Gun Control Laws in Action

JACKSON, Miss. -- Seven of 11 pistols stolen from a police department in the Mississippi Delta have been recovered in Chicago, federal prosecutors said Wednesday in court papers.

How many Federal, State, and Local laws were violated?

• Stolen (Charge of receiving stolen firearm)
• No FFL transfer over interstate lines (Federal law)
• No FOID (state law)
• No waiting / cooling off period observed (State law)
• Pistol in Chicago (Chicago law)
• Firearm in Chicago not registered with CPD on a yearly basis as legally required. (Chicago law)
• Magazine capacity over 10 rounds (Cook county and Chicago law)
• Background check as required by FOID act? (State law)
• Any gun safety locks? (State law)
• Possession of a firearm by a Felon
  
• Machine guns against the law to possess in the State of Illinois

And in a similar case:

Thieves broke into five U.S. Forest Service Police vehicles as the officers slept at an Albuquerque hotel, taking off with several high-powered rifles, laptops and radios.

So by the logic of Mayors Bloomburg and Daley, this is clear evidence that requirements for firearm possession are not strict enough on law enforcement and need to be strengthened immediately. I'm sure just one more 'common-sense' and 'reasonable' law would have stopped these incidents in their tracks.

Right?

H/T to Illinois Carry.

PSH Alert

In Illinois, I am technically breaking the law if I walk down the hill to visit my In-Laws after target shooting w/ my rifle slung or handgun holstered. HB 182 amends that by rewriting the law to include the legal dwellings of other people as long as I have their permission.

According to the claims of Joyce Puppet (notice how that name keeps popping up) Legal Community Against Gun Violence Ownership, this bill is a defacto Concealed Carry bill and will allow me to go into practically any building I want with any gun I want and the owners and police can't do squat. These are the examples they give:

A domestic violence offender, who is a prohibited purchaser and not allowed to have a gun, calls his friend to come over to his house with his gun to intimidate his partner.

A drug dealer selling drugs out of his home has armed bodyguards to avoid being charged with unlawful possession.

A young adult throws a house party, friends come over carrying guns, and it quickly gets out of control.

Now which side uses fear mongering and hysteria again?

Illinois residents who haven't messed themselves need to contact Gov. Quinn to make sure the anti's message isn't taken at face value. Call 312-814-2121 or click here to send email.

Probation Violations

In DC, a scumbag w/ a history of violence walks into the Holocaust memorial and kills an officer. Gun Free zone. Prohibited person out on the streets. The usual 'reasonable, common-sense' things that keep not working.

In Chicago, two 'children' aged 20 and 21, both prohibited persons with a long history of violence and criminal activity, in a 'gun free zone', murdered a Chicago police officer.

The 'fun fact' about this one? The alleged shooter had been in court just two weeks prior on his THIRD, yes THIRD, parole violation.

The judge let him go home.

What can you say to that?

No Friends of his Own

In Josh's latest dance reveling in the use of a gun in crime to push his agenda, Josh Sugarmann of the Joyce Foundation puppet (and memberless) Violence Policy Center, attempts to take a dig at the number of firearm advocates present online:

"LaPierre's head-bobbing apologists (see comments below) "

What Josh is really upset about isn't the fact that someone was murdered using a gun, but the fact that practically noone supports his cause of trying to take away firearms from those NOT out committing crimes w/ them. The 'comments below' are almost universally in support of firearm rights and oppose his attempts to ban guns in any form. Nevermind the fact that only about 1 out of 20 firearm owners are NRA members, he's upset that, over the last few months, the NRA has signed up more NEW members than he's gotten dollars from his Sugarmann daddies at the Joyce Foundation.

Poor Josh. Seems he will continue to be a sad clown.

Management Training

Teaching individuals to shoot safely is a primary activity of all firearm activists. One of the dangers we face, though, is WHERE to take them as a primary activity of the anti's is to close as many ranges as possible through legislation, litigation, and outright harassment.

So the NRA, in association w/ the NY Rifle and Pistol Assoc. , are offering a forum on how to start up a club or association.

“Running a range or a gun club is like running any other business,” said NRA National Clubs & Associations Manager, Elizabeth Bush. “You have to gather information, make improvements, and communicate with the public. Instead of spending a few weeks trying to find the answers on your own, spend a few hours with us and get all the answers you need.”

Dangerous Grannies

They need to be taken down.


Police Officer Shoots 72-Year-Old Texas Woman With Taser During Traffic Stop

Wonder if he got a DNA sample as well.

That just ain't right.

We've all seen the PSH talking points concerning National Park Carry so there's no need for me to rehash them all. But one of them hit kinda close to home and something happened last night that was a stark reminder that 4-legged critters have their own code and can crop up when you least expect them.

I get home from work yesterday and let the dog out so she can mark the fence post in her own style of doggie blogging. Typical. I turn on the radio and start doing the dishes as NPR explains the finer points of just how bat-shit crazy Kim Jong Il is.

About an hour later, Chako(Chay-ko) walks back in through the open door dripping wet from the river and I notice she has something in her mouth. Again, typical...I don't give it much thought. In case you're wondering, she's 50% Black Lab and 50% Pitbull, which simply means she'll run through water in order to bite you. I jest a bit, she has the temperment of a lab with the strength of a pit. As I'm finishing up the dishes, she's crunching down on what sounds like bone. Now I become curious.

Walking into the living room, Chako tries to hide what she has. She fails. What do I find in the jaws of my dog?

The head of an alligator.

I should probably remind you at this point that I live in Oregon. Last time I checked, gators weren't one of our native critters.

