Signs of the Times

Two suspected gang members have landed on the naughty list – and in jail – after police say they posed for a picture with Santa Claus while flashing their gang signs. [More]

Then they must not be allowed to do it on the Internet either.

I wonder if "Homegrown Terrorists" are included, and if a ban on this can be far behind:

I suppose I could remove two fingers...

Incidentally, I read where one of the "threeper" detractors made the "gang sign" connection and considered it an indictment. Of course, those who actually know what they're talking about have known that from the beginning.

Think of it as a freedom "gang sign".

Russ Howard: An Open Letter to Remington's Tommy Millner

I was a long-time customer of Remington, but I won't be again until you dump H-S Precision. [More]

Mindful Musings reminds us of some unfinished business.

After speaking with Tommy Millner, I offered the opinion:

As a personal note, I was impressed by his accessibility and candor. We've got a guy caught up in a situation not of his making trying to do the right thing, and my recommendation is to trust that he will.

At this point, we need to see what HS-Precision does next.

We saw what HS-Precision did next. They posted a tepid non-apology for a few days and then removed it from their site.

Now Russ Howard thinks it's time for Remington and other gun companies that do business with them to do more, and to let us know about it.

This Day in History: December 23

King George III issues a royal proclamation closing the American colonies to all commerce and trade, to take effect in March of 1776. Also in December, Congress is informed that France may offer support in the war against Britain.

Meanwhile, Across the Pond in Sarah Brady Paradise

Under the regulations, bailiffs for private firms would for the first time be given permission to restrain or pin down householders. They would also be able to force their way into homes to seize property to pay off debts, such as unpaid credit card bills and loans. [More]

Now that shouldn't be necessary. If you lot just left your doors unlocked, they wouldn't need to force their way in...

[Via Whose Paranoid]

Caveat Emptor, Particularly if Unarmed

I discussed two incidents last week over at The War on Guns, one in Arizona and one in Georgia, where rules at malls prohibit citizens from bearing arms. That's something we need to be aware of during this time of last-minute holiday shopping, as area malls and many stores have the same rule. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column...

Tell a friend?

The Silence of the Lambs

Eric Manson says he never uses a gun when he robs a bank. He says he doesn't need one. [More]

And they just quietly comply.

I don't understand how this is possible.

Not taking risks for a crappy job has nothing to do with it. It's not the job that's being threatened.

I wonder what percentage of bank tellers support gun control...

"We are Here to Encourage Normalcy"

The Trident now has a metal barricade at the foot of the slope leading up to the hotel. Guests pass a sandbagged bunker with three armed police, a bag screening and a metal detector before entering the lobby, where more commandos are stationed. [More]

Yep, I'd say they've managed to create a new social norm.

Just don't let anybody see an armed citizen--then all kinds of frenzy will break loose.

A Future Murder Weapon

"There is no doubt in my mind that there was a future murder weapon in this group of illegal guns. That's a life saved and that's the goal of the police commissioner and my administration," Rice said [More].

Because we all know lives are never saved by having a gun.

Why do Nassau County "Only Ones" carry them again?

And if you don't turn them in, they'll figure out an excuse to come take them.

Gun of Choice

When it comes to killing, semi-automatic handguns appear to be the weapon of choice in Chicago. [More]

Nice unbiased lead there, "Authorized Journalist" Frank Main. I guess we can't talk about "When it comes to self defense," because you and the politicians you service pretty much make sure the equation can't include that.

Funny thing about weapons of choice, though. Depending on which anti's doing the yacking, they keep changing...

What is the Riddle of Steele?

Society should draw lines. What do you need an assault weapon for, if you're going hunting? That's overkill. But I don't think that means you go to a total ban for those who want to use gun for skeet shooting or hunting or things like that But what's the point of passing gun laws if we're not going to enforce them? If you want to talk about gun control, that's where you need to start. We've got 300 gun laws on the books right now. At the end of the day, it's about how we enforce the law. [More]

So why the hell would anyone consider this ignorant fraud for GOP Chair? Have they learned nothing?

I'll look at the other candidates over the next day or so. Ken Blackwell seems to understand the issue.

Anybody who has knowledge about the others, please chime in.

The Gun Went Off

Gun Went Off When Man Showed It To 2 Others...

When he was showing it to two other men, the gun went off. [More]

All by its own self, no doubt.

I hate it when that happens, don't you?

[Via Mama Liberty]

Two from Mike

Guard Duty

Taxing Your Way to Civil War

Go read. I'll still be here.

But If and When

Gun carriers don’t always pose threat...[More]

But if and when they do, why would anyone want to be defenseless?

I do wish people would stop using permits as the foundation for their argument, though. I never met a fellow human being I thought had the moral authority to give me permission to protect myself.

[Via The Bitter Clinger]

Casting Doubt on the Accuser

When I've written about radar-activated speed cameras in the past, I've objected to the robotic menaces primarily on the grounds that they were fallible revenue machines for the state rather than legitimate means of protecting life and limb. It never occurred to me that the dumb electronic brutes were also handy tools for wreaking revenge on enemies and authority figures. [More]

"Brilliant" is right, but unfortunately it creates victims.

I wonder if some victims could be helped? I wonder if a copy of this article would be helpful in casting burden of proof doubts in cases where the driver's face isn't clearly recognizable...?

Let's Place the Blame Where it Belongs

Mexican police found nine decapitated bodies on Sunday in a city near the tourist resort of Acapulco, and at least some of the victims might have been soldiers who were battling against powerful drug gangs.

