"I happen to believe that this is now going to open the door to litigation against every gun safety law that states have passed – assault weapons bans, trigger locks, and all the rest of it."
Senator Dianne Feinstein
I certainly hope she's right, though I quibble with her term "gun safety law". There are gun sefety rules, but as far as I can tell none of the laws, especially the ones I suspect she's talking about, have anything to do with gun safety.
There are gun owner restriction laws that reduce the safety of citizens by creating more targets for violent crime. Then there are laws that afford the citizen some protection against unjust legal action for protecting themselves, like CCW and Castle Droctrine.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Once is Enough
One of the other old timers and I were discussing the dark economic era of the Carter times with a younger engineer this afternoon. He is way too young to remember the double digit inflation where a healthy 8-10% pay increase resulted in a net loss of buying power, combined with high taxes. If we get a Dem as president with a Dem congress, we'll certainly get a repeat of the Carter years.
If you don't study a little history, you're doomed to repeat it. I think once was more than enough.
If you don't study a little history, you're doomed to repeat it. I think once was more than enough.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
About Done
Just in case you've been wondering why I haven't been blogging very much lately, it's mostly because I haven't been very gabby. That and a plethora of family and landowner responsibilities.
In my much younger years I had the opportunity to use a one man and 2 man crosscut saw for cutting timber. After that my first experience with a chainsaw started in wonder at how much easier the gas power saw is to use. Now in my later years, even the chainsaw beats me down with authority.
I'm battered and bruised, in part because a tree will occasionally fight back. Also, a desk jockey that's way too close to 60 is not in shape for such physically demanding work.
That old tree fought hard, but with stubborness on my part aided with modern technology, the game is about over.
In my much younger years I had the opportunity to use a one man and 2 man crosscut saw for cutting timber. After that my first experience with a chainsaw started in wonder at how much easier the gas power saw is to use. Now in my later years, even the chainsaw beats me down with authority.
I'm battered and bruised, in part because a tree will occasionally fight back. Also, a desk jockey that's way too close to 60 is not in shape for such physically demanding work.
That old tree fought hard, but with stubborness on my part aided with modern technology, the game is about over.
Leave it Alone
I just heard on the news that the last “market” like we’re facing now was 200-2002. I’m sure the newly elected Bush was blamed then just like he’s being blamed now. I doubt the President has that kind of authority or power.
Historically the stock market and our economy have had its ups and downs. I wonder if they would be as often or as extreme if Big Nanny just left things alone.
Historically the stock market and our economy have had its ups and downs. I wonder if they would be as often or as extreme if Big Nanny just left things alone.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Jeff Cooper
"The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."
Warrent Required?
Is the search of your personal lap-top computer the same as a search of your personal papers? Isn't a warrent required to search personal papers? In this day of an almost-paperless society isn't a warrent required to search a computer?
Another Step Back
We got where we were on the 2A by by allowing one small step at a time. Our first step back was the now wide spread concealed carry laws. Now the Big Court has taken us another step back toward the constitution.
Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia said that an individual right to bear arms is supported by "the historical narrative" both before and after the Second Amendment was adopted.
The Constitution does not permit "the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home," Scalia said. The court also struck down Washington's requirement that firearms be equipped with trigger locks or kept disassembled, but left intact the licensing of guns.
You can read the whole thing here.
Unfortunately they left the door open for very strict regulation that may be a defacto ban on firearms.
1. The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.
2. Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose:
3. The handgun ban and the trigger-lock requirement (as applied to self-defense) violate the Second Amendment.
It's upsetting to me that a couple of the so-called justices choose to twist this portion of the constitution to match how they wish it was, instead of how it is. If they had their way the entire constitution would just go away. That's what I've come to expect from the left.
Two or maybe three (I don't remember for sure) of the majority opinion are Bush appointees. That's one very big reason to choose a President wisely.
Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia said that an individual right to bear arms is supported by "the historical narrative" both before and after the Second Amendment was adopted.
The Constitution does not permit "the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home," Scalia said. The court also struck down Washington's requirement that firearms be equipped with trigger locks or kept disassembled, but left intact the licensing of guns.
You can read the whole thing here.
Unfortunately they left the door open for very strict regulation that may be a defacto ban on firearms.
1. The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.
2. Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose:
3. The handgun ban and the trigger-lock requirement (as applied to self-defense) violate the Second Amendment.
It's upsetting to me that a couple of the so-called justices choose to twist this portion of the constitution to match how they wish it was, instead of how it is. If they had their way the entire constitution would just go away. That's what I've come to expect from the left.
Two or maybe three (I don't remember for sure) of the majority opinion are Bush appointees. That's one very big reason to choose a President wisely.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
New Addition
I just added Legions Fate to my occasional visit list, so go take a look. After a thoughtful comment on my open carry post below (Making a Point) I followed his link and liked what I saw. I saw that he had me on his list, so tit for tat as the saying goes. Besides he's a VET. My son was a marine back in the early '90s so I feel a little connection there. As they say . . . semper fi.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Open Letter
Why have none of the doom, gloom, and scary stories you believe might happen not come true in any state that has passed a CCW law? Not one.
It is no longer intellectually honest for you as an informed citizen to continue to falsely believe what "tragedies" might happen - instead, it is the duty of all responsible people to understand what actually has happened. I challenge you to do so.
Intellect has nothing to do with the position of the opposition. Psychological issues do. They don't recognize the difference between the wolf and the sheep dog. They transfer their distrust in themselves to others. That's just for starters.
It is no longer intellectually honest for you as an informed citizen to continue to falsely believe what "tragedies" might happen - instead, it is the duty of all responsible people to understand what actually has happened. I challenge you to do so.
