State Pol calling for Iowa gun right amendment

Chris Rants actually does something I can agree with. Rants calls for state gun rights amendment

Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Rants of Sioux Ctiy [sic] is calling for another new amendment to the state’s constitution, one that guarantees Iowans have the right “to keep and bear arms.”

Iowa is one of six states which do not have such an amendment in their state constitution, and Rants says that’s important given today’’s announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a gun rights case.

I was really thinking of maybe, kinda, sort of coming around to the guy. But then we find out this:

Rants is not a gun owner or a hunter

“I still believe that’s a right that someday I may want to take advantage of,” Rants says.

No, he's just an opportunistic politician puke, who's trying to drum up support from gun owners in Iowa.

Well, good luck with that.

This putz is willing to have State Troopers carry guns to protect his sorry backside if he became governor, and he's perfectly willing to pull the wool over Iowans' eyes to get there.

I can't wait for him to show up at the ubiquitous politician pheasant hunt at the big-time donor's pasture. I hope he knows the four rules and passes his hunter safety test.

Des Moines Register has a brief article, too. Rants: Iowa needs to protect the right to bear arms

No, we need statesmen not politicians.

Update:This sparked communication between Rep Rants and myself - My apology to Rep Rants

But I thought they got them from gun shows

Going a little out of my territory (Iowa), I found this little nugget from Tennessee: Former Nashville police officer indicted in gun smuggling case

According to an indictment made public Tuesday, the men conspired to buy semiautomatic pistols, revolvers and ammunition from Middle Tennessee gun dealers and ship them to Guatemala, where they were distributed to members of two South American drug cartels.

In all, agents said, they managed to get 18 guns into the hands of the Lorenzana and Mendoza drug cartels. Authorities confiscated five other guns that allegedly were bound for Guatemala, and five additional sales were in process when the bust occurred.

Good work getting these guys indicted. But they blew it when the attorney said this:

"It's a big find," U.S. Attorney Ed Yarbrough said.

18 guns = a big find? Actually they only caught 5 guns going out and 5 more ready to go. Sorry, I don't see the "big find". But kudos for nabbing the bad guys and stopping them

Police put more demands on Badger Guns

Local police put the strong-arm to Badger Guns in West Milwaukee. I posted earlier about their initial investigation of the gun store Badger Guns investigation But what we have now is borderline harassment. Mayor, chief demand more ID checks at Badger Guns

Milwaukee leaders raised the heat Tuesday on Badger Guns, demanding the owner immediately make changes to stem the flow of crime guns coming from the store.

Mayor Tom Barrett called on Badger immediately to begin scanning the identification of everyone coming into the store, like some bars do, and to look up anyone who wants to shoot on the range to make sure he isn't a felon.

Police Chief Edward Flynn suggested that anyone who comes into the store to buy a gun or shoot on the range sign a sworn affidavit saying he is not a criminal or committing a crime. Then store managers should allow police to inspect it, he said.

Hey, Chief Flynn, here's a news flash: Anyone buying from an FFL already has to fill out some kind of "affidavit" and sign it, swearing under penalty of jail, that they are not excluded from gun ownership. Genius, he's not.

So the owner is supposed to identify, track, and then turn over that info to any cop who demands it? It might be a good business practice to make sure honest and trustworthy people are using your range. In other words, know who you are doing business with. But demanding businesses to track customers and turn the owners into quasi-cops? Needing a warrant, maybe?

But the root of this gun shop is this: if Badger Guns is actually doing something illegal as an FFL holder, don't you think the ATF would be all over this place. I seem to recall Red's Trading Post getting more scrutiny for being accused of much less.

Getting lectured by a Limey*

A sanctimonious swipe at America's "gun culture" by some weak kneed Brit with a case of PSH. The cost of America's gun addiction

Tossing out statistics and links to NY Times the author just has to lecture us.

However, for those of us who do not believe this trade-off is acceptable, then how dare we be shocked, shocked every time this happens? We need to stop being shocked every time someone gets shot to death in a "safe" community and start acting unsurprised and outraged instead.

Comments by Zak Smith point out the obvious but is oblivious in his remark

Although I would very much prefer to have the right to own firearms, you can't help but notice that the ban on handguns in the UK is effective. Knives remain the weapon of choice for criminals and even "bad-ass" criminals resort to carrying reactivated replica pistols of dubious worth, which a US gangsta wouldn't dream of carrying.

The disconnect being the "effective" gun ban translating into criminals carrying other weapons. He doesn't seem to realize what he wrote. I guess Zak didn't hear of this event about the shotgun toting rapists: The War on Guns: Meanwhile, Across the Pond in Sarah Brady Paradise...

*Before anyone goes all wiggy about using "limey," I came from the British Island with a little Scotch-Irish thrown in, along with several other nationalities like the "frogs" and "krauts". So I'll use them any time I wish.

