No New Posts Until Sunday Night

I'll get to emails then, too, so please be patient if you don't get an immediate reply.

Everyone have a blessed Easter. If you must be on the Internet, feel free to browse around here for archived stuff you might have missed, or head on over to the left margin and go explore one of the many fine sites on my primary blogroll.

Guest Editorial: You Can't Repeal the Law of Unintended Consequences

FOREWORD: I first came across Mike Vanderboegh's work several years back when someone emailed me a copy of his inspiring speculative essay "The Window War." The guy is a compelling writer, one who puts out the kind of stuff you just want to keep reading.

So I was quite pleased the other day when a friend sent me Mr. Vanderboegh's latest effort, a brilliant and dead on target rebuttal to Benjamin Wittes, a Brookings Institution "scholar" and author of a subversive call to "Ditch the Second Amendment".

Mr. Vanderboegh has graciously given permission to post it here at WarOnGuns. Enjoy it--I know I sure did.

You Can't Repeal the Law of Unintended Consequences
Mike Vanderboegh

Dear Ben,

I want to say how refreshing your New Republic article of 19 March was for its intellectual honesty. After three decades of my arguing the originalist position of the 2nd Amendment with every sort of hoplophobe known to mankind, your collectivist "by any means necessary" proposal strips the self-deception and cant away from the anti-gun position. Still, even if you are successful in advancing it, your proposal will come apart in the real world when it smacks into the one law that cannot be repealed: the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Some years back, I was the designated "gun-nut goat" on a public forum panel discussing "gun violence." It was held in Birmingham, Alabama at Children's Hospital. As I was placing pro-2nd Amendment literature on the seats before the event, a child psychiatrist (so identified by the name badge on his white coat) came up to me, looked at the leaflets and said, with a smile and with what he mistook to be bravery, "You know, I think ALL guns should be banned."

I smiled back and replied, "Really? Do you own a gun?"

He was taken aback. "Well, NO," he said, with all the fear and loathing of Dracula confronted by a Crucifix with wolf's bane garlands.

"Well, how do you propose to get mine then?"

He paused, then said, "Well, we'll pass a law and you'll have to turn them in to the government."

I laughed. "Wrong, sport. Let me tell you how that would work. If you want my gun, you're going to have to kill me to get it. Not only that, but you're going to have to kill my son, my brother and all our friends. And if even ten percent of American gunowners feel the way we do, you're going to have to kill upwards of eight and a half million people, and that doesn't count all the anti-freedom pukes like you that we'll kill in righteous self-defense before we meet our Maker, and we intend to make that MORE than a one to one ratio. So you've got to ask yourself, sport: Is it worth it?"

I was still smiling, he wasn't. "Wuh, wuh, well," he stammered, "you're PARANOID."

I laughed again. "OK," I said agreeably, "let's admit that you're the expert in that field and say that you're right. Let's say I am paranoid." And here, I opened my eyes wide, began to edge forward and dropped my voice an octave so the next words came out most sinisterly. "Let's say I'm crazy."

He involuntarily backed up. I winked at him and finished, "That just complicates your problem, doesn't it?" He was so plainly frightened that I busted out laughing and ruined the effect. He was in full reverse gear when I called after him.

"Just do me one favor, sport. If you want my gun, you come get it. Don't send someone else's son or daughter in federal service. YOU come get it." I winked at him again. "And, hey, I might even give it to you after I unload it."

It turned out that he also was on the panel. He waited until I took a seat and then found a chair as far away from me as he could get.

I have found over the years that modern day so-called liberals (who bear little resemblance intellectually to their claimed classical liberal ancestors) lack the courage of their convictions. There is no principle so dear that they are willing to personally suffer for, let alone die for. Government, blessed government, is their idol. If they are aggrieved, oppressed, or merely imagine that they are oppressed, it is to government that they turn. There hasn't been a liberal willing to die for his principles since the Civil Rights movement. They are more than willing to dispatch the men and women of government to die in their place, however. But, and I think this is more dangerous to the country, they also extrapolate from their own cowardice and believe that all people (even those who disagree with them) will, in the end, do what they're told by Government.

