Gun shows in Iowa for June 2010

Upcoming guns shows in Iowa for the month of June, 2010:

Jun 4-6 Cedar Rapids, Tradeshows 888-552-1486

Jun 25-27 Des Moines, Tradeshows 888-552-1486

Source:Iowa Gun Shows

Jeffrey McAdam murdered

In a senseless murder, Jeffrey McAdam of Victor was shot and killed at a rest stop along I-80 Saturday night, 5/29/10. Rest area employee shot and killed near Victor

He was going about his job.

By all accounts, Jeff was a good guy and mutual friends affirm this. I didn't know Jeff personally, but this is hitting hard those close to him. Reactions vary, but most demand justice and I hope they got the right guy. The accused, Peter Riggs of Nebraska is sitting in the Iowa County jail right now.

This happened in my county, my community. Victor is just a few miles away from the Stranded house, and we attended an occasional service at the Victor Baptist church, where Jeff was a member. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McAdam family and friends.

If rumors are true about why Jeff was shot, the bastard who perpetrated this crime had better pray they change venue for the trial.

A simple thank you to those who've served

A Moline, Il. couple who owns a small hotdog stand wanted to give back to veterans last Thursday and Friday, by giving out hotdogs to veterans. But it didn't turn out as they had planned.

The two-day experience was more than Gary and Stephanie Wicall could have imagined.

The Moline couple wanted to say thank you to area veterans by offering them a free hot dog Thursday and Friday at their hot dog stand in the parking lot of K&K Hardware, 1818 Grant St., Bettendorf.

With May being National Military Appreciation Month, and Memorial Day on Monday, it made sense, they thought. Plus, their stand is called Joe’s Heavenly Dogs, named after Stephanie’s father, the late Joe Lykam, a Vietnam veteran. Gary’s father, Gary Wicall Sr., also is a Vietnam veteran.

“It was very emotional,” Gary said. “Not either one of us had that type of emotional high before. We are on top of this world. It was just something simple, but from our hearts.”

During the two days, they gave away about 150 hot dogs to veterans. They estimate that at least 300 additional veterans came, but insisted on paying.

“A lot of those guys refused it,” he said. “They said what we were doing, it meant a lot to them and they refused a free lunch.”

Vets overwhelm Moline couple

Their facebook page:Joe's Heavenly Dogs

They operate at these locations:

Hours of Operation:
Tues. - Fri. 10:30am to 2:00pm
K & K Hardware Bettendorf, IA

Evenings & Saturdays Little League games; Youth activities @ Stephen's Park Starting in May thru Aug.
Moline, IL

I don't know when I'll be back through the QC area for sure, but if anyone is close, maybe stop by and give them some business.

A response to a statement (updated)

Last week, a friend's wife declared that no one should carry a gun.

In a rest stop on I-80, a part-time maintenance worker was shot and killed last night.

A part time maintenance worker died in a shooting at an I-80 rest stop Saturday night. The shooting happened in the men’s room at the rest area located near mile marker 208 on I-80.
That’s an area near the Iowa County community of Victor.

Iowa County authorities have not identified the victim who was apparently shot sometime between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. However, Ned Minehart, a supervisor for the company that has the maintenance contract with the Iowa D-O-T, did confirm the victim was a part time worker at the rest stop.

Fatal shooting at I-80 rest stop being investigated

A Wisconsin trucker, discovered the man and called for help but there was simply nothing anyone could do at that point.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this man's family.

UPDATE - Authorities found the bastard.

Peter Riggs, 31, of Columbus, Neb., was arrested in Johnson County. Riggs is a suspect in the murder of Jeffrey D. McAdam, 46, of Victor, who was found by a truck driver inside the men's bathroom at the Interstate Highway 80 rest area near 208 mile marker.

Rest area employee shot and killed near Victor

Video fixed

The American Legion post give honors at funerals

In Le Mars, Iowa its American Legion post is like most others in small-town America. An aging membership that struggles to exist. One member of that post is Gerald Pallesen who plays Taps:

Gerald A. Pallesen, an 81-year member of American Legion Wasmer Post 241 in Le Mars, sounded "Taps" for the first time in 1943.

Pallesen, of Marcus, started playing trumpet in the marching band in the seventh grade.

He perfected those skills in the military. Pallesen is a World War II veteran.

Now he travels where he's needed and plays "Taps" at military funerals.

In Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska he's played at 122 and traveled more than 14,000 miles, Pallesen said.

"I consider it a distinct privilege to participate in honoring our true heroes, all those who have served honorably in our Armed Forces," Pallesen said.

He's also one of more than 5,000 bugler volunteers with Bugles Across America, formed in 2000. The group has buglers in all 50 states and a growing number overseas.

The organization's intent is to have enough volunteer buglers to provide a live rendition of "Taps" at all veteran's military funerals, according to Bugles Across America.

Read about more members of this Legion Post at Local Legion preserves honor of military funerals

The Legion honored my father at his funeral and I remember those words: "In honor of our fallen comrade...". My son played Taps for his grandfather later, in private, with me at his side. It was his final gift that we shared, as the youngest son and youngest grandson, it was my privilege to have been a part of that.

American Legion

Gov Chester now plans to leave ombudsman alone

DES MOINES (AP) - Gov. Chet Culver has issued an executive order pulling the long-term care ombudsman from the Department on Aging, and aides to the governor say the move is in response to complaints the office has been muzzled.

Culver Makes Long-Term Care Ombudsman Independent

As seems the case, Chester does the right thing after getting caught.

Related post: Gov Chester muzzles ombudsman

Teacher arrested

MFL MarMac teacher faces alcohol, gun charges

Monona police say Richard Nance, 58, has been charged with supplying alcohol to a minor, violation of gun conveyance law, and open container. He was arrested Monday night after a joint investigation involving the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and Monona Police Department.

Police worked with a student to stake out a meeting at a car wash. Police witnessed Nance giving the student alcohol. Nance was arrested at the car wash.

Now the noble teacher stakes his claim to an unwary student, plying him/her with an overabundance of alcohol. After the break, we'll observe the local authorities taking this vocal instructor down. Tonight on "Teachers Gone Bad".

My guess is that there was a history and pattern of behavior with this guy.

Gov. Chester muzzles ombudsman

Iowa's chief advocate for the elderly was told in February she could not express an opinion on state or federal legislation without the approval of Gov. Chet Culver's office — a potential violation of federal law.

Report: Governor's office restricted statements by advocate for elderly

I'm all for a state telling the feds they can shove it, but in this case, the governors office should not be telling an ombudsman what they can or can't say. They are supposed to have a high level of independence as an advocate for our citizens.

Apparently the governor's office doesn't want to cooperate with reporters, or they are trying to extort them.

But in e-mail exchanges with Yordi and members of her staff earlier this year, McCalley wrote that he and "the governor's office" had to approve any efforts by the ombudsmen to advocate for, or against, state and federal legislation dealing with the elderly.

The e-mails are among those the governor's office has refused to disclose unless the Des Moines Register first pays $744, at which point the office will consider whether to release the documents or keep them confidential.

