Jackass

Authorities detained Johnny Knoxville on Thursday for allegedly bringing an inert grenade into Los Angeles International Airport. After security screeners spotted the grenade in the "Jackass" star's carry-on luggage, a bomb squad determined it lacked a firing pin or explosive. [More]

Dennis Farina...

Jerry Lewis...

and now Johnny Knoxville...

I can't help but wonder what kind of body cavity spelunking and terrorism charges a non-celebrity would be forced to endure...

Still, I have to admit--someone who can fire a bottle rocket out of his...uh...body cavity... makes a contribution to society most of us could never hope to match.

[Via W-3]

It Comes as No Surprise

Dennis Farina may be able to carry a gun on-screen, but he won't be able to own one in California for several months.

Well, we knew that was coming.

I'll bet if someone had the resources to look into it, they'd find all kinds of non-connected citizens--particularly minorities from distressed neighborhoods where the risks are highest--get shown leniency on weapons charges every day.

No?

The More You Mis...

...demeanor you get.

Look, I hope no one thinks I'm picking on poor Dennis Farina. Were it up to me, he could carry his guns all the live-long day.

It should be clear what I object to is special treatment for "Only Ones" and elites. If they're not under the same pressure we are, if they have their place at the table, there's no incentive for them to give a damn about what happens to those of us on the outside looking in.

One other thing this development tells me is his former cop status has not automatically conferred upon him an automatic license to carry, as some have speculated.

[Via Dave Licht]

Evidently--or Not

Los Angeles County prosecutors won't file felony charges against actor Dennis Farina for having a gun in his luggage at an airport earlier this month.

I wonder if they found me with a handgun at LAX and determined it was not registered with the state of California if they'd figure "there wasn't enough evidence"? Particularly if I was taking it with me to handgun-free Chicago.

I know there would be no evidence that I was a former "Only One," and also no evidence that any Hollywood movers and shakers with access and influence would be pulling for me...

And they haven't decided whether to file misdemeanor charges yet? And LA prosecutors notwithstanding, we're to believe no federal charges are applicable?

Gosh, I'd hate to think there might be two sets of standards in this country.

We're the Only Ones High and Mighty Enough

"People don't get it," Holcomb said. "When you go to an airport, the only people that can carry a gun are federal agents."

Demonstrably untrue.

You can also get away with it if you're an anti-gun mayor.

But you're right, I don't get it. That's why I post stories about "The Only Ones."

I also like the presumption that "it was not clear why he was carrying it," as if exercising rights demands an explanation. By the same token, I can't get too worked up over this. If Dennis Farina spent 20 years in the Chicago PD, I have to believe he was a willing part of a machine that grinds people up every day for similar "crimes"--speaking of which, let's see if state charges for illegal concealed carry are also pressed--as they would be against you or me.

UPDATE: HZ points out the ex-Chi-Town cop was flying to handgun-free Chicago.

[Via Maureen]