My best guess is that it was a Spectacled Cayman, which is legal to own as a pet but not advisable. I've known a few folks who have bought Caymans as cute little babies and got rid of them any way they could once they realized that they tend to grow up. I surmise that's what happened here. Someone bought a baby and let it loose once it reached a certain size.

From snout tip to the center of the eye sockets measures 5 inches. The rows of teeth measured 2.5 inches apart. My best conservative guesstimate is that this little fella was approximately 4 feet long nose to tail.

I can't be certain if my dog came across it alive and ripped the head off or simply brought home an opportunistic chew toy, but it showed no signs of decomposition and smelled like something just pulled from the river(ya, I gave it a sniff, deal with it).

So the next time someone postualates, "What are the chances of you encountering a bear while in the woods?"

Feel free to ask them on my behalf..."What are the chances of a mixed breed dog encountering an alligator in Oregon, ripping off its head and dragging it into your living room for supper?"

I've now had the pleasure of experiencing both.

What to invest in?

This is something I've been preaching for a while.


Good ol' Denis Henegin even makes an appearance.

I even found the video linked on the Brady Bunch web site.

Contraction vs Expansion

While the national Brady Bunch is reduced to focusing on individual states, state firearm organizations are expanding to promote national initiatives.

The Illinois State Rifle Assoc. has established a National PAC to "elect those who support the 2nd Amendment, and work even harder to un-elect those who do not."

How the mighty have fallen.

Quote of the day

Four-and-a-half months into his Administration, it sounds like there is a difference between Candidate Obama and President Obama.

-Paul Helmke

No sh!t sherlock. Candidate Obama was saying anything (while at the same time saying nothing) to get elected. President Obama now has to face the political realities of Washington DC (which he had little experience in having started his campaign mere months into his Senatorship) and trying to KEEP his party and himself getting elected.

Obviously, as is his SOP, that includes throwing all those minorities like gays and gun controllers under the bus when his promises become inconvenient.

Poor Paul, I guess MikeB was right. The Brady Campaign does have the political savvy of schoolchildren if they thought a politician was out for anything but his/her own electability.

Focus on Illinois II

Two weeks ago I posted on the Anti's modifying their tactics to focus on certain states that they feel they have an chance at succeeding in. This included Illinois.

Illinois NRA lobbyist Todd Vandermyde has informed us that the Brady Bunch has filed the paperwork to form a Political Action Committee (PAC) so they can try and influence Illinois elections to get more Chicagocrats into office.

From the Brady's:

"Illinois was selected to be part of this strategy because of the strength of organizations and advocacy in the state. The electoral strategy in Illinois is exactly what we did in California. We know it works. We are raising money in Illinois that is specifically earmarked to hold people accountable. We have a comprehensive strategy that involves raising funds, getting our message out on the phone and through the mail, and working in conjunction with other interested parties."

"What else does this strategy involve? We call it the concentric circle strategy. First, you want to make sure that all of your urban legislators are voting with you – you start with the areas that are most affected. In Illinois, that means asking if all Chicago legislators are on our side. If not, we have to take care of that. The point is, get your areas of strength locked up. Then, move into the ring of suburbs that border Chicago. Then you go to the next “ring.”

They're going to keep Chicago w/o a doubt. Our job is to make them hit a brick wall when they try to expand outwards. They know they'll never get the rural areas. What they want are an additional half-dozen to a dozen suburban votes to swing the tide. If that happens, we WILL see bans on 'assault weapons', .50 cals, magazine limitations, gun shows, additional licensing of owners and dealers, 'safe storage', victim accountability, and every other 'reasonable' measure the Brady's think they can get away with to limit and reduce firearm ownership.

All Illinois firearm owners need to contact their reps and senators.

My Kind of Church

Pastor Invites People to Bring Guns to Church

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky pastor is inviting people to bring their guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.

New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church on June 27, a Saturday.

An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety.

Church pastor Ken Pagano says guns must be unloaded and private security will check visitors. He says recent church shootings make it necessary to promote safe gun ownership.

Marian McClure Taylor is executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.

She says churches work to prevent violent harm and promote peace, but most "allow for arms to be taken up under certain conditions."

Ok. They've got to be unloaded but I'll bet that 'private security' are other church members.

A 'Smattering' of 2A Activists.

Those are the words of Brady spokesperson Chad Ramsey on the Campus Carry movement.

Opponents of concealed carry say there are relatively few students who are behind the movement. "What we're hearing is that they do not want guns on campus," said Chad Ramsey, spokesman for the Brady Campaign, a gun control advocate in Washington. "There is a smattering of Second Amendment activists out there. But I don't think there is a major grassroots effort among students — I think most students have been advocating the other side of the fence."

Uh huh. Sure. Kind of like when the Brady Campaign claimed that the SCCC was organized and financed by the 'gun lobby'?

The SCCC has over 37,000 members with groups on dozens of campuses in almost every state. All organized by students and former students.

The Brady Campaign claims on membership vary but are usually about 50K and has been seeing their support steadily erode over the last 15 years with turnout at their demonstrations in the double digits at best. The group "Gun Free Kids" in contrast IS funded and organized by the Nat'l anti-gun groups and has far fewer members and has far fewer clubs around the nation.

Who has a 'smattering' of activists again?

Not the First Time

Caleb, Sebastian, and Uncle point the the vandalism that occurred by anti-gun activists on a Georgia range. Unsurprisingly, this is a regular occurrence in Illinois with the Champaign County Burma Shave signs.

