Let's face it, we have those in our own government, who wish the 2nd amendment didn't exist. Many of our own citizens feel the same way. Of those who are on "the fence", they'd be okay with just an "assault weapons ban". In any case, the true reason for the 2nd amendment has been lost on many.
I've shared my thoughts about OUR 2nd amendment, so I won't rehash that now. But there are some pro-firearms, and even those who don't own a firearm, who think our government could not disarm all the 70+ million gun owners. They'd be right to a degree, but I believe there is a way for such a government to fulfil most of that goal. And here is how I believe it could be done, and actually believe we could be headed this direction sooner than later.
To start with, if I was a President, bend on banning firearms, here is what I would do -
* I must first convince "the people" that some guns, in the hands of bad people, need to be curtailed from easy access and ownership. That's easy to go along with. Even those of who legally own firearms would agree that bad people shouldn't have guns!
In times of firearms related tragedy, I would highlight, via the media, the use of a style of weapon, to support the desired ban.
* Enlist the help of media, to float the message to the masses.
* Work with the United Nations, and join them in limiting the world-wide manufacturing of small arms and ammunition. By doing this, I would have the USA simply "join" like minded nations in curtailing gun violence around the world.
* I would sign an Executive Order, bypassing congress, to implement an "assault weapons ban" of all new production and sale of the civilian models of "military type" weapons. That would stop the manufacturing and sale of civilian copies of "military weapons" to citizens. I would site the need for protections against mass killings. Most citizens will go along with that, and the media will promote it, selling it as not impairing the 2nd amendment in doing so.
(By the way - While some say a president can't bypass congress, they're wrong. Such a president can do anything, so long as he/she is not stopped by the other branches of government with a majority!)
* To soften the distaste for such a move, I would announce a program that expands current registration of classified firearms, and citizens would be able to register such firearms and pay a TAX to keep them.
* I would later site the need to also include other "semi-auto" high capacity weapons, those capable of firing more than 10 rounds without reloading. This would then include all the otherwise acceptable firearms, like the common Ruger 10/22, or even a Winchester 9422 lever action .22, that can hold as many as 17 rounds, as examples. The Ruger 10/22 comes with a 10 round magazine, it can accept higher capacity mags.
* With the MILLIONS of "assault weapons" already in civilian hands, I would then begin a voluntary "turn-in" or "buy-back" program, and work with the media to get citizens to turn those types in, without fear of prosecution or penalty. (This has worked in Canada and Australia.)
* For those who have not turned in their otherwise legally owned "assault weapons", another "Executive Order" would be issued, for mandatory turn-in of all such weapons. I also order all Law Enforcement, when in normal contact with citizens and find such weapons in "plain view", to be confiscated. (The government still has not gone house to house to collect them!)
* I would then appeal to all citizens, that while they can still own their "home protection" firearms, maintaining "their 2nd amendment right", such as shotguns and pistols (under 10 rds) and deer rifles, that all other weapons will have to be turned in within 60 days. After 60 days, should a citizen still be found in possession of such a classified weapon, such weapons would be taken as evidence, they would be fined, by way of a heavy TAX. Such a tax would be collected and enforced by the IRS. This would be a tax code violation, tacked onto current tax codes. (Sounds like Obamacare!)
The average citizen, is "law abiding", and that while they won't like it, will continue to be a "law abiding citizen", and follow such law. (The Jews kept following the directions of German officials, right up to the point of not having a choice.) Such a government will depend on the overall lawfulness of the law abiding citizen, to "cooperate".
* The "government" will then make examples of those "unlawfully" possessing a newly classified weapon, with IRS prosecution for Failing to Obtain a Tax Stamp, which would make it a "tax evasion" case.
* In an effort to further the collection of those "classified weapons", I would instruct all Law Enforcement to ask with every contact, if a citizen had such a firearm, then "ask" permission to search their vehicle or home.
(I can tell you for certain that the law enforcement "highway interdiction" program for drugs, works by "asking" citizens if they have anything to hide, and then asking if you can just confirm that a citizen doesn't. Massive amounts of drugs have been found during car-stops this way. Same goes for "knock and talk" when contacting a person at the front door of their home. It works!)
* By now, even it takes a few years to do, I would have removed a huge number of firearms from the hands of citizens. This doesn't even include those taken from criminal investigations. And it would all have been done with mostly "cooperating" efforts by the citizens, and some prodding by the IRS to comply or get fined. Still, NO criminal law was yet needed. The TAX code, which could be expanded, is used to compel compliance.
* With an overwhelming amount of citizen compliance and cooperation, any remaining "classified weapons" in the hands of citizens, would then be targeted with new laws. I would appeal to my majority, to pass a law that would make it a felony to own such a classified weapon, with a TAX stamp, and begin a plan to recover those. I would start something like a DARE program in lower grade schools, and give programs of the dangers of firearms, and let little kids tell about the guns their parents have. Using that information, warrants would be sought, having probable cause to believe an "illegal" firearm is in the house, and conduct a raid to recover them, for the child's safety. (Add it to child protection laws!)
* I would offer rewards, for information leading to the recovery of such firearms. Much like Crime Stoppers, I would provide for rewards so people (family members, neighbors, co-corkers, mailmen, garbage men, etc) could report anonymously, and get money for their tips.
* Now, I have removed MOST semi-auto type firearms, leaving more simple and limited capacity firearms to deal with.
* For those remaining firearms, continue a "buy back" program.
* Increase the media blitz on the dangers of firearms in the homes, and encourage reporting.
* Enlist well know celebrities to help get the message out.
* Have my Hollywood friends make movies about guns being evil.
* By this time, I would have collected a majority number of all sorts of firearms, and the remaining ones would be collected upon detection.
No One, except the Law Enforcement and the Military, would possess firearms. Well except those criminals who get them from the black market.
Now, do you feel safer now?
Friday, December 28, 2012
Yes, I AM a Christian
Recently, I read some posts by people highly critical of "God", and that "Satan" was more "open minded" and "accepting", than "God". Wow. I was struck by that. Struck, because it MY belief that is exactly what Satan would have people believe, and act on. And they are right! Right, in respect to Satan being more accepting. Absolutely more accepting of "anything goes". After all, Satan will NEVER dissuade anyone from abortions, doing drugs, cheating on spouses, and other wrong doings.
THAT is what Satan is all about, complete acceptance of anything!
Some are also offended by "judgemental Christians". THAT, I understand. I 'm not guilt free, but I can't stand people who "throw stones", while "living in glass houses". But that isn't God's fault, or even Christianity's fault. That's OUR fault! (I saw a great bumper sticker, "Christians aren't perfect, Just forgiven!") If any Christian strays from God's Word, that isn't "Christianity". That's sin by a Christian.
More specifically, some view Christianity as being "anti-gay", or gay hating. I think that is misconstrued. I, as a Christian, do NOT believe being "gay" is following MY understanding of the Bible and God's plan for us. But I AM NOT ANY ONE'S JUDGE. NO ONE, can say a gay person can not go to Heaven. God loves them too. God loves ME, as flawed as I am, but that does not mean he accepts my actions. He doesn't. It is not me to judge, but His on each person's judgement day. I would never exclude a gay person from church, or from any of our nation's rights. But that does not preclude me from believing marriage is meant for a man and a woman. That is MY personal belief, and I feel that is how God intended.
Some don't believe in God, or at least, don't believe a "god" would allow such terrible things to happen to children. Trust me, I have had MANY personal conversations with God about why things happen to people. Try some time after a hot battle in the jungle, after you've lost friends! "Oh God", and "Why God", are common cries at such times. I know!
To ME, and MY belief - God gave us "choice", beginning with Adam and Eve. "Choices" were made, and WE are a result in choices we all make. It is also MY belief, that God, who provides an "eternal" life after this one, does not necessarily intercede on things, as much as gives us peace and spiritual support to endure life on earth. I KNOW that I have had periods of time that without my own prayers, I would not have been as strong to endure. THAT is an extremely valuable aspect of having faith, even faith as weak as mine. Those who have terrible things happen, and have no such faith to fall back on, may be personally strong to endure, but I don't feel I would be at peace with things as much with Him. Even when horrible things happen to children, I feel some comfort, believing that all their pain and suffering are over, as well as memories of such, while they enjoy "heaven". If anyone doesn't have that belief, that's on them, and they are "free" to believe or not. (But don't condemn me for believing ... Bill Mahr!)
With that:
Dear Lord, forgive me, for I am a sinner. Forgive those too, who deny You, and are attempting to persuade others to deny You, for they do not know what they are doing. In light of all MY faults, as well as those of my fellow citizens, forgive us. God, I ask for you to Bless America, and her leadership, and save us from ourselves. In Jesus name, Amen.
