Does Denying Guns to 'Prohibited Persons' Ensure Public Safety?

I have some questions for discussion... [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at "criminals" and guns.

Also access columns of interest from Seattle and Ohio, and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: October 30

By this Opportunity, I do myself the pleasure to congratulate you on the signal success of the Army under your command, in compelling Genl. Burgoyne and his whole force, to surrender themselves prisoners of War. An Event that does the highest honor to the American Arms, and which, I hope, will be attended with the most extensive and happy consequences. At the same time, I cannot but regret, that a matter of such magnitude and so interesting to our General Operations, should have reached me by report only, or thro' the Channel of Letters, not bearing that authenticity, which the importance of it required, and which it would have received by a line under your signature, stating the simple fact. [More]

Brady Campaign Glorifies Police Abuse

I don't apologize for exposing abuses against citizens made under color of authority. Think of it--the official Brady position is to oppose citizen oversight of criminal actions by those in government. Anyone who characterizes that as a "denigrat[ion]" is quite simply and demonstrably a police state-enabling liar. [More]

Today's second Gun Rights Examiner column could be titled "Fun with Bradys."

Hey, they started it...:)

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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We're the Only Ones Facing Our Accuser Enough

Tramaine Miller faced Atlanta police Officer Reginald Fisher on Tuesday for the first time since May when, prosecutors say, the off-duty cop shot him in the face. [More]

I think I see what the problem was here. Miller was trying to "help his quadriplegic aunt take her medicine."

Haven't we seen time and again that when it comes to medical decisions, we'd best leave those to highly trained and qualified professional "Only Ones"?

I just hope the doctors who will perform Mr. Miller's reconstructive surgery keep that in mind--if they know what's good for them.

[Via Harvey]

Natural Causes

Two coyotes attacked a promising young musician as she was hiking alone in a national park in eastern Canada, and authorities said she died Wednesday of her injuries. [More]

I just got done reading a post over at Vanderboegh's about people who have no business wandering into the wilderness.

They have every right to, mind you, but we all ignore at our peril a fundamental truth:

Damn, nature, you scary!

Even if commentator "MPB" thinks prudent preparations are "fear-mongering."

[Via Jeet]

We're the Only Ones Equal Opportunity Enough

City officials seeking a new police chief passed up the former director of the Florida Highway Patrol, who formerly was a top commander of the Illinois State Police, because he is white, two former members of a city board claim. [More]

Heaven forbid we make the litmus test for overseeing peace officers a commitment to, you know, oath keeping...?

I mean, that would upset the entire "Only Ones" command model we've worked so hard to implement in East St. Louis with such stellar results...

[Via libertysmanure]

Dumpster Diving in MA

So when I spotted the leather-bound books in a State House hallway Dumpster, I climbed in and retrieved them. [More]

Who would throw them out but a vandal?

I had occasion to do the same. I was working for a defense electronics firm that had been bought out by a larger company. We were closing down our facilities in preparation of being absorbed. I was assigned the task of disposing of the technical library, which the new owner did not want to spend any money transporting and providing space for.

I tried my best to find homes. I called libraries and universities and offered them free pickings. Most were uninterested.

We're talking R&D history here from a company that pioneered satellite navigation and communications, spread spectrum and GPS. Our president had been instrumental in the development of transistors, integrated circuits... Stuff beyond my ken, being but a poor policies and procedures wonk and not a Martian--I mean, did you know there even was a Molodensky formula to deal with ionospheric refraction scale errors?

The bottom line: I had no choice but to throw much out. And because I did not even understand much of what I was destroying, I felt guilty, deeply ashamed, like a stupid Eloi allowing the knowledge of the ages to crumble into dust, or worse, one of the torchers at Alexandria...

When it comes to freedom, great men have bequeathed us knowledge they worked long and hard to develop and validate. We have a duty to understand what they did, to preserve it and build on it.

Because you can never count on that being in the interests of those who would consider themselves the new owners.

"Help Elect A Pro Gun Champion"

...a genuine pro-gun leader named Doug Hoffman.

...Doug Hoffman is a 100% gun rights supporter who will be a leader in the battle to defend the Second Amendment. [More]

Champion.

