Analysis Of The Covid-19 Pandemic [More]And the guard rails to keep from plummeting off the edge look none too substantial...
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Dangerous Curve Ahead
A Matter of Priorities
In the NICS of Time?
Never been delayed before and I just got delayed until April 15th is this because of covid 19 or something else [More]I speculated on that possibility:
We see that the Trump administration in general and the Department of Justice in particular “reportedly has been preparing a plan that would let hundreds of thousands of federal employees work remotely.” It’s legitimate to ask if that will affect the folks responsible for NICS approvals and if the three business day approval rule would still apply if it does.But this is the first I've seen of anyone claiming it's happening.
At this point, I have no idea if there is really anything to this that affects all NICS transfers nationwide, if it's localized, or if it's even happening. I suppose we could ask:
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UPDATE from Harrison Shooter Supply:
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY ATF/FBI NICS background check if you get delayed on a purchase it is now a 3 WEEK DELAY!!!!!! This is not us it is a new mandate from NICS edited to add "or the state of Kansas" not sure who.[Via evverest]
UPDATE from Gateway Pundit:
“'As the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section works through the impact of the COVID-19 operationally, we are working to maintain our services. We are aware that states may be considering options to protect the health and safety of their employees, which may include a reduction in office availability or even closure to some offices,' the FBI office said in a statement."[Via Andy M]
TANGENTIALLY RELATED UPDATE from Buckeye Firearms Association:
Coronavirus: Some Ohio Sheriffs suspending Concealed Handgun License applications and renewalsWill they suspend arresting us for noncompliance?
And in Illinois...
Not only is the ISP overwhelmed, so is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).[Via Jeffersonian]
UPDATE from Appalachian Armory:
We have been notified by ATF/FBI that any background check that comes back delayed is no longer a 3 day wait but instead will be a possible 28 day wait. If you have a handgun license or are immediately approved then this will not apply. Here is what they sent out:
NICS Experiences Unprecedented Volume IncreaseFFLs Must Consider Closures, Reduced Staff Effects on Three Business Day DelaysAs our nation continues to navigate its response to the COVID-19, we recognize the firearm industry, like many other industries, is being impacted. NSSF® is aware of delays within the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) System. We want you to know the FBI is on the job and working diligently to address the dramatic response and increase in background checks experienced over the past few days. Just yesterday, Monday, March 16, 2020, the NICS staff experienced over a 300% increase compared to this same time period in 2019. As we’ve seen in the past with other national events, our citizens often seek to exercise their Second Amendment rights during times of uncertainty. Therefore transparent communication remains a top priority.[Via Ed Stone]
According to NICS, there are delays in the system due to an astronomical volume of transactions over the last several days. While much of the NICS System is automated and yields an immediate “proceed” or “deny” determination, transactions that result in a delayed status require the work of NICS examiners to investigate whether the transaction should be approved or not. With daily volumes roughly double that of last year, the NICS team is unable to begin investigations on all delays within three business days, creating a backlog in the delayed checks.
Some states offices and agencies are considering options to protect the health and safety of their employees, which may include a reduction in staff or a temporary closure. If you operate in one of these areas and if you receive a delayed response from the NICS, please note the Brady transfer date provided to you by the FBI could be extended beyond the normal three business days. The three business day timeframe does not begin until relevant state offices are open for business. Additionally, because of the dramatic increase in volume, it is important to recognize FBI staff may not be able to begin their research on delayed transactions as they normally would. Therefore, you may want to consider waiting on a definitive response from the NICS before opting to proceed with a sale on any delayed transaction. We are operating during exceptional and uncertain times, so you may wish to consider implementing temporary changes in order to safeguard yourself and your business. However, please note that when state offices are closed it does not constitute a “business day” for purposes of calculating the “three business days” period before an FFL may transfer a firearm to a non-licensee as mandated by the Brady Act.