THAT is what Satan is all about, complete acceptance of anything!
Some are also offended by "judgemental Christians". THAT, I understand. I 'm not guilt free, but I can't stand people who "throw stones", while "living in glass houses". But that isn't God's fault, or even Christianity's fault. That's OUR fault! (I saw a great bumper sticker, "Christians aren't perfect, Just forgiven!") If any Christian strays from God's Word, that isn't "Christianity". That's sin by a Christian.
More specifically, some view Christianity as being "anti-gay", or gay hating. I think that is misconstrued. I, as a Christian, do NOT believe being "gay" is following MY understanding of the Bible and God's plan for us. But I AM NOT ANY ONE'S JUDGE. NO ONE, can say a gay person can not go to Heaven. God loves them too. God loves ME, as flawed as I am, but that does not mean he accepts my actions. He doesn't. It is not me to judge, but His on each person's judgement day. I would never exclude a gay person from church, or from any of our nation's rights. But that does not preclude me from believing marriage is meant for a man and a woman. That is MY personal belief, and I feel that is how God intended.
Some don't believe in God, or at least, don't believe a "god" would allow such terrible things to happen to children. Trust me, I have had MANY personal conversations with God about why things happen to people. Try some time after a hot battle in the jungle, after you've lost friends! "Oh God", and "Why God", are common cries at such times. I know!
I AM a Christian. I am so very flawed and have been such a sinner all my life, but I DO believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I DO believe I will be judged by God one day, and also believe that God forgives anyway, when asked for forgiveness and we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior (NOT Obama!). Thank God for that! I am NOT a Bible thumper, and for most all outward appearances, a stranger would not know I am a Christian. Also MY fault! I do not attend organized church (For reasons I will not go into.), and that is MY fault too. While I "justify" that to myself, it is still MY fault. Even though I may not be going to a church near you, I will not sit silent and not be vocal in defending MY belief. I know too, that I need to do better at being a Christian, and show it by example. Not in an "in your face" thing, but a public acknowledgment of God and Jesus Christ. Because I DO believe in God, and Jesus Christ as MY personal Savior.
None of this, is to suggest mis-treating anyone else. In fact, mis-treating anyone for their differing view, is NOT what God would have us do. But to accept what is believed to be "wrong", as being "right", I can not do. (Montgomery Gentry has a good song for this occasion, "You do your thing, I'll do mine.") No matter what "in thing" might be, I have to hold to what I believe.
To ME, and MY belief - God gave us "choice", beginning with Adam and Eve. "Choices" were made, and WE are a result in choices we all make. It is also MY belief, that God, who provides an "eternal" life after this one, does not necessarily intercede on things, as much as gives us peace and spiritual support to endure life on earth. I KNOW that I have had periods of time that without my own prayers, I would not have been as strong to endure. THAT is an extremely valuable aspect of having faith, even faith as weak as mine. Those who have terrible things happen, and have no such faith to fall back on, may be personally strong to endure, but I don't feel I would be at peace with things as much with Him. Even when horrible things happen to children, I feel some comfort, believing that all their pain and suffering are over, as well as memories of such, while they enjoy "heaven". If anyone doesn't have that belief, that's on them, and they are "free" to believe or not. (But don't condemn me for believing ... Bill Mahr!)
With that:
Dear Lord, forgive me, for I am a sinner. Forgive those too, who deny You, and are attempting to persuade others to deny You, for they do not know what they are doing. In light of all MY faults, as well as those of my fellow citizens, forgive us. God, I ask for you to Bless America, and her leadership, and save us from ourselves. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Assault Weapons and the 2nd Amendment
In recent days and weeks, more funerals have taken place for murdered children. This time at a Newtown, CT elementary school. An extremely sad and tragic loss, perpetrated by a mentally sick young man, who murdered his own mother, took her guns, went to a school and murdered an additional 26 unarmed adults and children. There is no amount of reasoning that can ever understand such an act.
With such acts, we (society) rush to seek answers and solutions to such an act. In this case, one of the weapons used was a so-called "assault weapon", and the call for a renewed ban is under way, believing that will stop the next such tragedy. We've had one of those before, and it had NO measurable affect on the crime rates, and the 10 year run of that ban was let to expire because it had no affect.
This is a complex discussion, with many sides and issues to take into consideration. First and foremost, is the 2nd amendment, with calls to repeal it, or to re-define it. In either case, the whole purpose for the 2nd amendment would be tossed out in such a process. It was put into our Bill of RIGHTS, as a safeguard over possible government tyranny, not just your personal defense. An "armed" populace, would not be an easily controlled populace. The "right" to bear arms, "shall NOT be infringed". And NO, it isn't about "hunting".
Freedoms are a delicate thing. Freedoms come with responsibilities. Freedoms comes with the freedom of choices. Freedoms, come with risks. To circumvent our responsibilities, to restrict our choices, to attempt to protect us against all risks, would require the elimination of most all our freedoms. So we have to ask ourselves, Is freedom worth the risk of abuses that can go with them? As sad it it can be at times, Yes, I believe so. It is our LAWS that are to handle the abuses, not curtail our freedoms.
The so-called "assault weapons", those by prior definition as civilian versions of current military arms, could hold clips and/or magazines of over 10 rounds of ammo, and/or had a bayonet lug (just silly), and/or were semi-automatic in actions. (Full automatic firearms are already heavily regulated, and not part of this issue.) A lot of weapons were included, and people were surprised at what those were, because aside from lacking the cosmetic features of a military weapon, many fired the same way, fired the same ammunition, and could hold and/or reload in much the same way. Those weapons were far more common for sport shooters and hunters than people first thought. (An Henry Repeating Rifle, holding 15 rounds in the tube, could be classified as an assault rifle!)
But what are AR-15 and other civilian versions of military weapons really used for today? WHY would anyone need an AR-15, is the common mantra of the anti-gun folks.
To start with, they have been and are "legal" to own, by law abiding citizens. And of the MILLIONS of such firearms in civilian hands, those used in crimes are barely measurable. That's MILLIONS of such firearms, in law abiding civilian hands! And while any murder, is tragic and senseless, those murdered by such weapons measure very few by comparison.
The military style weapons, rifles for the most part, have become a huge sporting firearm, used for sport shooting and plinking, and even to more serious competitions around the country. One such sport, known as "3-gun" competition shooting, has grown all over the country. Civilians, police, and military have teams that compete in this shooting sport.
http://3gunnation.com/
http://www.uspsa-nationals.org/
Most people likely don't know, but there has been a Civilian Marksmanship Program for many years. In 1871, the National Rifle Association, backed by the War Department, began a civilian marksmanship program in order to have men become proficient in the use of and marksmanship with firearms of the day. That program continued on, to include the WWII battle rifle, the M1 Garand. The M1 Garand was even offered at a government "at cost" rate to civilians who applied to participate in that program. http://www.odcmp.co/about_us.htm
(A word about the NRA. The NRA was started by a group of National Guardsmen, and it's first president was retired Army General Winfred Scott Hancock, and was followed in later years by General Ulysses S. Grant, General Sheridan, and Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt himself was a Life Member of the NRA. Also, the NRA has been the premiere driver behind Law Enforcement firearms training standards, as well as training armorers for police departments, and is also instrumental in marksmanship programs and competitions for all levels of law enforcement, and branches of the military.)
I would also submit that the AR-15 type firearms of today, are just an extension of the growing technology of firearms development, used largely by the military, but have always been adopted for use by the civilian population. This has always been true, dating back to the Springfield Trap-door that vastly improved the rate of fire in war time of that day, and was adopted by civilians to use. Most such firearm development has grown by the needs of the military, and then have been adopted for use by citizens for sport, hunting, and competition. (Much of the technology we use today, began by the needs of our military in one form or another!)
I find it almost humorous to imagine, but does anyone actually believe that a Minutemen at Lexington would not have chosen an AR-15 to own, had one been developed in that day? The AR-15 types of today, are the muskets of yesteryear.
I think it is important to know that the US, because we do have a "gun culture", likely has the best civilian marksmen in the world. China, who by the way is in favor of more gun control in the US, has NO legal firearms ownership for the citizens, and has about 2.4 million military members. (China, who also has one of the worse human rights records in the world, but hey, they have gun control!) The US has about 2 million military, and over 70 MILLION legal firearms owners. Wow. Now that's a potential "militia" to draw upon!
