More About Texas Gun Shows in Austin

In re yesterday's post:

Click to enlarge

I just got this and have not yet listened.

I do note some in comments endorse taking it out on the proprietors. I can't join that call because I don't know the facts. Here's the thing--it's not our livelihood at stake and based on all the talk and no action I observe from most in the internet "pro-gun" community, my bet is very few would come forward to help them fight this. It's a bit like watching the other barnyard critters complain about the Little Red Hen's bread not being up to snuff.

I'd venture unless a big outfit like NRA's Civil Rights Defense Fund comes to their rescue, and attorneys get involved who can convince Texas state authorities to issue some counter order or get an injunction from the courts, it's hardly any more fair to beat them up--with what we know at this time--than it is for us to condemn a gun owner for accepting a plea.

Hopefully there is something in the works. I'll need to listen to the segments, and again tomorrow, and perhaps I'll revise my assessment--perhaps not.

And no, I don't know which hour it's in or how soon it begins. Here's the main access page.

UPDATE: I'm listening to this segment now: http://podcast.gcnlive.com/podcast/alex/0118104.mp3

"Darwin" sounds like he's doing what he can and is going to fight this. His is a family business, so we're not talking unlimited resources here. It looks like Alex Jones will be going there at the next show in 3 1/2 weeks. Be nice if there was a game plan by then for supporting gun owners to show up and make a media/protest event of this.

It also sounds like the previous proprietor was caught on some stings and the feds are taking those out on the new guys.

As I listen, my sense is these are people we should be getting behind and supporting, not judging.

My Trijicon Sight is Defective...

Mine has Q 5:033 inscribed:

The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned...

I guess that last bit is if you plea bargain...?

The "Authorized Journalists" are going nuts. Here's a video from six months ago (see around 3:50 into it).

I can see the point that this could complicate Middle East operations. By the same token, a private company can put anything they like on their products.

Having worked in the defense contracting industry for over 16 years in a past life, I find it hard to believe the military procurement guys didn't know. But then again, having worked in the defense contracting industry for over 16 years, I find it perfectly believable.

An Open Letter

Vanderboegh writes one. [More]

It may surprise you, but I'd like to protest the lady's innocence. How can anyone bring more public disgrace to BATFU than their top management brings on themselves?

Ed Schultz Attacks Another Box of Freedom

What Schultz is proposing is nothing less than casus belli. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at a subversive punk on a soap box.

Also see how Nevadans are rallying behind the gun rights questionnaire, learn about legislative confusion in Oregon and get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend? You?

This Day in History: January 18

At a Brigade Court-Martial held 12th. instant whereof Lt. Colo. Harmer was President, Ensign Foster of 6th. Pennsylvania Regiment having been found guilty of challenging Captn. Cruise and behaving unbecoming the Character of an Officer and a Gentleman was sentenced to be discharged from the service...[More]

Messin' with Texas

By what authority? [More]

Where is this within BATFU's charter?

By what section of the Texas Penal Code or the Texas Government Code does the Austin PD claim authority?

They're discussing this over at AR15.com.

Correspondent Walter L appears to shed some light:

The Texas Gun Shows have been “ordered” by the Austin PD and BATF to allow no setups for gun sales from non-FFLs. All individual sales will have to go through licensed dealers.

Chasing some stuff down, it seems that HEB owns the building they use and the APD and BATF have gotten to them—threatening with the possibility of suit if there are sales on their property for non background checked transactions. Thus it’s the “landlord” not LE who is calling for the restrictions.

So what is this? They realize they don't have actual delegated power but aren't beyond a little backdoor "pressure" under color of authority to still get their way? They're stepping a bit outside the bounds of enforcement, wouldn't you say?

How is that different from extortion, a mob hood coming into your business and saying "Nice place you've got here--shame if something happened to it"...?

Is this the way Bloomberg's wet dream to end private sales will be enacted? Not through rule of law, but through official intimidation?

And just how does any of this square with the bottom line justification for government in the first damn place: "To secure the Blessings of Liberty..."?

UPDATE: Received via forwarded email.

and I just sent an email to the Austin PD:



[Via Chris P and Walter L]

We're the Only Ones Highly-Trained Enough

Customs officials have denied all requests to explain why a highly-trained agent left her gun in the bathroom, claiming there is an internal investigation. [More]

As is their custom.

I'm certainly glad this "highly-trained agent" is more trustworthy to be armed than you or I. That old "Only Ones" magic...

We never found out the name of that other "highly-trained agent" who did something similar a while back, did we? Although I note there is some speculation...

Noting that perception often becomes reality, I wonder if it would be fair to coin the term "keekuing" to define such incidents...?

Ah, hell, it would be a whole lot more fair than what she did to this guy...

Related: And now for a little bathroom gun humor- 'Only Ones'-style

Another Child Gun Violence Tragedy

The child and his mother were hiding in a bedroom when the gunmen tried to force their way in. One of the men shot through the door, striking the boy in the groin area.

The child, who was carrying a .22-caliber rifle, shot back, hitting one of the criminals in the neck. The men fled the scene shortly thereafter, investigators said. [More]

What a tragedy. The gun grabbers would rather this heroic boy and his mother had been killed. Then they'd have more blood to dance in, and more "Authorized Journalist" collaboration to call for disarming, you, me, and the children we have trained to behave responsibly with firearms.

