Sen Grassley, ATF and the Mexico guns

The efforts of David Codrea and Mike Vanderboegh to proclaim what they call "Project Gunwalker" has resulted in our Senator Chuck Grassley firing off letters asking for explanations from the ATF. (You can read the letters at Sipsey Street.)

In what appears to be straw purchases that were directly approved by the ATF, firearms were transported to Mexico. Some of the weapons were then used by criminal thugs in a shootout with Border Patrol agents leaving one killed.

David and Mike's (and others') effort to get the Judicial committee members interested in the ATF actions as a rogue agency has resulted in Sen Grassley taking a hard look at what's going on.

A sanitized version:

PHOENIX -- A U.S. senator is examining a claim that two guns sold in purchases sanctioned by federal firearms agents were later used in a December shootout that left a Border Patrol agent dead near the Arizona-Mexico border.

Senator examines gun claim in border shootout

Mike also has a few other scandals for the committee to look into:

I also heard early this evening from an experienced lobbyist well connected to the new Congress. That there will be ATF oversight hearings -- dealing with not only the death of Brian Terry and the Project Gunwalker scandal but with the whole panoply of ATF scandals mentioned in these pages over the past two years -- is said to be a bet-the-farm certainty.

Wanted: Intelligent opinions

Firing adjectives with both barrels, Rev. Carlos Jayne aims at the legislative effort to restore Iowans rights in an opinion piece published 1/29/11. "Radical," "astounding" and "egregious" were ammunition he used as he pointed out the powerful lobbying arm of the NRA and "state groups" (which we can assume are IFC and IGO and he's too lazy to name them) not to mention their minions, aka gun owners in Iowa.

It seems that the Rev Jayne is the legislative advocate for the Iowa United Methodist Church. Here he is, presumably on his way to lobby the state legislature in this dramatic and artsy photo:
Found at http://www.prisonterminal.com/documents/reenter.pdf

Our good Reverend is a very busy man as he not only advocates for prison reform, he campaigns against the evils of gambling, is an advocate for peace, and a signatory of a letter delivered to lawmakers advocating same-sex marriage.

The Board of Editors of Between Two Rivers refuses to place an opinion on same-sex marriage, as that subject is not a part of multiple viewpoints of this blog. I only bring it up because of the fact that the letter was presented by the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund. On their front web page we have this:

Protecting Iowa’s rich diversity of religious expression; ensuring that the influence of government and religious entities remain separate. Emphasis mine.

A group that attempts to influence government but at the same time wants to separate government and religious entities? Where are the howls of protest by Americans United Against Church and State?

So much for the introduction, let's go back to what Rev. Carlos writes this time.

The renewed Republican hold on the Iowa governor's office and the Iowa House carries a radical agenda, possibly moving Iowa further right and obviously seeking to repeal all vestiges of any progressive agenda.

That would suggest that controlling guns in the hands of private citizens is a part of the "progressive agenda." I would have thought that someone who advocates for a citizens rights would be on the side of freedom. I guess not.

After complaining about the NRA lobbyist and "state groups" lobbying the legislature (apparently only his pet groups should be allowed to lobby, perhaps?), he makes the claim:

There would be increased gun proliferation (blanketing the state with guns is more like it)...

News Flash: there are guns already in the state. I have no facts to back this up, but I would bet we have more guns than citizens.

Listing the bills, he finds the HSB17 to be the one that gets his panties in a twist, calling it "egregious." That would be the bill that would add a state Constitution amendment codifying gun rights in the state. In his eyes, adding an amendment to the state Constitution similar to our United States Constitution (Second Amendment) is the most terrible piece of legislation. I would assume he's against the federal one as well.

He doesn't care for HF7, the bill that would end the practice of prosecuting citizens for defending themselves. (The old saw of: if you shoot someone, you have to drag them into your house or else be tried for murder, has been told long before I was born.) He reads the tripe from anti-gun advocates apparently:

This legislation is referred to by national gun control groups often as "the Justifiable Homicide Bill" or " the Shoot First Bill" or the "Vigilante Bill."

Apparently in the Reverend's world, you only have the right to protect yourself in your home, not on the street.

He doesn't care for strengthening our preemption laws either while advocating for banning assault weapons because a congresswoman was shot with a handgun. No large capacity magazines in his world either.

The hoplophobic money quote:

It actually has been frightening for some politicians and citizen activists to stand up and be counted on matters that can be seen by these gun enthusiasts as gun control simply for the sake of control. Emphasis mine.

And there is the point of his written spewage, he is an advocate of gun control "simply for the sake of control."

He and his ilk want to control the behavior and the rights of every citizen in this state.

If Rev Carlos wants to assist those in the prisons, good for him. It would seem that he is among most Christians who think that is a proper thing to do. After all, didn't Jesus advocate to help the poor, heal the sick and visit those in prisons? Maybe you should stick with that Carlos.

But he pulls out some poll that he claims that Americans prefer more gun control to advance his position. What if a poll revealed that two-thirds of the citizens want to enslave the other third? Or outlaw practicing a religion? Or that our population is too high and anyone older than 60 head off to the gas chambers? If he is consistent in his beliefs, he would have to go along with these ideas.

I doubt he would.

In a revealing paragraph we find out his other fear: it shows the power of self-advocacy of a active and vigorous citizenry.

When a bill is being actively considered on the floor of either chamber at the Statehouse, the zealots for "gun rights above all else" flood the legislative switchboards and swamp the e-mail servers with their demands. The communication from the other side can be measured in dribbles.

I would count myself proud to be labeled a zealot. Zealots fought for freedom and liberty from the oppression of Roman rule in 1st Century Judea and I am not worthy to be labeled in their numbers.

I know this is a long piece, but I have one more point to bring out.

The Register has gone overboard when they allow a staff member to create a poster advocating what this religious hack is crying out for.


