Saturday, January 31, 2009

An appealing development

Attorney Alan Gura has filed an opening brief in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column.

Hey, I had an outpatient surgery yesterday and am doing the pain pill routine--this is probably it for this weekend. I'd prepared this column the day before I went in.

Please spread the word about this new column and please go easy on the emails or I'll be swamped when I'm back up and running.

Thanks.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Gangswell

Criminal gangs in the USA have swelled to an estimated 1 million members responsible for up to 80% of crimes in communities across the nation, according to a gang threat assessment compiled by federal officials. [More]

Say, I've got a swell idea...

Let's disarm you and me...

We're the Only Ones Forgive Us Our Trespasses Enough

A former Teton County Sheriff's deputy who shot a dog three times after its owner had tied it to a tree pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor trespassing..[More]
I had to dig through a lot of stuff to find the last time I talked about this.

Enter "dog" in the site search box and see for yourself.

I may have to start a category right alongside the "Only Ones" files. Well, not too close to it. We all know how that can end up.

So--what do you think? "Misdemeanor trespassing" for us, too...?

[Via Avg Joe]

Not Close Enough for Government Work?

From thedweeze:
Just heard this on Shep's show (approx 7:40PM): The Army has 'recalled' 16,000 sets of body armor. They were their usual obfuscatory selves about explaining exactly why this particular 16,000 units and what the criteria were. The reason I'm alerting you all is that in all likelihood these things will hit the surplus market late this Spring or early Summer and folks need to be aware of exactly what they're looking at.
OK, here's the story.
[B]ullet-shielding ceramic plates in the armor failed testing...
Seems like it would be a hell of a liability if they released these into the civilian market...

Questioning Rosanna Pulido for Congress?

I've been seeing a growing buzz on this candidate in the gun community. [More]

I also note that replacing Rahm Emanuel with even a nominally pro-gun candidate would be an improvement.

So I don't mean to take out my ongoing disillusionment on her--it's just that I've been wooed by "pro-gun Republicans" before. For decades. And here we are.

So when I see her 2nd Amendment page not only misspells Hale DeMar's name, but doesn't even touch on the core meaning of the right in terms of being a safeguard against tyranny, you'll excuse me if I don't wonder just how deep the well goes. Plus, I gotta tell you--stumping for Chi-Town "Only Ones" doesn't exactly put a Liberty lump in my throat.

Let her unequivocally answer a few questions and I'll be happy to consider her candidacy based on how she does:

1. Do you believe that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land" and that the Bill of Rights acknowledges the birthrights of all Americans?

2. If so, should these rights be proactively protected from infringement by all levels of government, including city, county and state?

3. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider constitutional.

4. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider unconstitutional.

5. Does the right to bear arms include the right for any peaceable citizen to carry them concealed without a permit, as in Vermont?

6. Do you believe that Americans have a right to own, use and carry weapons of military pattern?

7. Do you support or oppose calls to “enforce existing gun laws”?

8. Do you support or oppose licensing requirements to own or carry firearms? Why?

9. What specific gun laws will you work to get repealed?

10. If elected, will you back your words of support for firearms rights up with consistent actions? How?

[Via John Richardson]

The Whine Club

Vanderboegh has some fun. Content Warning. [More]

An Evening Visit

"Before you take the sword, before you walk the way of the sword, know this", she held back slightly and the heat I felt became somehow instantly cold, lonely, vacuous. "Once taken, you can never let go. If you accept, you can never relinquish. The price is great. Your Forebears paid. This way is fraught with peril. The reward, however, is greater than gold, brighter than diamonds." [More]
Mike H sets out on a quest.

A Certain Outcome for Holder?

The Borgs at the AP tell us resistance is futile, and Eric Holder will be confirmed by the full Senate Monday evening. They say there's nothing we can do, that "the outcome is not in doubt." [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column explains how and why that came about, thanks largely in part to "our side."

I still recommend you keep pestering your senators. If nothing else, we need to train ourselves never to quit.

