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Some Knives For A Friday Afternoon

March 4, 2016 by 1 Comment

I didn’t get to all the knife or cutlery companies while I was at the SHOT Show. However, it appears that the creator of these two videos was able to make it. I believe it is a Russian YouTuber who did these but the videos only have background music.

I stumbled across these two videos when I was searching for information on the Kershaw Fatback which is one of their new introductions. Unfortunately for my wallet, I think I’ve found a few more that I’d like to buy. Just like ammo and guns, I don’t think you can have too many knives!

From Day 1:

From Day 2:

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Before And After

March 2, 2016 by 1 Comment

It has been almost a year since the riots in Baltimore ostensibly over the death of Freddie Gray in police custody. I am currently in Baltimore for a company meeting. If you look at the picture below, you will see rioters kicking and stomping on police cars. The location is on South Eutaw Street between the Hilton Baltimore and the Baltimore Convention Center.

From Breitbart

I am staying in this Hilton and stayed in it last year a mere month before the riots began. Below is a picture of this same street today. I haven’t talked to any of the hotel staff to see if the hotel was damaged in the rampage.

It feels kind of weird when you blow in for a meeting and blow out the next afternoon when you know that it was the site of a riot. As far as I know, none of the trials of the Baltimore police officers indicted for the death of Freddie Gray are taking place this week.

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GRNC-PVF Releases Recommendations For NC’s March Primary

March 1, 2016 by

Grass Roots North Carolina-Political Victory Fund has released their candidate evaluations and recommendations in advance of North Carolina’s March 15th primary. Early voting in North Carolina opens on March 3rd.

As I live in an open Senate district, I found the recommendations useful. For example, the establishment candidate in the 48th District, Chuck Edwards, lists that he is a Life Member of the NRA. That said, he never bothered to return GRNC-PVF’s survey. Being dismissive of the strongest, most active gun rights group in the state is not the way to earn my vote. I plan to vote accordingly.

Here are their recommendations along with links:

