Who the Hell Do You Think You Bloggers Are?

From Frank J
THE 'WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?' BLOGGER QUIZ

1. Who the hell do you think you are?

Myself
2. So, other than blogging, what's your job? Do you work at some fast food joint, dumbass?

I'm a lawyer - i work for a large trade association as a policy wonk but don't really address it on the blog.

3. Do you have like any experience in journalism, idiot?

Yes, I was an editor on the school paper in college and law school. I was also the editor in chief or something of the law school journal.

4. Do you even read newspapers?

Yes - Since I was in grade school I've always read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. I also read the Washington Post and Times every day. Oh, and the Financial Times (still upset about them changing the color a few years ago). Other than that, I stay up late at night reading anywhere from another 6 - 12 newspapers a day - mostly through their web page.

5. Do you watch any other news than FOX News propaganda, you ignorant fool?

I don't really care for Fox news - too much OJ simpson/Michael Jackson type bs but do occaisionally flip past it while mindlessly channel surfing. I listen to All Things Considered every evening.l

6. I bet you're some moron talk radio listener too, huh?

Nope.

7. So, do you get a fax from the GOP each day for what to say, you @#$% Republican parrot?

Uhm, actually, I usually send the GOP a fax as to what they should say.

8. Why do you and your blogger friends want to silence and fire everyone who disagrees with you, fascist?

I just want to fire lying left wing loonies. And lying right wing loonies.

9. Are you completely ignorant of other countries, or do you actually own a passport?

I have a passport. I don't use it much. As far as I am concerned France can go to hell.

10. Have you even been to another country, you dumb hick?

I used to live in London.

11. If you're so keen on the war, why haven't you signed up, chickenhawk?

Too old, but I tried to sign up a couple of times when I was younger but the Clinton military reductions made that impracticle.

12. Do you have any idea of the horrors of war? Have you ever reached into a pile of goo that was your best friend's face?

I saw someone who blew their brains out at the gun range a couple of weeks ago. My father in law had a 30 year career in the Army - he tells me some awfully horrid stories.

13. Have you ever reached into any pile of goo?

I have a dog. And a 3 year old who isn't fully potty trained yet.

14. Once again, who the hell do you think you are?!"

Me.

Hot Damn Revolver Man

Think yer pretty goood with a handgun???


You ain't nothing compared to this guy. The reload is simply amazing!!!

Buy A Gun For America Day

There are only 45 days left till Buy A Gun For America (Too Piss Off A Liberal Day).



These bloggers are doing their part:

• Jed at Freedom Sight


• Bullseye at American Drumslinger who incidentally has a HOT picture posted. I might have to co-opt it.


• Says Uncle.


• Zendo Deb at TFS Magnum


• Jay G at North Georgia Dogma (where in North Georgia?????)


• and of course, my newest favorite gun blog The Ten Ring

Will you do your part???

Let It Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Looks like we are going to finally get snow.

A heavy snow warning is up for the Washington area with the National Weather Service forecasting the possibility of six to ten inches of snow between tonight and Monday night. In response, local authorities have started preparations for a major accumulation.

A little bit of snow could fall tonight and a whole lot of snow between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday. Gusty conditions could produce drifting and low visibility, the weather service said.

Yippppeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow Day!!!!!!!!!!

InstaGundit

Glenn's gun bloggin again. First, with a link to the Osama Bin Laden targets at Amazon (via Sportsman's Guide) and then later with a picture of the target - after a range session (notice the nut shots!!)

Seems like alot of his readers pointed out the terrible firearms safety demonstrated by the Instareader who submitted the pictures. Of course, thats not what bothered me. Rather, I was a bit ticked off by the egregious conditions Amazon places on the sale of this target.

You must be 18 or older to purchase Targets. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Targets.

• This item does not ship Expedited to Continental U.S.


• This item does not ship Expedited to Canada


• This item does not ship Standard to Canada


• This item does not ship Expedited to Alaska and Hawaii


• This item does not ship Standard to Alaska and Hawaii


• This item does not ship Expedited to US Protectorates


• This item does not ship Standard to US Protectorates

As I emailed the Instapundit himself (but I don't think he read)

You have to be 18 to buy a Target??  What if they simply labeled this item a Poster, then would Amazon sell it to 17 year olds?  And what kind of restrictions are there on targets/posters?  Can a local community outlaw possession of a Osama Bin Laden target/poster?  What happened to the first amendment (or are they seeking to gut that too)?

its also worth pointing out that Blue Ridge Arsenal (see link in the blogroll) sells these as well as a similar target/poster with Saddam Hussein's face on the body. The NRA HQ Range though won't let you use it there. Seems they don't want any images of people being shot at - as if this asshole could be called a person. Still, I like Osama Bin Pumpkin better as a target.

Gunsmithing

As some of my readers no doubt know, I post over at The High Road fairly regularly, and lurk there even more often. If you can wade through the usual internet bullshit and paranoid delusions there really is a lot of interesting information to gather from it.

Anyway, I have two firearms related projects forthcoming . . . 1st, I want to instal a new trigger in my Colt 1991A1. I was going to send it to a gun smith, but after seeing how cheap the parts actually are, I think I might do it myself. The High Road of course, has a load of information on trigger jobs and other basic gunsmithing items at The Consolidated 1911 Clinic Thread. Check it out.

