Does This Worry Anyone Else?

Shedding Some Light on Fast and Furious

America's Misguided Children is telling of a positive move by the Judicial on the Executive.

A Federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committe against Attorney General Eric Holder may proceed.

'Bout time.
Go read it.

Welcome to MRAP University

Gary Lewis, a senior director of media relations at OSU, told The Daily Caller via email that the “unique, special-purpose vehicle is a replacement” for the “police fleet.” He called the armored jalopy “an all-hazard, all-purpose, public safety-response vehicle” with “obviously enhanced capabilities.”

Go read it. 

Politicians Put On Notice

Recalled. Start passing ridiculous laws and it could some negative political outcome, just ask some lawmakers in Colorado.

The issue came to a head in Colorado after gun-rights activists accused Democrats of ramming through the gun control legislation in the aftermath of a series of shootings which included the killing of 12 people in a suburban Denver movie theatre last year.<br>Angered by the gun control push, gun rights advocates had sought the recall to send a message to current and future legislators that the bills had gone too far with efforts to curb firearm access. Opponents viewed the recall effort as a bullying tactic and not the proper way to handle a policy dispute.

It's a bullying tactic? I'm sorry, but when it comes to politics a recall is the best non-violent way to force politicians to listen to their constituency. Funny that it turns out the people with the guns chose the polite way to get their point across. Recalls can work both ways. Unfortunately when one elects to come down on the side of gun control they have chosen a highly emotional topic and should expect fierce opposition. They should know they will face tough opposition because the fighting spirit still exists in a large portion of Americans. I foresee more of this in the next few years.
Go read it.

When Your Foreign Policy Isn't Working Out

Let's say that your grand idea to drop some bombs in Syria aren't being received well. What should you do? You should just go and bomb someone else. Pakistan is always up for a little thrill. But have your mouthpiece go around saying it could all come to and end soon.

“The program will end as we have eliminated most of the threat and continue to eliminate it,” Mr. Kerry said at the time in an interview broadcast on state-run television. “I think the president has a very real timeline, and we hope it’s going to be very, very soon.”

I'm Secretary of State and I think, I think, my boss might'a could, maybe, just possibly have a timeline to stop it in Pakistan and start it here at home. Ooops, wasn't supposed to say that last part. 

Madness.
Go read it.

Packing My Stuff for Battle Road Shotgun

About to put all my junk in the car for a Fighting Shotgun Class at Battle Road USA. Temps promise to be over 100 degrees (looks like it might make it to 103) and it's a two-and-a-half hour drive down I-35. Hot and a long way away, but the knowledge will be worth it.
Time to hit the road.

What a Surprise [Sarcasm Off]

Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy has just released a study of the relative effects of stringent gun laws. They found that a country like Luxenbourg, which bans all guns has a murder rate that is 9 times higher than Germany, where there are 30,000 guns per 100,000 people. They also cited a study by the U.S.National Academy of Sciences, which studied 253 journal articles, 99 books, 43 government publications, and it failed to find one gun controlinitiative that worked.

Go read it at Examiner.com.

Unintended Consequences

The editors at the Florida Journal News who published a map of gun owners in a couple of counties in Florida were fired from the newspaper. The firing may not have been directly related to publication of the map, but the article sums up the law of unintended consequences quite nicely.

Layoffs took place company-wide for the Journal News parent Gannett. There is no indication the gun map played a role in the layoffs, however the controversy may have had an effect on the Journal News’ bottom line as multitudes of subscribers bailed on the daily paper.

Go read it.

Chemical Deterrent

Why, oh, why do I keep hearing people recommend using wasp spray for self-defense? Sheesh. If you are interested in defending yourself--and aren't interested in carrying a firearm--please use something that is labeled as such, i.e. pepper spray. You know that some criminal is going to sue you because they have some sort of "neurological damage" after you hit them with bug killer. Don't. Just don't.

Signing Up!

For a Fighting Shotgun class, that is. Anyone have suggestions for equipment? I'm taking a plain-vanilla 500 with me as of this point.

Transnationlism [hark, ptooey]

This is something that people have been worried about for a long time, the U.S. losing its sovereignty to an international bunch of bureaucrats. Shifra over at TammyBruce.com sorts it out quite nicely. 

And during Obama’s push for gun control, there was talk of the United Nations taking control of guns in the U.S. “What in the world,” I thought, “does the U.N. have to do with our Second Amendment rights?”
Then, two weeks ago, I came across a Wall Street Journal interview with former Senator Jon Kyl, entitled “American Sovereignty and Its Enemies.”
And suddenly, “The Big Picture” became all too horrifyingly clear.
Because all of these news items were, in fact, very connected, by a term called “transnationalism.”

Transnationalism, it turns out, is just a fancy, non-conspiracy theorist sounding term for a "New World Order." Imagine that.

Go read it.

Helped A Friend Recently

He made a video about it.

Cheap fixes are the best.

Things Are Looking Up?

I'm generally not one to trust the polls circulating, but this one stands with my own personally-observed anecdotal evidence.

...Pew finds that "a majority of Americans – 56% – say that federal courts fail to provide adequate limits on the telephone and internet data the government is collecting as part of its anti-terrorism efforts." And "an even larger percentage (70%) believes that the government uses this data for purposes other than investigating terrorism." Moreover, "63% think the government is also gathering information about the content of communications." That demonstrates a decisive rejection of the US government's three primary defenses of its secret programs...

Now if I can just start convincing some folks that being part III% is a good idea, too.

Go read it.

Hey I'm Back!

After a little time off, I'm back.

You have to see this:

And The Police Didn't Touch Him

I wish he had continued to speak at the end. Know your rights and exercise them.

Shotguns For Sale

If you know anyone in the DFW area that's looking.
I have a pair of Remington Wingmaster 870 shotguns for sale. This is a His and Hers set in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. The original owners are ex-Air Force who took up social skeet shooting while stationed in Germany. So they are gently used and well maintained, though they still are quite dusty from being stored in the back of a closet.

Annoyed With Illinois

Will they ever get it right? I seriously doubt it.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn invoked his amendatory veto power to modify the state legislature’s high-profile concealed carry bill that was approved last month with a bipartisan consensus.

The really stupid stuff he's adding:

Signage: Under the bill, loaded guns would be allowed in stores, restaurants, churches, children’s entertainment venues, movie theaters and other private properties, unless the owner visibly displays a sign prohibiting guns. As a matter of property rights, the legal presumption should always be that a person is not allowed to carry a concealed, loaded gun onto private property unless given express permission.

Oh ho! A mandated opt-in for signage. Good one. And then there's this:

Number of Guns and Ammunition: The bill provides no cap on the number of guns, or on the size or number of ammunition clips that may be carried. Instead, it allows individuals to legally carry multiple guns with unlimited rounds of ammunition, which is a public safety hazard. In the interest of common sense and the common good, it should be clarified so that a license will permit an individual to carry one concealed gun and one ammunition clip that can hold no more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

That's right, one gun and one magazine. Clown.
Go read it over at guns.com.