The bodies of the men, which were marked with signs of torture, were left on the side of a highway, while their heads were stuffed in a plastic bag found outside a shopping center, police in the state of Guerrero told Reuters. [More]

Damned American gun shows...

[Via Avg Joe]

Wayne Fincher Update: Case Submitted to SCOTUS

On Friday, 19 December 2008, a Writ of Certiorari was submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of U.S. v. Hollis Wayne Fincher. The Writ asks the Court two fundamental questions...[More]

I understand there is no shortage of those not only willing to throw Fincher under the bus, but are actually resentful that he will hurt us all.

Nothing his critics propose will change the law regarding machineguns. They are the first ones who caution against even discussing it up, because the time is not right.

When such time will be right isn't even a matter of speculation, because we all know that time will be "never." We won't change federal law on this through majority rule, and the Supreme Court has created the circular room of "common use" and told us to relieve ourselves in the corner.

We can argue about the merits and the wisdom of Fincher's case until the cows come home, but that doesn't change a few inconvenient truths: He's fighting for his life. Those who want him not to are literally wanting him to roll over and give up for their sake.

The real outrrage is that the Second Amendment has been denied by those in power, and the Constitution has been ruled inadmissable in court.

For me, at this point, here's all that matters: A good man is in big trouble. My conscience demands I do what I can to help him. Besides, I'd just as soon know that the answer is an unequivocal "No," as opposed to continuing to delude myself that the path that led us to the Obama administration is the one that leads to "shall not be infringed"--or can't I make that reference without ridicule either?

[More on the Wayne Fincher case]

A Wake-Up Call?

There has been a spike in home burglaries, especially on the north side of Davidson County...

Last week alone, detectives logged more than 50 home break-ins in north precinct...

In October, thieves kicked in Tedford's back door in broad daylight...

Earlier this week, Tedford's neighbors were robbed at gunpoint and tortured in their house. [More]

You know what this area needs?

A gun buyback! No...?

Maybe this is what some people need to wake up...

[Via Edmund M]

An Hour of Wolves

Jeet makes his debut with an online liberty journal.

He does use some...uh...colorful language, so proceed with that awareness... [More]

This Day in History: December 22

December 22, 1775 at Cane Break, South Carolina - Following the truce that resulted from the Battle of Ninety-Six, a group South Carolina militia and newly raised Continentals, commanded by Col. Richard Richardson and Col. William Thompson, moved into the region between the Broad River and Saluda River. Their purpose was to break up the Loyalists that were gathering there. Richardson and Thompson was soon joined by 700 North Carolina militia commanded by Col. Thomas Polk and Col. Griffith Rutherford, and 220 Continental regulars commanded by Col. Alexander Martin. All these American forces added up to a total amount of 4,000 troops. On December 22, the Americans attacked and the Loyalists resistence quickly collapsed. Richardson's men managed to capture some Loyalist leaders, including Thomas Fletchall. There was a single Tory unit that did not disband with the initial assault, but they were soon routed by part of Richardson's command. Conclusion: American Victory [More]

Engineering the Next Civil War

If the average gun owner had to pay a $400 tax each year for each gun, it's likely that the gun owner would decide to dispose of some or all of his guns. With fewer guns in existence, the cost of the gun tax would increase the following year. Eventually, an equilibrium would occur where our country would have far fewer guns and far fewer deaths.

Y'know, for someone who claims to be an engineer, Scott Dixon is pretty much cause-and-effect impaired beyond redemption. Engage him in comments and deconstruct his foolishness if you like--when someone proposes evil, I feel no obligation to attempt civil discourse. He presumes to teach but has proven himself incapable of learning.

So here's my only rebuttal:

How about "No"? And that's non-negotiable.

Your move, Scott.

State Error Infuriates Gun Owners

Actually, it kind of amused me...

It's gratifying to see the "Authorized Journalists" are tightening up the lag time following when mere bloggers report on something...it's still reactive, but it's getting better.

100 Bottles of Beer on the Deck...100 Bottles of Beer...

Chinese crew used beer bottles to fight off pirates

The true black-hearted scurvy dogs are the ones who prohibit human beings from having proper tools for defense. Anyone think their bodyguards carry bottles?

[Via Joe G]

The Good Samaritan

Click on title link for ABC News video about this story:

Woman Sued for Rescue Effort in Car Crash
Legal Experts Say California Ruling Could Make Good Samaritans Hesitate

I've had several occasions in the past to help those in need--and on two of those occasions placed myself in harm's way to intervene. But I have to say, the way things are going, I have a personal issue with the "sheepdog" analogy floating around the RKBA camp.

I don't see myself that way, have no desire to try and act like a hero, and don't consider the protective benefits society in general gets from me taking care of Number One. If it happens as a side effect, fine and good, but that's neither my intent nor my motivator.

It's too bad, but that's what people get for not taking care of themselves and criminalizing me taking care of myself. My goal is going to be to get away from danger. If that means I have to stop anyone trying to prevent me from doing that, again, that's a side effect, not my goal.

But isn't that inconsistent with all this "Three Percent" whoop-de-do, as detractors characterize it?

Not at all.

If it comes to that, it will mean I can't get away--all escape routes will have been sealed. At that point, I'll have some pretty ugly and terrifying choices to make.

So will you.

For now, we can either prepare for the possibility or we can deem it ridiculously improbable and remote, and disparage those who do.

[Via Steven K]

We're the Only Ones Through a Glass Darkly Enough

A day after he was lauded at City Hall by his City Council colleagues on one of his last days on the council, state Sen.-elect Hiram Monserrate was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons yesterday - charged with assaulting his girlfriend after accusing her of cheating, police sources said.