The other project is an attempt to reblue the cheap Marlin 336 I purchased last august (I forgot that I had put up a hot picture of Jessica Simpson in that post). I've ordered the Complete Perma Blue® Paste Gun Blue Kit from Birchwood Casey and hope to complete the rebluing over the next two weeks - while my wife is away. If anyone has an experience with this product, I'd love some pointers or even a link to a good web page showing how to do it.

The Exorcist Stairs

As I posted the other day, I am in Georgetown every now and then to take some MBA type classes at the McDonough Business school. The classes are held in the "Car Barn", famous for among other things, being the left side of the Exorcist Stairs.

Animal Farm moment

I know a lot of conservative bloggers stopped reading Andrew Sullivan after his wacky and selfish turn in the John Kerry camp during the last election. For awhile, I was one too.

Thats really too bad, because he is an excellent writer (far better than I can ever hope to be) and has the ability, in one paragraph, to thorough filet the opposition.

the difference between a fanatic on the gay left and a fanatic on the religious right is harder and harder to discern. Just ask yourself: if a Catholic conservative blogger had found out that a liberal-leaning pseudo-pundit/reporter was a gay sex worker, had outed the guy as gay and a "hooker," published pictures of the guy naked, and demanded a response from a Democratic administration, do you think gay rights groups would be silent? They'd rightly be outraged. But the left can get away with anything, can't they? Especially homophobia.

A Meme

Bold the states you’ve been to, underline the states you’ve lived in and italicize the state you’re in now.


Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C. /

via XRLQ

Our Schools Are Worser Then Their Schools

The Governors are concerned, and Bill Gate's has declared American high schools obsolete.

"America's high schools are obsolete," Gates said. "By obsolete, I don't just mean that they're broken, flawed or underfunded, though a case could be made for every one of those points. By obsolete, I mean our high schools _ even when they're working as designed _ cannot teach all our students what they need to know today."

Guess we can chalk up another social program thats been ruined by liberal and democrat interference. Of course, I've been arguing for years that we need to get rid of the Department of Education and merge whatever few legitimate functions it might have with the Department of Labor which should then work with states to design programs based upon the needs of each individual states. Think of school as job training, its original purpose - until we let the hippies take control.

Yowzaaaaa!!!!!!!!

Buy An F'n Gun For America!!!

Gotta Love It

The Jeter Center!!

Only thing better might be naming it A-Rodville




or perhaps The Ruth Center

CNN and the (alleged) Pussies at the ATF

Trigger Finger is directing us to Michael Bane, who used his connections within the gun industry to bring CNN's violation to the attention of the ATF has some shocking news to report.

By now, the upper echelons of the ATF have been made aware of the CNN violations. My contacts told me there was very little chance the agency would move against CNN because of "intent" — there was no intent to violate the law.

Sorry Michael, but your contacts at the ATF are full of shit. I highly doubt this was a serious response, and if indeed it was their reaction, I think it is more along the lines of someone trying to pass the buck on what will undoubtably be a politically charged prosecution.

The simple fact is that CNN didn't commit a common law crime, where mens rea is an element of guilt. No, instead they violated a statute that provides for strict liability, ir-regardless of intent. Your reading is correct Michael. As David Kopel, in his excellent article Trust The People: The Case Against Gun Control discusses,

Lack of criminal intent does not shield a citizen from the BATF. In United States v. Thomas, the defendant found a 16- inch-long gun while horseback riding. Taking it to be an antique pistol, he pawned it. But it turned out to be short-barreled rifle, which should have been registered before selling. Although the prosecutor conceded that Thomas lacked criminal intent, he was convicted of a felony anyway.[64] The Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Freed declared that criminal intent was not necessary for a conviction of violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968.[65]

In Freed, 401 U.S. 601 (1971), the Supreme Court was very clear about the strict liability inherent in the Gun Control Act of 1968

In United States v. Dotterweich, 320 U.S. 277, 284, a case dealing with the imposition of a penalty on a corporate officer whose firm shipped adulterated and misbranded drugs in violation of the Food and Drug Act, we approved the penalty "though consciousness of wrong-doing be totally wanting."

The present case is in the category neither of Lambert nor Morissette, but is closer to Dotterweich. This is a regulatory measure in the interest of the public safety, which may well be premised on the theory that one would hardly be surprised to learn that possession of hand grenades is not an innocent act.[fn14] They are highly dangerous offensive weapons, no less dangerous than the narcotics involved in United States v. Balint, 258 U.S. 250, 254, where a defendant was convicted of sale of narcotics against his claim that he did not know the drugs were covered by a federal act. We say with Chief Justice Taft in that case:

"It is very evident from a reading of it that the emphasis of the section is in securing a close supervision of the business of dealing in these dangerous drugs by the taxing officers of the Government and that it merely uses a criminal penalty to secure recorded evidence of the disposition of such drugs as a means of taxing and restraining the traffic. Its manifest purpose is to require every person dealing in drugs to ascertain at his peril whether that which he sells comes within the inhibition of the statute, Page 610 and if he sells the inhibited drug in ignorance of its character, to penalize him. Congress weighed the possible injustice of subjecting an innocent seller to a penalty against the evil of exposing innocent purchasers to danger from the drug, and concluded that the latter was the result preferably to be avoided." Id., at 253-254.

Emphasis Mine.

If they violated it, they are guilty. Its an open and shut case. Either the facts are there, or they are not (I still haven't seen the video, so I don't know). However, for an ATF agent to suddenly claim that "intent" matters is simply incredible. I wonder if we can get them to put that in a written opinion?

Hot Video of the Week

I guess she could be more of a looker, but WOW!!!

What a concept! (Not necessarily work safe - no nudity, but make sure the boss isn't looking over your shoulder).