Leader.

Y'know, words have meaning. If Hoffman is either, you can't tell it by me. What I haven't disclosed is the number of back-and-forths I had with his campaign giving him every chance in the world to define exactly how he would live up to what GOA is giving him credit for. And how artfully every attempt to pin their guy down to specifics has been avoided.

He will neither champion nor lead. And that's a political decision.

I don't like to publicly call GOA out on this. But we've seen enough hollow"staunch defender of the Second Amendment" smoke-up-the-a** come out of NRA. GOA is supposed to be different.

If Hoffman told you he'll fight new laws and work to repeal old ones, give us a quote we can hold him accountable to. I want to know what he's willing to commit to. That's the whole point.

Here's the thing: on a political scale, I could make the case that Hoffman probably would be "better" than his opponents, and encourage gun owners to vote their informed consciences as a result. We're capable of making appropriate fact-based decisions without all the unearned superlatives. Those are insulting to our intelligence, and unworthy of GOA. I expect better from them.

If you expect me to believe he's a champion and a leader for RKBA, I have two words:

Prove it.

I Don't Know Art

But I know what the Obama suck-ups at the NEA don't like.

Guess I not only didn't make the comments cut, but can kiss any expectations of a federal grant to fund my art goodbye...not that I consider myself in the same league as these folks...

Maybe if I put a gun in a jar of urine...

Who is Prohibited from Owning Guns?

Who are "prohibited persons," forever barred from owning guns? [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column asks a question. It's a set-up for answers I plan on posting tomorrow.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: October 29

John Hancock resigns his position as president of the Continental Congress, due to a prolonged illness, on this day in 1777. Hancock was the first member of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence and is perhaps best known for his bold signature on the ground-breaking document. [More]

Hail Caesar!

...Barack Obama is the most powerful writer since Julius Caesar... [More]

The parasitic sycophant said it, I believe it, that settles it.

And as we all know, Caesar was proclaimed a god!

eTyranny

The eTrace Fraud Exposed [More]

JPFO explains a little-known BATFU "workaround."

[Via Ron W]

We're the Only Ones Unearthed Enough

Officials say it might have been a "crime of passion" that resulted in the death of Antoinette Ross, 34, of Quincy, whose body was found Friday afternoon in a shallow grave behind the home of Lt. Barry Moore of the Chattahoochee Police Department. Moore shot himself in his front yard once he learned Ross's body had been unearthed. [More]

Shallow graves and "Only Ones"...

Seems I've heard something about that before...but where?

[Via Harvey]

No Guns/No Business

Thunder Canyon Brewery in Tucson AZ doesn't think you're responsible enough to carry a gun on their premises. [More]

Presumably, "Only Ones" like this guy would be exempt.

I can't use that card because I'm not certified.

[Via William T]

Friendly Persuasion

John Pierce is not persuaded by Clayton Cramer. [More]

We've touched on the controversy here and here.

Court Says Threats Don't Justify Felon Having Gun

Being beaten with a metal pipe in your own apartment can change your outlook on likely threat levels. But the police, a U.S. District Court and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, all of which operate under protection of state-deployed arms, disagreed, and in their guarded wisdom concluded Mr. Dutton did not possess a life worthy of also possessing the means of self-defense.

In order to come to this conclusion, they must resort to nothing short of fortune telling, because there are no empirical standards by which they can otherwise reach it. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at legally-mandated defenselessness.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: October 28

In consequence of your representation of the Weakness of your Fleet, I have ordered a return of Sailors in the Army to be made to me, and find they amount to more than 100, which will march with a Detachment for the Forts, as soon as the weather will permit. [More]

Just Another Way of Bringing People into Compliance

Forget it, Jake, it's Chi-Town. [More]

The Czar Pool

Obama's, that is... [More]

I've still never gotten a satisfactory answer to my question...

[Via Tina T]

Important Message from Jim Deakin for Senate Campaign

Via Email:

We Made It! Thank You For All Your Efforts.

Thank you to the 5,217 Arizona citizens who have put their trust in me to represent them in the 2010 United States Senate Primary against John McCain.

