Gun Sales Surge, Crime Drops

What's not to understand?

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The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Sounding Like Homer Simpson

D'oh!

Such is the sound being made by the chief of police in Washington DC, admitting that it was wrong for one of his officers to pull his gun during a snowball fight.


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The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Excuse Me? Justice Ginsburg Suggests Supremes May Overrule Heller

This is coming third hand and sources closer to DC are tracking it down, but Justice Ginsburg appears to be of the mind that Heller will be overruled.

If what has been reported she indeed did say, however, she is mistaken in her timing.

She is alleged to have commented that sometimes a dissent can become the majority of a “future, wiser court.” I would agree. But that future, wiser court is the one seated TODAY. And it has taken the dissents of numerous lower court cases that never made their way to the high court, and ruled pretty wisely.

I am thinking that there will be those trying to nail this one down fairly quickly.

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The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Guns On Trains Controversy Continues

Clayton Cramer has some fun with the ongoing new debate about firearms on Amtrak. Check out the Lucy and Ricky video clip, and also link to the Snowflakes In Hell discussion of the whole guns on trains issue.

The anti-gun folks want it both ways. And continue to contradict themselves.

Start by clicking here.

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The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Gun Jammed On Times Square Shooter

If guns aren't held properly, they will jam. They are designed to operate in a certain fashion and to be held a certain way.

So for years one of the things I have told people, even students in CCW classes, is that the stereotype on TV and movies of gang=bangers and the way they hold a semi-auto sideways is going to get someone killed. Because guns jam that way, but TV never portrays that reality. The medium just perpetuates the stereotype and some bizarre "coolness" factor in holding a handgun in that fashion.

So it is no surprise to most knowledgable sidearm owners that the Times Square, New York shooter's gun jammed because he held it sideways like a gang-banger. Just like the TV and movie types love to portray. News reports say that witnesses saw him holding the gun on its side. The firearm jammed, because he held it sideways, and he was killed by police who returned fire after he started firing on them.

Which means that bloggers are scratching their heads this morning wondering whether watching MTV actually DOES save lives. Okay, Glenn Reynolds came up with that doozy.

Of course, once again, instead of talking about crime and criminals, Mayor Mike is still talking about inanimate objects.

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The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Houston BATF Official In A 'Hole' Lot Of Trouble

Um . . . I got nothing on this.

But the controversial federal agency is likely pretty embarrassed by one of its own this week as news of his activities in a New Orleans hotel room have the city of NOLA and Houston, Texas talking.

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The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

You And I Can't Pull A Gun On A Journalist, But At The Anti-Gun U.N. Its Open Season

As the inconvenient truth about fraud in climate research continues to roll out comes news that an assistant to a prominent professor, feeling inconvenienced about questioning he was getting at a United Nations event this week, asked armed security to remove an accredited journalist from a press event.

Professor Stephen Schneider’s assistant requested armed UN security officers to approach film maker Phelim McAleer, and hold him. The armed officers ordered him to stop filming and prevented further questioning after the press conference where the Stanford academic was launching a book. Why? Because he asked Professor Schneider about the academic's opinions on Climategate – where leaked emails have revealed that a senior British professor deleted data and encouraged colleagues to do likewise if it contradicted their belief in Global Warming.

Hmmmm. . . .

The United Nation, which through its myriad of little treaties is working to disarm civilians around the globe, uses armed security to halt inconvenient questioning about a fraud being perpetrated on the world's peoples. A fraud being used as cover and an excuse to transfer the world's wealth to the third world.

And who did the researcher's assistant call on? ARMED security personnel?

Of course, not to be outdone, the anti-gun Obama Administration, through its new "we will oversee all CO2 emissions because they are a pollutant" via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (BTW, you and I breathe, therefore apparently you and I are polluters), knows a thing or two about arming people and departments with an agenda. Not in Copengagen, but right here.

These are just the things that makes you go "hmmmmm . . . "
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"The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Just In Time For Christmas

I was never much for playing with Legos, and I still wouldn't buy this for myself. I mean, just like a friend of mine says about fine furs . . . if it isn't real, why bother? Personally, if these aren't functional, they're just things that collect dust.

BUT . . . There are those who would find this to be quite fun.

Actually, assembly of such would help kids with eye-hand coordination, engineering/problem-solving and reasoning, plus provide adults with a novelty to sit on the shelf at work. Just to annoy people.

Heh

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"The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

NYC Mayor's One Trick Pony

UPDATED: Friday, December 11, 2009, 7:53 PM -- Not surprisingly the media coverage of the shooting -- largely because it happened in Times Square -- is getting ridiculous. General assignment reporters who don't crap from apple butter (I'm being nice, and the gothan urbanites probably don't know what apple butter is anyway) and don't want to learn anything, either, are flaming this story to sell papers. Oh, did I mention that their stories are riddled with errors of fact?

***********************

The same line uttered over and over again...."too many guns," says New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Of course, it couldn't be too many criminals, could it Mayor Mike? That the mayor's office you bought and paid for most recently with your personal fortune doesn't do enough to empower taxpayers and law abiding moms and dads to protect their own?

An exchange of gunfire in The City between a peddler and NYC's finest has the mayor rounding up the usual subjects. Only the usual subjects of his ire are inanimate objects. One-Trick Pony Bloomberg is how he should be addressed. Mr. Mayor, guns don't "just go off." To be used in a criminal enterprise they have to be used by human beings who wish harm upon others.

That's sick. But the mayor doesn't talk about the sickness. He talks about inanimate objects. In my opinion, Thats far sicker.

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"The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

American Ex-Pats Suing To Get 2A Rights Back

Did you know that if you are an American citizen, but live overseas, that you essentially have no Second Amendment right when you are in the States?

With the Gun Control Act of 1968, and later on, Form 4473 which is filled out when purchasing a firearm from a gun store or other dealer, you must list the state in which you reside. But what if you married that hunky exchange student you met in college and today live in Greece? Took the job-of-a-lifetime transfer to Australia?

Here's the more important question. Can't list a U.S. state? Tough, says the Obama administration. Then you cannot buy a firearm.

The Second Amendment Foundation has filed an action regarding this restriction and the complaint is being heard by District Judge James Robertson in Washington, D.C. Attorneys for both sides have been arguing over whether the American expats have suffered enough harm to permit them to sue, the legal concept known as "standing. " The Obama administration claims that they haven't, arguing in a brief: "(Plaintiff's) vague allegation of an intention to acquire a firearm on some future visit to the United States does not give rise to a live controversy as required by Article III of the Constitution."

More specifically, the Obama administration appears to have taken the position that there's no way for anyone to challenge the 1968 Gun Control Act on Second Amendment grounds unless they're arrested for violating it first.

In response, the Second Amendment Foundation points out that the expats tried to purchase firearms in the past but were denied permission.

This is one to watch.


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"The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

25 Minutes

Are you willing to wait 25 minutes? Or do what you have to do to save your life?

One woman in Oklahoma had to make that decision. 9-1-1 operators had her on the line for a long, long time. Listen to the chilling call.

Read it here, and listen.

As Jay G over at Marooned says so eloquently, "TWENTY FIVE MINUTES. Think about that. Think about that the next time someone tells you that you don't need a gun. Twenty five minutes. That could have been Donna Jackson's entire lifetime if she hadn't had a shotgun."


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"The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Ultimate Skeet

Oh yeaaaaa . . . .

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then this video speaks for itself. I have nothing to add!

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"The NRA: Creating or saving millions of gunowners since 1871." -- J.Cuddy

Why Switzerland Has The World's Lowest Crime Rate

'Nuff said.