Intellect has nothing to do with the position of the opposition. Psychological issues do. They don't recognize the difference between the wolf and the sheep dog. They transfer their distrust in themselves to others. That's just for starters.
Coulter
I know it’s a bit strange of me, but I actually enjoy reading books by Ann Coulter. Her way off the right hand side of the wall style is somewhat interesting, at least in printed form. On the rare occasions that I’ve seen her on TV, not so much. She comes off as a lunatic.
But unfortunately we need people like her on the right to help offset the loons on the left. In fact we need more because the balance is way left heavy. Irrationality is a way of life over there. Conservatives, even the far right variety, tend to have more facts to back up their views and they also tend to think more with their brains.
I’m not sure the far leftists even have brains that function. If evolution is a fact, as they believe, and not a theory, then why haven’t they gone the way of the dinosaur? You’d think natural selection would’ve eliminated the less reasoning gene from the species.
At least there’r some facts, ie truth, behind the lunatic Coulter.
But unfortunately we need people like her on the right to help offset the loons on the left. In fact we need more because the balance is way left heavy. Irrationality is a way of life over there. Conservatives, even the far right variety, tend to have more facts to back up their views and they also tend to think more with their brains.
I’m not sure the far leftists even have brains that function. If evolution is a fact, as they believe, and not a theory, then why haven’t they gone the way of the dinosaur? You’d think natural selection would’ve eliminated the less reasoning gene from the species.
At least there’r some facts, ie truth, behind the lunatic Coulter.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Bad Day at The Range
The eldest son and I snuck out to the range for a few hours this afternoon. When we arrived all the spots were taken due to a rifle and .45 shoot that was winding down. The rifles were anything from an old Nagant to a tricked-out bolt gun. They were shooting large bullseye at 200 yards.
The pistol shoot was strictly .45 auto, and not a tricked-out race gun to be seen. The Boy said I should compete in that shoot some time, since comparatively speaking I’m better with a handgun than with a rifle. I said no, explaining that I’d just embarrass myself. He later walked me down to the shooting line so I could see they were shooting bullseye at 25 and 50 yards. The 25 yard was timed rapid fire and timed slow fire at 50 yards. After looking at a few targets I’m convinced there wouldn’t be anything embarrassing for me there. I know I’m better than half of those shooters, and the Boy thinks I’d place in the top third with ease. I had my Kimber Ultra Carry with me and a couple boxes of ammo so I could’ve joined the group but I had other things on my mind. Maybe some day I’ll join in that fun.
I brought 3 rifles and shot 2, as well as 4 handguns but only shot one. I left the 8mm Mauser in the case because I was having too much fun with the CETME and AR in the limited time we had to spend. My CETME has a scope and I shoot Mil ammo through it. The last time I managed a 3 shot 1” group at 100 yards off the bench, but not today. Today I was around 2”, but I still enjoyed ringing the steel plates at 200 yards from the standing position.
I brought the new AR to fine tune the sights and simply enjoy running a few more rounds through it. My AR has flip-up sights and a Bushnell HoloSite. Did you know that the Bushnell works a whole lot better if you turn it off before putting it away for a few weeks? Yep, dead batteries and no spares. With the aperture sight I was getting groups around 3-4 inches at 100 yards off the bench. I’m sure my son, with younger eyes, could do better but that’s about normal for me. It’s interesting that I had decent success at hitting a 12” target at 200 yards standing off hand. At one point I hit steel 4 shots in a row. Big surprise for me with iron sights.
:-) I guess rifle fit and shootability has a lot to do with it.
It’s been 4-6 months since I launched lead with the Ruger .454. The 24 rounds I fired today were proof that one just has to keep practicing to maintain any kind of proficiency with a big bore revolver shooting long range. Out of 24 shots at a 12”, 200 yard target I only came close a few times. Some misses could be measured in feet. I wasn’t using a rest as some do at that range, but that’s no excuse. I pretty well stunk it up.
A bad day at the range, if there is such a thing, is better than a good day at work.
The pistol shoot was strictly .45 auto, and not a tricked-out race gun to be seen. The Boy said I should compete in that shoot some time, since comparatively speaking I’m better with a handgun than with a rifle. I said no, explaining that I’d just embarrass myself. He later walked me down to the shooting line so I could see they were shooting bullseye at 25 and 50 yards. The 25 yard was timed rapid fire and timed slow fire at 50 yards. After looking at a few targets I’m convinced there wouldn’t be anything embarrassing for me there. I know I’m better than half of those shooters, and the Boy thinks I’d place in the top third with ease. I had my Kimber Ultra Carry with me and a couple boxes of ammo so I could’ve joined the group but I had other things on my mind. Maybe some day I’ll join in that fun.
I brought 3 rifles and shot 2, as well as 4 handguns but only shot one. I left the 8mm Mauser in the case because I was having too much fun with the CETME and AR in the limited time we had to spend. My CETME has a scope and I shoot Mil ammo through it. The last time I managed a 3 shot 1” group at 100 yards off the bench, but not today. Today I was around 2”, but I still enjoyed ringing the steel plates at 200 yards from the standing position.
I brought the new AR to fine tune the sights and simply enjoy running a few more rounds through it. My AR has flip-up sights and a Bushnell HoloSite. Did you know that the Bushnell works a whole lot better if you turn it off before putting it away for a few weeks? Yep, dead batteries and no spares. With the aperture sight I was getting groups around 3-4 inches at 100 yards off the bench. I’m sure my son, with younger eyes, could do better but that’s about normal for me. It’s interesting that I had decent success at hitting a 12” target at 200 yards standing off hand. At one point I hit steel 4 shots in a row. Big surprise for me with iron sights.
:-) I guess rifle fit and shootability has a lot to do with it.