We also have a new columnist in Austin, Howard Nemerov. Consider that three-and-a-half months ago there was nothing.

As always, I ask you to help us continue to grow by sharing GRE links with your friends, posting to forums... I hope the regulars who find value here here make that a regular practice. In any case, until someone steps forward and gives me a substantial advertising budget, I'm going to keep asking you to.

Check out the latest from other Gun Rights Examiners


This Day in History: January 30

January 30, 1777

- In Jamaica, attorneys claim that American vessels and their crews captured by British warships prior to January 1, 1776, when the Trade Prohibitory Act became effective could not be detained. [More]

Thursday, January 29, 2009

"As Ineffective as Most Prohibitions"

Hobbled by the Supreme Court decision in D.C. v. Heller, recognizing that individuals have a constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, gun control advocates are roaming the land with virtual lightbulbs over their heads. "Ah ha," they say. You can have your guns, but we'll control your ammunition. [More]
J. D. Tuccille makes the rounds and presents some bullet points.

I really deserve to be smacked for that, at least twice, don't I?

Recreational shooting would be severely curtailed or destroyed entirely.
Cut back practice and training--there's a surefire happy ending solution! Why wouldn't we want people less trained, less able to hit what they aim at?

Government--is there anything it doesn't know?

Jury Duty

I have been summoned for jury duty in King County Superior Court. Initially, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to do my duty. Moments later it occurred to me that the court would most likely want me to convict someone of violating unconstitutional laws, like laws criminalizing drugs, sex, guns, etc. [More]
Mark A. Taff thinks through a process most of us will face.

We're the Only Ones Elite Enough

We only use off-duty police officers [More]
Why does the slogan "We use only 100% pure 'Only Ones'" come to mind?

I can't help but wonder if--all other things being equal--public status gives private advantage in terms of privileges or access if some reworking of applicable laws might not be in order.

For example: Can a LEO acting in a private capacity carry in places forbidden to a non-LEO bodyguard? If so, does that not equate to the law giving him a competitive advantage in private ventures and, in effect, ensure unequal protection in terms of earning a living?

I'm not saying this is so--I'm just askin'. If anybody knows, please educate me.

[Via Mike H]

We're the Only Ones in Suspense Enough

A Chattanooga detective accused of assaulting an elderly Wal-Mart greeter who asked to see his sales receipt has been suspended from duty. [More]
He's not really the "Only One" in suspense. I have been too, wondering how all that equal treatment under the law was going to work out...

[Via Ed M]

Potential Rape Victims Ordered to Wear Burkas or Face Fines

It's the same principle, you know.

Government. No wonder we love it so. [More]

[Via Ed M]

Justice Delayed

Five people imprisoned for the 1985 rape and murder of a 68-year-old woman were pardoned Monday, two months after investigators said DNA evidence proved they were innocent. [More]
One can only wonder how many enter pleas because they've been bullied into it over threatened consequences. And somehow, those who defrauded them into it remain free to do it again and again...

And remember: "They" hate us because we're free.

[Via Ed M]

We're the Only Ones Manning Our Post Enough

The U.S. government is investigating a former CIA officer in Algeria who has been accused of drugging and raping two women while he held the post, according to an affidavit released by the Justice Department. [More]
So much for the "intelligence" of "Only Ones"...

We're the Only Ones Solicitous Enough

VCU Police Chief Willie B. Fuller was arrested yesterday. The Chesterfield County Police Department media advisory states that Chief Fuller is charged "with use of a communications device to solicit sex from a minor and attempted indecent liberties with a minor." [More]
At least we can now guess why VCU "Only Ones" are so intent on maintaining a monopoly of force.

The Age Old Question, however, remains a mystery.

[Via AntiCitizenOne]

What the Brady Campaign Means by 'Home Rule'

Ah, the old "home rule" argument.

You know, their position that places like Washington DC should be able to enact gun bans. Just like President Obama's Chicago/Cheyenne sleight of mind...

