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.