Anti's go on and on about how violent firearm owners are. Obviously they're against them because of what they themselves would do if they owned guns.


THanks to John Naese of GSL for the Image.

Missing the Point

I hate ACU's. In their attempt to find a camo pattern good for all environments, the Army designed one good for none. Look how clearly it stands out in a woodland environment:


And no, it's not just the lighting.

Silly me. I thought the idea behind camouflage was NOT to be seen.

Stereotyping

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Muslim convert accused of killing a soldier in a "political and religious" attack on a military recruiting center pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a capital murder charge and was ordered held without bail.

Yep.

Epidemic of Gun Violence?

Nope.

Population group	Number of agencies	Population	Violent crime	Murder	Forcible rape	Robbery	Aggravated assault	Property crime	Burglary	Larceny-theft	Motor vehicle theft	Arson
Total	12,750	258,350,856	-2.5	-4.4	-2.2	-1.1	-3.2	-1.6	+1.3	-0.6	-13.1	-3.9

Pinning all their hopes

After being resoundingly disappointed in the lack of gun bans and restrictions by their golden boy Obama, the Brady Campaign is pinning all their hopes of avoiding incorporation of the 2A on the nomination of Sotomayor for SCOTUS.

I agree w/ Paul on this one. She's an anti-gun activist at heart and an Obama nominee so we shouldn't expect any logic or critical thinking from her when the Chicago case gets heard in front of the Supreme Court no matter his claims of her support for 'precedent'.

Yet on the other hand, she's going to replace a judge who ruled against Heller anyway so it's a zero net loss/gain for both sides.

I think she's going to get nominated. Anyone who goes against her will be called a racist and/or sexist, depending on which will get more traction.

We'll see what happens.

Attack on Children

Can't beat the military in a straight fight? Go after little kids to use as shields and hostages.

Not all cultures should be considered equal.

Attack on our military

Military recruiter killed in Ark shooting

My initial guess? An anti-war advocate targeting recruiters. Fox is reporting there is a 'device' in the suspects' SUV.

Paying it Backward

So what is the traditional response to out of control gov't spending and decrease in revenue due to a recession?

Why raise taxes and fees of course.

"But we'll increase deductions for the poor and middle class", they whine. "It will only effect businesses and the wealthy."

And what will those wealthy people who own those businesses do? Why raise their prices and/or cut back on hiring/services. Then there's also the fact that all those 'fees' and 'service' taxes disproportionately effect the 'poor and middle class' since we still have to get vehicle stickers, buy gas, etc. Can we say 'regressive tax' boys and girls?

Now the 50% increase mentioned in the above article did just fail in the Il house 42-70. What is currently up, and has already passed the Senate, is a 67% income tax increase from 3% to 5% plus numerous 'services'.

Yep. Genererate revenue by impoverishing the residents of the state even further while driving out business and voting yourselves pay increases each year. And these people keep getting elected.

Poaching on the Rise

Kaveman e-mailed me to inform me that the predicted effects of concealed carry in Nat'l Parks is already occurring. Two individuals in Michigan have been convicted of poaching.

Now we just have to wait for the dozens of forest fires that will be started.

Truth or Dare.

Armed and Safe notes that the ICPGV and the ICHV have become so unglued about a minor change in Illinois firearm law that they are blatantly lying to their members to try and get some opposition to it.

Who relies on 'fear' again?

Update:House Bill 182 passed the Illinois House today by a vote of 90-28. The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Pat Quinn (D) for his consideration.

Dear Mr. Bravely Anonymous

A few days ago I posted a piece on the American Hunters and Shooters Assoc.'s attempts to revamp its image as a real organization for sportsmen in lieu of an anti-gun group in camo. In response, I got one individual who took offense at me mentioning the fact that the AHSA supported Obama for president regardless of his history of anti-gun activities:

What has Obama, as president done AT ALL to affect gun rights?

ANS: NOTHING

Ok Mr. 'Anonymous', that's fair enough even with the qualifier. However is it due to a lack of desire or is it political expediency? Every single member of his cabinet has a strong history of supporting 'gun control'. Was this a conscious choice by Obama or is this merely representative of the DNC leadership pool that he had to choose from?

Of course that's only ancillary to what's being avoided. Ray Schoenke himself stated opposition to assault weapons at one point but now claims support. Was that the statement of 'consultants' or his opinion? If it was his opinion, what caused it to change?

What is the AHSA going to do fix its image as a gun control group in camoflage?

These are all legitimate questions that deserve an answer if the AHSA wants to even have a chance at being taken seriously as a gun rights group.

Like I said, I'm willing to listen. Instead of being a drive-by troll, come and discuss the issue. The door's open. Are you up to it?

Random Musings

Watching TV the other night, I saw an ad for a new prescription drug to counter Acid Reflux. As I have regular heartburn I paid attention. Then I decided I would never buy this product.

Why?

Because a company that couldn't hire an advertising company that could see the negative implications of the name of their product isn't one I would trust to do quality research.

The name of the product?

Aciphex. Pronounced "Ass Effects".

There was another product a while back for hair removal. Designed in Australia, they obviously used a Australian marketing company. It was called Nads.

I'm sure they were most embarazar when they were told about these little gaffs.

Just Another Day in Chi-Town

Federal charges expected today against Ald. Isaac Carothers

3 arrested, 9 hurt in shooting, chase and wreck

Teen Charged In Brutal Slaying Of 15-Year-Old

Ho hum.

Implications and extrapolations

I’ve seen a lot about the Colosimo case and the cabal that sparked it on the gun blogs I frequent, but I just ran across this nugget which might have slipped under the radar. More likely someone else has scooped this already; I’m just saying it was news to me and I wanted to share.