It's a great trick to use on those who aren't paying attention. You distract everyone with talk about assaults on local control, and then you enact sweeping legislation that encompasses everybody everywhere. [More]
Today's Gun Rights Examiner column focuses on a common deception propagated by the anti-gunners-- when "home rule" favors citizen disarmament, they're for it. When it doesn't, it's time to being in the feds.

I'd like to see more gun rights activists pick up on this argument and use it. You can start by sharing the link to today's column.

Check out the latest from other Gun Rights Examiners:

This Day in History: January 29

Your wish, to be the instrument of restoring peace, to a much oppressed and more injured People, is certainly most laudable, but you must very well know, that this is not to be effected by the interposition of any person in a private Character, and Lord and General Howe have refused to negotiate with the only great representative Body of this Continent. [More]

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Holder Approved by Subcommittee

Go to Gun Rights Examiner for details. [More]

We're the Only Ones Offering You a Deal Enough

A former North Texas sheriff has admitted to forcing a woman to perform a sex act after telling her it was the only way she wouldn’t go to jail for drugs found in her house, a federal prosecutor said Monday. [More]
What, he didn't check her "Only One"-filed false disease report first?

[Via Lane]

Lager? Isn't that a Kind of Beer?

H. R. 645

To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish national emergency centers on military installations. [More]
Huh.

You don't think they'll make them "gun free zones," do you?

I wonder if going there will be compulsory if where we live is declared "off limits"?

I wonder if you try to leave if you'll be stopped? Even if disease breaks out, or there's not enough food, or...

Oh well, I'll bet they've learned a lot since Katrina. I'm sure they're doing this for our own good.

Right?

[Via Tom Z]

We're the Only Ones Malpracticing Enough

Terry Neal, a Tampa activist and former City Council candidate, sued the city of Tampa, two police officers and the Police Department, alleging his reputation was ruined when police falsely wrote he had HIV, hepatitis C and a violent mental illness in a police report four years ago. [More]
So if I report that both the named "Only Ones" have oozing genital lesions, and can't "pinpoint where [I] got the information...even when such information is unverified," will my "warning [be] justified to protect [citizens] from even a possibility of a potentially fatal exposure" if these rights rapists ever get them in their clutches?

Hey, at least the chart accuracy gives us a glimpse into what we can expect from government-run health care...

[Via Mack H]

Hose Down

You win the game by how well you aim... [More]

We Didn't Love Freedom Enough

Whatever alibis the Soviet-era Russians and other captive peoples might have had as the Gulag's apparatus churned and grumbled, we kulaks of the Obamanation have no such excuses. [More]
Sure we do. They're just not very good excuses.

Perhaps "I Love Freedom Enough" is a slogan that could be helpful?

It would invite questioning...

Living in Fear

The threats were, in the opinion of security experts we consulted, serious. The individual has a felony record and owns a gun. Police in three states became involved and we hired a personal security team to protect me, my family and TechCrunch employees. [More]
Find the Boots asks some obvious questions.

Maybe Mr. Arrington wouldn't be so fearful if he stopped assuming his safety is something that can be outsourced. There can be something very liberating in knowing what you're capable of in a crunch.

[Via Boondoggi]

And the Meek Shall Inherit What, Exactly...?

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek said today that last week’s shooting in Miami that left seven injured and two dead shows the need for reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons. [More]
You can contact this f*****g idiot here, if you like.

He's got his filter set to only hear from constituents, so enter 33026 - 6037 as the Zip +4 to get to his online form.

I see he's going after Mel Martinez's senate seat--you know--the RINO who came out in favor or Eric Holder...

[Via Ron Bokelman]

I Have a Better Idea

A new bill introduced in the Congress by New York Republican Rep. Peter King requires mobile phones with digital cameras "to make a sound" when a photograph is taken.

The move is part of the 'Camera Phone Predator Alert Act' and the idea is to ensure privacy and safety of the public, especially children, claims the bill. [More]
I have a better idea. Why not just tie cans to Peter King, so we'll all know a rights molester is approaching?