What an Awesome Idea

If only one were around for demos at airshows...
The Fire Hedgehog

This is Just Downright Scary

I could scream "Treason!" or somesuch, but this is way beyond that point. Why would anyone in our government be able to work/request a deal like this? Why does no one seem to be paying attention?

I usually pull a quote from stuff I link to, but this one is summed up by the headline. Obama Requests 15,000 Russian Troops For “Upcoming” Disaster -- Go read it.
Scary stuff. 

So many other tinfoil hat things are turning out to be real, do you want to take a chance on this one? Be ready, be prepared. 

I Have a Secret Room, Too

But mine doesn't have equipment to send information to the NSA. I have a phone and laptop to handle that for me.

Today’s revelations that the National Security Agency collected bulk data on the email traffic of millions of Americans provides startling evidence for the first time to support a whistleblower’s longstanding claims that AT&T was forwarding global internet traffic to the government from secret rooms inside its offices.

Go read it.

This Pair Ain't Coming to Texas Either

Thank goodness. It wouldn't be pretty that's for sure. Probably would be another case of more pro-gun than anti-gun folks at any event here.

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and her husband, Mark Kelly, on Tuesday announced a nationwide tour to rally support for expanding background checks on gun purchases.
The weeklong "Rights and Responsibilities Tour" will begin on July 1 in Nevada, and include stops in Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota and Ohio, according to USA Today.

Go read it.

They Aren't Coming to Texas

Which makes me a little sad. But I'm glad they are moving. Dollar votes are the only thing that gets some people's attention.

It’s official. A Connecticut-based gun manufacturer announced its intention Monday to leave the state in response to the sweeping gun control legislation that the state General Assembly passed in April.PTR, a Bristol-based semi-automatic weapons manufacturer, started looking at a move south when the state made the sale of its guns illegal in Connecticut following the massacre of 26 people at an elementary school in Newtown.

Go read it.

This Guy Again

Jim, Jim, Jim 

After comedian and notable gun control advocate Jim Carrey announced via Twitter on Sunday that he is quitting his role in "Kick-Ass 2" due to on-screen violence, comic creator and executive producer of the movie Mark Millar went to his blog to call the actor "unpredictable."

Go read it.

In Russia The Police Know How to Work

Check this out.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=d13ec0112cba" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Hopefully it works.

If nothing else, try this link.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=374_1371932258

Huffington Post Says

That the Mississippi Open Carry Law is causing confusion. I say Huffpo is causing the confusion.

Confusion over Mississippi's concealed weapons carry laws prompted legislators to address the issue. The law was unclear about whether or not a person carrying a concealed weapon was in violation of the law if the weapon was accidentally exposed to view. House Bill 2 clarifies the issue, stating a gun can be partially exposed if it is in a proper holster, and can be carried openly without a permit.Some have argued that Mississippi was already an open carry gun state and that the law is causing confusion.

So really, the new law just brings open cary back up to top of mind for the residents of the state. No confusion there. 

Go read it (if you care).

Go Read This Right Now

Speaking after the clash, Massachusetts Governor Thomas Gage declared that the extremist faction, which was made up of local citizens, has links to the radical right-wing tax protest movement. Gage blamed the extremists for recent incidents of vandalism directed against internal revenue offices. The governor, who described the group’s organizers as “criminals,” issued an executive order authorizing the summary arrest of any individual who has interfered with the government’s efforts to secure law and order. The military raid on the extremist arsenal followed widespread refusal by the local citizenry to turn over recently outlawed assault weapons.

This is how it would read on today's mainstream media sites. 

Want, Want, Want

I can see one of these in my future. I don't care if it's really practical, or not. I just like it.

Pay No Attention to The Man Behind The Curtain

Don't fall in too much love with your suburban home because Barack Obama has his eye on it...and your money.

Krulig’s Agenda 21 Building One America group proposes the creation of a regional tax-base sharing revenues in which suburban tax money is directly redistributed to nearby cities and economically depressed concentric zones of inner-ring suburbs. Building One America also seeks to move the poor out of cities by imposing mandatory low-income housing quotas for middle-class suburban developments. 

Go read it.

Going To The Gunshow

I may try to slip off this weekend. When I say slip off that means leave the kids with the Grandparents and take the wife with me. She was saying yesterday that she wants to go to the range with me soon to learn how to run rifles. Good lady that one.
The Original Fort Worth Gunshow--if you haven't ever been you should go.

It's Just Sad

Organizing for Action held a gun control rally and three people came out. Now, I'm not pointing this one out because I want to ridicule them. (Well, maybe just a little.) I'm mentioning this because I think it shows a little bit of the gun control mindset.
The majority of people who show up after a tragedy are running on pure emotion. As time slips by, emotions fade and many of the supporters of gun control slip away. In this instance they were attempting to make it a patriotic thing by having a flag rally on Flag Day. Shame on them. They won't wrap themselves in the flag along with thousands at a pro-rights rally and fight to protect the rights they were born with. Those thousands that usually show up at pro-rights rallys are not there because of emotion. Most of those folks know there is something larger at stake.
So, if you hear of a gun control rally being held in your area go out and observe. Check out what they are doing and figure out what is going on in your community. Go read it.

My Shoulder Is Sore

Mosins kick like a mule. Shooting 180 grain soft points didn't help any. Going to have to sleep on my left side tonight. I may have to change mine's name from "Frankenmosin" to "Pepe, the little mule" I was thinking of a Russian theme to the upcoming paint/camo work, but it may take on a more western/south of the border theme.

The Frankenmosin

The thought occurred to me that my little 1939 Mosin Nagant isn't its true original self. It is a throw together of parts, much like in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It is also about eight feet tall. So, I'm calling it Frankenmosin (no, FrankenmoSEEN!) for now. Let's see if it turns out to be all phosisticated and whatnot.

Trouble in Archangel Land

This is really disappointing. I may get a look at it tomorrow before it goes back.

The Mosin Archangel Stock

My buddy has posted his preview video. Fingers crossed there will be some range time this week. Not so sure about the weather.

Frankenmosin

It's alive and ready to go (the 1939 Mosin, that is). I have a range trip planned for Wednesday. Pics maybe? Maybe even a youtube video? I don't know. I should also be working with my friend who, hopefully, will be bringing his Mosin and his new Archangel stock.

Stripper Clips In a Mosin Nagant

You have to watch this is if you own a Mosin and use stripper clips. I wish I could get a translation. Watch how smooth his bolt moves (sigh).

Well, it appears blogger and youtube aren't getting along tonight. Do a search for this:
http://youtu.be/8-eXDvCK-vI
or this
Доработка винтовки Мосина (Часть 1)
and you should get there. I hope.