Created by Mark Marturello presumably for this opinion piece, my question is how many other posters or illustrations have the register's employees created for opinions written by Sean McClanahan of Iowa Firearms Coalition, or Aaron Dorr of Iowa Gun Owners, or Chris Rager, lobbyist of the NRA?

If they did, it probably wouldn't be a favorable illustration.

Carlos Jayne is a registered lobbyist at the statehouse and apparently is afforded special privileges by the Des Moines Register.

Some of the county gun bans allow exemptions

For guys like this:

In her 12-page petition, Theresa Farmer claims the former county attorney made crude comments, touched her and invited her to look at pornographic images on his computer in the courthouse. Farmer also alleges Marzen displayed violent temper tantrums and had a gun in his office.

Several counties listed in the Iowa Gun Bans label passed resolutions and ordinances banning guns on county property. Some cities have followed suit. Many of those bans have exemptions for law enforcement officers and county attorneys.

Are they saying some people are more important (like a county attorney) than a mere citizen exercising their right to protect themselves? Especially against perverts and sexual predators?

Iowa gun shows for February 2011

Feb 4-6 Cedar Rapids, Hawkeye Downs

Feb 5-6, Armstrong, IA (Added 1/30)

Feb 11-13 Red Oak, Montgomery Fairgrounds

Feb 11-13 Ottumwa, Bridgeview Center

Feb 18-20 Des Moines, AdventureLand

Feb 25-27 Waterloo, Waterloo Cattle Congress McElroy Auditorium

*** I get this list from the link below and other searches and I can't guarantee the accuracy of the list. If anyone notices a show that needs to be corrected, please let me know in the comments.

For more details go to Iowa Gun Shows

Sunday (not so) funnies, 1/30/11

Hoplophobe for the week ending 1/29/11

Gun law puts more deadly weapons in wrong hands

I'm just nervous knowing 4,000 more people are carrying a gun in Iowa, concealed or not.

Gun ban proposals at 1/27/11

Council Bluffs passed ban on city property

Waverly is "mulling" a ban.

Not so fast on earlier reports of voting down a ban: Woodbury County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Monson said he expects the board to pass a reworded ban, despite 50 people showing up at a recent meeting to oppose it.

Cerro Gordo bans weapons in courthouse, county property
Back in July of 2010, Hancock County voted down an ordinance banning weapons.

Webster County is considering a ban.

Thanks to Sean McClanahan for these two:

Humboldt County attorney is wanting a ban.

Chickasaw votes to ban weapons unless you have their permission first.

County gun ban map

Updated 1/27/11

Original map from: http://www.waterproof-paper.com/printable-maps/iowa.shtml

No gun control = disappointment

There were no gun control proposals in Obama's speech and it looks like the multiple gun purchase reporting rule was delayed.

“This is hugely demoralizing and embarrassing for ATF,” said one former agency official who has followed the debate over the rule closely, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Obama failed to discuss guns in his speech, and now some ATF officials are wondering whether the proposed emergency rule will take effect at all.

Disappointed?

Liberalizing gun laws = job killer

Florida's attempt to have less gun control will ruin efforts to create jobs by wasting time on creating a free society instead of more important work.

At least the editorial board of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says so.

So it must be true.

Dumb crook

I don't know if this is just a story about a dumb crook or irony:

Police said a convicted felon reported his illegally purchased gun stolen on Tuesday.

But if anything can be gleaned from this article, is that prohibited people will get firearms for a price. The law-abiding honest hard-working schmoes out there jump through the hoops to purchase their firearms.

County Gun Ban update, 1/26/11

Fellow Iowan, Ben sent me an update for Jones County, where it looks like Sheriff Denniston is a common sense lawman. The Jones County board decided to not make any decision. As a ban was not outright rejected, I'll take Ben's suggestion and change Jones County to blue.



Original map from: http://www.waterproof-paper.com/printable-maps/iowa.shtml

Current Gun Bills at the Statehouse, 1/25/11

NO RIGHT TO RETREAT: would allow people to shoot to kill to defend themselves, without first trying to flee under House Study Bill 7

NO PERMIT NEEDED: Iowans would be able to skip the permit-to-carry process altogether under House Study Bill 16.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS: The process to amend the state constitution to enshrine the right to keep and bear arms would begin under House Study Bill 17.

GUNS AND STATE EMERGENCIES: State officials could not confiscate lawfully-possessed firearms during a state of public disorder or disaster emergency proclamation under House Study Bill 18.

NO STRICTER GUN LAWS IN CITIES OR COUNTIES: Cities and counties couldn’t pass an ordinance, resolution or any rule after April 4 that prevents people with a legal permit to carry a gun from bringing their weapon onto public properties, under House Study Bill 19.

Gun Bills at the Statehouse

Wild West in Iowa

Westgate man accused of pointing gun in bar

WESTGATE, Iowa --- A Westgate man was arrested Friday for reportedly pointing a gun at others in a bar.

Fayette County sheriff's deputies received a 911 call about 8 p.m. Friday from Hawks Nest Bar in Westgate reporting that a male had a gun and was pointing it at people.

Deputies arrested Justin L. Lampe, 31, for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class D felony, and carrying weapons, an aggravated misdemeanor. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol.

No one was injured in the incident.

Sorry folks, one of the new permit holders, he ain't.

Wisconsin carry permit efforts

Wisconsin legislation of in the works:

The state Legislature passed a bill in 2005 that would have creating a permitting process, but Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed it. Now, with Republican control of the State Senate and Assembly, Gov. Scott Walker is signaling he would support a similar bill.

Crime statistics and the "right" to ban weapons

In a released study on crime in Dubuque, citizens fear to be downtown at night. Nearly 71% of respondents did not feel safe in the downtown area according to a study conducted by the Northern Illinois University's Center for Governmental Studies in DeKalb.