2016 GRNC CANDIDATE
RECOMMENDATIONS
 (Listings include only districts
with primary races)

Candidate recommendations versus evaluations: Below are recommendations
for effective voting strategies by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Candidate recommendations,
which are more limited than blanket “endorsements,” are not made in all
races, only in races where a clear pro-gun candidate stands out or
where strategic voting is necessary to keep anti-gun candidates out of
office.
Recommendations
differ from GRNC
candidate evaluations. While the evaluations are intended to provide an
objective measure of where candidates stand on Second Amendment issues,
GRNC–PVF recommendations are analytical and therefore subject to
interpretation. For a full explanation of GRNC’s objective star
evaluations, go to:
http://www.grnc.org/remember-in-november/grnc-candidate-evaluations-2016
Important note: Candidates who lack
voting records or other history on Second Amendment issues and who fail
to
return GRNC’s candidate survey automatically receive a zero star
evaluation (0) on the assumption that they are hiding their position
from gun
voters. Every election year, we receive complaints about ostensibly
pro-gun candidates who receive zero star evaluations due to failure to
return the
survey. Each candidate is mailed a survey to the address he or she
registered with the State Board of Elections. If they fail to
return the survey, we cannot help candidates who will not help themselves.
Voting instructions: Primary election One Stop Early Voting begins on March 3 and ends on March 12. Absentee ballots
must be received by 5:00 PM on March 15. Primary voting day is March 15 between 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Click
here to find your polling place on election day, or click
here to find your One Stop Early Voting place. 
Important changes to voting laws: Due to ongoing litigation, same-day registration will still be permitted during One
Stop Early Voting. Litigation involving redistricting applies only to U.S. House races.
All other primaries will take
place on March 15. Although North Carolina has rescheduled Congressional
primaries for June 7, congressional races will remain on the ballot and
GRNC
recommends you still cast a ballot for U.S. House on March 15.
As in previous
years, unaffiliated voters may vote in either Republican or Democrat primaries. Unlike previous
years, straight party voting will not be permitted, so GRNC strongly suggests you investigate individual candidates. For
the first time, identification is required to vote, so click
here to find identification requirements.
GRNC CANDIDATE RECOMMENDATIONS
(Note:
the NC State Board of Elections has made numerous changes to
presentation of candidate data which now, unfortunately, contain
numerous errors. We have tried to catch those errors but apologize if
some of them have been allowed to propagate into GRNC
evaluations.)
US President (R): Despite
his assertions that he supports the
Second Amendment, DONALD TRUMP (GRNC 1-star, *) has supported semi-auto
bans, waiting periods and, most recently, denying gun purchases to
people on
secret government lists convicted of nothing. MARCO RUBIO (****) has an
excellent gun rights voting record, but has failed to take a leadership
role
on the issue. Only TED CRUZ (****) has a 100% pro-gun voting record, has
sponsored pro-gun legislation, and answered GRNC’s candidate survey
with a perfect 100% score. GRNC–PVF recommends Ted Cruz for President.
US Senate (R): Undoubtedly, the most pro-gun candidate in the Republican primary election is Greg Brannon, who
again returned GRNC’s candidate survey with a perfect 100%, earning a four star evaluation (****). For purposes of the primary
election, GRNC–PVF recommends Brannon. That said, however, he is unlikely to win the primary election. Incumbent Richard
Burr has dropped only one gun vote and holds a three star evaluation (***). GRNC–PVF recommends supporting Burr in November.
US House
(Note:
The recommendations below are based on original districts. Litigation
over congressional districts will likely change this
candidate list for the June 7 Congressional primaries. Congressional
recommendations will change as needed.)
District 2 (R): Of
the three challengers to Renée Ellmers, only Tim
D’Annunzio returned GRNC’s candidate survey. Although he scored 100%,
earning a GRNC four-star evaluation (****), D’Annunzio has
proven himself unsuitable in previous elections. Meanwhile, whatever her
other conservative credentials, Ellmers has maintained a 100% pro-gun
voting
record, also earning GRNC’s highest four-star evaluation (****). GRNC–PVF recommends Ellmers for
Congress.
District 3 (R): With a 100% survey score and
a 97% pro-gun voting average, earning a GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend incumbent Walter
Jones.
District 4 (R): In the Republican primary
for the seat anti-gun Democrat David Price has occupied for two decades, GRNC–PVF recommends Sue Gooch, who
returned
GRNC’s candidate survey with a score of 81%, earning three stars (***).
Opponent Teiji Kimball failed to return the survey, earning a zero star
evaluation (0).
District 5 (R): With a 100% GRNC survey
score and 100% pro-gun voting record earning GRNC’s highest four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend
incumbent Virginia Foxx.
District 6
(R): Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 114th Congress, on the basis of his 99% survey score and GRNC
four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends Mark Walker.
District 7 (R): Due to his 100% pro-gun voting record, earning GRNC’s four-star evaluation
(****), GRNC–PVF recommends David Rouzer.
District 9 (R): Realizing that incumbent Robert Pittenger has drawn fire from some conservative quarters, owing to
his 91% survey score and 100% voting record, earning GRNC’s four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend
Robert Pittenger.
STATEWIDE
RACES:
North Carolina Governor (R): Although
challenger
Robert Brawley garnered a 100% pro-gun voting record while in the NC
House, earning GRNC’s four-star evaluation, he lacks the
resources to beat anti-gun Democrat Roy Cooper (GRNC 0-star) in the
November general election. Meanwhile, despite flaws, incumbent Pat
McCrory has
signed three pro-gun omnibus bills into law. GRNC–PVF recommends McCrory.
NC Governor (D): Both candidates in this race are
ranked 0–star by GRNC. Democrat gun voters should vote to keep
current Attorney General Roy Cooper out of office. During his tenure in
the NC Senate, Cooper demonstrated a long-standing antipathy to gun
rights,
including only a 58% pro-gun voting record. Accordingly, GRNC–PVF recommends Ken Spaulding.
North Carolina Attorney General (R): For
the open seat vacated by Roy Cooper, candidate
Jim O’Neil failed to return GRNC’s candidate survey, earning only a GRNC
zero star evaluation (0), and has made disparaging remarks about
pro-gun bill HB 562, showing his antipathy to gun rights. By contrast,
NC Senator Buck Newton has been a leader for gun rights, cementing
passage of
three omnibus pro-gun bills. With his 100% survey score and 100% pro-gun
voting record, Newton earned GRNC’s highest four-star