Cher

"Someone who's bounced off rock star dick like a friggin' pinball."

You disagree??

ATF vs. CNN

Are the jack booted thugs from the ATF going to take down CNN????

Say Uncle reports on a promising development. Trigger Finger has more.

Lee or RCBS (or Dillon??)

Last week I mentioned that along with my new Colt, I was also considering the possibility of loading my own ammo. I appreciate the feedback I got and did some research this weekend. From what I have found, there seems to be two schools of thought out there - Lee or RCBS. However, a vocal amount of folks also recommend Dillon - though I am not sure if Dillon sells a beginners kit (I don't want to invest $1000s in a hobby I am not sure I will keep up at).

Lee has a fairly inexpensive beginners kit, while the RCBS entry level kit is priced higher but seems to require less ala carte items. Both require me to get dies. Is there a comparable Dillon option?

Does anyone have opinions on these two options? What are the pros and cons of these two? Is there another manufacturer I should be looking at? Which has the most user friendly manual.

I am not the most technically inclines person in the world, though I went fairly far in my homebrewing experimentations. I don't ant to load new and intriguing rounds, I simply want to reload ammo to cut costs down (and buy more guns).

I appreciate any input.

UPDATE: Reader Tony directed me to this interesting discussion at the High Road.

It includes this nice little price comparison.

Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Nitride 3-Die Set 9mm Luger $31.99
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Nitride 3-Die Set 45 ACP $31.99
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Nitride 3-Die Set 38 Special and 357 Magnum $31.99
Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Dial Caliper Standard $16.99
subtotal $112.96

Minimum Retail
Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit with "Modern Reloading" Manual $77.99
Lee Universal Shellholders Set of 11 $12.99
subtotal $90.98

Progressive
Dillon XL 650 Reloading Press w/ Dies $459.95
be.com's "As It Should Be" Upgrade $97.79
Caliber conversions for remainig 2 calibers $131.90
Toolhead kits fro 2 remaining calibers $51.78
Lee Safety Powder Scale (or better) $18.98
subtotal $760.40

Lee Single stage total $183.67
Dillon progressive total $862.13

CNN

I step away for a relaxing weekend with the family and next thing I know, CNN is lying again, but this time they've gotten caught breaking the law.

HA!!!!

Lots of people have lots more to say on the subject. Check them out.

Collateral

I just watched Collateral - a Michael Mann (Starsky & Hutch, Miami Vice, Last of the Mohicans, Manhunter, Heat) film staring Tom Cruise and Jamie Lee Fox.



I can't say enough about it, and won't. This review at IMDB pretty much sums it all up. Its simply Tom Cruise and Jamie Fox's best roles and a much better movie than Jamie Fox's other lauded role of 2004, Ray. Fox, for what its worth, has also been picked to play Det. Ricardo Tubbs in Mann's big screen adaptation of his famous TV show, Miami Vice.



If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and rent it tonight.

Buy A Gun For America

Buy A Gun Day To Piss Off A Liberal Commie 2005 is expanding fast.



If you want to participate, or just support the idea of spending part of your tax refund on a RKBA activity in order to piss off a liberal, let me know and we can keep a running tally.

So far we have the following blogs and other people participating.

• Jed at Freedom Sight


• Bullseye at American Drumslinger who incidentally has a HOT picture posted. I might have to co-opt it.


• And Says Uncle.

More on the Blue Ridge Suicide

This is the only article I have seen on the Blue Ridge Arsenal suicide so far. Its paints a pretty awful picture of the suicide victim. Others seem to agree, and one of his colleagues wrote a piece this piece for the paper.

Drugs and guns don't mix. Please don't mix them.

Apparently, neither do those dumb forms the liberals make us fill out when we want to buy a gun.

Building Museum

The Building Museum is simply my favorite building in D.C.

Here is the perfectly framed view from the Courthouse Metro Station.



Here is a detail of the frieze above the front door. This stunning scene wraps all around this gorgeous building.

No Blogging Alert

Blogging is going to be light to nonexistent.



Have no fear though, cause I am leaving you with some pictures. If even these don't quench your blogging thirst, then feel free to visit anyone in my blogroll to the right. I'm sure they can provide lots of helpful and insightful posts.

Range Report

Well, after having to turn back last night, the father in law and myself ditched the womenfolk and headed back out to the range tonight. He picked me up from the metro, drove me home where I threw jeans and a sweater on, and then we headed out to Fairfax and the NRA Headquarters Range. Arrived at 5:40 to find . . . . . the Range Packed Again!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is incredible. While the kids behind the counter where saying its always this crowded, that just isn't the case. I've been an annual member at this range for the last 3 or 4 years and I've never seen it crowded like I have since the New Year. Its annoying, but at least all these people aren't voting for Democrats any time soon. Still, as an annual member (not only that - but a family member too - I pay even more than most other members) I should get some special service. At Blue Ridge Arsenal, if your a range member, you get to go to the front of any wait list. Perhaps thats something the NRA should institute as well.

Anyway, after waiting about 30 minutes (during which time we witnessed the most awesome display of handgun shooting by this petite little women . . . 15 shots in less than 15 seconds in a small 1 inch hole in the middle of the face on an silhouette target) we were called up and I headed to lane 1 while my father in law grabbed a middle lane.

I took along my new Colt 1991A1 as well as my favorite handgun, my Ruger Mk II.