I have no doubt, Ben, that you have been inundated with all manner of disputatious email, some likely obscene and/or incoherent with anger. The passion this issue excites is understandable, touching as it does upon the bedrock of the Founder's Republic and the future of our children's liberty. But beyond the sneering and the anger, no matter how contemptible and silly it may seem to you, these people, MY people, the people who believe in the Founder's Republic and the plain language of the Constitution, ARE willing to die for their principles. And a man who is willing to die for his country is most often willing to kill for it too.

This was the lesson of the Deacons for Defense and Justice in the 60s and 70s. The Klan (and the local and state governments controlled by them) had no problem intimidating and killing black folks who practiced "non-violence" until those non-violent protesters were protected by the guns of the Deacons. In addition, the federal government did not get actively involved in insisting that the civil rights laws be enforced until the prospect of civil war loomed as black men, veterans mostly, began to arm themselves and train under the rubric of the Deacons for Defense and Justice.

You know, government isn't guaranteed to always be on your side, Ben. Even so-called "liberals" have need of firearms. Absent firearms, and the will to use them, you're all just fodder for the next boxcars which convey you to a place with a sign that says "Arbeit Macht Frei."

But I am not angry with you. As I said, I appreciate your candor. But you must understand that the Law of Unintended Consequences cannot be repealed. And you can be tried, convicted and sentenced by it, both in real time and in the judgment of history. By once again reminding gunnies of the threat your beliefs pose to their liberties, you have no doubt motivated more than a few of them to go out and buy more guns and ammunition. Do you suppose that they are doing this in anticipation of turning them in when you're successful in repealing the 2nd Amendment? A recent history lesson is appropriate here.

From the time the so-called "Assault Weapons Ban" was first proposed until it went into effect, something like 6 million semi-automatic rifles of military type (mostly SKS's and AK-47 clones) were imported into this country and sold. With them came billions upon billions of rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. That was more rifles of those types than had been sold in the previous twenty years! This was in defiance of the intent of the ban. It was in full expectation that the next law was to be one of confiscation. The Law of Unintended Consequences was in full swing then, and finally even the Clintonistas recognized that these millions of rifles and billions of rounds of ammunition were not being purchased to turn in to them, but to turn ON them if they became just a little more grasping.

So, I say with all seriousness, yet happily: Be careful what you wish for, Ben. You may get it. The Law of Unintended Consequences guarantees it.

Mike Vanderboegh
PO Box 926
Pinson, AL 31526
GeorgeMason1776ATaol.com

We're the Only Ones Shakespearean Enough

According to a complaint filed March 23, Aruajo allegedly threatened Lockney resident Meagan Rae Stapp over the phone while “acting under the color” of her JP office. In sketchy reports, she told Stapp that she could “put Stapp away” and had the power to “do anything she wanted to do.”

Legal woes mount for a black-robed "Only One."

What is it about guys named "Romeo" that gets women all "happy daggerish"?

Coming Monday: The "Red's Under Fire" Interview

Mark you calendars for next Monday. Ryan Horsley, Marketing Director for Red's Trading Post, will spend some time here at WarOnGuns for another of one of our interviews, along the lines of ones we conducted with Matt Bracken and David Hardy.

In case you're wondering why I'm using the Royal "We," it's because I won't be alone (again). As per WoG interview protocol, Ryan will be checking in periodically throughout the day to answer your questions.

We're the Only Ones Scalping Enough

Eight city police officers who used World Series tickets seized from scalpers were suspended without pay for 14 days and may lose up to $20,000 each in wages from reduced rank, Chief Joe Mokwa announced this afternoon.

He said what they did was "intolerable" but added that they are "not thieves" and "can be redeemed."

No, of course they're not, Chief. They're "Only Ones."

