Gun Rights Examiner

Now it’s time for a little shameless exploitation of my new hosts. I'd like to extend an invitation to Cleveland area gun rights activists: we have a unique and unprecedented opportunity here, courtesy of Examiner.com, to employ their resources and reach to get our message heard outside "the choir." Let's use it. If you know of a story that can help promote the cause, send me the link as a tip. If you're part of a gun rights group that is fighting a particular battle, supporting or opposing a particular candidate or measure this area is affected by, or if you have an event coming up, let me know about it. If you're an area gun blogger, by all means keep me apprised of work you're doing that Northeast Ohioans would be interested in. Just email me, dcodrea@hotmail.com and put EXAMINER in the subject.

Let's not make this MY Examiner page--let's make this OUR Examiner page. That also means if we post something here that will be of interest to your gun-owning friends and club members that you help spread the word through your email contacts, on gun boards, etc. And by all means leave comments. If the folks running this show see this topic generates interest, they'll be more likely to encourage more of it throughout their considerable media network. And before I forget, I also need to extend an invitation to a very important segment of Examiner readers--those horrified and angered by all of this, and who think the problem is not enough gun control.

Examiner.com has invited me to be their Cleveland "Gun Rights Examiner"--a category they didn't have until I pitched it.

This represents not just a local opportunity, but if it's successful, they'll surely be receptive to expanding the topic to other markets.

Back when I participated in The New York Times' Virginia Tech panel, I wrote that if the "mainstream media" sees the topic generates a lot of interest, friendly or hostile, they'll give us more opportunities to use their megaphone.

This is such an opportunity. Just look at the top dog of the whole shebang--and he's a "conservative," which beats the alternative. This is part of an evolving business model for "traditional media"--an adaptation intended to expand its market reach. And it looks like they know what they're doing. Now that they've made a bit of room for RKBA "diversity" in the experiment, it would be foolish squandering not to seize the brass ring.

I don't ask much from WarOnGuns regulars--basically I limit myself to asking you to join me in an occasional letter or email, or to support something I myself am supporting. I'm asking you now to help me spread the word on this--not just now at the launch of this new venture, but as you can on an occasional basis going forward. I won't presume to suggest how, just anything...

Please help me to maximize this opportunity. As I said in my first post, "Let's not make this MY Examiner page--let's make this OUR Examiner page."

Arms Recovered in Alleged MILF Safehouse

The military recovered an M79 grenade launcher and two rounds of ammunition from an abandoned safehouse reportedly belonging to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels accused of attacking civilian communities in central Mindanao, a military official said.

Well, now we know why they make 'em wear burkhas...

[Via The Armed Schoolteacher]

Doug Pennington, Boy Genius

"Which risk is more likely: that someone is going to accidentally set off a gun in class and God forbid hit a student, or someone will come in off the highway and start a random shooting spree?" said Doug Pennington, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

What, you mean like this guy, Doug?

Yeah, you're right--only the "Only Ones" are professional enough to carry a gun in a classroom.

Moron.

High School Coach Has Big "But"

I am 100 percent pro gun rights, but...

Oh stop lying. You are not.

And if you don't think there's "a slight chance" that violent attacks can happen anywhere, you're simply ignorant.

Some of us don't care about your "Only Ones" friends, Graham--we've seen and documented too many examples to fall for that fraud.

Your sorry assessment of human nature notwithstanding, you don't get to make the rules for me. You're the only one in control of your reactions. If the sight of an openly armed citizen makes you afraid, that's your phobia. I was recently surrounded by thousands of them, as were many other parents with children, and I couldn't have been less fearful of violence erupting.

We're the Only Ones Technical Enough

The city prosecutor's office here threw out the illegal possession of firearm charge against a scion of a political family here on technical grounds.

Yeah, see, technically, even though he's not an official "Only One," he gets a pass because technically, it's an exclusive club and we take care of our own.

Clear?

Massively Understated

Gun crime 60pc higher than official figures

The true level of gun crime is far higher than the Government admits in official statistics, it can be revealed.

...Figures to be published by the Home Office this week will massively understate the scale of the problem.

Ah, life in Sarah Brady Paradise.

This means one of two things: The UK government is either criminally negligent or they're lying, deliberately and for a focused end purpose.

Why would anyone let either an incompetent or a tyrant disarm him?

I've heard some, more considerate of mainstream trepidations than I am, suggest that if Obama wins we'll lose our gun rights.

Perhaps they will.

Perhaps others will demonstrate the real-world meaning of "Use it or lose it."

From what I'm seeing, the spirit of recognition, resistance and anger in a growing percentage of American gun owners is being massively understated.

[Via Featherless Biped]

Politically Incorrect Guide to Politics

The Economist's Cookbook has embedded all 6 parts of John Stossel's video essay on his site.

Bar Stool Economics

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Click on the title link for a slide show.

