Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Great Dictator

A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist dictatorship.
Some counsel us that this is hyperbole, and such rhetoric is not helpful. It makes "us" look wacko.

I disagree. The way to make it more difficult for unmasked tyranny to become pervasive is to sound warnings when it's approaching the perimeter. All the structures are already in place. All that's needed is an event of sufficient magnitude.

Dismiss this as tinfoil hat black helicopters all you want. Point and laugh. Hell, invoke Godwin's Law if you like--even though national socialism is staring us all in the face.

Something I wrote a while back about the "insurrectionary theory" of the Second Amendment comes to mind:
And to those who feel this is too dangerous, that it is uncalled for, that it is unneeded because we have the vote, or the right to speak, that we have evolved beyond such crude reminders of our barbaric past, I must ask where in history is any civilization guaranteed stasis? Has not despotism and mass destruction plagued every civilization that preceded ours? Is it not, in fact, still commonplace throughout the globe? By what suspension of reality, by what denial of the observable and the probable, by what art, device or magic are we sheltered few immune from catastrophe? Are we certain, from our brief and privileged vantage point, that such things will ever remain headline curiosities? Is it not just plain stupid to proclaim that our familiar way of life will forever be the norm, when everything that has gone before us shows we are, instead, the extremely lucky beneficiaries of a rare and fortunate convergence of circumstances; and one, by the way, that has only been preserved under force of arms?
But what do I know, paranoid absolutist "principles freak" that I am...?

[Via David H and Tommy S]

We're the Only Ones Intoxicating Enough

The sheriff of Los Angeles County plans to prohibit his off-duty deputies from carrying their guns while drinking because several have been accused in recent years of firing weapons while intoxicated...

The deputies' union opposes the restriction. Union leader Steve Remige says it would let criminals know that deputies who had put them away would at times be unarmed.
But it's OK if the criminals know you're incapacitated because you're stinking drunk, right Steve-O? Or if LA's finest put the rest of our lives at risk?

Telling me, a responsible, peaceable sovereign citizen, that drunken "Only Ones" are more qualified and trustworthy to be armed than I am, is a stupid, indefensible, offensive lie. That makes anyone who would do so corrupt and despicable.

You and your public employee union thugs have a choice in the matter--to go out drinking, to go out drinking where gangsters frequent...or to be armed. You and your public employee union thugs would presume to take the latter choice from the rest of us.

If we let you.

Incidentally, I'm told that "sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore" is actor James Whitmore's son. What a disappointment that guy turned out to be.

[Via Mike H and Mark of a Freeman]

Tolerance...

...is a two-way street.

I wonder why stunts like this are never tried in fundamentalist mosques?

[Via ebd10]

"From a Technological Perspective...

...it is the beginning...
Count on it.

[Via cycjec]

Dead Letters

When the Supreme Court switched to discretionary certiorari in 1925 (thus allowing the court to pick and choose its own docket), the Court paved the way for a highly selective treatment of the Constitution. While some constitutional provisions (e.g., the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment) are routinely accorded Supreme Court consideration, many others are almost completely ignored.

It can hardly be a coincidence that all of the dead letters happen to place limitations on the scope and power of government. In contrast, the few provisions of the Constitution granting powers to government have been interpreted expansively.
If I were cynical by nature, I'd start to wonder if maybe the whole damn game was rigged...

[Via Ron W]

About that Obama Birth Certificate

A few of you have been sending in tips on this developing story and I haven't picked up on it so far. Part of that is because it's almost impossible to divine what's going on--even from "our" side, as I've even read opinions that the reason Obama hasn't ordered the release of his birth certificate is because there's nothing to the story, his people may have even planted it, and he's exploiting the outrage to ultimately discredit his opponents. The word "Gramscian" was used.

I don't have the resources or the time to give this the attention needed. I'll just spread myself too thin. Thing is, there are people devoting themselves to this, supporting and following the Berg lawsuit, reporting on it, trying mightily to get it on the public radar and resolved before inauguration.

I contacted some of these people and sent them the following:
Good for you on pursuing the Obama birth certificate matter through the courts.

I do have a suggestion, possibly a shortcut that could save you time, money and effort.

If the Hawaiian state government cannot, by law, release a copy of his birth certificate to anyone but Obama or a relative, why not retain a relative to request it? Having a common ancestor qualifies, right? Last I heard, he has an illegal alien aunt living on welfare, a brother living in a shack, and a whole bunch of relatives living in Kenya who could live like kings for a couple thousand bucks.

Any chair in a bar fight.
No one saw fit to reply and I find that curious. I guess they're vested in what they're doing. But unless I'm missing something, it does seem like an expedient way to get to the bottom of things.

Anyway, barring some newsworthy development, I'm going to resume being a silent observer on this.

This Day in History: November 12

I could not join to day in the petitions of our worthy parson, for a reconciliation betwen our, no longer parent State, but tyrant State, and these Colonies. -- Let us seperate, they are unworthy to be our Breathren. Let us renounce them and instead of suplications as formorly for their prosperity and happiness, Let us beseach the almighty to blast their counsels and bring to Nought all their devices.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

What Won't Prevent Cleveland's Next "Shooting Death"

Questions like these have already been asked. The answers are already known, but they just don't serve the agenda of those who value your control over your freedom.

Here's today's Gun Rights Examiner piece.

The Art of Driving

What if I proposed that we hand three sticks of dynamite and a detonator to anyone who asked for them. All an applicant would need is money to pay for the explosives. You’d have to be an idiot to agree with my plan—at least based on the assumptions you picked up in school about human nature and human competence.

And yet gasoline, a spectacularly mischievous explosive, dangerously unstable and with the intriguing characteristic as an assault weapon that it can flow under locked doors and saturate bulletproof clothing, is available to anyone with a container. Five gallons of gasoline have the destructive power of a stick of dynamite.

I've long maintained anyone who can't be trusted with a gun can't be trusted without a custodian, and used a similar rationale.

This explores such concepts more thoroughly, and is really quite good.