The Mason City Globe-Gazette editorial board seems to be a little confused about our republic. Statements like, "...the Second Amendment gives people the right to bear arms...", is a good indication of where they stand on all of the Bill of Rights. It also lends to the opinion that they need a civics refresher.

The title is a bit confusing to me as well. Globe Gazette Editorial: Counties, cities and businesses have right to restrict gun carry

I may just be parsing their words here but government, at any level, does not have "rights", they have powers. They have no more right to push a citizen around as your neighbor down the street. They don't have have a right to snoop into your emails, phone calls or bank accounts but they do have the power to do so.

There's a big difference between power and rights. Semantics means something to me and I tend to take it seriously.

Government only has powers delegated to it by the people. We have acquiescently given up many of our individual powers to the state. By neglect or design, we have done so.

And they bring up another thing I tend to take seriously, "studies". The editorial board seems to have never heard of Kleck:

Also, the idea that a gun is a great source of self-protection is largely illusionary. A 2009 study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine estimated that people in possession of a gun at the time of an assault were 4.5 times more likely to be shot during the assault than someone in a comparable situation without a gun.

Although there are certainly examples where people were able to successfully defend themselves with a gun, the study shows that is the exception rather than the rule.

Sorry, but I call this hogwash. If no weapon is present by either party in an assault, then the gun is not present to make a valid comparison to when it is present. What this "study" is saying is that if I'm assaulted by 50 different assailants, my gun will be used against me about 9 times. It's possible, but only if I'm carrying.

If I wasn't carrying, how can the gun be taken away from me if it isn't in my possession. At those times, the N is zero. If I'm not carrying, my gun can never be taken away from me. N = zero.

If I am carrying, it's possible that it might be taken from me. It's possible because I would have a weapon in my possession. N > zero. It will always be X number of times greater because one of the comparative variables will always be zero while the other is always greater than zero.

It's like dividing by zero, it doesn't work.

I will agree with one thing, private businesses have the right to ban whatever they wish. That's because private businesses are owned by private individuals. Except when the state deems them a public place, like during the Great Smoking Ban. A power that the state exercised against a private business.

I also have the right not to engage with a private business that does not cater to my tastes. If a business put up a sign that stated only tall, good-looking gentlemen with a full head of hair were welcomed and all others were banned, that is their right. I'll take my business elsewhere.

You can't always do that with a government agency. If you have business at the courthouse, you can't take your business elsewhere.

If the state law against gun prohibition by local governmental entities can be ignored by those county and city boards, then where is the rule of law? Tom Miller's opinion notwithstanding. And how about a resolution is okay while the law uses the word ordinance, then that's okay?

And one other thought, if a county bans firearms on county property, where will some of the gun shows be held? Marshalltown holds theirs at the county fairgrounds and I'm sure other gun shows are held on city and county properties throughout the state.

A gun in someone's possession doesn't make them a raging lunatic. And a sign isn't a magic shield against all evil.

Gun ban Tuesday

Washington County nullifies earlier ban.

Jefferson County bans.

Jones County officials getting together.

Winnebago County is considering.

Ames and Story County also considering banning weapons.

Emmet County is considering a ban as well.

Winneshiek County bars weapons in its facilities

Dependence Day

Dependence Day, On the erosion of personal liberty.

In our time, to be born a citizen of the United States is to win first prize in the lottery of life, and, as Britons did, too many Americans assume it will always be so. Do you think the laws of God will be suspended in favor of America because you were born in it? Great convulsions lie ahead, and at the end of it we may be in a post-Anglosphere world. - Mark Steyn

Via David Codrea

County Firearm Ban Map

I've decided that a map would be good idea in order to keep track of all of the weapon ban proposals and resolutions out there.

This is not comprehensive, nor can it be considered definitive. But this is what I've found using online newspapers as sources. Along the way, I've found that one source can be the opposite of another.

I will attempt to keep this as up to date as I can. If any of my readers care to share the burden with me and let me know of any proposals, I will update it as soon as possible. Give me a source and whether the county is considering passing a ban (Yellow), passed a ban (Red-ish) or rejected a ban (Green). Blue is being used for those counties who tabled their proposal and not an out-right rejection or approval.

Update: 1/24/11, 10:00 pm, updated map and corrected title



Original map from: http://www.waterproof-paper.com/printable-maps/iowa.shtml

Guns make them nervous

OurPosition: Weapons permits should be limited to those who show proficiency in their use

In southeastern Iowa, both Jefferson and Washington county supervisors have passed bans prohibiting guns from county owned buildings, with the exception of police or military. Des Moines County supervisors plan to discuss the issue at a future meeting while the Fort Madison City Council has rejected a similar ban.

Wright County in north central Iowa has passed an ordinance that prohibits the carrying of weapons on or in county facilities, while Buchanan and Clinton counties in eastern Iowa have passed resolutions that prohibit people from carrying or possessing firearms or dangerous weapons in their courthouses, according to the Iowa State Association of Counties website.

Closer to home, the Page County Board of Supervisors recently backed away from passage of a resolution prohibiting people from carrying firearms in the Page County Courthouse.

I think only people who have the proficiency to engage another human being in a logical and coherent conversation should be allowed the tools to communicate.

But that would be agreeing with their elitist position that these few have the right to freedoms like the press, or keep and bear arms.

Press release and "news" report, compare and contrast

The press release from Center for Public Integrity:

High-Capacity Magazine Sellers Raise Millions for NRA

The "news" report:

Who Does the NRA Advocate For?

The Tucson Sentinel did the really hard part of reprinting the press release.

CSI: Tucson, iowahawk style

One of the masters at satire, iowahawk does it again:

CSI: Tucson

Remember, it's satire.

Sunday (not so) funnies, 1/23/11

Badger guns protest

Marking MLK day with protest outside gun store

No numbers were listed so my guess would be that only a few people came to hold their signs protesting "against illegal selling of guns and those second hand sales known as straw purchases."