So much for independent advocates:

Asked Monday about McCalley's assertion that Culver's office was dictating or approving the policy positions of Iowa's long-term care ombudsman, Culver spokesman Jim Flansburg said the governor's staff members "strongly encourage all agencies to follow applicable federal law."

The e-mails from McCalley, obtained from a person who does not work in the governor's office, show a wide range of efforts by McCalley to control or influence the actions of Iowa's state and regional long-term care ombudsmen

Another instance of a governor that is disconnected as to what his office is supposed to do.

In the past month, we have discovered possible influence peddling with a Fort Dodge casino, a driver that exhibits road rage and now a possible violation of federal law.

Here's our governor, singing his way into the hearts of Iowans, everywhere.

P0rn teacher won't face charges

Polk County Attorney John Sarcone declined to press charges against a Wright Elementary school "art" teacher who decided that it was appropriate to show a Youtube video of a Keith Haring cartoonish depiction of a couple of guys masturbating to 9 or 10 year olds.

Sarah Foster, whose 10-year-old son attends Wright, complained to district officials and police, but authorities said the showing didn’t cross a criminal line, Sarcone said.

Suspended Des Moines art teacher won’t face criminal charges

If it's on the internet, it can't be p0rn, right?

So if a pervert exposes himself to a child, he is a sex offender for life. But someone who exposes someone else (although a video) has not committed a crime?

Adults can do what ever they consent to, and watch whatever they want - I don't care. But kids?

The county attorney should at least charge the teacher with fraud for promoting Keith Haring's work as "art".

Previous: "Art teacher" shows p0rn to 4th graders

Political speech at commencement

Dr. Sandra Soto, Assistant Professor for Women's Studies at the University of Arizona, gave the commencement speech to graduating students at the university and was summarily booed. Proving that a commencement speech probably isn't the best time for a political diatribe.

And "academia" considers people in her position to be "smart."

Don't be criticizing your boss

At least on the employer's email system. The result could be a lack of a job.

Recently released emails show a pattern of insubordination, bitterness and petty backstabbing by three former employees of the Lee County Recorder's office.

County emails show insubordination

The result here was a resignation and two firings.

Courts have ruled that emails are the property of the employer and are not subject to much privacy within that organization. If the boss wants to view them, then you hand them over (within reason, of course).

I get requests like this all the time and recently we stopped a request from HR when we thought a liability issue would come up.

Always cover your back-side.

The most dedicated worker in the state

Authorities are investigating a stabbing that sent a Waterloo man to the hospital.

Police say 42-year-old Ira Harris Jr. was stabbed Monday afternoon near the city’s central bus station. Co-workers advised him to go to a hospital after he reported for work briefly with two stab wounds in the abdomen.

Police met him at a Waterloo hospital. Harris was flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for more treatment.

Police say his injuries aren’t life-threatening.

Waterloo man heads to work after stabbing; ends up in hospital

If his wounds were not life-threatening, why was he flown to the U of I Hospitals?

I wish I had this kind of dedication in some of my co-workers.

State is low on cash

WATERLOO -- From Monday to June 4, the Waterloo Police Department, along with other area law enforcement agencies, will participate in the statewide Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Officers will be enforcing traffic laws with a special emphasis on seat belt and child car seat usage.

Waterloo police doing special traffic enforcement

Remember, it's for your safety.

"Art teacher" shows p0rn to 4th graders

In an act that would get ordinary citizens on a sex offender list, Des Moines' Wright Elementary School art teacher "showed what one parent described as an inappropriate video to students." Police investigate incident at Wright Elementary School

A video with photos of two guys masturbating is shown to 9 year olds and the pervert teacher isn't in jail. The Register reports "what one parent described..." and they can't call it what it is?

According to a police report, Sarah Foster contacted police Friday after her 9-year-old son told her that his art teacher showed a “gross video” during class. The YouTube video of artist Keith Haring displayed a picture of two males masturbating each other with “Safe Sex” written above it. Foster also complained about a second picture that showed male genitalia.

District officials placed visual arts teacher Karen Maresh on paid leave Monday following the May 17 incident, said Twyla Woods, chief of staff for the Des Moines school district. She declined to disclose the details of what happened, saying it was a personnel matter.

What the hell is wrong with people?

Again, with Badger Guns

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes another editorial blaming Badger Guns for all the evil related to firearms in Wisconsin. At least that's how it sounds. There's a loophole that needs plugging. Felons shouldn't be able to shoot at a gun range. Who can be in favor of felons becoming better marksmen? (Ha Ha - Who can be in favor of slanted editorials?)

Back in October I posted Badger Guns update: store helps police

WEST MILWAUKEE - West Milwaukee Police confirm they arrested a suspect wanted on warrants after getting help from a controversial gun store.

Authorities had notified the store that the suspect, Carlos Flores, might come in.

Flores did come in and the store called police. West Milwaukee Police arrested Flores.

But the Journal Sentinel wasn't the one to report that, it was a local radio station. No, they would rather pile it on with one-sided editorials and slanted reporting.

By singling out Badger's, they lose credibility with me. That store isn't the only one that rents firearms, and as has been reported, they've had at least one assist getting a felon.

Every county in Iowa is "urban"

At least according to a study comparing urban and rural gun deaths that was released today in the journal "Pediatrics"

The researchers sorted them by county and then compared the gun death rates for the most urban counties (those with populations of 1 million or more) and the most rural counties (the ones far from cities or with fewer than 2,500 people). They found essentially the same rate: about four deaths per 100,000 children.

Gun death rates among children similar in rural areas, big cities, study says

According to census records found at Iowa Data Center every county has had a population greater than 2500 since 1890. In other words, according to this "study", the whole state is one big urban center.

With a study that can't determine that Iowa is a rural state (with a few pockets urbanized), how can we trust anything that this guy is stating, such as:

"This debunks the myth that firearm death is a big-city problem," said lead author Michael Nance, a doctor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "This is everybody's problem." The findings were published in Monday's issue of the journal Pediatrics.

He does get one thing right, crappy research is definitely everybody's problem.

Retired officer fends off attackers

It's tragic that a young man, just back from Iraq, is shot and killed in a robbery. His father, a retired police officer comes to his aid and returned fire, killing one.

CHICAGO — A 30-year-old Chicago police officer who recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq was shot and killed when several people approached him outside his family's home and tried to steal his new motorcycle, authorities said Thursday.

Police officer back from Iraq is killed in attempted theft

I don't want to make light of this young man who served his country being gunned down over a motorcycle. Those punk thugs deserve hell. But what bothers me is this:

Thomas Wortham IV's father — a retired Chicago police officer — came to his son's aid and shot two of the attackers, killing one of them late Wednesday, police said. Retired police officers are allowed to keep guns.

In Chicago, retired police officers can protect their family and property. Ordinary citizens cannot.

Something's wrong with that.

Ka-ching II, over 4,000 citations

That's in about 3 months.

The automated traffic cameras in Cedar Rapids have now generated more than 4,300 citations for drivers.