[Via Mama Liberty]

Just a Sales Technique

But, the news is that it's a mainly just a sales technique.
That's a hell of a sales technique--running out of inventory when you still have customers clamoring for more.

What line of work did you say you were in, Bryan? Besides shoveling sh**?

[Via Mr.X]

No Dismissal for Melton

U.S. District Court Judge Dan Jordan this afternoon refused to dismiss civil rights charges against Jackson Mayor Frank Melton and an ex-bodyguard based on a defense motion filed Friday that cited the alleged behavior of former co-defendant Marcus Wright.
Good. It's time Frank faced the music. It's time all anti-gun political criminals did.

[Via Stephen S]

Voice from the Grave's Edge

Statism and totalitarianism, which we spent so much blood and money to fight in the Second World War and the Cold War, rise everywhere. They will keep rising until the private, secret impulse to freedom among individual men and women becomes a working majority. It will. First this majority will be silent and almost invisible. Then, overnight it will seem, it will emerge as a tempest which will sweep most of what we know today into history's garbage can, both the good and the bad. Blood will run.
An important cry for freedom--from Canada.

Go. Read.

[Via Jeet]

The Will of the People

Most voters in 10 Illinois counties said on Election Day that they think the state should pass a law permitting citizens to carry concealed weapons, but voters in another four counties rejected the idea...

State Rep. David Leitch, R-Peoria, said he doesn't expect any concealed-carry proposal to advance very far in the Legislature because of strong opposition from Chicago Democrats, who control both the Senate and House.
Chicago Democrats...Chicago Democrats...where have I been reading about one of those lately?

Thing is, they are experts of sorts...

[Via Jeffersonian]

We're the Only Ones Not Pussyfooting Around Enough

Unaware Police Carry Guns, Mountain Lion Charges at Officer
But if it hadn't been an "Only One," chances are the kitty cat would be at its cache purring and licking its paws about now...

[Via Jed]

Sign of the Times

A local gun shop that used Barack Obama's name to hawk weapons has backed down, saying the message was meant to champion gun rights, not threaten violence.
Personally, I would have told the disgruntled mommy and her fellow cud chewers where to graze. And yeah, leave it to what friend Russ Howard calls the "race fluffers" to throw that card on the table.

I guess they wouldn't appreciate one that said "Minion Repellent Sold Here," either...?

[Via David H]

We're the Only Ones Getting Off Enough

The jury Friday decided Vela, 44, was innocent of performing oral sex on a former patrol officer without consent after the officer passed out drunk at a barbecue.
So does that mean he had consent?
As for the theft charge, Guerra said trial testimony showed the Alton police department was so poorly run there was no way to prove how the gun found during a search warrant got to Vela's house. Vela had been accused of taking the gun from an evidence locker.
So he got off there, as well. But I think the meaty question here is, did the other guy get off too?

One good thing about the modern age--we have such good documentation, and when discussing "Only Ones" don't need to rely on oral history...Anyway, glad to see he kept a stiff upper lip throughout the ordeal. It must have come as quite a blow. You know how tongues wag in small towns. And I do apologize.

[Via JR]

We're the Only Ones Secretly Being Serviced Enough

A Secret Service sergeant was arrested early Saturday after he allegedly tried to solicit sex from a D.C. police officer working undercover as a prostitute, authorities said.

What's the big deal? Eliot Spitzer got away with it. Who does he think he is, some super special über "Only One"?

[Via Stephen S, Ron W, and Ian B]

An Allowance Parents Don't Give

Would you allow your son or daughter to room with someone at college who carries a gun?

What about students carrying concealed guns on campus for protection?
Would I "allow it"?

What the hell am I, the government?

If I've done my job properly, my children will have absorbed the values they've been raised with. And I must be doing OK, because, yeah, we've had some minor kid stuff, but they've never given me cause to question their character.

[Via David H]

Breaking News: A Victory for Kwan

We therefore conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in ordering a new trial to instruct the jury that the Government had to prove that Kwan had no other apparent legal purpose for the shoulder stock than to convert his unregistered pistol into an illegal short-barreled rifle.

AFFIRMED.
This is good news. Per Len Savage:
So Albert Kwan would get a new trial. If there is a trial, the burden of proof will be on the government. And they will have to prove "no other apparent legal purpose," which would be impossible because, as the Ninth Circuit pointed out, Kwan testified that the stock is plastic and breaks easily (so the apparent purpose is replacement) and that Kwan purchased the second stock before Kwan purchased the civilian version (so a second apparent purpose would be to have it go with the military version).

Look for this now to be dismissed, as the trial judge pointed out there is no violation.

Don't forget in Kwan's case the ATF came to his place of business and removed the "registered " pistol and one stock, leaving the unregistered pistol and one stock. Then they came back and seized "an unlawful collection of parts" that could be assembled into a SBR, and charged him based on constructive possession [for having the parts that the ATF left him]. ATF also charged him with possession of a machine gun that only fired as a machine gun after the ATF altered it. The Jury understanding that, acquitted.
Of course, with BATFU, anything's possible...we'll see if they still go forward after this. But for now, it is definitely good news.

One other thing-- I note the title-linked disposition document says:
NOT FOR PUBLICATION...

* This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3.
I'm not sure I understand what that means in terms of restrictions, if any--all I can say is, if they have any that apply to We the People, they shouldn't make it accessible on a public website. Whatever, I saved a copy.

This is yet another case of an American being harassed into financial ruin, something we're all too familiar seeing. I'll see what I can find out about what we can do to help Mr. Kwan, as what he's done on his own can benefit the rest of us in the future.

Gerald Celente Predicts Revolution


Scary stuff. And it's not just coming from fringe activists any more.

[Via Anonymous]

BATFU Contradicts Itself on Olofson

It quotes from the government's claims, "Olofson's gun would sometimes jam after multiple rounds were fired with a single trigger pull, but not before the magazine was completely empty."