It's not the shooters fault

It's because you have too much freedom, you dim-witted, common citizen.

We need a nanny-state watch dog to lord over you so that bad things would never happen.

Horse shit.

Arizona Aftermath: Permit-Free Carry Law Prevented Law Enforcement From Having an Opportunity to Stop Jared Loughner From Carrying a Gun, Says Mayors Against Illegal Guns

These asshats are telling you that freedom is the cause of evil.

Update - Kurt Hofmann has more thoughts on Mayors Against Freedom

Friday gun ban proposals

Waterloo passes ban unanimously.

Mitchell County Supervisors say they will pass a resolution (Cerro Gordo and Clinton County already have).

Winnebago County, probably not.

Buena Vista County leaning towards ban but will make their final decision in two weeks.

Bettendorf is considering.

Emmet County is drawing up a resolution.

Johnson County is drawing up a resolution.

Clay, Sac, Lyon and Plymouth Counties passed bans.

(Update) Via Jim at The Travis McGee Reader:
Dickinson County is a "meh", as they couldn't get a second to the motion. (adding Jim to my Iowa Blog list)

And Pleasant Hill is looking to ban on city property.

I missed Spencer's discussion in favor of banning.

These resolutions, ordinances or whatever you want to call them are headed to nearly every county or city board. If you hear of one, let me know in the comments or by email and I'll add it to the list.

Allow gun in schools? Nebraska lawmaker introduces bill

Bill would allow Neb. teachers to carry guns

Under a bill introduced by Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial on Tuesday, certain school staff and faculty certified under state law to carry concealed guns could carry them in their schools. The bill says allowing that would require approval of two-thirds of the school's board.

Did UI Law Dean Gail Agrawal Illegally Vote In The Last Election?

State29 gives some insight into the University of Iowa law dean's possible violation of election laws.

Did UI Law Dean Gail Agrawal Illegally Vote In The Last Election?

Good reasons for gun control

Hanton: There are good reasons to regulate firearms

Like tired old retread arguments.

At the very least, can we agree that a ban, or partial ban, on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines to help protect our police officers and citizens from extended rampages by criminals is in order?

My answer is...

No.

He didn't really give a convincing reason beyond, people get killed with a handgun therefore get rid of "assault" rifles. And large capacity magazines. Nobody needs them for hunting. Or sport.

I am TJIC as well

I've written my share of words that some would find offensive, I've lobbed a few names towards the political class. But when one's words are interpreted as a threat to those in power and action taken against the writer, where does the 1st Amendment protections end? The threat was inferred, not overt. As a consequence, the writer loses his guns.

Borepatch recognizes the chilling affect that this has on free speech. Hell, if a urine filled jar with a crucifix is considered free speech (boorish, yes - offensive, absolutely) then why isn't an offensive remark written on a blog protected as well?

But this is, as JayG points out, an attack not only on the First Amendment, but on the Second as well. An attack of this sort - groundless in logic, and arguably mendacious in nature - is an attack on all. And so I have to stand with TJIC.

And this is born:


Random Acts of Patriotism adds to this as well:

You don't have free speech when it's only the speech that makes people comfortable. Dr. Martin Luther King said many things that made people uncomfortable, and we just celebrated a national holiday in his honor. Patrick Henry made a speech I remember from school, although I bet it doesn't get taught much anymore, it would make people very uncomfortable. You don't have to like Mr. Corcoran's writing, you don't have to agree with him, or me, or anyone in particular. You just have to understand that your right to do and say things you think in a free and open way is inextricably tied to everyone else's right to do the same.

The author may have shown a lack of wisdom by writing it, I'm not going to judge him on that. What authorities have shown is that selective enforcement of "offensive" speech effectively quashes anyone else from speaking as well. Only "approved" speak will be allowed and nothing outside of this will be tolerated.

If the ACLU or those on either side of the political spectrum don't unite to denounce and correct the actions of the authorities, then they set themselves up. For when their particular ox is being gored, who will stand for them? The precedent would already have been cast in stone.

These tools can be used against any non-approved speech at any time. Against anyone. Left, Right, Middle. Only the Power of the State would prevail.

Let's hope that the time does not come when only milquetoast opinions are produced by mediocre minds. When reason and true arguments between countering viewpoints no longer are expressed with vigor and enthusiasm. When fear of offending others overrule free-will expression of thoughts. When one loses their rights because of an interpretation of what the authorities thought they wrote, then all speech is threatened.

When I write something stupid (and I will), or offensive (yes I have), I would hope that other blog writers would stand by me. If I write something totally off-the-wall, I would gladly accept criticism. If I write something that is out-an-out blatantly criminal in nature, I would expect to be thrown under the bus.

Further thoughts - This is conditioning our society to accept a loss of rights (1st, 2nd, 4th, etc) without due process. On the basis of an accusation. Sure one should expect a loss of liberty when charged with a crime, our jails are filled with people accused of a crime. But what this amounts to is this: you wrote something that could be perceived as a threat, therefore we take your rights away. This could happen to me, to you or to someone you know.

The other point is that there have been many not-so-veiled threats from the left side of the political spectrum and nothing is done. Hell, Bill Ayers still hasn't been held accountable for his actions. Yes, actions. He didn't just make threats he acted on them. Jail time? No.

TJIC, we hardly knew ye. But I'll stand up as well.

I may not count for much, but count me in guys.

The gun as a religious symbol?

Gun is god?

NRA should return to its origins

Candidate number two for hoplobhobe-of-the-week.

State29 hates the Register's editorial board

Really hates it.

The Des Moines Register Editorial Board Considers The Constitution To Be A Phallic Symbol

Now they're trying to turn the Constitution into a phallic symbol. Snicker snicker. Isn't that funny? We're so funny with our creative writing degrees and our asshole MORAL SUPERIORITY!

Yep, adult language used.

