshit violent after years of brainwashing, repression and chemical intervention, and when some of those use guns, why we can use that to further justify defanging, declawing and tranquilizing everybody else to fit into the new global order of things. Because you know they'd like all schools to be run like this.

The school, of course, is but a symptom. Primary fault must rest with the parents who allow this to happen, and who then side with the "authorities" instead of defending their young--the true sign that an animal has been domesticated.

Just like with our greater society--the fault lies with every one of us who is not engaged in guarding their own freedom. Thinking someone is going to come along and save us, and do the hard work, take the hits and pay the price for us, is lazy, cowardly and contemptible.

No wonder our masters think they can get away with just about any new outrage their Marxist little minds can dream up.

Kirk's Fate in Doubt

But that may not be enough in a year where home-state presidential nominee Barack Obama is generating huge Democratic enthusiasm at the top of the ticket.

Good. Mark Kirk deserves to go down in flames. And then pointed and laughed at as he skulks away.

Except aside from this blog, I've seen little interest on the part of district gun owners to punish him. So if they don't care, it's tough for me to--except to note that their apathy and refusal is what guarantees that Republicans can always feed them a nice steaming pile of "who else you gonna vote for?" with confidence.

And then their apologists can berate people of principle for voting their conscience, and accuse them of wasting their votes and enabling enemy victory.

A Qualified Political Response

Zargonian sympathizer Pamela Anderson finally weighs in on something she's competent to comment on.

Vanderboegh: Lies and Damn Lies (Without Statistics)

TO: Steve Richardson, Chairman, Gregg County Texas Democrat Party

re: Lies and damn lies (without statistics)

Dear Sir,

In a story on 5 September on the Cox newspaper wire, Jamaal O'Neal has a story entitled "Gun sales brisk ahead of election." In it a spokesman of your party, one Patrick Franklin, is quoted as saying "Republicans used the same tactic in 1992 when Bill Clinton ran for office. Barack Obama is not going to take people's gun rights away. That's not his intention. . . There's soon going to be a discussion in this country about automatic weapons. I think people would agree having an AK-47 on the streets is something that needs to be regulated."

Uh, if I might, let's fact check this amazing leap of lying legerdemain.

1. "Automatic weapons" also called "machine guns" (known to the ATF under the National Firearms Act as "Class III") are already tightly regulated, their possession without a license gets you thrown under the jail for ten years.

2. The "assault weapons" the limp-wristed Mr. Patrick is talking about are, in fact, Class I semi-automatic rifles, no different in function than a Remington semi-auto deer rifle.

3. With the passage of both the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban, Bill Clinton was most certainly a gun-banner and Obama, with an even greater legislative majority will do the same, or worse. This despite the undeniable fact that gun control has been a losing political issue for your party ever since. How's that working out down there in Texas, eh?

It is not my fault that your party chose to vest its national leadership hopes in two of the most liberal mokes ever to come down the political pike, Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi. Surely despite their words (and we gun owners have long ago ceased to pay attention to words in an election cycle, either yours or the ill-named "Republicans") they will once more deliver us gun control. It is in their liberal genes.

But to deny it in the press is mendacity to the nth degree.

Far better to shut up about it and hope the electoral sheep pay no notice, don't you think? So please thank Mr. Patrick for once again reminding us gun owners who pay attention to such things of the lying, gun banning Democrat party. Even cognitively dissonant gun owning Democrats ought to perk up at that.

Have a nice day.

Mike Vanderboegh
PO Box 926
Pinson, AL 35126
GeorgeMason1776@aol.com

An "Assault Screwdriver"

...as opposed to a "Patrol screwdriver," I suppose...

[Via Mama Liberty]

His Reassuringly Outdoorsy Side

Their new "Meet Dion" short film ( thisisdion.ca)reveals the professor's reassuringly outdoorsy side; as he snowshoes and fishes with his trusty dog Kyoto, you almost begin to see him as the kind of guy you could swing by to pick up in your 4x4 early on some nippy morning in hunting season. Of course, once the footage runs out, you realize that before you could escape his driveway, Mr. Dion would start asking uncomfortable questions about fuel efficiency, and asking to see the registry papers for the contents of your gun rack.