"The government provides no record citation for this remarkable statement – that Olofson's gun never jammed before the magazine was emptied – because there is none," the brief says. "To the contrary, the prosecution's witness – Robert Kiernicki, the person to whom Olofson had loaned his AR-15 on July 13, 2007, testified that, on each of two or three occasions when Kiernicki placed the firearm in the third selector position, the AR-15 'shot three rounds or maybe four when I pulled the trigger and then it jammed.'
So BATFU officially says one thing...their witness says another...tell me again why an American who served his country is in a federal prison this Veteran's Day?

Good on GOA. I know some like to disparage them at every opportunity, but they're the ones who've stepped up to the plate here, aren't they? And they could use your help...

The Little Red Hen

…just a short work of fiction, nothing more.
Very clever. Although there may be some chickens who think otherwise.

This Day in History: November 11

The Continental Congress engages the missionary Samuel Kirkland to spread the "Gospel amongst the Indians," and confirm "their affections to the United Colonies...thereby preserving their friendship and neutrality."

Monday, November 10, 2008

You're Not Going to Shoot Your Eye Out

Which prompts me to ask another question with Christmas quickly approaching: Why not get your kid a BB gun? I had one, my kids each got theirs when they were younger, and I'll bet most Gun Rights Examiner readers remember theirs. Contrary to worries expressed by some of the fearful adults in the film, none of us shot our eye out.

"You're Not Going to Shoot Your Eye Out" is today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

I Still Want to Know...

...what would happen if you played some of these through a loudspeaker...

And hey:

Nothing like scrambling after the fact to get to the crime scene after the damage has been done, is there?

I guess the prospect of citizens being able to prevent it from becoming a crime scene in the first place doesn't figure into those public safety/social cost considerations...which is probably why "may issue" also means "may not."

We're the Only Ones Misconducting Ourselves Enough

Sexual advances to superiors' wives, drunk driving and consorting with criminals are among 106 proven cases of misconduct of municipal police officers in B.C. over the past two years, CBC News has learned.
But they still must be better than ordinary Canadians. Why else would they be trusted as "Only Ones," eh?

Still, overt disrespect for the brass, exhibited in the form of a challenge to their manhood, jibes with some of the noises I've heard about how politically ambitious management has to trade in their...uh...round things in order to advance. I wouldn't necessarily view divisions between troops and their command structure a bad thing. True, unchecked rogues with attitudes can be more dangerous in terms of random individual encounters, but on the macro level, an undisciplined and dispirited force is generally less effective at achieving coordinated objectives.

If the objective is citizen disarmament, and it is, you want that.

[Via Bruce Mills]

We're the Only Ones Leading the Nation Enough

The District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department has shot and killed more people per resident in the 1990s than any other large American city police force.
Huh. And with "a pattern of reckless and indiscriminate gunplay by officers sent into the streets with inadequate training and little oversight"...

This must be what the Brady's mean by "home rule."

And Heller notwithstanding, when it comes to the mean streets of DC, the "Only Ones" remain just that.

[Via W-3]

Immediate Impact

President-elect Obama plans to use his executive powers to make an immediate impact when he takes office...
And we all remember what the wretched Bush the Elder did with one of those...

I'm coming across a new theme from some on the "pro-gun" side that Obama isn't going to move on guns--at least for his first four years--because of concerns by some legislators that it may cause them grief with their constituents (not because they actually believe what they say to get elected). It seems to me this overlooks not only what a wildly popular cult leader with a fanatical following in the millions can do with executive orders, and also the opportunity a convenient mass shooting would present to whip the possessed congregation into an eye-rolling frenzy.

But say I'm wrong, and the voices of "We're safe for the first term" are right: wouldn't that mean we'd been played by those warning us in shrill and certain terms about the perils of electing "the most anti-gun president in American history"?

[Via Peter G]

Guest Column: Unintentional Revolutionary

by Ed Dunnigan

Sometimes, an individual gets an idea that is so radical, that his actions change the culture forever. Eli Whitney, Henry Ford, Orville and Wilbur Wright; It is such men that create the societal changes that span decades, or even centuries. Consider Bill Gates; wanting only to make computers as available to the public as televisions, he managed to create an irreversible change in society, especially regarding the exchange of information. Much to the chagrin of the major news agencies, people are no longer reliant upon them to find out what is happening in the world.

But the revolutionary idea doesn't necessarily have to be a new or radical concept; sometimes the idea that is put forth just seems radical because it is old wisdom that has been largely forgotten. Once it is put before a modern audience, the truth contained within the concept resonates with the modern listener, and the person that brought the concept forth is considered to be a visionary, if not a genius.

Dave Ramsey is such a man. Now, before you roll your eyes and move on to the next article, consider this; Dave Ramsey was espousing individual fiscal conservatism at the same time that our president was telling us to charge our purchases and take out loans for the good of the economy. Now that those chickens have come home to roost, Ramsey seems like a prophet.

So what, you ask, does this have to do with guns? Plenty.

President-elect Obama is a product of Chicago politics; the most corrupt, anti-gun, political machine in the nation. His presidency looks to be the first in our nation's history that views gun control, not as some politically expedient platform that he uses to gain congressional support, but as a method of controlling and eliminating his political opponents. We will almost certainly experience a new and more invasive Assault Weapons Ban, and his overt hostility to the idea of concealed carry indicates that he will work to counter all of the progress made by the pro-freedom movement.

With this in mind, it is certainly tempting to go out and charge the purchase price of a semi-automatic rifle, magazines, ammunition, and all of the kit to support such a thing. However, as counter-intuitive as this may sound, I am telling you that that would play directly into the hands of those that would subvert this country, and replace it with their version of a socialist utopia. To go into debt to buy an AR15 is to sell yourself a little deeper into financial slavery.

Modern day Americans are the most indebted generation in our nation's history. An individual that has a mortgage, car payment, and massive credit card debt cannot afford to financially support the people on our side that would fight our legislative battles for us. Think of it; if you are fighting to pay the minimums on your credit cards while maintaining all of your other bills, how can you concentrate your attention, let alone your finances, to donate to the cause? (And by that, I'm not talking about national lobbying organizations that talk a good fight and then compromise with the enemy, I'm speaking of the grass roots organizations that do the hard, hairy, work locally while their national counterparts with the seven-figure salaries travel the cocktail and hors d'oeuvres circuit.)