The latest fixed speed cameras on Interstate 380 were installed in the last few days and should begin photographing violators after a two week test period.

The cameras began operating in early March.

To date, the fixed cameras at five intersections and the one mobile van have recorded 8,789 potential traffic violations. After reviewing the possible violations, officers confirmed and mailed 4,332 citations.

Cedar Rapids traffic cameras have generated over 4,300 citations

With the city receiving 70% of the revenue, that some big dollars coming into city coffers. The other 30% goes to the company that runs the system.

But remember, this isn't about money, this is about safety.

Related: Ka-ching, speed cameras are up

Gov Chester's driver not at fault

We have an update to an earlier post: Gov. Chester's driver owns the road.

Culver's driver is cleared in traffic stop

With differing stories in this incident, too bad the driver of the other car didn't have cameras.

Someone was in the wrong here, and I suspect it was Culver's driver:

A spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety said she didn't believe Allen would be ticketed in the incident. The Iowa State Patrol's chief, Col. Patrick Hoye, said in a separate news release that the incident "provides us with an opportunity to evaluate procedures that relate to the Executive Protection Unit."

A warrant issued without shots fired

In Clay county, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant. The news? They didn't shoot the dog.

With repeated reports of LEOs killing pets when entering the yard of a home owner, this time they did the right thing. Law enforcement representatives waiting to serve a search warrant requested the homeowner remove a dog from the premises before they enter.

In a mistaken shots fired scenario (they were BB guns), it would seem that over-zealous officers could have taken matters a bit further, but didn't. A couple of idiots being stupid and firing BB guns were reported and the dirt-bags were arrested for various other charges.

Foote was picked up on two outstanding warrants of dog running at large, including one which involved a female citizen getting bitten on the arm and leg.

Clopton was charged with simple assault, drug paraphernalia, and shooting a projectile over public roads.

BB guns the source of shot's fire call

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Spencer Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics, Iowa Division of Investigation, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Dickens Fire and Rescue, Clay County Conservation and the Clay County Attorney's Office.

By this report, it seems like half the state was called out for these guys.

More cameras: school bus cam

Fort Madison school officials mounted cameras on the outside of their buses to catch drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus.

Ten people have been ticketed since the school district began using the camera, including one employee of Great Prairie Area Education Agency, Carle said. Tickets for passing a bus with flashing lights runs $195. That amount may go up after July 1.

The external camera begins recording as soon as the bus is started. When someone passes the bus illegally, the driver pushes an incident button that marks the video for easy review by school officials and Iowa State Patrol, which is issuing the tickets.

Caught on camera

Ka-ching, speed cameras are up

No satisfied with red-light cameras, now along I-380 in Cedar Rapids, speed cameras will be going live soon.

Red light cameras appeared at about a dozen intersections months ago. But in two weeks, or less, other cameras will start issuing automated speeding tickets on Interstate 380.

A number of the cameras were recently installed behind an exit sign on I-380 near Diagonal Drive S.W. Those cameras will monitor northbound traffic entering the downtown portion of the interstate. The speed limit in that area is 55 miles per hour.

Remember, it's for our safety, not for money-grubbing city council members.

I-380 Speed Cameras Now in Test Phase

Tale of two quotes

Over at Random Acts of Patriotism he quotes one misguided individual:

"I am pleased with Obama. I think he’s brilliant. The Republican Party should get out of his way and stop trying to hurt him. It would be good…if he could be a dictator for a few years because he could do a lot of good things quickly." - Woody Allen

and a much maligned Iowan:

It is a paradox that every dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of free speech. Immediately on attaining power each dictator has suppressed all free speech except his own. -Herbert Hoover

I doubt that any of my readers would have trouble in figuring out which quote is to be lauded.

Woody Allen's Proposal

(Added to my daily reading list)

Biden "praises" Gov Chester

In a ringing endorsement for our Gov Chester, Jumpin' Joe Biden, The Plagiarizer, sang Chester's praises for anyone who would listen in Cedar Rapids yesterday.

Biden said at Greene Square Park. “Things are not as nearly as bad as they are in the rest of the country.”

Translation: "Eh, it could be worse."

And with that high praise, Gov Chester should win in November.

Biden: Iowans “blessed” to be ahead of national recovery

Oh, we're blessed all right.

Dem Senate candidates differ on the 'gun show loophole'

The left-wing website, Iowa Independent posts the subtle differences between Bob Krause and Roxanne Conlin, Democrats running for the US senate nomination.

Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Bob Krause took exception to one of his rivals calling for closing the “gun-show loophole,” saying such a position could cost the party the votes of “hunters and fishermen of all political stripes in our state who enjoy buying and selling firearms at gun shows.”

Roxanne Conlin, a Des Moines attorney and frontrunner in the Democratic senate primary, told The Des Moines Register she favors closing the loophole, which allows anyone to buy a gun from a private gun seller at a gun show without a background check.

Then the author quotes a discredited poll by the mayors against lawful ownership of firearms and repeats the lie that the guns in the Virginia Tech shootings were purchased at a gun show. As one commenter from the Virginia gun forum stated:

The weapons used at the VA Tech shootings were NOT purchased from a gun show. One was purchased online and transferred via a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer at a Blacksburg, VA pawn shop, at which time a background check was performed. The other firearm was purchased from a gun shop in Roanoke and another background check was performed.

No gun shows were involved at any time regarding the Va Tech shootings. Get it right before you start spouting your left-wing "The sky is falling" crap in an effort to pull at people's heartstrings over a topic that you know nothing about. This is a typical liberal approach and it's ruining this country.

Read more at: Dems running for Senate trade barbs over gun control I didn't read many barbs traded, but at least there's a realistic difference between them on this issue.

Gov Chester's driver owns the road

Apparently Gov Chester's driver doesn't like to be flipped the bird:

He [Ed Allen] and his family were driving along 22nd Street in West Des Moines Sunday afternoon. He said a black unmarked SUV tried to cut into his lane and nearly hit his car. The driver's wife flipped off the governor's driver and that's when the governor's SUV flipped on red and blue lights and began to follow the car south on 22nd, west on I-235 and eventually south on I-35, where the trooper allegedly tried to pull in front of the car and stop in the middle of the interstate.

Watching the video, it's apparent that our governor needs to shed a few pounds.

Read the rest of the story: Iowa Governor Involved In Traffic Stop Investigation and don't neglect the comments.

It's becoming obvious that our governor is growing (and not just his waist line) into more of a laughing stock. He's not having a good week.

Pleasant Hill meth-head officer fired

Via David Codrea at War on Guns

The city of Pleasant Hill Friday terminated a police officer who is accused of crashing his police squad car while high on methamphetamine. That's just one of several new developments in the case of Sgt. Daniel Edwards.

Edwards also was charged with burglary, a Class D felony. Late Friday afternoon, authorities confirmed that the burglary charge was filed because there is probable cause Sgt. Edwards stole meth from the Pleasant Hill evidence room.

Pleasant Hill Officer Fired Following Burglary Charge

Here in Iowa, this is the fourth officer in a week that's been either convicted or charged with various crimes. Does this make it a rash or a spate?

