This Day in History: October 5

October 5, 1778

British fleet reached Little Egg Harbor around noon. At favorable tide a few of the more light weight ships enter the bay to prevent escaping ships. Armed vessels were stripped and loaded with troops. Local loyalists join expedition onboard the Zebra and inform of the militia at Chestnut Neck.

The Continental Army - General Pulaski and his Legion leave Trenton.

Response to PBS M16 Piece

Via email:

PBS's piece on the M16 calls it an inferior weapon system that hasn't evolved in 50 years and includes a picture of an M249. My friends and I thoroughly debunk it here: http://jiujitsutalk.com/index.php?topic=5937.0;all

I don't ordinarily talk hardware here because it's not my thang, but it's always interesting to see those in the know take on "authorized journalists."

New 2A Website: Small Armz

I just got an email about a new RKBA website. It's under development, so I don't see a lot of original content--mostly links to other resources--which ain't a bad thing.

I call this one to your attention because we don't often see pro-2A sites originating from Harlem, and any forum allowing us to make inroads into the urban demographic could become an important one.

I do find it curious that on his photos page, Mr. Reynolds presents himself posing with Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer, and GOA F- rated Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez. Perhaps the intent is to show access to these notorious anti-gunners, and if he can plant the seed with them that not all urban voters are lock-step gun-controllers, perhaps it's a start?

I look forward to reading some original commentary from this site so I can further glean what their mission and strategy will be. I'll also forward this link to Mr. Reynolds and invite him to comment and entertain questions from the curious.

We're the Only Ones Unlisted Enough

The City of Chicago's top lawyer has denied at least one alderman's written request to see a list of Chicago police officers who have the most excessive force complaints during the last five years, a move that critics say contradicts what the lawyer told federal judges this summer.

Yeah, see, allowing them to be reviewed could affect the appeal process. Just like it does with non-"Only Ones," which is why your and my name would be kept secret if we were facing charges, right?

[Via 45superman]

A Rose By Any Other Name

Suddenly, what had been an "assault weapon" (or the even less honest use of the term "assault rifle") has become a "patrol rifle"--presumably because it is now in the hands of a police officer.

Well, that's because, aside from having powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, "The Only Ones" also can magically transmute "mass-murderizers" into "peace generators." You and I, on the other hand, will only wreak incompetent and homicidal havoc.

Hey, if enlightened and professional "authorized journalists" believe it, who are we to argue?

How Complicated Can it Be?

“We’ve tried to negotiate,” Schumer said, adding that talks with Coburn are “not getting that far. We might have to bring it to a vote.”

Taking a recorded vote on the gun database bill could complicate its initially strong prospects.

What, you mean people woud actually have to stand behind something they profess to believe in and would impose on the rest of us?

I know there is a lot of noisy controversy over what this bill supposedly will or won't do, but for crying out loud: only in the convoluted and perverse world of politics could taking a vote be construed as a "complication."

Since when has government doing things in the dark ever been a good thing?

[Via WmH]

WRSA Intermediate Rifle Clinic - Brookings, OR - October 6-7

The beautiful Pacific coast is our next destination, as we hold our next Intermediate Rifle clinic near Brookings, OR on October 6-7.

Grab your gear (along with your rain slicker) and come join us in learning lots of practical things you think you already know.

Sounds like an excellent opportunity.

"In Search of the Second Amendment" Premieres at Red's

The Premiere of David T. Hardy's Documentary In Search of the Second Amendment opened to a great crowd in Twin Falls that included Twin Falls City Councilman Trip Craig and Vice Mayor Glenda Dwight.

Author and Historian Clayton Cramer made a presentation following the film.

Getting local politicians to show up is a definite plus. The choice of film and inviting the guest speaker were inspired.

Ryan certainly is emerging from his trials as a natural leader, isn't he?

This Day in History: October 4

American intelligence reports of the divided British army dared Washington plan an assault on Germantown. Lt. Gen. Sir William Howe, obsessed with securing uninterrupted access to the Delaware River, had dispatched some troops to take Billingsport, a vulnerable river fort near Chester. He diverted another unit to escort supplies up from Head of Elk. In Philadelphia a large detachment was left under Lord Cornwallis. Howe's main body of 9,000 troops was encamped at Germantown, five miles north of the city.

A Fair Question

“Would banning firearms reduce murder and suicide?”

What with all the calls to do just that, and all the laws building up to it, that sounds like a fair question.

"A Fair Question," my November 2007 Rights Watch column for GUNS Magazine, is now online.