Karla Giraldo, 30, needed 20 stitches to close a gash by her left eye, inflicted when Monserrate broke a drinking glass and struck her in the face, Queens prosecutors said.

And typical of "Only Ones," here's how Hiram feels about guns and those of us who don't leave our women in stitches:

New York and particularly the city has some of the toughest gun restrictions in the country. I would like to emulate what we have in the city to the state. We should be the society that no one has guns. I’m a firm supporter of gun control, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that we have the toughest laws against trafficking in illegal guns and supporting litigation against companies who bring cheap handguns into our city.

Any questions?

[Via Declan]

We're the Only Ones Crotchety Enough

NYPD: Cop 'fooling around' with gun shoots wife in groin

Love "Only Ones" style? I'm not even gonna ask.

She should have snatched it away from him.

And I do apologize for that.

[Via Declan]

This Day in History: December 21

In London, the British Parliament passes a bill calling for the confiscation of all American vessels and the impressement of their crews into service in the English Navy.

Weekend Reading: Shameless Plug for Gun Rights Examiner

I'm promoting my Gun Rights Examiner column full bore hoping to make it a success. If you missed any columns, you can access the full archive here under the "More Articles" tab.

I ask all WarOnGuns regulars to help me promote this effort by becoming regulars there as well, going to the links, reading the articles and telling a friend.

Question 46 Revisited

For those of you who weren't following this at the time, it's important information to learn.

For those of us who were, it's important information to remember.

[Via Zachary G]

We're the Only Ones Putting Some Teeth into the Law Enough

The video, shot by a local sports TV crew, shows Heaney on his stomach on the ground with Cordova and Costigan cuffing him.

The video then shows Cordova lifting up Heaney's head by his hair and slamming it into the ground. On the video, you can hear Heaney's two front teeth break off.

Protecting and serving, "Only Ones" style...

[Via MacEntyre]

We're the Only Ones Unauthorized Enough

Richmond prosecutors were unauthorized under state law to dismiss an assault charge against a city police officer after he agreed to pay his victim's medical costs, Richmond's top prosecutor acknowledged yesterday.

Why? I'm sure they'd have offered you and me the same deal.

Wouldn't they?

[Via Mack H]

I'm Having a Ridiculous Amount of Fun...

...with this.

So far, I've victimized all of my siblings.

A Uniform Approach to Fighting Gang Violence

...in Norfolk schools.

Good grief. How many ways that this is just plain stupid can you think up?

Hey, when you're already $22M in the hole and have $15K to blow on willfully violating gun owner rights, what's the cost of some school uniforms?

UPDATE: Kent McManigal raises an excellent point:

We're the Only Ones Faultless Enough

Convicted last year of intoxication manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, the 21-year-old daughter of a state district judge is suing the truck driver she ran into during a drunken driving crash.

Here, Elizabeth Shelton--I'm getting you a subscription.

I wonder if being an "Only One's" daughter has anything to do with not only your wrist-slap, but also the way you turned out.

There's nothing more I can say that I won't regret.

[Via Avg Joe]

We're the Only Ones Quadruple Enough

A Prince George's County police lieutenant charged four times this year with driving under the influence passed out behind the wheel of a running police cruiser in one incident, had to be Tasered and pepper-sprayed in another and was at fault in a hit-and-run in a third, Laurel Police said yesterday.

We talked about this Otis of "Only Ones" yesterday, but not about these details.

"It doesn't appear that he's going to be reinstated, obviously," said Maj. Andy Ellis, a county police spokesman.

Is Andy what we'd call a master of understatement?

[Via Orygunner]

More Commies

Mike H doesn't like 'em.

Neither do I.

This Day in History: December 20

The Continental Congress orders a temporary cease-fire between the colonies of Connecticut and Pennsylvania in their dispute over conflicting land claims in the Wyoming Valley.

Because, You Know...

...they're doing such a good job...

A Champion of Gun Control

We can learn all we need to know about this "champion" from a comment he made about the Clinton gun ban:

Anti-gun Sen. Howard Metzenbaum complained that the Clinton ban didn't go far enough, saying, "until you ban them all, you might as well ban none." But, it "will be a major step in achieving the objective that we have in mind," he said.

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column...

Tell a friend?

We're the Only Ones Cruella De Vil Enough

Add a two-year-old Dalmation to the ranks of dogs gunned down by police officers who considered themselve to be in "imminent danger" when the cops had no business being where they were to begin with.

I wonder if the "Only Ones" have enough to make a fur coat with yet? Ya think?

If you haven't bookmarked fellow Examiner.com J.D. Tuccille's Civil Liberties site, you're missing out on some of the most insightful commentary out there.

Not Feelin' the Love...

...over at The Liberty Sphere.

The Liberty Sphere has been totally ignored by some who have received nothing but constant attention by me via the links to their blogs.

I know how he feels. When I first started WaronGuns, I found every "gun blogger" I could, gave them a sidebar link and tried to let them know it. Most ignored me, so I said the hell with it and established the reciprocity requirement explained in my sidebar "Link Policy."

I still note most don't link to WoG, and you know what? That's fine with me. From the content, sentiment, originality and insight I see on many Wogless blogs, I'd just as soon not meet with their approval. Besides, if I was going for popularity, I'd be writing about Paris Hilton.

So keep your chin up, Mr. Lloyd-Morgan.

Some of us appreciate what you do every day.

