Dinner and a...

...chance at coming home with one of a long list of firearms up for grabs at the TSRA Foundation Fundraising Banquet.

V and I are heading there soon, wish me luck.

Stupid or Lying?

Murdoc wants to know.

More From Oleg

He has even more.

Eric Holder and the Assault Weapons Ban

On Monday, February 2nd, Eric Holder was confirmed by the Senate as Attorney General of these United States. Eric Holder was confirmed with a vote of 75 - 21. As CBS News put it:

He had strong bipartisan support in Monday's vote.

17 Senate Republicans supported Eric Holder's confirmation. If any of those folks represent you, be sure to let them know that you remember their vote when our AG does something that you really disapprove of. Maybe something like proposing a new Assault Weapons Ban.

Here it is less than a month into Holder's tenure as AG and he has publicly voiced the Administration's goal to implement a new Assault Weapons Ban. This should be no surprise to anyone who took a moment or two to look up Eric Holder's and President Obama's history on gun control issues. They are both rabidly against an individuals right to keep and bear arms.

Just in case you missed it, from ABC News:

The Obama administration will seek to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 during the Bush administration, Attorney General Eric Holder said today.

Wednesday Attorney General Eric Holder said that the Obama administration will seek to reinstate the assault weapons ban which expired in 2004 during the Bush administration.

"As President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make, and among them would be to reinstate the ban on the sale of assault weapons," Holder told reporters.

Holder said that putting the ban back in place would not only be a positive move by the United States, it would help cut down on the flow of guns going across the border into Mexico, which is struggling with heavy violence among drug cartels along the border.

Time and time again we have seen that Obama supports a ban on what he considers assault weapons, and now his AG is making it official.

President Obama wants an AWB. Quite a few congress critters also want an AWB as evidenced by the fact that 67 of them cosponsored HR 1022. A small group of Republicans also authored an AWB last year. What does the Vice President think of an AWB? Joe Biden sponsored an assault weapons ban as recently as 2007 and has bragged that he wrote the original Assault Weapons Ban. Even one of my Senators from Texas has recently expressed support for an AWB:

I support the Assault Weapons Ban and I think that has been clarified just as shouting fire in a crowded theatre clarifies the right of free speech...

Senator Hutchison's comments concerning an AWB start at time 34:52 in this video.

The major news outlets throughout the country have been feeding the populace images of drug cartels in Mexico and blaming the violence on firearms from American gun shows and shops. Most of these articles have mentioned calls for reinstatement of an AWB.

I think that Eric Holder's statements the other day may have been a miscalculation by the Administration. After the success of the "stimulus" package, Obama may be feeling pretty invincible. He just forgot that he is not the only power hungry elitist on the hill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tossed cold water on the prospect of reinstating the assault weapons ban, highlighting Democrats’ reluctance to take on gun issues.

Attorney General Eric Holder raised the prospect Wednesday that the administration would push to bring back the ban. But Pelosi (D-Calif.) indicated on Thursday that he never talked to her. The Speaker gave a flat “no” when asked if she had talked to administration officials about the ban.

“On that score, I think we need to enforce the laws we have right now,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference. “I think it's clear the Bush administration didn’t do that.”

That was Nancy's way of letting the Administration know that they need not be getting all uppity and chit, that she holds the real power and they best be talking with her before going public with big plans like a new AWB. As David points out, anyone who thinks that Pelosi would not support an AWB is deluding themselves.

The people in power right now would love nothing more than to disarm the free citizens of the United States. It is our efforts; our phone calls, letters and emails that let them know we will not accept more gun control legislation. It is our support of groups like the NRA, GOA and local gun rights organizations that make our voices heard on the hill and in our state legislatures. And yes, it is also the fear that a gun grab may not go as well as planned that gives them pause as they contemplate a strategy for disarming the American People.

So please do contact your congress critters and let them know that a ban on Assault Weapons is ineffective and unacceptable, that you are disappointed in the AG's statements, and that the best thing that we can do to help Mexico with their gang problems is to build the fence that we demanded years ago.

Off to...

...the Stars game.

Almost wish I did not have tickets. Eric Holder's statement about the administration's desire to pass another AWB is news that needs commentary. I'll have it for you tomorrow.

For the time being, check out what the folks on the sidebar are saying.

In Support of Texas' State Rights

On February 23rd, the 173rd anniversary of Santa Anna's forces arriving in San Antonio and commencing the Siege of the Alamo, two very important pieces of legislation made progress in San Antonio.

First, HCR 50 was referred to the State Affairs Committee.

Second, HCR 66 was filed.

You have not heard of HCR 50 or HCR 66? Well here, let me introduce you two these two fine bills.

HCR 50 is a bill:

Affirming that the State of Texas claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates, and providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed.

HCR 66 is a bill:

Memorializing Congress in defense of the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, affirming the right of states to nullify acts of Congress, executive orders, and judicial orders, and asserting that any act, executive order, or judicial order that assumes a power not delegated to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution and which diminishes the liberty of any state or citizen shall constitute a nullification of the Constitution.

HCR 50 asserts Texas' rights under the 10th Amendment. HCR 66 also refers to the 9th Amendment in support of Texas' rights under the Constitution.

HCR 50 has 4 authors and 20 coauthors. HCR 66 currently has just the one author.

Representatives Creighton and Berman are to be commended for putting this legislation before the Texas State Legislature and taking a stand for Texas' state rights.