Kyoto?

He named his dog Kyoto?

That's all I need to know.

Along with this. And this.

[Via Bruce Mills]

A Global Survey

The United States leads the world in economic loss from deaths caused by armed crime, according to a global survey released Friday.

I guess if you believe armed crime is the cause, and not a symptom of failed socialist policies like these one-worlders want to impose everywhere, you could make a case.

Note, as always, the collectivist gungrabbers employ the old one-way street tactic of not factoring in the other side of the productivity balance sheet with lives saved by armed citizens. Also note that the lowest rate of economic loss due to state-sponsored genocide is currently enjoyed by America's tens of millions of peaceable gun owners.

I can't help but wonder if there's a correlation...?

These lying sons of bitches are shameless and relentless in trying to con the childish and weak-minded out of their Liberty. And when you have "Authorized Journalist" co-conspirators like the Associated Press...well, let's just say we shouldn't be surprised when they try to undermine alternative media that tells you things they won't.

[Via Avg Joe]

Thirdpower has more.

Bob Barr Showing Leadership

Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee for president, has invited GOP Congressman Ron Paul to be his running mate in the upcoming election.

I know this says his presumptive running mate, Wayne Root is OK with this, but what about the LP delegates who approved the ticket? I don't pretend to know how that process works, but I'd assume party leadership is more than simply placing a crown on one's own head. I also find it more than curious that there is currently nothing about this on the LP website, or blog, or press release page.

So what reason could Barr have for doing this?

Oh, I don't know...

[Via Matthew Maynard]

We're the Only Ones Who Really Know How to Treat a Lady Enough

A Memphis police officer was charged with second-degree murder Wednesday after a short-term affair with a woman ended with multiple gunshots...

He has been suspended with pay pending an administrative hearing.

How many times must we demonstrate that "Only Ones" are more responsible and trustworthy with guns than you or I could ever hope to be?

[Via M.R. Jarrell]

A Pre-Announcement

My name is L. Neil Smith. I'm about to make an important announcement for Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership. If you would send me any e-mail address(es) of folks you think might be interested, it would be easier, and I would appreciate it. You'll find material to establish my bona fides on Wikipedia.com, or at The Libertarian Enterprise or "The Webley Page."

If you're intrigued, you can reach him at lneilATnetzeroDOTnet .

UPDATE: I'm adding this based on some concerns raised in "Comments." For what it's worth, my personal policy is never to forward anyone's email address to anyone else without consent.

Another Notch

The ability for law-abiding citizens to be able to carry firearms in National Parks has moved forward a major notch today in the US Senate!!

While there are still many steps left to go, this bill passing out of a Senate committee by such a huge **bipartisan** margin (18 to 5!!) has got to send a very strong message to the Department of the Interior, which is considering updating its regulations to allow carry as well.

We shall see. Anybody know if they're going to being it to the floor before the elections?

Firearms Friday

First Hour will be Larry Pratt, interviewing me for his show 'Live Fire' heard nationally around the nation every Saturday. Larry is the President of Gun Owners of America and a great 2nd Amendment supporter. Hour two will be author, columnist and blogger David Codrea. He writes about, and defends our Right to Keep and Bear Arms everyday on WarOnGuns blog.

I'll be on The Michael Dukes Show tonight at 9:00PM EST. Scroll down the right side of his page and click on the "On Air" graphic link to reach the KFAR 660 AM Live Stream (allow a couple minutes in case you need to download their software to listen).

Somos Los Uniqos High Profile Enough

On Thursday, the 35 police were charged with attempted murder and drug crimes and moved from jail to a state prison. And it was just one of several cases of high-profile police corruption or misconduct this week.

Damned American gun shows.

[Mas de "Los Unicos" Archivos]

This Day in History: September 12

September 12. 1775
- The Second Continental Congress reconvenes in Philadelphia. Three new Georgia delegates join the deliberations.
- In London, Lord Dartmouth announces that 10,000 stand of arms and 6 light artillery pieces would be sent to North Carolina where Governor Martin claims a large body of loyalists would oppose the rebels with force.

