Meddling Prohibitionists

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I’ve got news for the prohibitionists of the world. My father won’t give up his freedom to pass on his legacy without government interference — and neither will I, nor will my family, nor my friends. Nor will millions of other freedom-loving citizens. [More]

Excellent letter from Russ Stewart, who tells me and reminds us all:

People need to know that local newspapers love to foster debate on issues. Letters to the editor are great, but full editorials are much more effective. People with a little writing talent and a somewhat silver tongue can often get an editor agree to publish up to 600-700 words. I think it is very important for us to convey to the general public that we are done backing up, and that we are ready to engage in civil disobedience to protect out liberties.

Another Reason to Invest in a Home Theater

...or to be armed if you don't. [More]

[Via Mama Liberty]

Accidental

ThirdPower has more on this anti-gun creep. [More]

Mom With a Gun

Meleanie Hain interview. [More]

I see some on "our side" are putting her down.

I think that's wrong. It works to the detriment of pioneers championing normalization, and to the continued empowerment of punks like these.

[Via TJP]

We're the Only Ones Who Will Blow Your F'n Head Off Enough

There are six videos in all. Start with the first one, here.

In the second, they ask him if he has hand grenades tell him a Tylenol is a narcotic and accuse him of being a liar.

They bust his chops about not letting them search the truck. They tell him a Tylenol 3 out of a pill case is a felony.

Winning death threat quote from video 4: "I'm goin' home."

Winning quote from video 6: "He's got a smart mouth....He's been bitchin' the whole time."

Per Ed Stone:

David,

Please check out the videos linked in this thread (obtained using the Open Records Act). There is a letter from the Chief apologizing linked later in the thread. Notice he does NOT apologize for the officer's gun pointing at his head.

Please note that Officer Mason, at the passenger window, has been present at several incidents where the Glynn County police harass citizens for carrying a pistol, and he was present weeks later when this driver was arrested in the parking lot of a mall for refusing to show his identification while carrying a pistol openly (I believe the police report from that arrest was posted on your blog).

I note some on "our side" are quick to disparage open carry as a taboo that scares too many people, and thus works against "us." I submit that unless and until freedom is normalized, people who choose to lawfully exercise their rights will continue to be endangered, and that courageous pioneers deserve our gratitude and support, not our criticism.

I also note that Glynn County PD Officers Nolen and Mason remind me of nothing so much as brownshirts . They behaved like the type of bullying thugs who say they demand respect, but unable to either show it to citizens they're hired to serve, or earn it from them, will settle for fear.

Such as these are why I continue with "the Only Ones" files.

That's unacceptable in my country, and I intend to let them know it.

UPDATE: There.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

For a decade, Russian academic Igor Panarin has been predicting the U.S. will fall apart in 2010. For most of that time, he admits, few took his argument -- that an economic and moral collapse will trigger a civil war and the eventual breakup of the U.S. -- very seriously. Now he's found an eager audience: Russian state media. [More]

Of course, the Russkis may want to look at their own house first, but still, in The Lightworker's own words:

[W]hat works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne.

And that doesn't just apply to guns.

[Via Cigar Rollers]

How Do I Rate?

Internet sites could be given cinema-style age ratings as part of a Government crackdown on offensive and harmful online activity to be launched in the New Year, the Culture Secretary says. [More]

And lest you think it's just for the subjects across the pond in Sarah Brady paradise...

He is planning to negotiate with Barack Obama’s incoming American administration to draw up new international rules for English language websites.

Well that falls right in line with AG nominee Eric Holder's sentiments...

What did our friends the Talosians say?

Wrong thinking is punishable.

Right thinking will be as quickly rewarded.

[Via Illspirit and An Hour of Wolves]

Cause and Effect

The number of police officers killed by gunfire in 2008 dropped to its lowest level in more than 50 years...[More]

Who thinks it's because of "gun control" edicts?