We're the Only Ones Who Won't Be Spoken Ill of Enough

Sheriff’s deputies and county Protective Service officers arrested two men and two women in the middle of the meeting when they stood and applauded a speaker who criticized Arpaio.

At the next meeting, have someone speak in his praise, and have a few people stand up and applaud. See what happens.

Either way though, we need to understand that only "Only Ones" can express their sentiments at government meetings, which are there to "secure the blessings of Liberty." We can't have extremists thinking "governments derive their just powers" from just anyone.

[Via Lane]

Where's the Reasonable Suspicion of a Crime?

From Ed Stone:

David,

Please read this police report about an arrest of a person openly carrying a pistol for obstruction for refusing to identify himself and tell me what reasonable suspicion of a crime existing to detain this man and force him to identify himself.

This is not an incident I have previously reported to you, as it just happened. This is the same jurisdiction I wrote this letter and with which we have had other issues. Think they have it out for our members?

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4/rmodel65/IMG_0001-1.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4/rmodel65/IMG-6.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4/rmodel65/IMG_0002-1.jpg

What is in the water down there?

ED

Two More Questions

Paul W. Davis had a question about Antonin Scalia's reasoning in Heller.

He has a couple more about the Wayne Fincher case:

I think the Supreme Court ought to answer the following two questions:

Do you really want to leave the United States without any in-depth defense, and a lightly armed, law-abiding citizenry unable to effectively resist an attacking force?

Are you willing to see the possibility of the United States invaded and overthrown because the body of law-abiding citizens, who wish to form lawful, unorganized militias for the sole purpose of community and national defense, cannot match the firepower of an invading army?

And here I thought our job as citizens in terms of responding to national crises was to shop...

We're the Only Ones Given a Pass Enough

DUI Arrest Is Officer's 4th This Year

...Two of the drunken driving charges against Lt. Kenneth W. Parrish were dropped by county prosecutors, one of them in a plea deal and the other when the arresting officer failed to appear for a court hearing.

Would it be so terribly wrong of me to wonder if some kind of "Only One" favoritism is being shown here...? And why the county prosecutors and the truant arresting officer aren't required to answer some tough question...under oath?

[Via Andre D]

We're the Only Ones Federal Enough

[Note: You need to select "December 17" from the "Recent Editions" drop-down menu, then scroll down to 61: "Update On Procedures For Flying While Armed."]

The new procedures do not apply to federal officers.

Hah! There's "Only Ones," and then there's "Super Only Ones."

And they're even more trustworthy!

[Via Michael S]

High Anxiety

About 11,500 troops, including chemical attack experts, will join the security detail as Obama takes the oath of office.

It's all for you, Damien!

[Via Ron W]

Transparent Government

The government has blocked Kenyan members of President-elect Barrack Obama's extended family from talking to the media.

It's a good thing I'm not the suspicious type...

[Via Skip]

Free Government Money!

A Yorktown gun-rights advocate who sued Norfolk after his arrest at Town Point Park for openly carrying a handgun will receive a $15,000 payout to settle the federal lawsuit.

We discussed this before.

I hope the citizens of Norfolk remember this when the city comes crying saying they don't have enough money.

They have enough to blow $15 grand knowingly and willfully violating citizens' rights. Plus whatever they spent getting dragged through court.

[Via Mack H]

Another Child Gun Death

A man walking his dog in Terrell on Wednesday fatally shot an armed 17-year-old robber, police said.

I guess in today's politically correct environment I don't dare say something like "Waddup, Dawg..."?

[Via Tony G]

We're the Only Ones Assaulted Enough

Both the daughter and the father were arrested for assaulting a peace officer.

Plainclothes "Only Ones" get the wrong house and assault an innocent girl, she struggles and her father tries to protect her.

Every once in a while I have no words--or the words I have are best left undocumented.

This is one such time.

Speaking of people who will do obscene things for money, that William Helfland certainly is a piece of work.

[Via Cycjec from The Agitator (be sure and read Comment #7)]

Junk Mail Folder

Y'know, if you're gonna try to scam me...


...at least spell "PayPal" correctly...

I once played along with a 419er--the correspondence abruptly ended after my "widow" sent him a newspaper clipping jpg reporting on how David "Kwaku Afriye" Codrea was found hanged in his cell following his arrest for suspicion of Internet fraud...and the authorities were now focusing on his Ghanaian co-conspirator...

Question

From Paul W. Davis:

Is a D-10 bulldozer dangerous and unusual in the hands of an ordinary citizen, untrained in heavy equipment operations?

The answer is obvious. However, D-10 bulldozers are neither dangerous nor unusual, and very efficient, effective, and beneficial in the hands of the right person.

How does that operator get to be the "right person" if we constantly put forth that no one should have things that are "dangerous or unusual." After all, given Scalia's unusual interpretation of the Second Amendment, I would have to conclude that the following objects are "dangerous and unusual" in his hands having not demonstrated proper training and proficiency:

law books
A law degree
a pen
paper
a computer

"Dangerous and unusual" is a very loose term, that is so broad as to be construed to apply to virtually anything, if we ignore the PERSON involved, and that person's qualifications. What Scalia is saying here, is that even a TRAINED, QUALIFIED, INFANTRY MACHINE GUNNER, cannot, as a civilian handle a machine gun as a member of a non-government sponsored militia.

That kind of logic I can shovel out of the barn.

Wouldn't you just love to confront the "conservative justice" at a public forum and put that to him?

Not to Keep Harping on This, But...