Gun carrying in Scott County, oh my!

A Scott County restaurant patron was nervous in the presence of a firearm when they noticed a couple of other diners carrying openly. They called the sheriff.

In a wonderful article, Wallet, check; keys, check; Handgun, check (cute title) our reporter weaved a story laced with side-splitting humor, like:

If you enter a saloon, looking for the man who shot your pa, you’d better be sober.

Oh, a "wild west" theme without actually writing the phrase.

And advice like:

A firearm permit also affords you the right to carry other weapons, including knives with blades of 5 inches or more, switchblades and stun guns. But you still have to keep your hands to yourself.

Isn't that what a parent would say to their children?

And a final word of caution:

Restaurant tables have been equipped with steak knives since the invention of the cow, and I don’t recall any buffet-line stabbings.

We’ll just have to see how it goes. Meanwhile, it wouldn’t hurt to be extra nice to strangers. The last thing we need is cause to coin the phrase “restaurant rage."

Because holding a gun transforms the carrier into a raging lunatic and you wouldn't want them to be angry.

Let's cover that again: Gun owners want to live in the wild west, check; gun owners act like children, check; gun owners are full of rage, check;

At least she didn't use the man-parts analogy.

If not a hoplophobe, then a germaphobe?

Letter: Guns are a health hazard

Illinois gun rights rally, March 10, 2011

For my Illinois readers (both of them), Kurt Hofmann gives a heads up:

It's that time of year again: time for gun rights advocates in Illinois to set aside a day to let Springfield know that shall not be infringed isn't a suggestion, and it's definitely not a request. That day is March 10, and the event is Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD).

Continue reading at his St Louis Gun Rights Examiner:
Mark your calendars, Illinois gun owners; March 10 is the day

Is ‘Project Gunwalker’ about to bust wide open?

Passing the word on for some help.

Is ‘Project Gunwalker’ about to bust wide open?

We’ve recently discussed what I call “Project Gunwalker.” That title is a parody of the “Project Gunrunner” name the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has assigned to its southwest border initiative on U.S. guns going to the Mexican drug criminals, and refers to sourced information that the bureau has intentionally—and importantly, criminally, and with management cognizance—allowed guns to be transported across the border while keeping Mexican authorities in the dark.

Our Senator Grassley is the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact him:

Office number in DC is 202-224-3744 and office number in Des Moines is 515-288-4415. Grassley's Second Amendment "go-to" guy is Nick Podsiadly and his Judiciary Committee guy, replacing Sessions' Stephen Miller, is Brian Downing.

via Sipsey Street Irregulars

It would seem that the ATF may have been complicit in allowing guns to Mexico from the US.

More hoplophobia, channeling our founders intent

Or not...

The most advanced weapon at that time was a muzzle-loaded flint-lock musket. No one in 1791, not even the eminent and perspicacious authors of the Second Amendment, had in mind the weapons available today. Had they thought of such weapons, they would have been invented.

Guest column: The framers never figured on right to bear a Glock

What about the privately owned and armed merchant ships during that time? I doubt very much they used pea shooters.

Here's a swivel gun that would have been more powerful than the meager flintlock carried by troops afield. Merchant ships carried those. Ships privately owned.

Notice the high-brow sneering this guy is spewing, especially using the word "perspicacious". An archaic word for shrewd or perceptive.

Thanks for showing off your vast intellectual skills. It's too bad you never studied history.

Add to his bed-wetting:

...I can be rather frightened when I see men strutting around carrying rifles and semiautomatic handguns.

I have to ask where in Iowa City, IA, does one find men (obviously real men) "strutting around carrying rifles and semiautomatic handguns?"

So put your fears in the little man-purse you probably strut around with, Mr Small. Because real men don't become frightened at the sight of firearm.


Real women don't either.

I think we have our prime candidate for hoplophobe-of-the-week.

National gun permit proposal

If Sen Boxer has her way, the new permit law in Iowa would be scrapped in favor of a national permit law. The sheriffs would get their power back.

Sen. Boxer would expand California-style 'gun-control' nationwide

Why ban guns on county owned property?

Safety and security isn't why. Common sense isn't either.

A Benton County resident takes his county board to task for passing a gun ban ordinance for county-owned property.

Opinion :: The things that are wrong with Benton County's new firearms prohibition

Tuesday gun ban proposals

Vinton doesn't seem interested

Unanimous vote to ban in Clay County

Wright County passed a ban, and Buena Vista County is considering one.

Delaware County passes ban and Dubuque holding a vote (not all supervisors in agreement)

Aaron Zelman memorial page at JPFO

If America remains a free nation, the name of Aaron Zelman will be honored in the highest ranks. For Aaron, a love of G-d and a love of freedom were inextricably blended. Aaron’s fervent embrace of liberty, his deep and introspective nature, his remarkable intelligence, his unyielding conscience, and his compassionate wisdom, made him a man amongst men.

This begins the current front page of JPFO, Jews for Preservation of Firearms Ownership, a tribute to a man who was unconventional and did not fit the mold that one might expect.

I never met Mr Zelman, but wish I had. As a firm supporter of JPFO for over 12 years, I've read his writings and viewed his documentaries, and introduced both Jew and Gentile to him and his organization.

The world is a lesser place because of his early departure.

A memorial has been established in his honor, if you are so inclined.

It's the "Wild West" in Iowa

Unlawfully discharging his weapon.

It's the "wild west", just like all the hoplophobes warned.

Oh, umm, sorry folks, he didn't have a permit.

Magazine ban on the horizon

Kurt Hofmann brings to our attention the growing clamoring for additional gun controls, in particular banning magazines that would hold more than 10 rounds.

Magazine bans and unintended consequences

Journalists, politicians and think-tanks in cahoots together.

Obligatory MLK post

With a reason, though.