According to the latest information available from the Arizona Secretary of State Website we need 5,184 signatures to be included on the ballot.

While we have enough signatures to satisfy the AZ SOS we still have a lot of work to do. The McCain campaign will use every trick in the book to invalidate signatures and keep me off the ballot.

To overcome the tricks and lawyers we need to quadruple this number. It took me 10 months to gather these signatures. I need your help to push us over the goal line. I need a commitment of 10 to 15 signatures (1 page) from each of you.

Please contact me jimdeakinforsenate@gmail.com to receive your page(s) and instructions.

Please forward to your gun owner friends in AZ and ask them to take action.

Why?

Because.

A Guide to Understanding...

...the SPLC. [More]

Looks like they use the same tactics there as they do here.

Smear those you hate as haters.

Understand?

[Via Peter G]

We're the Only Ones "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire" Enough

THEY swear to tell the whole truth -- some times.

Prosecutors and NYPD Internal Affairs probers have identified as many as two dozen cases in the past year in which cops allegedly made false statements involving routine arrests when the truth would have served them just as well. [More]

Assuming they've found them all--and they're telling us everything they've found...

Furious Mike's "Only Ones."

No doubt just a few bad apples...

[Via Harvey]

Bossier City: Where YOUR Safety is Paramount

The draft budget made public by the city council, controversial because of the proposed elimination of 80 positions in the police and fire departments together, contains raises in salary in the mayor's office, city council and elsewhere. [More]

I suppose one could argue that a reduction in "Only Ones" could enhance public safety--but I'm sure that's not what the kleptocrats have in mind. I mean, I haven't seen them call out for help to the citizen militia...

They want more money. And if people have to die to get it for them, so be it.

Tell me, why were "governments instituted among men" again...? And what if "government becomes destructive of these ends"?

[Via Matt S]

We're the Only Ones Crucial Enough

The jury found Detective Luis Batista of Brooklyn's 90th Precinct had in effect become a member of the drug dealer's crew, giving him crucial inside law enforcement info. [More]

One of Furious Mike's finest.

Neat trick: Abet the drug trade and count on the resulting violence to make sure you're among the "Only Ones" authorized to carry a gun in NYC.

And, of course, if anyone lifts a finger...

Sounds just like the place is ruled by a criminal gang, doesn't it? Why am I thinking the solution might just be to seal the whole damn place off...?

[Via Harvey]

We're the Only ones "There Once Was a Man from Nantucket" Enough

Bretschneider, who was reelected in a landslide in 2004, has encoun­tered numerous problems over the past six years, including a $15,000 fine from the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance for failing to disclose expenditures in a timely man­ner, using public employees in fundraising and receiving politi­cal contribution in a government building. Bretschneider was also fined by the state Ethics Com­mission for misusing his author­ity while pursuing the purchase of a Cape Verdean family's home on Cherry Street; he was arrest­ed by Nantucket police for vio­lating a restraining order filed against him by his ex-wife; pur­chased assault weapons that he was not trained or authorized to use; and continually squabbled with town and county officials over his budget. [More]

Another "lawman" breaking the law.

If he was an "Only One" at the time of the restraining order, does that mean it did not "legally" disqualify him from firearms for the duration, as it would you or me?

I also like the way squabbling with officials is considered an offense worthy of being on the list with the rest.

[Via Kurt Hofmann]

Cop Who Pulled Gun at Haunted House No 'Ghost Hunter'

So we're to assume a fellow officer knew he was armed and had been drinking, yet did nothing about it. And we're to further assume that not collecting actual evidence of intoxication by investigating officers is standard department procedure?

Just a few bad apples in the bobbing tub? [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at a downright spooky situation--one where those in government-issued costumes get treats and the rest of us get tricked.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: October 27

The Enemy are exerting their utmost skill, to reduce the Forts constructed for the defence of the Cheveaux de friese in Delaware, and to drive of our little Fleet, employed in aid of them. – On the 22d. Inst. Count Donop a Hessian Officer of Rank, & great Military Abilities, with 1200 of his Countrymen undertook to storm one of these Works (called Fort Mercer at Red bank on the Jersey shore) when himself and about 400 others were [strike-out] killed and wounded – between two and three hundred were left slain, and badly wounded, on the spot – the rest got off with their retreating brethren, who made the best of their way to Phila. – the Count is among the Wounded - supposed [Mortally]. – [More]

Meanwhile, Across the Pond in Sarah Brady Paradise...