The NICS Section is working overtime to get through the backlog and we appreciate their hard work and open communication. NSSF will continue to communicate with NICS and our members to ensure operations move forward as smoothly as possible during this period.
The Legal Way
In a nutshell: there is no legal way that Governor Gordon or any other government official at the state, county or municipal level can take any action that would curtail your right to own, carry, transport or use a firearm after an emergency declaration. [More]Noting "the supreme Law of the Land," there is no legal way any governor anywhere can infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
Like that stops them.
[Via Felix B]
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
It Depends Upon What the Meaning of the Word 'All' Is
America and Canada will halt all non-essential travel across their border [More]You mean it can be done?
Then why hasn't it?
War is Not the Answer
That depends on the question, doesn't it? [More]
JPFO decided to revisit a 2012 article that remains timely.
JPFO decided to revisit a 2012 article that remains timely.
We're the Only Ones Unpermitting Enough
The city of New Brunswick, NJ, halted the ability for residents to apply for a firearm permit claiming the fingerprinting company was closed. We stopped by the police department to investigate and quickly discovered the lies. [Watch]It's almost like New Jersey doesn't want its citizens armed or something...
What does that tell us about Tony Caputo?
[Via Jeffersonian]
Proof of Delivery
I need this message screenshot so I have a link for an article I'm writing.
UPDATE posted at 8:11 pm Eastern -- This was sent at 3:07, five hours ago. I made two calls to them, first to their public number and then to their press referral number, shortly before 2:00, so it is pretty obvious they are not interested in answering a simple question. That does not surprise me and I'll pursue this later.
UPDATE posted at 8:17 am Eastern on 03/19 -- still no interest on the part of our "public servants" to respond...
Appealing to the Better Angels of Their Nature
Baltimore Mayor Begs Residents To Stop Shooting Each Other So Hospital Beds Can Be Used For Coronavirus Patients [More]Tell me having someone sign that plea for the deaf won't be what clinches their cooperation.
It's a Little Late to Close the Barn Door
If they don’t join together — if the Democrats opt for a circular firing squad — you can kiss the America you grew up in goodbye. [More]I'm thinking that became pretty much irreversible around 1964 or so...
Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Whatever
Jessica Yaniv appeared in a BC Courthouse today on charges of prohibited weapons possession. The charges came after Yaniv, a notorious vexatious litigant and alleged child sexual predator, discharged a taser on Blaire White’s YouTube channel during a livestream. [More]Boy, those frostbacks are serious.
Do I have to expand the law to include children?
[Via Dave Licht]
The Man in the Ironed Mask
Yet, in the U.S., wearing a face mask when healthy has become discouraged to the point of becoming socially unacceptable. The U.S. government, in line with World Health Organization recommendations, says only those who are sick, or their caregivers, should wear masks. [More]When I went to the doctor a bit ago, they made me wear one. I figure they and their risk management weenies must know something about the odds.
[Via Mack H]
Virtual Reality?
Dead Girl, Live Boy
Kim Foxx, Who Fumbled Jussie Smollett Case, Wins Primary for Cook County State’s Attorney [More]There's an Edwin Edwards quote in here somewhere. There always is when the vote is based on race instead of competence and integrity.
[Via Michael G]
Let's Get Mikey!
Canceled OH primary irks this conservative [More]Yeah, well, I wasn't going to work it with this state of no knowledge. Was he going to try it?
How about Jennifer and Laurence?
What do they call people who feel entitled to demand others to take risks? I'm pretty sure it's not "conservatives."
[Via Mack H]
It Depends Upon What the Meaning of the Word 'Critical' Is
National Critical Functions: The functions of government and the private sector so vital to the United States that their disruption, corruption, or dysfunction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. [More]Anybody see anything about that which the Founders deemed "necessary to the security of a free State," or has new management decided that's "non-essential"?