Sadly, I didn't realize I had forgotten to bring my .22lr ammo (except for a sleeve of shotshells) so i was unable to shoot the Ruger. It truly is a pleasure. However, I did have 250 rounds of .45 ACP with me, and that kept a smile on my face.

Generally, I was very pleased with the way the Colt shot. Its much more accurate than my Glock, and except for some problems during the first few magazines where the slide was stuck open (it happened 3 times, I am pretty sure it was caused by a poor grip), I had no problem and it easily ate all the ammo I fed it. All total, I put 150 rounds through it with the targets set at 21 and 30 feet. First box was 50 rounds of Remington UMC 230 grain ball ($12.50 at the NRA Range shop, the same ammo was $18+ for a box of 50 at Blue Ridge Arsenal) followed by Blazer 230 grain brass ($9.00 at Wal-Mart). The Blazer was much more accurate, consistently achieving 1 1/2 inch groups at 30 feet.

After 100 rounds, I field stripped the Colt (almost lost the spring cap thingy down the range) wiped down the slide rails, cleaned the barrel, and put some Rem Oil on it and then shot another box of the Remington. Sadly, the NRA Range has instituted a policy of not allowing Cameras on the the range so I didn't get pictures of the earlier targets. However, I did remember to take home the last target I shot. Here it is . . . after shooting three seven round magazines into it.



All in all, I like it a lot. The trigger isn't too bad (especially for a NIB gun), it feels great, and has much less recoil than my Glock did. Actually, the only complaint that I have is with the sights. They are black on black and against a black target were sort of difficult for me to see. I don't know if I want to buy new ons. i might end up just putting a dab of white paint on them, but we will see.

We are returning with some of my father in laws Army buddies on Saturday. I'll post more then, and hopefully will get some pictures too (I know some of the Range guys real well, I didn't know any of the kids working there tonight at all)

Gone Shooting

Leaving the office early. . . . . .

Heading to the NRA HQ Range.


See you there.

Fish Sandwhich

Les Jones thinks lesbianism has jumped the shark.

I don't know. I sort of dig it.

Hey, It's The Target Thug

Who's that guy??





Today's New York Times tries to identify Cop's Everyone's Favorite Target Thug?

Da 1911

Well, we went shopping for ammo last night and ended up buying the last three boxes of .45 ACP that my local Wal Mart had. Paid a bit of $9 for 50 round boxes of 230 gr CCI Blazer in reloadable brass. I was hoping to score some of the 100 Round Winchester WHite Boxes at $19.97 a box, but they were out of them. The ammo counter guy was actually in the process of going over the weeks ammo sales numbers in preparation for placing an order last night. He was trying to double the order of both 9mm and 45 ACP 100 round white boxes but didn't know if the manager would allow it. In any case, they should have more in on Thursday.

In other news, in my post the other day on the 1911, I indicated I was going to purchase some grips and mags from Brownells. Well, it turns out I am not. At least not buying the mags from Brownells. Instead, I just ordered a bunch of Chip McCormick Power Mags from Natchez Shooters Supplies on sale for $16.50 each. Thats about $10 cheaper than Brownells. Still not sure what I going to do about new grips, but I am looking.

Natchez also has 50 Round Boxes of 230 gr UMC ammo on sale for $8.47, but shipping is costly on a 60lb order and I am not sure what the best/cheapest option is. I continue to look around and am starting to contemplate a simple reloading setup too. Anyone have any thoughts on that direction??? How much of an investment should I be estimating to get started? How many rounds do I have to create to make it pay off over just buying commercial ammo?? How much should I expect to pay per round if I reload???

I don't think I need to handload rifle ammo yet, but that maybe a direction to go in the future. Right now, I just want to cut down on the cost of .45 ACP.

Thanks.

The Countertop Chronicles: Went to the gun show . . .

Knob Creek

In the comments concerning my new Colt, Steve from Ravnwood remarked that he picked up ammo at the Nation's Gun Show for Knob Creek.

I of course was foolish enough to ask what Knob Creek is (being an bit of a bourbon fan, my first thoughts invariably turned to booze). Well, turns out that Knob Creek is also the site of the famous Kentucky Machine Gun Shoot that happens twice a year. This year of course, its occuring in April on my son's birthday and in October on my birthday.

Don't think I can make it this year, but its certainly something we will have to consider doing in a couple of years.

Flying With Firearms

I've got to attend my wife's cousin's wedding in Athens, GA next month and just made travel arrangements with Independence Air. I'm a big Fly-I fan, I like their seats, I like their prices, I like their employees, and I like their service and reliability.

However, for a variety of reasons, I have never carried a handgun on a Fly I flight post 9/11. I intend to this trip.

Fly I's policies seem reasonably clear and not too out of the ordinary oppressive, I was just wondering if anyone has had actual experience with this airline and the TSA goons at either Dulles or Atlanta Hatsfield Airport. Is there any travel advice you can give me? How should I be prepared for the TSA goons to treat me? What kind of tricks will they pull on me? The TSA's policies seem pretty straight forward too (they defer to the airlines as long as the gun isn't in a carry on), but for some reason, I just don't trust them.

Feel free to email me or post your thoughts in the comment section. Appreciate any advice you might offer. Thanks

UPDATE: Reader Ben emails the following, very helpful, information.

I have flown out of Dulles several times on both American Airlines and United with a handgun in my checked luggage without any problem.

Find a hard-sided case with an integral lock. This will hold your handgun. I have heard people catch flack for using a plastic case but metal is a safe bet. I have also heard of people having trouble where the lock was not integral to the case, ie the case had a pair of loops to accept a mini-padlock but the case itself had no lock. To save yourself from worry just get a metal hard-sided case with an integral lock -- either combo or keyed is fine.