However, Bridget Buttinger, deputy chief executive at the council, replied to Mrs Howe in September, warning that she could face being charged with a criminal offence for expressing such views...

She added: "Your details and details of the content of your letter have been recorded as such and passed to the Police." [More]

Yeah, c'mon, it's not like they UK gays were open carrying or doing anything offensive...

I wonder if this Buttinger character knows what an Orwellian stereotype she is--or cares?

I note her email prudently does not appear with the others on the "Full List," but then, she's an Obercouncillor. If it follows the format for the others, it would be b.buttinger@cllr.norwich.gov.uk, not that I would ever encourage anyone to send out "Sieg Heilmails" or anything like that...

UPDATE: Looks like I was wrong about that edress...

We're the Only Ones Faking It Enough

University of Mary Washington President Judy Hample recently faked an emergency call to campus police, but a college spokesman said officials should have known it was part of a safety exercise. [More]

True enough.

Anyone who knows Judy ought to realize there is nothing genuine about someone who would endorse and enforce this.

Still, I wonder if anyone else could get away with testing the system with a fake emergency call--or if they'd end up being prosecuted because they aren't Academic "Only Ones."

[Via Mack H]

We're the Only Ones Fundraising Enough

Chicago police officers are planning a benefit this weekend at their union headquarters for Joseph Frugoli, who is accused of crashing into a car while driving drunk on the Dan Ryan in April, killing two people. [More]

Shows you what they think of us, doesn't it? And I like the way the FOP tries to distance itself--like they can't control how their hall is used. I also see they cleaned all tracks off their website. They didn't have any control over that, either.

Not just "Only Ones," Chicago "Only Ones."

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

[Via Andre]

It's Offensive

Carrying a gun openly in a city can — and does — offend people who might not have a strong opinion one way or the other about gun control. [More]

Well, at least he didn't compare them to homosexual kiss-in participants this time.

[Via The Bitter Clinger]

Securing the Blessings of...

...Allah, peace be upon him. [More]

I don't suppose there are any billionaire sheiks who could be doing this. And you might ask where in the Constitution this ...uh...generosity is authorized, especially with that pesky prohibition about respecting the establishment of religion, but if you do, you risk not being taken seriously...

That's OK--I'm sure these guys are on it...

OK, well then, these guys...?

No?

[Via Ron W]

Meanwhile, Across the Pond in Sarah Brady Paradise...

UK police used a relatively new law designed to seize the assets of criminals to raid some safety deposit boxes. What's startling- and frightening- is that instead of raiding the boxes of identified criminals, the police obtained a warrant to raid every single box in the facility. They cut them open with angle grinders, catalogued the contents and then basically argued that if you had cash or valuables in the boxes, you were assumed to be guilty and had to prove that you had obtained the valuables legally. [More]

I guess it's a lot safer than going after these guys ...

We're the Only Ones Retired Enough

A 16-year veteran of the town's police force retired this week rather than face a termination hearing. [More]

So he's caught trying to break into an occupied house, he flees and hides from responding officers, and it's his choice? What private sector jobs allow you to retire at 38, assuming with a pension and benefits?

And is this deal reserved exclusively for "Only Ones" or can I get in on it, too?

[Via Harvey]

We're the Only Ones "We Got the Beat" Enough

A cell phone video that shows police officers repeatedly hitting an unarmed university student with batons and a Taser gun has prompted a criminal investigation into the officers' conduct... [More]

Maybe I should start a pool: Who thinks the "Only Ones" will be deemed to have acted within acceptable protocol?

Any feel for what I should set the odds at...?

[Via William T]

Barr Calls UN Gun Treaty 'Perfect Storm'

And what does "in synch with the UN" mean? [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at some gathering clouds...

