Second Amendment News Roundup for 8/13/08

Focusing on guns, politics, and news of interest, here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

From Codrea's War on Guns:
*'Give Me Back My Property'--from Len Savage to gun-grabber Sullivan at the ATF. This is today's MUST-read!
*'Grand Opening of the New Red's Trading Post'--Ryan has a new URL for Red's website as well.
*'Of Course You Realize This Means War'--the slippery slope of the Fairness Doctrine could end squarely with bloggers being forced to grant 'equal time.'
*'Stalled in Lake County' --it seems nobody had the guts to pick up the ball and run with a pro-2nd Amendment resolution in this Illinois county.

Armed and Safe says it's time for McCain to do some serious fence-mending with gun-rights folk.

Nicki at The Liberty Zone makes an important distinction on the subject of discrimination.

The hideous practice of law enforcement officials seeking to identify anonymous online posters who are critical of their practices has spread from Memphis to Oklahoma. This time, however, the culprit is the District Attorney! Mike McCarville has the complete story.

Roberta X makes an important point about caliber wars. I don't disagree with her point at all. It's just that I prefer larger caliber handguns over the others.

Gun Nuts posts last night's show and comments on the subject matter--Action Airgun. Go and give it a listen in case you missed last night's 'Gun Nuts--The Next Generation' featuring Ahab and Squeaks.

21 Guns Salute points to some good insight for those who carry and are faced with dangerous situations.

Dark Blog comments on the police-state notion of presumed guilt just because you own a gun.

Sebastian has vital reading on how an Obama Presidency would shut down shooting ranges.

Robb Allen flips the bird at Barack Obama. Now I can really get into that one!

Speaking of Obama, Say Uncle exposes some rather deceptive 'endorsements' of Barack, with the exception of the Communist Party, which has thrown its support behind the candidate.

Alphecca highlights some rather disgusting and downright infuriating statements in the Democrats' 2008 Party platform.

Texas Fred has the scoop on a Border Patrol agent who wounded a Mexican near the border. Be sure to read Fred's commentary on the story. Now, I like that!

The Smallest Minority has Wednesday's Quote of the Day.

Western Rifle Shooters Association posts Mike Vanderboegh's latest chapter of his upcoming novella.

Gateway Pundit reports that Valerie Plame's case against several Bush Administration officials has been tossed out of court.

Gun Pundit has a story that shows what simply showing a .357 mag can do.

The Volokh Conspiracy posts an interesting read on the original meaning of the 2nd Amendment and an update and commentary on the Appellate Court decision on the Fincher case.

Breaking News on Red's Trading Post

David Codrea at War on Guns is reporting this evening that the Twin Falls, Idaho Urban Renewal Agency has agreed to take over the property currently occupied by Red's Trading Post for $200,000.

According to Codrea, this is no indication that Red's is going out of business. The plan, apparently, is to relocate Red's to a better, more modern facility.

Read more about it at The War on Guns:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2008/06/breaking-news-twin-falls-ura-to-buy.html

Second Amendment News Roundup for 1/25/08

Focusing on guns and politics, here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Red's Trading Post has terrific news today. A Judge has denied a summary judgment requested by the BATFE (the ATF), which means that Red's case will move to trial:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2008/01/breaking-news-judge-denies-atfs-request.html

Gun Owners of America issues an alert that the Bush Administration continues to move toward gun control and needs more pressure to remove its brief in support of the D.C. gun ban:
http://www.gunowners.org/a012508.htm

The Buckeye Firearms Association has an excellent op-ed today entitled, 'Justice for Gun Owners':
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/5049

Nicki points to some sharply-worded rhetoric on John McCain, the vast majority of which is 100% correct:
http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2008/01/coulter-rips-mccain.html

Say Uncle has info on a bill in Tennessee that pits the Tennessee Restaurant Association against the NRA:
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2008/01/25/nra_v_nra/

Sebastian has an intriguing post on conservatives and compromise, along with a quote from Ronald Reagan:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=2520

The MUST-read of the day is over at the Bitch Girls...read it all:
http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7774

Breda reports that an elementary school principal in Cleveland has proposed a gun buy-back program:
http://thebredafallacy.blogspot.com/2008/01/crazy-cleveland.html