Jumping Joe Biden to speak at Dem fundraiser

Plagiarizer and vice-pres Joe Biden will speak at the annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner for Iowa democrats. Biden to speak at event in Des Moines on Nov. 21

"We are absolutely thrilled to have the vice president back in Iowa," Kiernan said. "There is a great deal of admiration for Joe Biden among Iowa Democrats."

That's Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan and I don't know what he's talking about. Biden got like what .15% (I'm exaggerating, but not by much) of support at the 2008 Iowa caucus and Kiernan is saying there's admiration for the bum. I don't get it, but that's politics for you.

I wonder if he has that same tingly feeling in the leg for Biden that Chris Matthews has for Obama.

Earn the big bucks from NEA grants

Iowahawk helps out by giving instructions on getting big government grants from the NEA. In a return to classic comic book style Earn Big $$$ the NEA Way! he reminds us to poke fun at them about a serious subject.

While we're talking about big money:

Found here: ACORN Screw robbery kid! You can earn BIG money with ACORN! - Buzz Baxter

Too bad it's for real.

Listen to what she speaks

No matter what one thinks of Phyllis Schlafly and her Eagle Forum organization, they hosted a “How to Take Back America” conference in St. Louis which featured Kitty Werthmann. An 84-year-old woman who grew up under the Nazi's control. The Washington Independent Reports Take Back America Conference and includes some wisdom from this woman:

“What would you suggest we do,” asked one activist, “if we are asked to give up our guns?”

“Don’t you dare give up your guns!” thundered Werthmann. “Never, never, never!”

Iowa's representative Steve King was a speaker there as the conference was dominated by "right wing" issues.

I have no support for bigotry of any kind so let's throw all else aside for a moment and concentrate on the experiences of a woman who saw the changes in her native country. Changes that allowed evil to take root and grow while the rest of world and those within Germany ignored the threat. We should take heed of her advice.

I have no opinion of anything else that was in the article, just Ms. Werthmann. [I do have an opinion, just not for this post - ed] Besides DailyKos and Huffpost loudly criticize this woman, so maybe she is worth listening to.

Update: I found this at World Net Daily that gives more details on Ms. Werthmann: Austria in the '30s: Mirror to America

"Those of us who sailed past the Statute of Liberty came to a country of unbelievable freedom and opportunity." Werthmann concluded. "After America, there is no place to run."

Avoid the hyperbole there too, but I'm willing to listen to her experiences.

On the Left Coast (CA) - Fed court hears appeals

Federal appeals court listened to arguments Thursday 9/24 regarding whether Alameda county can restrict guns on property it owns. Court considers county's right to regulate guns In 1999, the county outlawed all firearms on its property.

(09-24) 14:43 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- A divided federal appeals court wrestled Thursday with potentially the most important gun case in its history, a dispute over a firearms ban at the Alameda County Fairgrounds that has expanded into a constitutional battle over state and local authority to regulate gun possession.

But it seems not all the judges agree with each other. Some agree with "gun rights advocates" while Judge Susan Graber thinks the Constitution doesn't matter.

And one judge [Graber] suggested the court should uphold the ordinance as a valid public safety measure without deciding the constitutional issue.

In other words: The Constitution be damned!

In 2005, the Iowa Legislature attempted to pass a ban on gun shows at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. It failed in committee.

Hi Dollar Sportman's Auction 9/26&27 Recap

Jerry Wohler ran another successful sportsman's auction this weekend. Hi Dollar Auction 9/26

The auction was dominated with recreational guns for plinking and hunting. There were a few collectible guns there but not as much as he's had in the past and only one "assault" rifle. The crowd was lighter than his last sale but they were in a buying mood when it came to the firearms. If you were selling, this was a good place to consign your guns. He had his usual collectible ammunition but there were some bargains on the shootable ammo.

What caught my attention on Saturday was someone had consigned their reloading setup. A Lee turret press, dies and accessories. I bought it at a fair (to me) cost.

I avoided taken the plunge into reloading for quite a few years, but now it makes sense. From a cost standpoint but also as a skill set, this seems like something I need to do.

The staff at Hi Dollar Auctions are friendly and professional and Jerry and Ron worked hard to get the best prices for those who consigned.

Badger Guns target of investigation

Badger Guns in West Milwaukee is the target of an investigation by police for having a very high number of guns that fall into the hands of criminals. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's article: Police stake out gun store on lookout for felons, straw buyers

According to this quote the paper had access to trace data.

A total of 1,880 crime guns recovered in Milwaukee were linked to Badger between January 2006 and Sept. 1 - or more than one a day, according to a Journal Sentinel analysis.

I thought trace data was only to be shared with local law enforcement. Something smells here.

