Stand Free Or Crouch In Servitude

What Crouch proposes is nothing short of un-American. It’s hard to determine if he just doesn’t know any better, or chillingly, if he does.

"Stand Free or Crouch in Servitude," my Rights Watch column for the May 2007 issue of GUNS Magazine, is now online.

GUNS Magazine, May 1957

As a member of the staff of the West Point Museum, my favorite gun is logically among those in this great collection. Of these treasures, I like most the Colt Peacemaker carried by General George S. Patton, Jr. This is because I have spent some two years in research abut it. Not only is the gun a beautiful weapon-—silver plated, finely engraved, with ivory grips—-but it was the symbol by which Patton was known the world over and represents one of the nation's greatest soldiers. Its story parallels the life of Patton. He acquired the gun in 1916; used it in his first battle, and in peace and war throughout his life.
—Milton F. Perry, Curator, West Point Museum

The May, 1957 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

Reluctant to Publish

As the so-called "D.C. Madam" case unfolds in the nation's capital, with alleged prostitution ringleader Jeane Palfrey claiming a list of thousands of prominent clients, Washington-area editors say they are following the story, but remain reluctant to print such a list, were it available, without serious scrutiny.

Funny how "authorized journalists," whose primary function is to watchdog government, perceive no ethical quandary watchdogging citizens, and publishing the names of those with concealed gun permits.

Methinks Ms. Palfrey's girls aren't the only whores in town.

We're the Only Ones Planting Enough

Documents Reveal: Cops Planted Pot on 92-Year Old Woman They Killed in Botched Drug Raid

And these "Only Ones" didn't get the death penalty like anyone else justifiably would why...?

[Via Claire Wolfe]

[More on Kathryn Johnston from WarOnGuns]

Suffer the Children

Today, SB 1007, which until today had been a bill about sexual exploitation of children, was amended into a bill that would ban magazines with a capacity of greater than ten rounds (I guess standard capacity magazines offend some members of the Illinois Politburo legislature more than the sexual exploitation of children does). This amendment was introduced by recently elected Senator Dan Kotowski, who had previously been executive director of the Illinois Council against Handgun Violence (one of the largest recipients of the Joyce Foundation's anti-gun largesse).

45superman shows us the antis are not just anti-gun, they're anti-children. They'd obviously rather see them dead than their parents armed and able to protect them...

Rage Against the Maroons

[Try BugMeNot to bypass site registration]

"They changed my life. They made me a liberal," said sweat-drenched history teacher Rafael Ramon, 25, who had waited in a crowd packed shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the stage all day.

Government school employee, no doubt, eh Rafael?

You teach history and this is the stage of your adult and professional development? Your life epiphany comes from a rock band? I guess you're as mature as you are competent in your field. And I guess you never heard that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

While we're on this story, how come some leftard band can call for the administration to be "tried and hung (HANGED!!!) and shot" without consequences, but Rick Stanley calls for a treasonous judge to be tried and gets his life destroyed for it?

Boomtown Bust

From JPFO:

In the April issue of the NRA Magazine, there was an advertisement encouraging dealers to purchase tables for a three-day Gun Show to be held May 11, 12th and 13th, at the Boomtown Casino, in Reno, Nevada.

I contacted the promoter of the event, Bert Guy (<www.GatlingGuns.com>, 3320 Arrowwood DR., Lake Havasu City Arizona 86406, Phone: 928 854-3538) and purchased two tables for the show, paid for by credit card.

In preparation for the upcoming event, I (and I am sure many other firearms dealers as well) purchased additional firearms inventory to be sold at the Boomtown Casino Gun Show. I invested several thousands of dollars in doing so.

On Wednesday, April 26, 2007, I received an email (attached) from Mr. Bert Guy advising that “In light of the recent unfortunate incident at Virginia Tech”; a “Corporate Decision” had been made not to allow the display or sale of guns at the show. Furthermore, the email went on to say that, the Show had been changed to a Sporting Goods and Accessory show only. Mr. Guy directed inquiries to his answering machine and to Sheryl Pacini, the Special Events coordinator for Boomtown Casino & Hotel (775-345-8762) (I left messages for both individuals two days ago and have not received a response.)