According to the TSA, ammunition does not have to be packed in a separate case but American and United both required me to do so. I would advise you to do this. I used another hard-sided, metal locking case but I think that is overkill and a regular non-locking case would have worked just fine. I kept the ammo in the factory box and put all the ammo (in its boxes) into its container.

Allow plenty of time for check-in since you will have to talk to a person and cannot use a machine. Tell the person behind the check-in desk that you have an unloaded firearm as well as ammunition that you need to transport in your checked luggage. In my experience the airline employees generally take this in stride although one did call over a supervisor.

I have the TSA-provided crib sheet printed out in case I need to educate the airline employees as to what the TSA regulations
(http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1666.xml).

At this point the airline employee should verify that your firearm is in fact unloaded. I suppose that the airline employee might wish to personally confirm that the firearm is unloaded but I have always offered to demonstrate that it is unloaded and my offer has been taken everytime. Show it is unloaded by pointing out the empty magazine well and showing the empty chamber. Lower the slide carefully. The only time I have had problems at this stage is when I slingshotted the slide -- which makes a very distincting sound -- and a security guard busted over to see what was happening.

You will re-lock the container and let the airline employee put a TSA-approved sticker on it. You can then put the container back into your checked baggage.

Do not let them put another sticker on the outside of your checked bag. This is an invitation for theft and it is also illegal: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/
usc_sec_18_00000922----000-.html

Once the airline called over a TSA person and they took my bag over to the X-ray machines to be scanned. Then they took the back back to the check-in counter and put it on the conveyor belt which took the bag into nether regions of the airport on its way to the airplane. I have heard that this is par for the course. Just stick around until you see you bag disappear.

Of course, Independence Air may have its own rules and regulations. If you can get ahold of them (perhaps ask them to fax you the relevant bits) you are ahead of the game.

Lastly, if you can, get a ride to the airport from a friend who can take the gun and ammunition back if you have a problem. You should not have a problem but there are so many bad stories about the implacable nature of some TSA goons that it is worthwhile to have a backup plan.

Great Job Ben!!!

I don't care what you say, just spell my name right!

Nothing like being outed as the fraud you are to generate a bit of blog traffic. I wish I had just a fraction of the readers so called libertarian girl has.

In other news, a real libertarian seems to be gaining in popularity. I've got a feeling I need to add Jacqueline to the blogroll too, and its not just cause she's a single libertarian chick. No sireee, its cause she's that true treasure, the single libertarian chick with guns, (even if she has a hard time telling good gun buying advice from bad).

because everyone knows you don't professionalize unless you federalize

Ravnwood has the details on the some of the more outrageous media suggestions coming out in response to the mutant in New York.

Buy A Gun For America

April 15th, better known as Buy A Gun To Piss Off Chuck Schumer Day (what ever happened to Aaron's Rant Blog???) is fast approaching and with it, the good folks at Brownell's have thought to provide us with these great free posters.



I've done my part. Will you do yours???

Went to the gun show . . .

So, the Nation's Gun Show returned to D.C. this weekend. Being in the market for a 1911, I decided to head out, the advice of many freshly minted in my mind.

I had, needless to say, a very good day.

Sold one Glock 23 and purchased this sexy NIB SS ORM Colt 1991A1 (that would be New In Box Stainless Steel Old Roll Mark Colt 1991A1)




How's that for some gun porn?

So far, I am super pleased and certain that she's a keeper. First upgrades (coming from the Brownell's Catalogue, of course) includes new rosewood grips and some Chip McCormick Power Mags. I'm gonna throw a new trigger on there too, but am waiting to run through the first 500 rounds before I settle on what I want. I'll post an actual range report later on this week.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts with me, with special thanks to my father in law for helping me out with the finer things in 1911 lore and He Who Shall Not Be Named who spent much of his precious time answering my annoying 1911 newbie questions.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling

Big Banging Changes over in Ravnwood's Universe. Check them out, and especially his proposed Paper Protection Reform Act.

Out of touch

Speaking of political philosophies that are out of touch, Yosemite Sam at The Ten Ring has a great post today on the scourge of communists in academia.

Read it, than read Denise's (also of the Ten Ring) excellent frisking of the Jersey City gun buyback program. This hits home particularly hard since my brother almost participated. You see, he once lived in the reasonable state of North Carolina where amongst the many goodies he purchased was a delightful Ruger PC9. It was a sweet little carbine, one that was both accurate and cheap to shoot while also providing enough kick to ruin someones day. The problem was, its sort of an evil black rifle thingy to the folks in Jersey and hence it ended up in my possession for the last five years where I didn't get to use it nearly as much as it deserved. Eventually, my bro came to the decision recently to buy a Springfield M1. Nice rifle, but sort of pricey. He decided to sell the Ruger and was going to come down here to pick it up and bring it to Jersey City. He was thrilled at the notion someone might pay him $150 for it. Thats something I should have done, but being a bit strapped for cash at the present, and looking to create gun locker space, I didn't. Rather, I ended up selling it for a good deal more than the $150 - yet still less than what I probably could get.

The lesson of the story - don't accept less than market prices from cops.

Brand Identity

As a few of you might know, I've been taking some some MBA courses at Georgetown over the winter and one of the items we address is the importance of a clear strategic vision (for those Goergetown MBA grads, think "Timmy") and the brand identity that comes from its simple execution. With that in mind, I was delighted to read a great piece by former DNC press secretary Terry Michael on rebranding the democratic party in today's D.C. Examiner. His point is an important point and goes a long way towards explaining the current problems of the Democratic Party.