But the data pointed to Badger Guns and police (not the ATF???) are catching the felons. If the dealer is doing something illegal, then why isn't he in jail?

I'm not going to judge just yet and I think we need more information to decide if this dealer is on the up-and-up.

The near future?

Mike Vanderboegh at Sipsey Street Irregulars links to a NY Post article: The Four Horsemen Approach and I must say I'm as pessimistic as he is.

I've tried to follow the philosophy of hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I think those of us that are resilient, resourceful and independent-minded will survive (for the most part) any coming storm. Will all of us survive? No, but a goodly sized group will have the opportunity to restore our Republic.

Prepare for anything, because chaos will come. We need to be ready when the wheels fall off the government leviathan.

I hope we can correct our path as a nation before it's too late.

Iowa defiance - 103 years ago

Where has the time gone? In 1905, the New York Times published an article about a defiant school board at Shell Rock, Iowa and the state taking up arms to control the town. Iowa Board of Health Defied by Shell Rock Schools.

Doesn't this sound like a bunch of government-haters that were "un-American"?

Too bad the same defiance couldn't be manifested today. The schools might lose their school-lunch funding.

The War on Guns: Our Love of Guns is Nutty

David Codrea scoops me in my own back yard! The War on Guns: Our Love of Guns is Nutty

The Nutty professor's opinion:

As long as handguns are so readily available, America's exceedingly high murder rate will continue -- plain and simple. Our love of handguns is just plain nutty!

What did General McAuliffe reply when the Germans asked him to surrender at Bastogne?

Oh yeah, "Nuts"

Small-town editor whips out.

Small-town newspaper editor, John Speer, gets all ironied up at Guns and irony

In the same short period of time Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme is released from prison and it's widely reported "about a dozen people carrying guns, including one with an assault rifle" were outside the Phoenix convention center where President Obama was speaking. Fromme was reported released on Sunday, Aug. 16, after 34 years behind bars for attempting to shoot President Ford. She was a follower of Charlie Manson. The gun-toters were reported outside the convention center on Monday, Aug. 17. It is explained Arizona is an "open carry state" and you can openly whip out your weapon.

So Arizona is where anyone can "whip out your weapon"??? What's the guy trying to say? But commentor fontinel beat me to the point

I believe the irony is making money whipping out the 1st ammendment while bashing the 2nd one!

Supervisor calls Marine a "piece of sh__", then apologizes

Johnson county supervisor, Rod Sullivan's, display of vulgarity Johnson county supervisor's vulgar emails is at it again. It seems he called a blind Marine a "piece of s--t" Official sent second vulgar e-mail a year ago.

"How about Rod saves you a trip and comes over to personally kick your ass?" said an e-mail sent from Sullivan's personal account on Sept. 1, 2008. The e-mail also said, "you make me want to puke."

I doubt he could kick a Marine's ass. Even a blind 73-year-old Marine like Mr Dowell.

He gives what many call a half-hearted apology Sullivan apologizes for foul language.

“I wanted to apologize to the community for poor language,” Sullivan said Thursday morning after the Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting. He said he did not remember verbatim what he said on the radio show earlier that morning.

An apology to the "community" not to the man and then doesn't remember what he said? What kind of people do Johnson County keep electing, anyway?

I take issue with the articles describing Mr Dowell as an "ex-Marine." No one who served is ever an "ex" Marine.

Johnson County supervisor doesn't like criticism

Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan apparently doesn't like to be criticized and decides to respond with an "f-you citizen". Iowa City Press-Citizen reports Resident says official sent vulgar e-mail

Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan sent an e-mail to Iowa City resident Yale Cohn at 2:26 a.m. Sunday saying, "F--- you, 'Donny,'" referencing Cohn's user name on the Press-Citizen Web site.

Posting back and forth on the paper's website got a little testy between the two and the supervisor didn't care for it.

Sullivan called his response "appropriate to what I was confronted with."

"They sent me an e-mail, and I responded," he said. "I don't even know who it is."

Sullivan said he does not feel "obligated to sit back and take this crap from somebody I don't know."

"I think it's just par for the course with the site, frankly," he said. "I don't have time for somebody who hides behind some kind of anonymity."

Methinks he doesn't like criticism.

I think I've tempered some on the internets even with anonymity* (in real life, I'm an ass) so an elected official with his haughty-ass nose in the air acting like he can't take "crap from someone I don't know" better get a new job. Just a thought.


*I'm not anonymous for the people that I correspond with on a regular basis.

10 year-old steals "assault rifle" stock

The kid is starting his life of crime by shoplifting a 10-22 stock kit, thinking it was an assault rifle. Iowa City Press-Citizen reports: A 10-year-old has been charged with second-degree robbery.

Iowa City Police were called to the Four Oaks youth emergency center, 1916 Waterfront Dr., at 6:01 p.m. Tuesday for a report of the missing boy. Ten minutes later, the alleged robbery occurred at the Ammo Bearer, 232 Stevens Dr., which is a short distance away.