Click here to watch, and learn. Then forward to anyone you think needs to learn, or be reminded.

Plus, Glenn Reynolds over at Instapundit reminds us of this piece from the BBC published back in 2001. The Swiss are truly an enlightened peoples, not unlike the majority of Americans.

Colorado State University Bans Firearms

Colorado State University on Friday announced it will forbid concealed firearms on campus in a decision that pitted faculty asking for a ban against students demanding the right to carry guns.

What the faculty fears? Who can guess. Students on the other hand, seem to be the enlightened population across the U.S. as they see incident after incident where shooters come onto unarmed campuses. Rarely can authorities react in time.

The full story is here.

Federal Appeals Court Rules Against D.C. in Gun Suit

A federal appeals court today revived a suit filed by the owner of a Virginia security company who was targeted, but not arrested, for prosecution in the District of Columbia on an unregistered firearms charge.

The suit, filed last year in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges the police acted in bad faith in securing a warrant for the arrest of Robert Ord, the owner of Falken Industries. Ord is licensed to carry a firearm in Virginia. Since 2006, he has provided security service in the District.

Read the full story here at Legal Times.

Another Anti-Gun Mayor Convicted On Corruption Charges

Anti-gun Baltimore, Md. Mayor Sheila Dixon, who once hosted a regional conference of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's self-important (but meaningless) "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" organization was convicted today by a jury on a single charge in her public corruption trial.

Dixon is accused of stealing or misappropriating hundreds of dollars in gift cards. Defense lawyers say some of the cards appeared to be personal gifts to Dixon from an anonymous admirer

The jury convicted the anti-gun mayor on one count, but acquitted her of the most serious theft charge. The jury couldn't reach an unanimous decision on count six. The judge declared a mistrial. The state has until the end of the week to decide whether to refile the charges.After the verdict was read, Dixon promised that the city will continue to run.When asked whether the mayor would step down from office, Dixon's attorney, Arnold Weiner said, "All things are being considered."

The Pneumatic Musket

So this Thanksgiving holiday finds my house filled with relatives, among them two of my genius nephews.

Both love to play with technology. The oldest not feeling well (cold, flu, who knows? we may all find out in a day or two. . . ). The younger of the two brothers is an engineering student at a Midwest college. He brought along his latest "creation."

The Pneumatic Musket, also known as the SARM (Squad Almost Repeating Musket).

Using compressed air that fills two tanks (one a reserve holding tank, the second a "ready" tank, the breech-loading PVC device shoots marshmallows (for now), but we had spirited discussions about the possibility of malted milk balls, candy mini pumpkins, crayons, nerf rods, and drill bits.

. . . Though I hesitate to sacrifice a perfectly good drill bit for science.

The potential for railroad spike launches, while elusive for now, remains an interesting ongoing discussion. Usually filled using a hand operated bicycle pump, we filled the tanks quickly with my air compressor.

More to come on this new toy . . .

What would Toby Hoover, Sarah Brady, Josh Sugarmann, et al have to say about this?

Another Thing To Be Thankful For

. . . . The death of meaningless, feel-good "think-tanks" designed to brainwash the uninitiated.

Confirmation comes this week of the death of the Second Amendment Center at The Ohio State University, a thinly-veiled anti-gun "center" funded by The Joyce Foundation. A center that put out lots of reports, but always from one side of the discussion.

I tried contacting this organization numerous times, first as a representative of a statewide grassroots firearms rights organization, and later representing myself, a humble blogger covering issues regarding the 2A. Not once did anyone take my call, or see fit to return a call.

Eugene Volokh, on his blog, The Volokh Conspiracy, has described the Columbus-based center as such:

This “scholarly” center was one of the initiatives funded by the Joyce Foundation to support writings that opposed the academic consensus that had previously arisen that the original meaning of the Second Amendment protected an individual right. Readers of this blog will remember the infamous Joyce Foundation funded symposium at Chicago Kent from which any dissenting scholars were excluded in the interest of “balancing” all the rest of Second Amendment scholarship. Apparently, its scholarly purpose having been exhausted by the decision in Heller, it has ceased its scholarly mission. It is no more.

Saul Cornell, the lead researcher has moved on to another university. It was housed within the John Glenn school of public policy. Glenn was never a champion of the Second Amendment either.

This is a death that was long overdue. But reality caught up with fantasy and Joyce Foundation leadership quietly pulled the plug on a carcass that had already died, and was being kept alive with the artificial life support of false hope, doctored commentary and revisionist history.

Happy Thanksgiving

Much that bugs me these days, and much looming on the horizing.

But when it is all said and done, I have much to be thankful for.

I wish you and yours the very best Thanksgiving holiday!

The Chicago Way: Where Politicians Get To Carry Guns, But Taxpayers Are Disarmed

There is only one word for this story . . .

TWISTED!

Yet another example of things done "the Chicago Way," courtesy of Reason Online.

For Mayor Daley Its Always About The Blame Game

Rampant crime in the Windy City?

-- Its the guns, Mayor Daley complains. (He forgets that "people" -- scumbags -- hold these guns, but he neglects to hold criminals responsible).

No Olympics to Chicago?

-- A kneejerk reaction (Never mind that crime is rampant in Chicago and the world looks at "The Chicago Way" with amusement).

Lawsuits filed to overturn unconstitutional laws banning firearms in Chicago public housing projects?

-- So much interference by outsiders. (even though the suits have been filed on behalf of Chicago residents, living in fear because of unprecedented violent crime, who are prohibited from defending themselves).

And now, perhaps his most bizarre "pass the buck, blame someone else" moment . . . his reaction to news that after a hugely successful 25 year run, Oprah Winfrey is leaving her television show to do other projects.

The good mayor's reaction? "It's the fault of the media."

Yeah right. I won't say that he is the reason Oprah is leaving. I think she's tired. And has deserved whatever break or change she wants to make after a very long series. She is launching a cable TV channel and has many other enterprises to oversee. But the mayor, true to form, has got to play the blame game.

Mayor, be glad this one isn't your fault. But you can't run away from the firearms issue and how your antiquated policy of keeping law abiding taxpayers defenseless in the face of horrific crime is getting people killed. That's on you and you alone.

Good luck Oprah. I may not have agreed with all your positions on issues, but I respect what you've done on TV. Mayor Daley . . . quit finding scapegoats. Do something.

Failure To Connect Dots . . . And Bill Clinton's Fears

The Pentagon has its own investigation ongoing, as do base police at Fort Hood in Texas. Now Congress is looking into the shooting by the Army major that killed a number of soldiers and one civilian.

At issue are a number of questions. Was this a terrorist incident? In my pretty broad worldview, unequivocally I say "yes." How could this have been stopped is the other question.

Two answers. First, the screening procedure for mental stability needs to extend to the "watchers." As in, "who watches the watchers?" So, was this a form of reverse discrimination? In the private sector if you have someone who is incompetent, but you don't fire them because you are afraid you will be sued on grounds of racial discrimination, or sexual discrimination, or religious discrimination . . . that is a form of discrimination itself. The very act of NOT acting. Did that happen here? Was the major not fired because of fear over his religion? That it would look bad?

Those answers are likely to come to light very soon.

Here is reason number two on "why" this happened. Bill Clinton's paranoid fear. When he was U.S. president, he issued an order that military bases be "disarmed." That is, soldiers -- with the exception of gate MPs or gate guards -- no longer carried sidearms. His own paranoid fear for his life as commander in chief? We will probably never know.

