Tuesday, December 15, 2009

We're the Only Ones Not Breathing Easier Enough

I just got the following email from WarOnGuns Correspondent Mack H. I can't improve his presentation, so I'll just paste it here:
This is really ironic. Please follow along...

1) Remember Sean Bell? Shot dead in NYC on the eve of his wedding?

2) Well, in the aftermath, NYPD imposed a new mandatory Breathalyzer Policy.

3) The incredibly selfish Cop Union, the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, objected.

4) They took it to court.

Statement

5) They lost.

4th amendment

Opinion

Go down to "A. The District Court Properly Applied the Special Needs Doctrine"

That's where it gets interesting.

So, the union believes they ought to be exempt from any and all breathalyser tests. They are the ONLY ONES, right?
Right. They believe they are. That's what being an "Only One" means.

So a loss is actually astonishing. Because they're not just "Only Ones." They're "Furious Mike Only Ones."

And they're not just "Furious Mike Only Ones." They're "Liberty-Lynchin'/ Stephen Abootman/ Lift-a-finger and we'll kill you Only Ones."

Broom stick, anyone?

Bankers to the War on Freedom

Drugs money worth billions of dollars kept the financial system afloat at the height of the global crisis, the United Nations' drugs and crime tsar has told the Observer. [More]
And we use it further to increase the advance and grip of our tentacles under the guise of "law enforcement."

"Law and order" gun rights advocates--stop being stupid. It's not really a war on drugs, it's a war on freedom. How can you not get that?

Letting government treat it like a war enables tyranny and endangers liberty.

Q.E.D.

[Via Plug Nickel Times]

Nevada US Senate Candidates Amodei, Chachas and Kozack Ignore Gun Rights Questionnaire

Nevada provides us with a perfect convergence of candidates and circumstance in one of the highest profile races of 2010, kind of a "lever moving the world" political situation. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at three contestants for political office in Nevada who evidently don't think they owe voters an unequivocal explanation of how they view the right to keep and bear arms.

Also meet a candidate in Texas who does, read an open letter to domestic enemies, and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: December 15

American representatives in Paris begin negotiations with British agent Paul Wentworth, whom Ben Franklin considers unsavory and two-faced. The negotiations with Wentworth prove fruitless, although the motivate the French conclude an alliance with the Americans. [More]
And no, I did not forget it is also Bill of Rights Day--I have been focusing my daily history posts for the past year on 1777. I talk about BORD at the end of today's GRE column.

Monday, December 14, 2009

That All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Visionary"

A strong case can be made that when it comes to energy and climate issues, Mr. Bloomberg is the most visionary public official in the country. [More]
If by "visionary" you mean nightmarish and hallucinatory, I guess...
This is not Bloombergian hypocrisy; it is a paradox, shared by most of humankind...It is probably not a good idea for the rest of us to look down our noses at people who cannot resist such temptations until we can afford them ourselves.
No, it's hypocrisy. And it would not be if "we" could afford it, if by "we' you mean people like me. That's because "we" don't believe in using state-backed coercion to ram this crap down other people's throats.

But you do, Jim Dwyer--which makes your excuse-making a disgusting display of "urinealistic" servicing of Furious Mike.

And that's a vision I could do without...

New Year's Gun Rights Resolution: Join a Gun Rights Group

I will join a gun rights organization. [More]
Here's today's second Gun Rights Examiner column--another in my daily series between now and Jan. 1 of suggested New Year's resolutions for gun owners.

A Matter of Security

CHP withholds costs of protecting Schwarzenegger [More]
What, you mean Mr. Action Hero can't protect himself in real life?

I ask, because he sure acts like we can. While being restrained by his idiot disarmament policies.

Still, bringing up the security excuse does raise a question--or for me, I should say it resurrects one I asked some years back:

Seeing as how Arnold is a dual citizen, and seeing as how the US State Department acknowledges it discourages that because "of the problems it may cause" since "dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country," what sensitive, classified and secret national security matters are being shared with this individual of officially acknowledged conflicted allegiances?

State takes the reality of this seriously enough to issue guidelines on Security Clearance Implications. In it they mandate:
If there is any doubt about unquestioned preference for and allegiance to the United States, unencumbered by any undue foreign influence, DS must render a determination in favor of the national security and determine that individual ineligible for access. These same adjudicative principles are used in all federal personnel security programs.
I submit ample evidence for such doubt exists. After all, we've already seen Arnold break two oaths.