GUNS Magazine: October 1957

Law Without Legality

As a subscriber to your good magazine, I am writing to you to find out if you are aware of the recent announcement of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division of the Internal Revenue Service that it intended to "change" the regulations of the Federal Firearms Act. Of course, these "changes" turn out to be a drastic and vicious tightening of this act far beyond anything contained in the act itself, such as entering premises for search and seizure without a warrant or warning, presumably on any pretext or none at all, and other equally reprehensible features. In effect, this power-greedy bureau is writing its own law to supersede that of the Congress.

Perhaps I should draw your attention to the fact that this dangerous action, and others more and more restrictive that may logically be expected to follow in due time constitute not only a serious threat to shooters but to patriotic citizens as well; and that this time, they are not emanating from the crackpots and members of the lunatic fringe but from the henchmen of the administration itself.

What can be done about this situation? Something should be.

George W. Courtney
Richmond, Indiana

BATFU. Still lawless after all these years. And in case you missed it last month, the editor's response refers to this.

The October 1957 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online.

I like being part of a magazine that has a tradition of being a leader in educating its readership on not just "shooting sports" and hardware, but also on RKBA. I note many do not carry a regular monthly feature on protecting our rights, so I'm pleased to be associated with one that does.

Your Chance to Petition Gordon Brown

Add Your Name to Our Petition Here

I added "I.P. Nightly."



Feel free to join the fun.

Clyde Challenges Gun Law

Bonnie is pleased.

This Day in History: October 3

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

...Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

Today, we accept the ACLU's version of the "wall of separation" as gospel. It was never the intent of the Founders to snuff out all religious expression in the public forum, but to instead abolish a national compulsory religion, such as was exemplified by the Church of England.

There's a huge difference. Note Washington "recommends." He doesn't mandate.

Now we've strayed so far that American schools are celebrating "winter festival" instead of "Christmas," so as not to offend complaining Muslims.

Seeing as how the political left is so profoundly and demonstrably wrong in their interpretation of the First Amendment, why would we also accept their version of the Second?

And why would some wish to separate a people from their history, their tradition and their birthright? Might there be a purpose in doing so, and would anyone benefit from it?

Who?

People of the Gun

There's a really handsome guy over there. Word has it Tom Selleck has gone into a descending spiral of depression realizing the competition he has in the gun rights community.

My delusions notwithstanding, why not join us? Wouldn't it be nice to create an album with thousands upon thousands of us proudly standing up for what we believe?

Special thanks to Jeff Soyer for taking this burden upon himself.

We're the Only Ones 'Catch-and-Release' Enough

The two off-duty cops allegedly punched and kicked a 26-year-old Yonkers man who was walking with two women. What triggered the alleged attack was not clear.

Officers from the 47th Precinct, driving by the fight, grabbed the two suspects and handcuffed them, sources said.

But when arresting officers learned the two were off-duty cops, they let them go, sources said.

You know: "professional courtesy."

[Via Declan]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

We're the Only Ones Bada Boom Enough

The acquaintance, a Middletown man, was concerned about the ex of a woman he was dating. He asked Etkin for advice on how to handle the matter. Etkin told the man he'd look into it.

According to prosecutors, Etkin told the man the ex was a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family, and that a hit had been put out on him. Etkin told him he'd negotiated with organized crime figures to withdraw the hit, for $3,500.

Sounds like somebody's been watching too many episodes of "The Sopranos."

[Via Declan]

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

We're the Only Ones Providing and Disposing Enough

The gun used to kill a 15-year-old Trenton youth in a gangland slaying two years ago was provided by a former Mercer County corrections officer who then helped to dispose of the weapon, an admitted accomplice allegedly has told investigators.

Well then, there's only one thing to do. Sue the manufacturer.

[More from "The Only Ones" Files]

USDA Declares Gun Range Sacrilegious

"This is a sacred site to native peoples," said Monique Sonoquie, a coalition spokeswoman. "Many families and groups use the site for ceremonies and prayers, and having the gun range as close as it is not only unsafe but disrespectful to the sacredness of the land."

If it's unsafe, there ought to be objective evidence in that regard. If the US government is acknowledging something is "sacred" as a reason for permit denial, how is that not making a "law respecting an establishment of religion"?

It sounds to me like the opponents just don't like guns, so they're playing the "culture card."

It also looks like the objective evidence--along with past decades of safe operation--shows that safe and responsible management and operation of the range is readily achievable.

Lawyers, Guns & Money

Chris Horton took the slide show idea and ran with it.

Hopefully, other bloggers will also find utility in this tool and come up with creative ways to employ it in promotion of our rights.