But had the major pulled out his guns and started firing while on a base of armed servicemen and servicewomen, he would have been taken down far more quickly.

Nevertheless, my hat is off to the bravery and sharp shooting of the policewoman from the Fort Hood police force. Nicely done.

Now the question is whether Congress will thorough investigate this terrorist incident, or chalk it up as some anomoly. Time will tell . . .

Tennessee AG Says Landlords Can Ban Guns

Wow. I didn't think landlords, particularly in residential settings, want the liability associated with providing a safe environment for their tenants. Or, in truth, the lawsuits that will surely come when someone renting a property is killed because they were denied the means to defend themselves. But apparently the state attorney general of Tennessee thinks otherwise.

One state lawmaker asks a brilliant question:

"Shipley said the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would apply to someone living in an apartment to prevent law enforcement officers from entering
without a search warrant. If the Fourth Amendment applies, why doesn't the
Second Amendment apply? he said. "Can a landlord say you give up free speech,
under the First Amendment, in the apartment? I think not."

Well stated.

Here in Ohio, a coalition of groups worked together awhile back to push through reform that prevents landlords from such bigotry. You already can't discriminate based on sex, race and for many other reasons in most states. So why is it okay to discriminate against a law abiding firearm owner?

I don't think people in Tennessee are going to stand for this one.

And Just Why Is This Surprising?

Headline:

"Number of Women Buying Handguns Increasing"

Wow! Shocking news! NOT . . . at least not if you live in the Chicagoland area, or watch what is happening in Chicago, as politicians there who keep honest taxpayers disarmed while doing little about the gang-bangers running amok shooting people left and right.

Yes, women in the greater Chicago area are buying handguns in droves. Why, I don't need to mention. Self preservation. The basic human right of self defense. Tired of politicians telling them what to do, but nothing getting done. Worried that police can't get there on time.

Gee, people taking back control over their own lives. Hmmm . . . Mayor Daley won't like that!

We Already Have Tools To Defend Against Violent Hate Crimes

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed what some are hailing as "groundbreaking legislation" -- the creation of a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.

If someone is being assaulted, GLBT Americans already have a tool to defend themselves that is far superior to a piece of paper that politicians eager for votes and contributions are slobbering over in Washington.

Its called a .45. For some, it's a .38. For others, its a 9 mm.

Actually, these widely used tools are good for defending against ANY kind of violent assault, without categorizing the reasons why the scumbags of the world want to go after someone.

No Horsing Around For This 70 Year Old; She Meant Business

An elderly woman visiting the American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus this week -- the third largest convention in the United States -- shot an intruder who burst into her hotel room late Wednesday night.

According to news accounts, the woman, a great-grandmother from Ironton, Ohio, who has not been identified by police, pulled a gun when the attacker entered the room and demanded cash from the people gathered there. Everyone was ordered to the floor, and that put her in proximity to her personal defense sidearm. Police say no charges are expected (duh). And that the incident may go before a grand jury for review. No, in Franklin County ALL shootings (by good guys, bad guys or by police) go to the grand jury for review.

Quarter Horse Congress visitors are known for paying cash for just about everything. Whether this thug knew that ahead of time, we will probably never know. Family members say the police they met with have been "extremely supportive" of their mother. As well they should be. Armed citizens are a police officer's best friend. Younger LEOs don't always appreciate this, but veterans get it.

If you ask me, this woman should receive the "Self Defender Award of the Month" for her quick thinking and common sense actions. Her friends and family are lucky she was there, and that she was armed.

Western Classic Asks 'Wouldn't It Be Nice'

This morning I was watching a re-run of Wagon Train on TV. The show, a western, aired in the 1960s and concerned the people and events surrounding a typical wagon trail of pioneer settlers moving across the U.S. plains toward hoped-for bright new futures in the American west.

This particular episode, a pretty good one, involved the shooting of a man at night who was stealing a horse. Remember, back then, horse thieves were either shot or hung. For a man's horse represented life. To deprive someone of their horse was a capital offense.

Anyway, at one point a little boy whose father was the supposed thief (it later turned out the man had been duped; he was exercising a horse thinking he was buying them, but actually had been set up by his brother and branded a thief) pulled down a rifle and stated that if he found the culprit he would kill the man who shot his father.

Shortly after, one of the main characters of the show, a scout named Flint, is talking to the boy. An early gun control message in a sense. But in his day, such a sentimen was probably far reaching and noble. But a cowboy of the 1800s could not foresee the troubles the nation has been led to. In the show, Flint gently tells the boy that its hard enough for a man to kill a man. It would be much harder for a boy to kill a man. He further says that his gun has killed many things, but he has never broken the law with it. That guns don't solve problems. People solve problems.

I am paraphrasing here, but the lecture to the boy generally followed these words: "I believe there will be a day when a man doesn't have to walk down the streets armed. That people will be good to each other. That a man won't feel naked if he isn't wearing a gun."

True, guns don't solve problems. But they do save lives. Ask pretty much any military historian, and they will tell you the United States was never invaded because private citizens have a right guaranteed by the Constitution to own personal firearms. Even dictators and despots from other parts of the world said such an invasion would be suicide. Generally, I don't feel naked without a gun. But in those times when I have to be in areas where the crime rate is higher, there are times I wonder if I should carry. Of course, criminal attacks can happen anywhere. But while there might have been a time when people felt safe, it is not so now.

Think of the good people of Chicago. Some of whom are not leaving their homes because of violent crime. But they are not permitted to own a personal sidearm for their protection, as so ordered by a mayor and city council, most of whom are guarded by police paid by taxpayer dollars -- many of those taxpayers being the people who fear life in their own neighborhoods. Its twisted, isn't it?

People in this nation are good to each other for the most part. But for decades the justice system somehow becamed turned around, seemingly penalizing law abiding people for protecting themselves and their property, and giving undue protection to criminals. While for a number of crimes mandatory sentencing became the rage, the people rights -- which had been infringed around most of the nation -- were still being taken away bit-by-bit.

But about 20 years ago that started to change. With the first bans on competion rifles (so-called "assault weapons") Americans decided they had had enough. Kids who have been told guns are bad, increasingly, are asking college officials why they don't have a right to defend themselves if they are attacked. Individuals are filing court cases to overturn antiquated bans on handguns, or to loosen meaningless licensing restrictions.

The police cannot be everywhere. The old joke: . . . "Why do you carry a gun? Because a cop is too heavy" . . . has never been more true today. The shrill, worn-out, repetitive warnings of the gun control crowd that our streets would become like the old west if people are allowed to keep or carry guns has been proven not just to be wrong, but a big lie. Of course, generally, the old west was a quiet place. But the romantic old west of tv and movies is one of shoot-outs at every turn.

In point of fact, the streets that resemble the old west of tv and movies are found in those streets where the strictest gun control is present. Exactly the opposite of what the gun controllers insisted was necessary. Their actions have gotten people killed. But are they held accountable? Who of them steps forward to say, "we were wrong?" No one.

The wagon train scout mentioned above, Flint, says it best. People solve problems. And slowly, in the courts, and in state legislatures, the people are being returned rights that were unfairly and wrongly taken away. The right to defend themselves with the most logical tool possible. The great equalizer, as guns were called, ironically, back in the days of the old west.

People are fighting for their right to freedom. For self protection. To hunt. To shoot for sport and recreation. And to protect their nation. People feel naked, in a figurative sense, when those in Washington and in our state legislatures DO NOT do what is right to protect the people, but instead do what they need to do to protect themselves . . . to keep themselves in power.