As he points out, the Repuiblican brand can be reduced to this:

Government bad. America good. The marketplace will provide. In God We Trust. Equal opportunity, but not equal outcomes, for all.

The Democrats, though, have bastardized their 200+ year old brand so much so that even Mr. Michaels, a former DNC press secretary admits he isn't sure what the brand is, but believes its something like this

Government isn't all that bad; look at Social Security and Head Start. America isn't always that good, we try to impose our will on a multicultural world. The marketplace is full of bad guys who need to be restrained. Hey, we're religious, too. And redistributive social justice for all, because, except for me and my friends, racism endures.

Which would you buy????

Thank God For Confidence

KABA linked to the story of a Barre, VT student who is accussed of bringing a gun onto school property. According to local press accounts the school has suspended him and would like to expel him. The only problem, of course, is Vermont recognizes the constitution. That small hurdle leads to local Police Chief Trevor Whipple to eloquently explain the justification for all this attention.

There is a law that indicates that is against the law to have a gun on school property, but we have to show that there is an intent to injure someone, and at this point, we have not found that in our investigation

Not the most clear statement, so lets break it down a bit.

There is a law that indicates that is against the law to have a gun on school property

Uuh, what the heck does he mean by the law "indicates its against the law"??? Either it is or it isn't against the law to have a gun on school property. Having once lived there, and not being aware of any recent changes in Vermont gun laws, I would suspect that nothing has changed and that there isn't a specific Vermont law to this effect. Perhaps Jeff Soyer can fill us in a bit more.

but we have to show that there is an intent to injure someone, and at this point, we have not found that in our investigation

So, if you have no evidence that he planned to shoot someone, why is he being punished?

Fox on Guns

Is this you?????

From Monica Hill, Fox News Channel:

The Fox News Channel is producing a one-hour program on guns. We are searching for a female gun-owner who used the gun to defend herself and is willing to share her story. Interested individuals should contact me as soon as possible at 212.301.5376 or via email at monica.hill@foxnews.com

Draft Condi!!!

Draft Condi Rice!

Ft. Myer's, FL

high-rises pop up out of the palm grove and swamps like mistakes in a game of SimCity

Once again, Jeff Jarvis gets it right.

Virginian Lowriders

Lots of folks (especially the libertarian types) around the ol' blogosphere have been having some fun with the recent decision by the Virginia House of Delegates to prosecute kids with low slung pants.

Now, sure, I enjoy a pretty girl with her pants sliding off as much as the next guy, and am disgusted by a far chick with her pants sliding off as much as the next guy, but folks, this isn't all just about overreaching government and wasting the police and taxpayers time. As John Tant explains, there is a very real, and very dangerous reason for this law. Kudo's to John for articulating the reasons far better than our otherwise communication challeneged elected officials.


By the way, my Kilgore bumper sticker came yesterday and now proudly sits next to the Bush-Cheney sticker on my gas hogging SUV's back window.

Prude Pride

I posted some comments about Mrs. He Who Shall not Be NamedPrude Pride essay earlier this week and heard back from a number of readers that they are firewalled out of Kim's site by the Websense filters at work.

Have no fear. A quick email exchange with the hardest working wife in the blogsphere has led to two things . . . . First, the possibility that Websense and other filter companies may be engaging in tortious conduct (tortious interference with contact and/or defamation) but more importantly that I will be hosting the Prude Pride essay here, at the Countertop Chronicles, until Friday evening, to give the rest of the world a chance to read it.

Enjoy, cause at the stroke of midnight, it comes down.

IT IS DOWN

The Village

We watched M. Night Shyamalan's The Village tonight. Its pretty good, better than Signs, but not as good as Unbreakable. Not sure about the Sixth Sense, though I should point out I figured out the ending within about 5 minutes (and then once the dramatic confrontation occurs, figured that out pretty quickly too). My wife didn't, though in fairness, she blurted out the Sixth Sense's twist within about 5 minutes of it starting.

In any case, its certainly worth a look.

Seegars, et al., v. Ashcroft

The D.C. Circuit has found that the District of Columbia residents wanting to purchase and possess handguns in Seegars et al., v. Ashcroft to lack sufficient standing to bring the lawsuit.

It’s an interesting opinion, and I am sure the pro RKBA forces will have plenty more to say on this. I've read it once, and will read it again tonight, but I have a few quick points I'd like to make.

First, this is pure and utter bullshit and a very convenient way for the court to sidestep an issue it doesn't feel comfortable addressing.

As the dissent pointed out, the Navegar case is easily distinguished (let alone insults basic intelligence), and plenty of authority exists elsewhere to find standing. That, of course, means Seegars is heading for a likely en banc review by the full D.C. Circuit and possibly the Supreme Court - though don't get your hopes up for a complete 2nd Amendment victory yet. Rather, any review will be narrowly focused on the issue of standing sending the case itself back down for a full airing out of the underlying 2nd Amendment claims.

Second, part of me thinks that this is a brilliant strategic move (DISCLAIMER: I've been accused of turning lemons into lemonade before) that is going to force the mainstream media and other traditionally non RKBA forces to join the fight on OUR SIDE.

Why?

Because this decision is so, so, offensive, to the basic understandings of the role of courts since Marbury v. Madison. I mean, is the court really saying you can only challenge non first amendment issue after prosecution? If that’s the case, they are effectively overturning Marbury v. Madison and abolishing judicial review in the D.C. Circuit as a practical matter.

