Topinka: "I Don't Support Concealed-Carry. Period."

Yet Another "A"-Rated NRA Endorsed Candidate Betrays Gun Owners

From the NRA Political Victory Fund website:



From the Chicago Tribune:

But Blagojevich's campaign on Tuesday also used claims made in a Downstate gun-rights newsletter to claim Topinka supports allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.

In a recent issue of the Gun News, a group member reported that Topinka had said in a conversation that she would sign a concealed-carry bill "as soon as the legislature could get it to her desk."

Campaigning in the southwest suburbs, Topinka said she was opposed to so-called concealed-carry laws and was shocked by the governor's allegation. But when asked if she would veto a concealed-carry bill if it passed the legislature, she said she "probably would, yes."

Later, she said, she was adamantly opposed to concealed-carry laws.

"I don't support concealed-carry. Period," she said.

Why does this not surprise me?

[Via HZ]

The Fix is In: Ron Paul Must Go

NRA has given democrat challenger Shane Sklar a higher rating than Rep. Ron Paul in the congressional race for Texas' 14th District.

Why? What are Sklar's convictions on gun rights? From his website:

NRA: "A" RATED
September 29th, 2006
SKLAR IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN TX-14 TO RECEIVE THE NRA'S "A" RATING.
PAUL GETS ONLY A "B."

VICTORIA, TX -- The National Rifle Association-Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) announced today that Shane Sklar, Democratic candidate for Congress (TX-14), has received an "A" Rating, while Republican Ron Paul received a "B."

"I am honored to receive this designation," said Sklar. "I grew up hunting with my family and intend to pass down those traditions to my children. As a member of the National Rifle Association, I'm proud that the NRA has recognized that I will stand for our values in Congress."

According to the NRA-PVF, an "A" rating indicates a "solidly pro-gun candidate" who "has expressed strong support for NRA positions on second amendment issues."

"I will not support any new gun laws," said Sklar. "We have more than enough laws on the books to pursue criminals who obtain guns for illegitimate purposes. We should enforce the laws we have."

Incumbent Rep. Ron Paul's "B" rating indicates past votes for restrictive legislation.

Great. His pro-Second Amendment platform is “enforce existing gun laws.” That and he’s a “sportsman.” One endorsed by, from among a laundry list of left-leaning political powerhouses, the Teamsters, the AFL-CIO, the National Education Association...

What Sklar is about is revealed in this claim:

Our current congressman’s record is one of rhetoric, not results. Many of his views about government and Texas are dramatically out of the mainstream and fly in the face of what most of us believe.

Translation: Vote for me and I'll bring home the pork.

And here's another translation Sklar probably never intended to have made: He's squeezing that A-rating for all its worth, hoping gun-owning constituents will construe it as an NRA endorsement--but NRA isn't on the above-linked endorsement page, is it? If you look at the PVF Endorsements, you'll see Sklar's name is not highlighted. And if you go to the last page of the brochure, in the bottom of the "What the Ratings Mean" column, you'll find: NAMES IN BOLD ARE CANDIDATES ENDORSED BY THE NRA-PVF.

But Sklar is counting on most gun owners not making that distinction.

So what's going on? After all, Dr. Paul is arguably the best friend Second Amendment supporters have in Congress. Rather than "enforcing existing gun laws," he is one of the exceptional few working to repeal them:

"Ron Paul has introduced bills to wipe out most federal gun-control laws. It is pretty hard to get more pro-gun than Ron Paul," Pratt said, a position Paul made clear in his House statement.

"I rise today as a firm believer in the Second Amendment and an opponent of all federal gun laws," Paul told lawmakers. "In fact, I have introduced legislation, the Second Amendment Restoration Act (H.R. 153), which repeals misguided federal gun-control laws such as the Brady Bill and the assault-weapons ban. I believe the Second Amendment is one of the foundations of our constitutional liberties."

Gun Owners of America has given Dr. Paul an "A+" rating: "A+ Pro-Gun Leader: introduces pro-gun legislation."

