“The government takes what they want, and taxes what they leave behind.” – Atlas Shrugged II

Directive 10-289

Atlas Shrugged Part 2 hits theaters October 12th, 2012.  We’ve been waiting for part two since we finished watching Atlas Shrugged Part 1.  We know where we’ll be that Friday night, along with the SandCastleScrolls crew, VOX, Exurban League, and An Inconvenient Man, and many others.

H/T Joe at The View From North Central Idaho.

Update:  Check out Kevin’s post, “It’s a LEGAL System, Not a JUSTICE System“.

We are saddened to learn Cochise County sheriff, Larry Dever, died in a single-vehicle crash in Northern Arizona last night. Sheriff Dever’s county shares a border with Mexico and he was an outspoken defender of Arizona’s attempts to reduce the crimes associated with illegal immigration and lax border enforcement. Dever also stood with nine other Arizona sheriff’s to demand accountability for those involved in Operation Fast and Furious.

Sheriff Dever was running unopposed for his fifth and final term as Cochise County sheriff.  Our condolences go out to Mr. Dever’s family and friends, who were already dealing with the loss of his Mother to cancer less than a week ago.  Sheriff Dever devoted 34 years of his life to law enforcement in Cochise County and he will be greatly missed.

R.I.P. Sheriff Larry Dever

Update: Please read Jim Sharpe’s farewell essay about Larry Dever.

By now, you’ve probably heard that U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens, and three other American diplomats were murdered in Benghazi, Libya, coincidentally on September 11th, 2012. I say “coincidentally” because the U.S. media is weaving quite a tall tale in order to prevent any connection to President Obama’s foreign policy, or lack thereof.

How is this fairy tale woven?

Media outlets in the U.S. want you to believe that a Youtube video, posted two months ago, insulted the Muslim religion so much it’s frothing adherents had no choice but to go on a murderous rampage. The video is allegedly a trailer for a movie that apparently doesn’t really exist, performed by actors who swear they didn’t utter the lines in the video, which had offensive dialog dubbed into the clip, then was translated and re-dubbed into arabic with even more offensive dialog, by a man who doesn’t seem to exist, but is a Jewish/Coptic Israeli/Egyptian. The backlash from the video caused immediate protests (two months later) that magically turned violent.

This storyline is so perfect, that any criticism of arming the Muslim Brotherhood to overthrow dictator Mo Gaddafi during the “Arab Spring” is blasphemously “politicizing” this tragic, but predictable outcome for political gain. This is particularly true if you are applying for the job of President and believe you can provide a better outcome.

How is this story reported outside of Never Never Land?

Some group, most likely al-Qaida, meticulously planned an operation to target the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi in an attempt to kill the ambassador and as many other Americans possible to celebrate the anniversary of their September 11th, 2001 terror attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  The State Department had received advanced warning of the attack.  As with other al-Qaida attacks, this attack was preceded by a video from al-Qaida leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. Ayman al-Zawahiri called on Libyans to avenge the death of his Libyan deputy, Abu Yahya al-Libi, in an American drone strike in June.

After attacking the consulate, terrorists armed with RPGs followed the staff to (or already knew) the official “safe house”. Some reports even say that precision mortar strikes rained down on the safe house.  Hardly a spontaneous display of rage over an insulting video, but likely a show of force demonstrating that al-Qaida is still a threat.

Back in Never Never Land

Obama supporters in the U.S. media are desperately clinging to their fiction, lest the President’s foreign policy look like a failure.  The American press actually expects Romney to refrain from commenting on world events, or they’ll make him look bad.  After all, this horrid attack has happened days after the President received drooling praise at the DNC Convention last week, where they even gave him credit for the Arab Spring.

In a move so stupid it defies any sane explanation, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, called publicity whore Koran burning preacher Terry Jones to ask that he pull his support of the offensive video.  At the highest levels of our government, the best national security plan they could come up with was calling a two-bit rabble-rouser in Florida and asking him to “tone it down”.  I guess the administration believes Terry Jones is THE religious leader of America, and/or that radical Islamikazes will stop being suicidal terrorists if Jones gives the video a thumbs down.

