Instead we should accept, indeed embrace the idea that freedom is not free. Never has been. Never will be. We should do our best to make society safe, but not at the expense of our individual right to armed self-defense, as guaranteed by our Founding Fathers, without “common sense” caveats or “public safety” restrictions. [more]A great point, Robert. Agreed.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Gun Crime and Gun Control, In Their Proper Perspective
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Anti-Gun Mentality
Defense mechanisms are normal. All of us use them to some extent, and their use does not imply mental illness. Advocates of victim disarmament may be misguided or uninformed, they may be stupid, or they may be consciously intent on evil, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are "mentally ill". [more]I completely agree, but I have to remind myself of this sometimes...
There is a large amount of reference material listed at the end of this article.
Monday, December 27, 2010
NRA Supported the National Firearms Act of 1934
"The National Rifle Association has been in support of workable, enforceable gun control legislation since its very inception in 1871." [more]
via GunShowontheNet.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
El Paso Times on ‘automatic weapons’ purchases: Ignorance or deception?
Until I read this article, the idea that there's no way they'd be "purchasing" their guns from FFLs never occurred to me. I had never considered the re-sale price drop aspect. [read]
Here's one of my favorites from the article: "Here’s the bottom line: Anyone who would infringe on your right to keep and bear arms—even if they sincerely believe in their cause—is not your friend. Anyone who would lie to do it is your enemy."
As always, great article, David.
Here's one of my favorites from the article: "Here’s the bottom line: Anyone who would infringe on your right to keep and bear arms—even if they sincerely believe in their cause—is not your friend. Anyone who would lie to do it is your enemy."
As always, great article, David.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Obama and Guns: The End of Appeasement?
...it’s only a small step. But it is a step in the right direction...Henigan on the two major anti-gun moves that the Obama Administration has made (source: Brady blog from today).
Is this guy serious?! I mean, really?! People like this just test my patience. Even when things like this and this happen, in Brady paradise, they still think that the answer is more laws and forced victim disarmament, instead of letting people take care of themselves.
Court Blocks Obama From Spying On Cell Phones, E-mail
The administration said Americans should expect no privacy “in the totality of his or her movements in public places.” [more]
Oh, really? And you think you don't have to tell everyone what you're actually doing behind those closed doors? You're a public servant!!
The Anti-Gun Male
He often accuses men with guns of "compensating for something." The truth is quite the reverse. After all, how is he supposed to feel knowing there are men out there who aren't intimidated by the big bad inanimate villain? How is he to feel in the face of adolescent boys who have used the family gun effectively in defending the family from an armed intruder? So if he can't touch a gun, he doesn't want other men to be able to either. And to achieve his ends, he'll use the only weapon he knows how to manipulate: the law. [more]Thanks to David at War on Guns for the link to this article.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Attorney says Aitken to appeal for vindication on gun charges
Brian Aitken, the New Jersey gun owner whose seven-year sentence for gun and ammunition possession was commuted yesterday by Gov. Chris Christie, will appeal, his lawyer has stated. The commutation does not expunge his conviction, and as such, Aitken is currently prohibited from owning firearms. [more]
Gov. Christie commutes Brian Aitken's sentence
"Brian Aitken, who was convicted of illegally possessing two handguns that he had legally purchased in Colorado, will be spending Christmas out of prison," NJ.com reports. [more]
Obama, Gates ignore national security failure
While patting himself and his warfighting team on the back over successes in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama -- as well as Defense Secretary Robert Gates -- is ignoring the recent defense failure on Wednesday.
A long-range interceptor missile fired by the U.S. military failed to hit and neutralize its target in a test over the Pacific Ocean. [more]
ATF Proposes Illegal “Emergency” National Gun Registry
The Obama administration recently selected Andrew Traver to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (and Really Big Fires). When Barack’s mob made the announcement, a Chicago news report surfaced wherein Agent Traver called for a ban on assault weapons. Bloggers also exposed his connections to two prominent anti-gun rights groups. At the time, several commentators predicted that the appointment signaled a new strategy for the Administration: they would pursue gun control through ATF fiat, rather than legislative initiative. Roger that . . .[more]
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ten most corrupt politicians of 2010
On Thursday, Judicial Watch released its 2010 list of Washington's “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians.” While there may be some surprises, readers will note that neither political party has a monopoly on political corruption. Special thanks to Judicial Watch's Jill Farrell for providing the Law Enforcement Examiner with a comprehensive list of men and women deserving of recognition for their corrupt ways or illegal activities. [more]
Friday, December 17, 2010
Guns: Labels, Signs, and the Enlightened Masses
Imagine my surprise when I “crossed over” to firearm ownership and discovered that gun owners are simply law-abiding citizens who have chosen to exercise their right to protect themselves and their loved ones, hunt or simply enjoy firearms. They come from all backgrounds, races, creeds and political beliefs. They are lawyers, doctors, musicians, artists, laborers and CEOs. They are mothers, fathers, children and grandparents. They are stay-at-home suburban moms and they are third-shift highway construction workers. [more]
Attorney General Holder fights on behalf of Islam
Justice Department officials on Monday filed a lawsuit against Berkeley School District, Berkeley, Illinois, alleging that the school district violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by failing to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of Safoorah Khan, a Muslim teacher at McArthur Middle School.One question to everyone who voted for Obama (them), especially those who continue to support him (them): Are you satisfied?