The one here in Section 3:
I, ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California...
And before that, this one:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen...
And as long as we're discussing a matter of security, here's the most important one that everybody in power, especially dual-allegiance Arnold, is intentionally subverting:
Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

No Country for Old Leftists

"There's no place in our community for such extremism"... [More]
...said the chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley.

That's almost funny.

An Ongoing Cluster

[T]he Arizona Court of Appeals today issued a temporary injunction against a possible retaliatory search of the judge's chambers and home by the Sheriff's Office. [More]
You remember...

William Grigg has more.

[Via Mack H]

Rock the World!

Competing Concealed Carry Bills in Iowa Divide Gun Owners

Jeff Knox of the Firearms Coalition says the NRA is derailing a good concealed carry bill and pushing a bad one in Iowa... [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at two approaches to the same problem.

Also see an alert from JPFO and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: December 14

I am fully convinced that any proposition by us to release the Baron St. Vicary from captivity, either by an Exchange or on parole, would be unavailling. [More]

Sunday, December 13, 2009

New Year's Gun Rights Resolution: Write Letters to the Editor

I will write letters to the editor of my local paper to educate, to correct misinformation and to bring their readership the truth. [More]
Here's the third in my series of suggested New Year's resolutions for gun owners.

This Day in History: December 13

In response to the "Conway Cabal," an action by the followers of Brigadier General Thomas Conway, Congress establishes the Inspector General Department in the Continental Army. [More]

NRA Debunks Contrived Gun Poll Results– Media Doesn't Care

[We] can be sure agenda-driven politicians and their mainstream media allies are counting on their manipulative distortions being what reaches the public to shape opinions. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column demonstrates how a lie told often enough is used to subvert our rights--and lets you prove the shameful complicity of the "Authorized Journalists" in its propagation for yourself.

Also see another example of important information being ignored and suppressed by all but those in "our camp," and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

New Year's Gun Rights Resolution: Know Your Representatives

Here's my second offering in Examiner.com's New Year's resolution special project... [More]
Thus today's second Gun Rights Examiner column...

Just Like England

"Then he grabs my left hand and takes it around my back while Santa and the kids and everyone looked on," Rensberger said. "I'm scared to death he is going to dislocate my shoulder. I'm begging him not to do that and he responded, 'If it dislocates, I'll call the paramedics.' [More]
Just like England.

Which is just like us.

Stop the merry-go-round, I want to get off.

I'd feel sorrier for Renbsberger if he wasn't a "subcontractor for the IRS."

Maybe he should have done a personal cost/benefit analysis...

[Via Mack H]

The VPC-English Dictionary

"The NRA has a stranglehold on a lot of state legislatures," said Kristin Rand, legislative director the Violence Policy Center, a gun control group in Washington. [More]
Translation: All we are, when you get right down to it, are a bunch of seething Astroturf noisemakers.

Next try this phrase:
"They basically have convinced lawmakers they can cost them their seats, even though there's no real evidence to back that up."
No?

Translation: Nancy is a political whore.

Well waddya know? We've found some of that "common ground" the more worm-tongued antis like to talk about...

Kirsten, it must so suck to be you.

[Via Chas S]

We're the Only Ones Reasonably Explained Enough

“There is no reasonable justification for the failure of the Lorain Police Department to conduct an appropriate investigation in 1993,” Zaleski ruled. [More]
Of course there is, judge.

Of course there is.

[Via David Hamel]

Authorized Journalism 101: Gun Coverage

We talked about Schumer's latest treason here.

This video is ABC's advocacy piece for that, masked, of course, as straight news. You'll note the possibility there might be other opinions--or even information like the govt was getting ready to deploy Nidal Hasan to a war zone--is not entertained.

There's a prime directive of Authorized Journalism 101 in there somewhere.

Here's another:

Remember, when you read the line "Hasan had a laser sight on his pistol to increase accuracy," to put a disgusted look on your face.

And funny--with all their resources, you'd think somebody would be able to come up with answers to my questions. That is, if they wanted to.

[Via Nightlights]

We're the Only Ones "I'll Save You, Nell!" Enough

Const. Dudas left his truck, grabbed one of the young women and punched her in the face...