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town

5. Defendant Sergeant Stacey Smith is a member of the Chicago Police Department. At all times relevant hereto, Sergeant Smith was assigned to the Patrol Division of the 9th District, which encompasses Mr. Sparr’s neighborhood.

6. Defendant Joshua Simental is a member of the Insane Deuces, a gang with an active presence in Mr. Sparr’s neighborhood. Mr. Simental and other members of the Insane Deuces have a grudge against Mr. Sparr because Mr. Sparr has refused to join the gang.

7. In early 2008, Sergeant Smith and Mr. Simental became romantically involved.

Are Chi-Town "Only Ones" being used to harass citizens to benefit street gangs?

Just stop everything you're doing and read this.

[Via DJK]

UPDATES:

Here's the news article on this story.

And what did Sen. Obama say about lipstick...?

Special Announcement from the Ministry of Truth*

Former President Bill Clinton will replace former President George H.W. Bush as chairman of the National Constitution Center...

Good grief.

"It's quite a coup for us."

You got that right.

*

More Snake Oil-Laced Kool-Aid, Please

The White House on Wednesday endorsed a bill, backed by scores of Democratic lawmakers worried about getting re-elected in pro-gun districts, that would repeal gun laws in the U.S. capital...

But the measure is not expected to get through the Democratic-led Senate before this Congress draws to a close by the end of the year.

So everybody can score election points by saying the right words and not actually doing anything?

Anybody else sick and damned tired of being played by these charlatans and their apologists?

Hammering Away at the City of Brotherly Love

SEPTA hammer attack suspect has lengthy criminal record

Someone with "a long criminal history including rape, robbery, assault" had free access to the rest of us why...?

Again--anyone who can't be trusted with a gun can't be trusted without a custodian. Because in a free society, people have access to box cutters, fuel oil and fertilizer, matches, and even hammers....

Ramsey this morning criticized other riders for doing nothing to stop the attack.

"They better pray they're never a victim, because if someone was attacking them that way they would certainly hope someone would step forward and help, and it starts with stepping forward and doing something yourself," Ramsey said.

That's easy for you to say, commissioner. But if I'd have been riding in that car, the only way I could reasonably be expected to oppose a raging lunatic with a claw hammer would get me arrested. By you. And the video camera would give you all the evidence you'd need to give me the Bernhard Goetz treatment.

"Honestly, I didn't even notice him," said Taylor, a 20-year-old laboratory assistant at the University of Pennsylvania and a regular SEPTA rider. "I was in my own world."

It's time you acted like you were in the real world, Taylor. The police won't help you, and between conditioning the sheep around you and warning off the rest of us, the only one you can really count on to protect you is yourself.

Lt. Frank Vanore of the Public Affairs Unit, however, said it was difficult to say whether others should have done more...

"The best thing to do is to be a good witness and call authorities right away," Vanore said.

Aside from contradicting your boss, lieutenant, do you ever listen to yourself?

When you're up against a real and dangerous enemy bent on killing you, Frank, here's what is best.

We're the Only Ones Terrorizing You Enough

Teachers took cover under child-sized tables, crying and trembling.

I don't know how much clearer things can be made. Who but an unredeemable herd animal could go through an experience like this and conclude they must trust their safety to the authorities, and that people who don't share their cowardice must be disarmed?

I thought this was a follow-up to a story I'd already covered, but I was wrong.

Phillipsburg "Only Ones" aren't the only ones sadistic enough to pull an evil-minded stunt like this.

I Don't Mean to be Difficult...

...but would someone please show me where electing freedom is an option this year?

"The Reason this Happened is Because of You"

After a battle stretching back to 2004, the Port of Portland has finally rescinded its illegal ordinance against CHL holders at the Portland Airport.

Good job OFF. And your kindly and appropriately recognizing the contributions of volunteers in this success notwithstanding, I'd bet only a small percentage of area gun owners actually pitched in and helped.

All of us need to honestly assess what we've done recently, and on a sustained basis, to support RKBA. Reading about it is not enough.

Have we joined anything? Led anything? Contributed any money time or effort to a group that is doing something? Attended an event? Written anything? Done anything that will make a difference?

If not, why not?