In the end, there are those who are genuinely trying to find answers to this horrid problem of such mass murders, but I believe are looking at the wrong solution. Mass murder is not new. Even mass murders at schools are not new. A very thorough look at WHY such people, armed with anything, would want to kill a bunch of defenseless children, is a must. No amount of gun laws will answer that or correct that. With over 22,000 gun laws across the country, chasing that dog will not get us anywhere.
With freedom, comes responsibility. And as for such mass murders, our responsibility is do what we reasonably can to protect our children and citizens, to deal with the reasons such perpetrators do such things, and to punish those who abuse our rights, which includes our right to bear arms. I DO NOT support arming everyone. Most people, are ill-equipped to be responsible enough to be proficient. But every law abiding citizen, should never be curtailed from taking advantage of enjoying the benefits of even one of our rights.
Honestly, IF we, as a nation, really cared more about our kids safety, than some political end-game, we would include a good "firearms safety" program in every elementary school. The NRA's "Eddie Eagle" program does NOT support gun ownership, but safety for our children when they encounter a firearm. (If you haven't seen the program, then don't even bother criticising it!) This isn't about teaching them to shoot. It's about how NOT to get shot by a found gun!
As it is, I stand firmly against any "assault weapons ban", and ask for ALL the laws currently on the books, be enforced, while we seek answers as to how and why some people are so mentally deranged, that they would kill innocent children!
By the way - I can verbally demonstrate how a 7 shot pistol, can be used for a high death toll, before the police could ever get to me. See http://american1st.blogspot.com/2012/08/tic-toc-tic-toc-tic-toc.html
With such acts, we (society) rush to seek answers and solutions to such an act. In this case, one of the weapons used was a so-called "assault weapon", and the call for a renewed ban is under way, believing that will stop the next such tragedy. We've had one of those before, and it had NO measurable affect on the crime rates, and the 10 year run of that ban was let to expire because it had no affect.
This is a complex discussion, with many sides and issues to take into consideration. First and foremost, is the 2nd amendment, with calls to repeal it, or to re-define it. In either case, the whole purpose for the 2nd amendment would be tossed out in such a process. It was put into our Bill of RIGHTS, as a safeguard over possible government tyranny, not just your personal defense. An "armed" populace, would not be an easily controlled populace. The "right" to bear arms, "shall NOT be infringed". And NO, it isn't about "hunting".
Freedoms are a delicate thing. Freedoms come with responsibilities. Freedoms comes with the freedom of choices. Freedoms, come with risks. To circumvent our responsibilities, to restrict our choices, to attempt to protect us against all risks, would require the elimination of most all our freedoms. So we have to ask ourselves, Is freedom worth the risk of abuses that can go with them? As sad it it can be at times, Yes, I believe so. It is our LAWS that are to handle the abuses, not curtail our freedoms.
The so-called "assault weapons", those by prior definition as civilian versions of current military arms, could hold clips and/or magazines of over 10 rounds of ammo, and/or had a bayonet lug (just silly), and/or were semi-automatic in actions. (Full automatic firearms are already heavily regulated, and not part of this issue.) A lot of weapons were included, and people were surprised at what those were, because aside from lacking the cosmetic features of a military weapon, many fired the same way, fired the same ammunition, and could hold and/or reload in much the same way. Those weapons were far more common for sport shooters and hunters than people first thought. (An Henry Repeating Rifle, holding 15 rounds in the tube, could be classified as an assault rifle!)
But what are AR-15 and other civilian versions of military weapons really used for today? WHY would anyone need an AR-15, is the common mantra of the anti-gun folks.
To start with, they have been and are "legal" to own, by law abiding citizens. And of the MILLIONS of such firearms in civilian hands, those used in crimes are barely measurable. That's MILLIONS of such firearms, in law abiding civilian hands! And while any murder, is tragic and senseless, those murdered by such weapons measure very few by comparison.
The military style weapons, rifles for the most part, have become a huge sporting firearm, used for sport shooting and plinking, and even to more serious competitions around the country. One such sport, known as "3-gun" competition shooting, has grown all over the country. Civilians, police, and military have teams that compete in this shooting sport.
http://3gunnation.com/
http://www.uspsa-nationals.org/
Most people likely don't know, but there has been a Civilian Marksmanship Program for many years. In 1871, the National Rifle Association, backed by the War Department, began a civilian marksmanship program in order to have men become proficient in the use of and marksmanship with firearms of the day. That program continued on, to include the WWII battle rifle, the M1 Garand. The M1 Garand was even offered at a government "at cost" rate to civilians who applied to participate in that program. http://www.odcmp.co/about_us.htm
(A word about the NRA. The NRA was started by a group of National Guardsmen, and it's first president was retired Army General Winfred Scott Hancock, and was followed in later years by General Ulysses S. Grant, General Sheridan, and Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt himself was a Life Member of the NRA. Also, the NRA has been the premiere driver behind Law Enforcement firearms training standards, as well as training armorers for police departments, and is also instrumental in marksmanship programs and competitions for all levels of law enforcement, and branches of the military.)
I would also submit that the AR-15 type firearms of today, are just an extension of the growing technology of firearms development, used largely by the military, but have always been adopted for use by the civilian population. This has always been true, dating back to the Springfield Trap-door that vastly improved the rate of fire in war time of that day, and was adopted by civilians to use. Most such firearm development has grown by the needs of the military, and then have been adopted for use by citizens for sport, hunting, and competition. (Much of the technology we use today, began by the needs of our military in one form or another!)
I find it almost humorous to imagine, but does anyone actually believe that a Minutemen at Lexington would not have chosen an AR-15 to own, had one been developed in that day? The AR-15 types of today, are the muskets of yesteryear.
I think it is important to know that the US, because we do have a "gun culture", likely has the best civilian marksmen in the world. China, who by the way is in favor of more gun control in the US, has NO legal firearms ownership for the citizens, and has about 2.4 million military members. (China, who also has one of the worse human rights records in the world, but hey, they have gun control!) The US has about 2 million military, and over 70 MILLION legal firearms owners. Wow. Now that's a potential "militia" to draw upon!
In the end, there are those who are genuinely trying to find answers to this horrid problem of such mass murders, but I believe are looking at the wrong solution. Mass murder is not new. Even mass murders at schools are not new. A very thorough look at WHY such people, armed with anything, would want to kill a bunch of defenseless children, is a must. No amount of gun laws will answer that or correct that. With over 22,000 gun laws across the country, chasing that dog will not get us anywhere.
With freedom, comes responsibility. And as for such mass murders, our responsibility is do what we reasonably can to protect our children and citizens, to deal with the reasons such perpetrators do such things, and to punish those who abuse our rights, which includes our right to bear arms. I DO NOT support arming everyone. Most people, are ill-equipped to be responsible enough to be proficient. But every law abiding citizen, should never be curtailed from taking advantage of enjoying the benefits of even one of our rights.
Honestly, IF we, as a nation, really cared more about our kids safety, than some political end-game, we would include a good "firearms safety" program in every elementary school. The NRA's "Eddie Eagle" program does NOT support gun ownership, but safety for our children when they encounter a firearm. (If you haven't seen the program, then don't even bother criticising it!) This isn't about teaching them to shoot. It's about how NOT to get shot by a found gun!
As it is, I stand firmly against any "assault weapons ban", and ask for ALL the laws currently on the books, be enforced, while we seek answers as to how and why some people are so mentally deranged, that they would kill innocent children!
By the way - I can verbally demonstrate how a 7 shot pistol, can be used for a high death toll, before the police could ever get to me. See http://american1st.blogspot.com/2012/08/tic-toc-tic-toc-tic-toc.html
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Portrait of a "Gun Nut"
Many years ago, growing up in the Midwest, I was as normal and playful as any kid. We played back-lot baseball, football, hide-n-seek, flashlight tag, played with Tonka toy trucks and earth movers, buried green Army men in dirt trenches, and I had a very prised Hopalong Cassidy gun-belt and holster set (complete with black hat and black shirt!). And yes, we did play "Cowboys and Indians".
As I got a bit older, I had a "Fanner 50" western six-shooter, that used a roll of caps, as well as a "coon-skin cap" and musket that fired caps. When I got the "Burb-gun", machine gun with a windup key for making shooting sounds, I was the soldier in a make believe battlefield.
Before long, I graduated, as it were, to BB guns, and would shoot the green army men, that I had hid in the dirt, pretending they were "Germans" or those commie North Koreans. I'd shoot targets, clods of dirt, and cans. Cans were the best!
Since I was old enough to hold a toy gun, I had some kind of gun. When I was old enough, I was introduced to a pump shotgun, and a .22 rifle. I didn't own either, but used my great Uncle's on his farm. And I loved shooting crows, always watching my background, as Uncle Ray taught me.
