Angel Update- March 10

Dear Friends of Angel,

This is to report that there still isn't much that can be reported about Angel's situation, and that I'm remembering that there are a lot of you out there who wish to be kept informed.

The next significant news should come after Angel's first court date next Tuesday, March 14th.

Meanwhile, thanks loads of those of you who have sent in a donation to help defray Angel's legal expenses. I still have confidence in Angel's attorneys, but there will be a bill.

Information about our fundraising to help Angel, and previous news, are gathered at:

http://www.marbut.com/angel

As a bonus to reward all of you for your patience in waiting for news
about Angel, you may have a look at:

http://www.marbut.com/cannon

and

http://www.marbut.com/beanbag

If you haven't yet, you might want to cruise over to the Montana Shooting Sports Association Website at:

http://www.mtssa.org

Hey, many of MSSA's members don't live in Montana, but dream of coming to the state which attorney/author Dave Kopel says has the best (fewest) gun laws in the U.S., maybe the World. There is an area there about our "Successes", and also membership information.

Thanks for being patient, keeping the faith, and supporting Angel.

Best wishes,

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

We're the Only Ones Grounded Enough...

Sources close to the investigation said Special Deputy Jay Abernathy is suspected of drawing a gun and firing one shot into the ground during an argument with the woman in the 2900 block of Gladstone Avenue on Tuesday night. 6News did not identify the sources...Abernathy, who was hired in October and works in the City-County Building, has been suspended with pay.

Naturally.

I'm sure any non-LEO would receive the same treatment.

Anti-Gunner Arrested on Gun Charge

The founder of an anti-gang center called "No Guns" was arrested after police said they found a gun in his home and his son, a reputed gang member nicknamed "Little Weasel," was taken into custody in connection with a home-invasion robbery.

Be interesting to see how this one develops...I wonder if The Gun Guy is reporting on this--complete with accusations of guilt?

Property Rights vs Gun Rights Bill Set Aside

Swayed by a last-minute push from business groups, the Virginia Senate on Wednesday turned aside a bill that would have made it illegal for businesses that allow the public into their parking lots to adopt rules prohibiting weapons in locked cars.

At the risk of starting our debate all over again, I do think there's a question to be asked of the members of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which has led the opposition to this bill: Do you oppose firearms on your premises, or do you just oppose being told you have no choice in how you control your property?

Perhaps we can explore a new branch of this discussion: Would you boycott a business that welcomed firearms-carrying citizens, but opposed a mandate telling them they had to allow it under force of law?

A Pleasant Police Encounter

In my opinion, there is no greater misdeed than to punish the many based on the unlawful acts of a few--Chief Larry Buechler

Dear Chief,

I see the following open letter concerning semiautomatic firearms attributed to you.
http://www.icarry.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=130

If this is your stance, you have my respect for taking such a politically unpopular, yet correct position. I just wanted to verify that you are truly the source of this post before passing it on to others.

Sincerely,

David Codrea

David:

Sorry, I have not checked this email address in a while. That is, in fact, my letter.

Best wishes,

Larry Buechler

Chief of Police

Thank you, Chief. I appreciate your having the guts to stand up to the establishment and be a voice for common sense.

Regards,

David

Freedom-Subverting Statist Alliance

Gun Show on the Net has more to say about our friend the Gun Guy.

Preparedness Now! March Issue Online

If you don't know Pam Stegner, you should. She's a real authority on personalized disaster preparedness and response. I understand her radio program has begun rebroadcasting (click on the tower link on her site).

Pam's March Newsletter is now online. It includes a little speculation by yours truly on how I might be inclined to treat a home invader.

Angel Update, March 8th

Dear Friends of Angel,

There is no news that I may tell you today. There should be more to
tell after Angel's appearance before a judge in a week.

I just wanted you to know you're not forgotten. Thanks for your patience.

Best wishes,

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

A Business Proposal

I don't do ads here at WoG. I do promote things I believe in and the efforts of friends. Here's a chance for me to help out two.

Pal Tom Bratland has a business for foreign car parts at:

http://www.ultim8vwwest.com/

Tom wants to make his business known to “serious survivalists...people with an interest in long-running, cheap-running, fix-it-yourself, off-road capable transportation. E.g. A VW Golf Syncro (4WD) 1.9 TDI with a few hundred thousand miles worth of spare just-about-everythings. Or the same thing in a Vanagon, Jetta wagon or...”

Tom has extended the following offer to help Angel:

I'm going to make my donation 50% of my gross profit on any sale to anyone mentioning Angel's name. No time limit. Just until whenever.

Check out his site via the above link and contact him if you're interested.

Assault Weapon Used in Slaying, Police Say

The gunman who killed Starkesia Reed last week as she stood near a living-room window used a high-powered assault weapon that sprayed 29 rounds and hit seven other houses on the block, police said.

"Sprayed" 29 rounds.

Out of their "bullet hose" no doubt.

God, reporters are idiots.

That Chicago gun control sure is working, isn't it?

[Via HZ]

If This is Their Mindset...

Gun Show on the Net has further insights on our exchange with Rep. Zwonitzer.

Gun Guy Libels Shamaya

Guilty until proven innocent, eh "Gun Guy"? Somehow, that attitude coming from you doesn't surprise me.

This'll be great when the menacing charge gets dropped. Maybe we can get the antis to foot Angel's legal bills.

Don't you just love the way the cowardly, anonymous Gonzo Guy just drips with catty venom at the prospect of a gun rights believer being destroyed by the state? Do you have any doubt that this is something he wants to see repeated on anyone who opposes his statist ideology?

Take note of his tone--take note of his suspicion--take note of his glee.

Take note of his hate.

Also note the big, sinister deal Gonzo makes of Angel's (legal and recorded) name change--this coming from a guy who routinely either calls himself "Gun Guy" or "Mike Magnum."

Gonzo Guy has also written a "character reference" of sorts--naturally more of the hate-filled lies that are his trademark. Unlike the rest of us, who put our names on our letters, he fears being known and attacks from the shadows. That figures. That's where this wretched creature belongs.

Let's all take a breath before we comment on this one--and let him be the only one to make an emotion-driven hate-filled fool of himself.

UPDATE: Nicki weighs in.

BREAKING: Angel News Accounts

Gun Cache Found in Condo

"Obviously the ammo is a concern. The biggest reason it’s a concern is because of the threats he’s made against her," said Undersheriff McCabe.

Undersheriff--don't you mean "...is alleged to have made..."? Nothing prejudicial about this media account that will make a presumption of innocence problematic...

ORION TWP.: Man, 37, faces charges in seizure of weapons cache

Oakland County sheriff's deputies found 15 unregistered handguns, 10 long guns including high-powered semiautomatic rifles, and 17,000 rounds of ammunition in the home in the 200 block of Barrington Circle.

Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe said detectives did not know why Shamaya had the guns.

It seems safe to say the Undersheriff has a certain mindset...

It's not the media's job to portray Angel sympathetically. But if all one knew about him was what they read from these two accounts, the fact that there might be another side to this would be lost.

Thunderbawl

Here’s a gun control trivia challenge. Name the person who said:

“I hate handguns. Handguns are used to shoot people and as long as they are around, people will shoot each other.”

A. Sarah Brady
B. Dianne Feinstein
C. Bond. James Bond.

"Thunderbawl," my Rights Watch column for the March 2006 issueof GUNS Magazine is now online.

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.