That Sick Feeling You Get

When you realize that you are being watched.
I'm hoping a bunch of people have developed it recently. Major Garrett over at CBS News National Journal may be helping some of those who were asleep to wake the heck up.

The larger question is this: Can efficacy justify a gradual dismantling of liberty? Can it, and should it, erode or erase basic human aspiration, central to revolution and the Constitution, to own one's humanity without government search, seizure, or perpetual data collection and storage? A government that promises near-perfect prevention of terrorism or crime will also demand near-endless compliance from you about access to all you do, say, think, write, spend, save, invest, imagine, live, and hope. It might also demand your genetic blueprint.

And an excellent question it is, too. The answer must be an emphatic no.
Go read it.

Size Does Matter

Scale and scope are pretty important, too. Many of us refuse to turn a blind eye to government surveillance. The extent to which this is taking place should scare the bejeebers out of everyone who is even remotely concerned with such things.
The new phraseology for today is "Main Core."

Are you on the list? Are you one of the millions of Americans that have been designated a threat to national security by the U.S. government? Will you be subject to detention when martial law is imposed during a major national emergency? As you will see below, there is actually a list that contains the names of at least 8 million Americans known as Main Core that the U.S. intelligence community has been compiling since the 1980s.

This is happening. Go read it and be prepared.

Why, Mosin, Why?

So, when I got home from work this evening a little earlier than normal, the spouse sent me to my room while she worked on a Father's Day gift with the kids. Rather than disappear into another part of the house and waste time, I thought I would run out into the garage and do a little sporterizing.

You've Got Moxi Kid

Two armed home invaders barged into a home in Canarsie, where a scuffle with a 40-year-old woman led to the (10-year-old) boy shooting at one of the robbers with the crook’s own weapon.

That's just plain ol' gumption. Move on down here to Texas and let us teach you about hitting center mass. Go read it.

A Mosin For Every Plan and a Plan for Every Mosin

Thought about installing the scope I bought on the Mosin today, but have decided to wait. I'd like to see how it shoots with just the irons first and then move to all the foolishness to get the scope mounted. Might save me the trouble if it won't group or keyholes or something stupid. So instead I got a 300 lumen light with remote switch installed on the HD rifle. Mark me down for getting something done besides laundry anyway.

All Done

Yard work and other projects are done and the Mosin is all cleaned up. It's a shame it's all force matched. It really is a good looking rifle. Bolt runs good, but could use a little less spring to smooth it out for that first bump. I might trim a coil off of it, but I run it for a while to see how it does. With all the cosmoline out of the bore it has revealed itself as mirror bright and not counterbored. Rifling is a little worn, but not worn out. I'm looking forward to shooting it and giving it a makeover. What a nifty piece of history.

Up To My Elbows

In degreaser and yard work. Pulled the Mosin all apart this morning and got the metal soaking in boiling hot water and degreaser. Then I watched the kid mow the front yard before I mowed the back. Helped the spouse pull a bunch of weeds while the stock is out in the backyard baking in the sun. Ahhh, amateur gardening/gunsmithing. What a good way to spend a Saturday morning.
Up next, scrubbing metal parts and more stock wiping.

Whoa, That's Fast

I know I'll never get to this level. Amazing

Bless The Men

Who hit the beaches.

If you don't know, go learn. www.dday.org

Picked Up The Mosin Today

It's 91/30 low wall round receiver from Izhevsk. Made in 1939. Arsenal marks all over the stock and it looks like it might be counter bored, but it's hard to tell because of all the cosmoline down in the barrel. Didn't have time to start cleaning because of "homework" for the real job. The rifling from the breech end looks really bright. The bolt, buttplate and magazine have all been electropencil force matched to the receiver. I'm hoping it's a good shooter because now I know I won't feel bad about giving it the bubba treatment. So, at the first opportunity it's off to the range to see what it'll do.

Getting to The Point

Straight to it with no fooling around. The summation, for those with short attention spans, of why folks should reconsider their support of the president. Frankly it the list sounds like something from Chicago politics. Wait...oh yeah, that's right.
It's a shame, really.

Speaking of Mosin's

A good friend of mine just got his Archangel stock. I'm looking forward to handling it. He's planning a youtube video and I hope to be involved in his range visit. I believe the plan is to shoot his rifle with the original stock then swap to the Archangel and see what effect it has after the change. I just want to see the detachable magazine setup. No, that's not really true, I really want to see ow it handles and shoot it.
Here's his "Guess what I just got" video from this evening.

`

U-Turn! Or Maybe Just Kinda Veering Off a Little

Hey Bub, we goofed. We know we're supposed to do things a certain way, but if we do it like that people will get wise and won't let us continue to do it the way we want. So, we'll keep doing it like this (which is to say, poorly) and just back a few things up, but only a little. Connecticut just can't get it right.

In response to the December murders of 20 school children and six educators at a Newtown elementary school, the legislature passed a bill in early April containing a number of new gun control restrictions. The bill was drafted by lawmakers from both parties through a special committee process which took place outside the traditional legislative process.

Critics of the law have filed lawsuits seeking to have it declared unconstitutional. Some opponents have alleged that portions of the new law are too vague for residents, gun shop owners, and firearms manufacturers to apply.

When will people--read that "the voting public"--learn? Go read it.

I Need Advice

or at least, a recommendation. We're looking for a storm shelter and would prefer something that can be  attached to the slab in our garage. Anyone have experience with this in North Texas?

Bumblebee!

Finally got another video done.

Mosin, Mosin, Mosin

Got a Mosin comin'. Standard issue round receiver 91/30. Might be able to pick it up on Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm already planning to bubba it with a scout scope. Don't hate me if you are a purist, but I'm also thinking of painting it. Something along the lines of this nicely done work/tutorial. Who knows? I may chicken out and only do the wood.

Don't Sign Mr. President

We're in trouble if the UN Arms Trade Treaty goes through. Two-thirds of those voting in the Senate is possible if some Republicans aren't in school the day the vote is arranged. Apparently the president plans to sign (though the Senate has passed legislation negating it already) on Monday, Jun 3.
A few people in the comments on the story were pointing to the harmlessness of the treaty concerning the effect within the borders of the U.S. To them I said, "Yes, some of us have read the treaty. It does not technically "clash with the Second Amendment." The most concerning things are between the lines.
Where do your Glocks, Springfield XD's, some Taurus's, Rock Island, most AKs, Mosin Nagants, etc., etc. originate? Correct, from outside this country. If the U.S. Government can go after/try to financially ruin Gibson Guitars for importing a relatively small amount of wood used in their production based on a treaty signed by a nation outside this country what do you think is going to happen with this treaty in effect? How many firearms importers wil be financially roughed-up or even bankrupted by this administration as they take advantage of the treaty?"
No matter how harmless Snopes or anyone else may try to make it sound it's a taking a step down a road that we don't want to travel. All legislation is to be considered an incremental step toward some larger goal, whether by direct route or flanking maneuver. Wake up, it's not all rainbows and sunshine.
No matter how harmless Snopes or anyone else may try to make it sound it's a taking a step down a road that we don't want to travel. All legislation is to be considered an incremental step toward some larger goal, whether by direct route or flanking maneuver. Wake up, it's not all rainbows and sunshine.
Go read it.

