The rush is on

Rush Is On For 'Shall Issue' Gun Permits

Officer Friendly gives his advice on the new gun law

Dubuque Police On New Iowa Gun Law

Basically:

Don't show it.

If you meet one of them, tell them you're armed.

Always carry your permit.

Know the laws of the Iowa and other states you may be traveling to.

Get training.

And just in case you want to carry on city and county property?

Dubuque's City Manager, City Attorney, and Police Chief are reviewing options to determine if a policy/ordinance recommendation will be made to the City Council regarding permit holders carrying weapons in City buildings.

Guns, scaring the bejeezus out of people since 1375*

Dee Crowner, North Liberty Community Library Director, said she would like to see the library, the community center it is housed in and, in fact, all public buildings exempt from the law. The community center and library are routinely packed with children, she said.

“It kind of scares the bejeezus out of us, but we are a city department, not an antonymous library, so we will go with whatever the city decides,” Crowner said

Libraries, cities, banks examining options with new gun law

*Gun History dates. Someone could find another date, my point is only that it's been for a very long time.

The debate, guns in courthouses

This time in Clinton county.

It seems that they had an actual debate regarding the value of a sign banning firearms at the courthouse.

You don't want to hurt someone's feelings

Dubuque Law Enforcement Asking for Gun Cooperation

Both the Dubuque Police and the Sheriff’s Departments are urging permit holders to conceal their weapons even though the law will soon no longer require that.

Dubuque County Sheriff Don Vrotsos is asking nicely.

Vrotsos said, “It will ease the feelings of the other citizens if they are not walking around in plain view with a handgun.”

Because sometimes feelings get in the way of facts and stuff, right?



And the report:

Not all Iowans are hoplophobes

Paul McConnell of Prairie City gives his opinion.

The new carry law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, simply provides a fair and consistent application process for all citizens throughout Iowa. Our state Legislature isn't caving in to the gun lobby; it's doing what is necessary to insure all Iowans are treated equally, regardless of the county in which they reside.

Stranded's Christmas wish

Whether you are a Mr Bean fan or not, please enjoy this clip I found. The jazz rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" starts at about 3:50 and one I always enjoy.



To all of my visitors, have a Merry Christmas and may God bless each and every one of you. It is my hope that God's grace be upon you and yours this Holiday season and in the year to come.

Thank you one and all.

Hoplophobes, Iowa's full of them

More hoplophobes from Des Moines.

This one owns a consulting company who's banner reads:

where our consulting services result in respectful and productive working environments!

I didn't read a lot of respect in his letter.

This guy's a clown. Literally he's Kevin Pokorny - Popek the Clown


I would hope this wouldn't be the position he holds while begging for mercy to an armed thug. Mr Pokorny seems like a nice guy who tries to do a lot of good for his community.

Telling others they have no right to defend themselves on publicly owned property?

Maybe he should stick to entertaining kids.

Bad judgment to carry guns

Bremer County Sheriff Duane Hildebrandt thoughts on carrying guns:

"I'm asking you to...write a sort of policy to discourage people from bringing (firearms) on county property," Hildebrandt told supervisors. "It's simply bad judgement[sic] to carry guns in some locations."

Notwithstanding current state law: 724.28 Prohibition of regulation by political subdivisions.

A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state. An ordinance regulating firearms in violation of this section existing on or after April 5, 1990, is void.

Sunday (not so) funnies, Gun Control special

Keokuk debates on gun ordinance

The Keokuk city council tabled a proposed ordinance that would have made it illegal to carry a weapon on city property.

On Thursday (12/16), the Keokuk City Council voted 5-4 to table a proposed ordinance that would prohibit anyone from carrying any offensive weapon as defined in the Iowa Code on several city properties, including City Hall, the municipal airport, public library and all city parks.

The proposal drafted by Mayor Tom Marion and City Attorney Steve Swan is in response to Iowa’s new law, which goes into effect next year, that will allow anyone to carry a firearm as long as they have obtained a permit from the county sheriff and have passed a course. However, firearms will not be allowed on school property.