With Heller, we may have taken back a bit of our rights. But there is a growing resentment that the powers that be in the White House, in Washington DC, and in a number of states, that those elected to represent Americans in this republic we call the United States, are doing things to support some unseen agenda. Witness the "tea parties" that popped up all around the nation. And to further the notion that the elite are out of touch with mainstream America, witness the venom spit at regular, law-abiding moms, grandmothers, dads and kids for showing up at such.

In business, "going naked" means going without insurance on purpose. These days, "insurance" is best defined as being informed and enlightened, and supporting the Second Amendment. Both are insurance against laws being rammed through without being read, against rules that harm the economy, and against people who would work to usurp the system to meet their own utopian vision of a top-down power structure.

As those international commanders of World War 1, World War 2 and other conflicts since those days have recognized, it makes no sense to invade the U.S. from without because its citizens are armed, or at least have the right to be armed even if they choose not to exercise that right.

Will usurpers from within come to realize the same thing?

Mayor Bloomberg And His Objection To Individual Property Rights

. . . can best be illustrated by his continual attack on gun shows in the United States.

The video is everywhere so I won't waste space here with more images. But my thinking is if he is serious . . . and I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here, he had best start going after car shows, also. For there is no law that requires you to have a background check -- or even get a driver's license -- to get behind the wheel of a Ford, GM, Honda or the potential killing machine that is the green-conscious Toyata Prius . . . a veritable death trap if the wrong hands.

It doesn't matter your intent for the vehicle, under Michael Bloomberg's utopian plan for America, you will ask permission to buy pretty much everything that might be able to hurt someone, or yourself. Has he started regulating 5-gallon buckets of drywall mud yet at New York City hardware stores, let alone at home improvement big-box retailers across the nation? Of course not. Those dangerous items, along with box-cutters, ballpoint pens and butter knives (all classified as "edged weapons") aren't sexy. Better put, he goes after firearms because he can make more political hay that way.

Recently, he sent hired "investigators" to gun shows in Tennessee, Ohio and other states. And in each -- gasp -- he found people selling items in private transactions, just like lawn mowers, used cars, and chipped New York Giants coffee mugs. Selling a personal firearm, in a private transaction between two people, is not a loophole. It was an exception especially carved out to protect respect for personal property rights.

If selling a used mayoral limosine at a car pawn shop in the Bronx in a private transaction without background checks is legal, then so is selling grandad's single shot rifle, or an elderly widow selling her departed husband's favorite handgun.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns suffers from a number of problems. First, its name is a misnomer. Think about it. Secondly, mayors across the nation are dropping out of this draconian "organization" because its true goals are being exposed. MAIG is not about enforcing laws, it is about ultimately denying law abiding moms, grandmothers and dads from quickly and easily acquiring that which is protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The more important question about his latest "investigation" is, will he or the organizers who hired the so-called "investigators" be prosecuted for the laws THEY broke in order to create this heavily-edited "report"? The latest news this morning has some suggesting that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) will start its own investigation. That might be interesting.

In my opinion, some of these private sellers are downright stupid in the remarks they made. Maybe, like the defense of the ACORN employee who, on tape, said she killed her husband (she didn't; she says she was playing with the couple who asked her the questions), one of the idiots on tape who said he couldn't pass a background check either was likely screwing around and having fun with the so-called "investigator." I don't know.

But keep this in mind. I have no idea if the individual sellers are guilty of a crime, as Bloomberg alleges. But if they are, then the buyer with the camera would have to be a prohibited person under the law and will need prosecuted. If the buyer is not an actual prohibited person and it was legal for them to obtain the guns, then the seller has done nothing wrong. The good mayor of New York City, or one of his lackeys, is the one that needs to go to jail. Since he has no jurisdiction in these other states and he is financing these operations, he may well be guilty of conspiracy to deny someone of their civil rights (the Justice Department goes after those scofflaws).

Frankly, many doubt the BATFE would do a real investigation as it would most likely end at the mayor's office.

In the United States, citizens stand up for their rights. Subjects acquiece. That's what drives Bloomberg and his cronies nuts. The fact that more and more Americans are recognizing Bloomberg's self-funded "organization" is a smokescreen for gun control. Which, according to the latest polls, logically continues to wane in importance to Americans.

Why? Because they worry about crime. They worry about terrorism. They worry about their individual rights. And giving in on the issue of firearms freedom, most Americans are realizing as they become more enlightened, puts them at risk on each and every one of these fronts.

Oh, by the way. The city of Sharonville, in SW Ohio is none too happy with the Mayor's hijinks. Here is the story.

As my good friend David Codrea writes, "This should make any fair-thinking person wonder if Bloomberg is truly serious about stopping "illegal gun sales," or if his primary motivation is to generate self-serving publicity. After all, we're talking about a creature so desperate for power -- and control over the lives of all who fall within reach of his clutches -- that he won't give it up in spite of the law. Instead, he'll change the law, and the expressed will of the people be damned.

Does all this make you think Bloomberg is merely eccentric? Or dangerous?

A Reminder: DO NOT Buy Ammunition at Wal Mart

In case you were not aware, or have forgotten, Wal-Mart is in a bizarre partnership with Mayor Mikey's anti-gun cabal of mayors who have forgotten their oaths of office (most of them swear to support the Constitution of the United States).

You reminder may be found here, with thanks to Ahab for the refresher.

Support for Gun Control At Its Lowest Point In Decades

A new Gallup poll shows that the number of Americans who favor tougher gun control laws has dropped to its lowest point in nearly 20 years. Gallup asked the question, "In general, do you feel that the laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now? Forty-four percent said more strict, 12 percent said less strict, and 43 percent said the laws should be kept as they are now -- making for a 55-44 majority opposed to tougher laws.

But wait . . . there's more. Read the entire story by clicking here.

Big Wilmington, Ohio Gun Show This Weekend

If you are in the Midwest U.S. this weekend, and anywhere near Ohio, you should head out to the big C&E/ShowMasters gun show taking place at the Roberts Center on Interstate 71 near Wilmington.

Here is a link to their website. My colleagues will be out front selling NRA memberships. Buy a one year membership, or renew your annual membership at a $10 discount from the normal National Rifle Association one-year rate, and you get into the show FREE.

Plus...you get a nifty hat, also FREE.

Chicago Gun Controllers Want To Know Why Obama Not Jumping On Control Bandwagon

Chicago . . . one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., if not THE most dangerous.

Chicago . . . it never stood a chance to get an Olympic bid, much to the surprise of supporters in the Windy City and some media chatterboxes. It seems they were the only ones who didn't know Chicago never would be chosen, and would likely be dropped early. Because of the violence there?

Violence that the gun controllers continually say can be curbed if only there were restrictions on guns? Well let's see . . . there is no concealed carry allowable in the entire state of Illinois. Pretty restricted there. And handgun ownership is banned in Chicago and a number of suburbs. Hmmm . . . so if guns are pretty much verboten, then how pray-tell can there possibly be all these shootings?

Gun controllers in Illinois and Chicago are upset because there will be a meeting today on violence against children, the latest being a child who was beaten with splintered railroad ties. Captured and replayed again and again on YouTube, the incident has further tarnished Chicago's already dangerous reputation. They want to know why Obama isn't doing more to ban handguns . . . whoops I meant restrict guns (they already are banned, right?).

An interesting read. Take a look and pass it on.

PA College Relents: Quits Censoring Student's Attempt to Organize A New Campus Group

A student threatened with punishment for attempting to form a gun-rights group at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is finally eing ballowed to distribute pamphlets about the group on campus.