"Sadly, these are the same Attorney General and Justice Department officials who ignored the EEOC when it criticized their handling of a case in which the New Black Panther Party intimidated white voters in the 2008 presidential election," said former police detective and military intelligence officer Mike Snopes. [more]
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Feds have no records IDing owners of 100,000 airplanes
The scandal-plagued federal agency -- Federal Aviation Administration -- that let terrorists on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List keep their pilot license has no clue who owns more than 100,000 of the nation’s airplanes, creating a national security threat of epic proportions, according to a leading public-interest, watchdog group based in the nation's capital. [more]But at least we have as much security at airports as we do...
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Obama’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” test for killing Americans
The Obama administration now claims a right to kill American citizens without trial, without notice, and without any chance for the marked men or women to object legally. [More]
"Anybody think that won't be applied domestically if the ongoing cold war against Liberty activists heats up?
But talk about "Second Amendment remedies" against tyranny and you're the extremist." - War On Guns
But talk about "Second Amendment remedies" against tyranny and you're the extremist." - War On Guns
"Norming Guns Away"
...we have seen the prohibitionists lie time and time again, magnifying the costs to society of private firearm ownership, minimizing their benefits, and creating widespread fear in the process. We know we're on the side of truth because we don't need to manipulate the facts to fit our philosophy, as do the prohibitionists. In two decades of firearms research and experience, we have never seen a deliberate attempt by unbiased firearm researchers to obfuscate data. [more]I have been saying this same thing for years, but I've never been able to phrase it so perfectly.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Parking lot robber shot in self defense by armed citizen
A would-be robber was reportedly shot in self defense by his victim in a grocery store parking lot.
Police say that on Saturday night, a man borrowed his friend's car to run to the grocery store in Conyers, GA for some orange juice. When the man parked and got out of the car, two robbers approached the man and threatened him, as part of their robbery scheme, according to news reports. Acting in self defense, the man reportedly drew and fired his gun...[more].
‘Legal’ open carry could get you arrested—or worse
“’Because official ignorance endangers open carriers, as one in Willowick, Ohio, found out when, per Ohioans for Concealed Carry, he ’was ordered to his knees at gunpoint by several police officers.’ And the chilling account they relate includes no small amount of disrespect by the enforcers, including blasphemies directed at the detainee.’”
And then there was this bit of telling attitude for a right articulated in the Constitution all officers have sworn to uphold:
“’Also disturbing was a statement an East Palo Alto Police detective made on his Facebook page, laughing because most Californians can't get concealed carry permits, and must open carry (with unloaded guns) to remain 'legal.'
'Should've pulled the AR out and prone them all out!’ he wrote. ’And if one of them makes a furtive movement... two weeks off!!'" [more]
This is one LEO that fully embraces the "Only Ones" mentality.
Friday, December 10, 2010
ATF Project Gunrunner Nets 16 Guns
As we reported previously, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently hit up Uncle Sam for $81.3 million to fund Project Gunrunner. That’s the program the ATF created to stem the mythical (if politically correct) “iron river” of illegal guns flowing from the U.S. to Mexican drug cartels. I repeat: $81.3 million. This year. On top of the agency’s “normal” $1 billion plus annual budget. So far, so bad. The Office of Inspector General had a look and tore the ATF a new one, excoriating Project Gunrunner for its ineffectiveness and inefficiency. That was then (last month). This is now. And now the ATF is crowing about nabbing five — count ‘em five — gun runners. And indicting four others. [more]I'm so glad taxpayers are still paying for their highly successful activities...
For a copy of the IG's report, poke here.