Iowa City Police Sgt. Troy Kelsay said the boy went in to the store and stole a stock conversion kit for a 10-22 rifle. Kelsay said the kit makes the rifle look more like an assault rifle and contains a bayonet. However, based on the size and packaging, Kelsay said he believes the boy thought he was stealing an actual rifle.


“I think it’s likely that (he) thought he was stealing an assault rifle” Kelsay said.

I've purchased from the Ammo Bearer before and I agree with their apprehension of charging a 10 yr-old kid with a crime like this.

And where were the parents in all of this? It looks like they've been missing for quite some time.

Deputy convicted for fraud, sentenced

Buchanan County sheriff's deputy was sentenced to 15 years for fraud in an investment scheme that left many without without their life savings.
Former sheriff’s deputy sentenced to 15 years for defrauding investors

And his graciously and voluntarily surrendering his law enforcement certificate (which meant he was more trusted with a firearm than you or me) was a nice touch.

Fake arrests promotes tourism

Who in Kalona and Washington county thought this was a good idea? "Arresting" out-of-state drivers in the name of tourism.

The sheriff and local chamber idiot decide it's fun to pull over someone on their way to the hospital and then follow a driver for 15 miles before letting them in on the joke. Iowa town makes arrests for tourism

Last week the town's Chamber of Commerce and Washington County sheriff pulled over people with out-of-state license plates and offered them an all-expense paid visit -- including free meals and a night's lodging just as if they were really being arrested -- to the town of 2,300, about 20 miles southwest of Iowa City.

Armed with binoculars and flashing red lights, the pair began looking for an unsuspecting passer-by.

Tee Hee, what fun. I wonder if they threw in a strip-search for added realism.

The Cunninghams were also given T-shirts promoting the town.

"And on the back it says, Ask me about Kalona, Iowa," Moeller said.

Ask me about Kalona: Where idiots waste tax money for one big happy laugh... that isn't funny.

Washington county can't get a bridge fixed on a major highway for almost 3 years and counting, but they have time for this crap.

Irony: Fire Chief's business destroyed by fire

Sorry, but this lit up the Irony Alert: Fire chief’s Clermont business goes up in flames

Wiedenhoff knew immediately that it was his repair business, which sits just 300 feet from his house. He ran out the door and jumped in his pickup to go to the fire station. It wasn’t until he was getting his gear that he realized he hadn’t put on any shoes.

I don't intend this to be mean and I don't wish anyone to lose their business. I'm glad no one was hurt and it looks like the guys did their job to keep the fire from spreading.

The Measure of Men and Women

Mike Vanderboegh's post: Inviting Suicide: They mistake the measure of the men and women they are dealing with.

As I said, the Obamanoids mistake the measure of the men and women they are dealing with. For in choosing such men to attack, they have picked an enemy that will not quit until they are dead or their enemies are dead. To attack such men and women as Bob and Mrs. Wright, is quite simply put, to invite suicide. They should understand that before we go too far down this road they have chosen for us.

Mike
III

I hope someday to be worthy to stand along side men such as these.

Iowan Bill Foss, WWII vet, passed away

Bill Foss, who was trapped behind enemy lines in China during WWII, passed away this week.

WWII Spy Shares History Through His Death

"He was a sergeant with the 14th Air Force 21st Photo Reconnaissance Squad. He worked with the OSS, later known as the CIA, developing film, printing photos, and working with the Chinese home guard. Most of Bill’s time in China was behind enemy lines. He helped to get information and downed Americans back to safe areas."

I would like to read his book someday. Thank you, Bill.

Sex, Lies and Administrators

The chairman of Iowa Board of Nursing Home Administrators, Daniel Larmore, once characterized the sexual abuse of a resident in his facility as a "meaningful" relationship that caused no harm to the resident.

Governor Chester thinks it's okay for this guy to keep serving as chairman.

More updates to the Atlantic school strip search

More information has come out about the Atlantic school strip search that I posted.

It seems that the girl with missing money was a daughter of a teacher. No police report of a missing $100 has been filed. If it's really missing, why no report?

Looks like they are circling the wagons and looking for a scapegoat.

9/18/09 Update: Parents are still angry and lawyers are talking as One girl was excused from the search.

IPERS in trouble? Bail it out (with taxpayer's money)

The Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System is in trouble. So let's just bail it out with taxpayer's money.

Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, declined to take a stance yet on specific revisions. But his colleague, Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg, suggested Wednesday that changes could be made in rules and incentives allowing early retirement and that increased contributions by taxpayers and government workers could be required.

A retirement fund that people pay into* and the managers make lousy decisions and it lost money. They want the taxpayers of Iowa to be on the hook for this. Outrageous.

