Survival Gear Commentary

Everyone's definition of survival gear is different. There is the reality, and there is what Hollywood thinks you need. Folks, please think for yourselves.

Note: Fellow Ohio blogger James Rummel makes a good point. Gear for your "bug out bag," more commonly known as "BOB," can run from the simple to the complex. It doesn't hurt to have a survival handbook handy, either. A reprint of a military book will do just fine.

Firearms For Protection Against Government Is Mainstream

On this morning's Chris Matthews Show, the discussion turned to Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and his apparent surge in presidential polls in Iowa. Though I am disappointed he raised taxes exponentially in Arkansas, I have always been intrigued by his philosophies on various subjects regarding border security, firearms, business, etc.

But this morning, Matthews asked the question about Huckabee's increasing popularity among republicans in Iowa. Matthews brought up the gun issue. He states to the panel that Huckabee doesn't just believe that firearms are for hunting, or for protection at home against thugs. Matthews says that Huckabee believes that guns should be kept for protection against an out of control government. Then he asks the question, and I am paraphrasing since I did not record it . . . How do people react to this black helicopter thinking?

Two of Matthews four panelists immediately defended Huckabee's position, with one even stating that that concept is really a mainstream America belief. THAT, folks, was incredibly refreshing to hear from the talking heads in mainstream media.

I would add that Mr. Matthews should consult his pocket Constitution, if he has one, or look it up online. Then do even the least bit of reading on the subject. Huckabees position is what the Framers had in mind when they wrote the 2A.

Quote Of The Day

Asked if a federal ban on "assault weapons" would reduce crime, Gwen Fitzgerald of Handgun Control Inc. says, "Let's pass the law and find out."

--REASON magazine, May 1991 ("Gun-Shy Judges" by Jacob Sullum)

What Does The 2A Mean?

Is anyone REALLY surprised at that when asked a serious question, America often will pause for thoughtful contemplation?

Fair Vs. Biased Reporting From Cincinnati

Well-balanced and extremely fair firearms safety training piece from Cincinnati ABC affiliate.

Note: The balanced piece comes about a week after the local NBC affiliate ran an extraordinarily biased piece about gun shows.

More Media Coverage of Heller

The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) and others weigh in on Heller case.

Plus:
(Sarasota) Herald-Tribune column
The Daily Campus.com
Orlando Sentinel

Since Va. Tech Shooting, NICS Bans Double As Mentally Ill Roster Swells

From the New York Sun, and Washington Post. Plus, Brady Bunch commentary about the news.

Finis

First there was rain, then wind, then more wind, then finally some sun and cold. And today, for our group, ended the one-week deer-gun season. Tomorrow it is supposed to sleet and rain in Knox County, with perhaps some freezing rain thrown in just to make things interesting. We will pass and head back out to the field during the bonus deer-gun weekend in mid-December. A few deer were seen during the perfect hunting day on the former Christmas tree farm-- a shot and a miss by one of our party -- but no additional bounty brought back to Columbus.

Did I mention the herd of more than 25 or so deer that are just a couple of miles from the property we hunt? Each evening as we head back to Columbus there has been a significantly large "herd" of venison steaks on four legs -- in a field posted to prohibit hunting.

If there's any good news resulting from the disappointing drive away from the giant empty woods on Mt. Kaelbling today, at least we finally know where the deer have been hanging out.