Sofa posted an idea on how to honor our civil rights icon - Honor MLK: Disobey Unjust Laws

Can you think of any unjust laws in the USA, your state, your county? How about your city? Don't forget your homeowners associations or historical districts.

Instead of a day of service, how about a day of civil disobedience?

I can't think of a better way to honor him.

Tucson shooter did not legally buy his gun

Over at Random Acts of Patriotism is an explanation.

Blog reciprocity, A train wreck in Maxwell

Going through my site meter and found a couple of links from A train wreck in Maxwell, I found this site via Borepatch and visited a couple of times.

His header picture is this:


which could describe my last couple of job interviews. Train wrecks, all.

A good dose of snark and a helping common sense.

Kurt, thanks for the link back and hopefully my readers will head your way.

(If anyone else links here and I haven't linked back, let me know and I'll take care of it - the laws of reciprocity must be obeyed)

Compare and contrast, two gun articles

Reader, Bea (via Sam), suggested that I post a link to an article at the Des Moines Register of a reporter and his attendance at a permit to carry class offered by Hawkeye Firearms Instruction located in Oskaloosa, IA.

The article, Munson: Guns turning Iowa into wild West? Not so fast, gives the readers his experience at the class and how the permit process works in general.

Turns out that the key lesson in gun class is to keep your finger off the trigger.

The focus is on why not to fire your weapon.

I think part of his purpose was to play down the "blood in the streets" dire predictions by hoplophobes in Iowa and bring some common sense and maybe "old school" reporting back to the pages of the Register.

Which is making me wonder how this made it past his editors?

My regular readers can deduce from my writing (if you can call it that), my posts are generally negative. It seems like I'm against everything. I was even against this new permit law (I lobbied my representative and senator to try to pass the "Constitutional carry" law instead) and I'm still against parts of it.

Unfortunately, I can't just post something positive without throwing out a negative. I wanted to emphasize an even-handed article by comparing it to pile of gossa that is labeled "journalism" by today's standards.

Over at the Iowa State Daily (nice picture of a guy pointing a gun, trigger on finger, towards a young lady placing flowers in the barrel. Cutie, huh?) filled with inaccuracies, tired old rhetoric and typical comparisons to other countries. Hint, USA is bad.

That article, Opoien: Gun control is about safety first, the writer doesn't appear to make any effort to understand the issue beyond her narrow view.

Some points I'd like to make:

We ain't Canada.

Watching a Lethal Weapon movie to glean the evil "cop killer" bullets and plastic guns lies, is some fine journalistic investigation.

And the word "regulated" in the Second Amendment doesn't mean what you wrote.

Maybe the Iowa State journalism department should spend less time reading the opinion pages of the Des Moines Register and start reading actual articles from real reporters.

Thank you Bea and Sam for pointing out the Register article.

Kudos to Kyle Munson for writing it.

Penn & Teller on the 2nd Amendment, Sunday (not so) funnies, 1/16/11

Entertaining and informative.

If they would just use a little more muzzle control...

Oh, and language warning. Probably NSFW

Now for something different: Eagles

I'm going to take a break looking for hoplophobes in Iowa. Yesterday I saw an eagle soaring on the eastern edge of Cedar Rapids.

Not this one:



2011 Bald Eagle Watch Events

See if one of these events is close to you.

If the government can force you to buy health insurance...

They can force you to get a 401K.

Make 401k's mandatory

How easy is it to buy a Glock?

Each of the tri-states has different rules and regulations to cover the purchase of firearms.

Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Different states, different rules.

More links of chains

With guns so rampant, I think I'll stay home (Is there something in the Indianola water?)

Your 2 Cents' Worth for Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

"The new law is making my property value go down..."

"Get a grip and leave your testosterone toys at home."

"Did returning us to the Old West seem like a smart idea?"

"Maybe we should agree with the "original intent" constitutional scholars and advocates, especially as it relates to the Second Amendment. Anyone should be allowed to have as many muzzle-loaders and flintlocks as they want. Anything more modern should obviously not be allowed."

Let's ban the internet since that wasn't invented 240 years ago. Or telephones for free speech. Or cars for freedom of travel. Or, or...

Let's be like Europe

And the liberals' liberal, Rekha Basu, only the police should have the firepower. Wishing to have a conversation to take away one's rights? You can negotiate your rights away if both parties allow it.

According to Rekha, only the police should have the large capacity magazines and that mere citizens are not trustworthy enough to own them. David Codrea has put that concept to rest with his "Only Ones" postings.

Loosening gun restrictions is dangerous for Iowa, especially our children.

Okay...

May your chains set lightly upon you...

One man prefers to beg for his rights: Keep permit choice in sheriff’s hands

While another would rather we don't exercise rights so as not to offend another's sensibility: Gun issues brought into sharp focus

We can exercise our rights — apply and get our permits — and then leave our guns at home, under lock and key, where they belong.

And another has projection issues: Welcome to the world with looser gun laws

A gun in hand also messes with the head and mind, just as a muscle car does. Possibilities and actions are enhanced, and restraints on anger and all else that is upsetting are dwarfed and become ineffective.

(BTW, it seems that our letter writer with projection issues was a signatory to this document from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee One could determine from his letter to the editor, that he doesn't favor all of the Bill of Rights.)

It took all of my will to restrain myself after purchasing a pistol at the Cedar Rapids gun show this past weekend. I passed schools, banks and hundreds if not thousands of would-be victims.

And I didn't pull the trigger.

Just once, I'd like to not feel enraged after holding that cold blue steel of my .357. If I could somehow come to grips within myself after cleaning my Mauser, maybe I could forgive myself for purchasing such a powerful weapon.

No, not a weapon, it is a talisman. A gateway into a new consciousness where rage overwhelms my soul. If I had a soul, as many have questioned.

My will and self control was sold long ago in exchange for that one holy grail of firepower. But if I could just hold it in my possession for one brief moment, the transformation would be complete. Anger, Rage and Destruction would be my destiny.