Concealed Carry Clothiers Discount

If you prefer wearing a vest or if you need a nice belt for your concealed carry handgun stop by over at Concealed Carry Clothiers. They are having a sale today and tomorrow. Take 10% off your full order by using code TAKE10.
Nope, I don't have any financial interest in Concealed Carry Clothiers, but they have some nice non-tactical-looking vests for those who prefer not to look like a photographer who has lost his or her camera or an errant "ranger" of some sort.

This Could Get Interesting

I'll be off on a rifle purchase tomorrow. The exchange is supposed to take place outside a small gun store that has been around as far back as I can remember. At least, when I was essentially a kid new to the area in the mid-80s. It's near a restaurant and a bunch of other businesses. The seller said the transaction will take place outside the gun store. Paraphrasing, he said it was so neighboring businesses and people will get used to seeing guns in the parking lot. He finished with, "There is a story behind this. I will tell you later. :-)"

Sounds like a purchase opportunity with side benefits. I'm liking it already. 

More details tomorrow.

I Gave Up on Being Liked

A long time ago. Get 'em Mr. Colin

Many NY Sheriffs Won't Enforce SAFE Act

“When we perceive a law is not well designed and will not promote the public good, then I strongly believe we have a duty to do what we can within the legal processes to oppose and change the law and to help craft a better one,” Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith said.

Go read it.

We Should All Be Hopping Mad

Ammoland tells of Texan Dustin Reininger serving time in New Jersey. Go read it.

Rifle Shopping

Back later  :)

Pass it on: Gun Homicides and Injuries Down Since the 90s

This one is a couple of weeks old, but here's a Pew Research Poll where the headline really says it all.
Gun Homicide Rate Down 49% Since 1993 Peak; Public Unaware

The Law of Averages is True

There really are pro-gun celebrities. I guess they just don't get as much airtime for those views.
Go read it.

The Dog Ate My Homework, er, Plastic Pistol

Philip Bump over at The Atlantic Wire tries, and fails, to print a pistol.
Go read it.

Put The Horse Back in The Barn

New Yorkers who support the Second Amendment are going to give it their best shot to repeal Cuomo's silly new law. Go read it.

Well, That Wasn't Very Smart

Butt dial 9-1-1 as you discuss your crime spree. Not smart at all.
Go read it.

Come On Down

Texas wants you, Beretta.
Go read it.

Posse Comitatus Is Dead, Again

And you thought it was the NDAA that killed it.

The lines blurred even further Monday as a new dynamic was introduced to the militarization of domestic law enforcement. By making a few subtle changes to a regulation in the U.S. Code titled“Defense Support of Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies” the military has quietly granted itself the ability to police the streets without obtaining prior local or state consent, upending a precedent that has been in place for more than two centuries. <br>
“This is a complete erosion of the rule of law,” says (journalist and activist) O’Brien. Knowing these sweeping powers were granted under a rule change and not by Congress is even more harrowing to activists. “That anything can be made legal,” says O’Brien, “is fundamentally antithetical to good governance.”
As far as what might qualify as a civil disturbance, Afran notes, “In the Sixties all of the Vietnam protests would meet this description. We saw Kent State. This would legalize Kent State.”

And in the vein of "We aren't responsible, we only trained 'em." 

The DoD official even referred to the Boston bombing suspects manhunt saying, “Like most major police departments, if you didn’t know they were a police department you would think they were the military.” According to this official there has purposely been a “large transfer of technology so that the military doesn’t have to get involved.” Moreover, he says the military has learned from past events, such as the siege at Waco, where ATF officials mishandled military equipment. “We have transferred the technology so we don’t have to loan it,” he states.

Go read it.

There's More to This Story

Gun Control advocate gets shot by random guys, who were fighting each other just moments before jumping into a Corvette and "driving right for him!" And then, " I got a call from the President." How could it be any better?
Hmmmm... Were it anyone else I might say it's just an example of not avoiding the four S's rule. But, considering his background, I'm not sure.
Go read it.

I Never Thought It Would Come To This

But, I'm throwing in with Britney Spears. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America has lost their minds.
Go read it.

Bad Weather Here

Keeping my head down. Say a prayer for the folks in and around Cleburne.

It's How The Frog Gets Boiled

For one thing it's not clear to me how the Manchin-Toomey legislation would require law-abiding citizens give up an essential liberty; it would not prevent law-abiding citizens from buying guns and it wouldn't prohibit any classes of guns from being built or owned. It would close a loophole in an existing background check regime.

And there is the rub. Closing the so called "loophole" is another incremental step toward the ultimate goal of registration. There is no way for the government to know where all the guns are without some sort of registration scheme. That registration has to come through the form of "common sense" laws like Manchin-Toomey being passed and then expanded. Those who believe that this is "common sense" have not bothered to research the history of gun registration. If they had, they might be singing a different tune. 

Go read it.

Where to Start?

The rebuttal examines the very spirit of the Constitution. Our Second Amendment rights guarantee us the right to keep and bear arms without infringement. What's missing from the average gun owner's argument is the critical first portion of the amendment right: "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state." This short phrase not only brings up the question of the government's right to control guns at all, but the rights of the people to form militias for the protection of their states. 

What? I'm not even sure what is being said here.

Adding all the assets of demographic areas and resources, it's doubtful the federal government would favor very well the formation of separate state militias. Nor has it dealt kindly with self-appointed militias that have sprung up randomly throughout the U.S. There is a high level of distrust on both sides, a suspicion that either the population will turn on the government or the government will turn on the citizens. 

Sheesh. Try the phrases "unorganized militia United States" and "standing army" in your favorite search engine. 

Then think about it this way. Who cares what "the government" wants? The government is of, by and for the people. If the people prefer a milita system to a regular army then so be it.
Go read it.

So Ridiculous

So very ridiculous. Two too many. Ugh, let the stoopid begin.
Go read it.

Well Doc, It's None of Your Business

To pediatricians, gun control is a public health issue, not a political one. But they're treading a fine line, and they know it.

If it's a public health issue, why is the American Academy of Pediatrics not pushing their members to educate and instead asking for: 

"an assault weapon ban, mandatory background checks and waiting periods before all firearm purchases, a ban on high-capacity magazines, handgun regulations and requirements for safe firearm storage under federal law."

A safe storage act I could understand them pushing to pass, but all the rest smacks of plain ol' garden variety politics.
Go read it.

There's Apoplectic And Then There's Apoplectic

I don't know why the hubbub over weapons coming to 3D printing is really bothering me, but it is. I think it's just because people who should know better are jumping up and down and shouting that crazy people will be making weapons in their basement.