Taxes: Punishment for Success
With all the debate over taxes lately, we’re hearing from many on the left that “rich people have enough money” and so on. What they really want to say – but can’t – is that government (at all levels) needs to take as much money away from rich people as it possibly can – not to enhance government revenue, but to punish the rich for being successful. [more]I couldn't have said it better myself.
The Obama System
We are now told by this political party that the Republicans want to "give money to the rich." But only in Washington (and perhaps in dark alleys) is not taking more money from you, considered to be giving you money. On the other hand, the Democrats do want to give money away -- other people's money -- in the form of an extension to unemployment compensation by paying people not to work for up to 3 years now.
But, the type of society the Left is attempting to create -- a system of government control -- has proven time and time again to fail, producing nothing but malfunction and misery. [more]
How Liberalism is Like a Disney Movie
...like children attracted to Disney movies, liberals have yet to grow up and accept responsibility for their own existences.
So, here are the ten top ways the liberal view of reality resembles a Disney movie: [more]
Number 8 actually made me laugh out loud.
Virginia Tech official in denial before shootings and after report
[T]he university violated the Clery Act, which requires that students and employees be notified of on-campus threats.
The report concludes that the university failed to issue a timely warning to the Blacksburg campus after student Seung-Hui Cho shot and killed two students in a dormitory early on the morning of April 16, 2007.
Virginia Tech officials did not send an e-mail to the campus community about the shootings until two hours later, about the time Cho was chaining shut the doors to a classroom building where he killed 30 more students and faculty, then himself. [more]
"denial is sometimes the result of being clueless, and other times a tactic to avoid consequences." - War on Guns
Liquor store clerk shoots armed robber in self defense
A liquor store clerk reportedly used his gun to stop a pair of armed and violent robbers.Police say that at about 11:30pm, two men entered the Windy Hill Bottle Shop in Marietta, Georgia, and held the clerk at gunpoint as part of a robbery attempt. Fearing for his life, the clerk reportedly drew his own gun, at which point both the robbers and the clerk opened fire. [more]
Slide Fire Solutions
Slide Fire Solutions has developed a stock for the AR-15 that facilitates bumpfire shooting. It is reminicint of the ill fated Akins Accelerator that was initially approved by the BATFE but later deemed a full-auto device and banned. [more]
"I get that it’s ATF approved…for now. But the bumpfire stock, while actually really cool just seems like it’s begging for trouble." - Caleb
Ditto.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A Call To Arms
So here's a call to arms, quite literally. If you are a gun owner, and can use your weapon safely and responsibly, think seriously about whether you might owe a duty to yourself, your family and your neighbors to carry a sidearm in public. Even if not, hold yourself as though you might well be armed. Ladies can keep a hand inside their purses and look people in the eye as they approach in a parking lot. Gentlemen should keep a hand in a coat pocket and walk confidently and tall. And if that hand clutches a personal defense arm, so much the better.
Bad guys won't like it. That's a good thing. [more]
It Can't Happen Here?
Q: Did you yourself ever feel pity with the victims, thinking of your own family and children? How was it possible for you to carry out these actions in spite of this?
A: In view of all these doubts which I had, the only one and decisive argument was the strict order and the reason given for it by...[more]
"Why? If the price was right? Not to mention for the sense of power?" - War on Guns
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Arming citizens: Guns not to blame for society's decline
Our current problems are not guns but our attitude toward life. Many of our young people lack discipline and moral values, and until we address these problems, we will continue to have violence and killing in our society. [more]
I have shared this same opinion for several years now.
Political Correctness won’t lead to equality, say British officials
While the United States continues on its absurd path to achieve politically-correct social equity and economic equality, the British government -- after years of experience with social engineering and ivory-tower policies -- is seeking to bring sanity back to its domestic policies.Equality has become a dirty word because it has come to be associated with the worst aspects of pointless political correctness and social engineering. [more]
Censoring Caucasian College Clubs
The West Chester University (WCU) student body is 86% Caucasian, yet the campus majority is underrepresented in club formation opportunities granted the remaining minority population. According to the National Center of Educational Statistics (IES), as of 2009, there were 4,409 degree-granting institutions in the United States. Of those colleges and universities, it appears that practically none sponsored or supported campus-based white student unions.[more]
Apparently, simply inserting the word "white" in place of "black,""latino," "asian," or "gay" for the name of a student union is offensive. Frankly, I'm offended by the fact that so many people got upset at the idea of a "white" organization. Why shouldn't there be something specifically for "whites?" The argument that "white" is the majority doesn't cut it for me.