Who thinks making it even harder for you and me to buy a gun, or to further restrict what we're "allowed" to own or where and how we're "permitted" to bear arms will reduce these numbers even more?

What do I have to do to get some anti in here? Put out a welcome mat?

[Via Avg Joe and DaKid]

This Day in History: December 29

The disgraceful circumstance, to the Colony, of seizing the Printer's materials and servants, in Norfolk; the captivating our friends at Kemp's Landing, and the cowardly behaviour of a party of Militia in that neighbourhood, afterwards, proceeded from the defenceless state of that part of the country, and our inability, for sometime, to send them protection, for want of arms and ammunition. [More]

What Better Way to Dishonor Their Memory?

Relatives of those who died aboard United Airlines Flight 93 want the Bush Administration to seize the land needed for a memorial where the plane crashed in Shanksville, Pa., in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Yeah, what better memorial could someone want to celebrate freedom, courage and sacrifice than one obtained through coercion and theft?

I never will get why some feel their grief entitles them to make claims on others, but we see it with mothers of "gun victims" all the time.

If it was my land, I'd break off negotiations immediately over this.

Way to turn sympathy into absolute opposition.

We're the Only Ones BS-ing You Enough

Sheriff's Deputy Gregory Anderson tags a gun after rendering it safe during the "Gifts for Guns" exchange at Lennox Middle School. [More]

Gosh, is that all it takes to render a gun safe enough to have at a middle school, so that we don't all go stampeding in hysteria...?

A piece of removable plastic and a uniform...?

It must be that powerful "Only Ones" juju at work again. Thank goodness, I can swallow my cud again in contentment and oblivion...

Speaking of which, check out some of the quotes from the herd.

Peter Jacob's wife Carol insists on his castration, and like a good steer he complies. What he'll be prepared to do should he and she encounter a bull is something we dare not contemplate.

And the unidentified retiree is evidently secure enough in his location, prowess and prescience to know he no longer "needs" the means of self defense.

Sounds like more bulls... to me...

Speaking of which, funding for this came from the Sheriff's Department. Remember that next time Lee Baca tells you he doesn't have enough, and needs to raise sales taxes.

Talk about bs...

We're the Only Ones "No Questions Asked" Enough

He said as of Tuesday night, people turning in illegal guns would not be given gift cards or get their guns back.

"If they hand us an illegal handgun and we have no money, we can't give back the gun," he said. [More]

Suck...errrs...

And "no questions asked"--just show us some ID...

Hysterical. And while I don't normally believe in blaming victims, you got just what you had coming, Mark DeAngelis.

Gosh, if you can't trust "Only Ones," who can you trust...?

What if You Held a "Buyback" and Nobody Came...?

The Rev. Reginald Holmes, a minister at the church, said about 40 people with a total of 120 guns showed up but were turned off to the idea of just donating their guns. [More]

But wait a second...Alvertis Simmons led us to believe the Tre Crips were primarily interested in ending the violence...I don't see from this story where any of them followed through...

World's Stupidest Violent Crime Solutions

With Chicago's homicide total for 2008 already past 500, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., is calling for stronger gun laws in order to help to stem urban violence. [More]

Brilliant. Let's make guns even more "illegal" in Chicago. And let's expand Chicago's success story everywhere!

I guess my favorite nonsensical statement has to be:

Regulate the trafficking of illegal guns

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

Open Carry Arrest in Vancouver, WA

Interesting thread. It appears he could win, but he needs to fight it with a lawyer, not in forums. [More]

[Via Jeffersonian]

Meanwhile, South of the Border in Sarah Brady Paradise...

A gang of about 20 men armed with assault rifles robbed a train in the western Mexican state of Michoacan and carted off some of its freight, the state prosecutor's office said Saturday...

...the thieves may have been after drums of pseudoephedrine, a chemical used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines... [More]

Via Ed, who writes:

Gee, I thought that when my purchase of Pseudophed at my local drugstore was restricted that the drug trade in methampetamines would disappear. See any parallels?