It is no secret that those that seek to eliminate the Second Amendment fear us. We only have to remember Henry Waxman's mewling about fifty caliber rifles penetrating his limousine to remind us of that fact. They also know that an overt confiscation of our weapons would result in a bloodbath, with their blood as the main ingredient. Therefore, they will hit us where we are the most vulnerable: in the legislature. Make no mistake, The Senate, and The House both run on money, and he with the biggest bag of cash gets all of the attention. A beautiful chronicle of this process can be found in the book "Hill Rat-Blowing the Lid Off of Congress" by John L. Jackey. And while you're at it, read "Ricochet" by Richard Feldman and learn how, sometimes, your worst enemies are your friends. Most of all, read "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. It's more than a financial guide; it's a roadmap of the path to freedom.

Freeing yourself from this slavery is the single most important step you can take in redeeming our republic. An individual without debt is better insulated from the idiosyncrasies of the economy than is his leveraged-to-the-gills brethren. One who doesn't have to skip a utility payment to donate to his or her favorite charity can be more effective in the legislative battles. As well, someone for whom taking a day off work to testify before the state legislature isn't a financially-crippling
indulgence can become a powerful force at the grass roots level. Remember, we have no George Soros providing us with endless funds with which to war against our foes. Our strength lies in our numbers, but those numbers are worthless if we can't afford to fight the war.

In short, if you do not currently own a semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine, learn to be more effective with what you have. In the meantime, listen to Dave's show, read his book, and follow the steps chronicled therein. Whether he intended it or not, Dave Ramsey has given us the tools to fight the coming battle, all we have to do is use them.

A Draining Experience

A city councilman from Jersey City, N.J., was so intoxicated at a Washington nightclub that he urinated on several concertgoers, club sources allege.
And they've dealt with him before? And "he gets really belligerent and drunk"?

And look at this--he's been in office since 2001. So what?

Well, in 2006:
The Jersey City City Council...approved an ordinance prohibiting the sale or purchase of more than one handgun within a 30-day period...

The gun ban was approved 7-2, with councilpeople Michael Sottolano and Viola Richardson voting against it.
Which means "P*** Boy" here was among those who don't think you have the proper self control and morality to be trusted with the choice to cut yourself off at one if you think you've had too much. It's good to be the king!

In case he removes the edress from his site and you'd like to convey your profound respects, it's LipskiS@jcnj.org.

We're the Only Ones Allegedly Giving You the Boot Enough

Once there, troopers sat them on a bench and shackled them to the floor with handcuffs and chains, according to the suits. The troopers then systematically beat Bradley and Ball using their hands, fists, knees, feet and elbows, the lawsuits contend.

The beatings left bootprint bruises on both men's backs, the suits allege.

Bootprint bruises are pretty tough to "allege." If any sadistic "Only Ones" ever treated me or mine that way, I'd be tempted to come up with some...uh...allegations of my own.

This Day in History: November 10

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passes a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

The Spirit of Sabinus

The lesson of this story is clear. The spirit of Sabinus always turns to its enemy for safety. It is not a spirit of self-reliance and strength in adversity. It represents the worst weakness of all: namely, cowardice.
Not that I'm posting this for any reason other than it's an interesting history lesson...

[Via Paul W. Davis]

Best Firearms Marketing Plan Ever

News reports uniformly acknowledge that fears of the incoming Obama administration's attitude towards firearms regulation are behind the workout cash registers are getting in gun shops across the country.
J.D. Tuccille weighs in on the Great Gun Rush of '08. I especially like the assumption he makes at the end, which is my way of saying click on the title link and go read it.

Como se Dice "Photo Op"?

The cache of 540 rifles, 165 grenades, 500,000 rounds of ammunition and 14 sticks of TNT were seized at a house in Reynosa...
Damned American gun shows.

That's where I get all my grenades and TNT sticks. From the table right next to the "Body-Piercing Done Here" AR-15 T-shirts, you know, the one that also sells the pricey elk jerky and Saddam playing cards.

You can see video here, and pictures here.

[Via fimvit]

Gun Run Nationwide

The cynicism of gun owners comes from experience. The typical line of anti-gun politicians is to state that they're, "not going to take our guns away," right before they start banning the sale and manufacture of firearms.

Liberty Belles has more on the Great Gun Rush of '08 and The Hidden Agenda.

More on the Great Gun Rush of '08

Here are two videos from ABC News that give a nationwide perspective on what I'm talkin' about here.

Firearm Stockpiling:
First off, if I ran a gun shop and anybody came in wearing a damned Obama button, I'd tell him to get the hell out of my store.

And the "expert" professor is there to soothe the herd. Note he qualified Obama wasn't going to try anything against guns "in his first term," which really means as soon as the opportunity presents itself as a political risk where the benefits are perceived to outweigh the costs by an acceptable margin.

His Heller talking point is also just that,and one we see all the antis jumping on. One Supreme Court "justice" is all it will take to reverse that.

Gun Sales Soar with Obama Win:
It's OK. Nothing to worry about. Not only does Obama deny "these worries are on target," he's even been endorsed by Fudd's Fifth Column!

And just to prove ABC News brings us "Authorized Journalism" at its finest, 13 Eyewitness News "correspondent" Erik Barajas dutifully parrots characterizing the campaign's gun platform as "common sense."

[Via Dan S]

Unplug Nickels

An unequivocal "no" from the state Attorney General's Office is often enough to shoot down a city proposal.

Not so with a move by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to ban legally permitted handguns from city-owned parks and buildings, an effort that, if successful, could shatter a 47-year-old state prohibition against cities' regulation of firearms.

The Mayor's Office continues to build a case for the ban despite an Oct. 14 opinion issued by Attorney General Rob McKenna's office arguing that the city cannot pre-empt state gun law. The mayor hopes to introduce an administrative order next month.
So what's the problem? If he breaks state law, arrest him and anyone who abets him.