What would happen if a "white" man attempted to join a "black" organization, student union, etc.? Would he be denied admittance? If so, on what grounds? Also, how could they possibly argue that their denial was justified?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Urban violence spreading to parks - national park carry vindicated
Of course, that "spilled" violence poses a threat not only to rangers, but to park visitors, as well. The good news is that, since February of this year, national parks no longer ban effective self-defense. This change was not met with universal approval, of course. As we've discussed before, the very need for the ability to defend oneself was scorned by some, including the a National Park Service retiree quoted by the Violence Policy Center's Josh Sugarmann, in the Huffington Post:...[more]
So many people seem to think a good arguing point is about the "need" for tools of self-defense. I guess they don't understand that the whole point of the 2nd Amendment is not for any specific purpose, but rather a plethora, if you will.
‘The Social Contract’ exposes Southern Poverty Law Center
We’ve covered the defamation/conflation angle from a gun owner perspective many times at Gun Rights Examiner. TSC expands that to show how other groups that the SPLC agenda finds convenient are also smeared in order to advance their agenda and bring in the cash. [More]
"[This] Gun Rights Examiner column notes there's pretty damn good money to be made exploiting hate.
Also see how the guy with taxpayer-funded armed bodyguards thinks you defending yourself is an affront to 'the sanctity of life,' and determine the type of ammunition that's best for flushing out stuffed bears."
Wal-Mart Woes...
Last night, I was shopping at Wal-Mart (love to hate that evil giant) with my wife. After about 20-30 minutes of shopping through the grocery section, there was an announcement made over the intercom system. I couldn’t hear the exact words used, but it indicated that there was a situation in the parking lot, and the police had requested that all customers and employees stay inside until told otherwise. I was immediately glad that I had my S&W M&P (17+1 rounds) with me. Also, I was glad that I had not removed the extra magazine from my pocket I had been carrying all day, like I had contemplated doing before leaving the house to go to the store. Call it great instincts or intuition, a premonition, or just dumb luck that I didn’t remove the extra mag, I’m happy I made the decision I did.
Right after the announcement was made, a man and a woman standing next to us mentioned that they saw several employees chasing a man throughout the store a few minutes before, so that’s probably what was going on in the parking lot. Hearing this, I figured that it was someone who was trying to steal something from the store and would be dealt with rather quickly.
As the minutes went by, and the people with full carts started stacking up at the exits, it started to occur to me that I had not been aware of my surroundings at all before that moment. I’m always watching people around me to make sure nothing major sticks out, and I like to think that I do a good job of this, but still… What if the guy getting chased had decided to take a random customer as a hostage? What is he had started shooting, starting in the direction of my wife and myself? Did he have an accomplice? If so, did anyone know about it already? Could getting chased have been nothing but a distraction to allow something worse to happen? All kinds of questions began to enter my head. I was disappointed in myself for having been so oblivious. Carrying the physical, tangible tools you need to defend yourself and your loved ones (gun, extra magazine, flashlight, etc…) is a great thing to do in order to be prepared for anything. However, if you don’t have your mental tools with you (situational awareness being the main example here), then the other tools might not be helpful at all.
My wife and I kept shopping for the rest of the things on our list, but I’m sure I wasn’t much help after I became aware of my recent “fail,” as I was watching everyone around me more than ever before, as well as the front doors. At one point, she asked me to go to the other side of the store to grab a couple of items for her while she stayed in the produce section to bag a few things. Being the wonderful, helpful husband I always try to be, I immediately said, “Sure. Meet you back over here in just a few.” I couldn’t have walked more than 20 feet before I realized what I was about to do – leave my wife in a public place, mere moments after learning about some kind of a “police situation” still happening just outside the building. I stopped in my tracks, whipped the cart back around, and headed back toward her. She was just as relieved as I was to be next to each other again. She told me that just after we parted ways, she wished that she hadn’t asked me to go. I was so proud of her for realizing the potential situation.
After about 30-45 minutes of being cooped up in the store, and on our way back to the grocery side from grabbing the items from the other side of the store, the doors were opened and the queue to leave calmly dissipated. On our way out the door, we asked the greeter if she knew what had happened. She indicated that her manager told her there was some kind of threat, but that it should be safe to go outside. I know that police have no legal obligation/duty to protect anyone, but I felt that if they were already letting people leave, then they must have felt confident that the danger to everyone had passed. Just in case though, I unzipped my jacket to ensure easy, quick access to my pistol if necessary, and kept my head on a swivel.