Maybe if we just got rid of those damned American gun shows...?

What's "Legit" About This?

Lawyer claims Plaxico Burress's seized guns are legit [More]

Via Mack H, who asks:

What in the world is the Probable Cause for the search warrant?

Why did it take 3 hours??

Why was a NY prosecutor there inside a NJ home???

What the FREAK is going on here?

How an incident like this can trigger an investigation in another state is a mystery to me. All I can think of is, he must have opened his mouth in interrogation, and what he spilled got passed on to his home state.

This Day in History: December 28

The Continental Congress resolves that troops raised in Virginia be enlisted on the same terms and pay as the forces at Cambridge. [More]

Gun Rights Examiner

This is going to change in the very near future.

Coming in early January, the "Cleveland" is going away.

The column has done well both regionally and in the "Politics" category. So the powers that be have decided they'll be better served if it goes national--meaning it will now show up on the national page as well as be accessible from 59 separate city pages.

That's the reason I've pushed it every day, and asked WarOnGuns regulars to read the columns and share them with your friends.

I outlined my plan from Day One, and it's actually unfolding much more quickly than I'd hoped.

This represents not just a local opportunity, but if it's successful, they'll surely be receptive to expanding the topic to other markets.

I'll be capitalizing on this receptivity on an ongoing basis.

As such, I've already lined up a proven columnist for Cleveland (no, I'm not going to say who--it will be his announcement to make and my place to support that with publicity) and I'm working with my channel manager to help establish a presence in other cities.

I hope it's clear that this is an opportunity for getting our message outside the "gun blogosphere" and into a much wider market. So I also hope you understand why I've been harping and nagging on this every day and asking for your help to promote the column. And why I won't apologize for continuing to do so.

Consider it my requested donation from those who get value from WarOnGuns. I ask you every day to click on (and read) the Gun Rights Examiner column and share the link with your friends.

Because as exciting as this new opportunity is, I--and "we"--could do much better based on the stats I'm seeing.

Please help me continue to grow this opportunity.

And thank you to those who do.

"Valkyrie"

Mike Vanderboegh gives a review of both the movie and the history. [More]

He also expresses a faith in our military that I pray he's right in having. I want to believe with the same confidence he does that the critical mass shares the same values as my family and friends who have served.

What I see from some commentators I respect makes it difficult for me to just dismiss their concerns as mere "posturing" and "imagination."

By all means, befriend servicepeople you encounter. But understand there are always those with power who have risen to top ranks and who are beholden to others.

The Founders rightly distrusted a standing army, even with the example set by Washington.

We're the Only Ones Unsealed Enough

Metropolitan cops are no longer required to seal off their gun muzzles unless directed otherwise by police district chiefs, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil said Friday.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, Bataoil said it is now time for the police to show that they can be trusted in not using their guns in celebration of the New Year. [More]

See?

"Only Ones" are more trustworthy than the rest of us...

Good grief.

We're the Only Ones Retired Enough

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has issued 15 concealed-weapons permits to retired agents, the only former state police officers to receive the privilege. [More]

Oooh...Oooh!! Can we have one too...?

Sorry.

You're not "Only Ones."

And ultra-super-trustworthy Wisconsin Only Ones at that...

Gosh--the Gauleiters won't give their permission to us rabble.

Whatever shall we do...?

Desperately Seeking Attention

“It should be obvious to anyone that a civilian bringing an openly-carried, loaded semiautomatic weapon to a child’s soccer game poses a grave risk to the community,” said Daniel R. Vice, Senior Attorney at the Brady Center’s Legal Action Project. [More]

Because we all know only the "Only Ones" can be trusted.

And don't let the "openly-carried, loaded semi-automatic weapon" rhetoric throw you. They get just as hissy against concealed carry. And revolvers.

They just don't want us to have guns.

Don't they sound ridiculous? Like the loser kids from school who snitched on their classmates to win the teacher's approval...?