evaluation. GRNC – PVF recommends Buck Newton for Attorney General.
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner (R): Incumbent
Steve Troxler (GRNC 0-star) has proven himself no
friend of gun owners. After HB 937 legalized concealed carry at
assemblies, Troxler continued to post the NC State Fair despite being
prohibited by
law. He later solicited Sen. Brent Jackson to sponsor legislation
enabling him to prohibit concealed carry. Then Troxler, apparently at
the behest of
former Food Lion CEO Tom Smith and big dollar donations, ended up in a
scheme to promote trophy deer farms at the risk of destroying indigenous
deer
populations through chronic wasting disease. By contrast, challenger
Andy Stevens is a gun rights activist and conservative who has
overturned local
gun restrictions across the state, and who vows to reverse Troxler’s
cronyism. Stevens returned GRNC’s survey with a perfect 100%, earning
a four-star evaluation (****). GRNC–PVF recommends Andy Stevens for Agriculture Commissioner.
NC Senate:
District 11 (R): For this open seat, Rick Horner returned GRNC’s survey with 97%,
earning four stars (****). Opponent Benton Sawrey failed to return the survey earning only a zero star evaluation (0). GRNC–PVF
recommends Horner.
District 31 (R): Challenger Dempsey
Brewer turned in a 97% survey earning four stars (****), but due to her 98% survey and 100% pro-gun voting record, GRNC–PVF
continues to recommend incumbent Joyce Krawiek (****).
District 33 (R): Both Kathy Dunn and Joe Kennedy turned in four-star (****) surveys, scoring 100% and 96%,
respectively. Eddie Gallimore failed to return the survey earning only a zero star (0) evaluation. GRNC–PVF recommends
Dunn.
District 35 (R): Noting that challenger Matt
Daly turned in a 90% survey, earning four stars (****), due to a 100% pro-gun voting record, GRNC–PVF continues to recommend
incumbent Tommy Tucker (****).
District 36 (R): For
this
open seat, Parish Moffitt turned in a 99% survey, earning four stars
(****), while opponents Amy Blake and Paul Newton failed to return the
survey earning zero stars (0). GRNC–PVF recommends Moffitt.
District 44 (R): Although challenger Chris Carney turned in a 100% survey, earning four stars
(****), GRNC-PVF continues to recommend incumbent David Curtis (****) due to his 100% pro-gun voting record.
District 45 (R): For this open seat, GRNC-PVF
recommends Ken Boham (survey score 86%, ***) over Deanna Ballard (survey-NR, 0-star).
District 48 (R): For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Lisa
Baldwin (survey score 97%, ****) over Dennis Justice (survey-91, ****) and Chuck Edwards (survey-NR, 0-star).
NC House:
(Note: A large number of open seats plus a number of RINOs who voted against gun owners on omnibus pro-gun
bill HB 562 make NC House race is critical in 2016.)
District 6 (R): For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Beverly Boswell (survey 86%, ***)
over Arthur Williams (survey-NR, 0-star) and Ashley Woolard (survey-NR, 0-star).
District 28 (R): For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Gregory Dail (survey 96%, ****)
over Tony Braswell (survey-NR, 0-star) and Larry Strickland (survey-NR, 0-star).
District 36 (R): Longtime incumbent Nelson Dollar (***) voted against gun owners repeatedly on HB 562 and now has
only a 74% pro-gun voting record. GRNC-PVF recommends challenger Mark Villee (survey 93%, ****).
District 53 (R): Longtime incumbent David Lewis (***) voted
against gun owners repeatedly on HB 562 and now has only an 82% pro-gun voting record. GRNC-PVF recommends challenger Chuck
Levorse (survey 91%, ****).
District 67
(R): Pro-gun incumbent Justin Burr (****) has a 97% pro-gun
voting record and has sponsored pro-gun legislation. As a proven gun
rights
leader, GRNC-PVF recommends Justin Burr over challenger Lane Burris (survey 99, ****).
District 73 (R): Incumbent Lee Zachary (***) repeatedly voted against gun owners on HB
562, garnering only a 78% pro-gun voting record. GRNC-PVF recommends challenger Dwight Shook (survey 100%,
****).
District 77 (R): Longtime incumbent Harry
Warren (***) voted against gun owners repeatedly on HB 562 and now has only an 85% pro-gun voting record. GRNC-PVF recommends challenger
Andrew Poston (survey 98%, ****).
District 82 (R): Incumbent Larry Pittman
(****) is one of the most pro-gun members of the NC General Assembly.
Garnering a 96% pro-gun voting record, Pittman has sponsored numerous
pro-gun bills and his stood up against party leadership on behalf of gun
owners.
He is being targeted by RINOs who are behind “centrist” challenger
Michael Fischer (survey-NR, 0-star). GRNC-PVF strongly
recommends Larry Pittman.
District 87
(R): Incumbent George Robinson (***) repeatedly voted against gun owners on HB 562, garnering only a 78% pro-gun voting
record. GRNC-PVF recommends challenger Destin Hall (survey 100%, ****).
District 91 (R): In this three-way
primary, incumbent Kyle Hall was appointed in late 2015, meaning he has
no
gun rights voting record. Because he failed to return the GRNC survey,
he holds a zero star (0) evaluation, as does challenger Robert Knight
(survey-NR, 0-star). GRNC-PVF recommends Ira Tilley, who returned the survey with 100%, earning four stars
(****).
District 92 (R): Incumbent Charles Jeter
(**) repeatedly voted against gun owners on HB 562, garnering only a 69% pro-gun voting record. GRNC-PVF recommends challenger Tom
Davis (survey 93%, ****).
District 93
(R): Pro-gun incumbent Jonathan Jordan (****) has a 97% pro-gun voting record and has sponsored pro-gun legislation. As a proven gun
rights leader, GRNC-PVF recommends Jonathan Jordan over challenger Lou Hendricks (survey 97, ****).
District 95 (R): Anti-gun incumbent John Fraley repeatedly voted
against gun owners in the debate over HB 562, earning only a 67% pro-gun voting record and a zero star evaluation (0). GRNC-PVF
recommends challenger David Thompson (survey 93%, ****).
District 105 (R): In the race for
this open seat, Tim Morgan (***) returned an 86% survey, but in the past
has
used his school board to agitate against the limited concealed carry
provisions on educational properties enacted in 2013, demonstrating that
he is
not a friend of gun owners. Opponents Scott Stone returned GRNC survey
with 90%, earning four stars (****). GRNC-PVF recommends Scott
Stone.
District 113 (R): For this open
seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Cody Henson (survey 92%, ****) over Coty Ferguson (survey-NR, 0-star).
District 115 (R): For this open seat, GRNC-PVF
recommends Bob Chilmonik (survey 97%, ****) over Frank Moretz (survey-NR, 0-star).
District 119 (R): In this race to challenge anti-gun incumbent Joe Sam Queen, both Aaron Littlefield and Mike
Clampitt turned in perfect 100% surveys, earning four stars (****). Given that Clampitt nearly defeated Queen in 2014, GRNC-PVF
recommends Mike Clampitt.
District 120 (R): For
this open seat, Kevin Corbin turned in
a 95% survey earning four stars (****), but the clear standout is Elliot
Southworth (****) who not only turned in a near-perfect 99% survey,
earning
four stars, but has also volunteered his time as a gun rights activist
and directed youth shooting sports. GRNC-PVF recommends Elliot Southworth.