It’s been 4-6 months since I launched lead with the Ruger .454. The 24 rounds I fired today were proof that one just has to keep practicing to maintain any kind of proficiency with a big bore revolver shooting long range. Out of 24 shots at a 12”, 200 yard target I only came close a few times. Some misses could be measured in feet. I wasn’t using a rest as some do at that range, but that’s no excuse. I pretty well stunk it up.
A bad day at the range, if there is such a thing, is better than a good day at work.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Making a Point
A retired deputy sheriff I know once told me he never arrested anybody for carrying a concealed gun because 'bearing arms' is a right protected in the federal and Ohio constitution, regardless of law. But he would tack that charge onto some other charge.
At least 20 years ago I frequented an independant pipe and tobacco shop owned by a retired police officer. I remember part of 1 conversation where he stated that it was legal to walk the sidewalks in the local city carrying a loaded gun as long as it was not concealed. He also stated that doing so will most certainly draw harrassment from the police. The sort of thing like being disarmed at gun point, handcuffed, and hauled to jail, then released.
For years I openly carried a handgun while fishing or hiking in the woods, but never in a town. I just wasn't willing to test my convictions and put my ability to support my family at risk. Although I occasionally carried concealed for safety reasons.
I certainly understand why someone like this guy would openly carry to make a point, but crying about what you know will happen is a bit much. The police were definately wrong, but their behavior was soooo very predictable. It's kinda like being surprised by the pain when you hit your finger with a hammer. . . . Duh!
Seems there are similar problems in Utah, though not quite as bad.
At least 20 years ago I frequented an independant pipe and tobacco shop owned by a retired police officer. I remember part of 1 conversation where he stated that it was legal to walk the sidewalks in the local city carrying a loaded gun as long as it was not concealed. He also stated that doing so will most certainly draw harrassment from the police. The sort of thing like being disarmed at gun point, handcuffed, and hauled to jail, then released.
For years I openly carried a handgun while fishing or hiking in the woods, but never in a town. I just wasn't willing to test my convictions and put my ability to support my family at risk. Although I occasionally carried concealed for safety reasons.
I certainly understand why someone like this guy would openly carry to make a point, but crying about what you know will happen is a bit much. The police were definately wrong, but their behavior was soooo very predictable. It's kinda like being surprised by the pain when you hit your finger with a hammer. . . . Duh!
Seems there are similar problems in Utah, though not quite as bad.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Nation of Sheep
Trapped in the bucket and cornered by a large seemingly menacing creature, the tiny mouse, somehow realizing that flight was impossible, decided to fight for its life.
But have we gotten so far from nature that we have lost the ability to fight for our lives? Not too long ago, Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina ran an emergency response drill. A campus police officer posing as a gunman burst into a classroom, where he proceeded to hold the students hostage and terrorize them with a fake gun for 10 minutes. Not one of the students fought back. Not one thought to pick up a chair or a desk, or even a book, to defend themselves. They all lined up against a wall and passively waited for death.
I'm somewhat shocked and saddened that Americans can be and are so meek. The lack of fortitude, except by our voluntary armed forces, is appalling. Are we a nation of sheep? It appears so, except for a few who exercise their right to be armed.
But have we gotten so far from nature that we have lost the ability to fight for our lives? Not too long ago, Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina ran an emergency response drill. A campus police officer posing as a gunman burst into a classroom, where he proceeded to hold the students hostage and terrorize them with a fake gun for 10 minutes. Not one of the students fought back. Not one thought to pick up a chair or a desk, or even a book, to defend themselves. They all lined up against a wall and passively waited for death.
I'm somewhat shocked and saddened that Americans can be and are so meek. The lack of fortitude, except by our voluntary armed forces, is appalling. Are we a nation of sheep? It appears so, except for a few who exercise their right to be armed.
Procrastination
As of tomorrow both of my concealed carrry licenses will be expired. I sent the Florida renewal in time but it was rejected because the local PD didn't fill out the finger print card as directed. As for the Ohio license, my procrastination jumped up and bit me. I didn't apply for the renewal until getting back from the Europe trip. All I can say is "my bad" on both counts.
I found it interesting that the lady at the sherrifs office said to either don't carry until the new license arrives, or keep the receipt of renewal application with me. She implied that I could legally carry with an expired license. Seems a little chancy to me. But then again, it might just be more chancy if I don't carry.
I found it interesting that the lady at the sherrifs office said to either don't carry until the new license arrives, or keep the receipt of renewal application with me. She implied that I could legally carry with an expired license. Seems a little chancy to me. But then again, it might just be more chancy if I don't carry.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Most Law-Abiding Citizens
More than 1% of Ohio’s total population is now licensed to carry concealed handguns. The numbers look even stronger when you consider that more than 2,766,000 of Ohio’s population are under the age of 18 and will not even be eligible for a CHL for at least another three years.
There have now been 115,702 regular CHL’s issued.
The numbers continue to show that less than one half of one percent of all CHL’s ever issued have been revoked for any reason, including moving out of state or death of the license holder. Concealed carry license holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in our society.
And that folks is one of the reasons why the 'gun issue' isn't much of a political issue anymore. The population is learning the truth. Blood in the streets my aching ass.
There have now been 115,702 regular CHL’s issued.
The numbers continue to show that less than one half of one percent of all CHL’s ever issued have been revoked for any reason, including moving out of state or death of the license holder. Concealed carry license holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in our society.
And that folks is one of the reasons why the 'gun issue' isn't much of a political issue anymore. The population is learning the truth. Blood in the streets my aching ass.
Bugs Crap Crude
Oil that is.
. . . the genetic alteration of bugs — very, very small bacteria — so that when they feed on agricultural waste such as wood chips or wheat straw, they do something extraordinary. They excrete crude oil.