A new report by the U.S. Army War College talks about the possibility of Pentagon resources and troops being used should the economic crisis lead to civil unrest, such as protests against businesses and government or runs on beleaguered banks.

This has all kinds of potential for getting interesting...

[Via Jeet]

Meanwhile, Over in Sarah al-Baradi Paradise

Sadr City, the South Bronx of Baghdad, has always been a rough neighborhood. Needless to say, carrying a gun here is considered a legal, moral right. Today, American and Iraqi troops are trying to do the once-unthinkable, and take Sadr City's weapons away...

In this part of Baghdad, the government of Nuri al-Maliki has rescinded the old "one AK-47 per household" rule; unless a weapon is registered - or belongs to a member of the security forces - it will be confiscated.

Mission accomplished?

But don't worry--it says they're going to use those search warrants we talked about...

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

This Day in History: December 19

Should the Force sailed from Boston be destined for Rhode Island I tremble for the Consequences, as the Colony in its present exhausted State cannot without Assistance defend the Island.

Tightening their Death Grip

The Los Angeles City Council approved a package of gun control laws Wednesday...

Click on the title link and read this.

Then watch the video.

They say they intend this to be the model for the nation.

Anybody think these tyrants are interested in peaceable resolution, or will ultimately be moved by anything short of pure self interest?

Look at Bratton claiming .50 cal "Only One" primacy. And talking "Godzilla." What an ass.

And Villaraigosa--guy can't even control his own di...libido as he gets cover from the watchdog press...but he wants to control you and me.

Then there's Jack Weiss. "Make our day?"

Perhaps, Jack. Some of us lived through seeing LA paralyzed, ceding entire neighborhoods to the zombie hordes--and that was in response to acts of government. And guess what, Jack--I went about my business every day armed in defiance of you frauds. Don't think I was alone.

Imagine what an act of nature or mass destruction will do to your smugness. The only good thing will be to expose you and your partners in crime for the powerless wretches you truly are when you don't have a cadre of enforcers on immediate hand to do your bidding.

Meanwhile, "our side" is left with arguing the new edicts "either conflict with or are duplicated by state law." Which means even if we "win," it's OK if it comes from Sacramento? Even though every one of us knows what an infringement is, but that can't even be argued?

And here's the real chiller--telling a man he can't run for city attorney unless he divests himself of all affiliation from NRA. Everyone gets how Nazi-caliber evil that is, right?

That's more than an in your face to all gun owners. If you think about it, it's taxation without representation.

These evil bastards will make war on us ideologically, politically, legally and physically. They won't stop until they're stopped. They won't let us alone and they won't let us live in peace.

If you're looking for a democratic solution in Los Angeles, forget it. Majority rule says "No."

So it will be interesting to see where the legal challenge goes.

If that doesn't work, then what?

Appeal to Obama's Justice Department?

[Via Maureen and JPR9]

Criminals for Gun Control

Wait a minute...he wanted you and me to turn in our guns, but when it came to his own protection he kept "a loaded handgun in a master-bedroom nightstand"?

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column...

Help me spread the word...?

"This is What Mayors Do"

What nothing?

Or in Fenty's case, give the predators an advantage?

[Via Avg Joe]

Sweet Land of Liberty

U.S. soldiers will need search warrants in Iraq

Maybe we could get another joint military/LEO operation going where they can teach civil liberties to some of our domestic "Only One" observers...

[Via Mama Liberty]

Westgate Remains Safe...

...despite shooting...

Sure it's safe. And Rule 19 proves it!

Say, you guys wouldn't want to guarantee that in writing, would you? Because I notice that even with those "seven Westgate security officers and 10 off-duty Glendale police officers," and with that "audio and video surveillance, and communications among officers" being "rock solid," you still couldn't do anything but react after the damage was done.

Maybe someone could take this card over to their security office and find out?


[Via Featherless Biped]

Disarmament as Castration

Gun nuts seem to react to proposed gun control legislation they way they would to emasculation.

Or to rape.

That's because we know being disarmed renders you contemptible.

Funny, we can talk about physically resisting to prevent forced castration or rape, but talk about physically resisting disarmament around some, and all of a sudden you're a...a Vanderbot.

Back on topic, this guy has a pretty good response.

[Via Jason A]

A Reasonable Suspicion

“Simply put, a police officer needs reasonable suspicion of a crime before he can detain someone, and merely possessing a handgun is not reasonable suspicion of a crime,” says Ed Stone, president of the gun rights group georgiacarry.org and co-counsel for Mead. “In this case, the encounter went beyond merely detaining Zachary Mead for having a handgun; the deputy in this case actually seized the handgun and took it with him.”

I guess that all depends on the meaning of the word "reasonable."

And "suspicion."

The Police Cruiser Loophole

A thief cut through a fence at the California Highway Patrol's Martinez office early Tuesday, broke into numerous cruisers, and made off with a semiautomatic rifle and ammunition, authorities said.

It has the convenience of an all-night store, but none of the hassles. No background checks, no paperwork, and check out those prices!

And "Only Ones" Guns has convenient locations nationwide to serve you!

[Via Les K]

Driving While Armed

Making the argument for off-the-books stealth...

"Second Amendment Legal Guns"

"I wonder about our gun laws. Should we be harsher with our gun laws," said Ballard...

"I'd like to look at gun laws, frankly. Penalties for illegal guns," said Ballard...

"I have no problem with second amendment legal guns. No problem what so ever on that. It's the illegal guns that are concerning," said Ballard...

The mayors of Fort Wayne and South Bend have signed on to an effort by New York's mayor to strengthen illegal gun laws.