[Via Declan, via The Agitator]

Letters Still Needed for Wayne

As we requested in this post, letters are still needed for Wayne Fincher. Here's the latest from his daughter:

Could you please announce again that we need a lot of letters to the judge (Honorable Jimm L.Hendren) on Dad's behalf. Please tell everyone to keep writing . The lawyer said she had received several letters. Also on the day of sentencing we need the court room to be full of supporters. The more the merrier. Please lets keep this thing alive. My dad would do it for everyone else. Please keep writing to dad to keep his spirits up.

Please send your letter to and for Wayne via his defense attorney:

Shannon L. Blatt
19 Court Street
PO BOX 1825
Fort Smith, Ark 72902-1825

It's really not too much to ask for, is it? WarOnGuns will, of course, continue to keep you updated.

This Day in History: April 6

Resolved, That no slaves be imported into any of the thirteen United Colonies.

Of Questionable Repute

Assistant Village Manager John Berley said the move is part of an ongoing effort to keep businesses of questionable repute off of Lake Street, such as a spa that was annexed recently.

“Those kind of uses are considered undesirable by our residents and don’t project a good image,” he said.

See, government stealing property from private owners under force of arms is reputable in Addison. Having icky guns is not.

But maybe we're making incremental progress here. At least now it's "questionable". Previously, it was flat out "unwholesome and offensive."

Maybe we should Ask Mayor Hartwig if this represents a change in official position...

Dueling Militias

But the federal Bureau of Land Management is considering expanding the gun-restricted area by 41,000 acres to try to limit shootings at Idaho Army National Guard troops who report slugs bouncing off their tanks on a regular basis...

National Guard spokeswoman Lt. Col. Stephanie Dowling said she thinks the proposed expansion would help alleviate the problem.

“What’s happened over time, as the population has grown, we get more and more people out there,” said Dowling. “Not everybody uses good safety precautions.”

Then you deal with the ones who don't Stephanie. The organized militia calling for unorganized militia disarmament zones is unacceptable.

Unusual Allies

Defiant police officers and prosecutors, however, saying they retain law enforcement discretion, have continued arresting and bringing cases against motorists like Mr. Patton found with unlicensed handguns...

In a report issued in February, the Texas affiliate of the National Rifle Association joined the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition “to spotlight unlawful, unnecessary governmental encroachment on average law-abiding citizens.”

And what should be done with "defiant" servants?

This is chilling:

The presumption of innocence does not make the person innocent.

Uh, yeah it does, Mr. Rosenthal, legally, anyway, which is what you're supposed to concern yourself with. The burden of proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt rests with you.

This looks like calculated harassment, dragging gun owners into court, intimidating them with threats and mounting legal costs into a surrender, and ceding to the judiciary the undelegated power to become a de facto government travel authorization agency, as this Tim Curry creature would submit his countrymen to.

It's nice to see the ACLU come around at least in this small way, especially considering the organization's traditional subversion of RKBA. It's also nice to be able to spotlight a positive action from NRA that deserves our support.

[Via Tom M]

NOTE: The "traditional subversion" link isn't working at this time--KABA.com keeps timing out.

Where are All the 2nd Amendment Supporters?

Now, here is the part where I’m starting to get frustrated. Red’s has started an online petition asking for fair treatment of FFL dealers. This has been out there for a few weeks and there are only a little over 2000 signatures on it as I write this. There should be tens of thousands on it by now! Is this information just not getting out to the gun owning public? I know Red’s is doing everything they can to get the word out. But surprisingly, many of the outlets that should be jumping on this are remaining silent. Hello? NRA? Would it hurt to return a call or add this to one of your ILA action alerts? I have written to them and… nothing.

In another development that disturbed me a bit:

But coincidence is just what Mountain Man's owner is calling it.

"There are big differences," said owner Gary Painter. "Red's had been told before they had to make corrections on things they were doing wrong."

Y'know, Mr. Painter, I'll assume you didn't quite mean what this implies, because otherwise, it looks like...Nahh. You were probably just quoted out of context. Right?

In another development, Red's Marketing Director, Ryan Horsley, has agreed to a WarOnGuns interview. It'll be the same format as with Matt Bracken and David Hardy, that is, after the "formal" interview, you'll have a chance to ask him a question of your own via the post's "Comments."