So what's the reason NRA considers Shane Sklar a more ratings-worthy candidate than Ron Paul? It's because Paul did not support the bill to exempt gun manufacturers from lawsuits:

As Paul explained in a 2003 speech, he is unambiguously opposed to lawsuits that demand compensation from the firearms industry for the damage caused by gun crimes. But he concluded that federal preemption of such suits cannot be reconciled with the Constitution's limits on congressional power, which leave the writing of tort law to the states.

Paul seems to be the only member of Congress who took this position on the bill, which President Bush signed into law on Wednesday, Oct. 26. In fact, it's so rare for legislators to draw a distinction between their personal policy preferences and their constitutional responsibilities that Paul's stand must seem quaint, if not downright puzzling, to most Americans.

Candidly, I could argue with Rep. Paul on this point, as the lawsuits seem clearly designed to infringe on the Second Amendment. I'd be interested in seeing the point-counterpoint of such a debate, but now is not the time with the election less than a week away.

One thing is certain: Ron Paul has made his stands based on convictions, and a desire to stay true to the intent of the Founders. Paul has worked to roll back oppressive edicts that infringe on our right to keep and bear arms. He is clearly the superior gun rights candidate in the Texas 14th District.

Rep. Paul needs our help. His campaign does not have enough money to finish the race. I don't live in his district, but realize the value of having such an ally in Congress, so I've sent in a contribution. I urge you to do the same, and to get the word out to gun owners in his district, particularly NRA members:

Don't be fooled by yet another misleading NRA rating, or by Shane Sklar's empty rhetoric on guns. Vote for Ron Paul.

This Day in History: November 1

In the face of widespread opposition in the American colonies, Parliament enacts the Stamp Act, a taxation measure designed to raise revenue for British military operations in America.

Time was, Americans rebelled at taxes. In less than a week, millions will be going to the polls demanding they be raised.

CRPA's Line in the Sand

There is none.

Yeah, I know--Phil Angelides will really really ban guns.

And yeah, I know, Arnold did refuse to sign some gun bills.

All of those bills collectively did not have the significance of his signing into law the ban on .50 caliber rifles, or his approving a law that disarms citizens who have not been convicted of any crime--but have merely been accused by someone with a motive to hurt them.



And here's the thing. He warned us.

He told us "Gun control should be stiffer," that he supported the Brady Bill, favored the "assault weapons" ban and "closing the loophole of the gun shows." He endorsed "trigger lock laws," and pledged to sign legislation requiring gun owners to pass a state-defined test in order to purchase a handgun, requiring load indicators or magazine safety disconnects on semiauto handguns manufactured after 2006, and banning .50 caliber rifles.

Some of us (OK, me) watched in frustration as warnings went unheeded and most major gun groups stayed silent during the recall that resulted in Arnold's elevation to power, one even claiming that he was secretly pro-gun and had given some groups money. "Good size chunks" of it.

The truth is, Californians have no candidate who is pro-rkba who has a chance of winning. To suggest otherwise, to endorse a known gungrabber, is an insult to gun owners.

Why not just tell us the truth?

I wouldn't have a problem with CRPA telling its members that Angelides will be more active and hostile against us than Arnold, and to weigh that fact in their decision making. That would be an honest assessment, and if people chose to vote defensively, that would at least be an informed choice.

But to endorse him?

The best we can hope for this election is to put Tom McClintock within a heartbeat of the post, and I wonder how many of you California gun owners reading this have sent a contribution to his campaign. I have. He really needs it. That's the endorsement message we should be hearing from our "leaders."

But it looks like CRPA will end up having it both ways. Their "recommended" candidate can ban the guns, and their lawyer can provide the escort service to turn 'em in.

[Thanks to Dave L for sending me the brochure, and to John S for sending me a picture of the endorsement page.]

Consider it Considered

The Clarke County School District is considering allowing high school security supervisors to carry guns on campus.

How magnanimous of them.

If a school shooter shows up, which member of the Board of Education Policy Committee is prepared to let him know he's not on the "approved" list?