Morals of the story:
1 - Keep your head up and working properly at all times!
2 – If you ever have the weird feeling like you shouldn’t do what you’re about to do (remove a piece of your “gear”), just don’t it. Better safe than sorry.
Authorities charge gun owner with brandishing…his finger
“Paul Henick arrested for BRANDISHING FIREARM in Chesterfield,” the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. Aside from a photo and a link to past news accounts, where it is learned Mr. Henick is a gun rights/open carry advocate, no further details of the arrest are presented.
Read the rest of this article here.
For those, an account is presented on the OpenCarry.org forum that, if substantiated, presents serious concerns about security, police and prosecutorial misconduct.
The incident reportedly began as Henick attempted to take the Surrey (Jamestown-Scotland) Ferry when “a private contractor working for VDOT to ‘ensure security’ ordered [him] to get out of his car.”
Read the rest of this article here.
Friday, December 3, 2010
YDR Opinion: No need to widen 'Castle Doctrine'
They say a man's home is his castle. But what about the moat, the village and rest of the kingdom that surrounds it? Does a man have the kingly power to execute with impunity any nave who harasses or threatens him in the shires that surround his "castle"?
That's the issue in the debate over a proposed expansion of Pennsylvania's "Castle Doctrine." Current law allows people to protect themselves using deadly force if they are threatened in their homes or workplaces - without a "duty to retreat." Basically, if someone breaks into your home and tries to rob, rape or kill you, you can shoot him (or her).
Most people can sensibly agree with that. (But they should be cautioned against sleeping with a loaded pistol under their pillow and blasting away at any noise in the night. It could be a spouse or a child or a pet, as we've seen in too many tragic cases.)
But outside the home or workplace, out on the street or in the countryside, the law requires people to try to get away before pulling out Smith and teaching some thug a Wesson. If you can't get away or are in immediate danger, you can use your weapon in self-defense.
A bill proposed by state Rep. Scott Perry, R-Carroll Township, and passed by the Legislature would expand the castle walls to anywhere a person feels threatened. It removes the "duty to retreat" provision.
When it reached his desk last week, Gov. Rendell exercised his own sort of castle doctrine and shot it down, saying it was a threat to society and an attempt to solve an almost nonexistent problem.
Cases where police or prosecutors have charged innocent citizens for shooting attackers outside the home are exceedingly rare, he said.
More likely, he suggested, expanding the castle walls would give cover to criminals who were involved in, say, drug deals gone bad, and who don't deserve protection of the self-defense laws. Police and prosecutor groups agree with that concern, saying wily defense attorneys will twist the provisions to help exactly the creeps the law was enacted to protect citizens against.
That would be a horrible unintended consequence of a well-intentioned bill.
Rep. Perry and other local lawmakers who voted for this legislation are right that people shouldn't be afraid to protect themselves from thugs. But the governor, police and prosecutors are saying that, under existing law, they shouldn't fear defending themselves - as long as they're not in the midst of some criminal activity themselves.
Some local lawmakers said they voted for the bill because it provides protection from civil liability for people who defend themselves against attackers.
That's a legitimate concern.
But the governor is right the legislation that hit his desk is too much of a social liability. It's just not a good idea to have people - many of whom are poorly trained or untrained in proper firearms usage - walking around, packing heat, shooting first and asking questions later.
This isn't the Wild West - or the feudal dark ages.
http://www.ydr.com/opinion/ci_16754137
"If it makes me safer, I don't care"
I hadn't even thought about this until Andrew said it, but if they are so adamant about "Freedom Fondles," and especially the body scanners, being necessary for security, why did they turn them all off for "National Opt Out Day?!"
One of the prevailing attitudes among fliers who support the new TSA security regulations is that since the measures are “for safety,” there’s nothing wrong with them. It’s almost like when lawmakers propose a law “for the children” – who can oppose safety or children? Evil people, that’s who.[more]
Dialog on campus guns helps clear up perceptions
“Dr. Bill Holda, president of Kilgore College in Kilgore, TX, will have to do some fast backpedaling if he’s to have any hope of outrunning his recent comments about the 1991 massacre at a Luby’s Cafeteria in Killeen, TX—the second deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, surpassed only by the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre,” the email from Students for Concealed Carry on Campus began.
Read the rest of this article here.Dr. Holda recently angered both survivors of the shooting and concealed carry advocates by claiming that some of the victims of the massacre (which became a rallying cry for supporters of lawful self-defense) actually shot each other.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)