Cool huh? Except that when man screws with mother nature, she tends to screw back. Makes me a little nervous.
. . . the genetic alteration of bugs — very, very small bacteria — so that when they feed on agricultural waste such as wood chips or wheat straw, they do something extraordinary. They excrete crude oil.
Cool huh? Except that when man screws with mother nature, she tends to screw back. Makes me a little nervous.
10 Years Too Late
Sen. John McCain said Monday the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling should be lifted, . . .
Unfortunately he's about a decade too late to help now, assuming the Dems in congress will listen..
With gasoline prices rising and the United States chronically dependent on foreign oil, . . .
It's reported that we get about 1/3 of our oil from foreign sources so I don't know how chronic that is. If we used our own resources, we'd be free of foreign oil. Unfortunately the 'tree huggers' and the liberals that listen to them have once again screwed the country economically. The world speculators sure haven't helped any either.
The Senate last month rejected a GOP energy plan, 56-42, that included a provision similar to McCain’s proposal.
And that folks is how the Dems, the liberals, the party for the working man, operates. The working man, the population that's effected the most by high fuel prices, gets screwed again.
Unfortunately he's about a decade too late to help now, assuming the Dems in congress will listen..
With gasoline prices rising and the United States chronically dependent on foreign oil, . . .
It's reported that we get about 1/3 of our oil from foreign sources so I don't know how chronic that is. If we used our own resources, we'd be free of foreign oil. Unfortunately the 'tree huggers' and the liberals that listen to them have once again screwed the country economically. The world speculators sure haven't helped any either.
The Senate last month rejected a GOP energy plan, 56-42, that included a provision similar to McCain’s proposal.
And that folks is how the Dems, the liberals, the party for the working man, operates. The working man, the population that's effected the most by high fuel prices, gets screwed again.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Lottery
The very few times I played the lottery here in Ohio was before all the 'scratch cards' & stuff. You paid a couple bucks for the chance at a million. Then it occured to me that the chances of winning weren't any better by playing than not playing at all. So I haven't given the state 1 single penney that way since.
Ever notice who regularly plays? Yep, those that really can't afford to loose, but over time they always do.
Despite all that, like The Captain, I like the state run lottery.
Heck, most of the "players" are just giving our money back to us anyway. We give them money through food stamps, section 8 housing and welfare and they promptly hand a portion of it back (heck, some hand it ALL back) without complaint at the counter of the local 7-11. Sounds like a good plan to me.
Would it be illegal if anyone other than the government did it? Of course. So what? So would most anything else the government does.
Ever notice who regularly plays? Yep, those that really can't afford to loose, but over time they always do.
Despite all that, like The Captain, I like the state run lottery.
Heck, most of the "players" are just giving our money back to us anyway. We give them money through food stamps, section 8 housing and welfare and they promptly hand a portion of it back (heck, some hand it ALL back) without complaint at the counter of the local 7-11. Sounds like a good plan to me.
Would it be illegal if anyone other than the government did it? Of course. So what? So would most anything else the government does.
A Few Real Americans in Illinois
Concealed carry proposal gets support of sheriff
“If our attorneys say we can issue a permit, that’s what I’ll do,” Meyers said. “If they say I can’t, then I won’t, and that’s probably when the courts will get involved.”
Shortly after the meeting broke up, Meyers elaborated a bit, saying that while he doesn’t think all the supporters of the resolution can legally do what they want and that some of the facts they are citing might not be accurate, he understands the need for citizens to be able to arm themselves.
“Wisconsin almost passed it; if they did, we’d be the only state without some sort of concealed carry,” he said. “I just think that this is what’s coming, and from a public safety standpoint, it’s the right thing to do.”
“If our attorneys say we can issue a permit, that’s what I’ll do,” Meyers said. “If they say I can’t, then I won’t, and that’s probably when the courts will get involved.”
Shortly after the meeting broke up, Meyers elaborated a bit, saying that while he doesn’t think all the supporters of the resolution can legally do what they want and that some of the facts they are citing might not be accurate, he understands the need for citizens to be able to arm themselves.
“Wisconsin almost passed it; if they did, we’d be the only state without some sort of concealed carry,” he said. “I just think that this is what’s coming, and from a public safety standpoint, it’s the right thing to do.”
The Bottom Line
"Tell me," I was once asked, "What do you think about gun control? Give me the short answer." To which I replied, "If you try to take our firearms we will kill you."
The End
Telling it like it is.
The End
Telling it like it is.
Politicians . . . Piss on Em
According to what I just saw on the TV, it's illegal to drill for oil in US waters off the coast, in Amwar (that place in Alaska) and to process shale oil found in the Rocky Mountains. It was also said that we have 3 times the Saudi oil in Rocky Mountain shale. In addition, unlike other modern industrial countries, we haven't built a nuclear power plant in decades. These restrictive laws were passed by our legislature under pressure from the tree huggers.
Now some of the same legislatures are throwing their hands up in the air wanting us to become independant of oil and promoting their favorite technology. They have the perfect solution for the condition they caused in the first place. And most all of these solutions either take decades to implement, and/or cause food shortages or are simply ineffective. The only thing a politician is good at is being a politician. They don't know shit about the rest of the world.
I particularly get pissed when they play at being upset about what they created.
Now some of the same legislatures are throwing their hands up in the air wanting us to become independant of oil and promoting their favorite technology. They have the perfect solution for the condition they caused in the first place. And most all of these solutions either take decades to implement, and/or cause food shortages or are simply ineffective. The only thing a politician is good at is being a politician. They don't know shit about the rest of the world.
I particularly get pissed when they play at being upset about what they created.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Making a Difference
Go on over to James and read how one mans efforts made a very real difference in the life of another. A nice story with a happy ending. It's a great feeling to have ones work appreciated.