And does this mean citizens will be legally justified using force to repel anyone trying to physically enforce illegal edicts?

[Via Bob H]

We're the Only Ones Watching Enough

A police officer told a grand jury this week that he saw a fellow officer jab a baton into the buttocks of a man being subdued at a Brooklyn subway station, a law enforcement official said on Friday. The testimony supports elements of the man’s accusation that he was assaulted by officers during the October confrontation.
So why the #@!*&$@#!!! didn't you draw your gun, order him to stop and then arrest the sadistic perverted SOB?

Keep bending people over, boys. Keep spreading that special kind of "Only One" love.

[Via Declan]

Under Color of Authority

The Nassau County local law banning the possession of handguns mislabeled “deceptively colored” has been put on hold indefinitely pending the outcome of a legal challenge by gun-rights activists.
Maybe they don't like "Furious Mike"?

And here's the good part:
It does not grandfather currently owned guns and mandates that gun owners surrender all banned guns for destruction without any compensation, and with no opportunity to sell them outside the county.
Here's what the edict says about that:
This title shall not prohibit possession of any deceptively colored handgun by any person who possesses it on the effective date of the local law enacting this title, or by any person who acquires it by inheritance or operation of law after the effective date of this title, provided that, within thirty (30) days, such person either (i) surrenders such deceptively colored handgun to the Commissioner of Police for disposal in accordance with the provisions of section 400.05 of the penal law; or (ii) modifies such handgun to be in conformance with this title. This title shall not prohibit the possession of any deceptive coloring product by any person who possesses it on the effective date of the local law enacting this title, or by any person who acquires it through inheritance or by operation of law after the effective date of the local law enacting this title, provided that within thirty (30) days such person surrenders such deceptive coloring product to the Commissioner of Police for disposal.
See? You can keep it--for 30 days, or you could, or, hell I don't know. And then you're required to perform either the surrender or the obedience ritual. Kneel before Zod! And if you don't, they can use all the force at their disposal, including killing you if they claim you resisted--and even if you don't, their fear of that is generally enough to make home invasion executions fall within acceptable department use of force policies.

Because, you know, they don't want anybody getting hurt over colored guns.

But then, Nassau County is the same jurisdiction that authorized this bit of juris dicktion.

Squeeze, baby. Keep bringing us that good police state love.

[Via Jeffersonian]

A Hidden Agenda

Yesterday...




...and today.


Huh. Guess they don't want to spook the cattle.

Besides, there's nothing new about this--it's an old Stalinist trick, actually employed by the Romans, and also popularized by Orwell. Yeah, I know--they were talking people. That may yet come.

Thanks to "Anonymous" in "Comments" to this.

Per Mark G, Ace of Spades has some observations.

A Shrew Choice

As President-elect Obama begins staffing his administration, one name that keeps popping up on lists of potential appointees is that of Rep. Jane Harman...

"Frankly, it would be a shrewd choice," said Michael Franc, vice president for government relations at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
Oh, a shrewd choice...sorry, for some reason that photo had me thinking about chewing through baseboards and wires...

What is it with these neocons and their polite applause for the Marxist de jour? That's one lesson the left can't seem to beat into polite "moderate" republicans, who seem to view the whole thing as country club cocktail chatter.

But yeah, Jane'll be a great choice if the agenda is to further tyranny, macro and micro.

At least I got a battle flag out of her.

This Day in History: November 9

[A]bout 500 British regulars crossed from Charleston Point to Lechmere's Point intending to confiscate some sheep and cattle from the Phipps Farm. They seized a drunken American sentry, but other sentries saw this and fired a few shots at the British. This commotion startled the surrounding American force and spread an alarm. Col. William Thompson was ordered to the attack. After a brief firefight, the British force withdrew with a prize of 10 cows...

Saturday, November 08, 2008

And the Crowd Went Wild

ObaMA...ObaMA...

The shape of things to come...

A Day at the Races

A stray bullet that injured a NASCAR fan in her motor home at Texas Motor Speedway may have been from a rifle of a target shooter, police said on Tuesday...

The man told detectives on Tuesday that he fired five or six rounds from a .50 caliber Vulcan single-shot rifle near a rifle range about five miles from the speedway from about 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., police said.
If it hit a berm first, I don't see how it would have had enough energy to still go that far. Let's see how this one develops.

It looks like her husband didn't waste any time in blaming the gun.

[Via Lane]

We're the Only Ones Black and White Enough

Austin police had already disrupted my day significantly because they're supposedly out hunting armed killers, but they've got enough extra cops lollygagging around to send THREE squad cars to investigate me for Babysitting While White?
Hey, "Only Ones" want to go home at the end of their shift. Plus, it's "for the children." Besides, if you're not trying to hide something, what's the problem? And remember, "they hate us because we're free!"

[Via Stephen Q]

Meanwhile, Over in Boss Daley Paradise

447 killed

MURDER RATE | When 15-year-old Brian Murdock and Quinton Buckner, 17, were gunned down in Englewood Thursday night, the city eclipsed the homicide total of 2007 with two months to go
Well, if disarming you and me will help...

[Via David H]

We're the Only Ones Saving Money and Living Better Enough

By the time the counting and indicting are through, Orange County's accused Wal-Mart thieves could be approaching a million-dollar crew...

Barber's been suspended from his job as a part-time Town of Montgomery police officer, while Burchell's been fired from his probationary job with the Tuxedo Park police.
Obviously just "a few bad apples," wouldn't you agree?

At what point does it become prudent to assume a Tuxedo Park "Only One" accosting you is an armed criminal intent on doing you harm, and treat him accordingly?

[Via Declan]

Tom McClintock Update

Via Email:
Election Day came, lasted long into the night, then early the next morning and...it's still going on!

We all knew this would be a tough fight but it turned out tougher than we imagined. On Election Day we emerged with a lead of just 392 votes. Proof that indeed every vote counts.

Even though we had the lead we could not declare victory. The good news is that our lead has now grown to 709 votes. We are determined to fight for every vote that is legally ours. To do so we need an enormous amount of volunteers to monitor the vote-counting process. Almost magically people have materialized to help out, and have appeared at our headquarters in Roseville. They are putting in incredible hours to win a fight we simply can't afford to lose.