Read it here.

Score another for the good people at FIRE.

Does CHL Ban In Churches Violate The 1st Amendment?

An interesting question and fascinating debate unfolding in Arkansas.

I won't comment until later. Read about it here.

Supreme Court Agrees To Review Chicago Case

UPDATED: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, 4:39 pm -- Here is more detail on the incorporation case, which will hopefully determine whether the Second Amendment only applies to federal law, or to state and local law as well. The latter is where it should be. Currently, there is a split in opinions at the U.S. Court of Appeals level.

Meanwhile, here is updated coverage from CNN. Not a bad wrapup, actually, considering...
PLUS MORE from The National Law Journal's Legal Times.

Its going to get even more interesting!

*********************
CNN is reporting that the U.S. Supreme Court has just announced it will accept an appeal over the constitutionality of gun restrictions in Chicago, Ill.

Several organizations filed lawsuits against the city of Chicago, immediately following the Heller opinion by the High Court, over its ban of handguns. The city's argument, that the ban keeps the city safe, is so much hogwash. The largely discredited lie is an attempt to explain away the ban. Of course, this city, one of the most dangerous in the city because of violent crime, would do well to get in line with mainstream America. More of its peoples would likely be alive, but that doesn't fit the "control" playbook of Mayor Daley and his cronies.

More to come as this story unfolds.

Arizona Bars And Restaurants Soon Will Be Safer Places

Concealed handgun license holders in Arizona will soon be able to carry their sidearms into restaurants and bars.

Lawmakers there, understanding the public's will and interest in the basic human right of self defense, decided that self protection should not end becasue you enter a place of commerce.

Of course, the usual shrill fear-mongering is taking place as the media -- desperate to paint progress in a negative light -- turns over one rock after another to find someone who doesn't like the new law. They found a few and used them as the lead-ins for their news coverage of the change.

The bottom line: Decades of bigotry against law abiding citizens who merely want to be able to defend their lives continues to erode.

Many Big City Despots Keeping Citizens Defenseless

The Heller decision is past, with the U.S. Supreme Court affirming once and for all that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to own a firearm. Further, their decision reversed Washington DC's antiquated ban on handguns.

So why are many of the nation's big city mayors trying to keep law abiding citizens from purchasing ammunition?

Read all about it.

Overheard At A Gun Show

"It's not a weapon. It's a long-range, precision paper punch."

-- in reference to a .50 cal sporting rifle.

Seattle Mayor Ready To Toss Grenade Over His Shoulder As He Leaves The Room

Outgoing Seattle, Wash. Mayor Greg Nickels (the definition of "outgoing" here not one describing an extrovert) appears to be planning to try to make mischief before he leaves office.

In violation of the laws of the state of Washington, Nickels appears to be ready to push through a proposed rule that would ban legally-carried firearms in city Parks and Recreations Department facilities

Nickels, long an anti-self defense politician, lost a bid to be his party's nominee for re-election last month when he lost that race. Clearly, voters in Seattle had lost faith in him and increasingly were suspicious of his motives as he has pushed and pushed and pushed one anti-gun initiative after another. On Friday, the proposal to ban guns in parks was put forth.

If the proposal becomes law, Alan Gottleib of the Second Amendment Foundation says there will be lawsuits.

222 Years Ago Today

222 years ago today, the United States Constitution was signed.

Make a note....

Lest We Never Forget

Eight years ago today our world changed here in the United States. There are those who would continue to exploit this horrible attack to take away the Second Amendment firearm rights of every American. Who use the fiction of so-called "loopholes" to try to destroy gun shows, which in fact are an expression of the First Amendment right to assemble, and share information about what is happening in the body politic in this nation.

9/11 . . . We must never forget the tragedy that is that day. How we felt the next day. Unified. Defiant. And proud of our freedoms.

Those freedoms are too easy to take for granted. And they are worth defending.

This Date In History: First 'Cannon' Fired

August 26, 1326, a date which will live in history. Or not.

I guess it would depend on your definition of a cannon . . . and its "projectile" -- a piece of stone that had been rounded off . . . a bit.

1346: Genoese mercenaries fighting under Philip VI of France are surprised,
unpleasantly, when they are among the first soldiers in history to come under cannon fire. It has been claimed that this battle, which occurred near Crécy in northern France early in the Hundred Years War, marks the first use of cannon on the battlefield.

Like many claims that reach us through the mists of time, this one is hard to verify and is oft disputed: According to Arab historian Ahmad Y. al-Hassan, the Mamluks
employed the “first cannon in history” against the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260. In the end, it may come down to how the word “cannon” was defined in those days.

A great read. Check it out!

Camp Perry 2009

Jude Cuddy, an occasional contributor to The Ready Line, competed once again at the National Matches this summer at Camp Perry. The Matches, organized by the Civilian Marksmanship Program with assistance from the National Rifle Association and the Ohio National Guard, brings together some of the best shooting competitors from every corner of the U.S., even from other parts of the planet.

Standing, seated or prone, civilians compete next to active duty military personnel. On the line you might have a plumber, a cop, a salesman, a member of the U.S. Navy marksmanship team, a retiree, a college student, a cattle farmer, and even a high school student. Unlike golf, there are no "ladies tees." No special line for younger shooters, no handicapping for less experienced shooters versus Army marksmen and markswomen. But, like golf, you don't compete against others. You compete against yourself, firing your best score and then comparing your results with hundreds of others on the line that day, or that week.

In his piece, Jude reflects upon his week and a half on the shores of Lake Erie, what it means to compete there, and why the very thought of of the phrase "let every man be armed" strikes such a raw nerve among those whose motivation to get involved in government is "control."

For you see, that phrase -- and that last word -- are in total contradiction with one another. I'll let Jude explain, in another of his brilliant essays . . . From Behind The Berm.

Camp Perry 2009

The Story Not Told

One year later and one year older, the annual sojourn to the storied Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio had concluded. Yet another memorable experience that reaffirms the responsibility that we all have as citizens to exercise our God-given rights, and to preserve, protect and defend the nation and our way of life.

What is newsworthy is what did not happen during the many weeks that the facility was packed with small arms of all descriptions: smallbore rifle, black powder rifles, pistols and of course the favorite scapegoat of the liberals – the Service Rifle. Popularly vilified as the root of all social evils, this fine instrument that protects our life and liberty was present in the thousands.

However, there was no elevated police presence, no riot gear, nor tear gas present. What the left assigns to the presence of firearms – carnage, mayhem, bloodshed and unruly mobs - never materialized. Quite the opposite occurred. I suspect that crime is actually lower than usual – which is probably fairly low to begin with – during the entire time the shooting sports are taking place. Millions of rounds were fired and no one was injured. Should there be something wrong?

What this underscores is the self-discipline, self-policing conduct of all participants involved. What will never be acknowledged by those clamoring for yet more gun control laws is that it is the individual who is responsible for his or her own conduct – not the instrument of choice. In the “Age of Blame” where there is always someone or something at fault – those engaged in the shooting sports are willing and expected to be answerable for themselves alone.

In the general demographic one can sadly conclude that we are no longer a nation of riflemen. But as long as there are those willing to display the necessary skill and dedication to engage in the shooting disciplines you will find solid citizens who reflect the values that this country was founded upon. Personal responsibility and accountability are a way of life.