How would this jive with current state law, 724.28 Prohibition of regulation by political subdivisions.?

A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state. An ordinance regulating firearms in violation of this section existing on or after April 5, 1990, is void.

The key words are possession and lawful transportation per Iowa code.

If passed, they would certainly open themselves up to lawsuits and the costs associated with that.

Hoplophobia, it's everywhere.

Multiple gun purchase requirement proposal

Kurt Hofmann is reporting the proposed change that the ATF wishes to implement on us. This change would require an FFL dealer to report a customer who purchases more than one long gun.

...the possibility that in addition to the 42-year-old requirement to report multiple handgun sales (as part of the Gun Control Act of 1968), multiple sales of long guns (rifles and shotguns, in other words) would now have to be reported.

Gun owners must speak up to stop long gun sales reporting requirementWhile it's supposed to be for those dealers along the Mexican border, is there any doubt that this would soon go nationwide?

They want to implement this rule by Jan 5th, and Kurt has the contact information so our voices can be heard. Others have suggested to contact our members of Congress and that's not a bad idea either. (Although Harkin would be a waste of time.)

Short sighted doctor knows better than you

A little pants wetting in Des Moines by a D.O., Legislature shouldn't cave in to gun lobby

He feels intimidated.

Carrying guns is dangerous.

The powerful gun lobby.

The changes in Iowa law was brought about more by the grass roots efforts of the citizens of this state than by the big, bad and scary NRA.

What would have this guy done if we had passed real Constitutional carry here?

I will agree that we need laws that make sense. But also laws that don't cave to fear.

UPDATE: A comment by an alert reader pointed out that D.O. is actually a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine not an Doctor of Ophthalmology (O.D.) Although an OD can also be a DO according to the MedicineNet article. A DO can practice family medicine as well as the psychiatric arts.

Thanks for pointing out my mistake, I should know better.

David E. Drake, D.O. is a practicing psychiatrist in Des Moines.

With all of his fear issues, maybe he should see a shrink.

On the list

I thought trace data was not supposed to be disclosed, but several articles have come out parroting this Washington Post article: Realco guns tied to 2,500 crimes in D.C. and Maryland

Ohio gun store No. 1 for traces; state shop No. 3

Badger Guns Makes Top Ten List For Guns Traced

Police Chief Flynn Upset At Badger Guns

But this article explains it:Badger Guns ranked sixth in national list for bad gun stores

The Brady Center to prevent gun violence listed what they call the top 10 crime gun dealers in America. Badger Guns was number six on that list with what the center called 1,700 guns traced back to crimes.

The source for this list was the Brady Center.

How did they get the data? Or did they just make it up?

As Badger Gun owner Adam Allan remarks:

Badger Gun owner Adam Allan tells TODAYSTMJ4 Reporter Charles Benson, "I dont know where they got those crooked numbers." He declined to go on camera because of pending lawsuits. But he did call back to tell us the number of traces this year was 110 not the hundreds suggested by the Post.

The people suing Badger Guns are coming up with these numbers. Again, the Bradys.

Trace data in and of itself, only means the authorities are trying to find where it came into the market. Having a trace on a gun, does not necessarily mean the firearm was used in a crime.

But several of these articles could lead the reader to equate a gun trace = illegal sale.

"Straw purchaser" charged

Federal Charges Filed Over Man's Gun Purchase

Authorities said Daniels falsely stated to Pawn & Gun Sales, a licensed firearms dealer, that he was the actual transferee or buyer of a pistol and that he was not acquiring it on behalf of another person.

The indictment said Daniels was purchasing the gun for Robert Sears. Police said Sears shot and killed his girlfriend, Carrie Russell, 24, and then later himself.

Violation of laws here: Straw purchasing, violation of protective order, person who has restraining order in possession of a firearm and probably a few others.

A victim has little chance against someone with murderous intent.

Missing out on the cash cow

No speed cameras for West Des Moines, councilmen say

But then more cameras for Ottumwa

$375,000 COPS Technology Grant to put security cameras in downtown Ottumwa.