[Via Len Savage]
Typhoid Mary vs. Lysander Spooner Death Match
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry says the county won't follow in Harris County's footsteps regarding the closure of bars and restaurants. Henry says the order is "illegal," and is not something he is contemplating. [More]This is a tangentially-related expansion of a conversation I attempted to start yesterday, and also extends to the Bay Area closure of "nonessential" businesses, including, evidently, gun stores. (Speaking of which, I am informed there are no SF gun stores, but that's beside the point as the story I linked to said "6 counties," and there are plenty of stores there.)
Add to that objections I am seeing elsewhere about tyrannical abridgement of the right to peaceful assembly, and we have a situation where that old cop-out, "agreeing to disagree," won't cut it.
At what point am I contagious and dangerous enough to justify you shooting me if I come any closer?
I'm sure some would say "Right now" just over ideology.
I invite relevant insights.
[Via Jess]
Smears by Self-Styled 'Sophisticates' vs. Reality
While smug and superior Bill Maher makes fun of "redneck" gun owners telling Covid-19 to "Get off my lawn," Brownells is donating computing poser and "at least 1,300 hours to the project and run approximately 200 simulations on behalf of COVID-19 research." [More]
Wishful Thinking
WaPo's Jennifer Rubin: 'There will be less Democrat deaths' than Republican [More]Yeah, 'cause we all live in those high-density urban areas like Jen and fellow traveler William Kristolmeth. Maybe she means more metropolitan neocons, at which point it might be appropriate to consult with Mr. Benny...
"A self-described conservative and former Republican" my ... eye.
Time for the Bernie Bros to Roll Up Their Sleeves
Joe Biden swept the Arizona, Illinois and Florida primaries, all but extinguishing Bernie Sanders’s chances for a comeback. [More]Dopey Joe it is.
OK, commies, you know what to do...
Title of Nobility
Additionally, as a "high-ranking" official, Clinton should be exempt, the filing said. [More]That's probably one of the best arguments for guillotines I've ever heard...
Arizona, Take Off Your Rainbow Shades
West Orange native Mark Kelly has a 50%-44% lead over GOP incumbent Martha McSally in the race for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, according to a Monmouth University poll released this morning. [More]Note to Republicans-- it's not because your candidate is "too conservative."
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Gimme Shelter
Bay Area orders ‘shelter in place,’ only essential businesses open in 6 counties [More]I don't have any gun store contacts up there but just messaged a place I found online. Anybody up there know if they're part of the shutdown order?
Here's the order. Now to read it.
UPDATE: Looks like they're not exempt. Anybody got a different read? If the store replies, I'll update this again.
UPDATE: Still no replies from the gun stores I've approached, but I found this which confirms it for Santa Clara County:
UPDATE: I've been told there are no gun stores in SF so it's a moot point. Not so. Remember, we're talking "6 counties," and there are indeed stores there.
UPDATE:
Here's the Santa Clara County order.
Says Who?
‘I’m an essential business’: Gun shops in Pa. packed ahead of coronavirus closures [More]All it takes is a commie politician in power to say otherwise.
[Via bondmen]
We're the Only Ones Joking Enough
Not Quite Working Out as Planned
U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain issued a sternly worded statement Monday contending that Friday’s fatal shooting of Cpl. James O’Connor IV in Frankford “was the direct result of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s pro-violent-defendant policies.”[More]I don't get it. Krasner blames the NRA for Philly "gun violence"-- what more do they want?
Anyway, Chuck assured us this wouldn't happen.
[Via bondmen]
The Centers for Decrees Control
Step Up to the Plates
There's Existential and There's Existential
But here is a prediction: If the government can order society to cease functioning, from restaurants and other businesses to schools, due to a possible health disaster, it is highly likely that a Democratic president and Congress will similarly declare emergency and assert authoritarian rule in order to prevent what they consider the even greater "existential threat" to human life posed by global warming. [More]I think the difference here is it's harder to convince skeptics that the "threat" is imminent and that draconian measures are needed, and that could very well be the economy destroyer that makes normal men spit on their hands and raise the black flag.