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland
There were rumors that Ohio governor Ted Strickland was on the short list to be Omama's running mate. I found that curious because while they're both Democrats, their political ideals are very far apart. While Obama is against liberty, thus anti-self-defense, Strickland just supported and signed into law a pro-gun, pro-self-defense bill. I wonder if Strickland has the stomach to tolerate Obama. He recently said he has absolutely no desire, nor will he be Obama's running mate. Good for him.
37 Years
Some 37 years ago today I said "I do" and "I will" then kissed the bride, The Boss. It's hard to immagine that I've been a slave that long. It's even harder to immagine that she's actually put up with me.
Now that I remembered, you think I ought to stop on the way home and buy her some flowers or something?
Now that I remembered, you think I ought to stop on the way home and buy her some flowers or something?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Renewable Energy Source
proven oil reserves at the end of 1993 equaled 1024 billion barrels.
During the following ten years, 264 billion barrels were produced and consumed, yet proven reserves at the end of 2003 equaled 1148 billion barrels!
After 4 years of feverish demand and tremendous growth of the economies of China and India, with record breaking, almost unreal rates of petroleum CONSUMPTION, reserves of conventional petroleum sat at 1,317 billion barrels in January, 2007,
So according to the "experts", the oil reserves increased by 193 billion barrels in 14 years. During that same time period we consumed much more than 264 billion barrels of oil.
Looks to me like our best renewable energy source is . . . . . OIL.
During the following ten years, 264 billion barrels were produced and consumed, yet proven reserves at the end of 2003 equaled 1148 billion barrels!
After 4 years of feverish demand and tremendous growth of the economies of China and India, with record breaking, almost unreal rates of petroleum CONSUMPTION, reserves of conventional petroleum sat at 1,317 billion barrels in January, 2007,
So according to the "experts", the oil reserves increased by 193 billion barrels in 14 years. During that same time period we consumed much more than 264 billion barrels of oil.
Looks to me like our best renewable energy source is . . . . . OIL.
Good Advice
This piece is geared toward officers and their off-duty carry gun, but read it anyway. There's a lot of good advice for the citizen as well.
Get Over It
The Reps. managed to block a socialist move being pushed in the senate by the Dems.
“The oil companies need to know that there is a limit on how much profit they can take in this economy,” said Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, . . .
Bull shit!!!
As Kim said;
. . . there is no limit on “how much profit they can take in this economy”, because there is also no limit on how much money they can lose, in any economy.
This is called “capitalism”—risk equals opportunity—and that—capping profits and the State confiscating the surplus—is called “socialism”.
Our wonderful elected have stopped construction of refineries, drilling for new oil, and construction of nuclear power plants through regulations. It took them years to get us into this mess, and it will take years to get out of it. There isn't a quick fix. Taxing oil companies that will increase fuel prices even more just won't work. And pushing biofuels that rob food for people also won't work. Fuel costs are just going to be higher than we like for a long time to come. Get over it.
“The oil companies need to know that there is a limit on how much profit they can take in this economy,” said Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, . . .
Bull shit!!!
As Kim said;
. . . there is no limit on “how much profit they can take in this economy”, because there is also no limit on how much money they can lose, in any economy.
This is called “capitalism”—risk equals opportunity—and that—capping profits and the State confiscating the surplus—is called “socialism”.
Our wonderful elected have stopped construction of refineries, drilling for new oil, and construction of nuclear power plants through regulations. It took them years to get us into this mess, and it will take years to get out of it. There isn't a quick fix. Taxing oil companies that will increase fuel prices even more just won't work. And pushing biofuels that rob food for people also won't work. Fuel costs are just going to be higher than we like for a long time to come. Get over it.
Just Gotta Do It
There's no doubt we The People have made great strides in the last decades to regain our legislative right to self-defense and gun ownership. I say legislative becaus regardless of 'law' a right can't be taken away, only surrendered. I for one never surrendered my right and carried a gun whenever I felt it prudent, regardless of the law.
The reversal of gun laws towards freedom and liberty was hard fought, and continues today. We will always need to fight for liberty because there's always those that would rob us of that precious commodity.
As much as I enjoyed the recent trip to Germany and Poland, and not so recent trip to Austria, I wouldn't want to live in any of those countries. The people may be free but they have no liberty, and I can't stomach socialism.
As Kim says;
Now expand the gun control battle to other areas: taxes, public schooling, overbearing regulation, illegal immigration, and all the other ways that the socialists would seek to control Us, The People.
It means fighting these bastards every single time they try to encroach on our freedoms, fighting these bastards every time they try to take away one of our cherished rights, fighting these bastards every time they want to take away our money and give it away to someone else, and fighting these bastards every time they try to tell us that they, and not we, know what’s best for ourselves, our families, our communities, our states, and our nation.
If we want to stop the spread of socialism, we need to fight every social issue with the same passion that we’ve used to fight gun control. Gun control has become a non-issue (in our favor) because we have never let the gun-controllers get the other hand, even during the Dark Days of the Clinton Administration, . . .
So if the only hand we have is the McCain one, we have to play it.
So I'll hold my nose, and vote for McCain.
The reversal of gun laws towards freedom and liberty was hard fought, and continues today. We will always need to fight for liberty because there's always those that would rob us of that precious commodity.
As much as I enjoyed the recent trip to Germany and Poland, and not so recent trip to Austria, I wouldn't want to live in any of those countries. The people may be free but they have no liberty, and I can't stomach socialism.
As Kim says;
Now expand the gun control battle to other areas: taxes, public schooling, overbearing regulation, illegal immigration, and all the other ways that the socialists would seek to control Us, The People.