Guess which Hollywood star wants to go door-to-door confiscating guns and getting rid of the 2nd Amendment? The War on Guns as the story (and by the way, this numbskull star also endorsed John McCain):
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2008/01/rambo-opens-today_25.html

Tam correctly muses that the right to defend oneself doesn't end at Applebee's doorstep:
http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2008/01/right-to-defend-yourself-doesnt-end-on.html

John Lott reports that the Virginia House of Delegates overwhelmingly rejected making their Chamber a gun-free zone:
http://johnrlott.blogspot.com/2008/01/virginia-house-of-delegates.html

Michelle Malkin blows the lid on McCain's close advisors--meet the birds of a feather who flock together!:
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/01/25/meet-the-open-borders-family-mccain-hernandez-soros-and-the-reform-institute/

Mike McCarville has the latest poll on the GOP race in Florida:
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2008/01/spr-mccain-romney-tied-in-florida.html

Alphecca reports that the Philadelphia Mayor and City Council have decided to disobey the law when it comes to guns, rather than go after the criminals:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=619

Alphecca also says that Nebraska is getting ready to unleash a new round of gun control legislation:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=620

Armed and Safe has a positive update on the proposed Cook County gun ban:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2008/01/wow-you-guys-work-fast.html

Dustin's Gun Blog has an important update on Arizona legislation to remove the ban on CCW in schools:
http://dustinsgunblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/az-legislation-to-remove-ban-on-ccw.html

Second Amendment News Roundup for 9/18/07

Scroll down for the news:

Images courtesy of A Human Right.

Focusing on guns and politics, here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Gun Owners of America issues a new alert. One of the fiercest opponents to gun rights in the Senate, Dianne Feinstein, has introduced S. 456--a bill designed at harassing gun owners and gun shops as if they were members of the Mafia:
http://www.gunowners.org/a091707.htm

The Volokh Conspiracy takes a look at an article written by America's leading historian of homicide, Randolph Roth, which examines guns in the old west and whether the notion of revisionist historians that guns were scarce is correct:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2007_09_16-2007_09_22.shtml#1190098384

A bit off-topic, John Lott points to a study which shows that younger women being attracted to older men and vice versa is biological and good for the human race:
http://johnrlott.tripod.com/2007/09/older-men-younger-women-romances-good.html

Snow Flakes in Hell says that Miami Police Chief Jim Timoney actually thinks that the assault weapons ban accomplished something:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1535

Say Uncle alerts us to some new gun laws around the nation:
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/09/18/gun_law_update/

Sharp as a Marble has a riveting piece today which shows that Big Brother has nothing on reality, particularly given that when you buy a gun you essentially sign away all your privacy:
http://blog.robballen.com/archive/2007/09/18/Big-Brother-has-nothing-on-reality.aspx

In addition, Sharp as a Marble nails it with a response to Sally Field's stupid remark the other night at the Emmys:
http://blog.robballen.com/archive/2007/09/18/Quote-of-the-day--From-one-mother-to-another.aspx

Nicki at the Liberty Zone believes, and with good reason, that if Giuliani is the GOP nominee, the NRA will endorse him, despite his clear record of gun-grabbing:
http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2007/09/will-nra-endorse-giuliani.html

Nicki also says that Bloomberg and Lautenberg are at it again, and she has some key questions concerning their plan to prevent terrorists from obtaining guns:
http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2007/09/end-gun-buys-by-terroristsw.html

.45 Superman at Armed and Safe is back from a VERY long absence. Welcome back, buddy! He provides further comment on the Bloomberg-Lautenberg gun-grab:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2007/09/bloomberg-supports-bill-that-attacks.html

Red's Trading Post blogs on the GOA and the JPFO:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/09/gun-owners-of-america-and-jpfo.html

The Jet Pilot has evidence that Americans are largely ignorant concerning their rights:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/09/americans-wrong-on-their-rights-daily.html

Alphecca has this interesting post entitled, 'Three Day Waiting Period on Illegal Gun Sales':
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=425

Alphecca also reports that Outdoor Life has started a gun blog:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=426

