National Gun Database Backfires (UK)

Further delays have plagued the project to create the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS).

Two forces that have been piloting the database, Lancashire Police and the Metropolitan Police, will now have to run further tests. They have been forced to do so by the need to cleanse data so that information can be shared, and to configure different networks that have so far proved incompatible...Initially, the budget for the NFLMS was set at £5.5m, but following delays this has expanded by £1.5m.

Crikey! That's really too bloody bad. Who could have predicted something like this might happen?

Here's Hoping I Apologize

An Open Response and Invitation

Dear Rep. Zwonitzer,

I was delighted to see your reply to my post regarding an Associated Press story that reported:

Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, said he owns guns and enjoys shooting. However, he said Wyoming is among the top states in the country in terms of gun-related deaths by population and said the state doesn't need legislation to encourage more people to carry guns.

Zwonitzer quoted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states in part that a "well-regulated militia" is necessary to the security of a free state. He said he wouldn't have a problem with the bill if it specified that members of the Wyoming National Guard have a right to carry weapons.

I further reported that you were rated as an unknown by NRA-PVF for failure to answer your candidate questionnaire.

Your response indicates you have been unfairly portrayed.

I've been called a lot of things, but never a "moonbat".

I have in fact read the Federalist papers, at least three times.

When the heck did you guys start actually believing and relying on the Press for your information?

Also, I mailed in my NRA form, and it was lost somewhere along the way. I called the NRA multiple times, recieved no help in obtaining another copy, and was bounced around the country, until I was finally told it was too late to turn in my form.

Maybe you should contact legislators and get their actual viewpoint...

That seems fair--and I trust you have also contacted the AP and NRA to correct the record. Will you share with us what you did say that reporter Ben Neary apparently so horribly misconstrued? Do you oppose permitless concealed carry as was reported?

Rep. Zwonitzer, I've been searching for political representatives I can trust to champion my rights for many years now, with very little success. You have no idea how much I would love to be able to apologize to you, to tell people I misjudged you, to ask your forgiveness, and to endorse and financially contribute to your political career. Will you give me that chance?

You challenged us to contact you for your views, so that's what I'm doing. The following is a questionnaire I put together a while back designed to identify a political candidate's position regarding the Second Amendment. Can I count on you to give specific and unequivocal answers for each question?

1. Do you believe that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land," that the Bill of Rights acknowledges the birthrights of all Americans, and that the Second Amendment was intended to protect the right of the people to keep and bear arms from being infringed?

2. If so, should these rights be proactively protected from infringement by all levels of government, including city, county and state? How?

3. Who are the Constitutional militia?

4. Please give some examples of gun control laws you consider do not infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Please share as many as you can think of.

5. Please give some examples of gun control laws you consider unconstitutional.

6. Does the right to bear arms include the right for any peaceable citizen to carry them concealed without a permit, as in Vermont?

7. Do you believe that Americans have a right to own, use and carry weapons of military pattern?

8. Do you support or oppose registration of weapons? Why?

9. Do you support or oppose licensing requirements to own or carry firearms? Why?

10. What specific gun laws will you work to get repealed?

11. If elected, will you back your words of support for firearms rights up with consistent actions? How?

13. If brief clarification is requested for any of your answers, will you provide it?

Rep. Zwonitzer, I sincerely hope to be converted to a supporter.

Best wishes,
David Codrea

Weapons & Tactics Follow-Up

By Thaddeus Fendon

In re:

Weapons & Tactics Falls for Old Hoaxes
and
Weapons & Shoddy Tactics

Just received my issue of W&T subsequent to the issue with the false articles. Inside are such gems as:

An article advising you not to insult people ...

The humor page ...

A terrorism rehash, their third in the last few months ...

How to clean your firearm ...

Shooting through windshields (potentially useful info IF IT CAN BE TRUSTED) ...

ANOTHER common sense article ...

ANOTHER repeat article, this one about tunnel vision.

Oh, I almost forgot ... no retraction.

I called and cancelled, and they are still claiming their articles were truthful.

Thad

Angel Updates

The Liberty Belles have joined the support network.

Claire Wolfe shares some thoughts.

Here's the latest from Gary Marbut:

Dear Friends of Angel,

For those of you receiving an Angel update for the first time, I'm sending these out to all of you who have been kind enough to help, probably by sending me a reference letter for Angel, or a donation to help with his legal expenses. Thanks loads for that help.

I've begun archiving these updates, as well as fundraising information and the reference letter information for Angel, at http://www.marbut.com/angel. If you've missed any of the previous information, see it there.