“Twelve religious activists pulled off a legal miracle yesterday: They convinced a judge - who once worked for the Philadelphia Police Department, of all places - that it's OK to break the law if the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing.”

Read the whole thing…and think about it.

My ponderings?

I should premise the following by saying that just because I raise the question, it in no way serves as to any clue to my beliefs. Don’t try to get inside my head, you’ll just get lost. I’m simply taking the logic from this decision and extrapolating.

Is it OK to bomb an abortion clinic because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

Is it OK to bomb a school which teaches evolution because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

Is it OK to kill gays serving openly in the military because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

Is it OK to kill people who drive an SUV because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

Is it OK to destroy someone else’s SUV because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

Is it OK to hunt down and kill hunters because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

THAT is what this decision gives precedent to. Let’s have some hypothetical fun, shall we. These are not my views, but the apparent views of Municipal Court Judge Karen Yvette Simmons.

It is now OK to kill members of organizations who strive every day to chip away at my Constitutional Rights because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

It is now OK to kill members of the legislative branch who strive every day to chip away at my Constitutional Rights because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

It is now OK to kill members of the judicial branch who strive every day to chip away at my Constitutional Rights because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

It is now OK to kill members of the executive branch who strive every day to chip away at my Constitutional Rights because you believe “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

Before I get the predicted response from any wandering posers about the difference between protesting and murder, I would like to remind them that the distinction is not made is this ruling.

All that matters is that one believes “the harm you cause is less than the harm you think you're preventing?”

If that’s not the most dangerous shit you’ve ever read; if that doesn’t make your bones chill, then I shudder at the thought of you exercising your right to vote, even though I will defend your right to vote with my life.

I’m kinda complicated.

It's like a bad TV show script.

Tapes of the Burris/Blago scandal have been released and, unsurprisingly, it digs Burris into a deeper hole regarding his purchased appointment to the US Senate.

What's really bad is the way these two talk. It's literally like the script off of a crappy crime show where the 'bad guys' are trying to be subtle and skirt around directly saying they want bribes:

"And therefore I can go off to, you know, wherever and do all these great things," Burris adds. He says that he has "been trying to figure out what the heck, you know, I can do."

"We've had a number of conversations about, you know, anything you might be able to do," Robert Blagojevich says a moment later.

They're both a couple of morons, you know.

Brady Bunch book out in June

Here's the prolouge...

Sorry for the dual post, been a while. Let me know what you favorite quote is.

Tacticool goes mainstream.

Watching "Deadliest Warrior" on Spike, I noticed a new brand of commercials. These are from a company called "OpsGear" marketing the usual array of stuff. Uniforms, gear, boots, t-shirts, etc.

What that means is that these kind of products are becoming so popular, companies can afford to market them on TV instead of just the usual dead-tree catalogs and online ads.

Cool.

Unique

You'll probably see a Prius w/ a peace symbol. You might see one w/ an American flag. How many will you see w/ Peace Through Superior Firepower, UMPC, NRA Life Member, and Illinois State Rifle Assoc. decals?


It definitely helps ID'ing it when on campus.

More Pizza = More Crime

Really.

Politician Blames Neighborhood Crime on Pizza Sales

And these people are elected.

AHSA 2.0: A New Beginning?

Seems the AHSA is trying to revamp its image big-time:

From Ray Schoenke on the AHSA Facebook Page):

"Harman - AHSA will be updating it's website very soon, and there will be measurable changes. Much of the previous language was consultant based. Those language, and firearm consultants are no longer with us."

Seems all the work put into showing the true face of their 'consultants' (ie board members like John Rosenthal et al) were successful. Now we get to have fun seeing what direction they take w/ it.

If they read this, I'll be frank. It will take a lot of work from them to even make me trust them a hair. It wasn't that long ago that Ray Schoenke stated that he opposed Assault Weapons before condemning Holder for supporting a new AWB. Was that the statement of a 'consultant' or was it his belief? It wasn't that long ago that they endorsed Obama, a politician w/ a long history of anti-gun legislation and statements under his belt yet now they oppose the issues that he has held since the beginning.

OK Ray/AHSA. I'm a fairly easy-going person. Willing to live and let live for the most part. What are you going to do, actions wise not words (we all know what those are worth) to convince me you're sincere?

Poachers and Rednecks and Arsonists! Oh My!

45Superman points to a true piece of shorts filling goodness on that bastion of intelligence, the Daily Koz.

Did you know that allowing Concealed Carry in Nat'l Parks will allow drunken rednecks to shoot up their neighbors, decimate wildlife, and start wildfires without repercussion? Really.

I love how disjointed these nutballs get.

Focus on Illinois

According to a legislative update by the Illinois Council against Handgun Ownership, a primary Joyce Foundation puppet organization, they and the Brady Campaign are planning on focusing on Illinois during the up and coming legislative and election seasons. They realize they've lost the fight nationally and are now fighting desperately to keep whatever ground they can in states they feel are susceptible to their nonsense( ie Illinois via Chicago).

Their plan is to take Joyce Foundation money (the 'strong organization' they mention) and use Chicago as a bulwark to try and move out into the suburbs one legislator at a time.

As Todd Vandermyde so distinctly put it. "Game On"

Robb Allen is Awesome

He designed this most excellent banner for DOOTwear.

Maybe the Blogosphere should be regulated..