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: October 26

...Whether it will be prudent in our present circumstances, and Strength, to attempt by a *?* General Attack, to dislodge the Enemy; & if it is, and we unsuccessful, where we shall retreat to? [More]

Oath Keepers National Conference in Las Vegas a Success

In spite of attempts by some to paint Oath Keepers as the opposite of what they stand for, the movement is gaining notice, interest and members. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column includes an update by Stewart Rhodes from the national conference, and links to a favorable newspaper article and video.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: October 25

Col. Greene being very much fatigu’d in Strengthening the Fot & in other necessary business of the Garrison, has Commanded me to inform your Excellency that on the 23d instant he had information that a strong Force under the Command of Genl Cornwallace had crossed Coopers Ferry, and were advancing toward us—Col. Greene expecting a new attack... [More]

Scozzafava and Hoffman Campaigns Take Pass on Gun Rights Questionnaire

A few interested readers asked me about sending the respective campaigns the Gun Rights Political Questionnaire, to see if it could be useful in further defining the level of understanding and commitment the candidates have for the right to keep and bear arms. I did, and let the campaigns know I would make their responses available to readers here. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner looks at a political campaign where who is stronger on gun rights is an issue--but apparently not a big enough one to commit to some specific answers.

Also access an article about RKBA in Nevada and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: October 24

Whereas sundry Soldiers belonging to the Armies of the said States have Deserted from the same; These are to make known, to all those who have so offended, and who shall return to their respective Corps, or surrender themselves to the Officers appointed to receive Recruits and Deserters in their several States, or to any Continental Commissioned Officer before the first day of January next, that they shall obtain a full and free pardon. And I do further declare, to all such obstinate offenders, as do not avail themselves of the indulgence hereby offered, that they may depend, when apprehended, on being prosecuted with the utmost rigour and suffering the punishment justly due to crimes of such enormity. [More]

We're the Only Ones on Loan Enough

Daggett, in a telephone interview today, explained it was just an honest error made when switching cars so he could get his Acura serviced. The gun, he said, belongs to his driver, retired state trooper Ken Argiro. [More]

We're talking "Only Ones²" here.

So how do we know he didn't know about it? His word?

Let's see what that's worth:

Second Amendment rights must be upheld, because American citizens have the right to bear arms. However, there is a limit when firearms endanger public safety. We support New Jersey’s aggressive gun control laws. The sport of hunting has a long tradition in our state; we support the rights of hunters in New Jersey.

So basically, he's a demonstrable liar.

OK, let's give him another chance and see him "support New Jersey's aggressive gun control laws."

Let's see him get the same treatment any of us would, if we were found with a gun in a car and claimed we had no idea it was there.

And whatever happened to Norbert?

[Via David R]

A Possible Explanation

They abandoned the mall attack plans after their weapons contact said he could find only handguns, not automatic weapons, authorities said. [More]

That's probably because 90% of them are in Mexico. Or something.

Maybe they should have asked Furious Mike about the best gun shows.

UPDATE: Kurt has more.

[Via Brian F and SameNoKami]

Meanwhile, Across the Pond in Sarah Brady Paradise...

Armed police officers are to patrol the streets of London for the first time in an attempt to tackle a rise in gang-related gun crime. [More]

Sounds like they need "gun control" over there.

Oh, wait...

And whatever happened to the theory promulgated by the antis that arming will only encourage the bad guys to acquire heavier firepower...?

[Via Mama Liberty]

Additional Charges May Apply

No charges had been filed. Pilya said it's likely that the case will be presented to a Franklin County grand jury to see whether the woman should be charged. [More]

Charged with what?

Why not send the case up to the Columbus City Council with the recommendation that she be given an award and the thanks of a grateful city?

[Via Mama Liberty]

We're the Only Ones Renovated Enough

Kerik is accused of secretly accepting more than $250,000 in renovations to his apartment from a construction firm with suspected mafia ties while he was Corrections Department commissioner under Giuliani.

Kerik, who pleaded guilty in a state court last year to accepting the work, is also accused of not declaring a total of $236,000 in rent he received on an luxury apartment in New York's posh Upper East Side.

Other payments allegedly not declared include a total of $100,000 received from a software company and a book publisher.