NRA's agenda in Iowa

The NRA's agenda here in Iowa for the upcoming legislative session includes:

1. No permit needed to carry a gun

2. Prevent stricter gun laws in cities or counties

3. Use of deadly force without consequence

4. Right to bear arms (State Constitutional Amendment)

5. No confiscating guns in emergencies

6. Reform the new gun permit law

For details, go to NRA wants Legislature to loosen gun rules

Open carry caution

Something to think about come January 1st here in Iowa, David Codrea has an introduction to his Gun Rights column:

Despite the practice being “lawful” in many states (not to mention being a fundamental right), gun owners who openly carry firearms often place themselves in legal and physical jeopardy from police reactions.

The reactions of law enforcement officers and the public in general should be a consideration for those wishing to openly carry here in the state.

Iowa is treading into new territory and there are plenty of hoplophobes here that see a firearm and would call the authorities. Once police are involved, and an overzealous officer ("they’ll be face down in a snow bank in Iowa") or a nervous citizen, it then becomes an interesting day.

Dubuque gun permits in the news

Sunday (not so) funnies, 12/12/10

Iowa "Intelligence" Office audited

An office created to "pump up the exchange of safety intelligence information" was audited, where it was discovered that almost $67,000 was "misspent."

I think the word is stolen, but let's not quibble over semantics here.

According to the article, charges are not expected against the four who were employed by the Atlantic police department.

Another lawsuit against Badger Guns

This time by officers who had been shot.

Injured Milwaukee Police Officers Join Badger Guns Lawsuit

Sheriffs are afraid... of guns

"Some sheriffs didn't like people carrying concealed weapons, so they gave out very few permits," says Sioux County Sheriff Dan Altena.

But, now, they'll have no choice. January 1st If you have a clean background, you'll be qualified to carry handguns in the state of Iowa. It's a new law that's got some officials in concerned.

"I think that there are some Sheriff's [sic] that are very afraid, they don't have the right to say no when [sic] want to," says Sheriff Altena.

New laws may allow more Iowans to carry guns

The Sioux County sheriff seems to understand the fear mongering that has been going on throughout the state. Almost to the point that some would hope something goes wrong, that way the sheriffs could pile it on with the "I told you so" to the Iowa legislature.

Besides committing one of my pet peeves in the article (using "their" instead of the proper "there"), the title is a bit troublesome to me.

"Allow"? Really?

The only thing the new law "allows" are law-abiding citizens to go get permission to exercise a right. Does the law "allow" criminals to carry? No, there are laws on the books already for that.

Strike that. A piece of paper neither "allows" nor "prohibits" any action, but proscribes a threat of force if a member of society does not comply with the law. If one is unperturbed by the threat, then non-compliance is not an issue to them. (Just don't flout the law in Keokuk.) Actions (or non-actions) and consequences.

Only law-abiding citizens obviously comply with the law.

In a few weeks, Iowa will have a new method of legally exercising a right.

Keokuk is getting ready for the guns

I've posted before about the upcoming carry permit change in our state, chronicling the viewpoints of many anti-gun sheriffs and mayors. Here's more to add to the list: Keokuk and Lee county. With an opening line:

Keokuk police are planning for the worst and hoping for the best after the new open carry law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Sounds like prudent advice, but then we have lines like these from long-time County Attorney, Mike Short

Short said the community could face the type of scenario where “five weeks from now, someone walks into a business and they’re packing their shotgun and have their pistol at their side and wants to talk to the S.O.B. who” – fill in the blank.

You mean some dirtbag couldn't do that before the new law takes affect? I'm sure that's never happened before and somehow the new carry law will magically transform peaceable citizens into cold-hearted killers. I guess Short doesn't understand the current laws on the books (he doesn't) regarding menacing and threats of violence.

And remember, signs are powerful shields that prevent anyone from bringing a firearm into your business:

“If it’s posted not to (carry weapons), we will charge them for trespass,” Short said. “Bar owners are encouraged really strongly to take action (and post their establishments). If you call us and tell us someone is there with a weapon you’ll have a police response.”