[A] female passerby witnessed a constable openly masturbating in his unmarked police vehicle...[
More]
Etc.

And naturally, the punishment fits the crime.

I guess they call them "Mounties" because if they decide to mount you, you're supposed to take it and like it. You see, of course, why the Canadian government considers such as these the "Only Ones," so that even the possession of EBLs will result in a SWAT response with air support...

[Via Long Island Mike]

Debate Continues on 'Outing' Gun Owners and Firearms Freedom Acts

An Indiana newspaper is posting information on concealed carry permit holders on its website. The "Firearms Freedom Acts" are manifestations of a growing movement declaring "that any firearms made and retained in-state are beyond the authority of Congress under its constitutional power to regulate commerce among the states."

We've been following both these stories here, noting resulting debates. Here's the latest. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column notes continuing controversies on stories we've talked about before.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: December 12

In answer to your favour of to day, I cannot think Princeton, under the present situation of affairs, by any means a proper place for the sick. Should they remain there they would be liable to be taken. [More]

Friday, December 11, 2009

"Suspect Brandished Machine Pistol"

No he did not.

Not that "Authorized Journalists" either know why they're wrong--or would give a damn if they did.

And the "facts" offered by the NY Daily News prove that point. The only reason they go into the machine gun spiel is to confuse. When they finally talk "semi-automatic," they say nothing about rate of fire, but instead scare their readers over "accuracy."

Besides--it gives wretched opportunist Furious Mike another photo op to tell us why his good-for-thee-but-not-for-me ban needs to be extended everywhere.

[Via David R]

Securing the Blessings of Liberty...to Ourselves

For feds, more get 6-figure salaries
Average pay $30,000 over private sector [More]
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

New Year's Gun Rights Resolution: Attend an Appleseed

Examiner.com is conducting a special project, starting today, asking their contributors to come up with topical New Year's resolutions...

Let's see if I can come up with one a day between now and New Year's. [More]
Thus today's second Gun Rights Examiner column. Which means don't assume this is it and forget to check out the first one...

What We Have Here...

...is failure to communicate.
Girl shot at Booker T. Washington High School [More]
How much more clear could they make it?

[Via Matt S]

Well, That Will Certainly Stimulate the Ol' Economy

As a result of the largest environmental bankruptcy in U.S. history, EPA, along with other federal and state agencies pursued and received $1.79 billion to fund environmental cleanup and restoration under a bankruptcy reorganization of American Smelting and Refining Company LLC (ASARCO), the Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture announced today. [More]
Because there obviously is no better way to handle these matters, and after all, two main purposes behind our government are "to establish Justice" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty."

And what better way for EPA to secure that than by issuing Glocks to their field staff?

It's nice to know they're so dedicated they're willing to secure those Blessings for us after-hours, which is the reason I assume the procurement specifies "Tijico night sights."

Good grief.

Hey--here's an idea: Didn't Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly block the guns in national parks bill because no environmental impact study had been performed?

Let's see if this gets any kind of answer:

Here we go:

I mean, who knows what environmental horrors will ensue should we allow some snail darter refuge to accumulate over 40 parts per billion of "Tijico"...?

[Procurement link via Steven K]

Beyond E.J. Dionne's Absurdism

The National Rifle Association wields power that would make an Afghan warlord jealous because the organization is thought to command legions of one-issue voters ready to punish any deviationism from the never-pass-any-new-gun-laws imperative. [More]
Dionne impresses me as being just ignorant and insulated enough to believe that.

As for the Luntz poll, the argument seems to be we can believe it because he's a weasel-wording republican tool.

Right.

We've seen the fraud of the "terror watchlist" for what it is. What seems clear is neither Luntz nor any in his poll supporting it are so informed.

The other thing we haven't established? How did Luntz confirm any of his respondents actually are NRA members? After all, as long as we're talking pollsters:
Roughly 20 Million Americans Align Themselves With NRA

Polling data indicates that 10% of households claim to have an NRA member. That means roughly 20 million Americans align themselves with NRA. This number is obviously higher than actual NRA membership and is explained by the fact that many people who identify with NRA consider themselves members even if their membership has lapsed. (Zogby International, 2000)
I note the new poll was sponsored by Mayors Against Guns. Y'know, if they spent more time making sure their members weren't dipping into the poor box...