When I entered the Army, I was again shooting something. We were introduced to the 1911 .45 Auto pistol, and the M-14. Later, I was shooting the M-16. While I learned other weapons to later be used in war, I was especially taken with the M-14 and the M-16. I shot well with both.
A few years after my tour, I began a career in Law Enforcement. By then, I had acquired a .22 Six-shooter, a .22 semi-auto rifle, and had friends with bigger guns that I was planning to pick up some day. Upon becoming a LEO, I bought my first Smith & Wesson .38 spl, followed by a Colt Detective, then a Browning Hi-Power 9mm semi-auto pistol, and on to more handguns and rifles and shotguns.
I've been a shooter of some kind of "gun" most all my life. I've shot trap, handgun and rifle silhouette shooting, was a sergeant on a Police SWAT team, and have competed on a Police Pistol Team. I've also taught 4-H Shooting Sports "air rifle" to 10-18 year olds. I own many of the guns I've enjoyed shooting throughout my life, to include enough ammo on-hand to go to the range on any given day, and enjoy more than a box or two of shooting fun. Some of those guns, include "military" type firearms that are made for civilians. To some people, and the "lame stream media", I'd be considered a "gun nut".
Aside from serving my country in the jungles of Vietnam, this "gun nut", has been a Deputy Sheriff and a Police Officer, served on the board of a local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), volunteered time and energy to the American Red Cross, was an active member of a local Optimist Club, and delivered "meals on wheels". I have grown professional kids, with one of them serving our country today. And I am also a Life Member of the National Rifle Association.
Even after serving my country (with honor) and my communities, some would still think I was some kind of ticking time bomb of a gun nut, as well as come kind of extremist who doesn't care about our communities or our children, because I like shooting and belong to the NRA.
With all that said, I am an absolute believer in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights, and still honor my personal commitment to protect OUR rights and OUR country, in what ever capacity I might find myself in. If someone wants to paint me as a "nut" of any kind, I can't stop them. But there are a great many NRA members (4 million strong) who are very much the same kind of person I am. And while some critics won't care, those who know me, know that I would be there for them in times of trouble, with a helping hand, or armed defense!
I also believe that our government has the ability to go outside its design, and take OUR freedoms away (it's already happening). And with that, it is my absolute belief that OUR 2nd amendment is OUR back-up to prevent such government from taking all our rights away. If that makes me a nut, then I'm a nut! But I won't let my rights, OUR rights, be taken away without resistance.
As I got a bit older, I had a "Fanner 50" western six-shooter, that used a roll of caps, as well as a "coon-skin cap" and musket that fired caps. When I got the "Burb-gun", machine gun with a windup key for making shooting sounds, I was the soldier in a make believe battlefield.
Before long, I graduated, as it were, to BB guns, and would shoot the green army men, that I had hid in the dirt, pretending they were "Germans" or those commie North Koreans. I'd shoot targets, clods of dirt, and cans. Cans were the best!
Since I was old enough to hold a toy gun, I had some kind of gun. When I was old enough, I was introduced to a pump shotgun, and a .22 rifle. I didn't own either, but used my great Uncle's on his farm. And I loved shooting crows, always watching my background, as Uncle Ray taught me.
When I entered the Army, I was again shooting something. We were introduced to the 1911 .45 Auto pistol, and the M-14. Later, I was shooting the M-16. While I learned other weapons to later be used in war, I was especially taken with the M-14 and the M-16. I shot well with both.
A few years after my tour, I began a career in Law Enforcement. By then, I had acquired a .22 Six-shooter, a .22 semi-auto rifle, and had friends with bigger guns that I was planning to pick up some day. Upon becoming a LEO, I bought my first Smith & Wesson .38 spl, followed by a Colt Detective, then a Browning Hi-Power 9mm semi-auto pistol, and on to more handguns and rifles and shotguns.
I've been a shooter of some kind of "gun" most all my life. I've shot trap, handgun and rifle silhouette shooting, was a sergeant on a Police SWAT team, and have competed on a Police Pistol Team. I've also taught 4-H Shooting Sports "air rifle" to 10-18 year olds. I own many of the guns I've enjoyed shooting throughout my life, to include enough ammo on-hand to go to the range on any given day, and enjoy more than a box or two of shooting fun. Some of those guns, include "military" type firearms that are made for civilians. To some people, and the "lame stream media", I'd be considered a "gun nut".
Aside from serving my country in the jungles of Vietnam, this "gun nut", has been a Deputy Sheriff and a Police Officer, served on the board of a local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), volunteered time and energy to the American Red Cross, was an active member of a local Optimist Club, and delivered "meals on wheels". I have grown professional kids, with one of them serving our country today. And I am also a Life Member of the National Rifle Association.
Even after serving my country (with honor) and my communities, some would still think I was some kind of ticking time bomb of a gun nut, as well as come kind of extremist who doesn't care about our communities or our children, because I like shooting and belong to the NRA.
With all that said, I am an absolute believer in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights, and still honor my personal commitment to protect OUR rights and OUR country, in what ever capacity I might find myself in. If someone wants to paint me as a "nut" of any kind, I can't stop them. But there are a great many NRA members (4 million strong) who are very much the same kind of person I am. And while some critics won't care, those who know me, know that I would be there for them in times of trouble, with a helping hand, or armed defense!
I also believe that our government has the ability to go outside its design, and take OUR freedoms away (it's already happening). And with that, it is my absolute belief that OUR 2nd amendment is OUR back-up to prevent such government from taking all our rights away. If that makes me a nut, then I'm a nut! But I won't let my rights, OUR rights, be taken away without resistance.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I AM the NRA
For those who aren't avid hunters, sport shooters, competitors, firearms enthusiasts or such, the NRA (National Rifle Association) may seem like some ultra right-wing organization. At least that is what most of the mainstream media and those in the anti-gun camp would have you believe.
However, all anyone would need to do is pick up a copy of any of the NRA publications, like the American Rifleman or the America's 1st Freedom magazine, and check near the back of the magazines. What one would see, are listings of all the NRA is involved in. Most might never guess that the NRA is a foremost supporter of Law Enforcement, and provider of related marksmanship, instructor certifications, and police department armorer training. Many would not know that the NRA is a strong supporter of tough sentencing for those who use a firearm in the commission of a felony. The NRA was a huge sponsor of such gun laws, like in Virginia in 2007, when the Democrats with NRA support, improved background check systems for purchasers. The NRA also has safety related classes, such as the Refuse to be a Victim, or the Eddie Eagle firearms safety program for school kids. And the NRA is our strongest supporter of our 2nd amendment right, for ALL lawful citizens, not just the rich, politically connected, or whom ever the "government" wishes to grant special privileges to.
Of the 4 million strong membership, the general public would likely be surprised to find that membership is made up of citizens from all professions and economic backgrounds. Which brings me to this -
I AM a NRA member. I come from modest means and background, but am a Combat Veteran, a former Law Enforcement Officer/Detective of many years, a former Cub Scout Leader, former 4-H Shooting Sports instructor, a formerly served on the Board for a local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, have been a past President of an Optimist Club, have volunteered my time and labor for the Red Cross and community projects, donated blood, raised honest and hard working professional children, make donations to Veteran and community related non-profits, and support my community. I am not the bogey man, or an extremist, or a potential home grown terrorist. With that, I'm here to say that - I AM the NRA.
Other members, run the diverse gambit from construction worker to surgeons, lawyers to home-makers, from Cops to Active Duty Military, and every other occupation one could think of. We, all 4 MILLION members, are "law abiding" citizens, interested in maintaining our 2nd amendment rights, who "bear arms" for any and every legal reason we choose.
If you're not a NRA member, I encourage you to join. If you are, then jump in here and say, I AM the NRA! If you are not a member, then please check out the website and join the NRA - https://membership.nrahq.org/
If you choose to still bash us, and the NRA, then read the history and the purpose of the NRA first. Otherwise, you just don't know what you're talking about.
Our 2nd amendment rights depend on the strongest support possible. And those rights, are for ALL of us.
However, all anyone would need to do is pick up a copy of any of the NRA publications, like the American Rifleman or the America's 1st Freedom magazine, and check near the back of the magazines. What one would see, are listings of all the NRA is involved in. Most might never guess that the NRA is a foremost supporter of Law Enforcement, and provider of related marksmanship, instructor certifications, and police department armorer training. Many would not know that the NRA is a strong supporter of tough sentencing for those who use a firearm in the commission of a felony. The NRA was a huge sponsor of such gun laws, like in Virginia in 2007, when the Democrats with NRA support, improved background check systems for purchasers. The NRA also has safety related classes, such as the Refuse to be a Victim, or the Eddie Eagle firearms safety program for school kids. And the NRA is our strongest supporter of our 2nd amendment right, for ALL lawful citizens, not just the rich, politically connected, or whom ever the "government" wishes to grant special privileges to.