Naturally, I don't believe that's what is going on. Rather, I think we are looking at a Court that is ready, but reluctant, to strike the D.C. gun ban down, and is screaming for help from its colleagues. Lets face it, people (and judges are no different) don't like to step alone into uncharted waters, and that’s what Seegars is in effect asking them to do. I expect, on the standing issue at least, those colleagues will come quickly running to its defense and overturn this decision.

As a result, in this way, I think Seegars will eventually turn into a watershed decision in the area of legislative and regulatory review - and as a result, will be remembered long from now for its ultimate impact on judicial review.

Of course, the importance of any appeal of Seegars in defining the boudaries of judicial review will force a positive spin on the decision by an activist press unwilling to give up the basic rights of pre enforcement judicial review. Heck, this is going to get the ACLU to come in on our side. Once the spin that Seegars should get its time in court is unleashed, it becomes rather easy for the D.C. Circuit (and perhaps the Supreme Court) to make the RKBA decision.

But that's just my quick hit opinion.

Never Say Never

If you had asked me 10 years ago, I'd probably tell you I'd never say God Bless Alan Dershowitz.

Boy, have times changed.

"The kind of hatred that one hears on campuses like Columbia, and let me say especially Columbia, is a barrier to peace," Mr. Dershowitz said. "They are encouraging the terrorists. They tell the terrorists you will have academic support even if you oppose the peace process."

God Bless Alan Dershowitz.

Virtual Bartender

Meet Tammy Plante, or as she is more commonly known, the Virtual Bartender.

Hot, I tell you. And not necessarily work safe.

Hey Jude

Following up on my previous post, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on Paul McCartney's great halftime performance. He may be a blathering liberal loon, but at least he writes good GREAT songs that you can sing to and puts his heart into every performance he gives (though the calls of Thank You Super Bowl seemed a bit hollow).

Plus, every time he plays Hey Jude, the world knows what a bitch Yoko Ono is.

Hey Jude, don't make it bad
take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better

Hey Jude, don't be afraid
You were made to go out and get her
The minute you let her under your skin
The you begin to make it better

And anytime you feel the pain
Hey Jude refrain
don't carry the world upon your shoulders
For well you know that it's a fool
who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder
Na na na na na
na na na na

Hey Jude don't let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let get into your heart
then you can start to make it better

So let it out and let it in
Hey Jude begin
You're waiting for someone to perform with
And don't you know that it's just you
Hey Jude, you'll do
The movement you need is on your shoulder
Na na na na na
na na na na yeah

Hey Jude
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her under your skin
Then you can begin to make it better
Better, better, better, better, better, oh

Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude

Prude Pride

The Mrs. (as in Mrs. She Who Shall not Be Named) hits one out of the park with her piece on Prude Pride!! Its especially fitting after listening to my wife describe the reactions at her office when two spoiled little rich bimbos dressed like Paris Hilton and her slutty friend came into the office (complete with toy poodle) looking for "like, an easy receptionist job." Popular culture is slowing eroding the basic fabric of the country and once again, on the morning after the Superbowl, forcing us to come to terms with the erosion of America's moral underpinnings.

I mean, Dildo's in department stores?? Is that really what it has to come down to?

That said, I should note that two of the most delightful things on TV last night were the purposly offensive Go Daddy.com TV ad as well as the Simpson's Super Bowl special.

The Death of Gun Control

Yipeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Its official. The worst element of the failed and flawed ideology of the liberal left is now all but over. In a shocking headline today, The Hill - one of DC's two most imporant political papers - runs tha banner headline The Last Nail In Gun Control.

The expected election of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean as chairman of the Democratic National Committee this month will strike a crippling blow to the gun-control movement, lobbyists and political observers say.

Some on the right may still question whether Dean can be trusted on this issue though. Having lived in Vermont while he was Governor, I am sufficiently comfortable with his belief that the federal government should get out of the gun regulation business. However, it seems that others, especially those on the left, might agree.

In November 2003, the Brady Campaign lambasted Dean for saying the issue of guns crossing state borders had been resolved. The group said the remark was “totally untrue and unsupportable.”

The group last year said it did not support Dean because “he has chosen to run to the right of the Democratic Party on gun issues.”

Gun-control advocates were heartened last year when Dean’s bid for president crumbled.

What's that saying?? The enemy of my enemy is my friend?? I think that may very well apply here and if the Democrats are serious about getting their act together, this could spell long term doom for the Republicans.

The Dem's will have a three great opportunities to do that.

The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (H.R. 1036) and the District of Columbia Personal Protection Act (H.R. 3193) will be reintroduced this year, along with their respective versions in the Senate.

Plus, there is also the Virginia Citizen Defense Leagues's Petition to Allow Carry in the National Parks.

Somehow, I bet He Who Shall Not be Named is gonna be doing the Happy Dance.

Ray Charles

The Academy Award nominated movie Ray was released on video and DVD today and the wife and I rented it and watched it tonight.

Its the story of Ray Charles struggle through a poverty stricken childhood in which his brother died before his eyes and he stood by as those same eyes quickly closed in, leaving him in a world of black.

Jamie Fox is wonderful. One of his best roles yet.

The New York Times has a
decent review of it.

''Ray'' while not a great movie, is a very good movie about greatness, in which celebrating the achievement of one major artist becomes the occasion for the emergence of another. I'm speaking of Ray Charles and Jamie Foxx, of course, though at this point I'm not entirely sure I can tell them apart.