Blogonomicon has something today that you just gotta see!:
http://blogonomicon.blogspot.com/2007/09/where-can-i-get-one.html

The McCarville Report has a MUST-read today on character assassination:
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2007/09/columnist-rips-character-assassination.html

Michelle Malkin reports that yet another dirty-money fundraiser connected to Hillary Clinton has pled guilty to conspiracy in a federal criminal investigation:
http://michellemalkin.com/2007/09/17/another-dirty-democrat-fundraiser-william-lerach-pleads-guilty-to-conpsiracy/

Tamara K. over at A View From the Porch presents THIS for your reading pleasure on Hillarycare II (I love it!). Hat tip to Say Uncle:
http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2007/09/i-want-my-i-want-my-i-want-my-docs-for.html

Mr. Completely has good news for those of you attending the Gun Bloggers Rendezvous. A new pistol will be raffled off at the meeting to benefit Project Valour-IT:
http://mrcompletely.blogspot.com/2007/09/hi-point-donates-pistol-to-gun-blogger.html

Senator Larry Craig to Resign Today

Under enormous pressure from state voters and top Republicans at the national level, sources close to Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig indicated that the Senator intends to resign from his Senate seat on Saturday.

Craig had pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor charge when he was arrested in June in a police sex sting operation at an airport men's room. The particular men's room in question had been known to be a gathering place for homosexual men who were looking for sexual encounters.

With the 2008 election cycle drawing near, Republicans could ill afford a major scandal, particularly when it involves what many of Party's voting base consider to be a hot-button item.

Among the Party's national leadership and the grassroots rank-and-file back home, the overwhelming consensus was that Craig resign.

Immediately after news broke on Thursday that Craig's days in the Senate may be numbered, speculation ensued concerning who would be his replacement in the U.S. Senate. Quickly the name of Ryan Horsley, owner and manager of Red's Trading Post--the oldest gun store in Idaho--surfaced as a strong contender.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that in the case of a vacated Senate seat, the Governor of the state in question appoints a person to fill out the term of the person who vacated the seat.

Idaho Governor Butch Otter has several potential choices--U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, Lieutenant Governor James Risch. and Ryan Horsley, among others.

If Otter chooses Simpson, the vacated House seat would be filled by a special election ordered by the Governor, according to the U.S. Constitution. Ryan Horsley has indicated interest in the House seat, but he would need to put together a campaign and win the majority of the votes in his district.

This should not be hard to do given Horsley's name-recognition and popularity within that House district.

However, Fox News is reporting that Governor Otter is leaning toward appointing Lieutenant Governor Risch to the Senate seat. In the past Risch had indicated he would be interested in running for the U.S. Senate should Craig decide to retire.

The Governor's office, however, is insisting that Otter has not come to any firm decision concerning Craig's seat and that no promises have been made to anyone. One source close to the Governor stated that all options are still on the table, and furthermore, it is inappropriate to discuss replacements before Craig has resigned.

Politics is a meticulous cat-and-mouse game with various nuances that color and influence choices. In the case of Senator Craig, while it is lamentable that hypocrisy seems to be so central to his political career, in many ways it is even more lamentable that the private lives of our elected representatives seem to be more important than their stance on the issues.

Larry Craig has been one of the most reliable and solid advocates for Second Amendment rights in America today. For that we can be very grateful.

Second Amendment News Roundup for 8/31/07

Focusing on guns and politics, here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Ryan Horsley at Red's Trading Post is considering an appointment to the U.S. House:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/08/ryan-horsley-looking-at-appointment-to.html

To contact Idaho's Governor Butch Otter concerning the appointment to the Senate and the House, click here:
http://gov.idaho.gov/WebRespond/contact_form.html

Red's Trading Post also announces the Idaho premier of the film, 'In Search of the Second Amendment':
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/08/in-search-of-second-amendment-to.html

The McCarville Report says that Fred Thompson will formally announce his candidacy for President on September 6:
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/thompson-announcement-coming-september.html

McCarville also has the scoop on the news that the aircraft carrying Senators Inhofe (Oklahoma), Shelby (Alabama), and Martinez (Florida) was fired upon by enemy rockets as they departed Baghdad:
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/aircraft-carrying-inhofe-takes-fire-in.html