Angel spent over two hours with his attorney today (Monday). He's now comfortable with this attorney representing him. One thing he learned is that he should not release information about what has happened or is going on - releasing information could prejudice his case. However, there is nothing new that has any immediate legal consequence. Angel's attorney has the reputation in Michigan of being a tough and experienced litigator. We have also engaged co-counsel - an attorney with specialized expertise about the gun laws in Michigan.

We know that there are many of you out there who are anxious for detailed information about Angel's plight. Now that this matter is squarely in the hands of the attorneys, we must be circumspect and patient, and must not publish information that could compromise Angel's situation. Sorry about the scarcity of detailed news. We just want to preserve a climate for the best possible outcome for Angel.

Angel has been highly stressed by all of this, as you'd imagine - as you or I would be. However, he's coping. Folks in SE Michigan are beginning to rally and form a support network for Angel. This will help a lot. Donations are starting to come in. Your donations will help to make sure Angel has the best legal representation.

Angel would want me to be lavish in his thanks to you for your kind thoughts and support.

In the meantime, stay tuned - we'll get you more information as it is available.

Best wishes,

Gary Marbut, president
Montana Shooting Sports Association
http://www.mtssa.org
author, Gun Laws of Montana
http://www.mtpublish.com

MMM Gallery V

If you're new to this site or The Million Moon March, this link should clear things up for you.

Most of the images posted today were ones I found on the Control Arms site by looking around to see if I was missing anything, so I don't know who to credit for them. This gallery probably features the most improbable and unbelievable Million Facer of any other at the end. But resist the urge to just scroll down to the bottom. Go through the gallery sequentially, and save the best for last. It'll be worth the wait.

Million Facer Terry Nichols thinks we ought to get tough on arms. Actually, judging by the way he helped blow up innocents, he also wants to get tough on legs, torsos and heads.



Bradley looks like he'll give them his arms--as long as they take the ammunition first.



Control Arms supporter John thinks Jodie Foster might finally notice him if he shows her he's turned over a new leaf.




Dyla... I mean, "Alex" wants to be safe from armed violence--at least until he's through killing to his heart's content.



"Rambo" looks like he's making himself safe from armed violence.



Matt may not be tough on arms, but he's tough on targets...



I'm just guessing here, but I'd say Mark is sending some sort of message...



Fodder has had some wonderful successes in the past, but this time, they rejected "Albert"...



...and just said "Call Me Al."



That's the second time (actually, the fourth) they've pulled this on him.

"Uri" thirsts for a world where he will be safe from gun violence.



Of course, that's not all that Uri thirsts for. Bottoms up, Uri! (I do know who to credit for this one--I used a Yahoo email account because, for some reason, Control Arms doesn't want to post stuff they know comes from me...)

What can I say about this Control Arms enthusiast? What on Earth can I possibly say? Besides "Sieg Heil"...?


Yes, they actually posted this. (Note I found this back in the site from possibly before this protest effort began, so someone out there may have had this idea independently of the Million Moon March.)

An Anniversary of Sorts...

One year ago today, I installed that little odometer-looking thingie Stat Counter at the bottom of the left column. It's comforting to know there are Paris Hilton sites that get more hits in one day.

Crushing More Than Guns

But what the hell--since when did the powers that be really care for economic sense anyway? If you have a cashflow problem, simply bleed the peasantry some more.

The Mad Hatter gives us an economics lesson concerning the Suffolk County NY gun crusher. The police bureaucrats, of course, are more interested in wasting taxpayer resources to advance their petty careers.

Angel Shamaya Defense Fund

By Gary Marbut

Dear Friends of Angel,

As you would suspect, Angel is exhausted with anxiety - didn't sleep well last night, and didn't get much rest the night before on the concrete bed of the Oakland County jail. We're all hoping he will get some rest tonight. All of your thoughtful letters are now in Angel's email in-box, for printing and delivery to his attorney tomorrow.

Many of you have asked where you can send a contribution to help with Angel's legal expenses. Thank you!

I have suggested a first-step fundraising process to help defray Angel's legal expenses. Angel and David agree that this is workable as a beginning, although we reserve the prerogative to revise the method in a week or so (maybe to a tax-exempt entity).

Here's what you can do: Send a check for whatever amount you wish, made payable to MSSA, and put "Angel" in the memo blank. I will deposit this in our account for the Montana Shooting Sports Association. I will write MSSA checks against the amount received for this purpose to Angel's attorney(s) for verified legal expenses. None (zero%) of the funds donated will be used for any MSSA administrative or handling fees. For oversight of this, I will be glad to provide documentation of receipts and disbursements on Angel's behalf to Angel, David and Nicki. Send any check to my personal address at:

Gary Marbut
P.O. Box 16106
Missoula, Montana 59808

If you prefer to use credit card and PayPal, there is a PayPal donation button on the MSSA Website. Mark "Angel" under special instructions if you use this option.