It never seems to occur to Praeger that some will not go gentle into that good night.
[Via Mack H]
Opposite Day Catches Up with 'Progressives'
[H]ow smart does urban living, mass transit, open borders, reusable straws, reusable grocery bags, reusable water bottles, gun restrictions, over-regulated housing, using the Centers for Disease Control to fight gun violence, and outsourcing to China look now? [More]The question for me is are they capable of learning anything, or will it be Dopey Joe and VP Vag in November?
[Via Michael G]
Comparative Analysis
Comparing the relative value of lives makes for grisly calculus, but one is forced to ask: are we missing the forest for the trees? If the measures we undertake to protect a vulnerable few end up exposing them, along with the rest of society, to even more damaging risks—was it worth the cost? [More]While not directly related, I remember some Horiuchi defender(s) getting really mad at me for asking a cost/benefit question about the FBI Hostage Rescue Team.
[Via Mack H]
Because Nothing Says Survival Like Defenselessness
New York Times Columnist: Wuhan Coronavirus Will Lead to More Deaths Because People Are Buying Guns [More]Just insert your Rapex and you'll be fine.
What can I say besides "Nicholas Kristof" and "anti-gun male"?
Y'just wonder if some of these people will be caught by the mob.
Well, I do, anyway.
[Via Mack H]
Another 'Bump Stock' Action
This one raises flags for me because it looks like they need to cede the stocks being redefined as "machineguns" in order to qualify for "amnesty." That brings up a huge concern about the government later doing the same thing with semiautos.
What I find interesting in this is they used some of Len Savage's stuff for exhibits, and once more we find the history proving that the stocks "are a direct result of the government banning something" and that "To date neither ATF nor FBI will confirm ANY crime being committed (including the Oct. 1, 2017 Las Vegas incident)." I've written about that several times and I'll call your attention to this and this. Compare that to all the "news" stories flat out asserting they were "used."
ECF No. 43 - MSJ as Filed by dcodrea on Scribd
And Then There's This
MIT biologist says fear mongering on coronavirus will go down as biggest fraud to manipulate economies [More]What does it say about a supposedly "free society" where statements from the government and the media are automatically suspect based on serial past departures from the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
[Via Jess]
What You Mean 'We'?
"Why can't we have a more balanced discussion?" she asked recently. "Why can't we talk about public safety? Why can't we talk about the facts and put some of the emotion aside?" [More]Indeed. Why is your side the one that relies on hysteria, avoidance, and lies?
And why not name who the gutless wannabe Republican turncoats badmouthing their core constituents to the enemy are?
A Human Right
And that @$$hole making the "Boomer" insult just proves what bigots and hypocrites these ignoramuses are. [More]
Better Living Through Chemistry?
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Interesting that the UK has banned it for export.
[Via Michael G]
UPDATE: Google docs took the link down alleging a "terms of service" violation, so in the spirit of "You can't stop the signal," I found a saved version on the Internet Archive/Wayback Machine.
It's Déjà Vu All Over Again
New Orleans Mayor Issues Coronavirus Order Allowing Ban on Sale, Transportation of Firearms [More]I wonder how soon it will be 'til the Big Easy "Only Ones" who haven't gone AWOL or on shooting sprees are looting again.
[Via Michael G]
Pigs is Pigs
Roasted, curried, sweetened … guinea pig meat returns to the plates of Peru [More]Humphrie and White Privilege would have been horrified.
Actually, they would have been oblivious and probably pooped on my lap.
[Via Steve T]
What Do YOU Think?