That's a copy of the ad I scanned--click on it to enlarge. If that's not false advertising, I don't know what is. I don't know Mr. Guy, so I don't know if this is beyond his control, but the responsible party needs to be identified and people who invested based on entering into a contract in good faith ought to have restitution. I also note NRA being typically non responsive, so I'd say some pressure is due there to at least make sure these people are banned from further advertising in any Association publications unless and until they satisfy all parties injured by this.

UPDATE: See comments below. Apparently Mr. Guy is as much a victim of this as anyone, sole responsibility resides with Boomtown, and the entire show has now been cancelled.

This Day in History: May 2

By May 2, 1775, Patrick Henry was on the move. Stirring the Hanover Volunteers to action with a fiery speech, they elected Henry their captain, and rode off to Williamsburg. So popular was Henry's action that by the time the Hanover volunteers got to Williamsburg, their ranks had swollen to 5,000 from the cheering crowds that lined their way.

BREAKING NEWS: Red's Trading Post Granted Injunction to Continue Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Ryan Horsley
Red's Trading Post
Phone: 208.733.3546
Fax: 208.734.2793
Email: rhorsleyATredstradingpostDOTcom
Website: http://www.redstradingpost.com/home.php

Red's Trading Post Granted Injunction to Continue Operations

TWIN FALLS, ID, MAY 1, 2007- US District Judge Edward Lodge has granted Red’s Trading Post an injunction to continue their full operation. The ATF had maintained that Red’s was a threat to public safety because of the minor violations which included paperwork errors that amounted to less that one percent. Red’s Trading Post had a 99.6% success rate in their 2005 audit, yet the ATF maintained that Red’s had “willfully” violated their policies. The word “willful” was added in 1986 by Reagan and Congress to protect dealers, it is the responsibility of the ATF to prove that Dealers “willfully” committed violations. The ATF made the decision to partially revoke Red’s license in early March, only allowing them to sell their remaining firearms. ATF DIO Richard Van Loan made the decision to no longer allow Red’s the ability to acquire firearms. Van Loan stated that this position was to protect the Public Safety. Van Loan had also made the decision to deny Red’s request to continue supplying firearms to Law Enforcement as well.

Judge Lodge noted in making his decision that “the ATF speaks of violations found during the inspections of 2000 and 2005, but fails to reveal that additional investigations in 2001 and 2007 revealed no violations or problems.” He also notes Red’s statement that ATF is exaggerating Red’s conduct by “double counting” certain violations. Also noted was the balance of the ATF’s hardship compared to Red’s hardship. The judge found “that granting the preliminary injunction would not place the public safety in jeopardy” and “that that the relative hardships tip sharply in favor of Red’s.”

Manager Ryan Horsley states “We are very pleased with the Judge’s decision to allow us to continue to our full operation during the court proceedings. For over 70 years my family has operated Red’s with honor and integrity and we will continue to do so.” There has yet to be a court date set. Red’s Trading Post was established in 1936 by Horsley’s great grandfather and is Idaho’s Oldest Gun Shop.

ABOUT RED'S TRADING POST:

Red's Trading Post has been in Historic Old Towne Twin Falls and in my family since 1936. Our building is listed on the historic register for historic buildings.

My great-grandfather Lowell "Red" Kinney started this pawn shop/gunstore selling all kinds of items but mainly firearms. My grandfather Wayne "Red" Kinney took over in the 50's becoming well known not only by Red's but also as a local celebrity. He was the hometown hero, a wrestler who always wrestled at the Saturday night wrestling match where the traveling wrestlers would take on the locals.

Red's Trading Post was, and still is, known for giving the best deal on firearms and for great customer service that started with my great-grandfather over 60 years ago. We continue be "A Twin Falls Original" and a landmark in the Magic Valley. I welcome you to come visit us, I would be pleased to give you a price quote on any items that you may find on "Gallery of Guns", we offer the best prices in town on firearms.