You can read the text of HCR 50 here, and HCR 66 here. Give them a read and let me know what you think.

Just Got Back...

...from the dentist office. It has been awhile since I have seen a dentist and the technology has really improved. Digital X-Rays are the coolest things since sliced toast. No more having to hold the film in your mouth while the tech goes back and forth behind the lead wall. Just an emitter, a receive and a computer, instant images.

I have a tooth that has been bothering me for awhile so of course I wait until my ear is all hot and my eye is swollen half shut before I see anyone. After the antibiotics work in the infection and get the swelling down, I'm in for a Root Canal. Oh joy.

But at least they have cool tools.

Gun Rights Examiner Creates a Bit of a Stir

One of David's recent Gun Rights Examiner columns has generated a lot of great commentary.

Test your knowledge of 'gun control'

Head on over, give it a read, and add your two cents.

173 Years Ago Today...

... the first of Santa Anna's forces arrive in San Antonio and the siege of the Alamo begins.

Robert is covering the particulars with 13 Days to Glory and Day One, The Mexican Army Arrives.

On Friday, Feb. 27, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Alamo will present "The Alamo Under Siege"

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Alamo will present a unique educational opportunity on the evening of Friday, February 27, 2009. The public is invited to view a museum gallery presentation entitled To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World: The Alamo Under Siege. Visitors will be escorted through the grounds to view a series of historical vignettes designed to tell the story of the Siege of the Alamo.

On Saturday the San Antonio Living History Association will present the free event, “Glory At The Alamo”.

See Santa Anna’s earlier-then expected arrival with the demand for a Texian surrender, their attempted parley, witness the Alamo defenders’ response, and experience the opening salvos of the siege and battle of the Alamo..

For more information on the Alamo, click here.

Two Sentence Beer Review - Mephistopheles' Stout

Guiness drinkers beware, Mephistopheles' Stout will have you signing your soul over to bigger and better beers. Alcohol, carmel, raw sugar, chocolate and malt make this a very stout - stout that I highly recommend.

Go here for more reviews of this excellent Stout.

Day at the Range

The Lady Phlegm (LP) of Fatal Abstraction took me up on my offer to hit the range today, so off we went.

The range is located in a bit of a hollow with lots of trees, so the winds did not affect us much and temperature was near perfect. A great day for shooting.

We started out shooting the .22's. LP has a nice little Ruger MK II and I had my Ruger Standard. The Rugers are a lot of fun to shoot and we tore up targets from 7 to 10 yards away. After a magazine or two through my Kimber, LP broke out her 20 gauge home defender shotgun and splashed dirt on the berm. I found some cardboard so she could see the pattern of shot at the close ranges. I think she was a bit surprised at just how tightly the shot grouped at 7 yards or so.

Speaking of shotguns, some idjit had been out to the range shooting the backstops with 00 Buck.

The 25 yard range was pretty tore up.

To say I was pissed would be an understatement. This is a private range with limited membership. Why anyone would do something like this is beyond me. This is the range that LP and I used for our pistol shooting. We didn't let it hamper our day, but I really just do not understand some people.

I had brought out the The Econo-Scout and a steel plate just in case LP wanted to ring some steel on the 200 yard range. She thought that was a dandy idea. Matter of fact, she hasn't shot at anything at 200 yards before, so this would be an adventure for her.

The 200 yard range, see the orange dot to the right of the target?


Maybe this will help:


The orange dot is painted on the steel plate, that was LP's target.

Guess what? First shot, first ringing of the gong. LP had a blast knocking that plate around. We switched ammo towards the end, from hand loads to store bought and the point of impact moved significantly. So the handloads in the cheek rest finished off our day at the range.

You should have heard the laughter and seen the smiles as that plate was dancing. I do believe LP had a good time.

I think that the vote was unanimous. Friday at the range is much, much better than Friday at the job.

Using the New Media

Senator John Cornyn has been doing an excellent job of using the new media to stay in contact with his constituents and keep folks informed of what is going on up on "The Hill".

Senator Cornyn reached out to bloggers during his last campaign and started a campaign blog to share information and gather input. The blog is still somewhat active but should be updated a bit.

The Senator also has a Facebook page and a Youtube channel. When Senator Cornyn makes a statement on the Senate floor, that statement ends up on his Youtube channel. The Senate Hub on Youtube has launched a "Senator of the Week" program, and Senator Cornyn is the first Senator to be highlighted. The topic is a bit outdated, but it is cool that he is being highlighted first.

Now we just have to get him out to the range shooting some action pistol and EBR's.

Does Anyone...

...want to go shooting tomorrow? I am way behind on my range time so I will be off to the range tomorrow. Let me know if you want to join me.

There is a Guest Blogger...

... over at Days of our Trailers. He goes by kaveman and his introductory post (Howdy) is well worth your read. Once you finish up with that one, you have to read Ugh, why me here? for the four Rules of Doh (insert minor language warning here). The internet just keeps getting more and more interesting.

An NRA Board Endorsement

One of our local NRA Election Volunteer Coordinators (EVC) contacted me and asked that I consider supporting Joseph DeBergalis in his campaign to be elected to the NRA Board of Directors.

I don't know Mr. DeBergalis so I sent him an email and asked about doing an interview. He agreed and we spoke on the phone after I got home from work.