Good grief.

And Greg, if you're looking for a "big hit," here's a clue: Gun control doesn't work.

[Via Mike H]

National Geographic Aims and Misses

National Geographic Channel ran a show last night entitled, "Gun In America." According to the program, there are millions of misguided gun owners across the nation. Why? Because your guns are supposedly more likely to harm you than to help you in an emergency.

Besides, National Geographic has amply demonstrated why it's preferable that only governments be armed.

UPDATE: Stupid line of the year award...

We're the Only Ones Warning Enough

Police also suggest carrying a cell phone and holding car keys in your hand that can be used as a weapon against an attacker.

So that no doubt means Boston "Only Ones" will be replacing their guns with these superior tools, right?

[Via Brian F]

Tennessee Tyranny

Tennessee Firearms Association Alert (via email):

Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.
Legislative Action Committee

Tennessee Department of Safety has started sending out letters telling firearms instructors that "effective immediately" they are going to be required to complete and fill out a "roster" that has to be faxed to the Department of Safety within 24 hours of the ion handgun permit certification class. http://www.state.tn.us/safety/forms/HGschoolroster200862408.pdf

This new roster collects information concerning the weapons used in the class including the owner's name and the serial number. Other forms filed with TDOS (including the certification form) has the make, model and caliber of the weapon.

Nothing in the statutes authorize or direct the Department of Safety to collect or require this information.

I would like to gauge the public response to the collection of this information and whether it enables TDOS or the state to start collection records detailing firearms owners and at least some of the specific weapons owned by them.

If you oppose this change, feel free to contact TDOS AND your state legislators.

TDOS contact information in on the TDOS web site

http://www.state.tn.us/safety/handgunmain.htm

The main contact, according to the state's web site is:

Contact Us:
Lisa Knight, Manager
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 253-5221
866-849-3548 (toll-free)

I wonder what would happen if someone threw a monkeywrench into the works? Maybe filled out the forms with a bunch of fake information and buried them in checking it out? Or even simpler, just scrawling out a suggestion on what they can do with their gun owner registration scheme on the face of the form, and mailing it to Manager Lisa...?


Just this simple cryptic message alone would probably prompt a full-scale investigation. Can you imagine if they started getting a flood of them?

UPDATE: SayUncle passes along word they've recanted.

We're the Only Ones Rounding Up Enough

An Ohio family whose members have served their friends and neighbors with food cooperative services involving bulk and discount supplies has been targeted in a raid by armed law enforcement officers wearing black fatigues who forcibly rounded up the mom and 10 children and held them for six hours.

We were trying to confirm what happened here.

Still, aren't you glad Lorain County "Only Ones" have the resources to do this? Particularly at a time when they're laying off 20 deputies?

It must mean there's not all that much crime in Lorain.

That is, outside - their - police - department...

[Via Avg Joe]

How to Protect Yourself from Martial Law

If martial law is declared, your civil rights will no longer be recognized by the authorities; basic rights -- such as due process -- will no longer exist. How can you protect yourself...right now and afterward?

Interesting. But I think the first and third suggestions may contradict each other.

[Via Jeet]

This Day in History: December 18

We have just been informed of a Circumstance, which, were it not so well Authenticated, I should scarcely think credible; It is that Col: Allen, who with his small party, was defeated and taken Prisoner near Montreal, has been treated, without regard to decency, humanity, or the Rules of War; That he has been thrown into Irons and suffers all the Hardships inflicted upon common Felons.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Nicki did a lot of follow-up on the military and guns.

We talked about it here and here.

'A Christmas Story' Revisited

We've talked about A Christmas Story House before, and their 25th anniversary event. I think the movie is an important one for gun owners for several reasons, obviously revolving around the Red Ryder BB gun.

Here's today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

I hope WarOnGuns regulars are helping to spread the word on these columns.

Virtual Unreality

Really, why do you need guns except to shoot a pigeon, or a deer? You're not a policeman. You can't ensure that you're children won't get hold of your gun. You can't hold yourself to be a responsible adult when you return home angry, drunk and volatile.

Just bury the damn thing, change the constitution and ban guns. Stop blaming violent video games and Marilyn Manson. Enough is enough. These tragic murders need to stop.

I talked about this case yesterday in my Gun Rights Examiner column.

Silly me. I happen to believe balanced people can handle guns and music and video games. And that those who can't have no claim on my choices.

I don't think I could approach this UK gaming nitwit with anything even resembling civility. If you have the belly to engage him, go for it.

Feel free to grab him by the lapels and use your forehead as a club. Virtually, of course.

Straddling the Fence

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl allowed a city gun control bill to become law without his signature.

In a letter to council, Mr. Ravenstahl said the bill will be unenforceable and pre-empted by state law...

So I don't suppose you could have intentional state lawbreakers arrested?

An Economic Stimulus Package

Two state lawmakers say they'll sponsor a bill to repeal state taxes on the sale of guns and ammunition in Oklahoma.

Well, that would be consistent with "shall not be infringed."

Which kind of opens the door for questioning why we have what was supposed to be a taxing agency...

A Constant Disadvantage

Rising gun sales driven by females, retirees...

"People who have come in here before and never even looked at guns are now buying them."

...But...but...but...

That's not what Bryan told us...

I'm inclined to believe that the vast bulk of folks buying guns per recent gun shop owners' claims are repeat buyers, they already have guns at home.

Poor guy's at a constant disadvantage, wouldn't you agree?

Attention All Fudds!

Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan dismissed the notion hunting rifles and shotguns are not the type of weapons authorities need to be worried about, noting they can cause harm if poorly safeguarded or stolen by burglars.

"Taking these off the streets is as important as the taking the handguns off the streets,'' he said.

And what does "taking these off the streets" mean when this story is clearly about ordinary citizens removing them from their homes?

Y'all still want to throw the rest of us under the bus?

Don't take my word for it that the government wants to separate you from your "sporting arms." Take Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan's.

Nickels Hides

That's because punk petty tyrants like Nickels, exhibit the same traits as most bullies when confronted by someone who won't back down and who has the capacity to back themselves up.

Remember that.

Maybe someone could dig him a spider hole to hide in for future such occasions...?

A Tough Measure

The legislation would require all gun owners to receive five hours of safety training and to register their firearms every three years. In addition, they would have to undergo a criminal background check every six years.

Compelling state interest in action.

I wonder how many feral sociopaths this will stop?

Idiots.

They Hate Us Because We're Free

"They just go ahead and don't listen to any of the laws that are affecting anybody else. It's quite a problem when you got people next door required to get permits and the Amish don't have to get them," said Gary Olson, a county supervisor in central Wisconsin's Jackson County, where Borntreger lives.

Note the issue is not whether Amish housing is unsafe or not.

Putting aside for a moment the issue of the best means a community can employ to ensure structures are not a threat to their inhabitants or neighbors, the Amish choose to live in their own communities.

Who are they harming?

But the state must control all. They won't let you live in peace. They're intent to force themselves upon you whether you wish to deal with them or not.

I suppose, ultimately, if the homeowners wish to defy orders and shut themselves up in their traditionally crafted home, an angry state could send out armed enforcers to burn the place down around them.

Isn't that what we do with "cultists" in this country who want to be left alone?

Vermont, SC or "Only Ones" Carry?

This may not be the "No Permit Carry" bill the news article paints it to be, per Ed Stone .

Here's a discussion where some concerns have surfaced.

Here's the bill in question.

Your thoughts?

We're the Only Ones Discouraging Alternative Transportation Enough

Any bets on whether the "Only One" or the bicyclist would have been indicted but for the video recording of what happened?

[Via Chris Horton]

Scuba for Governor

I guarantee he'll be a lot more honest than the current son of a bi....

More on the Con-Con and a Rant

We talked about it here.

Chuck Baldwin explains why they're so dangerous.

I understand the Ohio vote has been delayed. None of the legislators saw fit to get back with me--I guess they thought I might be a bit peeved.

But here's a question for you, who come here regularly every day, because I presume you get some value out of it.

I asked readers to join me (I never ask for anything I don't give myself), to send an email. I even provided all the addresses.

How many did?

Apathy is the most frustrating thing I confront. It's a bigger threat than anything out there. And I have to wonder what someone will do if they won't even take a minute, literally, to send a simple email.

I've answered dismissals about "preaching to the choir" before, the first time, I believe, in my article "You Say You Want a Revolution?" published by GUNS AND AMMO back in 2001:

If only this assumption was true. We would be invincible!

The choir is comprised of the volunteers up there doing the work, singing. These are the people who learn the music and the words and the programs. They take significant time out from their demanding professional and personal lives to practice, to learn and to perform. And they’ll do it again next week, and the next.

The overwhelming majority of gun owners are, at best, spectators. They may occasionally attend a service, they may even put a couple dollars in the plate when it’s passed, but to actually put forth time, effort and financial support on a continued basis, to do real work and make real sacrifices, is something they typically find reasons for not doing.

So it takes a special person for me to acknowledge as being a choir member.

I'm also reminded of a quote from Mr. Churchill.

I bring this up because I see the vast majority of gun owners, maybe, say, 97%, dismissing "threepers," sometimes with great contempt. Just the other day I saw myself characterized with the words "spittle-flying screaming about all the 'cowards' that won't start killing jack-booted thugs at the issuance of a traffic ticket."

I approached my accuser privately (and politely, I might add) and asked to see where I've done that, or even anything close to it to make it a fair caricature. For some reason he won't reply.

For the record, I'm doing what I can, and have been for years, to work toward restoration of the Republic through petitions for redress, political involvement, the legal system, the media...

The ironic thing is, if we do reach the much-mischaracterized "Vanderboegh scenario," it will be because many who decried it the loudest didn't hold up their end of the deal and actually do concrete work toward those political and legal results they tell us will be our salvation.

The rant is almost over. At the risk of alienating and driving anyone away, I'll say this flat out: If you're not doing something proactive on a regular basis to try and promote Liberty/discourage tyranny, you're part of the problem. It's not my place to tell you what to do, it's your place to find something that enthuses you and do it.

This week and the next and the next....

[Via W-3]

We're the Only Ones Who Know That Enough

The State is now conceding that the police informant in the case illegally broke into Frederick's home three nights before the raid. Until now, they had either denied the connection or refused to comment.

Frederick's attorney released an audio recording taken in a police car shortly after the raid. In it, Frederick tries to explain that he was confused and frightened because someone had broken into his home earlier in the week. A police detective replies, "We know that." In a second recording, the detective says again, "First off, we know your house had been broken into. OK?"

Let me get this straight.

Their guy breaks in.

They say they know that.

But then they say they didn't know it was their guy.

It's tough following "Only One" versions some times. They get kind of...convoluted...

[Via Carl S]

This Day in History: December 17

Patriot forces in Montreal build ramparts of snow and ice. An American describes the event in a letter stating, "Who but Yankees would have thought of such a contrivance or who but enthusiastics for liberty would carry on a siege at such a season of the year."