I tip my hat to those fellow participants – regular folks from around the nation and world – who firmly believe in the right to keep and bear arms. Many are the same men and women who are currently serving our country and keeping us “safe from all enemies, foreign and domestic." Not the sinister, recluse loners the media portrays us to be, but everyday Americans passionate about exercising their rights affirmed by our Declaration and Bill of Rights.

Another successful trip to the shores of Lake Erie. Since nothing untoward happened it is therefore not newsworthy to the media types, and went unnoticed. Perhaps that is for the best, for what most shooters ultimately want is to just be left unfettered to engage in a very rewarding endeavor. Only those who fear citizen-soldiers that cultivate such skills would want to infringe the practice and possession of these same instruments.

Semper Fidelis,

Jude T. Cuddy

Nicely said my friend, very nicely said!

On The Constitutionality of Gun Registration

A fascinating, and simultaneously disturbing discussion on the constitutionality of firearms registration is taking place within legal circles. A horrible public policy, everyone agrees. But would it be constitutional?

Read it here.

I'm no attorney, but the U.S. Constitution says the government may not infringe on the rights to bear arms. But could it be permissable to register all guns? Interestingly, the mood in the nation is toward the right to own guns. Women are buying firearms in record numbers. More people have concealed carry licenses than ever before. The Heller decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the affirmation by the Founders of this nation that the Second Amendment is an individual right. Washington DC was forced to abandon its antiquated prohibition on the ownership of handguns. Chicago is on the ropes trying to defend its antiquated handgun regs.

Even President Obama, abandoning his traditional gun control position, noted that an african american gentleman carrying a competition rifle had a right to do so, when the man showed up at a rally. Official Washington, those that know how to get things done, and how to keep the peace, want no part of gun control right now.

The president's whacky health care initiatives are on the ropes, Americans of all colors, stripes and economic backgrounds increasingly are stepping up and protesting the intrusion of government into their lives, whether it be in banking, the automobile industry, insurance industry, or elsewhere.

So the liklihood of major gun registration initiatives picking up any traction right now are negligible.

But is it constitutional?

Gun Control Anniversary Shows Just Far Control Theory Has Fallen

?It’s been ten years, according to this Brady press release, since the Million Mom March popped onto the scene, spured by a mass shooting at a Jewish community center in 1999. That got me to thinking what some of the missteps the Brady organization had made, mostly under the leadership of former Maryland congressman Michael Barnes."

So writes Sebastian at Snowflakes In Hell.

In the time since that news release was issued, things have gone from bad to worse. That is, it's gotten far worse for the proponents of gun control (later morphed to "gun safety" because no one would pay attention to their whacky policy proposals to license and/or disarm American moms, grandmas, dads, etc.). Since those days, far more states have concealed carry, and the U.S. Supreme Court, in the Heller opinion, has decided -- once and for all -- that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the individual right to possess arms (this isn't limited to firearms, folks).

Rough sledding for the Bradys, the MMMs and the folks over at Violence Policy Center. None of their shrill whining has caught hold with the American public. To the contrary, Americans have embraced firearms for personal protection, sporting purposes, collecting and hunting.

Robbers 0, Harlem Store Owner 4

The 72-year-old store owner was viewed as an easy mark by some local hoods in Harlem, New York City.

They were wrong.

When the dust settled, two of the would-be thieves/killers were dead, and two more were wounded.

It is events like this that make the scumbags think twice about pulling a gun or knife on a senior citizen. Mr. Augusto should be hailed for not backing down. If you show them once you are willing to be a victim, you will always be a victim.

When Banning Something That Wasn't Used In A Crime Makes Sense

Of course, if you read the headline, it makes NO sense.

Apparently nothing, even fact, will prevent U.S. Rep. Joseph Sestak of Pennsylvania, in his announcement for a run at the U.S. Senate, to clamor for restoration of the widely discredited ban on so-called "assault weapons." Not even the truth.

Adding to his credibility problem is that his statement about the need for implementing such a ban mentions the murder of three women at a health club by a deranged man. The story made national news.

Of course, Rep. Sestak either intentionally, or negligently, never mentions the fact that the criminal was armed with two handguns, a 9 mm and a .45 caliber pistol.

But then, like some of the legacy media, it appears Rep Sestak doesn't like the facts to get in the way of a good story.

I Knew This Day Would Come

The bragging was never thrown my way. I was totally unaware of it. In retrospect, I know why. Because I knew the truth.

There was a statement (not so much a request) about a certain circle of mutual friends. "We probably shouldn't let them know how far back we go . . . it just raises questions." I had no objection. It didn't matter to me. So I obliged. In retrospect, I know why. Though I was unaware of the "past" this individual had shared with these same people, I knew the truth.

Little by little, I heard things. Once, I overheard a conversation. It startled me. But I am one of those guys who likes to ferret out my own intel. Original sources of information do it for me. I don't like hearsay. But what I was hearing troubled me.

I have three nephews in the service. All three are U.S. Army. One is a communications expert who was retrained to be an M.P and was assigned twice as a guard at a 15,000 person detention center in Afganistan. He is currently posted to Alaska. The second is an Army Ranger. He has seen battle in a number of sandy places these past few years. The third is a Green Beret, who also has seen battle more numerous times in the sandbox. He has recently been reassigned to the States and is a drill instructor.

All three have been shot at IN BATTLE, and have returned fire.

I guess I can claim I have been shot at, too. But only in the most technical sense. To elaborate, to put it into perspective, I was behind a berm, scoring and changing targets. It's not the same is it?

But these three young men who mean so much to me, along with their peers, put themselves in harm's way quite often. That someone is putting themselves out to be what they are not in this fashion, in this place this week, is more than insulting. Not just to my three nephews, but to anyone who has ever truly been in battle. Who has shed blood for this nation that I so love.

But I digress. The day "the question" first came was while I was attending the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor induction ceremonies two years ago. In the beautiful setting that is the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, I bumped into a friend. We were standing there watching this very important ceremony, taking it all in. Listening to the citations of very brave men and women who risked their lives for their country, for their brothers and sisters in uniform.

During a brief break, my friend says to me (without turning to me) and asks, "hey, do know if (name) truly served in the military?"

I paused. I had known the day would come when someone would ask.

I turned to look at him, and I was getting this skeptical look, eyebrow raised. I paused as I carefully chose my words. "I honestly don't know, but I don't think so," I answered. His reply, "the math doesn't add up, does it?" "No," I said, "it doesn't." The question had finally come. What I had heard previously, and heard far more of later were little stories by this individual I have known most of my adult life. He served in Vietman? Was hurt jumping out of a helicopter there? That would be rather difficult since we were in 10th grade study hall at the time, making fun of the teacher assigned to babysit us.

A few months ago I travelled to Arlington National Cemetery to bury a good friend. One of the most honorable men I have ever met. He was not only a paratrooper, he later was a jumpmaster. A Green Beret whose stories were real. Who had been shot at. And who, while he was proud of his service, didn't go around bragging about it. Didn't go out of his way to tell stories.

But when he did, his stories were real. My nephews serve with honor. The uniform they wear is real, not purchased out of a catalog. The stories they tell are real.

To them I say "thank you for your service." To the posers, and they are many, I just shake my head.

It is so very wrong. People who do, and have worn our nation's uniform, call such fakery "douchbaggery." To me, it is more than wrong. And so very much without honor.

USA Today Reports CCW License Requests, Issuances Up Across The Nation

The economy, fears over increases in crime, and the enlightenment that comes with examining the record of President Barack Obama, and his political cronies, has CCW license issuance up all across the United States.

USA Today has the story.

Buy A Piece of History In Utah: John Browning's Home Is For Sale

A beautiful home in Ogden, Utah, formerly the mansion of John Browning, is on the market.