It's a damn sight easier than grabbing a musket and running to a muster. Not that anyone who won't do the easy things will ever do the difficult.

[Via Jeffersonian]

We're the Only Ones Dirty Har...uh...Gerry Enough

Take Gerald Callahan.

In 2004, he handcuffed a bartender who refused to serve him. The city paid the bartender $15,000 to make his false-arrest lawsuit go away and Callahan was suspended.

The department ordered Callahan -- an alcoholic and manic depressive -- into rehab. The day before he was return to normal duty in 2006, supervisors smelled booze on his breath. He refused to take a Breathalyzer and was abusive to his bosses.

Maybe they're part of that Chicago "Only Ones" special hires program. And 3/4 of these mutts (that's more than "a few bad apples") are returned to the streets, where they're deemed more trustworthy to keep and bear arms than you or I.

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

We're the Only Ones Unfit Enough

CHICAGO POLICE Dozens of applicants made the hire list despite drug records, battery arrests and rejections from other departments

And they're the "Only Ones" trusted to have guns.

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

"Neighbors Say There Wasn't Really Anything Unusual"

So he wasn't threatening anybody? He had the guns because he's a survivalist?

So how's he gonna survive when things have really gone to hell and you thick-necked thugs have either abandoned your posts or are out looting Wal-Marts? Wait a sec--we're talking Jersey City--things have already gone to hell, and you're already bloated on plunder.

But here's the attitude:

The ATF, who knows more about this stuff than we do, has labeled all multiple purchases inherently suspicious.

Now all you have to do is rely on your public/private partnership with the "Authorized Journalists" at the AP. They'll dutifully repeat the "weapons of war" and "capable of going through a bullet-proof vest" mantra, and you'll have yourself a media event capable of fooling enough of the sheeple enough of the time...

[Via Less]

The Bourne Hysteria

I think there's a really good chance Sarah Palin could become president, and I think that's a really scary thing...

Matt Damon (he's on the list!) joins hysterical Hollywood harridans Annette Bening, Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell in a case of the vapors.

[Via HZ]

Vanderboegh: "Alles ist in Ordnung."

Dusty Horwitt's Collectivist Vision of the Cyber-Future

"Look at poor Neuchl there," (gesturing toward the body of a German POW who has been murdered by the fanatical U-Boat Captain Schleutter) he's all in order now, wouldn't you say? Alles ist in ordnung." -- Captain Jack Connor, The McKenzie Break, 1970

Dear Dusty,

Are you sure you're not channeling Josef Goebbels? He would certainly understand your plan to bring order out of Internet chaos. The question has always been, whose order? Freedom and liberty, like capitalism, are inherently messy and inefficient systems, except when you compare them to the collectivist alternatives, which never work and are more often than not murderous.

Let me put it another way. If you remove the ability of people to peaceably and freely express themselves, they will, according to the Law of Unintended Consequences, find other ways to express themselves -- ways that are not so peaceable.

This should give you, as the public proponent of a tyrannical scheme, some pause as you reflect upon the possible unintended consequences of your plan. Should you get your way, some people who value their liberty might get the wrong idea, or perhaps, the right idea, that you are responsible for the disenfranchisement of their First Amendment rights. Some might even be upset enough to invoke the Second Amendment to protect the First.

Are you sure you've thought this through?

Have a nice day.

Mike Vanderboegh
Alleged Leader of a Merry Band of Three Percenters
PO Box 926
Pinson, AL 35126
GeorgeMason1776@aol.com

[Also see: Dinosaur Demands Government Outlaw Mammals]

This Day in History: September 11

Col. Ebenezer Bridge, of the 27th Regt. of foot, in the service of the United Colonies; tried at a General Court martial, whereof Brigd. Genl. Green was president, for "misbehaviour and neglect of duty, in the Action at Bunkers-hill, on the 17th of June last"; The Court are of opinion that Indisposition of body, render'd the prisoner incapable of action, and do therefore acquit him.

A Bold Move

An Indiana high school is making a bold move to create a safer environment for students -- they've banned students from carrying bags including purses, during the school day. Female students are upset about the changes.