It means fighting these bastards every single time they try to encroach on our freedoms, fighting these bastards every time they try to take away one of our cherished rights, fighting these bastards every time they want to take away our money and give it away to someone else, and fighting these bastards every time they try to tell us that they, and not we, know what’s best for ourselves, our families, our communities, our states, and our nation.
If we want to stop the spread of socialism, we need to fight every social issue with the same passion that we’ve used to fight gun control. Gun control has become a non-issue (in our favor) because we have never let the gun-controllers get the other hand, even during the Dark Days of the Clinton Administration, . . .
So if the only hand we have is the McCain one, we have to play it.
So I'll hold my nose, and vote for McCain.
Monday, June 9, 2008
They Were Warned . . . The Idiots
Unemployment spiked recently.
. . . This huge jump in the size of the unemployed comes from new entrants to the economy—hundreds of thousands of them. In short, well over 600,000 people who were not job seekers in April became job seekers in May. And who starts looking for work at the end of Spring? That’s right—students. . . . Congress is to blame. Last year Congressional Democrats (along with some Stockholm-Syndromed Republicans) passed the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which started a phased hike of the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25. Free market economists warned them that this would increase unemployment—that rapid increases in unemployment compensation hit teens and minorities the hardest. . .
Hell, you don't have to be a genious to predict this. But congress is full of economic morons.
. . . This huge jump in the size of the unemployed comes from new entrants to the economy—hundreds of thousands of them. In short, well over 600,000 people who were not job seekers in April became job seekers in May. And who starts looking for work at the end of Spring? That’s right—students. . . . Congress is to blame. Last year Congressional Democrats (along with some Stockholm-Syndromed Republicans) passed the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which started a phased hike of the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25. Free market economists warned them that this would increase unemployment—that rapid increases in unemployment compensation hit teens and minorities the hardest. . .
Hell, you don't have to be a genious to predict this. But congress is full of economic morons.
Right to Carry Means More Safety For Everyone
Criminals were 27.3% more “successful” in completing violent crime, and 33.3% more “successful” in completing murder attempts, in non-RTC states which highlights the effectiveness of employing a firearm as a self-defense tool (as opposed to becoming a violent crime statistic).
. . . one can only conclude that armed citizens are quite adept at self-defense; enough to provide a quantifiable level of protection for law enforcement. In non-RTC states, the reduced self-defensive capability of the citizenry correlates with higher rates of violent crime and higher risk to police officers.
There are sheep, wolves and sheep dogs. The professional sheep dogs are the police, the rest are citizens.
. . . one can only conclude that armed citizens are quite adept at self-defense; enough to provide a quantifiable level of protection for law enforcement. In non-RTC states, the reduced self-defensive capability of the citizenry correlates with higher rates of violent crime and higher risk to police officers.
There are sheep, wolves and sheep dogs. The professional sheep dogs are the police, the rest are citizens.
Open Carry
I believe most states do not have laws against openly carrying a loaded gun. I know it's legal here in Ohio. Years ago, because of a couple instances I started carrying a gun, in the open, while fishing a local stream. Others that I saw fishing the stream paid it no attention despite being a 6" .357 Mag hanging on my belt. The only exception was a young boy who loudly popinted it out to his father. His dad said not to worry, he's not going to hurt anybody.
In theory I think anyone should be able to legally carry a loaded gun where and whenever they want. It's a right guaranteed by the constitution. That's my unrealistic view. The fact is that way too many people are sheep that would panic when they saw, gasp, a citizen carrying a gun. This is being put to the test in Colorado.
In most communities I think concealed carry is the only realistic option without sheep panic. That option should be legal for all without unconstitutional licensing.
In theory I think anyone should be able to legally carry a loaded gun where and whenever they want. It's a right guaranteed by the constitution. That's my unrealistic view. The fact is that way too many people are sheep that would panic when they saw, gasp, a citizen carrying a gun. This is being put to the test in Colorado.
In most communities I think concealed carry is the only realistic option without sheep panic. That option should be legal for all without unconstitutional licensing.
Bump in The Night
Have you seen that commercial where a couple are spending their first night in their home, and they hear something? The hubby starts down the stairs to investigate just in time to see a guy kick in the front door. The alarm starts making a big racket and the bad guy runs away. I wonder if it could really happen that way? It is a commercial, but they don't try to hide the fact that help is actually many minutes away if really needed. I suppose it could happen like that, but I'd still feel much better with a shotgun in hand when checking what went 'bump in the night'.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Feeling Old
Yesterday was my youngests birthday, so this evening he and his wife, the oldest with his wife and child were here for dinner. I cooked T-bones on the grill that was served with corn and potatoes. Naturally we had cake and ice-cream later. My youngest son just passed his 33rd birthday. Where have all the years gone? Sometimes I just feel old.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Truth About Politicians . . . . And Others
Making mistakes, and then learning from them, is an essential part of being human. It requires a certain level of maturity to be able to utter the words, “I was wrong about that.” The fact that politicians are generally incapable of saying them speaks volumes about the humanity and maturity of the average career politician. Munchkin Wrangler
Amazing Home Remedies
1. IF YOU'RE CHOKING ON AN ICE CUBE, SIMPLY POUR A CUP OF BOILING WATER DOWN YOUR THROAT. PRESTO! THE BLOCKAGE WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE ITSELF.
2. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.
3. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT - USE THE SINK.
4. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.
5. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.
6. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.
7. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.
8. REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.
9. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
DAILY THOUGHT:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
2. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.
3. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT - USE THE SINK.
4. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.
5. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.
6. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.
7. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.
8. REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.
9. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
DAILY THOUGHT:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Is DC Part of The USA ?