Why is it that whenever something like this happens, i.e., a Republican who's life is in mortal danger, the extremist element that runs the Democratic Party laments that they did not die? They are doing it again over the incident in Iraq, and McCarville has the entire sickening story:
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/gay-democrat-leader-laments-inhofe-near.html

Gun Law News has the intriguing story of the 'new Zumbo'--Joaquin Jackson, who has volunteered to be an ex-board member of the NRA:
http://www.gunlawnews.org/Lobby-Organizations/jj083007-4.html

Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership comments on several items of interest, including the Bill of Rights and Red's Trading Post:
http://www.jpfo.org/alert20070831.htm

John Lott has an example of a gun control picture supposedly drawn by a 6-year-old but the handwriting of which suggests someone much older:
http://johnrlott.tripod.com/2007/08/is-this-really-pro-gun-control-picture.html

The War on Guns posts an interesting read on the response of the so-called 'Amendment II Democrats' to the criticism they received over some fairly blatant hypocrisy:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/08/second-amendment-democrats-respond.html

The Ninth Stage informs us of a charity shoot in Nashville to benefit the Nashville area American Cancer Society:
http://ninthstage.com/index.php/2007/08/30/nashville-charity-shoot/

The Bitch Girls have more information showing us why there is no such thing, from a simple economics standpoint, as paying too much for a gun:
http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7349

Sebastian at Snow Flakes in Hell throws his support behind Ryan Horsley for Congress:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1442

Say Uncle makes the excellent suggestion that Ryan Horsley disclose his stance on other issues besides the Second Amendment:
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/08/31/well_we_know_where_he_stands_on_guns/

Of Arms and the Law posts a MUST-read on the fallacy of the argument that 'the government will protect you':
http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/08/another_case_on.php

Cameron Bailey points to an interesting discussion on the case of an innocent physician who has been brought up on federal drug charges:
http://www.cameron-bailey.com/2007/08/federal-prosecution.html

Alphecca provides the news that a gun store in Wisconsin is going to raffle an AK-47, much to the chagrin of the anti-gun bigots:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=378

The Jet Pilot posts the full scoop on Fred Thompson's upcoming announcement on Sept. 6, including information on what activists can do to help:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/08/gmail-important-announcement-from.html

UPDATE! Ryan Horsley May Be Appointed to House

The buzz out of Idaho today is that the resignation of Senator Larry Craig will be today. The Governor of Idaho will in all likelihood appoint a present member of the U.S. House of Representatives to fill Craig's seat in the Senate.

If this is the case, that will create a vacancy in the House. It so happens that the district in question is Ryan Horsley's House district.

Horsley has indicated that if politics is in the works for him at the present time, he would prefer to serve in the House rather than the Senate.

We feel that either one would be great for our community and for the citizens of Idaho.

Remember, all of this is speculation at present. We still do not know how the whole thing will play out, and the Governor may appoint Idaho's Lieutenant Governor to the Senate seat, which would mean that there would be NO vacancy except for Lieutenant Governor.

In order to support Horsley's bid to be appointed to either the Senate or the House seats, go to the Red's Trading Post site and click on the link to the Governor's office in Idaho. Let the Governor know that appointing Ryan Horsley to one of these seats would be a great decision.

Click here to go to Red's Trading Post:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/08/ryan-horsley-looking-at-appointment-to.html

Idaho's Ryan Horsley for U.S. Senate?

The mounting woes of U.S. Senator Larry Craig, R-Idaho, stemming from his arrest in a sting operation at an airport restroom, has fed speculation that the Senator's resignation may be imminent.

In the event of such a resignation, the name of Red's Trading Post owner/manager Ryan Horsley has surfaced as a possible replacement.

Horsley has risen to both state and national prominence in his ongoing battle with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The BATFE has targeted Red's for unprecedented and unnecessary harassment as part of its modus operandi to drive gun shops out of business.

As reported on The Liberty Sphere, the BATFE often uses something as minor and insignificant as a misspelled word on a license application form to revoke the sales licenses of gun dealers.