Nothing like preparing kids for real life! As adults, they'll be expected to be defenseless dependents on "Only Ones," too, just like their teachers and administrators.

And they've banned backpacks too, just to make sure no one gets any ideas...

Goodness. As far as "creat[ing] a safer environment for students" goes, can their moves get any bolder?

Now chew your cud, children, so that you can grow up to be just like us.

Farewell and Adieu to You, Scanty-Clad Ladies*

Now let ev'ry man drink off his full bumper,
And let ev'ry man drink off his full glass;
We'll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy,
And here's to the health of each true-hearted lass.

Sorry, girls. Bimbo-wear just doesn't fit in with what I'm trying to do here. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave. You've been filtered out.

It takes a few hours to go into effect, so here's to your health, lasses. May you enjoy it somewhere else.

* With apologies

Breaking the Code

"I think the Republican Party is too smart to call Barack Obama 'black' in a sense that it would be a negative. But you can take something about his life, which I noticed they did at the Republican Convention – a 'community organizer.' They kept saying it, they kept laughing," he said.

Thanks for the new code words, Gov. Paterson! I'd have never recognized them had you not pointed this out.

As for laughing, let's give it a try:

How many "community organizers" does it take to destroy the Republic?

Sorry, but that's not funny.

Dinosaur Demands Government Outlaw Mammals

It's possible that over time, an energy tax, by making some computers, Web sites, blogs and perhaps cable TV channels too costly to maintain, could reduce the supply of information. [More]

It's Orwellian--the only way to ensure "democracy" is to stifle individual voices. See, the poor establishment media doesn't have enough of a competitive advantage. Something must be done. And naturally, the government decides who is "overproducing" (bloggers).

I have two words that rebut everything this Bolshevik says: "Authorized Journalists." Like the fascist Washington Post can be trusted to cover Liberty.

The left often perpetrates the lie that RKBA activists only care about the Second Amendment at the expense of all other rights. As we can plainly see, the First Amendment is no safer in their nakedly collectivist hands than anything else.

If Dusty Horwitt has his way, the government will enforce his insane power grab under force of arms. And eat whole useful idiots like him when they're no longer needed.

[Via Zachary G]

We're the Only Ones "Miller Time" Enough

Miller pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor DUI. Fourth District Magistrate Jerry Meyers sentenced Miller to one year probation and 90 days in jail Monday and fined him $750. Meyers then suspended 87 days of the jail sentence, according to court records.

Meyers granted Miller a withheld judgment, which means Miller can ask Meyers to have the guilty plea taken off his record if he completes probation successfully.

Yeah, I'm sure non-"Only Ones" caught driving with a "blood alcohol level...twice the legal limit" get that kind of break all the time.

[Via Avg Joe]

Another Child Gun Death

A North Sacramento man shot and killed an armed intruder early Tuesday as his pregnant wife and children awoke in terror from the attack...

The other suspect or suspects fled, but the 19-year-old, dropped the gun from his hand, staggered into the cul de sac before collapsing dead, the resident told the neighbor and police.

Just great. Thanks bunches for adding to the "child gun deaths" statistics, pal.

Too bad you didn't live in DC. Chief Cathy Lanier and Eleanor "Homes" Norton would prefer you had all been killed.

But don't worry--your local politicians are working on it.

[Via Joe G]

Imagining How Difficult

A bill before Congress to ease restrictions on guns in the District of Columbia would make it harder to protect federal workers, residents and the president, city and federal officials said Tuesday at a House oversight hearing.

On the flip side, it would make it easier for residents to protect themselves, something Cathy Lanier conveniently leaves unsaid.

“Imagine how difficult it will be for law enforcement to safeguard the public, not to mention the president at the inaugural parade,” Chief Lanier said...

“In attempted and successful assassinations around the world,” she said “the first step in attacking a motorcade is frequently to take out the security detail with semiautomatic and automatic firearms.”

Imagine how difficult is is for us to listen to your hysterical fabrications, Cathy. Imagine how difficult it is for gun owners who are being asked to support political candidates in November to know that not a single member of the panel hearing your absurd whining called you on the carpet for being a liar, like Eleanor "AK/.50" Holmes Norton.