Here's a lie:

Brad Hudson, a lobbyist for the Iowa State Education Association, which represents Iowa schoolteachers, said IPERS is "a fair system, but by no means is it lavish." He noted that unlike most private-sector defined-benefit pension plans, which are funded solely by employers, the IPERS plan is funded 40 percent by employees.

Most? I don't think so. My current plan is 100% my contributions until I'm there a year and then only 50% of what I put in is matched by my employer. Between my wife and I, there is only one employer that we had that contributed 100% and that was a scheme to purchase it's own stock.

Maybe the Register is trying to slant the story a little?


*(Disclosure: I am part of this system as a former employee of a county-run hospital and I'm trying to get my money out. An no, I do not want the taxpayers to bail it out. I pay taxes in this state, too)

In the heart of the Socialist Republic of Johnson county (Iowa City) Violent crime up 24 percent in Iowa City.

Johnson county is almost impossible to get a permit in our may issue state. (The whole permit is a separate issue). Although I was told it's getting better by one of their reps last weekend.

Despite the numbers, Bailey said, Iowa City is a safe place.

Iowa City reported 3.8 violent crimes per 1,000 residents in 2008. That was up 0.5 percent from the year before but is below the national average of 4.5 per 1,000.

“It’s a safe community. It continues to be a safe community,” Bailey said, “and naturally, we’ll address these issues and endeavor to make our statistics next year look better.”

Really?

Illinois teacher exchanges pot for labor

From across the Mississippi in Illinois we find a teacher sharing, not her knowledge, but pot. Ill. teacher accused of giving girls alcohol, pot.

No child left behind? At least she didn't hire any illegals.

Welcome, new citizens

Herbert Hoover Library in West Branch, IA on Monday was the site for a naturalization ceremony where 73 new citizens were sworn in. First day as U.S. citizens.

"Today, we'll be somebody," said Abusharkh, who now lives in Des Moines.

You have joined a special group of people with all the rights and responsibilities that comes with citizenship.

Welcome.

Escort service called from Story County Sheriff's office

An employee of the Story County Sheriff's office (could be a deputy - who knows) used a county-owned cell phone to call an escort service. Story County Supervisor is not happy.

Nevada, Ia. — The Story County Sheriff’s Office should fire an employee who called an escort service with a county-issued cell phone, Supervisor James Strohman said today.

Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald disagreed, accusing Strohman of overstepping his authority as a supervisor without having all of the facts. The employee in this case is a civilian and has already been disciplined following a thorough investigation that found no criminal wrongdoing, Fitzgerald said.

Here's a fact: he used a county-owned phone for personal use (immoral as it may be). A phone that was probably issued so that his employer can contact him in emergencies. No other facts needed.

No identification of the individual (naturally).

Fitzgerald said: “In our office, we don’t assume people should just be fired. What we do is a complete and thorough investigation. ... We use reasonable judgment.”

So, misappropriation of county resources for personal gain and he gets away with it... Maybe the guy should run for Congress.

The "Bill of Rights" revisionist game

My wife and I wandered into a store this weekend and found among the games that the store sells: "The Bill of Rights - A Game of Historic Revision".

In the Top Ten series of games you and your friends change some of the more pivotal documents in history. Each player takes on a secret agenda. Changing these historical documents to match their agendas will score players more points. Play as the loud-mouthed talk radio host, the militant protester, the greedy economist, or dozens of other personalities, struggling to recreate these bits of history in line with your own values, goals, and agendas. Once you know your own secret agenda, compromise, cajole, and convince your fellow players to support the amendments you favor. Can you predict what goals your opponents are striving for? Or will you be left behind as the other players re-writen [sic] them to match their goals?

I picked it up from the shelf thinking that it may be an educational tool for "ages 8+". But no, it's premise is to re-write the Bill of Rights to match the player's agenda. No where on the box did it mention anything about Locke or unalienable rights. It encourages the player to be an agenda-driven activist.

Needless to say I didn't buy it.

Updated for punctuation.

I found this in the heart of Iowa's lefty-liberal, socialist Iowa City.

March on Washington update

Bob Parks' Black and Right gives a The B&R Sunday Edition of the March on Washington. He has more pictures at his post “Can You Hear Us Now…?”

A link to News Busters and Tea Party Speaker: 'I Thought You Would Want to Hear a Black Man Speak to You Without a Teleprompter' are there.

Remember everyone, GOP corporate interests brought all these people in.

Hi$ Sportsman's Auction 9/26 and 9/27

Jerry Wohler at Hi $ Auction is having his semi-annual sportman's auction on September 26th and 27th in Oskaloosa, IA. Open house viewing is on Friday Sept. 25th.

He's had these for several years and I've found a few bargains at his auctions from time to time. I think he's a fair man and a pretty good auctioneer. (At least I can understand him.)