Deputies now monitoring home of Nelson County coronavirus patient who 'refused to self-isolate' [More]Here's my reaction when I first heard this and was considering the civil liberties vs. transmission to others implications:
I dunno-- we know it can be lethal to some people. Take me, for instance-- late 60s, still on prescription meds for respiratory inflammation -- or my 96-year-old mother, considerably more vulnerable to not being able to weather it out. If I know this guy has it and is coming toward us, am I allowed to treat him like a threat and stop him using all force necessary if he keeps coming toward me?Now we find all may not be as we have been told:
“We told them we know it isn’t true,” she said. “He never even ran a fever at the hospital.” She said she has access to John’s medical records online, and as of Saturday night there was nothing in his files that showed any tests for COVID-19. She said the family had obtained legal counsel, and their lawyers also told the couple there was no positive test results in John’s medical files. “There is no record he was tested. None,” Jane said.So what do "we" do and how much coercive restraint is justified? Remember, at this point, none of us can say for sure.
I know if I had it I'd self-isolate for the common good and no one would have to tell me or even ask. I'm not sure I get why anyone would feel differently, but if there's one thing I've learned over the years, my opinion is generally the one most people frown on.
[Via JTM]
And Now a Word from a Noted Authority on Everything
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Playing TAPS for Freedom
At its core, the legislation is about taking the same strategies that we know work at a federal level to prevent targeted mass violence... [More]What would those be?
And who decided Amy Swearer should be an "influencer"?
[Via Michael G]
WHAT? SINCE WHEN???
Here at Omaha Outdoors, we’ve been inundated with inquiries from out-of-state folks – many from California – asking if we can ship them a gun directly. The answer is, of course, no. Despite what politicians and many in popular media claim, you can’t buy a gun online and have it shipped to your house. [More]I recall the same indignant outrage during the L.A. Riots when anxious would-be buyers found out there were bureaucratic barriers to transfers.
I don't know what's more outrageous-- that you can't or that so many undeserving heirs of liberty are clueless, and that's what allowed this to happen in the first damn place.
After this is all over, they'll no doubt go back to voting Democrat.
[Via Michael G]
Coronavirus Hysteria Raises Legitimate Gun and Freedom Concerns
Americans can now see for themselves that the government is utterly incapable of protecting them. If things get worse, that lesson will become up close and personal for many. [More]TMI or not enough? The only thing for sure is there are those poised to exploit what we don't know -- and what we're not being told -- for political power.
Monday, March 16, 2020
I Have the Power!
It's the Genitalia, Stupid
Joe Biden commits to picking a woman running mate during heated Democratic Primary debate with Bernie Sanders [More]If there's one thing I insist on to ensure sound, constitutional government, it's a vagina!
Bad Things Never Happen Here
Jennifer Lawrence's frightening home break-in ordeal: Star's security team stop female intruder who walked through her unlocked front door while she was there [More]I guess some people can afford to be anti-gun idiots.
I bet Sharon Tate probably thought she lived in a pretty safe neighborhood, too.
Speaking of a Rapidly-Spreading Disease...
We're the Only Ones Thawed Enough
Hendrex later acknowledged in a written police report that he was terrified. "I froze right there in the middle of the hall for how long, I can't say," he wrote. [More]So who better to reinstate "to serve and protect"?
I'll bet he's brave enough when he and another two cars pull you over.
[Via bondmen]
Deliberately Missing the Point
For the Children
Here's why I bought AR-15s for my sons: when Lenin was asked how the Bolsheviks planned to keep the Russian masses from listening to counterrevolutionaries, he replied in so many words, "We must teach our followers to direct unbridled hatred toward our opponents." [More]It's amazing how many people still don't get that.
[Via bondmen]
An Inclusive Worldview
A Nation of Snitches
Harvard’s Title IX Office debuted an anonymous online reporting form on Monday designed to help students report sexual misconduct with greater comfort and logistical ease. [More]Massachusetts witch hunts based on accusations? What a "progressive" idea!
We could have fun with this...