Of the 4 million strong membership, the general public would likely be surprised to find that membership is made up of citizens from all professions and economic backgrounds. Which brings me to this -
I AM a NRA member. I come from modest means and background, but am a Combat Veteran, a former Law Enforcement Officer/Detective of many years, a former Cub Scout Leader, former 4-H Shooting Sports instructor, a formerly served on the Board for a local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, have been a past President of an Optimist Club, have volunteered my time and labor for the Red Cross and community projects, donated blood, raised honest and hard working professional children, make donations to Veteran and community related non-profits, and support my community. I am not the bogey man, or an extremist, or a potential home grown terrorist. With that, I'm here to say that - I AM the NRA.
Other members, run the diverse gambit from construction worker to surgeons, lawyers to home-makers, from Cops to Active Duty Military, and every other occupation one could think of. We, all 4 MILLION members, are "law abiding" citizens, interested in maintaining our 2nd amendment rights, who "bear arms" for any and every legal reason we choose.
If you're not a NRA member, I encourage you to join. If you are, then jump in here and say, I AM the NRA! If you are not a member, then please check out the website and join the NRA - https://membership.nrahq.org/
If you choose to still bash us, and the NRA, then read the history and the purpose of the NRA first. Otherwise, you just don't know what you're talking about.
Our 2nd amendment rights depend on the strongest support possible. And those rights, are for ALL of us.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tragedy in Connecticut
Today marks another very sad day. A deranged man, entered an elementary school and murdered staff members, and 18 kindergarten kids. As horrible event as one could imagine. Deep sadness across the country, and even more so with those families who lost children. No matter our views on various subjects, this is a common sadness, and God Bless those families.
No political argument can change what happened. Yet, the first knee-jerk reaction for many, is to blame the guns, and push for more gun control.
For some, that is a reaction for the lack of knowing "why", and "how" such a thing could happen, and desperately wanting to stop the madness.
For others, it is another call for gun controls that they always call for.They just don't want guns in the hands of anyone, believing that would keep guns out of the hands of the bad people.
While the investigation continues into the school shooting, and what possible motivation drove such a person to do that, the arguments are under way for and against gun control. And I'll dive in as well.
First, we must understand, that we DO HAVE gun control. We have loads of gun laws. And, for the law abiding 70+ million legal gun owners (who killed NO ONE!), they work. For the criminals, well ... they're "criminals", and they don't care. Not one Gun Free Zone sign has stopped anyone, and I expect that school had signs posted. If anything, it's a false security.
I just read about the school board in the Newtown area, where a board member said she did not feel safe at the meetings, and asked that the board meetings be transferred to a school building so as to ensure no firearms would be present. The schools are posted for No Firearms Allowed.
Secondly, there are over 300 million firearms in the USA alone. So in the US, that genie is already out of the bottle. Add to that, another 500 million in foreign citizens hands, and the numbers are staggering. And, military around the world, pro-freedom and dictatorial nations, and there is such a number, that the black market is staggering already.
Third, and I've written before on this, SEMI-AUTOMATIC rifles, of a military style, are legal and plentiful. So many so, the the one-of-three guns used in Newtown, is just ONE of over 80 million such rifles! Fact is, if Patrick Henry could have had a choice, as a citizen ready to defend his country, wouldn't he have had an "assault weapon"?
Forth, such assailants, most ALWAYS choose easy, defenseless, targets. Gun Free Zone signs pretty much assure no citizen will be armed. In the case of this school, the murderer knew the school, and knew there was no School Resource Officer, so NO ONE would be armed. Sitting ducks. These kinds of people, will not take on the police, because they know they will likely die before they can get their deed done. And THAT, is the crux of the problem I see in today's "gun culture" (like it or not, we're there). He KNEW, that he would most likely NOT face anyone with a gun to stop him!
Fifth, we will be hoping to learn about any mental issues that person may have had. I can not imagine anyone who would do such a horrible crime, and NOT be mentally ill. But from what I have known, working a short time in a jail, about 40-60% of those in jail, have mental health issues that have gone untreated or unaddressed. We had people with serious problems, short of total lock-down, who were always in trouble, because they stayed off their meds. We are NOT taking care of those people, and how many are walking around, like walking time-bombs?
We need to discuss how to better address the mental health issues, and better mental health facilities for such people that have exhibited violent behavior. Our jails are NT equipped to handle many of them, and there are MANY!
Lastly, it is simply wrong in a free society, to restrict the "rights" of the many, just to punish the very few. We have the laws, we need to better enforce those, and we need to a better job of reporting suspicious behavior. But then, law enforcement has to have a place to evaluate them and hold them.
For my views on "assault weapons", check out my prior blog entry,
http://american1st.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-2nd-amendment-and-you-updated.html
No political argument can change what happened. Yet, the first knee-jerk reaction for many, is to blame the guns, and push for more gun control.
For some, that is a reaction for the lack of knowing "why", and "how" such a thing could happen, and desperately wanting to stop the madness.
For others, it is another call for gun controls that they always call for.They just don't want guns in the hands of anyone, believing that would keep guns out of the hands of the bad people.
While the investigation continues into the school shooting, and what possible motivation drove such a person to do that, the arguments are under way for and against gun control. And I'll dive in as well.
First, we must understand, that we DO HAVE gun control. We have loads of gun laws. And, for the law abiding 70+ million legal gun owners (who killed NO ONE!), they work. For the criminals, well ... they're "criminals", and they don't care. Not one Gun Free Zone sign has stopped anyone, and I expect that school had signs posted. If anything, it's a false security.
I just read about the school board in the Newtown area, where a board member said she did not feel safe at the meetings, and asked that the board meetings be transferred to a school building so as to ensure no firearms would be present. The schools are posted for No Firearms Allowed.
Secondly, there are over 300 million firearms in the USA alone. So in the US, that genie is already out of the bottle. Add to that, another 500 million in foreign citizens hands, and the numbers are staggering. And, military around the world, pro-freedom and dictatorial nations, and there is such a number, that the black market is staggering already.
Third, and I've written before on this, SEMI-AUTOMATIC rifles, of a military style, are legal and plentiful. So many so, the the one-of-three guns used in Newtown, is just ONE of over 80 million such rifles! Fact is, if Patrick Henry could have had a choice, as a citizen ready to defend his country, wouldn't he have had an "assault weapon"?
Forth, such assailants, most ALWAYS choose easy, defenseless, targets. Gun Free Zone signs pretty much assure no citizen will be armed. In the case of this school, the murderer knew the school, and knew there was no School Resource Officer, so NO ONE would be armed. Sitting ducks. These kinds of people, will not take on the police, because they know they will likely die before they can get their deed done. And THAT, is the crux of the problem I see in today's "gun culture" (like it or not, we're there). He KNEW, that he would most likely NOT face anyone with a gun to stop him!
Fifth, we will be hoping to learn about any mental issues that person may have had. I can not imagine anyone who would do such a horrible crime, and NOT be mentally ill. But from what I have known, working a short time in a jail, about 40-60% of those in jail, have mental health issues that have gone untreated or unaddressed. We had people with serious problems, short of total lock-down, who were always in trouble, because they stayed off their meds. We are NOT taking care of those people, and how many are walking around, like walking time-bombs?
We need to discuss how to better address the mental health issues, and better mental health facilities for such people that have exhibited violent behavior. Our jails are NT equipped to handle many of them, and there are MANY!
Lastly, it is simply wrong in a free society, to restrict the "rights" of the many, just to punish the very few. We have the laws, we need to better enforce those, and we need to a better job of reporting suspicious behavior. But then, law enforcement has to have a place to evaluate them and hold them.
For my views on "assault weapons", check out my prior blog entry,
http://american1st.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-2nd-amendment-and-you-updated.html
Thursday, December 13, 2012
What Separation of Church and State?
Not long ago, I was listening to a radio talk show and the general topic was about the so-called "separation of church and state". On the air, was someone representing the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They profess to be protecting the constitutional principle of the "separation of church and state".
Now, as I often will do, I offer this disclaimer: I am NOT a constitutional or historical scholar. So with that, take what you wish from my words and viewpoints.
Being the simple man that I am, I tend to look at this subject in a simplistic way, believing that our Constitution was written for me, as well as you, and it isn't that complicated. I also think we should not stray from the principles of that document, and instead, find ways in our modern world to go back and really apply those ideas and principles to our country today.