--END--

[More about Red's Trading Post from WarOnGuns]

SAF Gunning for Donaldson

The Second Amendment Foundation today sent a letter to ABC News President David Westin, asking that reporter Sam Donaldson be barred from ever again reporting on gun rights issues, because he is serving as master of ceremonies at a fund-raiser for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence...

"We believe that the appearance of such a high-profile ABC reporter and commentator as the host of an event that raises money for one of the nation's most hysteria-driven gun control organizations is a terrible breach of propriety..."

This is not unlike the Mike Wallace episode of a while back. So that makes it more than a matter of propriety--that makes it, minimally, a matter of breaching journalistic ethics, with implications that may even go further. For instance:

Sam Donaldson is "exclusively represented" by the Washington Speakers Bureau.

What is his traditional speaker's fee? (It was supposedly $30,000, but that was back in the mid-90s. And as The Washington Post reported:

The issue began to fade as a number of news organizations, including ABC and NBC, banned the practice.

If so, what's in it for the Washington Speakers Bureau?

A report about Chris Matthews charging speaker fees may or may not apply here:

According to Kaplan, while these groups may have paid fees for Matthews to speak, the fees did not go to Matthews directly, but to a charity of Matthews’s choosing.

While we've seen with his government wool and mohair subsidies that Donaldson appears to be his own favorite charity, not to mention rich federal welfare recipient to the tune of $100,000 per year, perhaps Sam is giving away his fee? Or perhaps not charging one this time around?

If that's the case, will the Brady Campaign disclose the value of the uncharged fee as a "noncash" contribution, or will Mr. Donaldson write if off on his tax filing?


Inquiring minds want to know.

Potential "Weapons"

Victims of violent crime - including those in the April 16 massacre at Virginia Tech - often are unaware of the potential "weapons" that can save their lives, and much of what they've been taught about self-defense and crime prevention is wrong.

The obvious response is the correct one: Ain't nothing like bringing a gun to a gunfight. And ex-"Only Ones" Debbie and Mike Gardner's advice will probably up the odds of an untrained person being killed.

But that doesn't mean we should dismiss their recommendations altogether. To those who take physical and martial training seriously, there is much to be said about improvising weapons from your environment--particularly for those times if a gun is not at hand. That's one of the reasons why I get such a kick out of Jackie Chan movies. He reminds us that just about anything can be used as a weapon, and does so with skill and oftentimes great humor.

In addition to consciously applying the late Col. Cooper's color codes, I recommend a supplemental situational awareness assessment: Look around and see what you could pick up and use if you really needed to, and visualize how it could be best deployed.

[Via KABA Newslinks]

When Left Meets Right

What's that circular universe theory, where if you go far enough, you'll eventually end up where you started?

Lefty Diane Glass apparently gets it: "Guns aren't the issue."

Meanwhile, "right-leaning columnist" Shaunti Feldhahn has a big "but."

[Via 45superman]

Attack on the Militia

Before and After

Plainly, this fire was an act of arson. However, the reason for the attack is not known at this time.

Follow the title link for photos showing type extent of the damage. I don't suppose if they catch the perps that "hate crime" laws will apply...?

[Via Paul W. Davis]

Virginia Enacts Cuckoo's Nest Control

The governor has closed a loophole in state law that allowed the Virginia Tech gunman to pass a weapons background check despite having mental health issues.

Comment poster TJH made a very interesting observation in a previous post:

Find someone who is a member of Pink Pistols, and supports health record data mining as part of the background check. Then ask him to name something that what was classified as mental illness up until 1973.

And as we've seen time and again, there's no shortage of citizen disarmament advocates promoting the concept that gun ownership itself is a "mental health issue," leading to fantasies and paranoia, increased suicides, increased homicides...

Why do you think they call us "gun nuts"?

While we're on this subject, make sure you weigh in on this week's poll over in the left margin. It doesn't matter which answer you pick--the very fact that you're here is enough to make you certifiable (in some minds)...Perhaps the question should have been: Even if they pass a bill and put Nurse Ratched in charge of gun purchase approvals, do you think it will make a damn bit of difference in terms of stopping future shootings?