PLEASE NOTE: MSSA is NOT a tax exempt organization, so your donation will NOT be tax-deductible. MSSA is deliberately not tax exempt because that would limit our ability to operate as the pro-gun junkyard dog of politics (what some call us here in Montana).

BTW, Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation is in Germany for an international gun rights conference. Until such time as we can find a more permanent process to handle funds for Angel, MSSA will fill that void.

Feel free to forward and cross-post this message.

Best wishes,

Gary Marbut, president
Montana Shooting Sports Association
http://www.mtssa.org
author, Gun Laws of Montana
http://www.mtpublish.com

Note from David Codrea:

I'm not asking anyone else to send money to something I myself don't contribute to. My check is going out in this morning's mail.

'Gun Crusher' Destroys Firearms

Police on Long Island have a new weapon to help them keep guns from returning to the streets.

It's a gun crusher. Authorities in Suffolk County showed it off yesterday in Yaphank.

I haven't really thought about this deeply enough to claim certitude, but the challenge came up on Sunni Maravillosa's blog a while back to name one tool that isn't morally neutral.

She said something I agree with:

I've written a fair amount on firearms, and I'm usually careful to point out that a gun is morally neutral, as are knives, swords, sticks, stones, etc. How a person uses an object gives it a moral value for that act, and that act alone. An object just is. Humans -- rightly and wrongly -- imbue objects and ideas with moral overtones.

Still, I had a nagging discomfort that I formed into a comment:

"Can You Name the One Tool that Isn't Morally Neutral?"

Thumbscrews?

Cat-o-nine-tails?

Iron Maidens?

Racks?

Suicide bomber explosive vests?

You could argue they could be used as museum pieces, but that would not be using them for the purposes they were designed for...and while the thing itself isn't evil, the purpose for which it was designed sure seems to be...

Can something specifically designed for evil purpose truly be considered morally neutral?

I don't know if I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too, here, but if these observations have merit, I'd include this obscene "gun crusher" among the other objects.

It's Not About Guns...

PARENTS whose children died in Dunblane have condemned the publication on the 10th anniversary of the killings of a book funded by pro-gun campaigners that challenges the firearms ban introduced in the wake of the tragedy...

The book includes allegations of a cover-up involving senior police officers and legal figures about their links with Thomas Hamilton, the gunman who shot dead 16 pupils and a teacher before killing himself on March 13, 1996, at Dunblane primary school.

It claims Lord Cullen, who conducted the inquiry into the massacre, was deliberately denied access to more than the 1,000 witness statements and concludes that the handgun ban was unnecessary.

It's about suppression of the idea that people might just have the inherent ability to be free and responsible for themselves...

It's the same mentality that leads to book burning.

Putting Finishing Touches on Gallery V

If you have any entries for Million Moon March Monday, speak now or forever hold your piece...or at least hold it until the next gallery.

Update in re Angel

By Gary Marbut

Dear Friends of Angel,

So many of you have asked for updates about Angel's situation, and I am sooo swamped dealing with this situation, that the only way I could hope to keep you informed is to add you all to a general email list - my "Friends of Angel" list. That's why you are getting this email.

The information I broadcast here will be somewhat generic, because I must consider it to be in the public domain.

Angel moved to Michigan to be close to his son, a very high priority in his life.

Because of a malicious complaint (my opinion) that Angel was dangerous and had unregistered guns, a SWAT team raided his domicile yesterday. I was tagged to be something of a nexus in the recovery effort partly because I was on the phone with Angel when the SWAT team showed up at his door, partly because I'm also a friend of Angel's, and partly because of the curse or blessing of my get-it-handled-now personality.

As soon as I knew that Angel was in jail, I called Alan Gottlieb of SAF to get a referral for a local attorney. I found one from the SAF list who had his cell number on his office answering machine, and who answered his cell phone promptly, a bit after 5 PM CST. This attorney got after Angel's situation immediately, and I phoned Nicki of KeepAndBearArms.com next to hatch a plan to get the word out and start the reference letters coming. These letters will be delivered to Angel's attorney electronically, Monday morning.

Today, an associate of the attorney I contacted yesterday appeared to represent Angel at the arraignment, and got him sprung from jail on a bond (the bond was not steep). I was out of the loop in the middle part of the day today because it was the scheduled Annual Meeting for MSSA in our State Capitol, Helena, Montana (yes, thank you, I am still president).