The Return of Burka Abeam

Well, at least HuffPo noticed. The "conservative" big shots I sent it to ignored it.

Be interesting to see what this does to the traffic...

UPDATE:

...and now Buzzflash.

Good day, stat wise.

Sheesh. I do all this work and the thing that gets noticed is the trivia.

If you go back to my original post from 5 days ago that's grabbing the attention now, you'll see somebody gave a copy of the paper to Jay Leno and he talked about it last night...

A Lesson to be Learned

There is, indeed, a lesson to be learned, and I'm curious to see if it has been. So I'm going to relinquish the floor. How would you respond to the assertion that it's too dangerous to keep a loaded gun in the home?

I have a question for the readers in today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

Go there and share your thoughts with us.

Dial 911 and Die

Brittany Zimmerman, a 21-year-old college student who wanted to be a doctor, called 911 as she was being attacked by a stranger, police say.

But the police did not come for 48 minutes. By that time, Zimmerman was dead. Her fiance found her body.

Although the dispatcher claimed later to have heard nothing, the 911 tape captured screams, gasps and what sounds like a struggle, according to the court documents.

Tragic.

And, unfortunately, the dangers are well known and documented.

This eerily reminds me of an ad we produced years ago for Citizens of America.

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

[Via ebd10]

A Soaring Response...

...to this.

Per David J. Theroux:

As an update, our book THE FOUNDERS' SECOND AMENDMENT: Origins of the Rights to Bear Arms, by Independent Institute Research Fellow Stephen P. Halbrook, has skyrocketed to the following rankings at Amazon.com:

#1: Law
#1: Civil Rights and Liberties
#1: Constitutions
#1: Constitutional Law
#1: Revolutionary and Founding History
#12: History
#11: Professional and Technical
#26: Nonfiction (all)

The book has soared to an overall ranking of #140 at Amazon.com and #105 at Barnes & Noble.com. (With the enormous response, Amazon.com temporarily sold out of the book and is now being restocked.)

Y'know, we could do a lot worse than to get this information into the public consciousness.

Click here to learn more.

Sovietizing the Economy

William N. Grigg outlines "The Final Phase."

[Via Western Rifle Shooters Association]

Our Second National Holiday

And so, on the day we should probably celebrate as our SECOND great national holiday, on Dec. 15, 1791, Virginia became the 11th state to ratify the first 10 proposed amendments, Mr. Madison’s “Bill of Rights” — though a better name might be the “Bill of Prohibitions” on government conduct — thrown together in an attempt to placate such vociferous anti-federalists as Patrick Henry and Richard Henry Lee.

Vin Suprynowicz educates those of us who will sit still and listen about Bill of Rights Day.

[Via Western Rifle Shooters Association]

The Lonely War

Mike Vanderboegh really is an engaging writer and military historian, with a talent for putting you right in the action.

This is long (naturally) but well worth the time.

Also, you can meet Mike (and his chair) in Indianapolis the weekend of Jan. 9.

It Doesn't Get More Deadly

AAAGGGHHH!!!

"[R]apid-fire, high-powered assault-style rifles in Peoria"!!!!!

HELP!!! IT BU-R-R-RNS!!!!

And it's not the poor cop's fault. You need to put what he said in context with the rest of his statement:

"It's not the gun itself, but the person standing behind the gun."

But if "Authorized Journalist" Leslie Fark has a chance to introduce hysteria into the mix, then dammit, that's just what she's going to do.

[Via Bryan E]

What Happens Off Post Stays Off Post

Just confirmed through our legal folks that there is no Army requirement for Soldiers living off post to register fire arms on post.

Nicki went up the ladder and got a definitive answer on this.

BATFU Reenacts Sherman's March

The government had planned to burn hundreds of acres in the area on Tuesday to clear underbrush to aid in searching for more ammunition and explosives.

It's official.

Slash and burn, that is, components of total war, are now acceptable tools in BATFU's War on (Drugs and) Guns.

And of course, the other good thing about burning...uh...evidence is...is...well, it does put more weight on sworn testimony, doesn't it?

I wonder if they'll salt the earth afterward?

I also wonder if this has happened yet--the story is a few days old, and I can't find accounts of the burn having taken place. The thought strikes to get the left to carry some water--literally.

There's gotta be some environmentalcases we could plant a bug under about carbon footprints, greenhouse gasses, releasing toxins and carcinogens into the environment, endangering wildlife...

[Via Chris Horton]

A Joint Sobriety Driver License Checkpoint

Click on image to enlarge.

A "joint...checkpoint"?

Well, that ain't what I was directly told yesterday. I was told the Marines were observers, learning how to do the drill so they could apply it on base.

I don't dismiss the possibility that this could be clumsy wording on the part of CHP, but think this is now worth getting some official answers for -- in writing.

Naturally, the "Authorized Journalists" are completely out of the loop on this. What more proof do we need that bloggers are illegitimate?

For starters, were I a California constituent, particularly one from that region, I'd be sending inquiries to my state assemblyman and state senator, and to my congressional representative and senator. I'd also chide the local papers and ask why they aren't getting to the bottom of this.

[Via Zachary G]

This Day in History: December 16

IT is His Majesty’s Pleasure, that, from the date hereof, and during the continuance of the Rebellion now subsisting in North America, every person, who shall enlist as a soldier in any of His Majesty’s Marching Regiments of Foot, shall be entitled to his discharge at the end of Three Years, or at the end of the said Rebellion, at the option of His Majesty.