[Via 1894C]

When Publicity-Hungry "Celebrities" Attack

We Are Getting Tired of Prying Your Guns out of Your Cold Dead Hand

What's this "we", Elayne Boosler? Are you part of the raid teams now, or do you just expect "the help" to do your dirty work?

And some of the comments are even more pathetic. Is there anything the useful idiots at The Huffington Post don't know?

Oh, look: She's not done yet...

I guess with work being scarce and all, this is as cheap a way as any to keep your name in front of your adoring public.

[Via Paul G]

This Day in History: May 1

I thank you for your good wishes in our future operations, and hope that every diabolical attempt to deprive mankind of their inherent rights and privileges, whether made in the East, West, North, or South, will be attended with disappointment and disgrace, and that the authors in the end will be brought to such punishment, as an injured people have a right to inflict.

KC Mall "Gun Free"

John Lott gets the scoop.

But it's not for lack of trying here...:)

[Via Eric]

UPDATE: I've had it reported that someone who lives near the mall says it is not posted. I don't know any more than that, or even if it is accurate, but thought I'd better throw this into the mix for your consideration. As with all developing stories, the urge to get information out quickly is often tempered by the reliability of that information. Since Prof. Lott reports "Security at the mall confirms that guns are banned there," I'm going to assign more credence to that based on his professional reputation.

Shameless Plug: A New Hope?

By now, GUNS readers will have heard that Washington D.C.’s firearm ban has been overturned. The 2-1 decision in Parker v District of Columbia by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling and affirmed that the Second Amendment protects an individual right. That sounds like a big deal, a huge deal some say, and they may be proven right.

"A New Hope?" is my Rights Watch column for the June issue of GUNS Magazine, on sale now at optimistic newsstands throughout the Republic. I just had time to get this one in before the issue went to press--normally there would be at least another month's turnaround, but the editor was able to bump my designated article to the following month due to the timeliness of the topic.

BONUS: See page 92 to see how you can win a "Totally Custom Gary Reeder/Ruger No. 1...chambered for the hard-hitting .50 Alaskan." Barrel length is 16" (18" with brake installed), the finish is matte stainless steel, laminated wood stock, ghost ring rear, fiber optic front sights, and a total value of $3,060. I normally don't get excited about hardware, but man, that is a nice-looking gun--one that I am ineligible to enter a card for.

The Letter The New York Times Didn't (Wouldn't) Print

E-mailed on April 22:

I must admit I am frustrated with the way "Shooting Rekindles Issues of Gun Rights and Restrictions" (April 18) omitted a key issue in the Virginia Tech debate. I consented to speak with reporter Leslie Eaton to discuss my email to The Times asking why coverage from all major newspapers and television networks ignored the school's "No Guns" policy. Additionally, past press statements by Associate VP of University Relations Larry Hincker, ridiculing reasoned pleas to allow lawful concealed carry and lauding the death of a bill that would have rectified this, need to be examined in light of the total failure of authorities to protect students and faculty forbidden from protecting themselves.

That none of this made it into your report is disappointing, but not surprising, considering this paper's historic opposition to citizens bearing arms. Still, I don't see how The Times can consider its obligation to its readers complete by suppressing this important information from public scrutiny and discussion.

David Codrea
Redondo Beach, CA

60 Minutes on Mental Health Bill

"Reporter" Steve Kroft starts out with misinformation and goes downhill from there: He tells us about the "1,000 homicides...committed by people with mental illness" each year, but fails to note how many of those involve firearms. He claims "the very first gun control law ever passed in the U.S. [was] way back in 1968..."

He then proceeds to mug for the camera with facial expressions as manipulative as his questions, only gives Larry Pratt enough exposure to make an out-of-context statement the viewers are being maneuvered into dismissing, and then gives us the "reasonable" alternative courtesy of Carolyn McCarthy and Wayne LaPierre.

I do have one question, something I haven't understood since these discussions have been resurrected: If someone is adjudicated mentally ill, why would it be necessary to make their medical records available to police, as everything I've read or seen in the media implies? Why wouldn't just a record of the judgment suffice? Court records are generally public records. I don't know enough about the system--is sealing such judgments common practice, and does it vary by state? Anybody have insight on this?

[Via 45superman]