There are some 40,000 votes that remain to be counted in our nine-county Congressional District, a district which is larger than many New England states. The process of counting the remaining votes could take several weeks, and the Democrats are bringing people in from around the state and nation. We need additional volunteers to help staff the office and monitor the vote-counting process. If you can help, please call our headquarters at 916-783-4411.

I want to thank all of your for your dedication and support. I am humbled by the effort so many of you put forth on my behalf. Tuesday's results have yielded unprecedented power to the Left. We must band together now and work harder than ever to preserve our individual freedoms. With your help and God's blessings we shall prevail in this crucial election.

"Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the Little Red Hen. Or are you gun owners in the district who aren't helping out planning on just being eaters?

A Powerful Voice

America's hunters and anglers are a key constituency that must take an active role and have a powerful voice in this coalition.
Well thank goodness for that crumb!

After seeing how the citizen militia is being locked out, at least we know the "sporting purposes" Fudds will have a place at the table. Heck, AHSA is probably going to open an office in the Obama White House!

[Via An Illinois Voter]

Good Boy, Barney!

"Dog bites man" isn't usually news. Except when the dog is Barney, the terrier belonging to President Bush, and the man is a Reuters reporter.
The way they're cooing over that pooch like idiots was justification enough, but anyone trying to reach over and touch a dog like that, especially one that is clearly tense, deserves what he gets.

It figures this moron "Authorized Journalist" works for Reuters.

Keep Going Left, Boys, Toward the Cliff

GOP Invites Longtime Democrat Lieberman into the Fold
Because if there's one thing this last election taught us, it's that the Republican Party isn't "moderate" enough.

The only way to put fire in the bellies of your core constituency is to open up the Big Tent to even more diversity, to become even more like the democrats, abandon even more limited government principles, which face it, are just for freaks anyway.

It's like we've entered a post-Carroll Quigley era, one where the pretext of philosophically-opposed parties is no longer even needed. Everybody's conditioned and dumbed down enough now that emotionally-appealing manufactured imagery, combined with a few inane and meaningless sound bites, is enough.

But We Did it Anyway

...I think every one of us knew, it was illegal when it was put before the voters.
And that doesn't qualify as a criminal conspiracy?

Up, Up and AWAYYY!

With U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk's victory one of the few bright spots for Republicans in a Democratic sweep across the country, the Illinois GOP establishment is looking to the Highland Park Naval Reserve officer for leadership on a statewide ticket.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar today said Kirk would be a good candidate for Barack Obama's Senate seat come 2010 and state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican himself looking at a statewide bid, also pointed to Kirk for that spot on the ballot.
What I want you to do is read this.

Then I want you to look at these.

Then I want you to ask yourself why no one else in the district got involved to oust this guy, and how republican gun owners there chose party over principle. Their apathy, ignorance, and moral cowardice helped ensure this bit of treason would be inflicted on the land.

Thanks, guys. Way to hold the front line. And now he's primed to do even more damage.

Sure, Seals was an anti. But he wasn't a leader, like Kirk. If you don't punish and make examples out of turncoats, if you reward them instead, that's what you're going to get.

A blind person could see this. Assuming he's not self-blinded.

Well, I'm Sold!

The “shall not be infringed” crowd can go to hell.
That certainly persuades me to look into the deeper issues.

Besides, we just saw what following the--what do we call them in return, the "shall be infringed crowd"?--got us.

This Day in History: November 8

...I laid myself under a solemn tye of secrecy to Captn. McPherson...and proceeded to examine his Plan for the destruction of the Fleet in the Harbour of Boston, with all that care and attention which the Importance of it deserved, and my Judgement could lead to: but not being happy enough to coincide in Opinion with that Gentleman, and finding that his Scheme would Involve greater expence, than (under my Doubts of its success), I thought myself justified in giving into, I prevaild upon him to communicate his plan to three Gentlemen of the Artillery (in this Army) well acquainted in the knowledge, and practice of gunnery; by them he has been convinced, that in as much as he set out upon wrong principles, the Scheme would prove abortive.

Friday, November 07, 2008

The People Have Spoken

Across the nation, gun sales are up. The cause is attributed to fear over what new citizen disarmament edicts a Barack Obama presidency will bring. And Cleveland is no different.

"The People Have Spoken" is today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

Tell a friend.

Does Selective Manipulation Skew Results?

By the evening's conclusion, those voting in favor of the motion increased to 27 percent. However, 63 percent disagreed that "Guns Reduce Crime," and 10 percent were still undecided.
Yep, ask those who know the least about something to vote on it. And I'm certain a high percentage of gun owners who do know something about it routinely frequent NPR events at "Rockefeller University's Caspary Auditorium in New York City"...

[Via RuffRidr]

We're the Only Ones Going to the Gym Enough


Because, you know, "such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets."

"Only Ones" for "The Only One."

[Via Tom S]

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Six months of such protests have convinced the police to remove the cameras, noting that the decision was partly due to "human respect." Of course, that doesn't explain the next statement: "The supervisor also indicated that the cameras will be used elsewhere in the city."
Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me...

[Via Sam W]

The Million Dollar Question

At what point, though, does reasonable regulation cross the line and infringe upon our constitutional right to keep and bear arms? That's the million dollar question.
Really? We've been answering that question for free here on WarOnGuns every dang day...

And by "we" I include all you regular cantankerous commentators who add so much value to our discussions...

What say I collect from whoever's paying out and we have a party, assuming I just don't abscond with the funds and start livin' me the good life?

[Via David H]

Change.Gov

And naturally, guns are on the agenda:
Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn't have them. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.
I note some in the RKBA camp have been whistling past the graveyard about such change, citing "Pro-Gun Democrats" as our hope.

[Via Jack A]

Paper! Getcher Paper!

And not just any paper. "The best paper of all the papers in the world."

Oprah said it. I believe it. That settles it.