Even American scholars are providing cover for the President by suggesting we further limit the First Amendment through banning “hate speech” (as determined by politicians).  They don’t want you to realize the emperor has no clothes and is visibly ill-equipped  to deal with national security issues that require quick, decisive, and effective action.  The El Dorado Canyon kind of action that stopped old Mo from being a threat to U.S. citizens 26 years ago.  Instead, the storytellers want another four years of the presidential puppet show.

Today is our annual day of mourning for the murder of more than 3,000 Americans on September 11th, 2001.  Most consider today a “day of remembrance”, but for me it stirs resentment.

Our biggest memorial to those lost on that September morning is an unfinished war in Afghanistan, a huge bureaucratic expansion of inept Government, and too many of our best and brightest killed or wounded in combat without clear goals.

I remember September 11th when I see frail elderly women “asked” to climb out of their wheelchairs and walk through body scanners at the airport, because those crippled old women could be dangerous terrorists.

I remember September 11th when I see a love note from Transportation Security Administration in my luggage, reassuring me that they’ve rummaged through my underwear for “prohibited items” and found nothing of interest.

I remember September 11th when the news media covers “important” issues – demands to see Mitt Romney’s tax returns, what’s happening on Jersey Shore, and how President Obama’s  “jobless economic recovery” has saved the United States.

I remember September 11th when I see the men and women of the National Guard Association of the United States holding a conference in the same hotel as the 7th annual Gun Blogger Rendezvous.

I remember September 11th when attending the Gun Blogger Rendezvous, which was held to raise money for Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT.

I remember September 11th when I see the young men and women at the hotel for the Tailhook Association reunion (an association for aircraft carrier and sea-based aircrews).

I remember September 11th when Mz. VRWC remarks that those young men and women look like they’re barely out of high school.

I remember September 11th when I remind her that those same young professionals are trusted to fly heavily armed, multimillion dollar aircraft, while making life and death decisions as part of their daily job.  Unfortunately, they don’t have the right carry a concealed weapon on most college campuses, because they can’t be trusted to “use the best judgment”.

I remember September 11th when I remember how we went to war to drive the Taliban out of Afghanistan.

I remember September 11th when I wonder how and when the war in Afghanistan will end.

I remember September 11th when 11 years later, we’re negotiating to give Afghanistan back to the Taliban.

I remember September 11th when I see the faces of those who have given everything while delivering our response to the terrorism of that September morning.

Yes, I remember that day and I mourn the loss and the pain of those directly affected by that act of terrorism.  I also remember the people lost during our response to a barbaric attack directed at civilian U.S. citizens.  I won’t forget that day, nor the losses we’ve had since, but I can’t help remembering my bitter resentment too.

The Gun Blogger Rendezvous VII kicks off in Reno, NV on Wednesday, September 5th.  Mr. Completely has planned quite the soiree for the stenographers of Gun Culture 2.0.   Plenty of shooting time is scheduled, including Steel Challenge shooting (Mr. C is a ringer) and Cowboy Action Shooting with the Roop County Cowboy Shooters Association, along with great some great presentations from NRA, the Second Amendment Foundation,  NSSF and other event sponsors.

Why does the Gun Blogger Rendezvous matter?  The Rendezvous matters because it raises money to support Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT.   You can learn more about Project Valour-IT at The Smallest Minority and make a donation to this worthy cause.

Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t permit a trip to the International Camel Races, so there shouldn’t be any stories of broken gun bloggers.  We know a few of the Gun Blogger attendees, so we’ll try to get frequent updates on the festivities and the fundraising progress.

I don’t often comment on writings by certain media on gun issues, but this article deserves a special mention.

I am a competitive shooter, owner of firearms and former law-enforcement instructor. While I realize my words will have little influence on those that despise firearms, hopefully it will have the effect of encouraging them to think in terms of facts, not fallacy.

First, to blame illegal use of firearms to commit illegal acts (crimes) ON THE law abiding population is ridiculous!

New York has some of the strictest gun laws and yet has one of the highest crime rates. The reason is that criminals know few people can actually protect themselves. The irony is that only the wealthy and connected can actually legally purchase/own/carry a firearms for self defense.

Interestingly, the writer states 40% of guns in NY are purchased in other states. So does that mean that 60% (the difference) are obtained in NY? I’m sure they aren’t purchased, so I assume they are stolen; a crime in itself. So the minority (well connected) are allowing their legal firearms to fall into the hands of criminals?