[Via William T]

FBI Report Says Cops Poorly Trained and 'Gun Control' Doesn't Work

Remember--this report was put out by the DOJ. They can't say they don't know "gun control" doesn't work. So when Eric Holder comes out saying we need to ban "assault weapons" to fight Mexican crime, or establish a "No Guns" registry for people on government's black...uh...watch list, he knows these will not stop even one evil, determined person from committing a violent act--but he wants to do it anyway. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column confirms something we've known all along--that cops do not possess superior qualifications making them the "Only Ones" who can be trusted with guns, and that "gun control" doesn't work.

The source for this astounding revelation?

The FBI.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: December 11

On this day in 1777, General George Washington begins marching 12,000 soldiers of his Continental Army from Whitemarsh to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, for the winter. As Washington’s men began crossing the Schuylkill River, they were surprised by a regiment of several thousand British troops led by General Charles Cornwallis. [More]

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Only Way

A planetary law, such as China's one-child policy, is the only way to reverse the disastrous global birthrate...[More]
Right after your enforcers kill me, Diane Francis. In your case, I won't object to a western exception for Chinese-style ex post facto female infanticide.

Marxist hive insect.

We're the Only Ones Providing 100% SPF Coverage Enough

A Stability Police Force for the United States
Justification and Options for Creating U.S. Capabilities [More]
Oh, they're not talking sunscreen factors...

So...like, they're the "Only Ones" with justification, options, capabilities...?

[Via KABA Newslinks and Marc P]

We're the Only Ones Securing the Homeland Enough

Wanted Fugitive Worked for Homeland Security Department, Despite National Arrest Warrant [More]
Gosh, how on earth could this happen, considering the raw competence of federal "Only Ones" who think people like us bear watching and potentially listing...?

[Via Larry S]

We're the Only Ones You Lucky Dog Enough

Lucky Dog vendor, threatened, puts Marine training to work...

Police officials routinely discourage citizens from resisting armed robbers because of the risk. [More]
In all fairness to the "Only Ones," that's not quite true. There are a few defensive options they think we're qualified to implement, including:

1. Vomiting
2. Surrendering
3. (My personal favorite) Screaming (while poking with "a rat tail comb")
4. Pulling the covers over your head.

As an aside, if the thief had succeeded and was later caught, I wonder if the money they found on him would be reportable to state auditors...?

And they say there are no stupid questions...

[Via The Bitter Clinger]

The Big Easy Money

The state attorney general has ruled that money missing from the New Orleans Police Department's evidence room was not public property and Superintendent Warren Riley was not required to report the loss to the legislative auditor. [More]
You almost want to laugh at this stuff.

Until you remember what it signifies.

[Via retrotruckman]

We're the Only Ones Taking Care of Our Own Enough

Former Redondo police sergeant charged with embezzling $75,000 from union [More]
Honor among "Only Ones"...

True story: The Daily Breeze was my local paper when I was living in SoCal. I'd never written letters to the editor before and was pleased and surprised to see mine in their paper. About an hour later, a guy at work told me a separate one I'd written was in that same day's Los Angeles Times. Needless to say, that had an influence on convincing me to start expressing myself more.

I need to go through that messed up box I call my files and see if I can find and scan those clippings.

[Via Minstrel]

Flex...

...your rights. [More]

[Via Andre C]

When NERF Guns are Banned Redux

We talked about this yesterday.

Daniel White did too.

UPDATE:

As did Kurt.

While It's Still Not Too Costly

Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than live as slaves.--Winston Churchill
We all believe that, right? We're all Colddeadhandsers who sign our comments with a "III"?

So there's really no excuse for not doing something easily and not too costly--right now, today--without delay or rationalizing or finding excuses why not to--like sending Mike a few bucks?

'To Shake Their Guns in the Tyrant's Face' Gives Militia Movement History and Perspective

I ended yesterday's column telling you the Feb. 2010 issue of GUNS Magazine presents one of my book reviews. "To Shake Their Guns in the Tyrant's Face: Libertarian Political Violence and the Origins of the Militia Movement," by professor and historian Robert H. Churchill, is both an education and a fascinating read. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column links you to a review of a book I strongly believe every American ought to read--which means it will probably remain obscure as the Heirs of Liberty fixate on Tiger's whore-du-jour pop-up Advent calendar (which I bet would sell, but I digress).