But, what does the Constitution say about the so-called, "separation of church and state"? Well, as it is written, it states, "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
"Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ..." Well, I do not see today, anywhere, that our Congress (or any town or city government) has made a law that has established a religion. Where is it that the "state", by way of Congress, or any state or city, has a law that has established a religion? Does a prayer, permitted in public, establish a religion? Do the words, In God We Trust, establish a religion? And, who has been denied ANY governmental services, or even protection, because they were not of a particular religious persuasion? If so, WHAT religion has been established? Point out to me, what religion a law has established!
If you look at the word, "establish", one can easily find as part of the definition,
1 : something established: as a : a settled arrangement; especially: a code of laws b : established church
The 1st Amendment does NOT protect people from being offended. And that, my friends and readers, is what this is really all about. Some people don't want religion in any public view and it offends them that "God" is mentioned! The fact is, no one has been harmed. No one has been denied ANY services or protection, because God is somehow mentioned in the public arena. As long as the government does not pass a law, that establishes a religion, then what is the problem? Just being offended, isn't good enough!
For over 235 years, there has NOT been any government established religion! NO ONE, is required in any way, to follow any particular religion, and NO ONE has been denied services or protections, or any of their constitutional RIGHTS, by the mention of God in a public place, or the word God on our currency and landmarks, or a public display of a Nativity scene! NONE of those, causes anyone to follow any religion. But everyone has a right to follow NO religion, if they wish, and there isn't any violation of any law, and with that, no fine or penalty for doing so, or not doing so. NO ONE would be denied any of constitutional rights, for not following some religion. NONE!
I DO NOT want our government to dictate what religion (or no religion) I must follow. We sure don't need to be denied rights, because we didn't follow some government supported religious doctrine. Our government has not, and should never, dictate that a religion must be followed. THAT would be an establishment!
In today's America, with groups such a Freedom From Religion, and Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, "religion" IS under attack. And they are trying to use that so-called "separation of church and state" to beat us up in the weak kneed courts over it. I think cities everywhere, should stand up and demand to know, which law has been passed that establishes a religion? If they can point to a law, then let's review that for validity. But short of that, get over yourselves! Such expressions, even in public, DO NO HARM. Being offended is NOT a harm. So, be offended. I am offended when such groups try to force me to keep my religion (or any religion) behind private doors!
As it is, there is NO any such "separation of church and state", ONLY that the government shall make no law, establishing a religion. And how about that. There isn't ANY such law, and no government established religion. Only a government allowing the recognition that religion exists, and our people follow historic traditions that we first began a nation with. It just happens, that our founders brought with them, a predominately "christian" following, but they were very specific, that government DID NOT make law, that would establish any religion. I'd suggest, that also clearly says that the government shall not make any law that would prohibit the free exercise thereof. Law suits to take religion out of the public square, is doing just that! Such passages of laws, or granting for the anti-religious petitioners in civil courts, DOES prohibit the free exercise thereof!
There's my two dollars, and two cents!
Now, as I often will do, I offer this disclaimer: I am NOT a constitutional or historical scholar. So with that, take what you wish from my words and viewpoints.
Being the simple man that I am, I tend to look at this subject in a simplistic way, believing that our Constitution was written for me, as well as you, and it isn't that complicated. I also think we should not stray from the principles of that document, and instead, find ways in our modern world to go back and really apply those ideas and principles to our country today.
But, what does the Constitution say about the so-called, "separation of church and state"? Well, as it is written, it states, "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
"Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ..." Well, I do not see today, anywhere, that our Congress (or any town or city government) has made a law that has established a religion. Where is it that the "state", by way of Congress, or any state or city, has a law that has established a religion? Does a prayer, permitted in public, establish a religion? Do the words, In God We Trust, establish a religion? And, who has been denied ANY governmental services, or even protection, because they were not of a particular religious persuasion? If so, WHAT religion has been established? Point out to me, what religion a law has established!
If you look at the word, "establish", one can easily find as part of the definition,
1 : something established: as a : a settled arrangement; especially: a code of laws b : established church
The 1st Amendment does NOT protect people from being offended. And that, my friends and readers, is what this is really all about. Some people don't want religion in any public view and it offends them that "God" is mentioned! The fact is, no one has been harmed. No one has been denied ANY services or protection, because God is somehow mentioned in the public arena. As long as the government does not pass a law, that establishes a religion, then what is the problem? Just being offended, isn't good enough!
For over 235 years, there has NOT been any government established religion! NO ONE, is required in any way, to follow any particular religion, and NO ONE has been denied services or protections, or any of their constitutional RIGHTS, by the mention of God in a public place, or the word God on our currency and landmarks, or a public display of a Nativity scene! NONE of those, causes anyone to follow any religion. But everyone has a right to follow NO religion, if they wish, and there isn't any violation of any law, and with that, no fine or penalty for doing so, or not doing so. NO ONE would be denied any of constitutional rights, for not following some religion. NONE!
I DO NOT want our government to dictate what religion (or no religion) I must follow. We sure don't need to be denied rights, because we didn't follow some government supported religious doctrine. Our government has not, and should never, dictate that a religion must be followed. THAT would be an establishment!
In today's America, with groups such a Freedom From Religion, and Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, "religion" IS under attack. And they are trying to use that so-called "separation of church and state" to beat us up in the weak kneed courts over it. I think cities everywhere, should stand up and demand to know, which law has been passed that establishes a religion? If they can point to a law, then let's review that for validity. But short of that, get over yourselves! Such expressions, even in public, DO NO HARM. Being offended is NOT a harm. So, be offended. I am offended when such groups try to force me to keep my religion (or any religion) behind private doors!
As it is, there is NO any such "separation of church and state", ONLY that the government shall make no law, establishing a religion. And how about that. There isn't ANY such law, and no government established religion. Only a government allowing the recognition that religion exists, and our people follow historic traditions that we first began a nation with. It just happens, that our founders brought with them, a predominately "christian" following, but they were very specific, that government DID NOT make law, that would establish any religion. I'd suggest, that also clearly says that the government shall not make any law that would prohibit the free exercise thereof. Law suits to take religion out of the public square, is doing just that! Such passages of laws, or granting for the anti-religious petitioners in civil courts, DOES prohibit the free exercise thereof!
There's my two dollars, and two cents!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Is America Dying?
Our America is in trouble. She's sick and down. From the looks of her, she could be dying. Many have attacked her, wounded her, trampled on her, tried so hard to make her disappear from the planet. But today, she is under such extreme attacks, and this time, from within her own family, and even from her own head of state. If America goes, the last vestige of hope and freedom, may die with her.
I love America - Oh, how I love my country! She has never been perfect, only because men have tried to mold her into their own liking. How sad, of what far too many are trying to do to her, make her become, make her into what she was never meant to be. Our own President, has stated that he wants to "fundamentally change" her. He is on his way to doing just that, and at a time where it is critical that we RETURN to our foundations. But our foundations, do not fit his master plan for America, and he is being aided by like minded people, as well as fools who are following the tune of a "pied piper".
Today, the government "of the people, by the people, and for the people", has been plowed under by the swarm of power hungry politicians and bureaucrats. The "government", has become the BIG manager in most all aspects of our lives and businesses, and that process is growing each day. With each cut of dissection, "we, the people" are losing more and more of what freedoms we have. Now, with trillions of dollars of taxpayer money, BIG government has now decided what to do with OUR money...and the future money of our children...and our very lives today and tomorrow.
This past year, the President of Mexico was permitted... encouraged and applauded...to address our congress, and criticise one of our own states, Arizona. THIS government, OUR government (to include Arizona) has turned on one of our own. If they succeed, with the help of foreign countries, then who, or what state, will be safe in challenging the Federal "government" on the next issue?
Add to that, we see today, President Obama taking sides WITH unions, and AGAINST another state, and against those citizens who want to be free to NOT join a union, in order to be "allowed" to work. The PRESIDENT of the United States, taking sides with one group of Americans, over another group of Americans? This IS NOT a role of a United States President. Yet, this president is choosing to take sides, and further split our nation, and to drive wedges between us for his own goals. The heart of America, must be weeping.
I am absolutely convinced that our forefathers would be up-in-arms over what they see today. In fact, they WERE up-in-arms some 235+ years ago. They were fed up with the strong arms tactics, and the imposition of unfair taxes, upon the colonies and the citizens of the New World. Britain, at that time, WAS the government. And that government wanted to impose its will, and taxes, in every way it saw fit to do, unimpeded by "the people". Sound familiar? Obama and company, are doing that very same thing today!