[Via Straightarrow]

This Day in History: October 19

The British surrender their fort at Chambly, Canada.

See My New Ad?

Over in the left sidebar...It's a click-through to "Cleveland Gun Rights Examiner."

Go ahead and check it out. I'll post some details tomorrow.

We're the Only Ones Who Just Got Tougher Enough

Pennsylvania's gun laws got tougher Friday as Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill increasing the mandatory sentence for anyone convicted of shooting a firearm at a police officer and for crimes committed with illegally purchased guns.

Rendell signed the wide-reaching bill at the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police lodge.

What about if the shooting is defensive? And how about increasing penalties for "Only Ones" unjustifiably shooting citizens (instead of the standard "he did not violate any department policies"?)

And as far as "illegally purchased guns," does that include those bought with money taken via coercion?

I've about had it with the damned self-serving FOP and other public employee unions. Let's fight back and see how they like it when it's their ox being gored. I think it's past time we started demanding a law requiring all police to keep their service weapons locked at their police station when not on duty, with a log record to show them properly checked in and out.

For...the...children...

I Was a Teenage Zombie

"My story is based on fiction," said Poole, who faces a second-degree felony terrorist threatening charge. "It's a fake story. I made it up. I've been working on one of my short stories, (and) the short story they found was about zombies. Yes, it did say a high school. It was about a high school over ran by zombies."

Even so, police say the nature of the story makes it a felony. "Anytime you make any threat or possess matter involving a school or function it's a felony in the state of Kentucky," said Winchester Police detective Steven Caudill.

Gee, detective, I possess all kinds of matter pertaining to schools and their functions, and I even recommend that people ignore the damn law and carry weapons on campuses when their mature judgment as responsible and sovereign citizens tells them doing so would be prudent. Anybody wants to make a felony rap out of that, let's dance.

Here's the thing--I simply don't know enough about this story to judge the merits of whether or not young Poole posed a credible threat. Grandparents calling the cops suggests they were at the end of their tether, but who knows those family dynamics? And who knows if he singled out individuals by name and outlined specific intent?

What should concern us all is the level of evidence--as presented in this news account--arising to the level of a felony prosecution. If they have the kid on a genuine threat against real people, that's one thing. But we need to make sure we're not so paranoid that we overreact and infringe on genuine freedom. And it's up to us to keep tabs on those who might do so in our name.

[Via Cigar Rollers]

Who's Stealing? We're Appropriating

A small software company trying to create a program to help gun dealers comply with federal regulations now believes that the government purposefully stalled and then swiped the technology to create a copycat program of its own.

We briefly touched on this yesterday. Considering what we're dealing with, I'm still not sure why this would surprise anyone. I mean, the whole purpose of BATFU is to mess with people and their property...under threat of armed force.

It would be nice if those government watchdog "Authorized Journalists" outside of conservative media like WorldNetDaily would notice the continual outrages, but, after all, that's why they're authorized.

Looks like we'll have to work without them toward the day when thieves and murderers meet their just fate. Thing is, until that day comes, we've already been told--years ago-- about an electronic authorization system that would still allow for the culling of "prohibited persons" (yeah, I know), but completely eliminate any identifying information on purchases. In other words, it would not create one new requirement, but would actually eliminate any record of who bought what. And the damnedest thing is, it would work.

Not that anybody really cares enough to even give it a serious look...

May the Peace of the Lightworker be with You

"I am not in favor of concealed weapons," Obama said. "I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations."

Not that that surprises anyone who's been paying attention, but The Liberty Sphere provides a source (click on title link).

And of course, once you've trusted yourself into his hands, he can probe your soul (or any other damn place he chooses). All he has to do is get the crowd to keep throwing stones at this woman.

That's one helluva Messiah.

Blessed are the sheep, for they shall be fleeced and slaughtered.

This Day in History: October 18

On October 18, the Americans surrounded Chambly and began the attack with a cannonade barrage on the British stone fort. This alone proved adequately persuasive against the British. Maj. ?? Stopford, commander of the British force inside the fort, surrendered his garrison of 10 officers and 78 enlisted men of the Royal Fusilers. The fort also housed 81 women and children.

The American force confinscated military stuff including 125 stand of British arms, 6 tons of gunpowder, and 6,500 musket cartridges. They also confinscated foodstuffs including 134 barrels of pork, 80 barrels of flour, and s bunch of rice, butter, and peas. The sentimental trophy was the British regimental colors, which was sent to Congress. Conclusion: American Victory

Misfired Police Raid Could Have Ended in Bloodshed

There are times when cops really ought to be kicking in doors.

A hostage-taker threatening the lives of innocents unless he gets what he wants?

Go for it.

A terrorist tinkering with poison gas in his basement workshop for the greater glory of whatever?

Hey, let me loan you a sledge hammer.

An elderly man whose grandson unknowingly bought a hot cell phone?

Not so much.

We want to go home at the end of your shift, too, guys...