He is also accused of making false statements at the time he was being considered as head of the US Department of Homeland Security in 2004. [More]

Facing 142 years and a $5M fine seems kind of harsh for "crimes" against the government, but then I have to remember that this guy made a lucrative "Only One" career for himself enforcing all kinds of things that shouldn't have been illegal in the first place.

[Via Zachary G]

Fear and Loathing of Oath Keepers

Kurt sums up reactions from around the Interent. [More]

I note he did this from his blog.

You've been visiting his GRE page regularly too, right?

You Say It's Your Birthday

Mike B does. [More]

Happy birthday.

A cigar and whiskey sound good.

Tonight.

Patches, I'm Dependin' on You, Son*...Update

From Ravenswood Enterprises:

The III Desert Patch supply is exhausted and will not be re-ordered. All orders received as of today for Desert patches were filled; any order received from 23 Oct 09 on will be filled with Woodland.

Thanks for your support!

You got yours, right?

*

You Shouldn't Even Have to Ask

If someone, after taking such an oath, has to be wined and dined, taken on junkets, or in other ways influenced into doing that which they swore an oath to do, they too are your enemy. [More]

Amen.

[Via Avg Joe]

BATFU's Backdoor Registration

JPFO tells us how they're going about it in an open letter. [More]

[Via Ron W]

A Warning or an Open Invitation?

To help gun owners get this message across to would-be intruders or criminals, Denny Derflinger of Winchester, Virginia, created the “I Carry and Protect” Home Security Decal. [More]

Sorry. I wouldn't put this on my house. Looks like a heck of a way to tell anyone who cases places and occupant movements for a living that there are rewards to be gained inside.

Is the Way SPLC Selects Who to Scream About Racist?

Those who pledge to fulfill their oath to support and defend the Constitution are extremist threats to the Republic, you see. Genocidal racist loons? Well, that depends... [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at...would you call it racial discrimination?... by the witch hunters at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: October 23

On this day in 1777, a British Royal Navy fleet of ships, trying to open up supply lines along the Delaware River and the occupying British army in Philadelphia, is bombarded by American cannon fire and artillery from Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania. [More]

Oath Keepers Founder on Lou Dobbs Radio Program

I just received word from Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes that he is scheduled to appear later today on Lou Dobbs radio program at 11:35 am pacific (2:35 Eastern). [More]

I put out a second Gun Rights Examiner column with links so you can listen.

We're the Only Ones Resigned Enough

Both officers had been decommissioned and put on paid administrative leave for more than a year and a half while they were under investigation internally, and as part of a federal probe, to determine if they were part of a steroid ring in Middle Tennessee...

Neither actually returned to work, instead using leftover vacation time for the duration of their employment... [More]

Why resign from an "Only Ones" gig that gives you so much paid time off and vacation? It's not like you could find anything that...uh...competitive in the private sector...

We're the Only Ones Facing New Allegations Enough

Martin has once again been put on paid administrative leave after Kristopher Douglas accused the trooper of throwing him to the ground and beating him with a nightstick without any explanation. [More]

I can't think of a single reason why anyone would suspect this "Only One" of having an authoritah complex, or being too quick to resort to violence, can you? Haven't we already established that he he operates within accepted protocols?

[Via Texas Shooter]

An Order of Protection

Court records show Padilla granted Axsom a protective order against Schwartz four days before the Oct. 6 hearing where he ordered her to attend parental counseling with him and denied her request to relocate to Maryland with the pair's son. [More]

Well then I just don't get how this happened.

I mean, if we can't trust judges to rule in our best interests, who can we trust...?

[Via M. Terry]

Lucky in Canada

A gunman toting a high-powered rifle who took a number of people hostage in a downtown Edmonton building Wednesday has surrendered peacefully, Edmonton police say. [More]

Just so we're clear: Every single hostage was required by law to be unarmed.

Nice weapons the "Only Ones" have, by the way...

Had it gone down differently, not a single person would have been able to do anything about it but be slaughtered.

But they weren't that worried as they hid and did their horoscopes and passed around cell phones to assure their families they were safe.