I learned a couple of things during this interview. First I suck at phone interviews. I like to be precise when I post an individuals remarks, and my notes did not keep up with the conversation.

Second, so far as being a Second Amendment Advocate goes, my efforts pale in comparison with Joe DeBergalis'. I studied Joe's campaign web page before calling and was impressed with the sheer number of 2A groups he supports, but after talking with him I am even more impressed with the amount of work he puts into supporting our right to keep and bear arms. Seriously now, Joe is the NRA EVC for Washington D.C., now that has to be quite the task.

Joe came across to me as a man who is very committed to not only supporting, but advancing our right to keep and bear arms. Joe is also a strong advocate for nuts and bolts side of the NRA and has been involved with the Eddie Eagle program and in promoting the shooting sports.

Joe's campaign slogan is "From Black Powder to Black Rifles", an excellent slogan for this day and age.

I am going to join with Sebastian in endorsing Joseph DeBergalis for the NRA Board of Directors.

David Codrea has...

...a few questions for NRA Board of Director Candidates.

2009 NRA Director candidate questionnaire

I especially like:

15. If elected, how will you inform members of your performance and voting record? Will you let us know when you dissent and why?

16. Do you agree with Executive VP Wayne LaPierre, who stated: "[W]e believe in absolutely gun-free, zero-tolerance, totally safe schools. That means no guns in America's schools, period ... with the rare exception of law enforcement officers or trained security personnel"? If not, what do you plan to do about it?

17. Will you have an "open door" policy letting NRA members know how to contact you with their concerns?

David's questions cover support for our right to keep and bear arms and communications with members. We have to remember that the NRA is much more than the NRA/ILA, the NRA is also the front line organization involved in training our range officers and children's coaches, supporting the shooting sports and introducing folks to shooting in general. Introducing the public to safe and fun shooting sports is a very important portion of the NRA charter. I would add at least a couple of questions along those lines.

For Sale, A Couple of Flukes

I have this thing about Fluke Multimeters, I really like 'em and I buy more than I need. I have everything from a Model 725 Process Calibrator to the most basic voltage detector. It is probably time I let a couple of them go.

First on the block is a Fluke Model 116. The 116 is a Digital HVAC Multimeter. This is a Cat III, 600V Multimeter with a "Microamp Measurement Range". It has been lightly used and includes the manual. I am asking $135 shipped. Click on the image for a larger picture.

Next is the Fluke Model 179. This is a Cat III, 1000V, True RMS Multimeter that also measures frequency, temperature and capacitance. This is an almost new in box meter. I have used it to keep track of the outlet temperature of my bbq pit so the temperature probe has some smoke residue on it. I am asking $225 shipped. Click to embigenate the image.

I also have a new in the box Fluke 1587 that I might be willing to part with for the right price/gun. I am holding on to this meter for "Justin" as it is an all in one meter that will be worth its weight in gold if it ever comes to it. But I will offer it up for the right price.

How Much is a "Trillion"?

The comments section of the post "Trillion With a 'T': How to Spend $1,000,000,000,000" generated a few little factoids about just how large a number a trillion really is.

did you know that my calculator shows 1 trillion seconds to add up to 31,709 years six and a half months.

PAUL

It is also 11,574,074.1 days. A trillion seconds is over 11,000,000 days.

To Paul: I too have been trying to disseminate the message of just how much $1 Trillion is. I don't think most Americans have ever really considered it or tried to conceptualize it. It's a great, great deal more than just a measley $1 Billion. But hey, million, billion, trillion - they all sound similar. But you're right at 86,400 seconds per day, 1 trillion equals 31,709.6xxx YEARS!

Paladin

If you earned $1,000,000 per day, and saved every penny, it would be 2,740 YEARS before you had $1,000,000,000,000.

How much does a trillion pennies weigh? Current pennies weigh 2.5 grams. So a trillion pennies will weigh 2.5 trillion grams. Google convert gives us 2,500,000,000,000 grams = 5.51155655 × 10⁹ pounds. If the "stimulus" package were to be paid out in pennies, the pennies would weigh over 2,755,778 tons. My friends, 2.75 million tons of pennies were just spent by the .gov in this stimulus package. That is more than twice the total amount of copper produced in the United States each year.

The .gov just authorized spending $3,269.76 for every man, woman and child in these United States. Do you think this bill would have passed if each of us had to pay this money up front, if Congress would have demanded a check for $3,270 from each and every one of us before voting on this bill? What do you think the reaction would have been if our President would have stood up in the town hall meetings and told everyone in attendance that they would have to pay for this so called "stimulus" package? All hell would have broken out, as it should have.

Trillion With a 'T': How to Spend $1,000,000,000,000

This evening (Feb. 14th), Fox News will be airing an exclusive investigative report "Trillion With a 'T': How to Spend $1,000,000,000,000".

From Fox News:

So how do you spend $1,000,000,000,000?

In this exclusive FOX News investigative report, “Special Report” host Bret Baier will address the trillion dollar question.

We'll reveal the good, the bad and the ugly of President Obama's spending bill:

President Obama's 700-page, trillion-dollar stimulus plan has moved through Congress with breathtaking speed — too fast even for lawmakers to read it before they voted.

So, for the past month a FOX News investigative team has gone behind the chaotic scenes with Senators and members of Congress, Capitol Hill staffers, liberal and conservative interest groups as they wrestled with the bill.