Because it isn't. Kokesh's march is just the latest product of the great American panic machine, the mechanism by which the extreme right works itself into spasms of apoplectic terror over threats that don't exist.
"We're going to be under Shariah law!"
Except we're not.
"We've become a socialist country!"
Except we haven't.
"There's a war on Christmas!"
Except there isn't.
"They're trying to take our guns away!"
Except that it is now theoretically possible for a mental patient to manufacture his own gun in the comfort of his aluminum foil-lined basement. That's a sobering development with far-reaching implications barely considered, much less addressed, by lawmakers, though this technology has existed for over a decade. Since Wilson's test, there's been a flurry of calls for legislation. On Friday, the federal government ordered Wilson to remove the blueprints from his website. All of which is the very epitome of locking the garage after the Hyundai has been hot-wired.

Speaking of working oneself into spasms of apoplectic terror...people have been making weapons in their suitably decorated basements since the first hole was dug. So the Hyundai analogy is a bit late, the cow go out of the barn a long time ago.

So, I'm here to tell the ninnies in pressland, 3D printers aren't going to be much aid anyone in making a gun right now. The printers are too few and far between to be a serious source of concern. The real concern from my vantage point is that some of these people who should know better are finally coming to grips with the fact that the determined person cannot be stopped.
Yes, Virginia, there are boogeymen. And, my dearest V, the boogeymen have always had the ability to make improvised weapons. Humans are smart animals and have a long history of giving themselves bigger and better claws and teeth. Just because the process has been streamlined by a fancy piece of tech that could potentially be housed in someone's living room doesn't mean they weren't already making items that scare you. It's just that before someone had to make a trip to the local home improvement store to get some pipe and lumber. Realization sometimes makes a thunderous crack when it dawns, huh?

Go read it.

I Like This One

I like it a lot.
Missouri has passed a bill that says:

All federal acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations, whether past, present, or future, which infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution shall be invalid in this state, shall not be recognized by this state, shall be specifically rejected by this state, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state.

This includes the Gun Control Acts of 1934 and 1968. I'm sure Eric Holder has had a conniption. This appeals to my stubborn side.

The more times the people say "No!" The more likely the powers that be are likely to get it. Stop messing with our rights...give us back the pieces of pie that you took before.
Go read it.

Just Plain Ol' Dumb

There's no other explanation for this except stupidity.

As part of a continued effort to enrich the movie-going experience of its patrons, Capital 8 Theaters in Jefferson City, Missouri, sent a fake gunman into a screening of the film ‘Iron Man 3′ last weekend because, you know, what’s more thrilling to a captivated audience situated in a dark environment than a man decked out in full tactical gear, toting what appears to be a modified M4?

Yikes. There's a whole lot of "could've gone wrong" right there. Go read it.

Zero Tolerance -- Seriously, I Mean, Seriously?

I really just don't know what to say about this one. I think the headline says it all.

Two Boys Suspended For Pointing Pencils Like Guns

7 years old, 7. Most 7 year olds can't remember where they took their shoes off an hour ago. 

A two-day suspension. Seriously? 

I have zero tolerance for Zero tolerance.
Go read it.

Time For a Reverse Tongue Lashing

GOP Lawmakers May Revive Gun Debate After Receiving Tongue Lashing From Constituents

If your GOP Legislator is waffling, give them a call and get them back on the right side of the fence.

Eeek, a Gun!

And it's made of plastic. Whatever shall we do? Criminals could make one in their own home. Sheesh. Settle down there Max/Carter before you wet yourselves.

Critics already perceived the recent gun bill to be inadequate to the challenge of gun violence; criminals and psychopaths need only wait for the printers to get cheaper before they can make all sorts of evil in their basements. And Congress will still be chasing the gun shows. . .

People can already make their own gun and more laws won't stop anyone from doing just that. Just ask prison guards who find homemade firearms in prisons. Can't stop it there, can't stop it in the outside world. And, it's not illegal to make your own, unreported gun, BTW.

What makes the 3D-printed gun so dangerous is that it muddies the waters of the gun control debate in a way that makes it harder for proponents of gun control and technologists to agree on exactly what they mean.

Ummm, what?
Anyway.
Interesting this.

Fewer than 1 percent of state prison inmates who possessed a gun when they committed their offense obtained the firearm at a gun show, the report said. Gun shows were central to the measure recently rejected in the Senate: ...

So maybe gun-controllers have it wrong, hmmm? I mean if the Justice Department said it, it must be true.
Go read it.

Pay No Attention

to the man behind the curtain, says President Obama at Ohio State. Here are a few of the juicy tidbits

And that’s precisely what the Founders left us — the power, each of us, to adapt to changing times. ...
To conquer fascism and disease; to visit the Moon and Mars; to gradually secure our God-given rights for all of our citizens, regardless of who they are, or what they look like, or who they love.

why does he get to say, "secure our God-given rights" when he's the one trying to take them away? Oh, that's right, he has the bully pulpit and we're just the peons who dare to challenge him.

The founders trusted us with this awesome authority. We should trust ourselves with it, too. Because when we don’t, when we turn away and get discouraged and cynical, and abdicate that authority, we grant our silent consent to someone who will gladly claim it.
So you can’t give up your passion if things don’t work right away. You can’t lose heart, or grow cynical if there are twists and turns on your journey. The cynics may be the loudest voices — but I promise you, they will accomplish the least. It’s those folks who stay at it, those who do the long, hard, committed work of change that gradually push this country in the right direction, and make the most lasting difference.

Amen to that. Wait, he meant the opposite of what I mean. Go back and reread that paragraph. It's quite telling. Silent consent and claimers of power have gotten us to this point. Rugged individualism will only serve to sink us deeper into the rights-stripping quicksand. Standing united we can regain the rights we have lost.

I think about how we might perpetuate this notion of citizenship in a way that another politician from my home state of Illinois, Adlai Stevenson, once described patriotism not as “short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” That’s what patriotism is. That’s what citizenship is. 

Defenders of the Second Amendment need to remember all these words. Go read the full transcript.

When to Begin

the prosecutions? If CBS is on it how long until the others follow?

...CBS reported, “Throughout the night, sources say Americans on the ground in Libya at times felt helpless and abandoned… But they were told immediate help wasn’t available.” But, counterterrorism sources and internal emails reviewed by CBS News express frustration that key responders were ready to deploy, but were not called upon to help.

Go read it.

Break Out The Popcorn

This is about to get good.
AG Holder: Feds Will Ignore State Laws and Enforce Gun Grab

Ummm, You Might Want to Compare Notes

before speaking with the press. That way, you know, your story is straight when you lay it out there.

When questioned about reports that the DHS had placed orders to buy more than a billion additional rounds of ammunition, Nayak replied that those reports were “simply not true,” adding that the agency needs reasonable quantities for training purposes and that it usually buys in bulk to save money.
This assertion contradicts a statement Alex Newman of The New American received from another DHS spokesman, Marsha Catron, who said that there were two separate contracts to purchase ammunition: one for up to 750 million rounds for FLETC, and another one for 450 million rounds...