Des Moines officer pleads guilty

There must be a rash of this kind of thing going around:

A fired Des Moines police officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his squad car has pleaded guilty to charges in the case.

The trial for 35-year-old Maynard Richardson was to begin on Monday in Polk County District Court in Des Moines.

He pleaded guilty to non-felonious misconduct in office and false imprisonment on Friday. The charges aggravated misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison. Prosecutors dropped a felony charge of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse in exchange for his plea.

Des Moines police officer pleads guilty to assault

No felony conviction, so he can have a gun again.

All because of a donut

Derrick Roberts, 23, of Chicago is accused of attempted murder and other charges as a result of his actions for feeling "disrespected":

Roberts is charged with attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon and willful injury causing serious injury. He is accused of shooting Delores Smith, 50, of Cedar Rapids, May 2, 2009 while she was in a parked van in the 1200 block of Third Avenue SE. Smith was seriously injured in the shooting.

This case is about the choices Derrick Roberts made last year when he felt disrespected after being hit by a powdered sugar donut and decided to take revenge, Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns said in his opening statement.

All because of a donut.

Read more at: Chicago shooter sought retaliation after being hit by donut

The gun range loophole

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel piles it on Badger Guns in their latest sky-is-falling, panties-filled-with-excrement hit piece:

Juan Cardona-Marquez can't legally buy a gun. He can't shoot one. He can't even touch one without committing a crime.

So how was it that the 22-year-old Milwaukee man - who threatened his girlfriend and was later charged with armed robbery and a string of burglaries - was able to rent a .45-caliber Glock handgun from Badger Guns and practice his aim on the store's shooting range?

The answer lies in a little-known quirk of federal gun laws.

Gun stores must check the criminal background of anyone buying a gun. But no check is required if someone rents a gun to use on the store's shooting range. In fact, a background check is not even allowed for rentals.

No background check needed to fire gun on range

Via David Codrea's Newest Threat to Western Civilization!

Grassley not revealing views on Kagan

The Des Moines Register subtle criticism of our senior senator:

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley's vote against Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court last year will be seen as the exception in almost 30 years of support for high court picks if he votes to confirm Elena Kagan this year.

If he doesn't, the no vote would be the Republican lawmaker's second straight Supreme Court rejection, and a signal that his long-held deference to a president's nominees has ebbed.

Grassley has said a power play by Democrats in the Senate during George W. Bush's administration altered somewhat his approach, although he said it is premature to say how he will vote on Kagan.

Grassley vote will signal his approach to court picks

Sex, lies and incompetence

Last week it was Van Meter police chief fired, this week it was Fort Madison's turn:

Thursday saw day two of an expected three-day hearing on [William] Bowker's appeal of his termination. He is claiming it was not because he slept on the job, or he used the Internet to browse singles' sites. The former officer insists the firing was because he had an affair with Niggemeyer's estranged wife, Christine.

That would be Fort Madison's Police Chief Bruce Niggemeyer's wife. Officer Bowker apparently could only fool the chief as other members of the Lee County Narcotics Task Force control board voted to terminate Bowker. Of course it wasn't the poor officer's incompetence, laziness and stupidity (cruising the internet at work).

No, it was retaliation.

Read the sordid affair at: F.M. police chief testifies about affair

Iowa Dem Senate candidates speak

The Des Moines Register printed an issues statement for the Iowa Democrat candidates for US Senate. Details distinguish Iowa Democrats in U.S. Senate race

To create jobs, the federal government should use targeted tax breaks to aid small businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and new industries, Roxanne Conlin says.

Spend federal tax money on construction work on sewers, water treatment, the electrical grid, roads, mass transit and other projects to create jobs, Tom Fiegen says.

Scotch heavy outsourcing of jobs to Mexico and Asia, Bob Krause says.

The three Democratic candidates who hope to bump Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley from his 30-year seat in the U.S. Senate share similar views on most issues.

I'm not sure why we would send scotch to Mexico in place of any other adult beverage, but maybe Krause is on to something.

Most of their views were similar. All meat for the liberals in the state.

Some ideas to point out from the candidate Fiegan:

National defense - Fiegen thinks Israel and Mexico pose the biggest threat. Israel? Really?

Healthare - Fiegen said: "Devote more focus and resources on wellness. Reduce the reimbursement to some specialties, like cardiology." Going to let grandma die of a heart attack, eh?

Immigration - Fiegen wants to require a bio-security card for all workers seeking U.S. entry. After that, everyone gets chipped?

Looking at the gun laws in the country:

Conlin would close the "gun show loophole," which allows the sale of guns without a background check. She would require waiting periods to make sure that those with mental illnesses and criminal records can't obtain guns.

Conlin would also reinstate the ban on assault weapons, but said she realizes the definition of assault weapon may need refinement.

Fiegen questions importing "junk firearms" from China, but otherwise neither he nor Krause suggested any changes to federal gun laws.

Conlin wants to make it harder for citizens to get a firearm and end private sales. Would her definition of an "assault weapon" include a Ruger 10/22 since it can hold a magazine greater than 10 rounds? We don't know what her "refinements" would include.

We also don't know what junk firearms Feigen was referring to. I've handled a few Norincos and have been satisfied with them. I've handled some cheap crap produced by manufacturers in the states and I wouldn't put a round through them. I'm assuming any AK variant is what he's talking about.

For more candidate views on the issues that the Register is interested in, go to Details distinguish Iowa Democrats in U.S. Senate race

So in celebration of these candidates views, I'll go out to purchase a Norinco in a private sale (bonus if at a gun show), fire off a few rounds, and then have a scotch on the rocks after getting back from the range.

Kudos to the Register for providing these ideas.

From beyond the grave

Regarding my previous post about the "grave robbers", Karl over at Rifleman's Journal lead me to this opinion piece: An Interesting Head Case which led me to the yahoo news and brought out a few more details of this case.

Apparently the family wanted the money back. Bad form, people.

When he [Orville Richardson] died in February 2009, Richardson's brother and sister buried him instead, having told him earlier that they would have nothing to do with his plan, court records show.

Alcor learned of Richardson's death two months afterward, when his brother, David Richardson, asked the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company to refund the money already paid.

Iowa court: Exhume body so head can be frozen

This is clearly a breach of contract and the family should have honored Mr. Richardson's decision to freeze his own head. One honors their loved ones by abiding by their decisions (within the bounds of law and morality) after they are gone no matter how personally the family feels about such decisions.

From a practical point of view, I think this case is moot after 15 months of the body being in the ground, there would be no hope of re-animation in the future. From Alcor's website:

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation is the world leader in cryonics, cryonics research, and cryonics technology. Cryonics is the science of using ultra-cold temperature to preserve human life with the intent of restoring good health when technology becomes available to do so. Alcor is a non-profit organization located in Scottsdale, Arizona, founded in 1972.

Alcor Life Extension Foundation

I doubt very much that Mr. Richardson could be restored to any sort of "good health".