Where do the Republicans find these nitwits?

And naturally, he's also an idiot when it comes to guns (GOA gives him an "F").

[Via Avg Joe, who wonders if this might have something to do with it]

We're the Only Ones Playing Footsie Enough

Authorities said the St. Lucie County firefighter who took a man's severed foot from an Interstate 95 crash scene last year has been charged with misdemeanor theft.

The firefighter told the Florida Highway Patrol after the Sept. 19 crash that she took the remains to help train her cadaver dog. [More]
So if you give "Only Ones" an inch and they take a mile, what happens when you give them a foot...?

[Via Ron W]

A Hearty Breakfast Starts with Cheerios...

I like 'em. Simple, quick, throw some banana slices on top, add a little milk...

But knocking the bowl over an my workspace, documents and keyboard is not part of a good way to start your morning.

Much cussing, sopping, rinsing and drying later, all technical issues have been resolved.

We now return to our regularly scheduled ranting.

Y'know, I could have just said "the bowl spilled" and "it got things soaked"...

Arrested Development in Georgia Gun Case

An "Authorized Law Enforcement Officer" has been ordered by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, to make an arrest in a machine gun case.

Guess who they're arresting?

Wrong. Not "who."

"What."

Seriously. [More]
My Gun Rights Examiner column for today follows up on Len Savage and the duct-taped upper declared a machine gun.

Links to previous reports and documents, including the warrant, the complaint and ATF correspondence are included.

This has the potential to be a very important case that will impact other manufacturers. I expect it will also provoke a lot of discussion of gun forums. At least it will if some of you post a link to the column on them.

As always, please share it with your friends.

This Day in History: January 28


Considering the treasonous acts of the current crop of trustees in New Jersey, I'd say some forfeitures are past due.

Also, a very happy birthday to feral elder son Qusay, who turns 18 today. I was listening to music in the car yesterday, and Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen" came on. I was 18 when he released it, and many of us at the time considered it an anthem of sorts.

Naturally, I sang along, poorly, with all the inflections in the right places even though I haven't heard it in decades. It brought with it a very strong wave of emotion--nostalgia, lost youth, a precious son who has grown into a boy and a man...

The lump in my throat grows even now until I notice a sheet of notepaper on my desk, bearing the handwriting of archrival feral younger son Uday with this simple display of what kid brothers are all about:
John's To-Do List:

Be a noob.
God, I love these monkeys. Not a day goes by they don't make me laugh, even when it's at my expense, which, naturally, is probably the most fun.

Anyone who wants a crack at them has to go through me first. If I didn't have them, and the promise of their lives, I don't know if I'd be doing any of this.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

This is Happening...

...faster than I can keep up with.
Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez was charged Tuesday with receiving a bribe and falsifying evidence, the latest in a string of Connecticut politicians caught up in recent corruption investigations. The four-term Democrat is admitting to "a lapse in judgment"... [More]
Could we please have a Mayors Against (Your) Guns corruption/lapse in judgment moratorium?

And they say there are no stupid questions.

[Via TJP]

VCU Disarmament Policy

Another problem with this "law" is that it would be impossible to fairly enforce. VCU is a spread out, urban university, and city property and VCU property blend together with no clear definition. To effectively enforce this law, VCU would need to post hundreds if not thousands of signs deliniating the boundaries to its property...[More]
There's a discussion going on. My own thoughts are to do what I think is necessary--a hell of a risk to demand a free man to take. You can only marvel at the evil mind that thought that one up, and the ignorant ones that think it makes them safer.