But will this mammoth spending bill save the economy or will the politicians' partisan agendas bankrupt America?

And is America doomed? Or is help on the horizon?

That's the trillion-dollar question.

Featured in this report is Texas Congressman Jeb Hensarling. Watching a documentary on the fall of American Capitalism is not quite what V and I have planned for Valentine's, but I will record it for later viewing.

Congratulations are in Order...

...for my friend and the author of "The Liberty Sphere". The Welshman is now the Columbia Conservative Examiner. Good on him.

TSRA Foundation Fundraising Banquet

Last March the Texas State Rifle Association created the TSRA Foundation, a charitable foundation that will benefit the shooting sports in Texas.

The First Annual TSRA Foundation Fundraising Banquet will be held the evening of February 27, 2009 on the first evening of the TSRA Annual Meeting in Mesquite, Texas. This banquet is being held in lieu of the Lone Star Friends of NRA banquet that has opened the TSRA Annual Meetings for the past few years.

Dinner tickets for the banquet are only $30 each. Thirty dollars gets you in the door, gets you fed and gets you and yours a very enjoyable evening surrounded by a whole bunch of great folks who are interested in firearms and the shooting sports.

V and I are sponsors of this event.

Three different sponsorship packages are available, beginning as low as $250. Each sponsor will receive incentive merchandise as a token of the Foundation's appreciation. All sponsors will receive the God Bless America statue...

The "Contributing Sponsor" ($250) receives the statue, 2 tickets to the banquet, and a sponsor hat, lapel pin and decal.

The "Sustaining Sponsor" ($500) will also receive a beautiful Leatherman Charge TTI with the TSRA Foundation Logo engraved on the blade.

The "Founding Sponsor" ($1000) will receive 6 tickets to the event, the sponsor hat, lapel pin and decal, and... a Ruger LCP with the TSRA Foundation Logo.

I know most of the folks putting on this event and I can guarantee that you will have a great time. For more information on the banquet, go here.

Oh, I almost forgot. There will be a firearm or two available to be won in auctions and games. What firearms you may ask? Here is a partial list:

Thompson M1 Carbine
Kahr PM9093 9mm
Savage Cub T in .22LR
Savage Cub T Pink in .22LR
Savage Model 93 R17XP Camo
Savage Model 11FXP3 .300WSM
Savage Model 114 Classic w/Accu-Trigger in .30-06
Stevens 512 Gold Wing in 28 Gauge
Savage 64 FRD .22LR Red Dot
Stevens Model Cadet Mini Youth .22LR
Stevens Model 200XP Camo
Remington 870 12 ga w/ 30" Full Choke Barrel
Bersa Thunder .380 Semi-Auto
Kimber Custom II .45 ACP
North American .22 Magnum in Walnut Display Case
Walther P-22
Henry Golden Boy .22LR
S & W I-Bolt Rifle
S & W M&P 9mm Semi-Auto Handgun
S & W 22A Pistol
S & W 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto
Calico m-100 .22 rifle Pre-ban
Ruger 10-22 Rifle
S & W 642 Revolver
Ithaca Men's Featherlight Pump 20 ga.
Ithaca Women's Featherlight Pump 20 ga.
Remington Model 715 .30-06 Rifle

At least 10 Ruger LCP's!

There will be a wide variety of firearm related gear just waiting for you to bring it home from this banquet. So join us won't you?

To purchase tickets to this event, or to get more information, email Cathy Masella at merchandise@tsra.com, or call 1-866-TX-RIFLE (1-866-897-5343) and talk to anyone on the TSRA Staff.

Hope to see you there.

Texas Employer Parking Lot Bill Has Been Filed

Senator Glenn Hegar, the youngest member of the Texas Senate, filed S.B. 730. A bill "relating to an employee ’s transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee ’s employer."

At first glance, this is an excellent bill.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.Chapter 52, Labor Code, is amended by adding Subchapter G to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER G. RESTRICTIONS ON PROHIBITING EMPLOYEE TRANSPORTATION OR STORAGE OF CERTAIN FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION

Sec.A52.061. RESTRICTION ON PROHIBITING EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO OR STORAGE OF FIREARM OR AMMUNITION.

(a) A public or private employer may not prohibit an employee who holds a license to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, who otherwise lawfully possesses a firearm, or who lawfully possesses ammunition from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition the employee is authorized by law to possess in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area the employer provides for employees.

(b) Except in cases of gross negligence, a public or private employer or the employer ’s agent is not liable in a civil action, other than a civil action based on a violation of Subsection (a), for damages resulting from or arising out of an occurrence involving a firearm or ammunition transported or stored in accordance with this section.

There is more. You can read the text of the bill here.

If you have a moment, contact Senator Hegar and let him know that you appreciate his support of our right to keep and bear arms.

Hit This Poll

Maybe help improve gun laws in Chicago

Click here, scroll down and vote in the poll on the right sidebar.

H/T to ThirdPower

These Three Senate Republicans Have...

...basically handed the Democrats a super-majority in the Senate.



Even John McCain voted against this fiasco. Arlen Specter, you sir have to go. I do not know what exactly you think you may gain by supporting Socialism and big government, but you have crossed the line one time too many. Your support of the Eric Holder confirmation was enough to garner my support for any Republican candidate who challenges you in the primaries. Your support of this so called "stimulus" package solidifies my contempt for you and my desire to see you gone.