I think the courts should have split the difference and let Alcor keep the money and the family keep Orville.

In the end, I don't think this will end up a money making deal for Alcor, with court costs, exhuming the body, etc. Although with the ruling it could end up the family forks over some expenses.

The family should have honored the man's wishes and shame on them for not doing so. The only winners in all of this are the lawyers.

An agenda to push, a poll to manipulate

Kurt Hofmann shines the light on a polling firm that is open about creating a desired result set. According to their "study" commissioned by the Brady Campaign

“We found strong negative reactions to more guns in public - both carried openly and concealed - among many key voting blocks, and stronger-than expected concerns about some of these policies among gun owners,” said Celinda Lake, President of Lake Research Partners.

Except Kurt searched Lake Research Partners and found their "advocacy statement":

We have a strong client screen built upon our core values, working only for pro-choice candidates, clients with whom our labor friends can work, and good corporate citizens. Check our competitors’ client lists – you’ll find many cannot say the same.

Sounds like they have an agenda to push for.

Read more at Dubious, agenda-driven 'poll' says women prefer mandated defenselessness

Grave robbers hit Iowa cemetery

Not yet, but they will with this ruling:

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Court of Appeals has ordered the siblings of a man who died more than a year ago to exhume his body so his head can be cut off and cryogenically frozen.

The court sided with Alcor Life Extension Foundation, which sought to dig up the remains of 81-year-old Orville Richardson.

The man had signed a contract with Alcor to have his head placed in cryonic suspension. When he died in February 2009, his brother and sister buried him.

Alcor sued to exhume Richardson's body but a district court judge ruled against it. The company appealed, and the appeals court said Alcor was entitled to the remains.

Richardson's sister, Darlene Broeker, declined to comment. Attorneys in the case did not immediately return telephone messages Friday.

Iowa court orders man's siblings to exhume his body so head can be cut off and frozen

I ask: What is the point? The guy is dead and cannot hope to be reanimated. Taking the embalmed head serves what purpose?

No Incumbents

Using the historical analogy of the phalanx, Borepatch compares the Roman legions' defeat of that particular war model with the modern day tea party/vote-the-bums-out objectives of today's voter block.

People are talking about 100 Democratic seats being lost this November. I for one will consider this a failure if 20 Republicans are not also turned out into the street. I want Congress terrified of us, more terrified of us than tempted by their old comfortable ways. I want them thinking on their future.

The Machine Crumbles

There's an old Roman saying that applies here: Oderint, dum metuant. Let them hate, so long as they fear.

Sweep the Congress clean, Clean out the Statehouses - No Incumbents.

Van Meter police chief fired

The town of Van Meter fired its police chief last night after he received a couple weeks of paid vacation (administrative leave).

Embattled Van Meter Police Chief Michael Merritt has been fired for misconduct, according to a news release issued by the city.

Merritt was terminated last night during a special meeting held by the Van Meter City Council.

Merritt has been charged with felonious misconduct in office and insurance fraud. Both are Class D felonies carrying prison terms of up to five years on both charges.

Van Meter police chief fired

Earlier post here Van Meter chief charged

(Photo from Des Moines Register)

Workers caught accessing Obama's records

Nine Coralville workers accused of accessing Obama’s student loan records

The nine Iowa City-area Vangent employees accused of illegally accessing President Obama’s student loan records were all fired last year, a spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Vangent is a call center, located at 2450 Oakdale Blvd. in Coralville. handling incoming calls for various agencies, including financial aid applications for the U.S. Department of Education. The forms contain confidential financial and family information.

Federal authorities have not said why the nine sought access to the president’s student loan records or if the information was used in any way.

The article goes on to list the voter registrations of the accused (like that makes any difference.) Considering one of the prerequisites for residency in Johnson county is to be a member of the Socialist Party or near enough to it.

IT Security foiled by some employee writing down passwords to databases on a sticky-note.

Damn you 3M! It's all your fault.

Guns and schools (again)

The High School & Scholastic Clay Target Program (part of the Iowa Games) have events scheduled for this Saturday

This new event will be hosted on May 15 at six gun clubs across the state including the Palo Alto Gun Club at Sportsman’s Park, north of Cylinder, as well as at the Clinton Gun Club, DeWitt; the Stockdale Gun Club, Ackley; Tri-State Gun Club, Montrose; and Brownells Big Springs Shooting Complex, Searsboro.

The High School & School & Scholastic Clay Target Program is part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shooting sports. The program is a team-based clay target shooting program that is changing the lives of grade, middle, and high school students nation-wide and in Iowa.

The Emmetsburg High School Trap Shooting Team was formed the first week of May and competed last Saturday finishing third out of twelve teams.

Read more of their success at Scholastic Clays To Be Shot At Sportsmans Park This Saturday

It looks like more schools across the state are forming shooting teams. Unfortunately our high school was not one of them. Hmmm.

David Codrea at the Second Amendment March

I didn't get a chance to go but now have the opportunity to hear David's speech. He described his day at Peaceful pro-gun rallies: A firsthand account

Part One



Part Two



Read more of David's articles at Gun Rights Examiner and his blog: War on Guns

A sheriff on both sides of the fence

Allamakee County Sheriff Tim Heiderscheit comes down on both sides of the gun debate in statements attributed to him at Allamakee County Sheriff expresses concerns with Iowa's new concealed weapon permit law. After the recent passage of the concealed carry bill, he concluded there wasn't enough gun control laws in his county:

...at the suggestion of and with the support of the mayors and police chiefs of all Allamakee County municipalities, to propose a county ordinance banning concealed weapons in establishments that serve alcohol, a control that was in place in Allamakee County prior to the recent legislation, when each county sheriff established his own county’s guidelines for issuing permits.

Aparently he placed this restriction on permit carriers from his county. Interestingly enough, other permit holders without restrictions could have carried into bars but not those from his county.

“Due to public safety concerns, the mayors from all towns in Allamakee County, along with their police chiefs, requested the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors explore a county-wide ordinance prohibiting concealed weapons in establishments that serve alcohol within Allamakee County,” Sheriff Heiderscheit explained. “Due to the fact that mayors and police chiefs are charged with providing public safety for their communities, I believe their request should be examined. Unlike a Federal or State law, a local ordinance must be read three times and all objections or supporters heard.”

Didn't C. S. Lewis say something about "tyranny of good intentions"?

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity (desire) may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."

But I digress.

Notwithstanding that the new laws forbids carrying concealed while legally under the influence, Allamakee county wishes it to go further. In other words, if you're in a bar, you don't need to be protected. You're on your own.

And then they have the whole preemption law to deal with. This would end up in the courts for years.

The good sheriff does make a couple of valuable observations:

It is ironic that the majority of the no votes pertaining to this bill came from counties like Johnson [County].

No mention that Johnson County is the lefty-liberal mecca of Iowa and there's no way in hell they would support individual freedoms like carrying a gun for self defense. Which is why they got away with years of rejecting permits for ordinary serfs that resided in the county.