For accuracy. Huffpo would then be bereft of the majority of its publishers including this nitwit. While whining about the Credit Card/Concealed Carry in Parks bill, he blathers:

At a time when gun violence kills more Americans than ever before,

Uh, no. Perhaps you might want to look at the FBI numbers from the late 80's and early 90's. You know, the heydey of gun control activism. It's about 2/3rds what it was then.

He also relates us with this magical tale:

No state is considering legislation to make it harder to buy a gun.

Really Scott? I can find about a dozen bills in Illinois alone that were introduced at the start of the legislative season. Never mind NY, CA, or the numerous other states high on the Brady list.

Really man. If you're going to open your pie hole, do some basic f*cking research before you spew your nonsense.

Commercial Appeal

Commercial Spot for Days of Our Trailers courtesy of Cowboy Blob.





Make sure to check out all his other great videos of the convention and gun related issues.

Still a Sad Clown

Our buddy Josh is really upset over the House and the Senate passing the Credit Card/Park Carry bill:

This dangerous provision will put park park rangers, visitors, and wildlife at extreme risk. Don't believe me? Listen to the people who actually work every day to protect our nation's parks and their visitors.

Josh, you said the same crap when CCW was sweeping the nation. Police officers have not died by the droves by license holders. Streets are not running red with blood.

As a matter of fact, you've been spouting the same thing about Assault Weapons, the DC Handgun ban, plastic guns, 'cop killer' bullets, caseless ammo, and a litany of others for years and it still hasn't happened with any of them.

No wonder nobody listens to you anymore.

Quote(s) of the day

Kaveman on Huffpo:

Go out into the street and ask 100 people if they know what the NRA is.

Now ask those same 100 people if they know what the Brady Campaign is.

Reply by MolonLabe:

Of COURSE they know what the Brady Campaign is......

It was the movement in the 70's to revive Florence Henderson's career.

Good Sheepdogs

Much has been made over the selection of speakers at the 2009 NRA convention. Basically it boils down to "What was the NRA thinking?". I mean come on. Mitt "The Sh*t" Romney. John "AGS" McCain. Michael "my balls aren't made of" Steele? These are some of the biggest RINO's the GOP has to offer and are no friends to gun owners, that's for sure. I certainly didn't want to waste several hours of my life listening to them try and kiss my ass because they realized they f*cked up and that getting the support of 4 million + people is a good political move.

Because that's why they were there and that's why the NRA invited them.

Think about it. These guys are part of a party that is in worse shape than it has been for decades with no sign of it improving any time soon. They need to do everything they can to get back to the base that they've abandoned since they got cocky after getting into power and that means courting this huge base of pro-gun leaning voters.

That also means that they need us. We don't need them. There are lots of other politicians who support firearm rights that we can put in their place. "Daschle" became a verb because he promised to support gun owners then didn't.

But we're good sheepdogs. It's our job to bring them all back into the fold when they've strayed to far from the flock. It's up to them to bleat the message that keeps them in the fold now that they've realized who's in charge. Otherwise they may find themselves in an uncomfortable situation again.

Now that doesn't mean we throw them back out to the wolves if they get out of line. Good sheepdogs don't do that. But we wouldn't be adverse to pushing them into a more visible location when the shepherd gets lonely and comes looking for some lovin'.

Blogger Bash 2009: My Thoughts

Cost of gas to drive to and from Phoenix: $140
Amount it took to replace shoes that melted in 105 deg weather : $25

The look on Paul Helmke and Josh Sugarmann's faces seeing tens of thousands of gun owners give them the proverbial middle finger: Priceless

Even though I spent over 48 hours on the road and am completely exhausted, the two days I got to spend there were totally worth it. Seeing Sebastian, Bitter, Kevin Baker, Mike W. , US Citizen, The Ten Ring folks, etc. again was great along with meeting for the first time Breda, Alan , Sandcastle Scrolls, Dustin, Cowboy Blob, ExUrban League, Eric Shelton, Primeval Papa, Daniel Pehrson and many others. I know I've forgotten a bunch of names so please forgive me if I left you out.

The convention itself seemed a bit more chaotic than last year but the centralized location and practically ALL functions w/i walking distance made up for that. Had I known how close everything was in comparison to last year, I would have just flown.

The Blogger Bash also showed some improvements with the addition of several topical speakers like Cam Edwards on Podcasting/NRANews and Darren LaSorte on Hunting issues. Both were very informative and well attended. I think the rule for drawings next year should be if you're not in attendence at the drawing, another name is drawn.

It definitely had more of a professional feel to it as the importance of "Alternative Media" is being recognized by not only the NRA and state affiliates, but also by anti-gunners like our buddy Josh Sugarmann. I spoke at length to numerous local organization leaders, NRA Gen Ops and ILA media reps, lobbyists, state reps, and dealers all wanting to increase their relationships with us in information dissemination, advocacy, advertising and a multitude of other areas. This is a good thing for all involved.

For my side, this was no NRA lovefest. I specifically went with the intention of letting them know my and other Illinois firearm owners standing on the Concealed Carry issue. I spent several hours going head to head with them over it. I listened to their reasons and I understand why they won't go all out for it and they know that I, and many other IL residents, are going to keep to our guns to get it passed any way we can no matter the stance they take. As for the political speeches, I didn't bother. With my limited time, I didn't want to waste it listening to a bunch of RINO's tell me how much they support the 2A and then go and vote for whatever bill they think they can get away with.

Some things I learned:

Leaving soda cans in a locked car in 105 degree weather is bad.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp w/ BBQ sauce is good.
19 hrs of driving sucks.
Media credentials can open doors and also get you threatened.

