BATFU Zeroes In

The ATF is zeroing in on shipments of American-made firearms moving across the border through the southwestern United States.

Increased enforcement of the gun trade could mean greater oversight of gun retailers and gun shows and more inspections for Americans traveling to Mexico.

Sweet. The feds create the problem, the feds "solve" the problem--and we pay on both ends.

Maximum Mike must be getting desperate to prove he and his merry band of BATFU zeroes are capable of doing more than losing guns, screwing up records and losing cases.

[Via Eric J]

Packing Stories at the AP

Gun rights groups are appealing a federal judge's decision to dismiss a lawsuit that sought to allow licensed gun owners to pack heat in parts of the world's busiest airport.

"Pack heat."

It sounds like something George Raft would say.

Does anybody know of one serious gun owner who uses that term? Why would a reporter use it and his editor allow it, unless they wanted to provoke an emotional reaction in the minds of their readers, and why would that be considered straight news?

The "Authorized Journalists" at the Associated Press really are fluid containers with hose and nozzle attachments.

That means you, Greg Bluestein.

Sing for Change!

I was going to link to the "Sing for Change" video, but I guess it's been taken down because it creeped too many people out. If you didn't get a chance to see it, it was a bunch of kids from Venice CA singing the praises of The Lightworker under the direction of a grimacing Stepford-tranced music instructor, with approving adults beaming and others providing accompanying music. Plus it had some major Hollywood backing, which kind of makes the spontaneous grassroots support claim seem...ridiculous.

I wish the YouTube video hadn't been removed though, because there was a comment the teacher Kathy Sawada left there that just really exemplified the mutton-headed emotional mysticism that is the "liberal" Obama supporter--something along the lines of the children should be our leaders because they are innocent and don't know anything.

I also understand that the video also appeared at this link on Obama's website, which means someone there thought it would be a good idea.

Not to worry though. The concept has been done before, and you can get essentially the same experience by clicking here.

UPDATE: Cranky in "Comments tells me they've moved the video to here. And it has the Kathy Swabada quote I was looking for:

You are exactly right that children don't know about political issues, and for me, that's the point, they are our teachers...

Good grief, she's serious.

In Their Own Words

Interesting video documenting the dems who stifled all attempts to bring oversight to the housing lending scam we're now expected to pay for--or else. Understandable, since it was a great carrot for them to trade for votes. And they'll probably get away with it.

And if you still find the current economic mess confusing, Chris Horton links us to a good overview.

A Ration of...

People will have to be rationed to four modest portions of meat and one litre of milk a week if the world is to avoid run-away climate change, a major new report warns.

"Have to be"? That sounds mandatory. Naturally, there will be an elite class of people doing the rationing.

And no one really thinks the wife of a commissar shops at the same store as the wife of a proletariat worker? Or that ration cards won't become a lucrative commodity for those who control them?

Perhaps dumbing down the masses through media manipulation has reached a plateau, and some physiological changes are needed to reach the next level toward the ant state.

What's really telling are the Zargonian sympathizers leaving comments that look forward to this.

We're the Only Ones With Virgin Ears Enough

The South Dakota Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments over whether yelling profanities at a passing police officer is protected speech under the U.S. Constitution.

I admit mixed feelings on this. "Fighting words" do exist. Some verbal abuse a man just shouldn't have to take.

That said, my primary concern is making sure "Only Ones" aren't getting a free pass to do to citizens what they will not tolerate happening to them.

[Via Mama Liberty]

No Authority

I find no specific statutory authority granting the Department the authority to prohibit the open carrying of firearms in state parks.

Damn straight. Now let's make sure they don't exceed their authority.

I do find this headline over the top, hyperbole-wise. The VA AG wasn't "standing up for the Second Amendment!" He didn't even mention it, except for one footnote, and focused instead on Commonwealth code.

Still, this shows how a definitive opinion from a state attorney general can have a very real and immediate practical impact on the conduct of enforcer agencies. And just to clarify what I proposed for Ohio open carry yesterday: Don't for a minute think there's a sheriff, chief or cop in the state who doesn't already know the law in this regard. My aim was to take that excuse away from them, once and for all.

Not that I expect it to happen.

[Via Michael S]

Questioning the Mission

Months ago I wrote a letter to the editor of this newspaper. As a result, Federal Agent Thomas Chittum asked to move the trial of my friends Leonard and Tom Elliott to Frankfort and cited my letter as cause, claiming I had “polluted the jury pool.” I was named specifically before the court and was criticized for questioning both the mission of his agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and in particular his case against the Bacon Creek Gun Shop. I didn’t realize I was such an influential scribe.

More chilling of public oversight and criticism from our pals the feds--it seems to be one of the few standardized and uniformly applied procedures they have.

[Via SameNoKami]

L'etat, C'est Moi

[E]ven though he fought against changing term limits when he wasn't affected, Michael Bloomberg has decided that 'for the financial good of New York' he's going to fight to run for a third term.

It's good to be the king!