I talked to Angel on the phone within 20 minutes of his release (and several times since). Of course, he's angry, frustrated, bummed, and distraught - who wouldn't be under these circumstances? But, he's coping.

Angel has an immediate need of protection from the consequences of any more malicious police reports. We're working with some Michigan folks to provide Angel with company to document his whereabouts and activity until this is resolved. If you know anyone in Michigan (Detroit/Pontiac area) who might help with this, let me know.

We are also sketching out a fundraising plan for legal expenses that should come together within about 48 hours. Stay tuned for more about this.

In the mean time, Angel is facing four misdemeanor charges, three of which are for guns that were not yet registered properly under Michigan law, but which Angel was in the process of trying to get registered. Bad timing and a malicious complaint - what can I say.

But, I believe, your many and kind letters will help establish with the court that Angel is an upstanding guy.

Thanks loads for your concerns, your help, and your many offers to help more. I'm sure Angel would want me to go heavy on thanks to you too.

I am scheduled to teach the second day of a two-day precision riflery class tomorrow, and will be out of the loop all afternoon. Other than that period, I will keep you updated as new and significant information becomes available.

Best wishes.

Gary Marbut, president
Montana Shooting Sports Association
http://www.mtssa.org
author, Gun Laws of Montana
http://www.mtpublish.com

BREAKING NEWS: ANGEL OUT

I just got off the phone with Angel Shamaya.

He's out.

He's charged with 4 counts misdemeanor possession of unregistered firearms and 1 frivolous, unwarranted, vindictive count of misdemeanor menacing.

I know we all want more, especially with the last charge, but for now, we must defer to Angel's need to protect his legal rights. I know the background of the circumstances, but my advice to Angel is to not make a public statement about that without advice of counsel. Those who know me will trust me when I say that I am convinced Angel has been made a victim here.

ANGEL UPDATE- 3/4/06 AM

I can't find any news accounts about this yet.

There's also no information yet on the Oakland County Jail Booking Register.

GunShowOnTheNet has a list of blogs reporting on this.

Publicola links to NRA's Michigan gun laws chart.

This is tentative: Pam Stegner of Preparedness Now asked me to be on her radio program Monday night to discuss this, but I have a professional commitment that evening. I got his OK, so she's making arrangements now with Gary Marbut to have him on--I'll advise when I know more, and IF this happens, I'll ask you to please spread the word to get as wide a listenership as we can.

Matt Bracken posted about this on Free Republic and The High Road (where moderator "Preacherman" apparently believes Rosa Parks deserved what she got). Some of the comments reflect apathy and excuses why the simple task of writing a letter is beyond what the posters are willing to do. This is illustrated by the following exchange on KABA:

Comment by: Tomahawk (3/4/2006)
Message sent. Hope it helps, though. You never know if some anti-judge gets angry for all the leters and decides to "send us a message". Wish we had some details, though. Hey Nicki, can you get us some info? I just signed my name on a letter to a judge and I don't really know what's going on; just blind faith in Angel, really.

Andy

Comment by: AvgJoe (3/4/2006)
I have no problem with helping out but have a few questions. The laws there are in place and known, why did he get busted. Is this a case that is being made to force a case into the federal courts.
It's real simple if I can't be armed in any state I don't go to that state and if I do and take a gun and get popped I have to deal with that.
There's a lot missing to this story and I think we should be let in on the facts before being asked to sign a letter.

Comment by: codrea4@adelphia.net (3/4/2006)
Avg Joe-if the laws in place say you must turn in your arms, will you obey? You can only avoid going places for so long-what will you do if the laws come to you?

There is simply no more information to be had at this time. Angel's friends are on top of this and making things known as we find them out.

Tomahawk said it well-sometimes, a little "blind faith"-based on known reputation-is needed. Joe, we are guests here in a house that Angel built. We all know him well enough to send a letter of support.

Those who want us disarmed are counting on our inability to cooperate on so simple and undemanding a task. If we won't even write a letter, what are the chances we will ever band together and really oppose them?

If anyone has time to dive into these boards and keep things on course, please do so.

Thanks to all who are supporting this by getting involved and spreading the word. Stay tuned.

See Also: Angel in Jail

Second Amendment Saturday

Check out Free Constitution for a weekly round-up.

Angel in Jail

By Gary Marbut

Angel Shamaya, founder of KeepAndBearArms.com is in jail in Michigan, having been arrested for possession of firearms not properly registered under Michigan law.