[Via Michael G]
And They Say There are No Stupid Questions
First Do Harm
We're the Only Ones Trailblazing Enough
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
If President Trump loses, the GOP can work with Biden and mitigate the damage. [More]Are you f***ing out of your mind?
[Via Mack H]
We're the Only Ones Storm-Trooping Enough
Did Maryland Police Shoot And Kill A Sleeping Man? An initial police press release claims "firearms offenses" were involved, but now the authorities are being mum. [More]A police state could never happen here.
Right?
It's Good to Be the King
A South African king, a nephew of the late Nelson Mandela, has been arrested after allegedly going on the rampage with an axe in the palace. [More]I'd say he's every bit as legitimate as Meghan and Harry...
Which Have Eyes and See Not
From comments under my latest:
I have no idea WHICH hispanics you are referring to…. but all of them I know are very happy to be here in the US where, once they are permanent residents, they have the RIGHT to keep and bear arms.and
Don’t know which Hispanics you’ve been talking to. We like guns and RKBA.Y'know, guys, I gave you links to this and this, which neither of you bothered to read or address. Both pretty clearly challenge naysayers to "produce credible data – not opinion, not anecdotes, not isolated examples, but something that can be independently validated."
Of course, we all know friendlies. Some of us are even fortunate enough to know and learn from great champions.
And 70% of that population being anti admits that 30% of them aren't, although the level of reverse commitment is unknown. But that ratio will still result in catastrophe.
And then we have outright smug while suicidal fools:
All of you are as clueless as she is when it comes to the rules of federalism. I distance myself from ignorance and tyranny and it is exactly what you need to do when confronted by both from this woman.Supreme law of the land, moron. And yes, immigration is on the table.
I wonder how long it will take for the kneejerk objection from someone who never knew about this to conflate the Laws of Nations with "international law."
One thing's for sure-- whoever tries won't answer my challenge.
More KoolAid, Please
Election Day is different from other public events. [More]Oh, bullshit.
You don't know.
Neither do "they":
“Cases can be very misleading to the public because it’s a past historical event. Because of our lack of testing, cases are just the tip of the iceberg. ... We will not have an accurate picture of that,” Acton said.On top of that, pediatrician/PR flack Amy is not credentialed for this nor can she cite a single peer-reviewed study to back up her earlier "safe" call. And on top of that, were the assurances true, they would not be scrambling to replace polling locations deemed too "high risk" because they're at retirement communities and the like.
Government was useless at protecting anyone from anything and now they're talking out their asses. While we do all the paying. And DeSwine ignores his own culpability.
There is no "100" magic number. And regardless, senior voters and poll workers who are mostly seniors would still be in the "at risk" category.
And I note nobody's having a bash anytime soon.
For the first time in years I will not be working the polls. Between my age and the fact that I'm still taking prescription medication for a respiratory problem that doesn't quite seem ready to leave, along with the lack of knowledge and the demonstrable fact that the politics über alles crowd is lying to us (and, based on removing and then retroactively disallowing YouTube comments, suppressing challenges to their lies) I'll not be there tomorrow,
What I can say with certainty is there is no way to "sanitize" things with 100% effectiveness. I know the process from start to finish. There's no way.
My "solution"? Hey, I'm just commenting on what is, not what should be.
I voted absentee. Perhaps postpone things a month and see where we are then. It'll be interesting to see how many poll workers opt out at the last minute, meaning it could be a mess and the queue could soon go way over 100.
My only point is for them to be ordering all the extraordinary closures (younger feral son Qusay is a chef and he's out of work now until told he can go back) and then turn around and assure us it's safe to gather and have multiple interactions with multiple people is demonstrably not credible and motivated by factors other than health.
And I expect people from "our side" to be a bit more skeptical of government assurances before sounding the "All clear" to their followers.
If you do go to the polls in Ohio and wherever else primaries re happening tomorrow, I suggest wearing an effective mask (you can make one if you can't find one) and disposable gloves.
UPDATE:
Except a judge says "Die!"
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