This Day in History: October 1

Lieut. Cummings of Capt. Dow's Company in Col Prescot's regiment, tried at a General Court martial, whereof Colo. Hitchock was presdt. for "misbehaviour in the action upon Bunkers-hill". The Court are unanimously of opinion, the prisoner is not guilty of the Charge; and the Complaint appears to the court, to be groundless and malicious. The General approves the proceedings of the court, and orders Lieut. Cummings to be immediately released from his arrest.

Majority Rule

Wilkinson said elected officials are in a better position to determine gun laws than the courts.

Yeah, leave it up to Carolyn McCarthy and Alcee Hastings to pick and choose from the rights menu! And in other areas, elected officials can roll back proscriptions on slavery, bring back official state religion, etc., etc.

Here's living proof that republican presidents don't necessarily make good judicial picks. If you don't mind, Wilkie-boy, I'll defer to a superior jurist on this, William Rawle, who wrote:

No clause in the Constitution could by any rule of construction be conceived to give the Congress a power to disarm the people. Such a flagitious attempt could only be made under a general pretence by a state legislature. But if in any pursuit of an inordinate power either should attempt it, this amendment may be appealed to as a restraint on both.

But duck out on the last means of peaceable redress if you will, judge. Gee, what could possibly go wrong with that plan?

Cloistered elitist moron.

[Via Mack H]

A Plan to Stop Cops from Harassing Openly Carrying Gun Owners in Ohio

Get on the ground, an officer ordered, forcing the surprised group to set aside their drinks and hit the sidewalk belly-down. An officer began searching one of Llewellyn's friends before abruptly ending the suspense and demanding to know who had the gun. [More]

We had this happen in Willowick a while back and it looks like Ohio cops still aren't getting the message--in spite of the chief notifying the Attorney General. Sure, she put out a booklet with a brief mention on page 18, but that's a far cry from positively ensuring that the law is understood by those tasked with enforcing it. Matter of fact, with the "If you openly carry, use caution" recommendation, that puts the burden solely on the citizen.

And that's the best our gun rights leaders have given us, too :

State law does not prohibit the open carrying of firearms except in certain locations, but a person should exercise caution when carrying a firearm in public.

As we've repeatedly seen, one can exercise all the caution in the world and still end up on the floor--or worse. That's not good enough. Those who get paid to enforce the law have a responsibility to know just what it is they can and cannot enforce in this regard--especially since it creates the potential for a lethal encounter.

They don't have a right to put us at risk like that. It needs to stop. Starting today.

What follow is a rough draft of sorts on how this could be done. Thing is, I won't be the one doing it. My plate is already full. Which means it probably won't be.

But I'd start out with a letter to the AG, return receipt requested, putting her on notice with something along these lines:

[Date]

Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers
State of Ohio Office of the Attorney General
30 E. Broad St., 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Subject: Law Enforcement and Ohio Open Carry of Firearms

Dear Attorney General Rogers,

Over two months after Willowick Police Chief Michael Lazor's letter to you on the subject of open carry of firearms, I am still reading news accounts of police officers harassing citizens for it. This creates a dangerous and intolerable risk for citizens and a not undeserved liability for Ohio law enforcement agencies.

It is incumbent on you as the highest law enforcement executive in the state to rectify this, especially since you cannot claim you're not aware that risks exist. I am prepared to spearhead a project to try to notify every police chief and sheriff in the state via the enclosed return receipt letter.

But that's really not my job, that's yours. I'm calling on you to notify every police chief and sheriff in the state as to the legality of open firearm carry in Ohio. You have the resources and the staff to accomplish this with just one order. And law enforcement heads will heed you--with me, there's no such guarantee.

Consider this your notice that dangerous deficiencies exist within Ohio law enforcement as to the proper understanding and application of state law. Should you now fail to act on this, and should any citizen suffer any harm as a result of your lack and/or thoroughness of action, a copy of this letter and the USPS return receipt will serve as documentation that you were notified of your obligation and, with negligence and/or deliberate indifference, did not fulfill it.

Sincerely,

[Name and Address]

Enclosure

The enclosure form letter she'd get a copy of follows. This is something that would need to be sent to every LEO head in the state--by return receipt mail in order to create a documented record that they have received notice. As such, whoever took on this project would probably need to raise a thousand dollars or so for postage, plus have the time and resources to customize each letter with the appropriate chief/sheriff, department and address, and go to the post office to fill out the return receipt forms and mail them. Here's where you'd get that information from (and these may need to be verified as current and complete).

[Date]

[To: Title/Department/Address]

Subject: Ohio Open Carry of Firearms

Dear_____,

Recent incidents where citizens carrying firearms in an open manner have been detained by police make it evident that uniform training does not exist throughout the state of Ohio to inform officers of the law, what they are authorized to enforce, and what they have no authority to challenge.

Per the Ohio State Attorney General:

"Open Carry
Ohio's concealed carry laws do not regulate "open" carry of firearms...The open carry of firearms is a legal activity in Ohio." (Source: "Ohio's Concealed Carry Law," State of Ohio, Office of the Attorney General, http://ag.state.oh.us/le/prevention/pubs/200808_ccw_book.pdf )

The legal burden of proving innocence should not fall on citizens exercising rights over which your department has no legal authority. This creates a dangerous situation. Citizens who are not violating any laws could get hurt or worse, and your officers and management could be held liable for damages.