How do the citizens of the U.S. get to the bottom of this? Someone had to make the decision to place these orders. We need to find out who that person is and what their intentions are for all those rounds of ammunition.

Go read it.

Meet The New Liberator

Same as the old Liberator. Only this time it may do more simply by being possible than by being in the hands of resistance. 
The folks at Forbes got a few nice photos of it in addition to their story.

(credit: Michael Thad Carter for Forbes)

It's impossible to take away ideas and Cody Wilson is doing his level best to get the idea of what is possible into the minds of the people. Let's hope this file gets circulated before it is already made illegal by power hungry tyrants who want everyone robbed of their natural-born rights.

President blames 2nd Amendment for Mexico Violence

This is a exercise in choose your poison. Remember President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder are responsible for the Fast and Furious gun walking scandal, but have managed to play the system so they will not suffer any consequences.
If you want to get mad go read this version: "Obama Blames U.S." Just the two really key quotes from the President.
If you'd rather be slightly madder read this one: "Obama: Most of the guns..." A little more of the President's other remarks, making himself look good to the foreign audience.
If you'd prefer to get really ticked off go read this load of talking points worked into a story: "Obama Mexico Visit Highlights Ties..." Ugh. please don't torture yourself with this one.
I read all three so my blood pressure is up and I feel nauseous.

Shoot And Move

Over at guns.com they detail a new app from the wonderful world of DARPA.

The app is still in development, but it’s based on a system the military already uses. Starting in 2007, Vanderbilt developed a similar system under Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Science Akos Ledeczi using soldier’s helmet cams to locate incoming sniper fire. By connecting the helmet cams through a wireless network, the shot locator was able to pinpoint the snipers with “a surprising degree of accuracy.”

Go read it.

Making Ted Cruz Look Like a Fool, Really?

Here's another reason why I hate surveys and polls.

In a recently released survey, two-thirds of Americans said the Senate should have passed the bi-partisan compromise background checks bill that was defeated by a minority in the Senate.

Maybe those people should have called their Senators.
Go read it.

Stuntman

Everyone allows this one to slide, except maybe the guy's wife.

Seeking to make a point about firearms, a Michigan man decided to open carry his .45-cal. handgun at his daughter’s school and later uploaded the footage to YouTube.

Go read it.

Need 1903 Help

I'm looking for someone who can give me the ins and outs on a Springfield 1903 in the DFW area. I have one I want to bring back to shooting condition and it needs the rear irons. Shoot me info via the comments. No, I won't publish your contact info for the whole world to see.  :)

Texas, My Texas

"Okay, everybody in town should get a gun and ammo."
Go read it.

It's Not Always About Guns

Let your kids know that they can do this. They are capable of making decisions on their own and taking appropriate action when a parent is out of action. Empower them now.

However, there was a secret weapon in the house, and it came in the form of a nine-year-old boy.

Go read it.

Fascinating Police Poll

Numbers I actually believe.
One of the poll questions analysis:

2.) The majority of respondents -- 71 percent -- say a federal ban on the manufacture and sale of some semi-automatics would have no effect on reducing violent crime. However, more than 20 percent say any ban would actually have a negative effect on reducing violent crime. Just over 7 percent took the opposite stance, saying they believe a ban would have a moderate to significant effect.

The author goes on to say:

Contrary to what the mainstream media and certain politicians would have us believe, police overwhelmingly favor an armed citizenry, would like to see more guns in the hands of responsible people, and are skeptical of any greater restrictions placed on gun purchase, ownership, or accessibility. 

No doubt.

Go read the story.

Go see the PoliceOne.com poll takeaways.

Buybacks Gone Wild

Guess what happens when you take a gun to a buyback event in Arizona? It gets sold to add money to Arizona's coffers.

On Monday Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a billthat now requires guns collected during gun buyback programs to be resold rather than melted down and destroyed. While the bill has the support of many, not everyone is pleased with it.

And all is right with the world (at least in this case in Arizona anyway).

Go read it.

Stand On Principle

and mock the occasional squishy Senator.

The Wall Street Journal attacked the group for letting President Obama blame Republicans for blocking gun control instead of moderate Democrats. Cruz said senators made a similar argument: “They said, ‘Listen, before you did this, the politics of it were great. The [Democrats] were the bad guys, the Republicans were the good guys. Now we all look like a bunch of squishes.’”
He replied, Cruz told the crowd, “’Well, there is an alternative. You could just not be a bunch of squishes.’”

Go read it.

Next Up: Knife Control

Time to start training in the ol' choir robes, I guess.

A 24-year-old man rushed the choir at the tail end an Albuquerque, N.M., church service on Sunday, brandishing a knife and ultimately stabbing four.Witnesses said to CNN that he jumped over several pews to get to the choir, screaming, “Fake preacher!” The incident occurred at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, The Associated Press said.

And, yes, concealed carry is allowed in churches in New Mexico.
Go read it.

Inflamed Emotions Aside

Who won?

A Nashville gun-control activist said a Tennessee pro-gun group timed its gun-giveaway to fly in the face of President Barack Obama's gun-control efforts.

Hmmm, wouldn't be the first occasion a group looked at timing and won't be the last. Linda McFadyen-Ketchum needs to untwist her knickers and get over it.

Go read it.

Interactive Texas Gun Legislation Page

The Texas Tribune has a nifty page which will help folks keep up with Texas' Gun-related Politics. 
Go see it.

From Inside the Limousine

In another "Let them eat cake" moment, Michael Bloomberg declares we need to change our interpretation of the Constitution.

“What we (sic) cant do is let the protection get in the way of us enjoying our freedoms,” he said. “You still want to let people practice their religion, no matter what that religion is. And I think one of the great dangers here is going and categorizing anybody from one religion as a terrorist. That’s not true … That would let the terrorists win. That’s what they want us to do.”

Here's another case of someone speaking, but not listening to what they are saying. Practice your Creator-given right to your choice of religion, but don't practice your Creator-given right to keep and bear arms. Moron.

“It really says something bad about us that we have to do it. But our obligation first and foremost is to keep our kids safe in the schools; first and foremost, to keep you safe if you go to a sporting event; first and foremost is to keep you safe if you walk down the streets or go into our parks,” he said. “We cannot let the terrorists put us in a situation where we can’t do those things. And the ways to do that is to provide what we think is an appropriate level of protection.”

Says something bad about you, sir, for sure. The "we" you mention, law enforcement, who are supposed to protect us have no legal responsibility to protect us as individuals, only society as a whole. I could be safe to walk down the street or go to a park if I am armed or if there is a possibility I am armed. Would not a criminal or terrorist think twice about committing a crime against another if the victim may be armed? Let the people decide on their own how they choose to defend themselves when law enforcement won't or can't protect them. How's that for an interpretation?