[Via Mack H]

When Blood Starts Running

"We no longer have a civilian-led government."

This ominous conclusion comes to us from Thomas A. Schweich, who held the title of deputy assistant secretary of state for international law enforcement affairs in the Bush Regime... [More]

William N. Grigg brings another ominous analysis.

General Patton's riot "laws" are of particular interest, and boil down to this:

"When blood starts running, the law stops."

[Via Ron W]

This Day in History: December 27

I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids. She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shown and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal. Conscious of this, she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her. [More]

A Wanted Man and 'A True Success Story'

What's the solution? That's huge. All I can address here is a small piece of it.

It does not involve disarming you and me. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column...

Tell a friend?

A Free-Market Solution

Private Assassins Target Gangs In Guatemala...

In Guatemala, people have had enough of corrupt police and brutal extortions by gangs. They've turned to vigilantism. Lynch mobs and death squads are now commonplace. [More]

The shape of things to come...? Is there a lesson here about what naturally occurs when otherwise peaceable people are not allowed to live their lives, have no means of peaceable redress, and some undefined line in the sand is finally crossed?

[Via Greg L]

Blood from a Turnip

More taxes are coming our way. You may not recognize them because, transparency and honesty be damned, many of them will come disguised as fees, assessments, and whatever euphemisms can be pulled from a government thesaurus to obscure the truth. [More]

Yeah, kick us while we're down and demand even more to enable your ceaseless tyranny and boundless incompetence.

Y'know, this could actually be a good thing in a "Squeeze, Baby, Squeeze" kind'a way...

[Via Avg Joe]

About That Virginia Tech Gun Ban

Roy offered to arrange for armed security for Giovanni before a meeting she had with Cho, according to an e-mail. [More]

So--when it serves their purposes, they're not completely anti-gun.

And naturally, Larry Hincker didn't want us to find about about this.

[Via Jeffersonian]

Truly Amazing

Carolina Camera: The Sling Shot Man [More]

See, the good thing is, he didn't have one of those deadly "assault slingshots"...

And yes, the control freaks actually are that anal retentive.

[Via Mike H]

A Yuletide Lesson

A man dressed as Santa who had been having marital problems opened fire at a Christmas party, leaving more than three people dead in a home that then caught fire... [More]

Basically, the lesson is this: If someone attacks you, the police can't save you.

They'll even hold other government-employed rescuers back out of predominant concern for their safety. And note I'm not presuming to second-guess a situation I have no first-hand knowledge of and say they made a wrong call on that--I'm simply stating a reported conclusion.

If you're not prepared to protect yourself and those you love, don't expect anyone else to be.

[Via Mama Liberty]

We're the Only Ones Diagnosed Enough

In a survey of a random sample of U.S. emergency physicians, virtually all said they believed that law enforcement officers use excessive force to arrest and detain suspects. [More]

Put another way, just under 10 out of 10 doctors equate "Only Ones" with violent criminals...?

I guess it doesn't occur to some cops that we'd like to go home at the end of their shift, too?

[Via Avg Joe]

We're the Only Ones "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Enough

D.C. police said they have uncovered possible misdeeds by four officers in connection with a program that collects toys for needy children, and Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said any officer "found to have taken toys" will be prosecuted. [More]

But Cathy still thinks police are the "Only Ones" who can be trusted to keep and bear arms...

I'd say "Unbelievable" about this story, but in truth, very little surprises me any more.

[Via DaKid]

This Day in History: December 26

Lord Dunmore's letters to General Howe, which very fortunately fell into my hands, and were enclosed by me to Congress, will let you pretty fully into his diabolical schemes. If, my dear Sir, that man is not crushed before spring, he will become the most formidable enemy America has; his strength will increase as a snow ball by rolling; and faster, if some expedient cannot be hit upon to convince the slaves and servants of the impotency of his designs. You will see by his letters, what pains he is taking to invite a reinforcement at all events there, and to transplant the war to the southern colonies. I do not think, that forcing his Lordship on shipboard is sufficient; nothing less than depriving him of life or liberty will secure peace to Virginia, as motives of resentment actuate his conduct, to a degree equal to the total destruction of the colony. [More]

Merry Christmas

What in the world are you doing here?