Senators Snowe and Collins, It has been a very long time since I have been to Maine. The Maine I recall will not put up with your statist voting record. Here is to hoping that the good folks of Maine put you out on your asses.

The image was taken from the GetLiberty.org column When Compromise Leads to Capitulation by Isaac MacMillen. It is a good read and goes into some depth on these Senators voting records.

The Golem Will Turn

We created it, ExistingThing points out the error of our ways. The Golem will turn.

TSRA Legislative Alert

From the Texas State Rifle Association:

Urgent **Campus Protection Act

(update) Senator Jeff Wentworth isworking on the Senate floor to sign on co-authors for this important self-defense legislation prior to the actual filing of his bill. This important legislation would allow faculty, staff, visitors, and adult students with concealed handgun licenses to carry on college and university property currently prohibited by state law such as into a classroom. This bill is about individual personal protection. A House version will be filed soon but for now, please call your Texas State Senator and urge them to sign-on and support Senator Wentworth's Campus Protection Legislation. Do it today!

Contact your state senator

I have it on good authority that this bill is very well written and deserving of our support. Ask your Senator to cosponsor Senator Wentworth's bill, let's get this ball rolling.

Texas House Bill HB 410 - We need your help!

HB 410 by State Rep. Carl Isett (R-Lubbock) which would eliminate the notification requirement and associated penalties for a CHL. Current law requires a CHL to display their license when they are in possession of their firearm when stopped by law enforcement. The first failure to display can result in a 90 day suspension and the penalty becomes more serious with subsequent infractions. There are no notification requirements or penalties for the legal possession of a handgun by persons without a concealed handgun license. Good bill~

Contact your state representative

Any bill that promotes a bit of freedom is a good bill.

Texas House Bill HB 267 - We need your help!

HB 267 by State Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) as filed, harmonizes state and federal law and allows Texans to purchase shotguns and rifles in non-contiguous states. Current federal law allows interstate sales and transfer of such firearms, but out dated sections of the Penal Code limit Texas residents to purchasing of long guns in neighboring states, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. National Instant Check System has denied the purchase and transfer of such firearms to Texas residents based wholly on Texas state law.

Contact your state representative

To tell you the truth, I did not know that we Texans were limited as to where we could purchase a long arm. This is a bill deserving of our support.

And on the national level:

US House Resolution HR 45 - We need your help!

H.R. 45 in the U.S. House of Representatives

H.R. 45 sponsored by Chicago U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D of Illinois), also known as "Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act" is as hard-core and anti-gun as the name implies. It is wholly about the licensing and registration of law-abiding gun-owners and prohibiting many commonly owned firearms.

Essentially this is a reintroduction of H.R. 2666 filed by Rush in 2007, containing much of the same language. H.R. 2666 was co-sponsored by several well-known anti-gun U.S. House members, including President Obama's current chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

As of now, H.R. 45 has no co-sponsors and we want to keep it that way!

Please use this link to write your U.S House member.

A couple of folks have asked why I have not commented on HR 45. Basically because others have done such a good job of covering it that anything I had to say would be redundant. I am keeping an eye on this bill and if there is any evidence of movement, I will let you know. Now might be a good time to let your congress critter know that you very ardently oppose HR 45 and any legislation that may be similar to HR 45. Give 'em something to read while the 'stimulus package' is still in the Senate.

North Texas Gun Owners

The group, "North Texas Gun Owners", started as a facebook group that was intended to be a communications conduit for North Texas gun owners.

The facebook description:

This is a "rallying point" for all gun owners in North Texas, to keep track of our local, state and federal officials and make sure they're respectful of their citizens' rights to keep and bear arms.

North Texas Gun Owners has grown significantly and now boasts over 500 members. I was asked to be a member of the Steering Committee and over the past few weeks we have had two Steering Committee meetings to develop a focus for the organization and determine just how serious we were about building this group. Well, it turns out that we are very serious. The four members of the Steering Committee have committed to putting in the time and effort necessary to make the "North Texas Gun Owners" an organization worth your while to join.

The Mission Statement and Goals:

Mission Statement:

OUR MISSION is to promote and protect the Second Amendment Rights of all Texans.


Our Goals:

1. Develop a Diverse North Texas Coalition of Passionate, Pro-2nd Amendment Volunteers

2. Organize a “Rapid-Response” Volunteer Network for Promotion of Pro-gun Policy and Legislative Activity

3. Collect and Distribute Firearms-related News and Legislative Updates to a Broad-based Pro-gun Membership

4. Promote the Growth of Pro-firearm Organizations

5. Utilize Networks to Identify and Mentor New Firearms Enthusiasts in order to Develop Responsible Gun Owners

As you can see, we are not going to be in competition with the Texas State Rifle Association, the NRA, the GOA or any other established pro-firearm organization. We will be promoting membership in these organizations as a term of our charter.

To accomplish these goals, we have developed a leadership structure for the organization:

Leadership Structure:

1. Steering Committee

2. Organization Liaison Committee (Liaison to NRA/TSRA, local vendors, gun ranges, gun organizations, gun show promoters)

3. Publication Monitoring Committee (Monitoring newspapers, magazines, newsletters)

4. Member Communications Committee (Prepare and distribute newsletters digesting firearms-related news and information collected from other committees)

5. Local Government Liaison Committee (Monitor agendas and meeting minutes of local government entities; establish relationships with local elected officials; testify and lobby for pro-2nd amendment rights and policies)

6. Online Committee (Monitoring online communities, blogs, forums)

7. Education and Grassroots Outreach Committee (Develop relationships with potentially-aligned groups and distribute firearms-related information to the public)

We need dedicated individuals to fill these committees, folks who can set aside time at least weekly to help "promote and protect the Second Amendment Rights of all Texans."