Which brings us to this:
The university is committed to providing an environment conducive to academic freedom, free inquiry, and equal access to educational and occupational opportunities. The principle of academic freedom requires all persons to respect another's dignity, to acknowledge another's right to express differing opinions, to cultivate and to cherish intellectual honesty, and to promote freedom of inquiry and expression. It is therefore the policy of the university that no act of any member of the university community shall serve to restrain or inhibit access to opportunities or the exercise of these freedoms. To that end, no person, either singly or in concert with others, shall willfully:

4. Have in his possession any firearm, other weapon, or explosive, regardless of whether a license to possess the same has been issued, without the written authorization of the president of the university. This restriction does not apply to persons whose duties lawfully require the possession of firearms or other weapons.
Basically, a bunch of academic weasel words that say our feelings and our choice on how to react to you acting like a free and sovereign human being will be used to dictate what "dignity" we will allow you to "cultivate" and "cherish."

So much for "express[ing] differing opinions."

Orwellian subversives. The only good thing I can think of is, if the commies do win, their useful idiot academic enablers will be able to look forward to a Cambodian-style cultural opportunity.

LM is looking for thoughtful input. As he tells me via email:
This is an issue that has confused the 2A crowd in VA for some time, with no clear answer. This is a more serious issue than it seems at first glance, because the campus of VCU is spread out throughout the City of Richmond, surrounds part of the state capital, and it is virtually impossible to enter, exit, or travel through Richmond without passing through VCU.
Go on over and read the whole thing.

The New Business Cards are in...


What?

[Yes, of course it's Photoshopped.]

Dogbert Gets It

Dilbert.com

[Via Ed M]

Teabagging Obama

Mike Vanderboegh expounds on a protest idea from Karl Denninger that is inspired by some earlier Patriots.
That is, to mail President Obama one teabag. Nothing dangerous, nothing illegal - just one teabag.

Send one to your Congressman and one to each Senator.
My thought was to tag each tea bag with a fitting message, and I suggested the following as something that could be copied, pasted, printed, cut and attached.

I saw a comment on this somewhere, and I can't find it now, that suggested this is probably illegal under a whole bunch of different Homeland Security--not to mention USPS--regulations. In which case, were I to do this, I'd probably dress like an Indian.

As an aside, you don't want to see some of the graphic images I came across while Googling "teabag" to see if anyone carried custom die-cut print stock sheets. Honest, dear, I'm doing research...

For that matter, I'm wondering if this blog post title will attract some record page view numbers...

Jumping the Abyss

That's a lot of emptiness below those wheels... [More]

We're the Only Ones Domestically Abusing Enough

A Hillsborough County deputy was arrested this morning after he used a Taser three to four times on his wife and placed a semiautomatic gun against her left temple, deputies say. [More]
How'd you like to be a citizen at the mercy of this "Only One" when he would "strive to give 100%"?

[Via Ed M]

Batty in Tampa

"Law enforcement approached and detained Nichols who was sitting on the curb eating sushi and wearing traditional Batman apparel, complete with cape and partial mask," the motion to dismiss states. "It was a dark day for the Dark Knight, as he was subsequently placed under arrest for wearing a hood on a public street."

During an interview tonight, Nichols said a sergeant in Ybor City had an issue with his costume and caused him to land _ Pow! Zap! _ in the slammer. The sergeant, Nichols said, had previously advised him to unmask himself and told a fellow officer to arrest him. [More]
Thank goodness this menace to public safety has been unmasked. And y'know, "Dark Knight" does sound like a Klan title...

Besides, what kind of idiot doesn't know that only criminals and terrorists wear hoods in Florida?

[Via Ed M]

We're the Only Ones "Tell-tale Heart" Enough

The TSA and the U.S. Secret Service trained about 70 Tampa police officers and Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies working the event in their techniques. Milano described them as "telltale signs of people about to engage in wrongdoing" based on the Israeli security system. [More]
So if your ears go back, it means you're about to bite the horse in front of you?

We talked about these semi-psychic "Only Ones" before. It makes me wonder: in the seven months since we first discussed them, how many terrorists about to blow something up or start shooting have our guys apprehended using these techniques?

And since when did buying a ticket to a football game mean you surrendered your rights? (And they say there are no stupid questions...)

I've said before, when I die and go to hell, they'll make me watch televised sports. The wife told me who was playing, because the local supermarket was selling team logo cupcakes, but I've forgotten. I keep telling her I take pride in not knowing until the day of the game, if even then, which I generally spend doing anything else.