Go read it.

What If We Dealt With Reality

instead of a bunch of hypothetical hogwash? Seriously, does John Cassidy at The New Yorker have nothing better to do than carry the water of gun haters?

Here’s a little mental experiment. Imagine, for a moment, that the Tsarnaev brothers, instead of packing a couple of pressure cookers loaded with nails and explosives into their backpacks a week ago Monday, had stuffed inside their coats two assault rifles—Bushmaster AR-15s, say, of the type that Adam Lanza used in Newtown. What would have been different?

Let's use our imagination to ty to tip the scales back to the way we want things, i.e. "I take your legally owned property away from you and make you as helpless as a little kitten, like me. That will make us all feel better, won't it?" 

John Cassidy, you can trot along home with all the other pantywaists. I want to be able to protect myself and my family. If the bad guys can still get the guns you so fear guns via illegal means, don't make me a criminal by attempting to legislate my rights away. Go read it.

Gimme, Gimme

Of course 69% of people want a gun during a manhunt. Go read it.

NBC Reports-What Could Go Wrong?

NBC does GM Truck Gas Tanks
NBC goes undercover
NBC Does Hecklers
NBC does George Zimmerman
I'm sure there are more I can't recall right now, but you get my drift. Now CNBC is doing a report on the AR-15. What could go wrong?
Go watch the promo.

Things Are Different Now Chuck, That's How

I hope these things don't pass and we never reach an "I told you so" moment. Despite Alan Gottlieb being involved in their crafting (don't like that man like I used to), it isn't a good idea to give up something really important to get something else you never should have lost in the first place.

"How were we able to pass these bills in 1994? The broad middle rose up and said 'we want rational laws on guns.' Why? Because crime was ripping apart America," Schumer said. "Rightly or wrongly, those two bills were blamed for Democrats losing control of the House and the Senate and for 20 years, not much happened. And these mass shootings have caused the broad middle to rise up again."

Knee-jerk reactions rise again. Go read it.

Ah, Youth - Or, Are You Smarter Than an 8th Grader?

I remember being young and defiant. I certainly hope I'm at least somewhat defiant anyway.
By now I'm sure most folks have seen the story about 8th grader Jared Marcum in West Virginia who was arrested for "almost inciting a riot." That "almost riot" came because Jared decided to debate an NRA shirt with a teacher who decided he didn't like the shirt. Well, Jared went back at school after his arrest and suspension and the brilliant young man came out of his corner swinging and wore the same shirt again. Well-played young sir, well played.
It shouldn't matter which side of the gun control argument a person is on, this one should be easy. There are no rules in the school's dress code to enforce here. Jared's shirt was fully within the code. He chose to stand his ground rather than automatically bend a knee to some pantywaist on a power trip.
I'm scoring this one Right-headed Student 1, Wrong-headed Teacher 0. Or maybe that should be Hope For Our Future 1, Too Little Brainpower to Debate an 8th Grader Zero 0.

Mistakes Were Made

But he looked like a good suspect. That, and well, he did some really great shows from his holding cell. Jailhouse Rock was a favorite on both sides of the bars.

Authorities are investigating whether someone may have tried to falsely implicate the Elvis impersonator from Corinth, Mississippi, a law enforcement source said on condition of anonymity.

Go read it.

(Plus I feel the need to follow-up after calling the arrest, and the guy, weird.)

So You Do Want Registration

Another instance of blathering on about how gun control would have helped, but then the argument really doesn't support the idea. There are already laws on the books that make gun possession by the Boston Marathon Bombers illegal. What they did was illegal. They decided to become criminals and no whining about the NRA is going to change the fact that more gun laws would not have done anything to have stopped them. Mr. Earl Ofari Hutchisonn needs to listen to the facts of his own story.

Boston bomber suspects Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev reportedly horded a small arsenal of guns. They were semi-automatic weapons. They did not have to go through a background check or have a permit. Authorities will now be forced to spend countless hours and personnel trying to track down exactly how, when and where they got their guns. They could have easily have gotten them over the Internet, at a gun show, or just simply bought them from an individual seller on the street or anywhere else.

Authorities will investigate. It's what they do. Registration or not, they would have to chase paper. Hutchinson is calling for an electronic database of gun owners to speed up the process. Not going to happen. Ever. What difference does it make now after the fact? Go read it.

Just Following Orders

That's the excuse the New York State Troopers are going to use anyway. They said in a statement:

"The individual members of this union did not write the terms of the bill nor vote on its passage," the State Police PBA said. "We urge the citizens of New York State to remember that troopers are simply tasked with the lawful mandate to enforce the laws of the state, regardless of their personal opinion of such laws."

We're just following orders. Where ever in history have we heard that before?
Go read it.

That's Going to Leave a Mark

Hit at close range with Rat Shot. Ouch.

The caller reportedly arrived at the scene with a .38 caliber handgun, loaded with rat shot.

Go read it.

(Plus I just like the sound of the newspaper and county name.)

I Hate Guns

and I'm a Wall Street Analyst hack who needs to make nice with my employer, Michael Bloomberg. So, I tried to tie two semi-relatable things together, but couldn't really get it done in the end.

What with the terrorist attack in Boston, the deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas and the inane vote against gun control in the U.S. Senate, you may have missed the news late last week about Stephen Feinberg. The reclusive co-founder of the buyout firm Cerberus Capital Management LP is attempting one of his most daring and ill- conceived deals of all time: trying to buy Freedom Group Inc., one of the world’s largest gun manufacturers, from his own company.

Go read it.

More For the Choir

Liberties lost in the name of safety... Over at The Atlantic, Wendy Kaminer tells the emperor he's naked as a jaybird.

You shouldn't deny the fear that drives the diminution of freedom. You'll only end up looking foolish. "A bomb can't beat us," President Obama assured Bostonians three days after the attack. "We don't hunker down ... we don't cower in fear." Yes we do. Less than 24 hours after Obama left town, hundreds of thousands of us were "sheltering in place."

Go read it.

Defy. Resist. Evade. Smuggle.

My name is Mike Vanderboegh and I'm a smuggler. I am from the great free state of Alabama and I am a Three Percenter. 

If you wish to stay free and to pass down that freedom to your children's children you can do no less than to become the lawbreakers that they have unconstitutionally made of you. Accept that fact. Embrace it. And resolve to be the very best, most successful lawbreakers you can be.

Go read the transcript of Mike Vanderboegh's speech on Lexington Green.

Share This One

This one will make you think. Are you ready?

The first thing to mention is AVOIDANCE. This is the best form of threat mitigation. If you can avoid large public events then you are going a long way to avoiding being caught in a terrorist attack, or even an active shooter event. 

Go read it.

Pulling it Together

I'm working on something a little longer and going all biblical. More later.

So They Lost Because Their Supporters Are Lazy

By way of The Captains Journal.