Joining North Texas Gun Owners is easy, and it is free. We are going to continue using facebook as our primary means of communication as it is free and effective. To join North Texas Gun Owners, click here and sign up with facebook. You should be directed to the North Texas Gun Owners group after signing up. If you have any problems, let me know and I will help get things straightened out.

If you are a Texas gun owner, you really should be a member of the Texas State Rifle Association. If you are a North Texas gun owner, you should also be a member of North Texas Gun Owners.

FireHand Started a ...

...post on John Kerry's views on tax cuts vs .gov spending with John Kerry is an arrogant statist bastard, and finished it with:

God DAMN these people, one and all. Kerry, it's none of your damned BUSINESS how I spend my money; Bill Clinton, same to you you controlling piece of crap. And there are far too many vile beings in DC who think the same way but don't have the nerve to say it out loud, or just realize that saying it just might upset the peasants.

It seems that a Socialist, pro bailout, anonymous welfare recipient took issue with what FireHand had to say.

Little did he know the error of his ways.

FireHand responds: My post about Sen. John Effing Kerry (Royalist-MA),

The Austin Gun Rights Examiner

Last week I linked to the Austin Gun Rights Examiner column "Brady Campaign to prevent democracy? (Part 1)".

'tween then and now Howard Nemerov has completed this series with:

Brady Campaign to prevent democracy? (Part 2)

and

Brady campaign to prevent democracy? (Part 3)

With this series Howard does a nice job of laying out the tactics and goals of the antis.

The latest Austin Gun Rights Examiner column is "Firearms: a great equalizer". Head on over and give it a read.

Not Found on EBAY

Look what USCitizen found on Gun Broker:

Commuter truck, Bug Out Vehicle, entry to the 4th of July parade... all good uses for this truck.

The current bid is $75k. You can "Buy It Now" for $120,000.

Paper Targets

Last week Murdoc linked to some cool target ideas on The Ministry of Minor Perfidy.

This reminded me that I have been meaning to post the latest targets from my favorite target supplier, Law Enforcement Targets. LE targets is pretty much where I purchase all of my paper targets and Otis cleaning supplies. Prices are good, shipping is quick, and quality is excellent. Three good reasons to for them to be on my favorite vendors list.

The newest targets offered by LE Targets are their 2-D School Situational Targets. These are full color life size (or close to life size) targets that can be useful in training individuals who may be involved with active shooter situations at schools, malls or anywhere our kids may be at risk.

A couple examples:

LE Targets sells pretty much any type of target that you might want to use at your range. Everything from the 25 meter M16/AR15 Zeroing Target to a very wide variety of Steel Targets, Law Enforcement Targets probably has the target you are looking for.

Gunnie Mentor Map

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Mulligan has taken the time and effort to develop a map of individuals willing to introduce folks to firearms and shooting.

His mission is:

to promote firearms in a safe positive fashion, fight ignorance, apathy and fear, and protect our rights, one voter at a time.

Yep, I'm on there.

Sen. Cornyn: Fund The National Guard And Reserves, Not Acorn And STD Prevention

From Senator John Cornyn's website:

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is pushing for adoption of an amendment that would provide $2 billion in funding for the National Guard and Reserve forces. In recent years, these forces have faced substantial shortfalls in equipment, and the stimulus bill currently on the Senate floor contains no funding to remedy this problem. Sen. Cornyn’s amendment would eliminate $2 billion in wasteful spending and use the same amount to fund the purchase of new equipment for the National Guard and Reserve, providing them with much-needed modern equipment and better enabling them to meet mission and readiness requirements. In addition, this funding would have to be expended by the end of fiscal year 2010, providing a stimulative effect to the U.S. economy.

More funding for the National Guard and Reserves is an issue that needs to be addressed, but not in this bill. H.R. 1 is a horrendous piece of legislation and can not be fixed through amendments. This bill needs to stopped.

The debt load we are forcing upon the shoulders of our grandchildren is not only irresponsible, it is immoral. The fact that this debt comes with greater .gov control of our economy and with the nationalization of financial institutions should scare the living bejesus out of any freedom loving American.

It was .gov meddling that got us into this mess, .gov meddling will only make it worse. A true economic stimulus package will be one that gets the .gov out of the way of the American Business man or woman and allows them to build businesses, create wealth and provide jobs. The current stimulus package does none of this.

Again, HR 1 can not be fixed with amendments, it must be stopped. Senators Hutchison and Cornyn, we are counting on you to do your very best to see that this bill is left on the Senate floor.

You can read Senator Cornyn's full press release here.

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ETA: Well that didn't work

Another ETA: The map did not work, but the link does. Don't mind me, I'm just writing notes to myself.

Notes From the Sidebar

I am catching up on some of my reading and thought I would share a few "gems from the sidebar".

Tam reminds us that there are No Unbreakable Magic Swords. Routine maintenance on your firearms is a necessity.

Say Uncle comments on Blackwater's latest class with d + picture of a fence, has a Million Gun March Update and notes More lies for Mexico. Oh... he also has Open can, receive bacon.