It's enough to make one regurgitate their cud.

[Via Jeet]

FBI Contractor Free on Bail

Turner worked as an FBI informant and spied on right-wing organizations from 2002 to 2007. [More]

That way, they can trick the uninformed who depend on establishment media into believing that people like these and these share the views of people like these.

[Via TheNewsGuy]

We're the Only Ones Invading Your Privacy Enough

A Richmond police officer has been arrested on charges of inappropriately accessing the state’s Virginia Criminal Information Network database. [More]

"Only Ones" stories like this puzzle me. Why is it they would even try, unless experience told them there was a good chance they'd never be detected?

[Via Mack H]

I Used to Rule the World

Qi Ji Guang calls our attention to some lyrics.

This song from Coldplay is called "Viva La Vida", and it tells the story about the fall of the French monarch Louis XVI during the Revolution of 1789. A great lesson about the destiny of empires when they become corrupt and oppressive. One of the lyrics sing about how the king used to "roll the dice and watch the fear in his enemies' eyes", but now, his kingdom is collapsing all around him, and revolution has exploded, advancing closer and closer every day. Indeed, even the album art depicts the storming of the Bastille by French revolutionaries.

Every JBT, wannabe JBT, and those who want to forcibly disarm the citizenry should listen to this song and realize that a ruler's power are given to them by the people. When a ruler turns into a despot and begins to threaten the lives and liberties of the citizens they are supposed to defend, the consequences are serious.

As an old Chinese saying goes: "The poor masses would never stand a chance against the provincial kings and the provincial kings would never stand a chance against the court mandarins, however, the provincial kings and the court mandarins should take care not to invoke the poor masses to rise to arms either".

In this short but surreally beautiful song, valuable lessons of history are summarized, from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," to Machiavelli's "The Prince," to the works by John Locke to the Declaration of Independance.

And every ruler should consider this.

Who Really Matters

Visible crawls over half a million web 2.0 sites a day, scraping more than a million posts and conversations taking place on blogs, online forums, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter and Amazon. (It doesn’t touch closed social networks, like Facebook, at the moment.) Customers get customized, real-time feeds of what’s being said on these sites, based on a series of keywords.

“That’s kind of the basic step — get in and monitor,” says company senior vice president Blake Cahill.

Then Visible “scores” each post, labeling it as positive or negative, mixed or neutral. It examines how influential a conversation or an author is. (”Trying to determine who really matters,” as Cahill puts it.) [More]

And the capitalists will sell us the rope!

[Via Carl S]

BATFU Forms Multi-Agency Toilet Task Force

Restroom Vandalism at ATF Headquarters
October 13, 2009

Numerous incidents of restroom vandalism are occurring throughout the ATF Headquarters building and are being reported to the ATF Physical Security. ATF is now partnering with the General Services Administration and Federal Protective Service to increase surveillance and reporting of suspicious behavior and damage in an effort to stop this activity. Employees are encouraged to immediately report vandalism or suspicious activity to the ATF Physical Security office at 202-648-7540 or the ATF Building Manager, Ray Spicer at (202) 306-9617 or Raymond.Spicer@atf.gov. All information will remain confidential. Theft, defacement, damage or littering of federal property is considered vandalism and is grounds for disciplinary action. Please help us protect our building and everyone’s health by being aware of activities in your immediate area. [More]

BATFU can't even use a toilet without destroying something. Or leaving something unflushable behind.

I talked about the group reporting this here.

Have you written the Oversight Committee yet? Why not?

[Via Len Savage]

Post Office Gun Case Judges Say Total Ban is Not Infringement

Shall not be infringed...loading and staging mail trucks... [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column lets you know where judges think your unalienable right to keep and bear arms rates in the scheme of things.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: October 22

this moring are informed that a party of the Enemy crossed Cooper fery last Evening and was on their way thro Haddonfield for this Fort / Came a crost this morn from Fort Mifflin / had scarce an opportunity to git into the Fort, before a Flag came to Colo. Green, who commanded the Fort threatning to put the Garrison to [death ?] if he did not surrender it immediately, Colo. Green answered with disdain, that he would defend it 'till the last drop of his Blood [More]

The Malignant Nature of the Neocons

I sometimes wonder if these people aren't really democrat operatives out to make the GOP totally irrelevant. What an idiot. [More]

We're the Only Ones Exposed Enough

A former college police officer arrested for exposing himself had previously been accused of flashing women while on patrol in metro Atlanta. [More]

So that wasn't his badge he flashed?