It is up to your officers to know what laws they have authority to enforce, and not to attempt enforcement activity for which they have no legal authority. It is your responsibility to ensure they are properly trained in this regard.

This letter serves as formal notice that you must learn the law regarding open carry in Ohio and ensure those under your command have been properly trained to understand it as well.

Should you fail to do this, and should any citizen suffer any harm as a result of your lack and/or thoroughness of action, a copy of this letter and the USPS return receipt will serve as documentation for any and all plaintiffs that you were notified of your obligation and, with negligence and/or deliberate indifference, did not fulfill it.

Sincerely,

[Name and Address]

I think it's not a bad little project, and something a team of volunteers could do it in very little time and for very little effort and expense--a bang for the buck kind of effort. I'd think each county should have someone who takes charge and assumes responsibility for getting it done in that area. Larger counties would need a couple of volunteers.

If I had one dedicated week and the postage, I could do the whole job myself. But, like I said, I'm already more than occupied.
If enough Ohio volunteers contact me, I'll put you in touch with each other and offer general help, but I'm not prepared to solicit funds and administer a project. I'd really prefer to see some grassroots gun group take this on and make it their own. And the thing is, it could also be emulated in other states that have similar open carry issues.

Any bets on whether or not this will just turn out to be a[nother] theoretical exercise in what might have been?

[Via Fat White Man]

We're the Only Ones In Pocket Enough

POCKET GUIDE TO OFFICER’S RIGHTS IN DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIONS AND CRITICAL INCIDENTS

Hey, whaddya know? "Only Ones" under investigation are advised not to talk to the authorities!

That's something to remember if you're ever asked what you have to hide if you're not doing anything wrong.

SWAT Deployed as Armed Student Sighting Prompts Lockdown at Bear Country School

When Ferdy the nerd gets paired with Too-Tall the jock in an assignment to study inventions, the one subject they can agree on is guns. While Ferdy's interest is strictly intellectual, Too-Tall's is, unfortunately, basically bang-bang. Things come to a head at Bear Country School when Too-Tall brings in a monster squirt gun that looks an awful lot like the real thing. The whole class learns a valuable lesson: in the wrong hands, guns can be bad business--whether they are real or not.

As we all know, gentlebears prefer blonds. Unarmed ones.

If you have any youngsters you're thinking of buying books for, avoid the wimpy, cloying and ultimately subversive Bear-stains.

A Spark Yet Glows

There are now 2 options for self-defence in Britain -

1. Allow the police to protect you. You can call the police when attacked and pray that they will arrive on the scene within seconds, in order to save you. If you survive the attack you can then give them a statement from your hospital bed, and hope the attackers will be quickly arrested.

2. The second option is to fight back and reclaim our streets by arming ourselves and giving the criminals something to be worried about, such as a serious risk of injury or death if they attack. In this instance we would be able to defend ourselves effectively, whilst we wait for the police to attend. We would not be putting our lives in the hands of people who are unable, or unwilling, to protect us.

Wouldn't it be loverly to think that we might be witnessing the birth of a movement?

[Via End the War on Freedom]

A 'Gun-Demic'

Early Sunday, just hours after Mount Vernon's brand new gun checkpoints closed for the night, a teen-age father was shot to death while standing on his front porch...

A 'gun-demic'?

Do these people ever listen to themselves?

Hey--stellar job with those thug-demic checkpoints, though.

The Process of Erosion

Finland has introduced stricter rules on gun permits, following a school shooting in which 11 people died.

Handgun permits would no longer be granted to first-time applicants, the interior ministry said.

Instead, they must train for at least a year at a gun club before being allowed to apply for a permit.

And when that doesn't work, they'll pile even more restrictions on.

The Good Old Days are Gone

"Nobody's safe now," she said. "What happened to the good old days? We used to play cowboys and Indians and walk down the street pretending to shoot each other. Now, kids can't do that any more without having the street all barricaded."

Don't you understand? The world has changed. There's no room for people like you any more.

It's up to us to make room.

Healy Loses Another One: Refuses to Throw in Towel

"We will not rest until we have taken this step forward so we can make our city and our state as safe as we possibly can," Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy said Monday at a news conference at City Hall.

So we can expect mass resignations or what?

And why is it that people who can't control themselves are so bent on controlling the rest of us?

Have another drink, Jerry. And put the damn towel back on.

Desperate Measures

A new city law requiring gun owners to notify police when their weapon is lost or stolen will help police track down the "bad guy with guns" Baltimore City Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III said yesterday.

Oh, it will not either, you pompous buffoon.

This is transparent posturing for the press--making it seem like you're doing something without admitting you're totally in over your thick-skulled head on what to do about this. You idiots haven't got a clue--or if you do, you're making sure it stays buried. And you're willing to crush the freedom of every single one of your countrymen to keep your place at the trough.

Still, when you're in the protection rackets, it's not like a certain level of threat isn't good for "business"...