Xavier has the details and photos.

Sweet on so many levels!

Sarah Palin Goes Out On A High Note

Yesterday, as she gave one last speech before leaving the office of governor of the State of Alaska, she gave a wide-ranging speech on the Second Amendment, the legacy media's laziness, why ALL the children of politicians should be off limits to pundits, and how she's not going away.

Three of the best lines . . .

"We eat, therefore we hunt."

"Our new governor has a very nice family too. So leave his kids alone."

"How about in honor of the American soldier, you quit makin' things up! (a reference to members of the military who are willing to risk their lives to protect, among other things, the right to freedom of the press)

Watch her farewell address here.

Another Anti-Gun Mayor Nailed For Corruption

No wonder they fear their citizenry possessing firearms. They, themselves are crooks. and everyone knows that criminals fear law abiding citizens who keep guns.

The latest from the federal sweep of New Jersey, where numerous public officials and even religions leaders were arrested for bribery and corruption charges.

One of those, Joseph Doria, when he was mayor of Bayonne, N.J., was among those eagerly signing on to New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg's anti-gun mayor's club.

Two Votes

The legacy media may be portraying this as an amendment that never stood a chance, but the "Thune Amendment," an addition to a military appropriations bill that would have legally enabled anyone in the U.S., with a CCW license to carry in any other state that permits CCW, failed by a mere....2 votes.

Some 20 democrats broke with their party and voted for the amendment. Incredibly, even Sen. Harry Reid, the embattled Nevada senator who is in the political fight for his life, voted for the amendment. This goes against years of anti-gun, anti-self defense votes. I believe, however, that the vote counters knew the amendment would fail -- even narrowly -- giving Reid political cover to vote in the affirmative.

Anti-gun groups are crowing at their so-called great victory. A rare victory for gun control advocates, those who choose to obstruct vital citizen safety legislation such as this amendment have been on the ropes for several years now as more and more Americans have become enlightened about their personal safety, and their personal responsibility to such. Even much of the media doesn't get it. Check out Bryan Miller and USA Today.

Here in Ohio, both my senators -- Brown (D) and Voinovich (R) -- voted against the citizen safety amendment. The votes were not unexpected. Brown has long opposed the basic human right to self defense, and Voinovich is pretty squishy on the issue, as well.

Sebastian, over at Snowflakes in Hell, posted real-time coverage of C-Span news reports leading up to the vote. It makes for interesting reading.

Most importantly, this issue isn't going away. The National Rifle Association, noting the close vote, has pledged to keep this issue in the forefront of national firearms rights and self defense policy.

Two votes . . . A slim margin and the anti self defense scare-mongers know it. And they are frightened by the continued loss of their power and influence.

A Day In The Life Of An 'Open Carrier'

A superb piece from a publication in San Diego, Calif. shows what individuals in the Golden State are experiencing as part of the "open carry" movement.

In this case, they are carrying unloaded firearms. For an open carry protest it might be appropriate, but its not what I would do. Still, it takes baby steps to get started on the Left Coast, and the subjects of this story and their peers are turning heads and getting people to think and discuss the issue there.

A very good read. Worth passing along.

A Beautiful Day For Waterfowlers and Eddie Eagle's Message Of Safety

I am just back from a spectacular day at the Cardinal Center in Morrow County, Ohio, where the Waterfowlers Bootcamp (Day 1) took place. Under partly cloudy skies, Eddie Eagle swooped in to teach kids the four main lessons of this award-winning, highly effective safety program.

Below are a few photos from the event, which concludes Sunday.

While strolling the grounds, Eddie got a crash course in duck and goose calling, and watched some fantastic dog demonstrations with expert retriever trainers. I will be back out tomorrow morning with Eddie once more, handing out stickers, temporary tattoos, coloring books, and spreading the Eddie Eagle GunSafe message.

That being, if kids find a gun in an unsupervised situation, they should:

-- STOP!

-- DON'T TOUCH!

-- LEAVE THE AREA!

-- TELL AN ADULT!

Some visitors to the Waterfowl Boot Camp pose with Eddie Eagle for a photo

Eddie comes nose to nose with some beautiful mounts created by a Central Ohio taxidermist

Wow! Who knew Sarah Palin would be stopping by....

Her cardboard cutout insisted on having her photo taken with Eddie Eagle

Eddie and yours truly pose for a photo at the end of a long day teaching the Eddie Eagle GunSafe message

One last note to share.

I was also there with a number of colleagues from Peoples Rights Organization (PRO), at the request of organizers of the Waterfowl Bootcamp, to represent the National Rifle Association and man a recruiting table. Pete Stryjewski of PRO, who also volunteers with the Ohio Waterfowl Association, set it up, and both Mike Regan and Jim Prior, two great guys, spent the lion's share of their time today at the NRA recruiting station.

I have some important thoughts . . . serious issues, if you will . . . with how that all went. And of the divide and conquer strategies that anti-hunters, those who abhore self defense, and those who are virulently anti-gun, use. I am going to write on that after I have had a few days to process it all.

To the organizers of this fantastic event, thanks for inviting Eddie Eagle to take part and spread his important safety message. I have been involved with the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program for just about 10 years. It does my heart good to see kids respond in such a positive manner when they realize they are learning something important.

Today was no exception. I look forward to repeating it all tomorrow.

Ohio's Waterfowl Bootcamp

Big events across the Buckeye State this weekend, with one of the biggest being the Waterfowl Bootcamp, put on by the Ohio Waterfowl Association.

Taking place at the Cardinal Center, a premier trapshooting range in north Central Ohio that has become the new home of the Ohio Trapshooting Association, the "Bootcamp" will feature many events and programs for waterfowl hunters of all ages.

Click here for a link to the event, which includes seminars on painting decoys, calling in geese, and numerous youth programs.

Speaking of youth, I will be there with two other representatives of Peoples Rights Organization (PRO) to sell National Rifle Association memberships. Additionally, I will be teaching the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program, a nationally recognized and U.S. Justice Department endorsed firearms safety program for young children. The STOP! DON'T TOUCH! LEAVE THE AREA! TELL AN ADULT! message is strong, and has been adopted and taught by private citizens and police departments to kids all across North America. And with great success.

If you are in the area, stop by. The Cardinal Center is at State Route 61 and Interstate 71 in Marengo. Word is, Eddie himself will be "flying in" to teach the special "gun safe" message to kids attending the Waterfowl Bootcamp. And I am bringing a big supply of temporary tattoos, stickers, and Eddie comic books.

Mike DeWine Wants To Be Your New AG

The only sitting republican U.S. senator ever to be endorsed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (formerly Handgun Control Inc.) wants to run for Ohio Attorney General.

Hmmmm.....

Based on his anti-gun, anti self defense, pretty much anti freedom voting history in the U.S. Senate before he was thrown out by voters a few years ago, I vote NO!

We already have an attorney general in Richard Cordray who is, many believe, a wolf in sheep's clothing regarding the 2A. Although, to be fair, he did sign on to an amicus brief with other state attorneys general arguing for "incorporation" regarding the 2A; that is, that the constitutional provision in the Bill of Rights to right to keep and bear arms applies to the states and local governments, also. As in . . . "shall not be infringed."

David Yost, Delaware County prosecuting attorney, has a generally strong record on the Second Amendment. He would appear to be a far stronger choice as republicans go for this race.