If you're from Iowa, please attend. Outside of Iowa, give him a call. I'm not 100% sure he'd work with an FFL outside the state, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. He does take absentee bids as well.

If you do attend, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't bid against me.

Gun show report 9/12/09

In the tradition set by Xavier with his Pawn Shop Circuit, I will attempt to share my experiences at each one I attend. For the most part, I try to follow his advice from his gun show rules.

Cedar Rapids, Trade Show Productions, at Hawkeye Downs - 9/12/09

I try to always go with my neighbor a former gun dealer. I enjoy going on the hunt with him as he has plenty of stories of finds and losses. We split up as usual as I head to the dealers I purchased from before and he went in another direction. I didn't find anything that spoke to me, although he did.

The crowds were about half the size from 8 to 10 months ago and prices (for the most part) have stabilized or dropped. The dealers that always seem to have overpriced guns and ammo were highest, but I found one dealer whose ammo prices were less than some of the retail stores, although his selection was limited. Some dealers were selling, while others were priced to recoup their weekend expenses on one sale. Typical gun show.

What I did not see was people loaded up with cases of ammunition walking out the door (some on handcarts). And noticeably missing was the line and 5+ minute wait getting in the door.

I was looking for a magazine for a Marlin 25N and nothing much else in particular. I found the Marlin mag from a dealer from Durant, IA. At another table, I found new magazines for another rifle I have for $10 each. Not wanting to be greedy, I bought only four. Unless it's the last one or two on the table, I try not to snatch up an item and not give another guy a chance to buy too.

I tried to make a deal on a private sale, but he wouldn't budge on the price and I wished him well. And I met a gentleman who offered a surplus bag to me after I admired it. I didn't want to release him of a useful bag, especially if he bought boxes of ammo heavy enough to rip plastic bags. I will find one like it someday.

I've met a few horses' hind-ends at gun shows, but I also met some of the most friendly and courteous there too. It was a good few hours break in an otherwise busy day, and I enjoy being with friends.

The wings of change.

2,000,000 strong.
“Can You Hear Us Now…?”

From Black and Right and Bob Parks' Washington DC Tea Party edition.

The Million Moms couldn't bring 1/10th of who they hoped for and the Million Man March brought maybe half.

But two million?

And how many of us wished we could go but didn't?

The politicians of all stripes have to be worried, so watch out America... Change could come anytime soon.

Do the crime, pay no fine.

A former Scott County judge gets off lightly.
Feds request no restitution from former judge.

"Based on the facts of these proposed claims, there is insufficient evidence to establish that these individuals meet the requirements of a victim."

There were no victims for the crime he just convicted of? So now if you're a victim of a crime, you have to "qualify" for restitution?

Iowa City curfew for kids

Majority supports curfew.

The majority of council members were in favor of further discussing a law that would have children 13 and younger home by 10 p.m., 14- and 15-year-olds by 11 p.m. and 16- and 17-year-olds by midnight.

"Voluntary compliance is the first step," [Officer] Hargadine said. "It's when that doesn't work is when you see enforcement."

Remember this deputy, charged $55 for simple assault. They want to fine kids $50 for staying out too late.

Sounds fair enough to me.

Your papers, please.

Traffic stops in West Des Moines, so be alert and avoid the town if you can. If you're not welcome to drive through town without being stopped randomly, for no reason, then let them know.
Traffic checks set for next week on Hickman Road

Officials said in a press release: "Obvious signs of unlawful behavior from any motorist ... will be addressed."

"from any motorist" - I'm glad he clarified that. I wouldn't want all unlawful behavior addressed.

The Newspaper Loophole revisited

An oldy but a goody. Return to KCRG May 8, 2006 and discover the "Newspaper Loophole." (Say it with a dracula accent, and it's almost scary - try it.)

Look, there's John Johnson of the now defunct Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence.



How'd that free advertising work out for ya?

Gov. Chester can't make up his mind about strip search

As I posted at Atlantic school strip search, we have from the Des Moines Register that an unnamed administrator was suspended. (thanks anon)

WHO radio reported that our Governor Chester Culver could see both sides of this issue.

The school officials could see more than both sides of this issue (sorry) and if you can't figure out if it was illegal, then maybe find a new job.

Grassley fights to "the bitter end"

Listened in on Sen Chuck Grassley's townhall call-in tonight. Didn't get through to ask a question.

Question: Are you going to do your best to ensure that a reform bill gets passed?

Grassley: til the bitter end.

Son #2's answer: If you're going to fight "til the bitter end", forget the middle ground and don't compromise.

"This is MY town hall meeting"

Over at Black & Right we have a congressman telling his bosses (citizens of his district) that they can't tell him (an employee) how to run his office.