The gestapo-like tactics of the BATFE was visited upon Red's in a series of clearly oppressive raids designed to 'catch' the gun shop in some violation of regulations.

Shockingly, the BATFE claimed harassment on the part of Red's during its last gestapo raid due to the fact that citizens who were present at the time began to video record the actions of the agents. The case is now in court, and Red's faces upwards of $100,000 in legal defense fees.

Not to be outwitted or oppressed into silence by a rogue arm of the Department of Justice, law-abiding gun owners across the nation came to Red's defense. Gun rights groups such as the NRA, the GOA, and the JPFO have stepped up to the plate in fine fashion to give Ryan Horsley a national platform from which to describe the unlawful harassment conducted by the BATFE.

The GOA even started a legal defense fund for Horsley.

Horsley has also appeared on several national radio talk shows. The national publicity given to Horsley and his fight against the BATFE has even caught the attention of several in the U.S. Congress who are now demanding an accounting on the part of the Department of Justice and the BATFE.

So what, exactly, does all of this have to do with the scandal surrounding Idaho's Senator Larry Craig? Craig has been caught in a hypocrisy scandal that the GOP can ill afford in the year prior to a national election. Clearly Craig is a liability since he has made public statements denouncing the very behavior for which he was arrested.

Several of the GOP Presidential candidates have denounced Craig. Some GOP Senators and Congressmen are openly calling for his resignation.

Word was received late Thursday that if Craig refuses to step down, the Republican National Committee itself may demand that Craig relinquish his Senate seat.

Enter Ryan Horsley. Despite the BATFE's attempts at character assassination in its vendetta against lawful gun dealerships, Horsley has garnered a stellar reputation among the residents in his local area of Idaho. He has been active in local government, serving on various committees, and is known to be an honest, reliable, and trustworthy public servant and private citizen, as well as a reputable businessman.

No doubt the fact that Horsley has become a major figure in Idaho in his fight against a very unpopular federal bureau is the impetus leading to calls for Craig to be replaced by Horsley.

It is our view that if Horsley feels that becoming a U.S. Senator is the best way for him to fight for his beliefs, then his ascension to the U.S. Senate would be an excellent turn of events.

The Department of Justice and its gestapo unit, the BATFE, could hardly continue to conduct its vendetta against gun owners, gun shops, and gun manufacturers with a member of the U.S. Senate who knows first-hand the underhanded and illegal tactics of the feds.

Ryan Horsley's selection to fill the vacated Senate seat of Larry Craig, if and when Craig resigns, could well be the very first nail in the coffin of an unfortunate and dangerous chapter in the history of the U.S. Government.

We may actually live to see the BATFE de-funded, dismantled, and buried for good.

Second Amendment News Roundup for 8/15/07

Scroll down for the news:
Photos and graphics courtesy of A Human Right.

Focusing on guns and politics, here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Ryan Horsley of Red's Trading Post was able to get a meeting with 'the man' Ted Nugent. Nugent promises support for Red's in their fight against the BATFE:

http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/08/firearms-dealers-ted-nugent-supports.html

Of Arms and the Law reports that the Nation of Islam has threatened to sue the NRA:

http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/08/nation_of_islam.php

The McCarville Report says that Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor (who is a member of the Bloomberg gun-grab group) may be in legal hot water over going outside the city for a new police chief who supports gun control:

http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/kathy-taylor-in-hot-legal-water.html

Snow Flakes in Hell blogs on more 'pants shitting hysterics' from across the Pond, this time about Florida's Castle Doctrine:

http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1278

John Lott has the statistics which show that Academia overwhelmingly supports liberal Democrats. Just follow the money trail:

http://johnrlott.tripod.com/2007/08/liberal-imbalance-in-academia.html

Alphecca says that the growing problem of gang violence worldwide has reached Norway of all places:

http://www.alphecca.com/?p=342

Cameron Bailey reports that the Protect America Act of 2007 should be renamed the Protect America from Privacy Act:

http://www.cameron-bailey.com/2007/08/protecting-america-from-privacy.html

The Volokh Conspiracy posts a great video of Eugene Volokh and Jack Balkin discussing the First and Second Amendments:

http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2007_08_12-2007_08_18.shtml#1187049150