No restraint would be great enough, nothing would stand in my way of total, absolute rage.

Or not...

Did I mention I bought a pistol last weekend and nothing happened?


"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen." Samuel Adams

Gun bans in Iowa

Approved:
Benton County

Rejected:
Woodbury County

Considering a ban:
Clinton County

Bremer County

If you all are getting tired of me keeping track of these, let me know.

More gun ban proposals

Iowa City to Consider Gun Ban on City Property

How about Woodbury County?

The attorney general's 2003 opinion.

The attorney general's letter to Burlington.

The 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.

Having a gun for protection can be a good thing

For politicians.

Lawmakers ask for extra security at the Iowa Capitol

The same politicians who decry ordinary citizens efforts to arm themselves for protection, are usually the first to ask for others to guard and protect their own hides.

Heard at the gun show

"These sheriffs need to understand that they swore an oath to the Constitution." - uniformed county deputy.

Maybe this guy will run in the next election.

What's wrong with this statement?

From Gun measure prompts response

While state law gives individuals the right to carry firearms, the city can limit where those firearms can be carried, according to [Keokuk] Mayor Tom Marion, the former city attorney. As for himself, he said he is not sure anymore where he stands on the latter issue.

Hoplophobes in Iowa

This Edvard Munch painting is a very good depiction of fear in the minds of someone who is deranged. I think using it for hoplophobia is apt.

For instance, Davenport's mayor and his proposal to have uniformed police at city council meetings.

And the Des Moines Register full throated promotion of fear:

[Regarding a student who brought a gun to a Des Moines school]

Still, it's frightening. It's especially frightening because we live in a country with millions of guns. Many people - including teenagers - have easy access to them. A young person bringing a gun to school may not be uncommon.

One could infer from their writing that with more permits, more guns would be carried to schools.

Considering that current law prohibits guns in schools, and prohibits a minor from possession of a handgun outside of adult supervision, their bed-wetting seems a little off base.

But we have to do something! Pass another law!

As for the school, having a policy magically creates an environment where nothing bad happens. The "No Weapons" policy should have prevented the student from bringing in the weapon. Just as the "No Bullying" policy is in place and no one is ever picked on ever again.

Back to reality, making it harder for citizens to protect themselves and family, has not solved violence from occurring. Where gun laws are restrictive, it actively creates a violent environment. johnlott.org

Sunday (not so) funnies, 1/9/11

Businesses that want to post signs to prevent someone from carrying a weapon

I still haven't figured out how a sign prevents anyone from doing anything, but the editors at the Des Moines Register want the legislature to clarify whether businesses have the right to keep people from carrying on their premises. (With a dose of hoplophobic attitude, BTW)

All private citizens have the right to discriminate against another on their private property. I have no right to tell them otherwise.

But these same bed-wetters were screaming for the legislature to ban smoking in businesses under force of law. A clear violation of private property rights. I'm not sure of the Register's stance on forcing gas stations to sell ethanol. A law that corn growers have been trying to force onto private business owners for years. (After one legislator gave a speech promoting that law, I asked him when was he going to force all restaurants to sell pork? Even at a kosher deli? He couldn't understand the connection.)

If a business doesn't want to sell a product to me because they don't like the cut of my jib, then I can spend my money elsewhere.

I've got my rights, too.

And what seems to be missing is that there have been thousands of concealed carrying gun owners walking into their stores and offices and no one ever cared otherwise. January 1st must have been some magical day that I missed out on where gun owners have become "one twitch" away from blowing some poor innocent citizen away.

Because carrying a weapon turns you into either a cold-blooded killer or an bumbling fool who might accidentally shoot someone.

I know this because the Register wrote it and those editors are way smarter than I am.

Can local municipalities restrict carrying of guns?

Iowa Attorney General says so.

Assistant Iowa City Attorney Eric Goers says yes.

Ames City Manager Steve Schainker and City Attorney Doug Marek think so. Despite Shainker's quote: "I don’t think anyone is trying to get involved with people’s rights to bear arms."

Police Chief Brian Guy and City Attorney Jeffrey Farwell want an ordinance.

The 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.

Passing these types of ordinances will certainly do one thing, get lawyers involved.

Police chief's advice: "No Gun" signs

Huxley Police Chief Mark Pote gave out business advice recently to local businesses. WHO TV reports of the perceived fear tactics of the letter:

Police Chief Mark Pote recently sent out a letter to business owners, "advising" them to post signs forbidding weapons. Now he says he wasn't advising them to do anything, even after we read him a copy of the letter we obtained.

From the letter and interview:

"You're encouraging businesses to do this," Reporter Aaron Brilbeck asked. "No not exactly," Pote replied "Only if they want to." Brilbeck then read from the letter: "We are advising any and all business owners to post a nice big unmistakable sign on the outside of the entry way that reads no weapons allowed inside. No weapons beyond this door." "If they don't want weapons allowed," Pote said. "It doesn't say that though," Brilbeck pointed out. "That was my point," Pote replied.

When you use words like "we are advising" and then deny you are giving advice, wouldn't that be less than truthful?

The article indicates that his advice fell on deaf ears.

(Was having trouble with the video last night, hopefully others can view the report.)

Smooth transitions

While I've been linking to mostly negative stories regarding the new carry law, Ben over at ColdHardCashner finds a positive article of a sheriff who understands his citizens and serves his county with common sense.

Muscatine Journal: "Gun law transition smooth"

Our Attorney General okays local gun ordinances

Most likely in violation of state code:

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.

Iowa Code Section 724.28

DC Gun Rights Examiner, Mike Stollenwerk recaps our Tom Miller's shenanigans with Miller's recent "opinion" to county attorneys. He basically gave a green light for cities and counties to regulate carrying of weapons on property they own.