Maybe he does understand what a "threat" means? And what kind of police response should one expect down there?

Keokuk police chief, Tom Crew (and his crew) have the answer:

“We’re going to have our hands full,” Crew said. “There’s no playbook, no handbook for this. We haven’t even seen what the permit is going to look like. It’s going to change how we do police work in Keokuk. If we stop someone who is carrying a weapon we’ll request a permit. If they don’t present it and we see a firearm in the vehicle, they’ll be face down in a snow bank in Iowa.”

Nice to know they employ threats of violence to keep us in line. Presumably with a heel grinding into the back of the head to let you know who's in charge.

Crew is actually saying what he thinks of the Second Amendment and citizens rights. You may have a right to keep and bear arms but only how he sees fit. Just having one in your possession will be met with force, you wouldn't need to use it in a threatening manner towards an officer. Have a gun and Johnny-Law will take you down.

And yea, I know "it's the law", but the law should be tempered with justice. At least that's how I was raised and with working with LEOs from years ago, they did too. But I guess that's my naive viewpoint of the world and how it should be.

What this cabal did was to inform the public that they have every reason to fear someone when they carry a gun.

A gun = threat.

Good job, public servants.

Death to the school bake sale

Over at State29:

Sieg Heil to the Food Nazi: Tom Harkin! The Brave New World is upon us. Hail Obama! Bow down to your Messiah!

Another intrusion into our lowly citizens' lives through better legislation. Thanks once again to Senator Tom Harkin.

Homeland Security Compiling TSA Enemies List

Report: Homeland Security Compiling TSA Enemies List

The secret memo was written “in response to the growing public backlash against enhanced TSA security screening procedures and the agents conducting the screening process,” explained the DHS document’s introductory paragraph. It was issued in the form of an “administrative directive” after high-level meetings between American “security” bosses like Janet Napolitano and TSA overlord John Pistole. And Obama apparently approved.

The memo reportedly labels opponents of the TSA’s heavy-handed groping, naked-body scanners, and other procedures as “domestic extremists.”

As David Codrea has often said, "They hate us because we're free."

Protest TSA, get labeled as a "terrorist threat" and your name gets put on a list. Remember the Brady bunch and members of Congress want to use that list to deny your right to arms.

Free speech ain't so free.

Sunday (not so) funnies, 12/5/10

The coming farm war

My reflections of the farming agitators of 80 years ago have to do with what current event?

Insurrection in Iowa? Iowa farm history lesson

Cedar County Cow War

Oh, IT'S ON!!

The current farm bill (S 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010) that passed the Senate with yes votes from both Harkin and Grassley, is currently in limbo because the Senate unconstitutionally added a "fee" to the bill and only appropriations can originate in the House.

Section 107 of the bill includes a set of fees that are classified as revenue raisers, which are technically taxes under the Constitution. According to a House GOP leadership aide, that section has ruffled the feathers of Ways and Means Committee Democrats, who are expected to use the blue slip process to block completion of the bill.

All window dressing to entertain us, I'm sure. It's got a real good chance of passing anyway.

Why do I say that? Because this bill would bring more power to the federal government to prevent "bad" food from entering the market. Like raw milk or free range chickens. This bill allows federal agents access to a farm's livestock, fields and fodder.

Bawb gave us the lowdown a while back

#1 All food production facilities in the United States will be required to register with the U.S. government. No food will be allowed to be grown, distributed or sold outside this bureaucratic framework unless the FDA allows it.

#2 Any food that is distributed or sold outside of U.S. government control will be considered illegal smuggling.

#3 The FDA will hire an army of new inspectors to enforce all of the new provisions in the bill.

See more of his warnings at The Cream Police

And what can a lowly peasant farmer do when agents come knocking to check if his cows have bovine disease du jour? I know the Senate added a provision to exempt small operators (define those) and the House is none too pleased.

Farm Holiday? Strikes? What lessons can we learn from our parents and grandparents who worked the fields by hand and not riding some $800,000 combine. (I'm okay with this, just making the point that there was a hell of a lot of toil and sweat in the fields years ago that ain't there now.) If we can repeat what they did right and avoid what they did wrong, maybe the farm can be saved.