[Via Cousin G]

A Leopard Never Changes Its Spots

Americans will not even talk about the possibility of gun control, despite the high number of killings, writes Michael Gawenda.

Demonstrably false, absurdly so. Michael Gawenda is still a liar.

[Via Cousin G]

A Spooky Halloween Tale

The Spread of small arms creates a serious global problem and requires an equally urgent response because the lives and future of children are at stake. These weapons have extinguished more young lives than they have protected.” Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, UNICEF

Tonight, of course, is Halloween. If any young goblins show up on your doorstep trick or treating for UNICEF, patiently explain that you don't contribute to organizations that endanger children and enable genocide by leading in the demand for global citizen disarmament. Go ahead and give them a piece of candy if you're inclined to observe tonight's tradition, but don't forget that every coin the UN gets is a piece of metal that can be used to forge chains.

This Day in History: October 31

On this day in 1776, in his first speech before British Parliament since the leaders of the American Revolution came together to sign of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, King George III acknowledges that all was not going well for Britain in the war with the United States.

Talking Points

From NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert...ELECTION DAY- WHAT (MORE!) CAN I DO?:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Please submit at least one letter to the editor of your local newspaper in support of a pro-gun candidate between now and Election Day. Consult your paper's deadlines, as some papers stop accepting political letters to the editor on a certain date prior to the election. You can find media contact information by visiting our homepage--www.NRAILA.org -- and clicking the "Take Action" icon, and then the "Write The Media" link. Your goal in writing should be to ensure that pro-gun candidates are receiving positive media in these final days leading up to November 7.

That's a great idea, ILA--I'd love to write a letter in support of Bill Brown for Sheriff.

I just need some "talking points". What exactly has he done for us again...?

Is Canada's Gun Lobby an Offshoot of the NRA?

And so we have the same misinformation being dished out here as in the United States: for example, that gun control doesn't work.

That's not the message I get from MY NRA...

Wayne just doesn't think we enforce it enough:

"Walk down to Town Hall and tell your prosecuting attorneys that from now on, no plea bargains, no reduced charges, no dropped cases."

Is that an unpermitted gun in your pocket, or are you just glad to be here?

[Via Cousin G and HZ]

We're the Only Ones Saddled Up Enough

Looks like our Union (thug) friend gets his kicks pulling his gun on his friends. I'd hate to be his enemy.

Anyone care to venture a guess what would happen to the first citizen/subject to jokingly pull a loaded gun on Huff? Do you think Huff would write it off as "common horseplay?"

The Subversive tells us of a gunslinging cowboy who would be sheriff. Maybe he missed the Carnival because he was at the rodeo?

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

We're the Only Ones Limping Enough

A mandatory round of firearms training was ordered for all Morris County Sheriff's officers yesterday after a second officer in three days accidentally shot himself in the leg, Sheriff Edward Rochford said.

These guys might have made it to the Carnival if they hadn't insisted on walking...

[More from "The Only Ones" files...]

[Via Wm H]

This Day in History: October 30

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress appoints seven members to serve on an administrative naval committee tasked with the acquisition, outfitting and manning of a naval fleet to be used in defense against the British. Almost two weeks earlier, on October 13, 1775, Congress had authorized the construction and arming of vessels for the country’s first navy.

Carnival of "The Only Ones"

Hurry, hurry, hurry...

Welcome to the festival. This one was put together on short notice, so participation's kind of scant--still, we have a few outstanding attractions, so let's head on down the Midway and take a look at them...

A Keyboard and a .45 showcases "We're the 'Only Ones' Who Can Not Tell Black From White!"

The eye witnesses to the suspect escaping from the crash were police officers who described the man as a young black man in a hoodie with a .22 pistol. It appears that the suspect somehow morphed into a young white man, wearing a blue sweatshirt and carrying an assault rifle.

A Friend of Freedom doesn't have a blog, but wanted to set up a table here at the Carnival to call our attention to a sideshow that could be called "We're the Only Ones Stung Enough":

Two Chicago cops were arrested Wednesday in an FBI sting for allegedly stealing $31,000 from self-storage lockers they thought were rented by a drug dealer.