The War on Guns has evidence that law enforcement officers are increasingly negligent in their duties to protect their most valuable companion other than their firearms--their police dogs. Increasingly these dogs are being left in patrol cars for hours in the hot weather with no food, water, or ventilation. We civilians would be thrown under the jail for such brutality, and rightly so:

http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/08/were-only-ones-hot-dogging-it-enough.html

Nicki at The Liberty Zone points to a most interesting case in North Carolina. A third year law student at Wake Forest University successfully argued for overturning the conviction of an ex-con who was charged with possessing a firearm:

http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2007/08/interesting-case-won.html

Xavier Thoughts offers a follow-up to EBay's misguided and disgusting turn against firearms:

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/08/bullet-tip-free-zones.html

The Bitch Girls point out that Northern Virginia's politicians, both Democrat and Republican, cannot be counted on to support gun rights, except for this one member of the GOP:

http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7285

(Update: Bitter stresses that she was not implying that no politicians in Virginia other than the Lt.Governor support gun-rights. There are those in both Parties who do).

Second Amendment News Roundup for 7/27/07

Here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Alphecca blogs on blatant media bias when it comes to the AK-47:

http://www.alphecca.com/?p=308

The Bitch Girls have more on the questioner whose inquiry about gun possession led to Joe Biden's tirade against gun owners:

http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7189

Say Uncle provides documentation on the ATF's questionable (to say that least) activity in recent months:

http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/07/26/credible_threats_and_bullshit/

Red's Trading Post manager Ryan Horsley was featured on the NRA News Thursday:

http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/07/reds-trading-post-on-nra-news.html

Red's Trading Post also sets the record straight on a barefaced lie told by the ATF in its dispute with Red's:

http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/07/let-me-tell-you-truth.html

The War on Guns says that the story of Ryan Horsley's dispute with the ATF over his shop, Red's Trading Post, has been making its rounds in the blogosphere (and I will add certain news reporting agencies as well):

http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/07/reds-making-rounds.html

The War on Guns also has information from Wayne Fincher's daughter about contact information and support:

http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/07/wayne-fincher-contact-and-support.html

Mike McCarville at The McCarville Report says a Congresswoman from Oklahoma, Rep. Mary Fallin, has been named by The Hill publication to the list of the 50 most beautiful people in D.C. When you see her picture, you will understand why:

http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2007/07/fallin-makes-dc-most-beautiful-list.html

Blogonomicon has been honored with the 'Blogger Reflection Award.' Congrats, Alan!

http://blogonomicon.eponym.com/blog/_archives/2007/7/25/3118411.html

Snow Flakes in Hell blogs on the reports of Philadelphia's escalating crime problem:

http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1141

Xavier Thoughts has a brief but poignant reminder of the importance of being armed within one's home:

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/07/1206.html

A Keyboard and a .45 has a neat motivational poster:

http://akeyboardanda45.blogspot.com/2007/07/motivational-poster.html

Of Arms and the Law says that in the insanity of today's world of political correctness, bloggers may find themselves dropped by their web host due to their being 'too controversial.' As a means of addressing the problem, here is a list of web hosts that cater to those that others deem too controversial (this is a FIRST AMENDMENT issue!):

http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/07/web_hosts_that.php

Nicki at the Liberty Zone reports that the master of contradictions, Mitt Romney, appears to be getting desperate:

http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2007/07/ummm-is-someone-desperate.html

Second Amendment News Roundup for 7/25/07

Scroll down for the news:
Here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Nicki at The Liberty Zone is back after a few days' absence and has commentary on several issues, one being the ineffectiveness of the gun ban in D.C.:
http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2007/07/im-back.html

Mr. Completely gives us a run-down on his bowling pin shoot over the weekend:
http://mrcompletely.blogspot.com/2007/07/missoula-bowling-pin-shoot-part-one.html

Red's Trading Post says that the ATF is now using character assassination in their attempt to shut him down (my friends, this man needs our support--he and his family are really being hammered by the ATF):
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/07/latest-on-our-fight.html