That must mean The Sun-Times has the best "Authorized Journalists," too! Because we all know the merits of straight news should be judged by whether or not your political expectations are fulfilled. Why else have watchdogs of government?

Good grief.

[Via David H]

Takin' it to the Streets

More than a thousand gay-rights activists gathered Thursday afternoon outside the Mormon temple in Westwood to protest the role Mormons played in passing Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California.
Without commenting on that issue directly, I do note that an RKBA rally in that same part of town several years back drew about half that many gun owners, and they weren't all there at once (although the area gun show had no problem drawing 40,000 in one weekend)...and when you consider the percentage of the general population each group represents, well, do the math.

What do you think the chances are of getting 1,000 gun owners to hold a protest outside, say, Snuffy Pfleger's church...?

If "we" don't want it bad enough, if "we" are content to rely entirely on "majority rule democracy" to determine what freedoms will be permitted (say, how's that working out for us lately?), well, let's just say that seems a pretty good way to embolden the gunhaters and usher in that "III" scenario some commentators seem so intent on disparaging...

The Money Quote

I want my money today! It's my money.
All things considered, that's pretty damn funny right there.

Compulsory Service

Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, President-Elect Barack Obama's choice for chief of staff in his incoming administration, is co-author of a book, The Plan: Big Ideas for America, that calls for, among other things, compulsory service for all Americans ages 18 to 25.
Compulsory service. You mean like "slavery"? Wait 'til all the starry-eyed young Obama supporters find out what kind of changes he hopes for them personally.

Hey, life might not be so bad in the Tonton Macoutes.

For one thing, you'll get to wear a nifty armband...

We're the Only Ones Off the Hooker...uh...Hook Enough

No Criminal Charges For Spitzer...

After a thorough investigation, this Office has uncovered no evidence of misuse of public or campaign funds," Garcia said in a statement.
Come again?

So every John caught while "arranging for women to travel from one state to another state to engage in prostitution" will get similar pass, provided they don't use public or campaign funds?

Or is this privilege and immunity reserved only for especially corrupt and hypocritical high-level and rich political "Only Ones"?

Yeah, Eliot, I'll bet you do ""appreciate the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office."

Nice to see nothing about your character has changed through all this.

This Day in History: November 7

I have thought fit to iffue this my Proclamation, hereby declaring, that until the aforefaid good Purpofes can be obtained, I do in Virtue of the Power and Authority to ME given, by His MAJESTY, determine to execute Martial Law, and caufe the fame to be executed throughout this Colony: and to the end that Peace and good Order may the fooner be [effected], I do require every Person capable of bearing Arms, to [refort] to His MAJESTY'S STANDARD, or be looked upon as Traitors to His MAJESTY'S Crown and Government...

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Ready for My Close-Up

Yeah, what better way to deter self-centered sociopaths than to make them even bigger celebrities on their turf than they already are? Think about it: We're inundated with programs like "COPS" and "America's Most Wanted." TV reports and news accounts regularly plaster names, faces and exploits of fugitive suspects for all to see. And we're supposed to believe that this nonsense and waste of resources will prevent...what, exactly?
"Ready for My Close-Up" is today's Gun Rights Examiner offering.

As always, I appreciate whatever buzz on these columns WarOnGuns regulars are willing to help me generate.

GUNS Magazine: November 1958

Why is it that so many persons want to do away with the Sullivan Law instead of directing their efforts to getting the things the Sullivan Law provides? Subdivision 8, Section 1897, says it is the duty of the police commissioner to issue a license upon application by a householder, messenger of any banking institution, storekeeper or merchant.

The irony of excluding employees and renters from an ordinance-defined clique of "Only Ones" seems to have escaped Sgt. Bill Brefka, N.Y. State Troopers. That and the fact that such licenses, if obtainable at all in actual practice, didn't provide for bearing arms. That goes to a whole 'nother level of connections and prestige.

There's another great letter in the "Crossfire" section that recalls how a citizen militia repelled the Jesse James gang.

The November 1958 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online, featuring articles, photos, and the classic period ads and prices that give us such great insights on the way things were, not really so long ago.

WarOnGuns regulars know I post on these each month as "new" issues become available. Thing is, they don't keep them on their website forever, so if you haven't been saving them to your computer, you'll no longer be able to access prior issues from the Internet.

No worries. The entire collection from 1955-1957 is available on CD-Rom.

A Proactive Reaction

ShotSpotter, Inc., the leading developer of mission-essential acoustic surveillance systems for law enforcement, homeland security and military end-users, announced today that the City of Troy and the Troy Police Department will implement the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System(R) (GLS) as a part of the department's latest approach to proactively combating gun crime.

I hate to be contrary, but wouldn't "proactively" mean it could do something about it before the shots were fired?

What, will it send Doug and Tony back to just before the shooting, to tackle the guys?

And y'all have read "The Black Arrow," right?

Missing Something Huge

"I think we're missing something that is huge,'' he said. "People ask me the question, 'Where the hell are the guns coming from?' They are not getting these guns legally."
Yes. Exactly. You're missing something huge.

Who Do You Trust?

The bereaved family of a woman who campaigned to reduce gun crime are launching a trust in her name.
Because, see, another family member stabbed her to death.

Where do we send those checks?

We're the Only Ones Recklessly Discharged Enough

Two Minneapolis police officers charged with drinking and recklessly discharging their guns from a vehicle after leaving a party in Minneapolis this spring have been fired.
So naturally, the "Only Ones" union objects.

I'm Surprised They Never Thought of this Before: Part Two

Convicted felons caught carrying firearms would face the prospect of federal prosecutions and long sentences in distant federal prisons.
Because if there's one thing the feds and locals haven't tried, it's "Project Exile."

I'm Surprised They Never Thought of this Before

After getting a "crash course" in politics during her successful Democratic campaign for Cook County state's attorney, career prosecutor Anita Alvarez said Wednesday that she's ready to start making good on campaign promises ranging from tougher gun laws to combating consumer fraud.
Because if there's one thing Cook County hasn't tried, it's "tougher gun laws."