We're the "Bonely Ones"...?

I'm sorry, that was uncalled for.

[Via Harvey]

In Other Words, They're Either Negligent or Evil

When one looks at state laws and the Nevada Constitution, it becomes apparent that either state legislators have never understood the intent of the Second Amendment, or they are in fact hostile toward it. [More]

Ben Robinson talks about deliberate legislative indifference and subversion in the Silver State.

Self-Defense Examiner

Straightarrow asks me to tell you about this guy.

Here's part of his endorsement:

The light of truth of our position on arms shines through every column.

That's a pretty good testimonial.

I'm aware of Mr. Puryear and have been meaning to say something, but keep getting sidetracked.

Anyway, consider yourself told.

Nie Wieder

Mike H remembers a man and reminds us what he stood for. [More]

Also see: "Warsaw ghetto hero Edelman dies"

Setting Their Sights

After bad bets on cars and home loans, Cerberus Capital Management is turning to guns and bullets. [More]

As an aside, good grief on that photo.

Again I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, an infusion of capital along with efficiencies of into the firearms industry can be a good thing. Assuming the procured companies aren't just going to be bled and discarded.

It would be nice to think those running a gun consortium would have motives that include a principled defense of the Second Amendment. We're told the Number Two guy ran for NRA Board and belongs to an upscale club, and the Number One guy hunts deer.

Then we see from Open Secrets that Cerberus donated money to the likes of Carl Levin, Barbara Mikulsi, Barney Frank, although they and CEO Feinberg also donate to the Repubs.

Typical politics, I guess. And typical cynicism about it from me.

[Via Mama Liberty]

The New 'Ol Betsy?

AR-15-platform rifles are among the most popular firearms being sold. [More]

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I hate "sporting purpose" justifications. On the other hand, this can be an effective educational tool for those who don't know any better and who believe what the media tells them about "assault weapons."

Doug Painter comes across so reassuring, friendly and gentle, the music is tranquil and this is actually a pretty clever bit of film-making when you consider he's appealing to people who feel instead of know.

I guess it beats the alternative.

[Via Brian F]

We're the Only Ones Invasive Enough

An Indiana state trooper is facing criminal charges after he allegedly broke into a Lansing home and attacked a homeowner, police said.

State Trooper Elton D. Jones, 28, of Valparaiso, faces armed robbery, home invasion and weapons charges in connection with the Sunday night burglary. [More]

He's with the ISP? Well, hell, why didn't the homeowners just vomit, surrender or scream? [Oops. Imagine that--making a mistake!]

It does make me wonder if we shouldn't treat everyone bursting through our doors equally, even if they're "Only Ones." I also wonder how many stories like this you'd have to compile to convince a jury that you had genuine reason to fear for your life--just so you don't also get subjected to the Cory Maye experience.

[Via HZ]

Oath Keepers Founder Plays 'Hardball'

I also found Matthew's accusation of Oath Keepers being "a vigilante group" not just a damned lie, but more reflective of his hysterical paranoia than anything else. It truly is projection going on--that and agenda.

Likewise, if Matthews is going to suggest that unhinged people will be inspired to violent acts, perhaps he'd do well to avoid introducing the idea of "jamming a CO2 pellet" into his ideological opponents' heads. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at MSNBC's dishonest spitball tactics.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: October 21

The enemy, yesterday morning threw a body of troops across the Delaware, with intention no doubt either to storm or invest Red bank. As the works there are strong, it is improbable they will hazard the loss of men, that would be likely to attend an assault, but will, I imagine endeavour, by a blockade, to oblige the garrison to surrender. On this supposition, I am to request in the most earnest manner, that you will use your utmost exertions, immediately to collect as large a body of militia, as you possibly can, and hasten them to the relief of that post. [More]