The War on Guns has vital commentary and info on the latest woes of Red's Trading Post at the hands of the ATF, which is now claiming harassment and intimidation on the part of Red's! Pot, meet kettle (note--this is a MUST-READ!):
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/07/breaking-news-batfu-accuses-reds-of.html

The Bitch Girls blog about the latest hate-filled screed against gun owners--a letter that shows more of the ignorance of the writer than anything else:
http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7184

Snow Flakes in Hell provides commentary on the numerous errors and mistaken notions found on a blog post that questions an armed society:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1123

Alphecca provides info on the latest county in Illinois to defy Chicago by passing a resolution in favor of the Second Amendment:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=300

The Buckeye Firearms Association posts an article that provides much food for thought on the issue on guns on college campuses:
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/article3864.html

Of Arms and the Law says that the City of Baltimore has proposed a public registry of 'gun offenders' similar to that of state-wide sex offender registries:
http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/07/baltimore_propo.php

Say Uncle observes that the Zumbo scrap awhile back over black rifles has actually turned out to be beneficial to the gun rights movement:
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/07/24/zumbo_good_for_us/

Second Amendment News Roundup for 7/23/07

Here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup. Lots of vital news has accumulated over the weekend on the gun blogs, so let's get right down to business:

The Ninth Stage has the quote of the day, and it's a good one:
http://ninthstage.com/index.php/2007/07/22/quote-of-the-day-30/

Of Arms and the Law has a link to Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's views on the Second Amendment:
http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/07/mike_huckabee_o.php

The Jet Pilot posts one of the best excerpts on the meaning of the Second Amendment that I have ever read:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/07/emotion-in-reading.html

The Jet Pilot also blogs about a handgun safety course that is excellent for those wishing to bone up on their skills:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/07/handgun-safety-course.html

One more by The Jet Pilot. The Liberty Sphere created quite a bit of interest in our op-ed piece Sunday on the ATF targeting gun shops. The Jet Pilot weighs in on the issue, including a link to a new website designed to call attention to the gestapo tactics of the ATF:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/07/liberty-sphere-questions-surface-on-atf.html

Concerning the ATF, The War on Guns posts this, including a link to Red's Trading Post website:
http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2007/07/questions-on-batfu.html

More on the ATF from A Keyboard and a .45:
http://akeyboardanda45.blogspot.com/2007/07/more-folks-questioning-activities-of.html

Snow Flakes in Hell shows us that when the tables are turned, and the mainstream media and its gophers in the anti-gun movement come under the scrutiny of the ATF for breaking federal law, all hell breaks loose:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1109

Snow Flakes in Hell also gives us the exact law that the Boston Globe and its straw man broke in the gun purchase ruse in New Hampshire:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1104

This should make your blood boil. Sarah Brady mouths off about gun control here at Snow Flakes In Hell:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=1103

John Lott posts this important piece on the 1996 gun control act in Australia--a law that has proven to be ineffective:
http://johnrlott.tripod.com/2007/07/article-gun-laws-and-sudden-death-did.html

John Lott also echoes our concern that the Fairness Doctrine may be headed back:
http://johnrlott.tripod.com/2007/07/is-fairness-doctrine-headed-back.html

Alphecca points to an excellent report comparing crime stats in New England states with strict gun control laws with those states in the region that have less stringent gun control:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=291

Say Uncle posts the response of Steve Bailey of the Boston Globe to the firestorm of controversy raised by the paper's illegal purchase of firearms, resulting in an ATF investigation:
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/07/20/steve_bailey_of_the_boston_globe_responds/

Cap'n Bob and the Damsel present this important piece on the three falsely accused and imprisoned Texas lawmen:
http://capnbob.us/blog/2007/07/21/free-the-texas-three/

Check out this vitally-important reminder of the inexcusable, criminal, and horrific murders of an entire family of citizens at Ruby Ridge BY THE ATF back in 1992:
http://redstradingpost.blogspot.com/2007/07/never-forget-idaho-remembers-actions-of.html

Xavier Thoughts posts a highly informative video of a convenience store robbery and shootout, and what can be learned from it:
http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/07/convenience-store-shootout.html

Internet Armory provides an excellent evaluation of various types of handguns and revolvers for self-defense. You can also find a truckload of more firearms information there as well:
http://www.internetarmory.com/handgun_defense.htm

Questions Surface on ATF Shutdown of Gun Shops

Washington, DC (TLS). Eyebrows are being raised and questions are being asked concerning the recent tactics of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in shutting down large numbers of gun shops.