Fits covers the merits of an Affordable Fighting Knife... I'll be looking for one of these at the next gun show.

Xavier shares his Thoughts on Crimson Trace Laser Grips. As with pretty much anything Xavier takes the time to write, this is worth your time to read.

Joe comments on Shills and also has ...been wondering when they would suggest this.

Alan has images of an Steampunk iPhone Shirt.

Robb posts An interesting conundrum. That reminds me, I owe Robb an email.

Murdoc writes about the dangers of RFID chips in passports, RFID ID Beacons.

Steve asks Why have Ruger not introduced a tactical 10/22 rifle?, and has GSG-5 SD: The story behind the gun.

Rustmeister has images from a recent Global Warming Protest and also discusses how Reasoned Discourse = Comments Deleted.

AlanDP has a few words on the "Gunz in Mexico" issue, his title says it all: Unmitigated lies.

45Superman has the latest New Illinois insanity and also notes that Illinois Sheriffs' Association supports defensive firearm carry. It seems that Illinois Sheriffs' are a bit more stable than Illinois politicians. Kurt is also the author of the St. Louis Gun Rights Examiner, a very good read.

D. Martyn has a couple of good reads with A Gun in My Pocket and A Gun In My Hand. The Liberty Sphere is also the home of the daily Second Amendment News Roundup.

Peter points out that this is not time for a visit to Mexico in Mexico going from bad to worse. If you or one you love is planning on a South of the border trip for Spring Break, it might be a good idea to change those plans.

SailorCurt posts his long awaited SKS trigger job instructional video.

Robert shares his thought on campaign contributions in his column My Political Day.

The Old NFO has a must read in This is RIDICULOUS!!!, yes it is.

DirtCrashr post an eMail to my Idiots in DC; Boxer and Feinstein.

And last, but not least, Thirdpower has some Unorganized Militia Gear for sale. Check it out.

That is all I have time for this morning. I know I have left quite a few good posts off of this list, that is simply do to the fact that I flat out ran out of time.

Do You Remember This...

...image of members of the Mexican military on parade with Barrett .50BMG's?



Steve came across this image last September. In my post "More Gunz N Mexico", I stated:

How long do you think it will be before some of these are in the hands of the drug gangs? Remember this image when the ATF and a compliant news organization starts bemoaning the influx of .50 caliber weapons in the hands of the drug gangs.

Five months, that is how long it took for the cartels to get their hands on Barretts.

From Fox News:

Mexican Drug Cartels Armed to the Hilt, Threatening National Security

They were armed to the teeth. Their arsenal ranged from...

...seven Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifles

Any questions as to where they got these rifles? Not from Fox. The article goes on to describe "straw man" purchases and how easy it is to get contraband across the border into Mexico.

I agree that the Mexican Drug Cartels are a threat to our national security. Mexico is imploding, it does that every once in awhile. What I do not agree with is the assumption that the our liberties are responsible for Mexico's corruption.

We are being blitzed left, right and sideways by the media and the .gov with propaganda stating that the Mexican drug gangs are getting a majority of their arms from American gun shows and gun stores. This propaganda is patently false. Not only is it false, but it is easily provable that it is false.

From the Fox News article:

In November, along the border with Texas, Mexican authorities arrested drug cartel leader Jaime "el Hummer" Gonzalez Duran — one of the founders of "Los Zetas," a paramilitary organization of former Mexican soldiers who decided there was more money to be made in selling drugs than in serving in the Mexican military.

Ummm... is it not logical to assume that these "former" Mexican soldiers have close ties with current Mexican soldiers in a known corrupt Mexican military who might want to make a few dollars selling military weapons?

They were armed to the teeth. Their arsenal ranged from semi-automatic rifles to rocket-propelled grenades...

...150 grenades, 14 cartridges of dynamite, 98 fragmentation grenades, 67 bulletproof vests, seven Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifles and a Light Anti Tank (LAW) rocket.

LAWs rockets, RPGs, grenades, all items not available at your local gun show or neighborhood firearms dealer. These came from either the Mexican military or from .govs further South, as do a vast majority of the small arms in use by these gangs.

Here is another hint as to where these weapons are coming from:

Last week Gen. Ángeles Dahuajare announced that more than 17,000 soldiers had deserted in 2008.

"The Mexican Army is becoming a revolving door for the enforcement arm of the drug cartels; they simply pay better," Stewart said.

Yes, the armed and violent Mexican drug gangs are a threat to the United States. We, the free citizens of the United States, told our .gov that we knew of this threat and demanded that they build a fence. The .gov even passed a law to build such a fence. Where is our damn fence?

So, Mr. Attorney General Holder, before you pen policy to further restrict our liberties, why don't you see to it that our Southern border is secure. This security will reduce the drug traffic North and any illegal firearms traffic heading South. That should be easy for you, seeing as how "we the people" have already approved it.

Sale at Honeyville Food Products

Honeyville is one of my preferred suppliers of food products that I can put away for "Justin". There are several reasons to recommend Honeyville, quality of product, knowledge of long term food storage issues, and your entire order will ship anywhere in the United States for $4.49. One #10 can of freeze dried onions or a tractor trailer full of Red Wheat, $4.49 gets it to your front door.