“When I asked our representatives why they do not recognize concealed weapon permits at the State Capitol and if they would push to change the policy with implementation of the new law, they both replied ‘no’, citing the fact that they are elected officials and it could create a dangerous work environment,” the sheriff remarked. “I believe this to be a great example of hypocrisy."

An excellent point making mention of this.

But this whole thing fell apart on this:

And one final argument echoing throughout the passage of this new legislation relied heavily on referencing the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution - the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, but Sheriff Heiderscheit has a different view on that reasoning. “You do not need a permit if it is a constitutional right,” he viewed. “We do not issue permits for free speech nor do we issue our local newspaper a permit for freedom of the press. A permit is permission, and you don’t need that for a true Constitutional Amendment.”

The only conclusion I can come up with is that the good sheriff doesn't agree that bearing arms is a right. Unless the reporter butchered the sheriff's interview.

Chalk this up to "I believe in the Second Amendment, but..."

It's the end of the world as we know it...

I've always been warned that Bill Gates planned to take over the world, now there's proof:

The first trials of controversial sunshielding technology are being planned after the United Nations failed to secure agreement on cutting greenhouse gases.

Bill Gates, the Microsoft billionaire, is funding research into machines to suck up ten tonnes of seawater every second and spray it upwards. This would seed vast banks of white clouds to reflect the Sun’s rays away from Earth.

Bill Gates pays for ‘artificial’ clouds to beat greenhouse gases

From over at Borepatch: What could possibly go wrong?



Makes "The Blue Screen of Death" mean something else entirely.

Guns and schools can mix part II

A couple of high school boys decide to start a Pheasants Forever chapter at a local school and where's the outrage?

Two Kingsley-Pierson high schoolers put their heads together and started a Pheasants Forever youth chapter.

Senior Dustin Slota and junior Matt Steffen signed a charter last week establishing a youth chapter of Pheasants Forever, which joins 105 adult chapters in Iowa.

The high school chapter is only the second of its kind in the nation -- the first was established last year by an Oskaloosa [Iowa] student.

Teens' Pheasants Forever youth chapter second in nation

As I posted Guns and schools can mix, some schools understand the importance of firearms in society and are not joining the hoplophobes. They are actually encouraging firearms through conservation and competition.

Sounds like they are off to a good start with the right focus:

"One of the bigger things is teaching them gun safety and how to be around guns," Matt said.

Dustin said gun safety is the No. 1 key kids need to learn when handling firearms.

"We feel very strongly about gun safety," he said.

The Professor

An unconventional professor in the Socialist Republic of Johnson County:

For nearly four decades, Rabbi Jay Holstein has been one of the University of Iowa's most popular professors. With a foul mouth, a raunchy sense of humor, and a piercing brilliance, Holstein uses massive 500-student lectures to turn inside-out the most fundamental assumptions on topics as divergent as sex, suicide, and the Holocaust. His courses, including "Quest for Human Destiny," have become the stuff of campus legend, and between firing a Glock and running 10 miles per day, the 69-year-old Holstein spends his office hours wrestling with students over animal experimentation, alcohol use, and homosexuality.

"You know that picture of the Israeli soldiers with guns? I love that--the sight of Jews with guns is very pleasing to me." - Rabbi Jay Holstein

The Work Series

Movin' on up...

Karl over at Rifleman's Journal is moving up in the ranks.

#74 Nationally, #6 in the West and #1 in Oregon The CMP National Garand, Springfield, and Vintage Military Ranking

Congratulations are in order.

College bound

Not me, but #1 son.

After going through the Federal aid application process (a requirement everywhere he applied before they talked about how much things cost), we found out we qualified for - nothing. Not one red cent.

Oh sure, we could get loans, but who wants to borrow a ton of money and be saddled with a huge debt before landing a job. After the college loan system was taken over after the health care bill passed, this gave me another reason for not participating. The alternatives were pointing to the local community college for a couple of years and then transfer on.

A gnawing about this whole federal grant system continued: was I bitter for not qualifying for money or should I have even been asking for anything in the first place. What's ironic is that my taxes will help support some other schmuck's kid through college and I still have to pay for my own kid. Hmmm...

This past week we were informed of the first scholarship that he's earned. $7,000 for each of his first two years. $14,000 for an essay. Not bad wages for a few hours work. We should know in a couple of weeks regarding a half dozen other scholarships and he's got several others that are due in the coming months to work on. I think we can scrape up enough to get him through and have faith that the money will be there when we need it.

Looks like he's going to University of Northern Iowa

That's the second bit of good news we had this week for the kid.

Stranded's Mother's Day special

From Michael Graham, a radio talk show host in Boston, is the author of "That's No Angry Mob—That's My MOM!" (Regnery, 2010):

If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. And if you've been to a tea party, you know Momma ain't happy at all.

Forget "angry white men." In the male-dominated world of conservative politics, the tea party stands out as a movement of energized and organized women. In particular, moms.

Moms to the Barricades
'The tea parties are an extension of our need to protect the future for our children.'

Via Green Mountains Homesteading with a very patriotic mother displaying the flag.

Obama's FCC set to regulate the internet

A federal appeals court ruled last month that the Federal Communications Commission lacks the authority to regulate the Internet. No worries, mate. This week the Obama Administration chose to "reclassify" the Internet so it can regulate the Web anyway. This crowd is nothing if not legally creative.

Julius Caesar of the Internet

This administration ignores a court ruling that it doesn't like and then changes the rules to allow them to do what they want. No word in the article about public hearings, which I thought were required by agencies that set regulations. They aren't supposed to make laws, right?

Arbitrary rules and regulations based on a "we can do as we please" attitude and you get something that we dare not say.

That word would be tyranny.

Tale of two headlines

‘No Party’ leads among Iowa voter registrations

Democrats maintain lead in party registration

Although both articles site different numbers, the truth is that "No Party" leads the voter registration. Find the state's numbers at Iowa voter registration

So why the misleading headline?

Iowa DNR gun auction June 2010

DES MOINES - The Iowa DNR will hold an auction on June 12, at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The gates open at 9 a.m. when the public may view the items for sale and the auction will begin around 10 a.m.

More details at 2010 DNR Sale Set for June 12

Please save these guns from a future of crime.

I say this because these are guns confiscated as a result of some illegal behavior.

I've rescued a few guns at these sales in the past and I feel it's my duty to rehabilitate these wayward inanimate objects. (And get a bargain once in a while).

Janesville gets it right

The Bremer County Sheriff’s Office says it has arrested 43-year-old David Francis Flood and charged him with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

The sheriff’s office says the arrest came during an investigation into a March 27 incident where Flood was driving a City of Janesville fire truck. That rescue vehicle was involved in a one-vehicle accident.

It’s not clear if Flood was driving the truck to a fire call at the time of the accident.

Calls to the fire chief’s house and the Janesville City Attorney have not been returned.

Janesville firefighter wrecks fire truck, charged with drunk driving

At least this clown is arrested instead of being placed on "administrative leave" like a fire chief from Carlisle.

Why did it take almost six weeks to come to this conclusion?