Thanks to Bitter for once again putting this together and all the attendees who braved the unnatural heat to show thier support. Also thanks to all the NRA reps and staff including Rachel Parsons, Glen Caroline, Cam Edwards, Scott Christman, Lars Dalseide, Danielle Sturgis, Brent Gardner, Andrew Dysart, Alexa Fritts, Vickie Cieplak and all the ladies running the Press Office table.


Blogger Bash 2009 Day 1
Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2A
Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2B
Blogger Bash 2009: Day 3

Blogger Bash 2008

New Unorganized Militia Patches

Debuted at the NRA 2009 Convention. The first is an upgrade from the UM Infantry and UM Marksman patches. Now available is the UM Sniper:


Also new, with thanks to Kent McManigal, is the Time's Up patch based on the flag of his design.


As always, patches are $5 ea for 1 or 2, $4 ea for 3 or more in any combination. Instructions for ordering can be found here.

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 3: My Finale

Scheduling conflicts are causing me to leave today instead of staying for the rest of the events. So here's my final post from the convention. I'll have a roundup and final thoughts/thanks in a few days after I've recovered from the drive home.

This morning attended a 2ABB discussion w/ NRA-ILA National Hunting Policy Manager Darren LaSorte.


Discussion involved how the NRA is attempting to counter the anti-hunting activities of the HSUS and their (NRA's) focus in increasing the number of hunters across the nation. He will be getting me some information regarding my question on centerfire hunting restrictions in Illinois.

The DOOT drawing went well. The new patches were well received. Many stickers were handed out.

Noticed numerous reenactors present. Don't know why.


Headed down to the floor for a final walk through.


Filled out a survey for Marlin Firearms, said goodbye to Cam Edwards, and entered a couple of drawings for stuff. Not like I'll win.

Headed back up to the Press Room to give my final farewells to the NRA folks there. Handed out a few copies of the "Art of War" to those who didn't have them as well as a few UMPC patches. Rachel apparently didn't realize I was the one who sent a bunch last year after Ashley Varner told me she had never read it. Obviously I needed to fix that and will continue to do so.


That's all for now. Posting will be light the next few days.

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 1
Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2A
Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2B
Blogger Bash 2009: Thoughts

Blogger Bash 2008

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2B: Floor Show

Lunch at Hooters with SandCastle Scrolls and Mike from Another Gun Blog.


Then back to the convention hall for the floor show. Aerial view thanks to the folks at FNH.


Marlin Firearms displayed their 981T and 915Y bolt action .22's. I have a soft spot for them since my first firearm was my dad's Model 81. The 981T is it's modern equivalent. The 915Y is a youth gun that I will be picking up for my kids in a few years.


Finally got to meet Tom King, President of NYSRPA in front of the 50 Caliber Shooters Assoc. booth.

Visits to the Wolf and Glaser booths were profitable in swag and possible advertising deals in the future. Had a company called Ogre Mfg. clean my carry piece to demonstrate their cleaner. They gave a sample so I'll play more w/ it and see how well it works. I also met Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation where I had a few books autographed.

Saw the Gunnie signing autographs for Team Glock (which I wasn't going to wait in line for today, maybe tomorrow)

Then back up to the Press Room for a talk on the future of NRAnews w/ Cam Edwards.


Not sure if I'll make the get together tonight w/ Michael Bane. More tomorrow.

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 1
Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2A
Blogger Bash 2009: Day 3
Blogger Bash 2009: Thoughts

Blogger Bash 2008

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2A: Grassroots Workshop

After a restful night's sleep I got up this morning to attend the Grassroots workshop. Dick Heller was introduced by Glen Caroline.

A good speech. His main talking point was that the anti's and their gov't sycophants try to push "Gov't by whim" using examples of the denied handgun permit because it was green, denials for names, etc. I also got to meet NRA President John Sigler:

Exec VP: Wayne LaPierre:


And NRA-ILA Exec. Director Chris Cox:

Seated at my table was ISRA President Richard Pearson:


He pulled me aside to discuss some initiatives that the ISRA is working on and future cooperation w/ Illinois bloggers in order to spread the word. Some interesting factoids he told me about:

Jessie Jackson, when he was arrested at Chuck's Gun Shop, had nearly $26,000 in cash on him. I'm sure it was all obtained legally and being used for moral purposes.

The ISRA spend $309K on legislative activities in 2008.

I also spoke at length w/ Glen Caroline and Andrew Dysart on Blogger relations and coordinating activities in Illinois. Glen stated that he feels that the NRA working w/ bloggers has definitely been advantageous in getting out the message and hopes to continue and expand the relationship.

After I get some food, I'm going to hit the floor assuming I can beat my way through the crowds.

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 1
Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2B
Blogger Bash 2009: Day 3
Blogger Bash 2009: Thoughts

Blogger Bash 2008

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 1:Arrival

After nearly 14 hours on the road, I finally arrived in Phoenix. After checking in and running into Traction Control in the lobby, I headed over to the convention center.

There, Rachel Parson of NRA-ILA checked me in and I conversed w/ other bloggers from around the U.S.

Following the Check in, we wandered over to Chase Field for a get together at "Friday's Front Row" Bar & Grill.

Present were Dick Heller and Robert Levy of DC v Heller fame.

I'm tired. Going to bed. More here and here.

Blogger Bash 2009 Day 2A
Blogger Bash 2009: Day 2B
Blogger Bash 2009: Day 3
Blogger Bash 2009: Thoughts

Blogger Bash 2008

On the Road to AZ

Currently in the western end of OK and have stopped for the night. Will be in Phoenix sometime tomorrow afternoon.