Here is the condensed version:

Time to stock up! Get 10% off your entire order from Thursday, February 5, 2009 thru Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 6:00PM PST. Simply enter the coupon code LINCOLN during checkout. Act now! Check out our new Dairy Combo Pack. It has our 6 canned, dried dairy products in one convenient, cost-reduced package. Also, check out a phenomenal deal on 2 pound pouches of cocoa in the Clearance category.

The Dairy Combo Pack does look like a good deal to round out that particular segment of your food storage requirements.

So head on over and give them a look. Their products really are top notch.

Xavier Has...

...something important for you to read.

Mercilessly Plan, Relentlessly Prepare,Violently Execute

Well get on with it, I did say it was important.

Texas Legislation Update

An interesting bill was introduced by Texas State Representative Joe Deshotel (D-Beaumont) today. This bill is H.B. 1020, a bill "relating to the use, exhibition, or possession of a firearm by public school students participating in certain school-sponsored programs and activities sponsored or supported by the Parks and Wildlife Department."

At first glance, this bill looks pretty good. It appears that this bill would open the door to once again allow public school sponsored shooting sports in Texas.

Current legislation reads:

[A] student shall be expelled from a school if the student, on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off of school property:

(1) uses, exhibits, or possesses:

(A) a firearm as defined by Section 46.01(3),Penal Code;

H.B. 1020 would add:

(a)Except as provided by Subsection (k), a student shall be expelled from a school...

Subsection (k) states:

(k) A student may not be expelled solely on the basis of the student ’s use, exhibition, or possession of a firearm that occurs:

(1) at an approved target range facility that is not located on a school campus; and

(2) while participating in or preparing for a school-sponsored shooting sports competition or a shooting sports educational activity that is sponsored or supported by the Parks and Wildlife Department or a shooting sports sanctioning organization working with the department.

Just goes to show that many Texas Democrats can be counted upon to support our right to keep and bear arms much more so than some RINO Republicans from other states.

Senate confirms Holder as first black AG

Well...

The vote was 75-21. Hutchison and Cornyn voted against the confirmation of Eric Holder. I wish one of them had what it took to make the Dems overcome a filibuster. Yes, I do understand that there were enough votes to easily overcome the filibuster, but someone should have drawn the line in the sand.

To see how your senator voted, go here.

Republicans voting for Holder?

Bond (R-MO)

Chambliss (R-GA)

Collins (R-ME)

Corker (R-TN)

Graham (R-SC)

Grassley (R-IA)

Gregg (R-NH)

Hatch (R-UT)

Isakson (R-GA)

Kyl (R-AZ)

Lugar (R-IN)

McCain (R-AZ)

Murkowski (R-AK)

Sessions (R-AL)

Snowe (R-ME)

Specter (R-PA)

Voinovich (R-OH)

If any of these critters belong to you, maybe you should express your disappointment to them for their overt dereliction of duty as a United States Senator and your representative.

You can read all about the vote here.

Che Guevara Is Still Dead

Head on over and read Che Guevara Is Still Dead (Temporarily): The Power of Hollywood Myth.

Pieces Parts of...

...the Kimber all over the place.

I needed to repair a stripped grip bushing so decided to go ahead and replace all the springs while I was at it. It was still a bit early yet, but what the heck. Tinkering on the Kimber was my Pre-Super Bowl project.

We are good to go once again.

A Party at Chez Phlegm

How to write an after action report on a party where you get to meet some of your favorite bloggers, fondle a large variety of firearms, and sample tasty treats from all over the place?

I guess the best way to get started is to just get on to it.

The Lady Phlegm Fatale hosted a bloggers get together at Chez Phlegm this past Saturday. The invitation stated:

Naturally, some of us will be showing off our favorite firing irons, and you're welcome to bring your treasures to show and tell, and I know we'll all be observant of the 4 rules. I’m kind of uptight about that because I don’t want holes blowed in my snowdome collection or extensive stacks of books I truly do intend to read one day.

It is not often that I get to choose my carry gun based on what I think folks might want to see. That decision was an easy one, I brought the Gun Blog .45. In hindsight I should have also brought my grandfather's Model 94, this was a group who would have appreciated its history.

When V and I walked up the steps to Chez Phlegm, we were greeted by the sounds of folks having a good time and a kitchen counter-top covered with handguns. We knew we had found the right place. Handguns in the kitchen, long guns in the living room, food and folks between the two. It looked to be a good time.

One interesting note. Many of us had never met "in the flesh" before, and came from a variety of backgrounds, but we were all comfortable with each other and had a great time together. We were just a bunch of folks who love our country, enjoy shooting, are politically active and deeply concerned about the future of our right to keep and bear arms.

Who all was there?

We'll start with the out of state folks first. The Ambulance Driver and Bayou Renaissance Man came in from Louisiana and the Farm Girl joined us from Colorado.

From Texas we had the pleasure of meeting the LawDog, Holly and JPG, Old NFO, AE pilot Jim, Matt G, Robert, Dock, Alan and of course Lady Phlegm Fatale.

Attending via a wireless connection were Breda and Mike.

Speaking of Breda, her famous Pig Candy was a highlight of the munchies at this little gathering. One gent went so far as to make a Pig Candy sammich by sandwiching a chocolate brownie between two pieces of pig candy.

I do believe that a good time was had by one and all. V and I enjoyed ourselves immensely and really appreciate our hostess taking the time and initiative to put this shindig together. Thank you Ma'am.