I recently mentioned DC as one of the cesspools in the country. I didn't realize until now that THE AUTHORITIES were contributing ot the problem. Shades of the Nazis and Communists.
The Fifth
The first handgun acquisition was a bit of a fluke. The Boss and I were living in Indianapolis when I was offered a job back near our hometown. The timing was perfect because the oldest son was to start school and we put the house up for sale to move to the 'berbs. A couple days after the job offer, at a 15% pay increase, the house sold so we moved back to the Buckeye state.
The house we bought had a finished basement that was perfect for the old slate top pool table I had, but as usual I lost the arguement, and it became a family room instead. That's where the handgun comes in. I traded that old beat up table for a JP Sauer & Sohn model 38H chambered for the little 7.65mm (.32ACP) cartridge.
That was my first handgun. It was also the gun that both of my sons first learned to shoot, because I didn't have anything better for them, nor the money to buy anything else at the time. (Each was about 7 when introduced to firearms) My youngest loves that little pistol. When talking about my will last year it was the only thing he really wanted, so I got up, went to the armory and gave it to him on the spot. Therefore I don't have a picture to share, but you can see one just like it at the above link.
I probably wouldn't have given it to him just yet except that I previously bought a Walther PPK as a replacement. A guy I knew in college had several Walthers in various calibers and I always wanted one. The Walther is also in .32ACP, just for nostalgic reasons.
Unfortunately this is an example of useless gun laws, because it's a PPK/S. The PPK was not legal to import at the time, but S&W was making some with slight dimensional changes under license from Walther. That was legal.
This is one of my carry guns, inspite of the "experts" saying the .32ACP is too small for the purpose. I'm a decent shot and this handgun is easy to carry and conceal, especially in hot weather. It's better to have a small one than none at all.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Damn Good Question
If more government control and less civil liberties mean increased safety, why aren’t our prisons the safest places in the country?
Munchkin Wrangler
Munchkin Wrangler
Don't Scare The Sheep
Maybe if I bought one of these, or the one pictured below, I'd be more politically correct.
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Instead I bought this one, that scares the hell out of the sheep.
That's probably why licenses to carry guns are for concealed carry. If the sheep don't see it, they aren't scared.
Happy to Comply
My favourite letters are the ones being sent from the U.S. Gun owners there are now urging a boycott of Toronto. Considering that most of the problems with guns on our streets emanate from south of the border, I couldn’t be happier. If all it took was closing a couple of shooting ranges to stop gun-toting Yanks from coming to our city, maybe we should have shut the doors on these clubs years ago.
My only experience with Toronto was the airport, and that was less than steller. Not a problem for me. I'm happy to stay away. I feel the same way about NYC, Newark (armpit of the country), DC, Boston, Chicago and LA. If I never set foot near any of them again it'll be too soon. Cesspools, all of them.
My only experience with Toronto was the airport, and that was less than steller. Not a problem for me. I'm happy to stay away. I feel the same way about NYC, Newark (armpit of the country), DC, Boston, Chicago and LA. If I never set foot near any of them again it'll be too soon. Cesspools, all of them.
Quotes
I would like to see John Browning brought back from the dead in order to hand Gaston Glock his ass. I figure that it would take Browning two weeks to learn the progress that has been made in materials, and then six weeks later, we would have a pistol, rifle and shotgun that would make the glock, the mossberg, and the AR obsolete.
I would like to see these commercials for baby boomers to be yanked from the air. Trying to rewrite the sixties as this great evolutionary leap in mankind is crap. You guys really screwed things up with your "free love," "Turn on, tune in, drop out," and "if it feels good, do it" attitudes. If we survive your fuck-ups it will be entirely due to the efforts of diligent and courageous men and women like the fine Americans whom you spat upon.
Doc Russia
--------------------
I really and truly do not understand the Democrats. As a party, they make no sense at all. We have one guy coming out of the Democrat parlor meeting pissed off that the 30 guys on this committee throw out the votes of six hundred thousand voters... and this is a horrible bad bad thing. Yet not one democrat even raised an eyebrow when one judge threw out the votes of MILLIONS of voters in California over the issue of gay marriage. What is the deal? Which way do they want it? Votes count, or appointed lords rule the land... which is it? It's real simple... we set rules and proceedures on representatives and voting... and the representatives are held to follow the will of the people... the will voiced by votes. You follow that rule, plain and simple... or we have a failure of our system of government... we no longer have a Republic and we are no longer citizens... we become Subjects. Well, fuck that. I'm no Subject. I am a Citizen.
The Mad Ogre
I would like to see these commercials for baby boomers to be yanked from the air. Trying to rewrite the sixties as this great evolutionary leap in mankind is crap. You guys really screwed things up with your "free love," "Turn on, tune in, drop out," and "if it feels good, do it" attitudes. If we survive your fuck-ups it will be entirely due to the efforts of diligent and courageous men and women like the fine Americans whom you spat upon.
Doc Russia
--------------------
I really and truly do not understand the Democrats. As a party, they make no sense at all. We have one guy coming out of the Democrat parlor meeting pissed off that the 30 guys on this committee throw out the votes of six hundred thousand voters... and this is a horrible bad bad thing. Yet not one democrat even raised an eyebrow when one judge threw out the votes of MILLIONS of voters in California over the issue of gay marriage. What is the deal? Which way do they want it? Votes count, or appointed lords rule the land... which is it? It's real simple... we set rules and proceedures on representatives and voting... and the representatives are held to follow the will of the people... the will voiced by votes. You follow that rule, plain and simple... or we have a failure of our system of government... we no longer have a Republic and we are no longer citizens... we become Subjects. Well, fuck that. I'm no Subject. I am a Citizen.