It's Christmas!

Get off the computer and go be with the ones you love.

If there is no one you love, go fix that. Get off the computer and go do something loving for someone.

Who Will Guard the Guards?

In other words, the trappings of state authority are all it takes to elicit trust? That seems a heck of a way to observe an unalienable individual right that's specifically posted off-limits to government infringement in "the supreme law of the land," don't you think? [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column...

Tell a friend?

And while you're at it, tell them I'm going to have some good news about the column I'll talk about next week.

We're the Only Ones Taking [Hic] You for a Ride Enough

A trooper was fired yesterday by the Maryland State Police after he was arrested on charges of kidnapping a man in his marked cruiser at a fast-food drive-through, then leading Baltimore County police on a drunken high-speed chase. [More]

So what's with the charges?

I mean, you let him just write an apology and do some "community organizing" after his last three drunken adventures...

And everybody caught that "Only Ones Bill of Rights" referral, didn't you?

Good grief.

[Via Rick P]

We're the Only Ones Puppicidal Enough

The dog ran out, and down Peeple's driveway toward the officers, at which point they shot it three times. Even the police concede the dog never attacked. They shot it as it was running toward them. [More]

I don't know what it is about "Only Ones" and dogs, but I'm starting to think that no certification in dog behaviors and handling ought to be submissable evidence as proof of negligence after stuff like this goes down.

[Via Thomas C]

Self Defense...

...it isn't just for NorteAmericanos...[More]

I'm glad the store owner wasn't charged, but am cynical enough to wonder what that cost him...

[Via Joe G]

We're the Only Ones Spared Enough

Judge Robert Neary conceded that former Orange County sheriff's Lt. Lloyd Kurth violated the public's trust by stealing a rifle from the evidence room he once supervised.

But when it came time to sentence Kurth Monday in Orange County Court, Neary decided that Kurth's crime was offset by the loss of his law-enforcement career and the public humiliation endured by the 42-year-old Goshen native. [More]

Lord knows Messrs. Fincher and Olofson endured no comparable suffering, and thus deserved their prison terms...?

After the trial, Neary dismissed more charges revolving around Kurth's alleged theft of two handguns. He convicted Kurth of stealing a hunting rifle.

Sheriff Carl DuBois said Tuesday that the public never got the complete picture of Kurth's misdeeds.

"This wasn't just one, isolated incident," DuBois said.

Still, he's already suffered as only an "Only One" can, right, Judge Neary?

[Via Declan]

10-20-Life?

Florida threatens criminals with up to life in prison if they use a gun, but few suspects in Orange County get such tough mandatory penalties even as the campaign to end gun violence enters its 10th year, the Orlando Sentinel has found. [More]

Now hold the phone--I'm all for throwing the book at any animal using force and weapons to threaten, harm or kill victims. But "use a gun" is a far cry from some loser hiding under his mother's bed during a drug raid...

The police state receives major sustenance from the War on (some) Drugs. As does violent crime from both sides of "the thin blue line." That's a separate issue, but I'll repeat something I've long maintained:

Anyone who can't be trusted with a gun can't be trusted without a custodian.

Still, I'm sittin' here wondering how that guy got 23 days and Wayne Fincher got six-and-a-half years...

[Via Bruce Mills]

It All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Cache"

Authorities seized a small cache of weapons and ammunition from the New Jersey home of New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress...

The Post, citing anonymous law enforcement sources, said a 9-mm handgun, a rifle and ammunition for three other guns — a .380, a .45 and a .40, the same caliber of gun Burress accidentally shot himself with — were seized during the execution of a search warrant at Burress' home in Totowa. [More]

OK, at least we've established an "Authorized Journalist" benchmark of sorts.