Also find a deal on some other special books, learn why "Vanity, thy name is Codrea," and get the very latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: December 10

An American raid by Colonel Samuel B. Webb and his regiment on Long Island, New York, is foiled by British ships. Webb and his regiment are captured. [More]

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

A Shocking Breach

"This shocking breach undercuts the public's confidence in the security procedures at our airports," said Senator Susan Collins, R-Me... [More]
Susan, stop being an idiot, or at least shut up and stop letting everyone know you are one. Good grief, no wonder the Republicans are in such a mess, with pompous statist shills like you in the "leadership"

I remember one of the TSA goons screaming at passengers with his condescending "Come on boys and girls" bullying while trying to get my family through the gate in Kansas City some years back, and thinking to myself that under any other circumstances, the obnoxious incompetent would have been knocked on his ass in no time. And probably stomped in the groin, just because he was such a dick.

You don't think anyone with serious terrorist training is going to look on these parasites with anything but contempt...? Both for them and for a people who would put them in a position of such transparently unmerited authority...?

"The public's confidence..."

Go North to Alaska

...to find out what rush is on 10 miles from my front door. [More]

Serious Gun Nuts

According to this website, the FBI is spending about $13,000 apiece on two MagFed 20mm rifles. [More]
Dave Workman gives his take on that non-competitive procurement.

Man with a Gun

Horrors! [More]

And thing is, there's no shortage of those on "our side" who say this makes us all look bad.

The "Authorized Journalist" is, as we would expect, an idiot, but the Arrogant "Only One" Presumption of the Week Award goes to Sunnyvale Public Safety Captain Doug "Good for Me but Not for Thee" Moretto:
We have a difficult time understanding the point of this. What value does this bring to the community right now?
Yeah, Doug, well I have a difficult time understanding the point of you, and your authoritarian parasite assumption that individuals exist to serve the collective. Who are you obligated by law to protect? So why the hell do you get to have a gun? Talk about being of no value to the community...

[Via Carl S]

When NERF Guns are Banned...

The alternative, the website suggested, is to use socks as weapons. [More]
Yeah, just stick a cue ball in it...

What prepared-for-freedom men and women academia is churning out.

And Kurt tells us about another of Colorado's institutes of higher learning in his follow-up to this.

[Via Michael G]

I Have a Gun...I Will Use It

A Lincoln County woman shot and killed a man who attempted to enter her home. [More]
Compare the reticence and remorse this woman feels in a completely justifiable act of self-defense, compared to, say, the sadistic eagerness of this Sarah Brady Paradise "Only One" who can't wait to stick "an MP-5 into your [child's] face" for playing with a toy.

After firing, I'd be inclined to clam up.

[Via straightarrow, who advises us to note that "help" does not arrive in time...]

We're the Only Ones Protecting Virtue Enough

The uniformed deputy punched Butler three or four times and then pointed her gun at him, handcuffed him and ordered him to his knees. [More]
I understand a parent getting upset, but gee whiz. Talk about control and anger management issues--just the type we want to give a badge and gun to, along with the "legal" authority to carry a weapon in places forbidden to you and me.

So would it have been legal for the young man to shoot this "Only One"?

How about the parents of the young men behind Door Number Two?

[Via Scott N]

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

The message is that the police are using the "stop-and-account" powers contained in Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to question anyone they want, often for no obvious reason at all. If people take umbrage, they can be threatened with arrest, either for breaching the peace or for impeding the public highway. In February, further powers were introduced that made it an offence to elicit information "likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism", a catch-all provision now used to stop people taking photographs of police officers. [More]
Protecting the infrastructure, you see...and we're not that far behind.

[Via Mack H]

Walking in the Snow

Mike H finds a lesson in shoveling a driveway. [More]

We're the Only Ones "I'll Take What's Behind Door Number Two" Enough

The door had two locks attached from the bedroom side and a circular hole padded with duct tape. The deputy noted in the arrest report that the hole appeared to be used "in some sort of sexual act."

A front-desk staffer told authorities that she'd received a complaint from a hotel guest who said the door to that room had been propped open on the night of Nov. 30 and that she noticed several "young men" entering and exiting. The guest also complained of hearing "sex noises" coming from the room, the arrest report said. [More]
I will not make a crack about more than one shot per pull...