So They're Proprietary Software Thieves, Too?

And that would surprise us because...?

[Via "Mr. X"]

No Time for Sergeants

I'd almost forgotten about this post, the noncom who lent his picture in uniform to the IANSA global gun grab effort.

Someone claiming to be him finally replied, and since very few of you go back to read comments to old posts I thought I'd bring them to the forefront:

Anonymous said...
I am retired. I do not have any recent pictures of me out of uniform. Therefore, I am not violating any regulations. Check that if you want, but I am not representing the Army. If I had a picture of me in a Spiderman costume would you be so offended? I think not. So, if I am retired and the picture is a couple of years old, the regulations do not apply to me. That is sufficient an answer as you are going to get regardless of whether you all think you know the regulations or not.
Sincerely, retired Senior Non-Com
10/16/2008 5:05 PM

and

Anonymous said...
You will also note that I do not condone gang members in my former line of endeavor. I want all gun owners to be responsible members of a lawful society. And if you open you eyes you will see on my old uniform that I have the Army Lapel Pin on my lapel. Meaning, I am either a. retired, or have been Honorably discharged. And judging by my former rank, (which I get to keep the title long after I am retired), I am long past my contractual obligations to the Army or the Armed Forces. And you are right, you are just a simple little militant who knows nothing about anything except how to attack persons you should damn well leave alone for voicing their "earned" rights of free speech as opposed to those who feel entitled by birth or racist affiliations. I hope next time you check your facts before you find the NSA at your door asking you questions. You pathetic little turd.
Retire that.
10/16/2008 5:15 PM

I'll reply to the "highlights" such as they are--and let me qualify this by stipulating I have no idea if the anonymous commentator is who he represents himself to be. I'll proceed as if he is.

The Spiderman idea would be completely between you and the copyright holder on the image--although a mask might not be a bad idea.

And the regs do apply to retirees--the section on retirees specifically references the section of the regulations I cited in my original post (see 30-7, pg. 316).

As for: "I want all gun owners to be responsible members of a lawful society."

No problem. The wording of their "5 Golden Rules" ensures that private gun ownership can be disqualified, so all gun owners will be lawful in the IANSA/Control Arms global society you're supporting. That's because all gun owners will be the ones dictating the law. But for the life of me, I can't tell the difference between most of them and the "gang members" you don't condone.

Now we come to me being a "simple little militant" who needs to "damn well leave [you] alone" for "voicing [your] earned right of free speech." Well, that tells me all about you right there, and why you have such affinity for UN-style controls and "human rights," which are dictated, defined and limited by the global body (and thus revocable), and overseen by these enlightened humanitarians.

News flash: This ain't Starship Troopers. I know you consider yourself an "Only One" with special "earned rights," but here they are unalienable, a birthright, endowed by our Creator. No one has authority to tell me I have or haven't earned them. I am entitled.

A uniform alone does not bring honor, considering the likes of Benedict Arnold and Lon Horiuchi once wore one. The military heroes I revere are the ones who bring honor to the uniform, not the other way around. From what I can see, assuming you actually are what you represent yourself to be, you're now bringing disgrace to it.

And what's this race card crap? Is that your way of keeping others from criticizing you for personal deficiencies? That doesn't play here. We defiant gun-owning men and women stand as individuals--the groups we belong to are secondary. Besides, you're the one who appears to be hiding a Hispanic surname from your Control Arms post.

And as for you siccing NSA on me, I learned a long time ago never to make threats I wasn't prepared to back up--it just makes people who do so look like impotent fools, and ones who do so anonymously look even more ridiculous. And you call me a "pathetic little turd"?

Go ahead though. Let's see whatcha got. I've never ducked from a threat of "official" reprisal. Use your awesome connections and dispatch them to my door. I'll have a few questions for them of my own, starting with "Do you have a warrant?"

It's Getting Pretty Deep in Bemidji

Presumably she’ll push more than gun rights... We’d like to think we’re deeper than that.

I know you'd like to think that--but you let the one be gutted and just watch what happens to all the other issues you're so passionate about.

Maslow's hierarchy 'n all that...

Still, where any of your collectivist wish list falls within the legitimate purview of the Executive is beyond me...

You "Authorized Journalist" hacks have a lot of damn gall identifying yourselves with the pioneers.

It's Always Anti-Gunny in Philadelphia

The same Philadelphia City Council members who have challenged the state's supremacy on gun laws introduced two new gun-control bills yesterday, one aimed at closing what critics say is a big loophole in the secondhand gun market...

The other bill introduced yesterday would raise the city penalty for carrying a gun illegally from $300 to $1,900 and would allow police to confiscate a car driven by someone illegally carrying a gun - regardless of ownership of the car.

Can you imagine what the men who once risked everything, to forge a Republic conceived in Liberty, would have thought of these wretched petty tyrants? Right after you told them Independence Hall would one day be a UN World Heritage site?