At Bob's post called Bonehead of the Day Indiana congressman Baron Hill(D) doesn't want video up on Youtube that might put him in a "compromising position."

Well Baron von Hill, it ain't on Youtube.

Deputy beats a guy and beats the system.

I missed this earlier. The Hawkeye reports Deputy receives suspension for assault. "In July, Eric Joseph Staub, 27, was found guilty of simple assault. District Judge Kirk Daily of Ottumwa sentenced Staub to 30 days in the county jail, which was suspended. He was fined $55."

15 days off without pay for an "altercation". 15 days off, but only a couple of days a week.

The guy was found guilty of simple assault, sentenced 30 days suspended (what a surprise) and $55 bucks for beating up on a guy. While on duty.

So if I get PO'd at a guy for harassing my wife, can I get the same deal?

If you speak to your Congressman, does he hear?

The Des Moines Reigister reports that Town forums left Iowans in Congress unswayed.

So the townhall forums and Boswell's conference calls were nothing but show. Reports from all over the state indicated that the people were against this healthcare reform/takeover. The Socialist Republic of Johnson County being the exception.

Boswell even went backwards saying he was more in favor of the bill.

Well Lenny, when you stop meeting with the citizens of your district, I guess you miss the opportunity to listen to them.

And this from our senator from Jamaca*: “I’m an old Humphrey person. If you can’t get a whole loaf, get a half a loaf and go back and see if you can’t get a few more slices later on, when people see how it works. If we have to go the (partisan) route, that’s better than sticking with what we’ve got, even if we don’t get it all.” — Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Cumming

Harkin's political strategy is incrementalism. This from the guy who stated he wished he could put all the guns of Americans onto a boat, take it to the middle of the ocean and sink it.

Remember Iowans: One slice at a time.


*It's reported that Harkin does not own a home in Iowa. Just like a 30yr old bum still living at home, for years he listed his parent's house.

The Choice

No. 1 son reached 18 recently and on that day he was given a choice. I placed several rifles out for his viewing and said one word, “Choose.”

Among those available were: Remington 700, Stevens 110, a 70yr old Mauser, a couple of scary guns (you know, detachable magazine, pistol grip, bayonet lug, etc. etc…) and a Marlin 336.

He stood there and it took awhile before the “why” sunk in. This was a moment of passage, the crossing of the Rubicon that he was about to undertake and he wanted to make the right choice. Maybe he was thinking what it meant to be a Free Man as opposed to an "adult". He wouldn't say.

He likes the bolts and I thought he was leaning between one of those or one of the soon-to-be-banned rifles. Following the Four Rules (he learned something along the way,) he picked a couple up, checked the chambers, and held them up to the shoulder, feeling the weight of each but I wasn’t able to decipher his mind.

It took awhile and his choice: the Marlin.

It was a late entry that I added as an afterthought and I was surprised that he chose it. We all know what it’s like, when an object “speaks” to us. That old Marlin was looking for a new owner to serve, to be treated with respect not only for the power it holds but for the history that she carried. She was a "rescued" gun.

I thought he made a good choice. After I told him what Mike Vanderboegh had to say about "urban assault rifles", he agreed.

She's got guts

A woman asks a bold question of her congressman over at Sharp as a Marble.

Come and take it, indeed.

What politicians won't do themselves, they are more than happy to send others. This woman stands up to her congressman and puts him in his place.

H/T to sayuncle (here)

Iowa Attorney General: "We are immune, get over it"

Several reports across the state that the Iowa Attorney General wishes to have a lawsuit dismissed from a truck driver from South Dakota against the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The Individual.com story reports:
David Howard, 71, of Sioux Falls, filed the suit in August claiming he was assaulted by DOT officer Darrell Wiegand during a traffic stop four years ago. Wiegand is the same officer a Fort Madison couple allege to have harassed and menaced them during a traffic stop earlier this year.

The AG's argument: "In addition, a state employee, like officer Wiegand, is similarly immune from such claims."

The Burlington Hawkeye has more on this story here and here.

"It's okay, we all did it"

Barb Ickes at The Quad City Times, give us an opinion and a few facts about the firing of Cpl. Robert Hegland from the Davenport police department.

Former officer Phil Yerington thinks the police department was just out to get poor officer Hegland for fixing a buddy's ticket. His argument: "We all did it, so why single him out?" And he claims lying was commonplace.

You got to start somewhere, Phil.

Strip search in Atlantic school

The Des Moines Register reports

School officials in Atlantic forced five teenage girls to take off their clothing for a search after a classmate reported $100 missing from her purse, according to the girls' families and two lawyers.

The classmate and a female counselor stood watch in the girls' locker room at Atlantic High School as the five girls removed their clothing, lifted up their underwear, and in one case took off all her clothing, according to lawyers Ed Noethe of Council Bluffs and Matt Hudson of Harlan.