Y'know, when the Bradys chastised me for not glorifying morally superior and emotionally better-balanced "Only Ones" like this, the idea that it might include glory-holing never even crossed my mind. And here all this time sheltered me thought raising fists was an act of defiance. Just goes to show you I'll probably never make the grade.

In the mean time, let us consider how we got to the point where highly-placed BATFUers (he's the Houston field office DIO) feel like they can be in our faces, ramming their abuses down our throats.

There's nothing consensual about it. It's all about dominance and submission. They really are perverted rights rapists, you know.

And their overseers are content to let them continue unchallenged. Not that many of their victims have bothered to file a report...

I wrote the Subcommittee to demand corruption hearings. What's certain is, unless WE take it upon ourselves to make a...uh...stink about it, nobody else will.

[Via Joe G]

NRA to Firearms Freedom Act Supporters: You're On Your Own

NRA certainly has the right to decide which legal strategies it perceives as advantageous and eligible for their support, and in this case, it's helpful to know that if we get in trouble, they don't want us to come running to them to fix it. Whether we agree with their position or not, we can't say we haven't been warned: they've washed their hands of the matter. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at a deliberate distancing from a growing movement. It's not surprising to anyone who has been following the disparaging talking points offered in some circles.

Also find out when facts don't matter and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: December 9

The tents are near the bridge, on the Skippack road, and so many are to be immediately sent for and pitched, as are necessary for officers and men that have not huts, that will keep themselves and their arms dry. But the General earnestly recommends that no more tents be pitched than are absolutely necessary to shelter the troops. Neither officers nor men are to be absent from camp upon any pretence whatever. [More]

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Interview with 'Not without a Fight' Gun Rights Documentary Producer Max Lemus

But enough. If you want to learn more about Max and his project, let's learn it together. What follows is my Q&A with him. When we're done, you'll get a chance to find out what's on your mind. Here's the interview. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column presents an interactive interview, where you get to ask questions in the "comments" section.

Please do so and help make this a success, and please spread the word by sending the link to your friends and encouraging them to do the same.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

I'm going to be occupied today with monitoring these comments, so don't look for further posts here, and please understand if I just can't get to your emails.

Remember to check back in to the interview throughout the day to see new questions and answers.

This Day in History: December 8

Monday, December 07, 2009

My Dog Ate My Homework

Sure it did... [More]

And Blago so wanted us to hear those tapes that would clear his good name.

Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town.

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

The main reason toy guns should be considered dangerous:
'If we are called out you will probably get an MP5 put into your face, unless we can tell it is an imitation firearm.'
Great attitude. It really shows us who's in charge. And where the danger comes from.

So: Assuming all shipments would be funneled through their government, would you send a gun to defend a British home?

We're the Only Ones with Tunnel Vision Enough

A drunken off-duty detective crashed a department car at the Midtown Tunnel early Friday after a Christmas party with colleagues, authorities said.

The smashup was the third driving-while-intoxicated accident involving an off-duty cop since September. [More]
Aren't you glad Furious Mike's "Only Ones" are so much more responsible and temperate than we are?

[Via Harvey]

What?

Denny Snyder asks me to check out his new line of electronic hearing protection that he's going to be introducing at the 2010 SHOT Show.

I have some hearing loss in my left ear, thanks not to shooting, but to a Scuba diving mishap some years back. It pains me, because the guy I originally got certified with many years ago (the same college pal who glides) still goes all over the world on exotic dives and I can't.

And I continually try to impress on younger feral son Qusay the importance of practicing safe, sane and responsible death metal drum techniques...you know, the very qualities that so define the genre.

We're the Only Ones Demitto Cum Laude Enough

Alex Alvarez, who finished 72nd on the test, and Sean Woods, 82nd on the list, were also selected. Alvarez and Woods are drivers for Chief Pennington. [More]
Of course they were.

Still, I can't help wondering if this is just the top "Only One's" prerogative as opposed to, I don't know, you don't suppose drivers ever have occasion to see anything...

By golly, that was damned unfair of me.

[Via Harvey]

Call Me Ishmael

Or Ismail. [More]

What's in a name?

Yet more catch-and-release, "Only Ones"-style.

And government is who we want manning out "No Guns for Homegrown Terrorists" watchlist?