Fire Chief drunk on duty

CARLISLE, Iowa (AP) — According to a police report, Carlisle Fire Chief Scott Burger appeared to be drunk when he responded last week to a 911 call from a man whose wife was going into diabetic shock.

According to the report, a Carlisle police officer who confronted Burger after the incident said Burger admitted to violating department policy by drinking two beers while on duty.

It also says a breath sample indicated that Burger's blood alcohol was almost twice the legal limit.

Officers who were at the scene said Burger did not seem to be helping the woman effectively.

Burger, who has been placed on administrative leave, has not commented on the incident.

Police report says Carlisle fire chief was drunk on duty

Two beers and he's twice the legal limit (to drive)? What does he weigh, 80 pounds?

Why was this clown not arrested by the officers on the scene?

Sam's mom has a new acquisition

Sam's mom purchases a new Walther PK380 on May 1st and gives it some range time in celebration of Governor Chester signing our new concealed carry law.

From Sam's comments about her "go to" gun being a .45, this is one lady that no one should mess with.

What's Bea been up to

Teacher can't get a job

During "horseplay" a teacher breaks the wrist of a student in gym class. The teacher is suspended, disciplined and now finds it tough to get another phys ed job.

A former Clinton teacher who broke a 13-year-old boy’s wrist in physical education class wants state licensing officials to seal his discipline record because he says it has hurt his ability to land a new job.

And he wants his records sealed so no one finds out about his harming a child.

It has “significantly impaired” Gonzales’ ability to get a job, his request to the examiners board said.

I should hope so.

Teacher wants discipline record sealed

Aaron Zelman letter to Ted Nugent

Aaron Zelman of JPFO issued a open letter to Ted Nugent. AN OPEN LETTER TO TED NUGENT: "THE DAY I’LL JOIN THE NRA" Mr Zelman asks several "reforms" of the NRA before he would join. Like #2:

NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…

2. When the NRA aggressively presses to abolish all concealed carry permit laws. How has an unalienable right to self defense been demoted to a revocable government granted privilege? Unregistered concealed carry has been no big issue in both Alaska and Vermont for decades. Arizona just passed unregistered concealed legislation. It’s time for the NRA to start swimming strongly with this tide.

Yeah, he's a purist. Along with thousands of others in this state that wanted to abolish the permit process.

With our sour-grapes we can hang our heads. But as commenter "Paladin" wrote at Ammoland:

...the time is NOW for all these organizations to join together and begin the hard work of repealing ALL GUN CONTROL LAWS that affect law-abiding (I prefer peaceable) citizens. The only laws that should be on the books pertaining to firearms should be those that deal with the use of a firearm in commission of a crime. The Gun Control Act of 1968 and any vestiges left of the National Firearms Act of 1934 should be repealed! (emphasis mine) Ammoland Open Letter to Ted Nugent

And I agree with him.

Iowa Senator Steve Kettering calls law a "compromise"

Iowa Senator Steve Kettering agrees with me that the new Iowa carry law is a compromise. Listen here Iowa Senator Steve Kettering says new gun law may change in future

The senator also agrees with commenter SeanM that he believes that the law will be tweaked in the future.

Carroll, Iowa -- Governor Chet Culver signed a new gun bill into law last week that changed Iowa to a “shall issue state”. Senator Steve Kettering says he’s been lobbied by people on both sides of the issue so they must of gotten it close to being right.

Kettering says he thinks it will be tweaked in the years ahead.

Kettering reveals the reality of politics in Iowa, damned when you do and damned when you don't.

Let's hope those tweaks are for the better.

Oklahoma "cowards"

In Oklahoma, everyone who openly carries a firearms is a coward. At least that's what a state representative said. Because he doesn't want to allow citizens to carry openly.

Rep. Glen Bud Smithson, a former state trooper, questioned the need to allow people to openly carry their handguns.

"Most people who are confident in themselves don’t need to strut down the street showing everybody their gun,” said Smithson, D-Sallisaw. "Why do they need to show everybody their gun? Because most of them are cowards.” Open carry-weapon bill draws Oklahoma House approval

So would that include law enforcement officers who "strut down the street showing everybody their gun"? He used to be one.

Would there be some projection going on here?

Unintended Consequences, or is it?

David Codrea writes of the circumstances of a older woman who is treated the same as some young punk beating his girl friend. Does grandma slapping unruly teen warrant lifetime ban on guns?

Thing is, if convicted of domestic violence, Mrs. Collier will join the ranks of "prohibited persons," forbidden by that law to so much as touch a gun.

Perhaps the Bradys could explain how rendering this frail little lady defenseless serves the interests of public safety? Of justice? Of basic human decency? Can anyone seriously imagine her standing a chance against a young male intruder with a little "domestic" violence on his mind?

A very good question that will surely be left unanswered.

Congressman Boswell honored

Congressman Leonard Boswell, Democrat from the 3rd district of Iowa (my congressman) was inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame. I did not know that Boswell earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in Vietnam.

I don't think much of him as a congressman, but well done, sir.

Fort Leavenworth adding congressman, World War II hero to its Hall of Fame

Intimidate much?

Pennsylvania's new advertising intended for taxpayers who are a little behind in getting their checks in.



Please tell me what the difference is between the state tax collector and two thugs showing up at your home or place of business to break your legs?

What the state does is legal.

At Pennsylvania Tax Payers Are “Subjects” Of The State

Via Green Mountains Homesteading

Second Badger Guns suicide

MILWAUKEE -- Police say another man has killed himself at a shooting range in West Milwaukee, the second suicide at Badger Guns in less than a week.

Police told the Journal Sentinel that in both cases the victims shot themselves with firearms they rented at the range.

In the latest case, West Milwaukee police Lt. Robert Bennett said police were called to the range at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and found a 50-year-old man dead of a self-inflicted wound.

The first man shot himself on the Badger Guns range on Tuesday.

A call to the business Sunday indicated that it was closed.

Shooting range reports 2nd suicide

What's going on up there?

Previous post: Badger Guns suicide

More details on both suicides at Second suicide in a week occurs at Badger Guns

Kurt Hofmann's insurrectionist history lesson

For the sake of this discussion, let's forget the rather obvious fact that this nation was born through the "insurrectionist idea," and that the Founding Fathers were none too shy about "refreshing the tree of liberty" when necessary. Never mind those "old, dead, white guys"--we're now to think of ourselves as having become much more sophisticated and "progressive" in the centuries since the Founding Era.

Kurt Hofmann takes Josh Horwitz, of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) and Brady Campaign's Dennis Henigan to task regarding the reason for the Second Amendment - to resist tyranny. Seems like their interpretation doesn't jive with history and Kurt was kind enough to point it out at Resisting tyranny: Neither a new idea, nor an invention of the 'gun lobby'

Guns and schools can mix

On Saturday nearly 400 high school students competed for a state title in the high school state trap shoot.

The Cedar Falls Gun Club hosted the 25th annual high school state trap shoot on a very windy afternoon, as students representing 34 schools came out and gave it their best shot Saturday.

Maquoketa High School walked away with the team title, scoring 224 kills.