I local municipalities enact regulations against carrying concealed or open, the lawsuits will follow. And maybe that's the idea. Miller and his lawyer friends will make a ton of money arguing on either side. The losers will end up being the citizens of the state. We will have to pay lawyers fees, settlement fees, etc and this will take years to settle.

Mike did a good job of looking at Miller's opinion and what it's based on. Head on over and give it a read.

New law in Illinois

While Iowans celebrate the "shall issue" law, our neighbors across the river were greeted with a new gun law on the books:

Mandatory one- to three-year prison terms now will be required for aggravated weapons convictions of anyone who was at least 18 years old, did not have a valid firearms owner identification card, and who possessed a loaded, uncased firearm. Previously, such suspects could see one to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Would this mean that an adult hunting on his\her own property, carrying a loaded shotgun but having no FOID will be facing a mandatory 1 to 3 years in prison?

Your papers please?

Take your business elsewhere

Gun law changes raise concerns for bar owner

One bar owner calls it a recipe for disaster.

"You know do we have to have metal detectors do we have to pat people down do we ask them if they have a weapon and then they say no and then it turns out that they do this is an absolute mess its a public safety nightmare and its just horrible," Mike Salviola, Owner of Buffalo Alice's said.

My question is this: Do we have to spend our hard earned dollars at Buffalo Alice's?

This is news? The new carry law

The first effective date of the new carry law and news reports abound.

Davenport, Mayor On Iowa's New Gun Law, Looking for a ban

Dubuque, Carry on: Gun holders grow, With a convenient link to permit holder names.

Cedar Rapids, New Weapon-Carry Rules Bring Changes, Signs do magically stop people from carrying weapons, you know.

Lee County had 99 applicants on Jan 3rd.

Sioux City, Changes in effect to new Iowa gun laws

The change to Iowa's gun laws streamlines the process to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon. That means law enforcers may ask you one more question if you're pulled over.

"Good afternoon, I am Doug Boetger can I see your driver's license and registration please and by the way do you have a concealed weapons permit yes or no if you do sir or ma'am if you are carrying a weapon on you at this time please if you are don't make a reach for it," Doug Boetger, Assistant Chief Deputy Woodbury County Sheriff's office said.

If one replies "no," the officer will relax, but what if the driver is lying? I guess they think only permit holders will carry in a vehicle. What if a driver is "making a reach" for their wallet? I know it's a tough job to patrol the highways, but I wonder sometimes if policies make sense.

And a "civilized" county supervisor says:

George Boykin, Woodbury Supervisor said," Really not in favor of a civilized society with individuals carrying around concealed weapons."

It doesn't mention whether he's in favor of open carrying.

Long lines in Des Moines, Journalists are so funny:

The new accessory for 2011? A pistol on your hip.

One life lost is one too many

The dire predictions of the new carry law in Iowa have been flowing for months, especially recently as the new year brings the new law. An opinion piece from Vinton, gives a glimpse of a couple of law officers thoughts on the subject. And also the "one life lost is one life too many" canard.

Benton county is a mostly restrictive one according to Iowa Firearms Coalition and Iowa Gun Owners. And the gun boards at the IFC have listed many of the difficulties there.

As I mentioned in the comments, if one life is saved by now carrying (especially from a once restrictive county), the benefits of the new law would be proven out.

Not all Iowans are hoplophobes, II

A 4H gun safety club has been formed in Iowa City (Iowa's most leftist city) called the Sharp Shooters.

Sharp Shooters club to teach guns, bows

Maybe there's hope yet for our youth.

Iowa gun shows for January, 2011

Jan 7-9 Cedar Rapids, Hawkeye Downs

Jan 14-16 Des Moines, Adventureland Park

Jan 22-23 Council Bluffs Mid America Center

Jan 28-30 Des Moines, Iowa State Fairgrounds

*** I get this list from the link below and other searches and I can't guarantee the accuracy of the list. If anyone notices a show that needs to be corrected, please let me know in the comments.

For more details go to Iowa Gun Shows

Sunday (not so) funnies, 1/2/11

Happy Arbitrary Point in our Revolution of the Sun:

More "good guys" armed

Instructor: Law change to put guns with 'good guys'

“I’m glad it got changed,” Darin Oberhart, owner of QCI Firearms Training in Bettendorf, said. “We’re going to have more good guys out there appropriately armed.”

Iowa has "loose" gun laws

A news article mixed with editorial comments, an Austin, MN news station describes Iowa's new carry law as "loose".

"Under the new Iowa Law, we cannot restrict the movement of people with loaded guns in vehicles, wherever they go," says Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals as he and his department prepare for the new law.

As many of you know, this revamping of the permit system came about because sheriffs in some counties put restrictions on the permits. One sheriff in a county north of mine restricted one permit carrier to the point that it was only good while hunting. And you can legally carry a gun while hunting anyway.

Iowa follows Alaska, Arizona, and New Mexico in their adoption of a "Open Carry" gun law. The only regulation sheriffs statewide have are gun restrictions to those who have a criminal history.

Other states have open carry - Wisconsin and Virginia come to mind.

"They can walk their dog at night with a shot gun and there's nothing we can do about it," says Pals.

I wouldn't think about walking my dog while carrying a shotgun, unless I'm hunting pheasants.

After a snide comment regarding having a drink while carrying ("You heard it, you can legally consume alcohol while carrying a gun in public with a permit...") and noting a business can ban carrying by customers, I found this article on the site: Man Pulls Butcher Knife At Bar (Side note - this professional news anchor needs to learn how to spell. For someone who uses words for a living, that's sad.)

It would seem to me that having a weapon to defend oneself at Harold's Bar in Albert Lea would be prudent. But maybe he has a sign telling patrons not to come in armed.

Aaron Zelman, RIP

Aaron Zelman, of JPFO, a true fighter for freedom and for all of the Bill of Rights, passed on December 21st.

Claire Wolfe has more