The main question is why is the ATF suddenly conducting this ultra-aggressive campaign against American small business engaged in the lawful selling of firearms.

That question becomes more critical when one considers that some of the oldest and most reputable gun sellers in the nation have become targets. If the problem were the illegal sale of firearms then such a tactic would be defensible.

But the shops the ATF has targeted, particularly within the past year, indicate that much more is behind the shutdowns and harassment than a concern about illegal activity.

Red's Trading Post in Idaho is a case in point.

The ATF has made Red's a target with sudden, inexplicable raids, demands to see paperwork, and the pouring over of documents seeking for one small infraction, such as a misspelled word, that would give agents an excuse to shut down the store.

So far, of course, the Feds have found nothing. Yet the raids and the harassment continue.

Red's Trading Post is one of the oldest and most respected firearms dealers in the western states. Established in 1936, Red's has been doing business in an honest, lawful, and reputable fashion for over 60 years. Today it is the oldest gun store in Idaho.

Apparently the problem with Red's is that it is one of the few gun shops in the area still standing. The heavy-handed, gestapo tactics of the ATF have succeeded in shutting down most of the gun shops in that part of the country.

The Liberty Sphere reported several weeks ago on the growing problem of the ATF. Instead of focusing their attention on fly-by-night outfits that clearly engage in illegal activity, the ATF has instead focused on shutting down reputable dealers by going over their required licensing paperwork with a magnifying glass, seeking for any minor infraction that would give them a reason to revoke dealers' licenses to sell firearms.

Several former gun shop owners report that their licenses have been revoked by the Feds over nothing more than a misspelled word on the application form.

These details, however, have already been reported and are fairly well-known. The real issue here centers on the rationale of the Feds in conducting these gestapo-like raids against law-abiding firearms dealers.

It is no small coincidence that the ATF operates under the U.S. Department of Justice, which has already been shown to be infested with serious corruption, including lying to Congress.

The vast majority of these dealers are average citizens, American entrepreneurs, who are trying to make a living in the U.S. by lawfully selling guns and accessories. They are not criminals. Most of them have never once committed a single act that could be remotely considered illegal.

Yet in Idaho, for example, the ATF has succeeded in nearly ridding the entire state of gun shops.

Why?

What is going on in the bowels of the federal government that has led to a policy of harassing gun shop owners out of business?

While we are hesitant to point to conspiracy theories, it is nonetheless important to remember that Democrats control Congress. Many believe a Democrat will be elected to the White House in 2008. And thus, the stage will be set for a massive assault on Second Amendment rights in this country.

Is the present policy of the ATF nothing more than a foreshadowing of things to come, a massive preparation for the time when gun-control freaks take over the government and unleash their ire on that part of the electorate that fights for Second Amendment rights?

In addition, not only is the ATF flexing its muscle, it seems to be increasing its power.

Several weeks ago a furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina caught fire, resulting in the deaths of several courageous firefighters. The fire started outside of regular business hours, and thus, no employees or customers were in any danger. Nothing was found in the ashes except for the ruins of furniture and accessories.

Normally the local fire department would handle such an investigation.

Yet the ATF moved in, seized control of the investigation, and pushed the local fire department into the background.

Why?

Needless to say, many residents in the area were left with raised eyebrows, scratching their heads wondering what on earth prompted the Feds to move in and take over an investigation of a furniture store fire.

Incidents such as these, along with the wholesale shutting down of dozens of gun shops, raise serious questions concerning the activities of the ATF and the federal government.

Until these questions are answered and we see a total change in tactics on the part of the bureau, we can only assume that what we are witnessing is the harassment of citizens by a rogue organization within the government that is intent on oppressing ordinary citizens into compliance.

But, compliance to what?

This is not about compliance with the law. That has been done. This is about compliance to a rogue bully of the federal government that is operating outside the boundaries of the law and the Constitution.