Well...yeah, as long as you understand what its real intent is.

[Via William T]

A Greater Danger

The outdoors is a dangerous place.

But will a new law allowing firearms in national parks make us safer—or actually put us in greater danger? [More]

So by extrapolation, his unintended thesis is we'll all be better off when the "Only Ones" disarm?

[Via jpr9]

We're the Only Ones Counter-Insurgent Enough

In an article published in the February, 2010, issue of Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement (a print magazine not available online), Donald J. Mihalek argues that suspected criminals in the United States should be treated the same way “insurgents” are in Iraq. [More]
Man, what is it with the tips today?

Anyway, if I were an "Only One" interested in keeping the ride smooth, I wouldn't be egging authority worshipers like Mr. Mihalek on.

Of course, if I was smart enough to understand the likely unintended consequences, I'd be one of these guys instead.

UPDATE: I'm not finding much on Internet searches for Mihalek. Anybody know anything about this guy? I'm typically leery of this source site, but in this case, the existence of the pdf looked compelling--plus I verified on Amazon that there is a magazine by that title.

[Via M. Terry]

A Critical Decision

The European Union Times is reporting here that Obama is using the deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan to cover for the movement of some 200,000 troops, presently on duty in countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan, to USNORTHCOM to prepare for the "expected outbreak of Civil War within the United States before the end of winter." [More]
I've been chatting via email with some folks who have been hearing rumblings along these lines, and candidly don't know what to make of them. The source used here does not help, because the European Union Times does not make it easy to find out who is behind them (we learn practically nothing from their "About" tab or from a "whois" lookup).

So my suggestion is to look at all such reports with a critical eye toward reliability and credibility of sources. And as long as we're being critical, would it have killed the author of the linked piece to even acknowledge the existence of "Oath Keepers"?

UPDATE: Some of you in comments have noticed more about the EUT site than I did.

[Via Ron W]

Does Reporting on Baltimore Shooting Show Ignorance, Laziness or Intent?

They're not only willing, they're depending on lies to pass rights-restricting edicts. And the media play right along as willing (ignorant?) dupes. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner notes the deception over "assault weapons" continues.

Also meet some men who weren't allowed to fight, get a reminder about one who promises to fight, and access the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: December 7


Also on this day in 1941, a very special young man awoke to receive a very unwelcome 21st birthday present--one that would send him and his brother to Guam and Guadalcanal with the Marines.

Happy birthday, Dad.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Are Hartford Authorities, Hospitals and Merchants Rewarding Violations of Gun Laws and Safety Rules?

Did you guys clear this through your risk management departments? I mean, we have Dr. Shapiro here telling everyone how dangerous guns are, that they should only be handled by trained professionals, and here you are encouraging the people who obviously know the least about them to handle them, to carry them, to transport them, to hand them off to others. Shapiro tells people in his pitch their guns must be unloaded. You're sure they know how to check? Do they know that just because you have the magazine out of a semi-automatic doesn't mean there might not be a chambered round? Do they know to keep their booger hooks off the bang switch? Do they know Cooper's rules for gun safety? Do you? And if they know none of this, and someone ends up getting hurt or killed due to a negligent discharge, would not survivors looking for deep pockets be able to establish--particularly with Dr. Shapiro's damning indictment of the dangers of guns in inexperienced hands--that you knew or should have known disaster could happen, but encouraged it anyway? [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at lawmen who ignore the law, gun safety proponents who encourage ignorant gun handling, and a retailer who must not need gun owner business this Christmas shopping season.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: December 6

December 6, 1777 at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania - On December 6, a vanguard of Gen. William Howe's army engaged with a Patriot militia force at Chestnut Hill. After heavy firing from both sides, the militia was forced to withdraw from the area. Conclusion: British Victory [More]

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Lego Gun Reaction Shows Conditioned Views on Armed Citizens

After all, we're talking Canada here, where seeing a citizen with a handgun--especially in Toronto--is deemed a shocking (and generally illegal) sight. Still, there are plenty of examples we could point to here in the land of the Second Amendment where our countrymen would react with equal panic, and our police with an equally forceful response. Yet add the magical trappings of a government-issued uniform with a badge amulet, and seeing an accompanying weapon on a fellow human is accepted as the natural order of things... [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column deals with perceptions we must work to change.

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

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This Day in History: December 5