Likewise, Cousin G wanted in on the act, so he's standing by the Big Tent handing out flyers titled "We're the Only Ones Presenting Opportunities Enough":

The Money Quote: "Investigators said Parkey's guns were in a gun safe but that the safe was not locked."

Cousin G also directs us to a follow-up to this story, something that could be called "We're the Only Ones Sheltered by the Media Enough":

The veteran officer - the Sun is not naming him yet - was suspended from duty with pay on Thursday.

Meanwhile, over at the side shows, Free Constitution wins "Best of Freak Show" hands down. Forget Siamese Twins or The Two-Headed Boy, he's got an "Only One" who can be TWO PLACES AT ONCE! Meet "We're the Only Ones Sick & Fraudulent Enough":

[M]eet Retired Police Officer Charles B. Lincoln who managed to work two government jobs, while giving the effort required of one.

Dang, it, Stan. I hate it when you reveal how the trick works. Spoils the magic.


Finally, we have a Cornucopia of Carnival Coppers right here at The War on Guns:

"We're the only Ones in the Wrong Place Enough,"

"We're the Only Ones Career-Minded Enough,"

"We're the Only Ones [G]un Controlled Enough,"

and many more rides and attractions, including the original vault where we keep "The Only Ones Files."

That wraps up the guided portion of The Carnival of the Only Ones. Feel free to stroll around the Midway and enjoy the sites, the sounds, the shows.

And remember:

The purpose of this feature has never been to bash cops. The only reason I do this is to amass a credible body of evidence to present when those who would deny our right to keep and bear arms use the argument that only the police are professional and trained enough to do so safely and responsibly. And it's also used to illustrate when those of official status, rank or privilege, both in law enforcement and in some other government position, get special breaks not available to we commoners, particularly when they're involved in gun-related incidents.

This Day in History: October 29

Absolutely nothing happened.

Not really. The History Channel site I normally reference is down, and the only other reference I could find remotely related to the Founding Era tells us that Joseph Bloomfield "resigned his post [with the Continental Army] on October 29, 1778 to accept civil office."

Reminder: 'Only Ones' Carnival Tomorrow

Get your entries in by tonight if you want to participate...

No 'Stranger to Danger'?

An elderly Orlando man was nearly the victim of a home invasion, but then took matters into his own hands...

“Having been in the military for 30-years and in situations where I was shot at, I’m no stranger to danger,” said Harold Murphy.

Murphy served in the Navy fifty years ago and has a concealed weapons permit.

Note to Mr. Murphy: I'm glad you're safe, but for God's sake, TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF THE FREAKIN' TRIGGER!

Note to WFTV 9: You just did your viewers a tremendous safety disservice with this photograph. And you don't need a "concealed weapons permit" to have a gun in the home.

UPDATE: To address a concern raised by Jason M in "Comments"...

Feel Safe Yet?

Concealed bombs and guns slipped by screeners at Newark Liberty International Airport last week.

Federal security officials told "The Star-Ledger" of Newark the screeners failed 20 or 22 tests conducted by undercover agents.

What did Mr. Franklin say?

[Via Cousin G]

"The World Was a Very Different Place"

A pensioner who held an illegal arsenal of more than 100 guns at his home has been jailed for five years...His barrister told Caernarfon Crown Court "the world was a very different place" when Hughes' interest began.

Aye, that it was.

[Via Cousin G]

What I Brought for 'Show and Tell'

A student at a U.S. college may get a reprimand instead of a grade for a speech about weapons at school that included a relative pulling out 19 guns as visual aids.

The student intended her speech at Motlow State Community College to show how easily guns can be concealed and brought on campus. During her presentation at the McMinnville campus Tuesday, a male relative revealed the 19 guns he had hidden on his body and in his backpack.

Can't have students proving their theses when they contradict official dogma, now, can we? If we allow such heresy to spread, why, who knows what frightful truths will be revealed?

[Via Cousin G]