Repressing the Oppressed.

What is the common reaction to uncontrolled violence and an incompetent, corrupt gov't?

Taking matters into your own hands.

What is the reaction to this by said incompetent, corrupt gov't?

Punish the desperate people who had no choice but to resort to said actions.

TIJUANA, Mexico — Police found the bullet-riddled body of a man in this Mexican border city Tuesday alongside a sign accusing him of being a thief. It was the second such killing this month

And we all know the Mexican authorities will spend much more to find and punish these 'vigilantes' than they will the cartels that line the pockets of said authorities.

'High Risk' Sales

At gun shows? Nope.

Private transactions? No, not that either.

What are we talking about then?

Sales to police departments direct from the manufacturer.

No. I'm not kidding. That was the claim made by the now dismissed lawsuit against Glock.

The suit said Glock Inc., maker of the 9mm pistol allegedly used to shoot Ileto, sold many guns to police that were unsafe to civilians and ignored government warnings about high-risk distribution channels - in this case, from a police department in Washington state through several owners to an unlicensed trader, who sold it to Furrow.

Of course there is no surprise that the Brady Campaign and the Joyce Foundation fully endorses this mentality:

However, advocates with the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence in Washington, D.C., say courts are increasingly interested in holding gun sellers accountable.

"Civil suits like this are a very important supplement to our laws because they give gun sellers a very important financial incentive to act responsibly," said Dennis Henigan, who directs the center's legal action project....


Attorney Juliet Leftwich of Legal Community Against Violence, a San Francisco gun-control organization that filed arguments in the case, said it was unfair to dismiss the case based on "blatant special-interest legislation ... protection that no other industry gets."

In this case I fully agree with them. We need to close the 'Police Gun Loophole' and stop selling firearms to police departments.

Unpossible...

Targeting repeat and violent offenders reduces crime.

Nationwide, the Marshals helped take 109,000 violent fugitives off the street last year and cleared more than 760,000 felony warrants in federal, state and local cases in the last decade, according to federal crime statistics compiled by the U.S. Marshals Service. And since 2003, the Marshals and police in the Atlanta area alone have cut the murder rate by 22 percent and overall violent crime by more than one-third.

Ergas said that the "vast majority" of suspects his unit chases are wanted for a violent crime. "More than 85 [percent to] 95 percent of the cases," he said. "And again, about 70 [percent to] 80 percent repeat violent offenders. So you go out with that mind-set."

What an amazing concept. Who woulda thunk it?

The Full Victim Package

The Brady Campaign, not intent on eliminating the ability to actively defend yourself with a firearm, also wants to prevent any form of passive defense by preventing people from owning bullet or stab resistant vests.

"There are no background checks, no federal regulations unless you are a violent offender—and even then you can buy them at gun shows or online," says Daniel Vice, senior attorney at the Brady Center To Prevent Gun Violence.

Yep, that damn 'body armor loophole'.

Remember the Brady mantra:

"Give them what they want and they won't hurt you"

And to show the limited mentality of anti-gun legislators?

"Why do you need it if you're not going to commit a crime?" asks New York State Assemblyman David Koon,"

Hear that Sebastian PGP? It's not that you've had your life threatened by drug dealers and psychopaths, you just want to commit crimes.

Where have I heard similar statements like that recently?

Patience and Preemption

"Just wait.

Be patient.

Preemption will come.

All you have to do is wait for the Chicago Handgun case to get to the Supreme Court, hope for a win, wait for legislation to pass, then hope that the resulting litigation finishes and goes in your favor.

It shouldn't be long.

Just be patient. "


OK. I'll be patient. I'll wait the additional 10-20 years that this will take beyond the nearly 20 years we've already been bashing our heads against the wall in futility.

As soon as those recommending that while living in "Shall Issue" RTC states disarm in a show of solidarity until Illinois finally passes preemption.

Will you?

Fu@k Chicago

In Illinois, a bill pre-empting the laws of local areas needs a 3/5ths majority(71/35) to pass. By that rule, a pre-emptive "shall issue" CCW law is, in effect, impossible due to Chicago and the collar counties.

A "Home Rule" bill, however, only requires a 2/3rds (60/30)majority to pass. Something that, with 90 counties signing the Pro-2A Resolution and 13 counties supporting CCW, there was a possibility of getting.

Not now.

The NRA took a position of 'Neutrality' on HB2257, the Home Rule Bill, effectively killing in, in lieu of the Pre-emption bill, which has no chance. In reality, HB2257 was actually less restrictive than the others.

Their plan is to wait for a court victory in the Chicago handgun case and then push more litigation. Preemption is the issue, not Concealed Carry. They're perfectly willing to wait another 10-20 years.

I'm not.

SIH Sebastian brings up the example of PA passing it while allowing Philly to be exempt. Fair enough. However, it got passed and has been improved over the years. They've had it for 20 years while Illinois still has none whatsoever. We will continue to have none unless Chicago were to fall off into Lake Michigan.

The NRA-ILA needs to hear from us about this. Call, E-mails, letters.

Kurt and David have more.

O-Day + 107: A Plethora O' Broken Promises

He's a politician. Did anyone expect any different?

1)Obama promised to remove the Tiarht Amendment during the campaign.

Today:

Obama Administration Fails to Remove Gun Lobby Language from Budget

His current page looks like this.

2)Obama promised to support needle exchanges to reduce AIDS.

Today:

Obama Budget Bans Federal Funding For Needle Exchange, Breaking Campaign Pledge

The current page looks like this.