I have a pretty good idea what Ohio's three big grassroots gun rights groups will have to say on Mr. DeWine's candidacy. When Sarah Palin was John McCain's VP candidate, she spent some time criss-crossing Ohio on a brief bus trip. She was being escorted by none other than Mike DeWine. I fired off a letter to her office and to the McCain campaign advising them that a DeWine/Palin combination is sort of like oil and water. Whether Ms. Palin picked up on the idea that former Senator DeWine is not a conservative, is anti-gun, and was rejected by most voters in his own party this last election cycle . . . well I don't know how that barn-storming partnership worked out.

All I know is that on the issues, law abiding firearms owners have many, many, many issues with Mr. DeWine. I guess he doesn't care.

Obama Urges Ratification of Little Known Treaty That Would ID American Gun Owners to Foreign Governments

The legacy media, and the elitists in the United States say they just don't understand why mainstream Americans don't trust President Obama on the firearms issue and the Second Amendment.

Here is yet another reason and it is a doozy! The president is urging ratification of a little known treaty signed by President Bill Clinton when he was in office. The treaty would create a gun registry in the United States, and the names of American firearms owners would be available to foreign governments.

For those who say we can trust the current administration on matters regarding the 2A, do you still not get it?




Lou Dobbs and CNN have the full story. The crisis facing mainstream Americans, as eloquently outlined by Larry Pratt, president of Gun Owners of America, is that Americans under this treaty would regulated because of the inability of foreign governments to control crime within their borders. Reminds me of a scene from the movie "10" where a minister explains to a perplexed Dudley Moore that everytime the elderly housekeep farts, they kick the family dog.

Be sure to sit down before you watch. It will make your head spin.

Taser Rolls Out Shocking Shotgun Shell

Self defense tool manufacturers manufacturers don't usually boast about a shotgun's non-killing power, unless that manufacturer is Taser International. This month, the leading "less-lethal" device manufacturer released for public sale a new stun cartridge for 12-gauge shotguns with a range of more than 100 feet.

It was originally developed for the U.S. Marines. But for use by the public, journalists seem skeptical. Is the media finally coming around, as are an ever-increasing majority of Americans, about how firearms are in deed the equalizer best suited for self defense? And they don't like Taser as an alternative? Or is it about the demonization of Taser International by those who have failed at demonizing guns, so they go after the leading provider of "less than lethal" tools?

An interesting debate.

Still, this is another one of those things to add to my "nice to have" list. Heh . . .

Words Matter

Boy is this eerily similar . . . talk about your inconsistency in reporting, and spin by those in power.

Several years ago, when the city of Columbus, Ohio was trying to ban competition rifles, the powers that be referred to these tools as "assault weapons." Simultaneously, however, the Columbus Division of Police was trying to purchase a number of these firearms. On all purchase order documents, and once the news hit the media, these very same guns were referred to as "patrol rifles."

Flash forward to summer 2009, the governor of Tennessee vetoed a bill to allow CCW holders to carry concealed sidearms in establishments that serve alcohol. In all instances, the media is reporting these establishments to be "bars." Ultimately, the Tennessee state legislature voted to override the governor veto, allowing CCW holders legal access to these facilities.

But the governor last week quietly signed a bill allowing off-duty police officers to carry concealed firearms into these same establishments. Most interesting, in all references, the powers that be and the media refer to said establishments as "establishments that serve alcohol."

It just goes to show . . . words matter.

BTW, in a related matter, a court today threw out a request for a temporary injunction to halt the implementation of Tennessee's new law, which goes into effect tomorrow. Seems a very loud, but very small handful of restaurant owners who claim they "might" face an increased liability by allowing CCW holders in their places of business filed a legal challenge. Not surprisingly, the judge rejected their insistence on an injunction to prevent restaurant goers from being able to legally defend themselves from violent attack with a handgun.

BTW, in a further related matter, the governor of the state of Arizona today signed into law a bill allowing CCW holders there to carry concealed self defense sidearms into "bars."

Sotomayor Hearings Get Underway Next Week; 2A Authorities Have Issues With Her Rulings, Opinions

The hearings for Judge Sotomayor get rolling next week. And waiting in the wings to testify are a bevy of pro-rights, pro-gun, pro-self defense experts and advocates. Among them:

- Stephen Halbrook, noted 2A attorney and author (and good friend of Ohio's Peoples Rights Organization);

- Sandy Froman, former president of the National Rifle Association; and

- David Kopel of the Independence Institute.

Eugene Volokh has the full list of those individuals testifying in support of, or in opposition to, the nomination of Ms. Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court.

Big Columbus Westland Gun Show Today and Tomorrow, July 11-12

If you are anywhere near Central Ohio this weekend, you need to make time to head over to the big Columbus Westland Gun Show, taking place at Westland Mall on the city's (where else?) west side.

Sponsored by C&E/Showmasters Gun Shows, show hours are 9-5 today, and 9-4 tomorrow. Admission is $8. But if you are a Peoples Rights Organization Life Member, admission is free. Bring your PRO Life Member membership card, or your new C&E/PRO admission card.

And the best deal going is the join the NRA at the show. Join today or tomorrow and you get $10 off the normal membership rate, plus a nifty NRA hat, plus the full benefits of membership (12 months of magazines, insurance, etc.), AND you get free admission to the big gun show. All for 25 bucks.

Worth checking out!

Self Defense In Public Housing Projects Advances But Some Lawmakers Say The Poor Should Be Unarmed

How is this for hateful? To make an entire class of citizens into victims -- all because of an elitist attitude that the poor should not have firearms.

Pure idiocy.

Thankfully, a growing number of lawmakers in Congress are turning their backs on the antiquated notion that self defense is somehow wrong. It is a basic human right, as more and more court decisions are showing, and as more Americans come to realize that the reason to carry a gun is because cops are too heavy.

Sorry . . . had to slip that in.

So it is good news that yesterday a U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee adopted an amendment to allow guns in public housing projects. The amendment, by Tom Price , R‑Ga., would bar any housing authority from restricting legal ownership of guns.

Jeff Soyer at Alphecca has an excellent overview, and some great commentary. And all I can say is that Emanuel Cleaver II , a Missouri democrat who sits on the committee, is a racist and an elitist. What nerve to sit on high in Washington and dictate who may live and die by arbitrarily trying to enforce his out-of-touch opinion on self defense sidearms on the poor.

He sounds like the racists of the old South, who through the mid to late part of the 1900s believed and pushed the idea that african-americans should not be allowed to vote. Because they were poor or under-educated. EVERYONE -- no matter their color or infirmity -- has the right to self defense.

Rep. Cleaver, do you even have the least comprehension how disgustingly bigoted your comments are?

No Surprise As DC Checkpoints Are Ruled Unconstitutional

A federal appeals court today unanimously ruled in favor of a group of District of Columbia residents, who challenged a ridiculous so-called "neighborhood safety program" that in essence set up vehicle checkpoints. The checkpoint program, devised and implemented by D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department, has been criticized by many.

And rightly so.

The four plaintiffs, represented by Mara Verheyden-Hilliard of the Partnership for Civil Justice, sued the city, claiming the police "neighborhood safety zone" program is unconstitutional. The temporary vehicle checkpoints were initiated last year and set up in response to violence in a handful of neighborhoods.

Read the entire story here. It is amazing that DC lawmakers think this kind of "license to snoop" legislation is still okay. It was never okay, but no one stood up to them until recently. You would think after the Heller decision that they would understand that their provincial manner of thinking is a thing of the past. Maybe they have learned.

As the parable making its way around the internet says, "you should have stopped me at the dinner roll." Four courageous D.C. residents did just that.