I know what this has inspired me to watch this year. It's this Sunday, right?

[Via Ed M]

Sometimes, Saying "No" isn't Enough

Why I will vote 'no' on Holder
Good for you, Senator Barrasso.

But here's the thing. That in and of itself won't cut it.

We need for you to go the next step and put a hold on the confirmation process. Filibuster. Obstruct. Delay. Loudly call on each senator who received an NRA endorsement--including democrats--to join you.

Lord knows Fairfax won't.

That's really the only way Holder's going to be stopped, and you know it.

So anything short of doing what it actually takes becomes pretty meaningless. A cynical person might even deem it risk-free and opportunistic.

You've assumed point on this, which makes you "It."

Please show real leadership.

Hold Holder.

I ask WarOnGuns regulars to join me.

Contact Senator Barrasso with the simple message "Hold Holder."

And get this post to every Wyoming gun owner you know, and ask them to contact him, so that Barrasso knows his constituents expect him to lead on this.

Do it right now.

More on Eric Holder from Gun Rights Examiner

Holder clutches at gun rights

Holder delayed

Holder's first hurdle

A 'sideshow issue'

GOA enters Holder fray

Lowering the Barr

Holder first squall in an approaching storm

Another reason to hold Holder

How you can help hold Holder

How to hold Holder without 'using guns'

Holder: 'To-be' or not to be


[Via Zachary G]

[Click to enlarge]


Oh--and take a minute to comment on Trib.com to encourage readers there to join in.

Consider the Source

Gun show sales not big source of problems [More]
Well, shoot, I could'a told you that.

But it's nice to see a newspaper do it for a change.

[Via John Richardson]

Intent

My reply was again simple.

Much was left to the individual. That is the beauty of a Constitutional Republic. [More]
Yes, that's what was intended alright...

A Sound Investment

One answer to that question is to consider investing a portion of your portfolio in firearms – and I don’t mean just buying a revolver to keep on your nightstand to protect the wad of green paper under your mattress. I mean buying and holding firearms and ammunition that you anticipate will go up in price over the coming months and years. There are several economic and political reasons why firearms can be reasonably expected to increase in price, and thus ought to make up a portion of your investment portfolio. [More]
What's in your gun safe?

[Via Ron W]

'Assault Weapons' Ban Jewel in Obama Crown

Come we now to the jewel in the crown, the centerpiece of Obama's gun policy, a valued prize for gunhaters everywhere, and what they certainly see as saving the best for last (at least in this term):
They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent.
[More]
Anyone who seriously thinks this character doesn't want their guns enjoys being lied to.

Here's today's Gun Rights Examiner column. Please share the link and help me promote this column.

As an aside, Kurt's St. Louis column is attracting some serious hits. He led the pack in "Politics" yesterday, and is doing so again at this writing.

Check out the latest from other Gun Rights Examiners:


This Day in History: January 27

January 27, 1777

Upon the final departure of the British from Boston, Washington decides to send a brigade under General Sullivan to New York. [More]

Monday, January 26, 2009

A Capitol Offense

After being deadlocked twice, a D.C. Superior Court jury yesterday acquitted a Marine amputee on felony charges of gun possession stemming from an arrest while he was on the way to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. [More]
A lot of people are expressing outrage over this--as well they should.

I think this happening to anyone is an outrage. And it will continue until all juries deadlock everywhere.

[Via Bob H]

On Second Opinion

David E. Young has a blog.

Nice template :)

[More]

We're the Only Ones Phony Enough

Seconds after BART police officer Johannes Mehserle shot and killed Oscar Grant, police immediately began confiscating cell phones containing videos that have yet to see the light of day. In fact, the only videos that have been seen by the public were filmed by people who managed to leave the scene before police confronted them. [More]
This is posted under the title "Do police have the right to confiscate your camera?"

No, but as long as they're the "Only Ones," they have the power...

[Via Avg Joe]