The Mad Ogre
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Third and Fourth
In the early 1970s we were living in the nearby city while I was going to school in the mornings and working in a factory second shift. I was working 40 hours a week to support the Boss and our oldest son while maintaining a full time student status to keep from being drafted and sent to Vietnam. Despite all that, I managed to spend a few Saturday mornings hunting small game. That was the only way to keep my sanity.
One day after returning from a multi-store sale in the downtown area of the city, the Boss told me about seeing a shotgun fairly cheap. She suggested I go buy it, because she knew all I had was a single shot .410 and a .22 rifle. A fine woman she is. So I picked up a Savage pump action in 3" 20 gage for the price of $65. It came with a 28" modified barrel that is easily changed. Years later I acquired a slug barrel that's shown in the picture.
I put a lot of meat in the pot with that gun over the years. Even today it's considered my primary home defense weapon. The cylinder bore barrel throwing #2 buckshot would be quite devastating to an intruder.
A couple of years later I poured a concrete driveway for a neighbor to earn money for my first deer hunting trip, to Michigan. I bought this pump action 30-30 that I carried there and on 3 trips to Pennsylvania. It's the same basic design and dimensions as the 20 gage except being a bit slimmer and with the name Springfield on the side of the action. I sometimes carry it varmit hunting because handloads with 110 grain exposed lead hollow points group at slightly less than 1" at 100 yards.
One day after returning from a multi-store sale in the downtown area of the city, the Boss told me about seeing a shotgun fairly cheap. She suggested I go buy it, because she knew all I had was a single shot .410 and a .22 rifle. A fine woman she is. So I picked up a Savage pump action in 3" 20 gage for the price of $65. It came with a 28" modified barrel that is easily changed. Years later I acquired a slug barrel that's shown in the picture.
I put a lot of meat in the pot with that gun over the years. Even today it's considered my primary home defense weapon. The cylinder bore barrel throwing #2 buckshot would be quite devastating to an intruder.
A couple of years later I poured a concrete driveway for a neighbor to earn money for my first deer hunting trip, to Michigan. I bought this pump action 30-30 that I carried there and on 3 trips to Pennsylvania. It's the same basic design and dimensions as the 20 gage except being a bit slimmer and with the name Springfield on the side of the action. I sometimes carry it varmit hunting because handloads with 110 grain exposed lead hollow points group at slightly less than 1" at 100 yards.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Obama Beating
Would you believe that Juan Williams is actually beating on Obama because of his friends on the O'Reilly Factor (FOX)? And Mr. Williams is definitely left leaning and Democrat friendly. Go figure.
Capitalism
poverty is a natural state, Whereas wealth must be created by "greed
Wealth is created. Not Poverty. NOTHING causes poverty. Capitalism is the antidote.
Individ
And this is where the Democrats have things absolutely backwards. Their tendency is to punish the successful and reward those that aren't a success. This does nothing to reduce poverty, but creates more who are dependent.
Wealth is created. Not Poverty. NOTHING causes poverty. Capitalism is the antidote.
Individ
And this is where the Democrats have things absolutely backwards. Their tendency is to punish the successful and reward those that aren't a success. This does nothing to reduce poverty, but creates more who are dependent.
That's Funny
A co-worker told me this morning about a humerous thing Obama said recently.
It went something like "this is the greatest country in the world" followed by "join me in changing it". That's funny right there. I don't care who you are, that's funny.
I have no idea if he actually said that, but it's funny.
It went something like "this is the greatest country in the world" followed by "join me in changing it". That's funny right there. I don't care who you are, that's funny.
I have no idea if he actually said that, but it's funny.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
One Fine Day
I had a great day today. What could be better than 4 hours at the range with the older son and my adopted grandson punching holes in paper and making steel plates ring and spin. The grandson went through 500 rounds of ammo using my .22 rifle, .22 Buckmark pistol and SKS. My wallet appreciates that only 200 were the 7.62x39 variety. I didn’t shoot near so many rounds, but mostly worked with the grandson.
I didn’t even fire one round through the SKS, but I did manage to throw a couple hundred .22 down range. I also shot about 60 rounds through my new baby, the custom assembled AR15 pictured in a post below. Three different brands of ammo only produced groups in the 4” range using the HoloSight. Despite what I consider mediocre accuracy it was extremely shootable. What I mean is I was consistently hitting 4” clay birds off hand with boring regularity. I was also able to ring 10” steel plates on occasion at 200 yards, again off hand, with misses always very close.
I’ll probably mount a scope on it at some time to increase my personal accuracy and determine what ammo it likes best, but I’ll put the HoloSight back on it later. That red dot is a superb fast acquisition battle sight and besides, it’s just cool.
When I get more rounds through it, to break it in, and find the ammo it likes, the accuracy should improve. Even if it doesn’t, it’s still a keeper.
Another reason it was a good day was the much needed gunsmoke fix. I seem to be addicted to gunfire.
I didn’t even fire one round through the SKS, but I did manage to throw a couple hundred .22 down range. I also shot about 60 rounds through my new baby, the custom assembled AR15 pictured in a post below. Three different brands of ammo only produced groups in the 4” range using the HoloSight. Despite what I consider mediocre accuracy it was extremely shootable. What I mean is I was consistently hitting 4” clay birds off hand with boring regularity. I was also able to ring 10” steel plates on occasion at 200 yards, again off hand, with misses always very close.
I’ll probably mount a scope on it at some time to increase my personal accuracy and determine what ammo it likes best, but I’ll put the HoloSight back on it later. That red dot is a superb fast acquisition battle sight and besides, it’s just cool.
When I get more rounds through it, to break it in, and find the ammo it likes, the accuracy should improve. Even if it doesn’t, it’s still a keeper.
Another reason it was a good day was the much needed gunsmoke fix. I seem to be addicted to gunfire.
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