I think they are wrong. Its a great movie, by far the best I have seen all year long, and with such a powerful soundtrack, it really reminds me of the epic Standing in the Shadows of Motown

Blue Ridge Suicide

You can read about the Blue Ridge Arsenal Suicide attempt on the Firing Line.

Bread, Its What's Good For You

The baking industry strikes back! I think they are also going to be on the Today show this week too!!
I used to work for the Baking Lobby here in DC so this sort of excites me!

More Pigs, More Slaughter

Identity theft seems to be in the news alot lately. Well, here is a real case of it.


Turns out that Russell Christoff, a 58 year old kindergarden teacher used to do some modeling back in the day. Well, he went in one day in 1986 for a two hour modeling session but nothing became of it until 2002 when he found his face on a jar of Nestle Taster's Choice coffee sitting in a drug store shelf. Turns out that Nestle used his image without his permission in the US, Canada Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Israel, and Kuwait over that period of time.

Ouch.

A legal dispute with Nestle USA ensued, during which Christoff, 58, declined the company's $100,000 settlement offer, and Nestle USA turned down his offer to to settle for $8.5 million. Nestle USA is part of Swiss-based Nestle SA, the world's biggest food and drink company.

Last week he won a 15.6 million jury verdict. Ouch. What the fuck was Nestle thinking in only offering him $100,000????

I've said it before, but it bears repeating again.

Pigs Get Slaughtered
Sound advice to take with you through life.

Free Speech

Most of you have probably heard about the study purporting to show that 1 in 3 high school students thought the first amendment went to far. I've got serious problems with the study, but not enough time this week to tackle it - I'll let others tear it apart.

However, its worth noting that Steve at Ravnwood thinks that we should lock these kids up. I don't know about that, but I do know that Clayton Cramer has discovered a whole universe of academics who should be locked up and kept away from out children.

The Blue Ridge Shooting

OK, here is what happened, from my perspective.

I've been looking at getting a 1911 for some time now and made an agreement with my wife that I could only buy another handgun AFTER I sold one of the one's I already had. She was concerned about the amount of money I've been spending on guns and told me that she didn't see the reason for any more (women, what do they know????) ANyway, I got her to agree to no net gain in number, but with no provision for value. So, I've decided to sell my Glock G23 (if you want it, let me know).

A guy here in Northern Virginia who does some gun training with Piedmont NRA INstructors was interested in it and asked me to meet him down at Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly, VA so he could check it out (They also have a mid 70s Colt Commander on consignment that I looked at once before and wanted to see one more time before making an offer). We decided to meet at 2:30 on Sunday but that morning, because of the snow storm that hit the DC area, he called to see if we could meet earlier. Of course, I couldn't because my mother in law needed to get to work (she works at a Wayne's World like TV station here) and being from Georgia she can't drive in the snow.

Anywa, I dropped her off at 2:00 and then continued onto Blue Ridge just as the sun was breaking. It turned into a beautiful afternoon and my wife called me on the phone to tell me to hurry up, she wanted to take my son out in the snow . . . . and besides, she didn't think Blue Ridge was a safe range to go to (it has a less than stellar reputation in Northern Virginia, but is under new management who have made great strides to correct some of its long standing problems). Anyway, I show up and sit down with the potential purchaser. He likes the look and feel of the gun and finds things in order and asks to try it out on the range. Never one to say no to range time, I gladly go ahead and also rent a Kimber Pro Carry with a 4 inch barrel ($15 - I wanted to shoot a 4 inch 1911 before making an offer on the Colt they had) and two boxes of ammo ($18) and buy an hour of range time ($15) for a total outlay of about $60 (the high prices at Blue Ridge are one of the lingering problems that the new management hasn't gotten around to correcting yet).

Blue Ridge, for those not familiar with it, has two ranges. Range 1 is directly behind the gun counter and there are windows where the staff can look in and see that everything is ok. Range 2 is a room next to Range 1 but without any windows into it. They both hold about 10 lanes and we were placed on Range 2 (Lanes 16 & 17). There were two guys and their girlfriends in there with us as well on lanes 11 and 12. Anyway, the potential buyer shoots a couple of magazines worth through the glock and really likes it, indicating he wants to buy it (thats good - makes me that much closer to my 1911 purchase). I shoot a magazine through the Kimber and find that the rental gun is disgustingly dirty and that I don't really care for the recoil - though its accuracy is pretty dead on (2 inch 4 shot groups at 20 feet). After I finish the first box, I decide to take out my Ruger Mark II and just get some nice leasiruely practice rounds in

Virginia Citizens Defense League Petition

By the way, in case your interested, the Virginia Citizens Defense League's Petition to lift the National Park gun ban is located here.


If you haven't joined yet, you really should - even if your not in Virgnia!

A Major Gun Data Request

My boss is meeting with Gail Norton this week and I mentioned to him that one of the crazy right wing nut gun rights groups I belong to is filing a petition before the Department of Interior to overturn the National Parks Carry ban. He inquired if it was a Data Quality Petition - I said no - but it got me thinking.

If you know of - or even suspect - an instance of the federal government or one of its agency's basing a regulation upon faulty data or publishing or disseminating faulty data - please post a comment here or email me about it. I've had some luck with Data Quality Petitions in the past, and think its about time to use the DQA to protect our Second Amendment rights.

I know there are plenty of examples out there, I just want some help from my esteemed readers as I try to compile all the instances of faulty data being cited by the FEDERAL government.

Thanks