A "cache" is larger than a "spate." I haven't figured out yet how either compare with an "arsenal."

[Via W-3]

"All I Want is World Peace"*

A reigning Mexican beauty queen from the drug-plagued state of Sinaloa was arrested with suspected gang members in a truck filled guns and ammunition, police said Tuesday. [More]

This can't be the whole story.

It doesn't say a word about those damned American gun shows...

One of the tough lessons we should learn when young is that physical beauty doesn't necessarily mean the mind isn't corrupted. Fortunately, in my case...

...:)

* From story comment poster sd74

[Via Brian F]

We're the Only Ones Jamming Traffic Enough

A former Utah state trooper suspected in a series of fatal rush-hour shootings near Dallas had an addiction to painkillers and a warrant had been issued for his arrest in connection with a recent robbery, according to Texas and Utah authorities. [More]

I guess if he had his certification revoked, he didn't qualify for nationwide "Only One" concealed carry...?

[Via Chris T, Zachary G, Joe G]

Better Things to Do

"What happens when all these people die out?" asks the president of Darien-based Friends of Animals. "Haven't their children discovered video games and better things to do than mutilate a deer?" [More]

Well, I suppose we could teach them to mutilate Zargonians...

[Via Skip]

We're the Only Ones Snowed In Enough

That leaves many drivers, including Seattle police, pretty much on their own until nature does to the snow what the sand can't: melt it.

The city's patrol cars are rear-wheel drive. And even with tire chains, officers are avoiding hills and responding on foot, according to a West Precinct officer. [More]

We all get what that means, right?

That political pustule Greg "Spiderhole" Nickels not only is fighting to illegally disarm people, but his city's policy hampers the "Only Ones" he trusts with guns from responding to violent crime.

How much more absurd and dangerous do things need to get?

This Day in History: December 24

By order of his Excellency General Washington, a Board of General Officers sat yesterday in Cambridge, and unanimously recommended the following Rations to be delivered in the manner hereby directed -- Viz: Corn'd Beef and Pork, four days in a week. Salt Fish one day, and fresh Beef two days. As Milk cannot be procured during the Winter Season, the Men are to have one pound and a half of Beef, or eighteen Ounces of Pork pr. day. Half pint of Rice, or a pint of Indian Meal pr Week -- One Quart of Spruce Beer pr day, or nine Gallons of Molasses to one hundred Men pr week. Six pounds of Candles to one hundred Men pr week, for guards. Six Ounces of Butter, or nine Ounces of Hogs-Lard pr week. Three pints of Pease, or Beans pr man pr week, or Vegetables equivalent, allowing Six Shillings pr Bushel for Beans, or Pease -- two and eight pence pr Bushel for Onions -- One and four pence pr Bushel for Potatoes and Turnips -- One pound of Flour pr man each day -- Hard Bread to be dealt out one day in a week, in lieu of Flour. [More]

Violence is No Game

But surely I'm not suggesting anyone's life is worth mere merchandise, or the contents of a cash register?

Not at all.

What I am suggesting is anyone depraved enough to threaten the life of another human being over something so trivial is a deranged monster capable of anything. What I'm suggesting is that human beings confronted with such monsters should not have their choice to defend their precious and irreplaceable lives taken away from them by others. [More]

Here's today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

Tell a friend?

Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics

Some machine-gun shoots in Texas let children attend... [More]

...which "Authorized Journalist" Anna M. Tinsley weaves into a convoluted tapestry of misdirection and non sequiturs to derive this foregone conclusion:

Remove guns from your home.

If we were to stay on topic and relevant, of course, we'd need to take all the shoots in the country that allow supervised children to participate and then factor in the number of child fatalities. Who wants to bet against common youth team sports being significantly more dangerous?

Someone competent with statistics help me out here and refine a credible data set criteria. The way Anna has things skewed, her conclusions depend more on gangbangers-per-morgue than anything else.