Vanderboegh: Resolve

An old friend of mine called me the other day to report that an FBI agent in the west had confessed his fears at church last Sunday. Obama, he worried aloud, was going to shove him and his agency where he did not wish to go.
Mike Vanderboegh talks about the change that is coming to America.

We're the Only Ones Camera-Shy Enough

The Zargonian Collaborator/"Only Ones" alliance has struck again. Watch these outrageous videos:

NH cop kidnaps Free Stater for camcording - 1/2

NH cop kidnaps Free Stater for camcording - 2/2

Good grief. Especially the part about handing the gun off to the SPCA drone.

One suggestion: Give us the names of these two guys. People deserve the reputations they earn and behavior like what we see here should have personal consequences--otherwise, what's to stop them from continuing to act like arrogant bullies?

[Via Andre]

Coronation of the Looters

What this election has truly accomplished is to draw sharp lines between the four factions currently existing in America. For years we have been tricked into thinking the Republicans and Democrats are on opposite ends of a tug-of-war rope, pulling against each other, when actually they are holding hands and skipping heartily together toward collectivism, socialism, and The State As Savior. All the arguments of Conservative versus Liberal, Democrat versus Republican, and Right versus Left are smoke and mirrors to distract us from the eternal truth that the only struggle is between government control and individual liberty...

So what are these four factions? They can be described as the Looters, the Parasites, the Productive Class, and the Super-Rich.

"Spartacus" assesses the state of a union that embraces the state as its savior.

Gun Control on Trial

In Gun Control on Trial, journalist Brian Doherty tells the full story behind the landmark District of Columbia v. Heller ruling. With exclusive, behind-the-scenes access throughout the case, Doherty's new book takes readers on a remarkable journey—through the legal, scientific, and historical debates; the political battles; and the myths about gun control that have become widespread. How is the District's new registration process working? How will the Heller precedent impact the firearm regulations in other American cities? Join us for a discussion of the Heller case and its impact.
The Cato Institute is hosting a book forum on Nov. 24. Click on the title link to find out how to attend or how to watch the event live if you can't.

[Via Skip]

Guest Column: The Election and the Aftermath‏

By Peter G

Barack Obama won the election fair and square. That means that not only is he *the* President, he is *my* President. No, I didn't vote for him, nor did I contribute one red cent to his campaign. I am, first and foremost an American and a passionate believer in our Constitution, and as such, I am duty bound to embrace him as my President. No, I don't agree with his positions on most things, and I believe that so far as the Second Amendment is concerned he's a bald-faced liar.

In 1962, as a five year-old riding in the back seat of my parent's 1958 Mercury traveling through Chattanooga, I saw the Freedom Marchers. I also saw them being fire hosed. That during my lifetime we as a country elected a black man to our highest office redeems my hope in the promise that our Founders envisioned. That we might finally be getting over this self-inflicted madness over skin color also gives me hope for the future of our Republic.

Nevertheless, it's going to be rough going for at least the next two years, and the mid-term elections of 2010 will only make things less bad. President-elect Obama is more intelligent than Jimmy Carter, and is more disciplined than Bill Clinton, so prepare yourselves for two terms of President Obama. And please remember also that the President doesn't make laws, he can merely sign or veto them. The real problem resides at the other end of Constitution Avenue, with Congress. As well, let us not forget the old saw about the decisions being made by those who show up. Barack Obama showed up, he built up a network of supporters, raised the money, and did all the things necessary to win the election. Are there better choices out there? Sure there are, but they didn't show up, or they didn't make it to the end. That's our system, and if one is truly serious about being a Citizen, one must accept the unwanted results along with those that one might agree with.

For my part, I will continue doing what I have been doing. This past Monday, I bought another rifle, more ammunition, a scope, and some spare parts for one of my Mausers. Should the worst forecasts of a Democratically dominated Federal Government come true, I will resist those results as a free man. This is not a call to revolution, far from it. It is my sincere wish to be left alone to live my life as best I might. However, should my 'betters' in DC decide to violate my Constitutional Rights, I will fight until they kill me. I can do no less, not while I self-identify as an American. I will never fire the first shot, but shoot I will if attacked.

I will continue to network with my like-minded e-friends, and will continue to send articles and notes of interest to David Codrea, Paul Grant, Jeffersonian, and Mike Vanderboegh, amongst others. Gunfire is the last resort, not the first, and if I can protect my freedom and country by a profligate expenditure of pixels and electrons, then I'll happily write that check to the electric company and consider it a bargain.

This has been quite a journey: it all started because I wanted an 1858 Remington and didn't want to pay list price, so I hit Google. One link led to another, I started reading and then thinking about what it is to be a Citizen, what the responsibilities entail, and not just the benefits. I don't regret the time nor the effort. If nothing else, it has kept me off the streets and out of the arms of strange women.

In closing, Ladies and Germs, the immediate future is pretty bleak. However, it's not permanent, nor is it unchangeable. I could write more, but I need to get off my overpadded behind and put some miles on the bike. Physical conditioning is just as important as the mental kind.

III

This Day in History: November 6

With great Pleasure do I inform you of the Return of Capt. Coit into this Harbour, with two Prizes, a Sloop & Schooner, from Nova Scotia Bound to Boston Laden chiefly with Wood & Hay, with Some Cattle, Sheep, Potatoes &c. The People that were on Board with the Papers will be Sent to Head Qrs Immediately.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

An Election We Can Win

Go answer one poll question.

Yeah, I know the real poll was yesterday and this won't make any difference, but what the hey.

[Via Tom Z]

But in Ourselves...

It is what it is. The spawn of the Chicago political machine has won, bringing with him all that implies.
"But in Ourselves..." is my post-election commentary for today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

Pfollowing Pfleger

I just wanted to insert a pointer here. Those of you who check WarOnGuns in the morning may not have seen this post from yesterday afternoon.

Snuffy is at it again.

This was my suggestion:


Some want to ramp it up further and start playing hard ball.

UPDATE:


Y'know, I really wouldn't mind some company...and while you're at it, why not go for two...?



UPDATE: Thirdpower also covered this.