Strip-searching is illegal in Iowa schools

And the kicker: "I guess I really can't comment on that because of confidentiality of those involved," Crozier [interim superintendent] said.

He's only concerned with confidentiality after he abused 5 girls.

Lawyers, what are they good for?

The Hawkeye reports of a man wrongly convicted of a crime finally freed.

Two "only one" cops helped to convict him but the worst part was that two attorneys sat on their ass-ends and did nothing to free an innocent man. They knew he was innocent but did nothing for a year.

From the AP article: "Two attorneys revealed last year that their former client, Andrew Wilson, admitted committing the crime that sent Logan to prison. But they said attorney-client privilege had kept them from coming forward."

Maybe Shakespeare was right.

Last Man Out

World War II veteran Glenn McDole, one of the last living survivors of the Palawan massacre, passed away Thursday.

The Des Moines Register has a good write up on this man. Please give it a read.

His story Last Man Out by Bob Wilbanks describes his escape from the Japanese at Palawan. From the Register: "McDole was one of 11 prisoners of war who escaped death in a massacre on Palawan Island in the Philippines in December 1944. About 140 soldiers were killed when the Japanese herded them into trenches, dumped gasoline on them and set them on fire."

A podcast of an interview with Mr. McDole on Jan Mickelson's radio program from WHO is here. Or download an mp3. It's in the second hour, but give Jan's whole show a listen to.

Update: the intro to the interview starts at about 38 minutes in. I was in the car listening and got the times messed up (sorry).

"I Pledge..." - I puke

Spike from Burlington Derailed reports that children from Farmington, Utah were shown the video of the blathering idiots and their "I Pledge" allegiance to Barack Obama.

The video has been out for a while but with Obama's address to school children scheduled for next week (as reported by Mike Vanderboegh over at Sipsey Street Irregulars), it doesn't make it any less disgusting.

I could make an analogy has to how disgusting, but I promised the wife this would be a PG-13 blog.

When telling the truth gets you in trouble

Bob Vander Plaats is a Sioux City business man who is campaigning for the Republican nomination for governor here in Iowa. He made mention that Obama "has been really, really good for two industries — guns and ammunition.”

Well, the democrats aren't too happy for him speaking the truth. At The Iowa Independent Iowa Democratic Party Chair Michael Kiernan called the comment “outrageous, irresponsible and very dangerous.”

Mr. Kiernan, Obama has been good for gun and ammunition sales. Ask any gun dealer in the state.

At least he didn't call Bob a liar.

The War on Guns: Bills Don't Allow, People Do

The War on Guns: Bills Don't Allow, People Do
David Codrea links to a World Net Daily article about what Taxechusetts would do in the event of a H1N1 pandemic.

A very similar bill passed in Iowa in 2003 that gave the governor dictatorial powers for 30 days. Among those: a call for mandatory evacuations and confiscation and rationing of anything if the state needs/wants it (Section 3). Or how about forced vaccinations: paragraph 6 of section 5.

Oh, and Section 3 paragraph 5: "5. The state shall pay just compensation to the owner of any product lawfully taken or appropriated by the department for the department’s temporary or permanent use in accordance with this section. The amount of compensation shall be limited to the costs incurred by the owner to procure the item."

How generous!

I contacted my state senator prior to the vote about the bill, but he voted for it anyway. He replied that "we have to do something." (He didn't win re-election) Legislators who were absent were allowed to come in after the bill passed to change their vote to yea.

I don't always understand this state.

SE Iowa special election results

In a special election in Southeast Iowa the democrat narrowly won by 107 votes in a district that Obama won by about a thousand last November.

Maybe change is in the air?

A Second Chance

After I got the blog back up, David at War on Guns gave me another chance. The response has been more than I expected.

Thanks again, David. If you're in the area, give me a heads up - I owe you one.

Police, neighbors worry about realistic BB guns

They're " scary authentic".

Is the improper use of BB guns a problem? Yes.

Do we need a big dose of hyperbole? Probably not.

Finally, at the end: "I think the weapons are neutral. It's not the weapon that is an issue, it's who owns the weapon and is responsible for its use."

Yep

A first impression

David at War on Guns graciously gave me a link to my first couple of posts. Thank you, sir. We've corresponded occasionally over the past year or so and he's posted some things I sent to him. I sent him my latest musings and he replied back if I was posting them.

That's when I realized: Why should I let him do the work I should be doing. And another blog was born.

Then the blog died, gone, kaput. Google never replied back. This place was less than 24 hours old and I couldn't get in and neither could the folks that David sent.

How's that for a good first impression.

To all of you who tried and couldn't get in, I apologize. I probably should have tested for a few days before getting the word out. I hope you come back. To those who got in, thanks for stopping by. All it took was to reset my gmail password and that makes no sense to me.

Again, thanks David.