THIS is NOT America. I am sick at what some want to make us. And in 2008, and again in 2012, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of power hungry people in the history of our nation. And with that, we are being sold out. I weep for my America. I weep for the country that has spread freedom around the world, and helped other people and countries in times of natural disaster and tyranny. I weep for those who came before us, and died in an effort to keep America free, and keep America as a land of "for the people, by the people". The people we have in Washington today, are NOT "the people", but they are there...BECAUSE we let them be there. The personal agendas and greed for power, seems limitless with those we have in Washington now. And Americans put them there. Shame on us.
So, I sit by the death bed of the America I love and have believed in. I watch, feeling helpless, as she succumbs to the trampling on the long held belief of a nation of free people and non-intrusive government. Before long, her colors could remain, but the stripes will be removed, the stars gone, and some new "Obama-like" symbol will replace her. Letters and emails have failed, and I know of no cure to help, as long as good men sit by, while other men want to turn off her life support machine. Freedom of her people is old fashioned, in the eyes of our new power mongers. That has to end.
Pardon my ramblings, and perhaps lack of delivery in this addition, but my sadness is deep, and the grief I am feeling for what I fear is coming, has a grip on me. I prayed for HONEST change this past November 6th. But there are those who would rather be spoon fed and federally supported, than to be free to choose their own destiny. But we still MUST make them understand, that those voted, and appointed, to their seats are a temporary ones, and granted by US, to serve US - Not to rule us. While that seems lost on them for now, we MUST keep up the drumbeat of our cries for real freedom, and to get America back to health.
God Bless America, for as long as we still have her. - Dan
I love America - Oh, how I love my country! She has never been perfect, only because men have tried to mold her into their own liking. How sad, of what far too many are trying to do to her, make her become, make her into what she was never meant to be. Our own President, has stated that he wants to "fundamentally change" her. He is on his way to doing just that, and at a time where it is critical that we RETURN to our foundations. But our foundations, do not fit his master plan for America, and he is being aided by like minded people, as well as fools who are following the tune of a "pied piper".
Today, the government "of the people, by the people, and for the people", has been plowed under by the swarm of power hungry politicians and bureaucrats. The "government", has become the BIG manager in most all aspects of our lives and businesses, and that process is growing each day. With each cut of dissection, "we, the people" are losing more and more of what freedoms we have. Now, with trillions of dollars of taxpayer money, BIG government has now decided what to do with OUR money...and the future money of our children...and our very lives today and tomorrow.
This past year, the President of Mexico was permitted... encouraged and applauded...to address our congress, and criticise one of our own states, Arizona. THIS government, OUR government (to include Arizona) has turned on one of our own. If they succeed, with the help of foreign countries, then who, or what state, will be safe in challenging the Federal "government" on the next issue?
Add to that, we see today, President Obama taking sides WITH unions, and AGAINST another state, and against those citizens who want to be free to NOT join a union, in order to be "allowed" to work. The PRESIDENT of the United States, taking sides with one group of Americans, over another group of Americans? This IS NOT a role of a United States President. Yet, this president is choosing to take sides, and further split our nation, and to drive wedges between us for his own goals. The heart of America, must be weeping.
I am absolutely convinced that our forefathers would be up-in-arms over what they see today. In fact, they WERE up-in-arms some 235+ years ago. They were fed up with the strong arms tactics, and the imposition of unfair taxes, upon the colonies and the citizens of the New World. Britain, at that time, WAS the government. And that government wanted to impose its will, and taxes, in every way it saw fit to do, unimpeded by "the people". Sound familiar? Obama and company, are doing that very same thing today!
THIS is NOT America. I am sick at what some want to make us. And in 2008, and again in 2012, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of power hungry people in the history of our nation. And with that, we are being sold out. I weep for my America. I weep for the country that has spread freedom around the world, and helped other people and countries in times of natural disaster and tyranny. I weep for those who came before us, and died in an effort to keep America free, and keep America as a land of "for the people, by the people". The people we have in Washington today, are NOT "the people", but they are there...BECAUSE we let them be there. The personal agendas and greed for power, seems limitless with those we have in Washington now. And Americans put them there. Shame on us.
So, I sit by the death bed of the America I love and have believed in. I watch, feeling helpless, as she succumbs to the trampling on the long held belief of a nation of free people and non-intrusive government. Before long, her colors could remain, but the stripes will be removed, the stars gone, and some new "Obama-like" symbol will replace her. Letters and emails have failed, and I know of no cure to help, as long as good men sit by, while other men want to turn off her life support machine. Freedom of her people is old fashioned, in the eyes of our new power mongers. That has to end.
Pardon my ramblings, and perhaps lack of delivery in this addition, but my sadness is deep, and the grief I am feeling for what I fear is coming, has a grip on me. I prayed for HONEST change this past November 6th. But there are those who would rather be spoon fed and federally supported, than to be free to choose their own destiny. But we still MUST make them understand, that those voted, and appointed, to their seats are a temporary ones, and granted by US, to serve US - Not to rule us. While that seems lost on them for now, we MUST keep up the drumbeat of our cries for real freedom, and to get America back to health.
God Bless America, for as long as we still have her. - Dan
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Are We the Frog in the Pan?
For many years, I was a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), having worked for a sheriff's office and a police department. I worked in Patrol, as a Patrol Supervisor, a Detective, and a Detective Sergeant. I was fortunate enough to work most every aspect of law enforcement, including 4 years in Narcotics.
While I was far from perfect, and made my share of mistakes, I truly wanted to be a Good Cop, and serve my communities well. In doing so, I executed Arrest Warrants, Search Warrants, Warrantless Searches on Probable Cause and Search Incident to Arrests, etc. I've broke up fights, drew down on armed or suspected of being armed, suspects, and was in just one Officer Involved Shooting.
Every good LEO will work their hardest to get "the job done". In the course of doing that, split second decisions are made every day. It could be the taking of a life. Most often, it concerns the "rights" of individuals, on one side or the other. And in courts of law, maybe months or years later, lawyers and juries will have all the time in the world to decide the fate of those involved, criminally or civilly.
A LEO has to decide, in a split second or over many hours, the legality of his/her actions. LEOs depend on their knowledge, training, and experience to guide them through. They also FOLLOW ORDERS of those above them. I have been on both side of the ordering business.
Long way to the barn, and I apologize. - But all this leads me to an important question and dilemma in today's world. In MY humble opinion, I see our communities and nation, being more and more lead by people who will stretch, if not outright break our civilian laws, and knowingly violate our Civil Rights. I have know LEOs who would "just follow orders" and not question the actions they should know are illegal by violating the civil rights of people.
For this writing, I will address the 2nd amendment in particular, and a citizens RIGHT to bear arms. I know of some LEO command types, who believe that only the military and police should have guns. They think that a call to 9-1-1 is all a citizen should do, and the Police will take care of it. Got news for those idiots ... That 9-1-1 call is usually AFTER there is a crime committed, and a victim has been harmed!
In todays world of Obama-types, they believe in gun control. At the very least, they believe in banning all weapons THEY deem as inappropriate for "citizens" to own. It is MY fear, that at the pace this president is going in bypassing Congress and thumbing his nose at the constitution, we could actually see some form of gun "confiscation". Such "confiscation" would be against the constitution, but I expect they will justify it as taking away ONLY those firearms THEY believe are dangerous in the hands of citizens.
But to do that, they will need one or both of two things. They will need an obedient Law Enforcement, and/or an obedient Military, to do the street work of going house to house and "ask" for any of the listed firearms to be "turned over". While I know many would think this is a stretch, I don't think it is. I think its worth the discussion, and to guard against. I believe it is more than a possibility, and is headed toward a probability. We have just such power hungry types in DC already.
But my question is this - Where does a Cop stop, when asked to do something that should be expected as being against citizens "rights"? Germans, during the WWII war crimes trials, claimed to have "just followed orders". I can't help from wonder, how gradual was that transition, before they were well outside the scope of proper human and even military conduct? Look at the Jews of those times, they were slowly moved into smaller and smaller areas, corralled as it were, until lead to the slaughter!
As the old tale goes, put a frog into a pan of cool water and it won't jump out. Then slowly turn up the heat, and the frog won't know its in trouble until its too late. The everyday German soldier was the frog, as were the Jews.
Are WE the frog in the pan? Are we already in hot water and don't know it? Our challenge, is to stay out of that pan. The challenge to Cops and Military, is to KNOW what is right, and what is NOT, and conduct business accordingly. Their "oath" is to protect the Constitution, from enemies foreign AND domestic. It could be a tough business, should the Obama types extend more control "over the people", more than what this government has already been doing for decades.