[Via Fired Brass from She Draws Him Like a Gun]

Expected to Survive

An armed man attempting to rob a Chandler jewelry store Saturday died of a gunshot wound resulting from a gun battle between the robber and store workers, police said.

The store owner was shot in the face during the gun battle, but he is expected to survive... [More]

Sure beats the alternative, doesn't it?

This reminds me of another man I had the privilege of meeting several years ago at a Westside Los Angeles NRA Members Council meeting. If you haven't heard of Lance Thomas, now's the time to make up for that.

[Via Chris K]

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is a Convenience Store

ATF ran pawn shop in KCK to catch drug, gun violators [More]

Convenient for BATFU, that is...

[Via Glocked and Loaded]

Desperately Seeking Susan

Will you shoot me because my skin is black like presidential-elect Obama? And, if you pull the trigger will you look me in my eyes to see Susan as a project team member who is black or a black woman who happens to be a project team member? And, when my blood is pouring out of my body will you watch to see what color it is? [More]

Good grief, lady. Got issues much?

And aren't you glad her vote cancels out yours?

[Via HZ]

Captain Beefhead

Mayor Richard Daley said today that Chicago will host a "gun conference" next month to look for ways to beef up gun laws and get guns off the streets. [More]

Gun control? For Chicago?

What a novel idea! I'm surprised they haven't tried it already, what with their "murder capital" status and all...

Hey wait a minute...wasn't a virtual total ban--with the exception of "Only Ones"-- in effect at the time...?

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

[Via Mike H]

We're the Only Ones Exporting Enough

A veteran Los Angeles police officer who runs a security firm in Central America is being investigated by federal officials for allegedly smuggling guns and ammunition. [More]

No wonder the "Only Ones" want to close down those damned American gun shows.

Not that they offer any real competition...

[Via W-3]

Put a Hold on Holder

From Mike Vanderboegh:

Of course this comes as no surprise to anyone, but of all the people BHO seeks to surround himself with in DC, Eric Holder as the nominee for Attorney General has to be the most offensive stench in the nostrils of free men and women.

From Jeff Knox:

Eric Holder, Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General, is a totally unacceptable choice and needs to be strongly opposed by the Second Amendment community and all lovers of liberty.

Write your senator on this and demand to know where they stand. If they blow you off with boilerplate weasel words, write them again, more strongly.

I don't care if your senator is Dianne Feinstein or Hillary Clinton. Don't use that as an excuse to do nothing. Write them anyway and get your friends to do it and make it a roar that will at least give them pause.

Here's a perfect opportunity to prove the value of the pragmatic position. Denying obama a key nominee right out of the starting gate is important tactically, and important psychologically -- both to encourage our side and cause uncertainty for theirs. What will it tell us if it's blown, as so much has been, due to apathy?

I understand a key guy to work on is George Voinovich. He's been no friend, so it's time to remind this guy what happened to Mike DeWine.

I also see our old friend Richard Lugar is another holdback.

No excuses. Just take a few minutes and do this.

More Guns than You Think

But less common isn't always what you get. Those official gun ownership numbers actually compare apples and oranges. That's because Europeans own an awful lot of guns outside the law. [More]

J.D. Tuccille argues we're not getting the total picture on European gun ownership.

I have concerns about some of the posited conclusions, though.

I'd need to see more proof that the Europeans who "own...guns outside the law" are defiant peaceable citizens who keep protection on the QT.

My instinct and stuff I've read to date indicates we may not be talking so much traditional Nigel and Pierre as much as newer arrivals with less affinity for promoting peace through strength in their host cultures. And again, my instinct is to assume a goodly number of these gun possessors are also members of a predatory underworld class.

Finally, I consider "ownership" both a legal and a moral term. Just because one is in possession of stolen property, which much of the black market in guns is based on, does not make him an "owner."

I'd love to believe there's a growing underground, as opposed to underworld, of gallant allies living in defiance of tyranny. I wish I could find some compelling evidence of that.

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]