When Will NYC's Auto Carnage End?

Oh the humanity! For the children, we must do something about the assault cars.

Another incident in New York City -- four in two few days, with a total of 21 people injured.

By Saying 'Don't Play The Race Card,' Obama Played The Race Card

Incredible just how low a candidate will go to get the upper hand. Sen. Obama very clearly played the race card by saying that he is sure republicans will play the race card in the November election. Did you follow that?

Does he really think voters are that stupid?

Of course, this is the man who says he supports the 2A, but . . .

- Endorsed an Illinois handgun ban proposal
- Says we should respect the 2A, but local gun bans are okay
- Co-sponsored a bill to limit purchases to one firearm per month
- Endorses CCW for retired police officers even though he has steadfastly opposed concealed carry (of course he was angling for a Fraternal Order of Police endorsement at the time)
- Wants to "keep guns out of the inner city." Claims it is about keeping guns out of criminals hands, but makes no provision for the grandmother who wants a firearm to protect herself, and the grandchildren she may be looking after.

Aren't there laws against pandering?

Facts, Figures vs. Vitriol, Anger, Emotion

The Los Angeles Times recently, in a rare feat of reasonableness (is that a word?), wrote a piece that treated firearms owners . . . fairly. It was all about open carry.

The comment section, on the other hand, demonstrates who the people are on both sides of the discussion. And the differences could not be more apparent!

On one hand, we have reasonable, common sense discussion with facts, figures, stats, and even anecdotal evidence. On the other hand, we have anger, accusations, flat-out fiction . . . more emotion than you can shake a stick at. Funny, it's firearms owners who supposedly are so emotional about their sport and the Constitution that they are supposedly only one bad decision away from becoming a criminal. Yet when you look at the comments, you find that gun owners - while passionate -- enjoy reasoned discourse on the topic.

While the antis . . . well, they are ready to blow a gasket.

So with that said, I wish to point you to Sebastian at Snowflakes in Hell. He has written a very strong essay on the LA Times story, the reaction by commenters, and what it all means.

A must read, and something to be passed along.

Nicely written, Sir.

Ohio Gov. Strickland Now Stumping For Obama

For months, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland slammed Sen. Barack Obama's lack of experience. The first-term governor, and former democrat member of Congress, was backing Hillary Clinton.

Now, his job is "selling" the Illinois senator's bona fides to voters in the Buckeye State. From the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer newspaper:

"The most notable politicians showing off their new allegiance were Strickland and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who were Clinton's chief gubernatorial backers and helped deliver key primary victories that extended the fractious race until June.

"I'm here with my colleagues to pledge to you that whatever it takes -- that is honest and ethical -- I and we will do to make sure you are the next president," Strickland told Obama during his brief remarks."

Recently the national media has jumped on the very ancient news that Strickland does not want to be a vice presidential candidate. He has stated this repeatedly. Asking the governor to sign on as VP would deliver Ohio for the democrats -- a key state for either political party, for that matter. Strickland for months has said he is not interested in the job. And while he has stated his "non-interest" previously ad nauseum, for some reason the legacy media (MSM) suddenly finds that to be newsworthy.

In fact, republicans face the same issue on who to pick, who wants in, who doesn't, and what it all means. One of the individuals suggested as a VP candidate for republican John McCain is Florida Gov. Charlie Christ. Some argue that Christ will deliver Florida -- another "must win" state -- to the GOP. Others say "why do that?" when Florida is probably in the bag for the republicans. A vice presidential choice, as you may know, is most often based on what that person, that candidate, can deliver to the ticket. Votes? An entire state? So the argument is, don't pick Christ because you already have Florida likely in the republican camp. Pick another candidate who can deliver "something" you need.

But Obama is targeting Florida and some other states now, forcing McCain -- already strapped for cash -- to spend more money there in the coming months. Obama could even pull an upset there, though it is not likely.

As for the Veep choices, it is one thing to say you're not interested, and another to be asked.

Speculation: If a staffer inquires on Mr. Strickland of Ohio's interest, he will turn down the opportunity. If "the man" himself asks our pro-gun governor to run with him, it will be very hard to turn down. Strickland could deliver Ohio for the democrats, and quite possibly put his party in the White House again. And get back to Washington, where he is respected and has many friends from his days in the U.S. House of Representatives.

But once again, a Strickland vice presidency would be disastrous for Ohioans . . .

Why Is Crime Spiking In Mid-Size Cities?

After many years of crime rates dropping in America's largest cities, statisticians are noticing a spike in violent crime in midsize cities and suburbs of major metro areas.

Its not about guns, the experts say. But it is an indictment of one of the celebrated anti-poverty movements.

From the story:

"It’s difficult to contemplate solutions to this problem when so few politicians, civil servants, and academics seem willing to talk about it—or even to admit that it exists."

Read the entire piece. For now, I am going to reserve my public opinion until a bit later.

For now, let me know what you think by clicking "comment" at the bottom of this post.

h/t to Instapundit

Quote Of The Day

"Behind every gun control law is a ruling elitist class that can't stand your ability to take care of yourself." -- Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association.

Mayor Bloomberg Needs To Do Something About 'Assault Cars'

Updated: Saturday, June 21, 2008, 8:43 am -- CORRECTION! There were three separate incidents where cars plowed into people in New York City. Eighteen people hurt, some seriously. One of the drivers wasn't even licensed. How did he get a car? It just shows how easy cars are to get these days when no one will pass common-sense laws that would require background checks for anyone wanting to buy a car. Closing the "newspaper loophole," where thousands of cars are advertised for sale without the requirement of a background check, will go far toward saving lives. Those ads should be banned, don't you think? We should do it for the children.

*********
At least a dozen people are hurt in Manhattan after vehicles veered onto sidewalks in two accidents in bustling Manhattan neighborhoods.

Here's the bizarre part of this tragic incident: the driver in one of the incidents, whose police say accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake, "isn't expected to face charges."

Really! So if I "accidentally" shoot someone because I mistake the trigger for the trigger guard, I would not face charges?

The assault cars need to be regulated. Background checks when you buy an automobile, right? And no automobiles allowed to be sold by private dealers without said background check, right?

For the children?

Brady Campaign Continues Its Retreat

Amazing language coming out of the Brady (formerly Handgun Control Inc.) camp this week.

Dave Hardy at Arms And The Law has his viewpoint and a link to the video interview. Remarkable the position the anti-gun organization is taking.

Not that I believe for a second that they are giving up, but to outwardly admit defeat so readily is very out of character for people who have taken an extreme view for so long a time.