I am and have always been a "law and order" type person. But I don't believe I would follow orders that I know were wrong. But as a citizen, I do NOT intend to sit by, until the heat is too much. I WILL resist anyone who should come to my door, and violate MY rights. That isn't a threat. That's an American, who will not surrender my Rights, and am prepared to stand for those Rights we have.
While I was far from perfect, and made my share of mistakes, I truly wanted to be a Good Cop, and serve my communities well. In doing so, I executed Arrest Warrants, Search Warrants, Warrantless Searches on Probable Cause and Search Incident to Arrests, etc. I've broke up fights, drew down on armed or suspected of being armed, suspects, and was in just one Officer Involved Shooting.
Every good LEO will work their hardest to get "the job done". In the course of doing that, split second decisions are made every day. It could be the taking of a life. Most often, it concerns the "rights" of individuals, on one side or the other. And in courts of law, maybe months or years later, lawyers and juries will have all the time in the world to decide the fate of those involved, criminally or civilly.
A LEO has to decide, in a split second or over many hours, the legality of his/her actions. LEOs depend on their knowledge, training, and experience to guide them through. They also FOLLOW ORDERS of those above them. I have been on both side of the ordering business.
Long way to the barn, and I apologize. - But all this leads me to an important question and dilemma in today's world. In MY humble opinion, I see our communities and nation, being more and more lead by people who will stretch, if not outright break our civilian laws, and knowingly violate our Civil Rights. I have know LEOs who would "just follow orders" and not question the actions they should know are illegal by violating the civil rights of people.
For this writing, I will address the 2nd amendment in particular, and a citizens RIGHT to bear arms. I know of some LEO command types, who believe that only the military and police should have guns. They think that a call to 9-1-1 is all a citizen should do, and the Police will take care of it. Got news for those idiots ... That 9-1-1 call is usually AFTER there is a crime committed, and a victim has been harmed!
In todays world of Obama-types, they believe in gun control. At the very least, they believe in banning all weapons THEY deem as inappropriate for "citizens" to own. It is MY fear, that at the pace this president is going in bypassing Congress and thumbing his nose at the constitution, we could actually see some form of gun "confiscation". Such "confiscation" would be against the constitution, but I expect they will justify it as taking away ONLY those firearms THEY believe are dangerous in the hands of citizens.
But to do that, they will need one or both of two things. They will need an obedient Law Enforcement, and/or an obedient Military, to do the street work of going house to house and "ask" for any of the listed firearms to be "turned over". While I know many would think this is a stretch, I don't think it is. I think its worth the discussion, and to guard against. I believe it is more than a possibility, and is headed toward a probability. We have just such power hungry types in DC already.
But my question is this - Where does a Cop stop, when asked to do something that should be expected as being against citizens "rights"? Germans, during the WWII war crimes trials, claimed to have "just followed orders". I can't help from wonder, how gradual was that transition, before they were well outside the scope of proper human and even military conduct? Look at the Jews of those times, they were slowly moved into smaller and smaller areas, corralled as it were, until lead to the slaughter!
As the old tale goes, put a frog into a pan of cool water and it won't jump out. Then slowly turn up the heat, and the frog won't know its in trouble until its too late. The everyday German soldier was the frog, as were the Jews.
Are WE the frog in the pan? Are we already in hot water and don't know it? Our challenge, is to stay out of that pan. The challenge to Cops and Military, is to KNOW what is right, and what is NOT, and conduct business accordingly. Their "oath" is to protect the Constitution, from enemies foreign AND domestic. It could be a tough business, should the Obama types extend more control "over the people", more than what this government has already been doing for decades.
I am and have always been a "law and order" type person. But I don't believe I would follow orders that I know were wrong. But as a citizen, I do NOT intend to sit by, until the heat is too much. I WILL resist anyone who should come to my door, and violate MY rights. That isn't a threat. That's an American, who will not surrender my Rights, and am prepared to stand for those Rights we have.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Guns and Murder
In tragic news of late, a Kansas City Chief football player, committed the murder of his girlfriend, then a short time later, turned the handgun on himself. Two people dead. Many other lives affected.
In typical knee-jerk reaction, some have come out to blame "the gun", and/or our "gun culture". As Bob Costas said during a NFL Halftime show, repeating and agreeing with a sports writer, said that had the player not had the gun, they would both still be alive. Really? There is NO WAY for them to support that!
Fox Sports writer, Jason Whitlock, stated (and Costas agreed) that “if he didn’t possess/own a gun, he and Kassandra Perkins would both be alive today,”. That statement is extremely presumptuous. For it presumes that the player would not have found another way to express his rage. To blanketly say such a things, is shear foolishness.
Secondly, I find it disheartening for such people, with audiences, to rush to judgement on such matters. We don't know yet the complete motive for the murder-suicide. In matters of rage, I can tell you that people have found all sorts of extremely brutal methods to exact some revenge. And a gun is simply a tool, but not the only tool. No doubt, a firearm is a very convenient weapon, but we need to look at the WHOLE picture, least of which is the primary importance of the 2nd Amendment rights, upheld by the Supreme Court as an individual right.
If you look at the 2011 statistical table (below), you will see that the number of murders, have DECREASED over the last five years. This, while firearms ownership is at an all-time high. Over 70 MILLION citizens lawfully own over 300 MILLION firearms. 70 MILLION citizens, compared to the overall murder rate? My math ain't great (nor my grammar?), but that firearms total murders of 8,583, looks like around .012 % of the firearms owners.
But look also at the other methods. Knives and cutting instruments alone, accounted for 1,587! The use of hands, feet, fists, etc, accounted for another 728 murders. Does anyone think for a minute that the NFL player couldn't have just beat his girlfriend to death in a moment of rage?
Of those other non-firearms related murders, are those victims less important and less dead, because a firearm wasn't used?
Check this out - While firearms are far less available in the Philippines, a man there murdered 10 people, and wounded 14 others (in 2007), while using a 21" knife! Rest assured, the victims didn't have gun to protect themselves, or the murderer wouldn't have caused so many victims.
I won't go into the whole 2nd amendment argument here, but I'll ask this ONE QUESTION:
With over 70 MILLION legal firearms owners, should we deny the rights of all, because of the abuse of the extreme few?
I know my answer. What's yours?
From the FBI's uniform crime reporting site: (go to site to see all 5 years)
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011/tables/expanded-homicide-data-table-8
In typical knee-jerk reaction, some have come out to blame "the gun", and/or our "gun culture". As Bob Costas said during a NFL Halftime show, repeating and agreeing with a sports writer, said that had the player not had the gun, they would both still be alive. Really? There is NO WAY for them to support that!
Fox Sports writer, Jason Whitlock, stated (and Costas agreed) that “if he didn’t possess/own a gun, he and Kassandra Perkins would both be alive today,”. That statement is extremely presumptuous. For it presumes that the player would not have found another way to express his rage. To blanketly say such a things, is shear foolishness.
Secondly, I find it disheartening for such people, with audiences, to rush to judgement on such matters. We don't know yet the complete motive for the murder-suicide. In matters of rage, I can tell you that people have found all sorts of extremely brutal methods to exact some revenge. And a gun is simply a tool, but not the only tool. No doubt, a firearm is a very convenient weapon, but we need to look at the WHOLE picture, least of which is the primary importance of the 2nd Amendment rights, upheld by the Supreme Court as an individual right.
If you look at the 2011 statistical table (below), you will see that the number of murders, have DECREASED over the last five years. This, while firearms ownership is at an all-time high. Over 70 MILLION citizens lawfully own over 300 MILLION firearms. 70 MILLION citizens, compared to the overall murder rate? My math ain't great (nor my grammar?), but that firearms total murders of 8,583, looks like around .012 % of the firearms owners.
But look also at the other methods. Knives and cutting instruments alone, accounted for 1,587! The use of hands, feet, fists, etc, accounted for another 728 murders. Does anyone think for a minute that the NFL player couldn't have just beat his girlfriend to death in a moment of rage?
Of those other non-firearms related murders, are those victims less important and less dead, because a firearm wasn't used?
Check this out - While firearms are far less available in the Philippines, a man there murdered 10 people, and wounded 14 others (in 2007), while using a 21" knife! Rest assured, the victims didn't have gun to protect themselves, or the murderer wouldn't have caused so many victims.
I won't go into the whole 2nd amendment argument here, but I'll ask this ONE QUESTION:
With over 70 MILLION legal firearms owners, should we deny the rights of all, because of the abuse of the extreme few?
I know my answer. What's yours?
From the FBI's uniform crime reporting site: (go to site to see all 5 years)
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011/tables/expanded-homicide-data-table-8
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