I'll be preparing and conducting the interview over the weekend, and will probably post it next Monday or Tuesday, depending on Ryan's availability. Stay tuned and I'll make sure to announce the date.

In the mean time, if you haven't already signed the petition, please go do so now--and please recruit your gun-owning friends to do so as well.

[Via chareltonhest]

Damsels in Distress

Charles Williams, who works in technology services for Turner, saw a man dragging a woman by the hair one level above where the shooting occurred. The man told him to get out of the way. Williams went to get a guard, and then saw the man apparently take the woman downstairs. He heard gunshots less than a minute later.

Then there's this account:

The witness, who had gone to get help from a guard, then heard the gunfire...

John Helton, a CNN.com producer, had a direct view of the gunman through glass doors. "I saw him coming down the escalator pulling her along, around the corner; he ran into the plant and that's when they started struggling," he said...Helton said the woman appeared to be shot at point-blank range. "He looked like he had the gun right on top of her head and shot her."

After the shots, CNN.com writer Brad Lendon said, the gunman "looked around, his head turning in my direction. I don't know if he saw me, but at that moment the gravity of what I'd witnessed hit me. I turned away and tried to find the safest way I could out."

The gunman was then shot by Capt. Odell Adams, who joined Turner Security in 1996, according to a spokesperson for Turner, the parent company for CNN.

Once members of the citizen militia no longer realize that's what they are, dismiss and disparage the concept of being part of one, and have no intention of being prepared to protect even themselves much less their communities at large, they're in no position to become anything but victims or escapees in a time when a defense-minded citizen is exactly what is needed. The herd bolts and runs while the predator brings down its prey.

"Men" seek other men to save them, that is, to have the others put their lives at risk because they will not.

And what did it take to stop the killer? A man with a gun. As usual.

[Via Andre]

This Day in History: April 5

April 5, 1776 Archibald Bulloch writes letter to Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett, and George Walton giving them great latitude in voting at the Second Continental Congress

We Commend Senator Hutchison for Her Leadership...

...in endangering Parker.

When Seegars didn't work, we knew we'd need to try something else.

"In the Name of Safety"

A comment poster over at KABA captured a screenshot from NRA-ILA (scroll down linked page) saying firearm training should be required before carrying a weapon. Apparently someone thought better of the wording choice and deleted it.

While you're there, don't forget to read the article prompting the comments.

We're the Only...Aww, I've Already Used this Title

Deputy's gun reportedly discharges at IHOP

And again, I apologize...

We're the Only Ones Who Aren't the Only Ones

Sheriff Barry J. Jozwiak, of Berks County, Pennsylvania, apparently didn't get the memo about law enforcement officers being the Only Ones professional enough to keep and bear arms.

Armed and Safe introduces us to a sheriff who understands "Gun control does not reduce crime."

I see the House Judiciary Committee is going through the same nonsense its Senate counterpart engaged in a while back.

I don't expect the truth will hold much sway with those intent on advancing their political fortunes at the expense of their countrymen's rights.

Good catch, Kurt, and fine presentation.

We're the Only Ones Misfit Enough

The Maywood Police Department -- a 37-man force that patrols a gritty square-mile city south of downtown Los Angeles -- has become a haven for misfit cops who have been pushed out of other law enforcement agencies for crimes or serious misconduct.

Thank goodness they're "The Only Ones" in Maywood authorized to carry firearms!

[Via 45superman]

We're the Only Ones on the Defensive Enough

The case against Anthony Reynolds, 29 -- who is charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and armed habitual criminal -- has led to official misconduct charges against a Harvey detective and has put Mayor Eric Kellogg on the defensive in an election year because of an accusation that he helped Reynolds remove his weapon from the police evidence room.

There are "Only Ones" and then there are "Harvey Only Ones".

We're the Only Ones Warranted Enough

The use of hundreds of police officers in a series of raids and searches which uncovered one gun in south Manchester was warranted, senior officers say.

Otherwise, UK "Only Ones" might have gotten hammered...