I emigrated from a country (South Africa) 20 years ago, where the gun laws are so extreme its almost impossible for the average citizen to possess a firearm for self defense. Yet violence, crimes against citizens and gun related criminal acts are at an all time high.

Crimes committed with LEGALLY owned guns make up less than 1% of the legally owned firearms.

The article also states that the violence is predominantly black/hispanic. Both the victims and criminals! Is that because the victims are unable to defend themselves due to social economic conditions, location and lack of influence? Would they still be victims if they were educated armed civilians?

What I don’t get is that many (most?) New Yorkers actually believe that guns are the crime! Is this a media misrepresentation, or do the majority seriously believe making gun ownership illegal will reduce crime? I have some highly intelligent, well informed and good friends from NY.

Please explain to me, nicely and with facts, how you believe that the bad guys care about your rights and safety. Why do you feel that if there were no guns, there would be no crime?

The writer also mentions the deaths from stabbing, so can we surmise that knives will also be banned.

Of course the ridiculous statement is that cars don’t kill people, drivers do. So lets ban driving!

Criminals do not respect values, beliefs or property. They look upon the weak as a target; something to prey on. Showing you are defenseless only makes you an easier target, am makes their lives easier!

Look at the crime rates in countries like Mexico. Strict gun laws. No private ownership. While much of the violence is cartel vs cartel, there is also extensive violence committed by criminals against civilians who are obviously easy targets; unarmed and largely defenseless.

The bottom line: There is a belief that that simple possession of a gun creates a mindset of dominance and power, and that this may lead to irresponsible and /or reckless behavior.

The truth is that this is a fallacy, and that responsible ownership, training and education is the reality.

By all means punish those that commit gun violence, but don’t take that right away from those that respect it.

Living in Arizona, where we have the right to possess, purchase and carry, many people own and carry firearms.

Those that prey on the weak know that, and thus go elsewhere. Criminals are well aware of the risks of assaulting an armed individual. Its part of their “on the job training”.

In many cases, they discover a life of crime has major consequences. In my years in law enforcement, and with an interest in behavioral modification, I have often asked what makes criminals quit. In most cases it is the risk of being caught; getting shot and possibly dying.

Instead of making people easy targets, lets focus on making citizens more capable.

Lets help retire some people!

* The above is Leighton’s personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of  NBC EVB Live, where he works as a consultant.  We just thought his opinion and background provide him with a unique view of the anti-civil rights movement demanding gun control.  Leighton is also the Founder and Training Director of Partners Working Dogs.  You can read more of Leighton’s thoughts at his blog, leightonblog.com.

Despite my better judgment, I gave in to curiosity and watched a video over the weekend that I wished I hadn’t.  The video included the ridiculous statement that women will never be treated equally at the range, and it went on to paint almost all men in the shooting community as misogynistic knuckle draggers.  While there have been others that have done a fine job of chiming in on this inaccurate video, I feel the need to add my 2 cents.

While likely unintentional, this video does a huge disservice to those of us that are trying to encourage more women to participate in shooting and the shooting sports (dissing men is not cool either).  There’s no doubt that learning to shoot can be an intimidating experience (for both sexes), and adding to the fear and anxiety with a poorly thought out rant is extremely counterproductive to the cause.

I’m not an expert shooter, but I’ve been shooting for just over 3 years, and for the last two, I’ve been very involved in USPSA and IDPA.  I try to get at least 500-1000 down range every month, and that means lots of time at multiple ranges.  I’ve visited dozens of gun shops, pawn shops and gun shows in several states and I am hard pressed to come up with more than a couple of examples where I was treated badly.  In every case where someone was less than friendly to me, they were treating BOTH men and women with the same amount of disrespect.  In other words, it’s not you, it’s them.

I’m not saying the shooting community doesn’t have undesirable characters, of course it does (just like every other segment of the general population).  What I am saying is that if someone is giving you unwarranted attention or is treating you with disrespect at the range or gun store, it’s extremely unlikely it’s because you are female.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the people that make up the shooting community are the kindest and most generous people I have ever met.  I am extremely grateful for the help I’ve gotten from the men and women who have taken the time to help me become a better shooter, and I welcome their continued advice, solicited or not.