We're the Only Ones Framing the Issue Enough

A Chicago Police officer has been charged with helping a Crystal Lake man frame his estranged wife by falsely arresting her on gun and drug charges and then testifying at her trial.

At the risk of incurring ethno-sensitive indignation and wrath, but the hell with it, how many Polish "Only Ones" does it take to screw a defendant?

[Via DEH and Less]

We're the Only Ones Contagious Enough

Inglewood residents protest fatal shootings by officers

They turn out at a City Council meeting to decry police killings of four people, three unarmed, in recent months.

...In the Franco shooting...officials were looking at the possibility that it was a case of "contagious fire" -- a phenomenon in which an officer opens fire after he hears other officers firing and misinterprets the shots as being an attack.

I'm curious about the circumstances of the other three killings, and can't help but wonder if there's an institutionalized mindset at work here. Having lived within a few miles of Inglewood for many years, I know first-hand what it's like there, as well as the effects of the police being the "Only Ones" legally armed.

Sarah Palin: So What?

American gun owners - as well as others in the ostensibly-rational conservative part of the political spectrum - have a great deal in common with victims of spousal/partner abuse.

Western Rifle Shooters Association expands on an observation by Billy Beck responding to Vin Suprynowicz. All raise points we need to consider.

WarOnGuns readers will note I've been generally positive in what I've said about Sarah Palin. Does that mean I'm softening and getting ready to endorse McCain?

I'm afraid you'll not see an endorsement from me. But a few considerations are at play here that I'll explain.

First, as I've asked before, "Why should someone with political aspirations ruin his chances by championing something as unsupported as gun rights?"

It may not be that big a deal in Alaska, but on the national stage, it's pretty remarkable. Gun owners deserve to know her position and she deserves us knowing.

Another theme I've raised is the moral implications of whatever we choose. Whether we compromise and go lesser of two evils, whether we sit on our hands, whether we go third party, it will affect the results--and we will share in responsibility for what follows if our decision helped enable it. That's why I always advise to vote your conscience. My conscience says if I'm to do so rationally, I need more information, not less.

With that in mind, look for me to talk more about Sarah Palin, and much of it will no doubt be positive. Look for me to provide a forum for people like Michael Dukes, who knows and supports her, for the reasons I've stated.

Plus, I have to admit I really am enjoying the way the Daily Kos/HuffPo left and their "Authorized Journalist" co-conspirators are going into increasingly desperate emotional meltdown, and the way Team Lightworker is funding an expedition of hit men to try and dig up something...anything... that might stick. Tell me if the GOP were doing this against Hillary that it wouldn't be decried as another paranoid republican witch hunt against women. When The Lightworker himself is reduced to pig and lipstick attacks, there's just something deliciously ironic and entertaining.

But all this aside, look at what WRSA has written. That's part of what we need to consider, too. Soberly, and with full understanding that what we do--or don't do--can have very real consequences.

What Not Listening to Authorities Gets You

Cops say one of the abductors in the back seat temporarily put down his gun so he could send a text message on his cell phone. Without hesitating, the victim picked up the loaded weapon, shot the man next to him and then fired a series of rounds at the other abductor in the front seat.

Why should it not surprise us that Chicago proposes doing exactly the opposite as a means to deter violent crime?

[Via MacEntyre]

Are We Still Here...?

The world breathed a sigh of relief as our predicted demise - at 5pm - came and went with not even a whimper, let alone a bang.

So Earth survived? No black hole swallowed us? The fabric of space/time wan't ripped apart?

I don't notice any changes, and neither does my duplicate with the funky sash belt and goatee...

This Day in History: September 10

September 10, 1775 at Ile aux Noix, Quebec - On September 10, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler had fortified this island encampment and welcomed 700 reinforcements. He launched a second effort to attack the fort at St. John's. For this attack, he had 800 men with him. Schuyler's men, fearful of another ambush like the one on September 5, broke and ran when they were threatened. His second effort to take the fort also failed. Once again, the American force had to retreat back to Ile aux Noix. Conclusion: British Victory

When Sausages are Outlawed...

The victims, both farmworkers, told deputies they were awakened by a stranger applying "Pappy's Seasoning" to one of them and striking the other with a sausage.