Maybe they can push for strong national "safe storage" laws and can engineer that outcome next time.

Hey Colin Goddard--why don't you tell this kid he's seen too many movies.

An Unfair Expectation

I barely had time to make the [911] phone call. Anyone who thinks I could have gotten to a weapon and shot somebody I never fully saw watches too many movies. [More]

Fear not, Mr. Goddard.

I don't know anyone who has that expectation--of you.

Gun Rights Questionnaire Spreading to Other Races

I continue to encourage you to send candidates the questionnaire. You can publicize their answers through email lists, on forums, via blogs--and encourage the candidates to post them on their campaign website "issues" page. Just please understand if I can't give them all the individual attention they deserve here. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column continues with the effort to define whether or not those seeking office understand the basics.

Let me ask you regulars here: Have you sent the questionnaire to any candidates?

Why not?

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: January 17

Mr. William Smith, is employed in the Continental Service as Deputy Waggon Master, Josiah Kittara as Waggon Conductor, William Smith Junior as Sub Conductor, and Thomas Edwards and Amos Evans as Waggoners, the Certificates of their being attached to the Continental Army in these Capacities will be delivered to you by Mr. Wm. Smith, who goes in behalf of the rest, and as it cannot be the intention of the Legislature to treat persons of this description in the light of Delinquents, I have no doubt that upon receipt of this you will acquit them from the Fines to which they have hitherto been considered as subject under the Militia Act. [More]

'Tis a Poor Craftsman...

...who blames his tools. [More]

If we only had more HAL 9000s, we'd all be drinkin' that free Bubble-Up and eatin' that rainbow stew...

We're the Only Ones Watching Over You Enough

Prosecutors charged a former Natrona County reserve deputy with seven felonies in connection with allegations that he secretly videotaped couples engaged in sexual activities inside their Evansville home.

Police say Alan Brooks, 65, wired a Curtis Street home in Evansville with elaborate recording devices and spent the past four years videotaping its residents. Court documents refer to Brooks as the property’s “manager and/or landlord.” [More]

Who would even think to do something like this?

And let's just take a look at some of the recent stories sent to me I've decided not to do individual posts on:

Riverside police officer faces child molestation charges

Kan. police chief accused of 17 felonies, including rape, indecent liberties with children

Fired Henry deputy accused of having sex with minor

I could go on, but why?

Again, I don't go looking for this crap. And I don't want the main focus of this site to be taken over by tales of official incompetence, corruption, sordid perversion, cruelty...But I do think it's important to always have a selection of accounts on hand to throw back at anyone either lying or idiotic enough to maintain police are the "Only Ones" we should trust with guns.

If that gets me labeled a "denigrator," so be it. And in the interests of CUM ULLA SELLA IN PUGNO TABERNA, perhaps we ought to look at the etymology of that word and question why the Bradys used it instead of a substitute of less offensive origin, such as "disparage."

[Via FFFW]

What Do You Want from Me, Blood...?

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Friday that the Obama administration would temporarily grant legal status to the tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants who were living in the United States illegally before this week's earthquake. [More]

Hell, you might as well let them vote, too.

I realize right now special circumstances are called for, but this raises another question. You see, for many years I have been a blood donor--I have the good stuff that can be used for anybody, so they tap me regularly, and it's just something I believe and participate in as a personal civic duty.

But each time they put me through the same stupid drill--read the booklet, answer the questions--and they always want to know if I've been to Haiti, among some other places.

I'm kind of wondering what good it does to answer "No"...and whether having a reliable blood supply isn't a part of true "homeland security"...

The Devil Bat

Ohio man bitten by bat to be paid $1,500 by county under little-known state law [More]

Any government that can take money from me and give it to you for this can take money from me and give it to you for anything.

When it comes to being parasitic vampires, anything in the movies pales in comparison to the real thing.

Where is NRA on New Hampshire Gun Bill?

NRA is generally recognized as the leading gun lobby group. I don't think it's asking too much to expect them to show some leadership here and fill us in on where they stand and what they're doing. [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column wonders about an apparent absence from the field...

Also get the latest from my fellow GREs.

Tell a friend?

This Day in History: January 16

A Flag will Soon go to the Enemies Lines, those Persons who have any things to send to our Prisoners there must have them at the Commissary Genl. of Prisoner's Quarters by next Saturday afternoon. [More]

Am I 'Skating Near the Legal Edge of Making Threats of Violence'?

"In his last line, Mr. Codrea seems to be skating pretty near the legal edge of making threats of violence." [More]

A Fudd/troll offers a stinging criticism to one of my GUNS Magazine columns.

I thought it worth a second Gun Rights Examiner column to call it to your attention.

Tell a friend?

And feel free to send the mag your own "Crossfire" letter.

Imagine a World Without Guns!

Gangs Armed With Machetes Loot Port-Au-Prince [More]

And:

There was no sign of police or any kind of law and order.

Ah. Any bets they're taking care of their own? And they're armed with more than machetes?

Another Name to Put...

...on the "No Guns" list... [More]

Kurt also has some thoughts.

Just take your shoes off and step into the Disintegrator Booth...

[Via Smiley Starfish]