State trapshoot continues to flourish

High school kids with guns and no one was hurt or killed? Who would have thought?

Congratulations to Maquoketa and to the boys and girls champions on their titles in this co-ed competition.

The country's longest running talk show

The Sportsman's Notebook on Sundays from Noon to 1 pm Central time on WHO radio in Des Moines.

Currently hosted by Keith Kirkpatrick who spoke about his college days at the University of Iowa in the late 40's and 50's

“I even had my shotgun with me at Iowa,” he said. “I wrote a story about my fiancée and me and another couple going pheasant hunting and got an A-minus. It was the best grade I ever got in college. My professor called me in and asked, ‘Is this true?’ I said, ‘Yes it is,’ and he asked, ‘Do you own a shotgun?’ and I said, ‘It’s out in the trunk of my car do you want to see it?’ Then he asked me, ‘Do you think an outdoor magazine editor would buy a hunting story with women in it?’ My, how times have changed.”

Talking about the great outdoors: Kirkpatrick going strong as host of the nation’s longest-running radio talk show

The times have indeed changed.

Badger Guns suicide

I've been following Badger Guns for a while now and caught this from a few days ago:

WITI-TV, WEST MILWAUKEE - The West Milwaukee Police Department is investigating a shooting death at Badger Gun. Investigators say a man was using the gun range when he was shot.

Police don't believe there was any foul play involved in this shooting. West Milwaukee Police Chief Dennis Nasci says, "It is not a suspicious death. We're investigating it as an accident of sorts, but we can't make a call on it until we get the medical investigator on scene."

Police say they're reviewing surveillance video from inside the shooting range.

The Medical Examiners office says initial reports indicate a possible suicide.

West Milwaukee Police investigate suspected suicide at Badger Guns

And Man Shot, Killed at Badger Guns

No indication of the person and I searched for more details but came up blank. I didn't do this for morbid reasons, but Badger Guns is a news item that Kurt Hofmann at Armed and Safe - Badger Guns and I have looked at for a while.

Our thoughts and prayers are with this victim's family.

This comes on the same day that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gave another swipe at Badgers because the straw purchase bill died in the Wisconsin Legislature. Not every bill became state law

State29 on anti-immigration legislation protestation

State29 gives us a look into The Des Moines register love-fest with illegal slave labor in Iowa. As well as a look into history of Iowa politicians and their tendencies to favor the illegals coming over the boarder.

The far left has a very tiny playbook. Whether it's the anti-tax, anti-big government, anti-bailout, anti-$2 trillion deficit TEA Party crowd or whether it's amnesty and government bennies for criminal illegal aliens, if you oppose them they will brand you as XENOPHOBIC or RACIST or BIGOTED. Does The Des Moines Register Know What Article IV Section 4 Of The Constitution Says?

Which states:

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Here is a group of people being exploited because they are poor in a foreign land and willing to work hard on the cheap. (There is a criminal element here but we have criminal citizens, too). He refers to them as "political slaves.

I can't begrudge anyone wanting to come here for a job or for freedom. I'd like all freedom loving people to come and stay here.

We should be a doing a better job of exporting that freedom to other countries so that citizens can start their own "shining city on a hill" in wherever they live. Not because "they need to go back where they came from" but because every person on this earth is born with certain unalienable rights.

Just because a government denies those rights, doesn't mean they don't have those rights.

Housecleaning

Up most of the night dealing with tech issues at work and then with people this morning - ugh.

I deleted a post earlier that just wasn't working with an animated gif. Nothing remarkable as I was just trying to share the humor. IT humor.

I know it's considered a sin by purists but it just wasn't working right, so I got rid of it. I found the answer and may look at it later - or not.

Please forgive me. Or not.

2nd Amendment quotes

From sheriffs in SE Iowa Sheriffs: Weapons law threatens safety:

(Referring to the new law) "I still think it's one of the dumbest things they've ever done," said Lee County Sheriff Buck Jones, noting no one knows their jurisdiction better than the local sheriff.

Jones said unless an applicant fails the standard requirements under the new law, then "I think we're going to end up having to give (permits) to anybody who wants one."

I guess Jones has other rights he would rather you not exercise in his county, just because you want to.

Des Moines County Sheriff Mike Johnstone, a vocal opponent of the bill, has said the matter should have remained under local control.

"I'm all for Second Amendment rights, I have no problem with that," Johnstone said. "But when you literally take all discretion away, there will be people who will be carrying who should not be. We won't have the adequate ability to prevent someone who is mentally ill from getting a permit."

From a sheriff who hasn't read the law. All they have to do is give a documented reason and no permit. The "because I say so" won't be a valid reason. Oh and then there's that "but" again.

And ending with this gem:

"What this does, it allows someone to carry a .44 magnum into a Walmart at two o'clock in the afternoon, and there's nothing I can say about it," Johnstone said. "There's no way I can screen these people, unless I can prove they have a record or something else."

What this idiot doesn't realize after using his "Dirty Harry" reference (ha ha) is that he has no "say about it" now. If someone wants to walk around with a firearm concealed, they can do that now. Not much he can say about that. Happens all the time.

Some people carry without a permit and no crime, no negligent discharge, no one hurt or dead. Some people carry and bad things happen.

This is what a free society is all about. Not allowing our "betters" in political positions rule over us. Losing a little power apparently is a bad thing to some of them.

Looking at the lobbyist declarations for SF2739 there is nothing from the ACLU.

Sheriff's don't like the new carry law

Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald said Iowa sheriffs know people in their counties who have histories of bad behavior, even if they've never been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them.

"We know individuals who may have an assaultive [sic] or abusive relationship in their family," Fitzgerald said. "Just because an individual has never been convicted in court doesn't mean this abusive relationship doesn't exist."

Culver signs law to unify gun permits, but sheriffs dubious

Either this guy is being disingenuous or he hasn't read the law (which should disqualify him for the office of sheriff). The law states that a applicant can be denied if the sheriff thinks they might commit a crime in the future or are a danger to themselves or others. (Section 724.8 paragraph 3 - SF2379)

And this is where I think a lot of denials will be placed and possibly upheld on appeal. "The sheriff thinks you might be a danger."

"Now if we deny somebody, for whatever reason, we have to give a detailed explanation," he said. "If someone doesn't know they're under investigation, I'm going to have to grant the permit."

He has a valid point here, I believe. But then he throws out this:

If sheriffs write an invalid reason just to stall the gun permit, "we'll lose in the appeal and the person will get the firearm anyway," Fitzgerald said.

So this sheriff implies that he would act in a dubious manner to deny someone a permit. In one amendment to this bill, penalties would have been enacted against this guy if he tried that, but it failed.

Iowans no longer need to justify why they feel the need to carry a weapon that could be used with deadly force, Emmet County Sheriff Mike Martens said.

"Instead of 'Why do you need it?' It's 'Why can't I have it?' " Martens said.

Currently in some counties stating a "personal protection" need would be a disqualifier, while in others, would get you right in. Uniformity in the law is a good thing.

But it all falls back to asking permission and then qualifying for a right.