Since the assailant wasn't an "Only One," it must have been an "assault sausage" rather than a "patrol sausage."

What are Some Customers Saying About Vonage?

From personal experience, reinforced just a few minutes ago, I'm not surprised.

As the Wolves Howl in the Distance

With the site of a gunman's murderous rampage as a backdrop, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion promised to strengthen gun laws to ensure that military assault weapons are banned.

"A new Liberal government will make our cities, our communities, and our schools safer by getting military assault weapons off our streets," Dion said at an event at Dawson College in Montreal.

I can just hear all the sheep bleating "Dis-a-a-a-arm us! Dis-a-a-a-arm us!" followed in the not-too-distant future by a panicked "LA-A-A-AMBERT!"

Let us not forget though, there are still some lions in the north deserving of our respect and support.

Big Pain for Lil Wayne

A police officer said Monday she saw rapper Lil Wayne with a gun on his tour bus last year after a concert.

Officer Diane Hornung testified in a pretrial hearing that she had gotten on the bus on July 22, 2007, because she saw and smelled marijuana smoke wafting from the bus' open door.

Plus she "saw someone peeking through the window." I'm surprised that's not a separate charge.

I'm trying to figure out what this guy did that endangered or victimized another human being by force, fraud or criminal negligence, and absent that what the problem is or why his private property and private conduct is anybody else's damn business.

Your Polling Place

Who will you vote for in the 2008 Presidential Election?

KeepAndBearArms.com wants to know.

Click on the title link, scroll down and take the poll in the left sidebar.

How to Deal with Bears

Now school officials want to make sure children know how to react if a bear crosses their path.

Like this?

Or like this?

She Just Keeps Reinventing Herself

Good ol' anti-gun (for you and me) Madonna returns to her roots in this latest incarnation.


And to think that just a few short weeks ago she was a Gorn Star.

We're the Only Ones Who Really Fracture You Enough

News media released footage showing Mr. Niemeyer restraining the girl, and then leaping upon another student, Joshua Lockett, who was videotaping the incident until he was attacked by security guards trying to take the camera. When Ms. Lockett begged them to let him go, she said, another guard attacked her, fracturing her arm.

Pick up those cake crumbs or I'll break your arm.

It's a question of who's the "Only One" who owns you, and Judge Estes just made that clear.

I'm glad we have that established now.

[Via Cigar Rollers]

SSINF*

Chicago schools, police officials unveil plans to curb student violence
Increased security, text messaging service are among initiatives

Text messaging. Nothing like attacking a problem at its root.

And you just knew, coming from gun-free schools in gun-free Chicago, that it would all boil down to this:

"[E]asy availability of guns in our society is staggering."

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

I have to wonder though, if a student does text the paid snitch line, will it show up on their called numbers display, outing and endangering them if someone takes their phone?

[Via HZ]

*

The Freedom Orphan

But freedom isn't freedom without the right to pursue what you value—money or knowledge, pleasure or sacrifice, God or atheism, community or misanthropic solitude—rather than what others think you should value. It includes the right to go to hell, and the right to tell others to do the same.

That defines us as human beings. It's why we have free will. It's why it's up to us make a choice and then reap the consequences or rewards.

Without meaning to sound overly religious, it's why anyone interfering with that choice, by threats or force and for reasons other than defense of self or others, commits an act of blasphemy.

[Via Ron W]

We're the Only Ones Spicing Up Your Life Enough

A woman...was doused with pepper spray while suffering an epileptic seizure...

“They called the police for help by I tried to explain to them that she has epilepsy. She has proof from her doctor that she is sick and can easily become aggressive when she suffers an attack”...

“They evidently got spray on themselves too because we were forced to stop and air out the ambulance,” explained the woman.

Somehow I envision a bunch of Swedish "Only Ones" hopping around yelling "Yumpin' Yiminy!"

[Via cycjec]

This Day in History: September 9

The Major General commanding the division of the army, posted between Prospect-hill and Cambridge river, is to be very exact in obliging the Colonels and Field Officers, to lay in the Encampments of their respective regiments; and particularly, the Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel of the 30th Regiment.