From the same page, Obama promised to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell".


Today the page includes weasel words: "He supports repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security," leading to his inaction on this:

Obama To Fire His First Gay Arabic Linguist

You know, one of those 'language experts' that costs millions of dollars to replace.


There's your Hope and Change in a nutshell.

Paul Helmke is 'Disappointed'..

One would think he'ld be used to it by now.

And then there were 90.

90 out of 102 counties in Illinois have passed the 2A Resolution.


That's lots of green.

The honeymoon is over

Gun sales through the roof. Applications for CCW permits unprecedented. Ammo shortages nation wide.

Will the new holders of power get the message?

I give you the paper tigger and the bear market.

Enjoy.

P.S. To our Dear Leader, words don't really matter.

Typo? Doubtful..

Chicagoland politicians really are this ignorant:

"Why do an exercise in fertility?"

No, he's not talking about creating octuplets. He's talking about him vetoing a repeal of the Cook County tax increase.

The symbolism is simply astounding, watch it closely.

As a new member of the "domestic extremist" club, I thought it appropriate to kick off my own initiation with a song.

I hope this serves as a warning for both dominant political parties; for both mascots are either a game animal or a slave mule.

I will only respect you to the degree that you fill up my plate, for I must feed as well. Freedom is hungry, and waiting in line while clutching a coupon is not an option.

Here's the translation if you desire.

But even in the original, if it dosen't make you shake your ass a little bit in your chair, I'd begin to wonder if you shake your ass at all, for any reason.

Turn up the volume like you mean it.

You're Extremist, I'm Extremist, We're all Extremist Here..

We're in baby!!! I am officially a domestic extremist under multiple Gov't definitions.

(U) alternative media (U//FOUO) A term used to describe various information
sources that provide a forum for interpretations of events and
issues that differ radically from those presented in mass
media products and outlets.

(U) militia movement (U//FOUO) A rightwing extremist movement composed of groups or individuals who adhere to an antigovernment
ideology often incorporating various conspiracy theories.
Members oppose most federal and state laws, regulations, and
authority (particularly firearms laws and regulations) and
often conduct paramilitary training designed to resist
perceived government interference in their activities or to
overthrow the U.S. Government through the use of violence.
(also: citizens militia, unorganized militia)

(U) patriot movement (U//FOUO) A term used by rightwing extremists to link their beliefs to those commonly associated with the American
Revolution. The patriot movement primarily comprises
violent antigovernment groups such as militias and sovereign
citizens.
(also: Christian patriots, patriot group, Constitutionalists, Constitutionalist

So I'm a "Domestic Terrorist" in Missouri, and a "Rightwing/Domestic Extremist" according to various Federal reports.

And they always seem to come from 'rogue' departments w/o 'official approval' when they are leaked.

Armed and Safe notes that the .gov is preparing for this eventuality.

Computer Upgrade..

Been there, done that, got the T-shirts, stickers, patches, and pins.

Nine Days

Till the 2ABB.

Knowing is half the battle

I haven't done enough background on Gov. Rendell to comfortably say whether or not he's blatantly lying or just plain ignorant.

But this is what the enemy looks and sounds like.

Breaking News!!!

Apparently there’s an ammo shortage.

Went to the local sporting goods store today just on a whim to see what ammo was available and as I walked through the door I was greeted with “You looking for ammo?”

I replied that indeed I was. They said they just got some in today so I started to browse.

.308 going for $187 for a 250 round battle pack.
.223 going for $7 for a box of 20
9mm going for $18 for a box of 50.
.45? …gone
7.62X39? …gone
.22LR?……………………GONE, and they have been out of .22LR for 4 weeks!

The one silver lining was that I bought 250 12 gauge shells for only $60, which is pretty good. Considering my shotgun is primarily for home defense and that I have an ample supply of 00-buck already, I consider it money well spent.

I understand the shortage thingie, I understand people without a good stock pile are willing to pay some outrageous prices right now, but I can’t seem to wrap my brain around a sporting goods store running out of .22LR a month ago with no restock yet.

Production estimates I’ve seen are between 2-3 billion rounds annually.

I’m guessing that as prices rose for center-fire calibers, more and more people are sitting on the cache they have and started dusting off the .22’s to take to the range. That’s certainly been my plan for a while now. I guess I’m not the only one. Anyways, I’m on a mission now. I only got about 2000 rounds of .22 right now so I’m gonna buy every brick I can find.

It’s a little unsettling coming to grips with the fact that my ammo supply is now worth more than my 401k.

hopeychange

***UPDATE***

Took the long way home today to check some other ammo sources. The first was the local rip-off pawn shop; not exactly my first choice. But they had a sandwich board out front declaring ".22 ammo just in," so I swerved across 3 lanes of traffic and got out my wallet.

$30 a brick was the cheapest. He claimed it cost him $26 to get it into the store.
We talked for a few minutes and he gave me the usual spiel about it's gonna be $50 per brick within a few months, so I should buy now. I decided to go across the street and check out Wal-mart to compare.

Wal-mart had a grand total of 6 50 round boxes for $3.17 apiece, or the equivalent of $31.70 per brick.

No 9mm, no .45, no 30.06, no .223. no 7.62x39, no .308. They had 4 boxes of .270, 6 boxes of 300 magnums, some 45-70 government and a case and a half of 12 gauge bird shot for about what I paid for the shotgun shells I bought yesterday.

The pawn shop now has better prices than Wal-mart?!?

Don't know about you, but I'm keeping an eye out for flesh eating zombies; things just ain't right.