And oh, there are the excuses. Poor Michael Hirsh has perhaps the best one. ” … it is practically a iron law of politics that the larger the interest group—in this case, the 90 percent of all Americans who want background checks—the less likely it will be able to mobilize against a smaller, more organized and passionate interest group, such as the National Rifle Association.” Nine out of ten people can’t win anything against the one holdout.

I would liken gun control supporters to the single, voice-of-reason holdout on a jury. The one who really understands, and holds dear, the idea of justice, the law, and reasonable doubt. That single person among twelve can ensure that an innocent man goes free. 

It takes guts and determination to stand your ground when being browbeaten by those who want to make an emotional decision and get back to work and families, rather than truly consider what that hasty decision will do to another human being or the rights of future generations. 

Just say "Guilty"and we can all go home, just say "Gun Control" and everything will be better. "Wrong," says the man of strong heart, "protect the innocent, protect the rights of law-abiding citizens." Gun rights advocates did just that and, thankfully, the Senate listened. I'm proud you and I were part of that effort. I personally would rather be part of an "organized and passionate" minority than a lazy majority any day.

Go read Hirsch's full piece.

While They Chase The Boston Bombing Guys

Don't forget about this guy and the ricin letters. Bizarre doesn't begin to describe him. Go read it.

I've added Google+

We'll see where that gets me.

This One is Entertaining

Obama Reacts to Gun Control Loss (with subtitles)

It's super annoying when Senators listen to their constituents.

That pretty much sums it up. It's worth the four minutes.

Good Guy vs. Bad Guy

Follow-up info on concealed handgun license holder who shot robber in Everman, Texas. Turns out it was a Craigslist "deal" to relieve a buyer of his money. Be careful out there on the secondary market. Go read it.

Manchin Meme

This, from over at the Freedom Feens blog, is full of awesome.

No time to Sigh With Relief

Democratic leadership aides said the effort could be revived if a public groundswell demanded it. “The world is watching the United States Senate, and we will be held accountable,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, who helped lead the gun control effort.  

I can tell you, Senator Blumenthal, that the rest of the world doesn't have such a good record for following the will and protecting the rights of their people. Not that we're a shining example, but this is a step in the right direction. Defeat of this bill was just the reasoned response of those who realize what is really at stake. So, take your whining and go home.
More will come, bet on it. Go read it.
In the meantime, call your senators and tell them to vote against cloture on Harry Reid’s bill (S. 649) so it can die in the Senate rather than hold out 'til later. The number to the capitol is 202-224-3121, the switchboard will hook you up with your folks to oppose cloture. 

Not According to Plan

for the robber anyway.

The man with the CHL was shot in the arm and the hand by the robber, but the robber was shot multiple times in the chest.

It's important to remember shot placement.

Go read it.

I Want to Hate Alan Gottlieb

but I'm having a hard time doing it.

First read this at Sipsey Street.

In one fell swoop Gottlieb has provided political cover for all those waffling senators and congressmen who were seeking it desperately.

Then read this at Daylight Disinfectant.

There’s a Million other things in there it’s a Christmas Tree. We just hung a Million Ornaments on it. We’re taking the Background Check and making it a pro-gun bill. 

I'm not sure what to think, but I want to take my own advice and reserve judgement. The mention of concealed carry language I couldn't find the other day was making me think that whole thing had come from someone who was attempting to write something gun control advocates couldn't or wouldn't support. 

The biggest hangup for me is the internet sales background check. That's definitely trouble. How else would one sell a gun today?I'm reserving judgement. For now.

Voters Over Polls and Pols Over Voters

See what I did there?
This Boston Herald opinion piece notes where the real power originates.

Gun control advocates sound puzzled by congressional resistance to relatively modest gun control legislation. Many cite a poll showing 90 percent of Americans support more background checks...

Half the nation views the federal government as a threat to individual liberties rather than a protector of those rights. Sixty-five percent recognize that the purpose of Second Amendment gun control rights is protection against tyranny, and 44 percent believe it’s likely the government will try to confiscate all privately owned guns over the next generation.

Hear, hear.

...the Political Class typically gets what it wants regardless of public opinion. What’s unusual about the gun control debate is that the Political Class appears to be stymied in one of those rare instances when it appears to agree with public opinion.

Go read it.

Sorry to Disappoint

Michigan Live but there was no blood in the streets as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Michigan Open Carry met at the capitol.

Despite the opposing view points and many, many guns present, the rally remained peaceful, with both sides able to get their points across.

Media attitudes and semantics matter in this debate. Go read it.

Yes! Please Do!

"Hey, PTR," (Texas Governor Rick) Perry posted on Twitter on Friday. "Texas is still wide open for business!! Come on down!"

Want. Want. Want. I would swear eternal allegiance to PTR rifles if they do.

Go read it.

This Just Makes Me Sad

Also on Monday, owners of certain AR15 assault rifles and other semi-automatic guns with military-style features – the sale of which is now banned in New York – can begin registering their firearms with the state and have a year to do so.

Go read it.

I Hate to Pick Nits

but I'm going to do it.

Washington: Members of the Sikh community joined other religious leaders in urging the US Congress to pass strict gun control laws to prevent the recent surge in gun violence in the country, including the one at a Wisconsin Gurdwara in 2012. The religious leaders gathered on the National Mall in Washington on Friday amidst a makeshift graveyard -- 3,300 grave markers in all representing the number of people who have died in gun violence since December's massacre in Newtown -- to emphasise the huge toll of gun violence in America.

How many of the 3,300 people to die a firearm related death since December were criminals? How many were suicides? How many people kept themselves or others from harm using a firearm during the same period? It's time for folks to see the bigger picture. Go read it.
Also, I have to point out that "...pass strict gun control laws to prevent the recent surge in gun violence..." doesn't make sense.

They Get a Vote

and they're stil not happy about it. Blame the NRA for everything. I'm pretty sure Climate Change is the NRA's fault.

Indeed, the Manchin-Toomey compromise plays right into the NRA’s hands. It’s an example of what gun-control advocate Dennis Henigan calls the “gun-control Catch-22.” The NRA forces lawmakers to gut a proposed law, leaving it with gaping loopholes. Then, when the law predictably fails to meaningfully reduce gun violence, the NRA cites it as evidence gun control doesn’t work.

Sheesh. Isn't this what politics are all about anyway? If the goal is to defeat the NRA then gun control advocates should build a bigger, better political machine than the NRA. Considering the sheer number of dollars that appear to have been spent since--and even before--December, I highly doubt that will be possible in the near future. Go read it.

Consideration

We'll see.

If the High Court takes up the case (Kachalsky v. Cacace, 12-845), it will have to rule on two central issues: (1) Whether the Second Amendment secures a right to carry handguns for self-defense outside the home; and (2) whether state officials violate the Second Amendment by denying handgun carry licenses to responsible, law-abiding adults for lack of “proper cause” to bear arms for self-defense.

Go read it.