But don't count on it, the bill has a good chance of passing when Ol' Senator Harkin has something up his sleeve after admitting the House has passed unconstitutional bills before.

Remember, we are all Kulaks now.

The government, the planners, the leaders who directed the robbery, even the government employees themselves "knew better than the peasants how they should live, and what they should sow and when they should plough."

Page 168, "Death by Gun Control", Zelman and Stevens

"Jim Ross Lightfoot" brings attention to lowly blog

Alternate title: Opportunistic blogger posts for more attention, receives hits by the tens.

I link to a couple of sites: Former congressman urges ATF oversight hearings

And: Former Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Lightfoot urges ATF oversight hearings

Apparently this is bringing attention to some:



A former congressman from my home state, who represented my district before Boswell took over after redistricting. According to his Wiki site and Lightfoot Strategies:

Lightfoot’s personal and professional awards include the Oscar in Agriculture Award, Jason Award, AOPA Hartranft Award, FAA Excellence Award, Honorary ATF Agent, Top Cops Award and Secret Service Director's Award. He serves on the board of directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

And from his About Us page:

From a very young boy forward, my Father made it a point to drill into me that your word was your bond, your reputation sacred and your honesty the mark of a real man. Those lessons were burned indelibly into my brain and have served well over many years.

As an honorary ATF agent and federal law enforcement agencies give him accolades, maybe he can be taken seriously.

But my guess is that he will be vilified instead.

Oh, IT'S ON!!

A brief history of Sioux City agitator and commie "progressive" farm advocate, Wallace Short by W. H. Cumberland.

For years, Short had been one of lowa's colorful and controversial figures. His opposition to prohibition and the Woodbury County Anti-Saloon League cost him a prestigious pulpit at First Congregational Church in Sioux City. Several years later, he astounded western Iowa conservatives by winning the mayoralty at the head of a labor ticket. He attracted national attention by defending the free speech rights of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and by delivering, in April 1919, a daring address before a convention of "wobblies" held in the Missouri River community -- which nearly resulted in his dismissal as mayor in a heated recall election. In 1921, while still mayor, he preached the funeral sermon of an Islamic packinghouse striker who had shot the son of the county sheriff and was killed in turn; and he was one of the few Iowa public officials who, during the zenith of their power, openly attacked the Ku Klux Klan, whom he described as "jackals who hunt in packs under cover of night." [1] Sioux City Journal, September 14, 1923.

Farm Holidays, farmer strikes, blockaded roads by angry farmers... 1931 and 1932 were interesting times for agriculture in Iowa.

In August, 1932 about 1500 farmers prevented milk producers from reaching Roberts Dairy processors in Sioux City. By September, Governor Turner threatened to mobilize the National Guard, which produced the desired results of breaking the blockade. The this account and others I've read, the strike and blockade very nearly turned violent.

This fellow reminds me of another guy from the Sioux City area: Bob Vander Plaats.

Iowa State University carry permit advice

Editorial: Feel free to carry a gun, but educate yourself first

You need to take advantage of your ability to exercise your constitutional rights, don't let them stagnate. There will be those that turn their nose up at you if you decide to use your First Amendment right and defend the civil rights of the LGBT community. Likewise, there will be those who act shocked if you decided to take up arms.

You are your own person; make your own decisions whether or not you will exercise your rights. They are yours, no one else's.

What? No blood on the streets editorial?

Hmmm...

Former Iowa Congressman urges ATF oversight

Former congressman urges ATF oversight hearings

Former Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Lightfoot urges ATF oversight hearings

Pick one or two agencies for the 'Mr. Clean' treatment. Go after them in high profile. You will be surprised how many other agencies will start to clean up their acts.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) would be a good place to start. It is one of the smaller agencies, therefore completing the audits and investigations will take less time. It is an agency that has drifted for nearly 6 years without a permanent Director.

Sounds good to me.

I wondered what happened to old Jim Ross.