Angel's friends are working to help him with this problem, but we need your help, right now!

We need character references from you for Angel. There is a form letter for you to fill out and send back at: http://www.marbut.com/angel.

Be advised that Angel's problem is happening in the Detroit area, where a strong anti-gun sentiment exists in the criminal justice system. So, we are asking you to downplay gun-rights and gun-related comments. We will NOT deliver to the court any disparaging letters about Michigan or Michigan laws. Stay on the high ground.

Please, download a copy of the draft letter. Add one sentence of personal comment if you wish - no more.

This is for upstanding, legitimate citizens only. So, we want you to add your name, mail address, and phone number to the letter, so the judge seeing these will accept your letter and will not think you are some flake.

You may email your completed letter, either as an attached MSWord (.doc) file, or pasted into the body of your email, either to newslinks@keepandbeararms.com or to mssa@mtssa.org. So we can pick it out from our many other emails, PLEASE make the SUBJECT of your email: "Angel reference." We will see that these letters get to Angel's attorney ASAP.

Please pass this on to your friends for action. We need letters from everyone who knows or knows of, and appreciates Angel.

Thanks loads for your help.


Gary Marbut, President
Montana Shooting Sports Association
http://www.mtssa.org
author, Gun Laws of Montana
http://www.mtpublish.com

Personal note from David Codrea: I spoke with Angel at length last night, before this happened. He is a great patriot and friend. WarOnGuns visitors: I have never really asked you for anything. I am pleading with you to support our brother in his time of need. I will be monitoring things as they unfold--if and when we need to help Angel with more than words, I will let you know.

Please do this support letter now--and please spread this news far and wide.

More from Nicki Fellenzer:

Folks, most of you know how decent, passionate, intelligent and dynamic Angel Shamaya is. He has committed himself to freedom, and I know of few people who are as dedicated to the cause of freedom as Angel. He is also a personal friend to many of us, and now he needs our help.

Today he was arrested, and he is currently in jail. Please read the link below and take a few minutes to write the judge on his behalf. I have National Drill this weekend, and I'm sending this from my hotel room. I won't be around much until Sunday night, but I'm counting on you guys to spread the news and help Angel through this. Please!

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/nicki/Angel.htm

The link includes an address where to send your letters of reference. Please do so as quickly as you can!

Then, I urge you to pass this email to everyone you know. Post it on your websites and blogs, pass it on to fellow bloggers and help us ensure that this gets the widest possible dissemination. Yes, this is about freedom -- but right now, we need to ensure he is, first and foremost, released and that charges are dismissed, so please toe the line on this one. For Angel.

Thanks!

Nicki Fellenzer

UPDATE:
I just got off the phone with the Oakland County Sheriff to see if I could help in any way with bail. Unfortunately, the attendant told me Angel has not been arraigned yet, so there is no public information they can share, and that the best thing to do would be to call back tomorrow night. I told the deputy he had a good man in custody and to please see to it that Angel was safe.

We're the Only Ones Invasive Enough...

Five rogue law enforcement officers were part of a robbery crew that spent three years invading people's homes dressed in uniform, and stealing cash, drugs and other valuables, prosecutors revealed Thursday.

But if you fight back, you get the death penalty.

When was the last time you heard about rogue accountants doing home invasions, or rogue HR administrators? Rogue mechanics or plumbers? Doctors? Butchers, bakers, candlestick makers?

We're the Only Ones Nurturing Enough...

A jury found a former Minnehaha County jail worker guilty of first-degree rape and sexual contact with a child Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Ramon Garcia, 46, of Sioux Falls, forced a 5-year-old girl to perform oral sex on him last May. Garcia's wife was the child's babysitter but was unavailable one night, and Garcia took her place.

Yeah, I know. Technically a jail worker isn't the same thing. But how could I run across this story and not include it in the ongoing saga...?

We're the Only Ones Sexually Predatory Enough

"I asked him, 'Why are you doing this?' " the 42-year-old beauty parlor owner and mother of two said Wednesday. "He would not talk. He just kept raping me. I couldn't run. He was armed. He was a cop."

Yep. Good thing Sheriff Lee Baca has a policy of his guys being armed and the rest of us being defenseless.

We're the Only Ones Filled With Youthful Joy Enough

A 15-year veteran of the Huntsville police force was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession of child pornography.

"[W]e believe in absolutely gun-free, zero-tolerance, totally safe schools. That means no guns in America's schools, period,with the rare exception of law enforcement officers or trained security personnel."

Isn't that right, Wayne?

[Via Jason M]