HERE

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
This message recommending various candidates was authorized and paid for solely by
the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Ad not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
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SHARE Act Passes The House Of Representatives

February 29, 2016 by 1 Comment

The Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015 aka SHARE Act, an omnibus bill, passed the House of Representatives on Friday afternoon. The final vote was 242 Aye to 161 Nay with 30 not voting. Included in the Ayes were 230 Republicans and 12 Democrats while the opponents consisted of 4 Republicans and 157 Democrats.

Why should we care if this bill passed and why should we fight for it in the Senate? If you read the summary below you will see stuff dealing with polar bears, African elephants, and baited fields. Unless you are a wealthy hunter, you might say, “Meh, who cares.”

However, you will also see increased funding for public shooting ranges, an exemption of lead bullets from the Toxic Substances Control Act, and provisions for armed self-defense on Corps of Engineers managed properties. The Griffith Amendment also includes provisions for safe passage of guns and ammunition by non-prohibited persons. Those are things that everyone one in the gun culture, whether v1.0 or v2.0 can care about.

This bill revises a variety of existing programs to expand access to, and opportunities for, hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting.

Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act

Components of firearms and ammunition and sport fishing equipment and its components (such as lead sinkers) are exempted from regulations of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The authority of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to regulate the use of ammunition and fishing tackle based on its lead content is limited.

Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is amended to: (1) increase the proportion of funding from the Act that states may use for acquiring land for public target ranges, and (2) delay by 10 years until 2026 the date after which interest from the wildlife conservation and restoration fund is available for apportionment.

Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2015

Interior must issue permits to allow a hunter to import polar bear parts (other than internal organs) if p the bear was legally harvested in Canada from an approved population before the May 15, 2008, listing of the polar bear as threatened.

Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act of 2015

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may not prohibit individuals from possessing a firearm in public areas of a water resources development project.

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act

Federal public land management officials must facilitate hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on certain federal public land.

Hunter and Farmer Protection Act

The bill revises standards for determining what a baited area is for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds.

The National Park Service (NPS) may not prohibit individuals from transporting bows and crossbows if certain requirements are met.

The NPS may establish hunter access corridors.

Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2015

This bill revises the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act to extend the authority provided to Interior under the Act.

African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possession Act of 2015

This bill revises and reauthorizes the African Elephant Conservation Act through FY2020.

This bill provides special rules to expand access to federal land and waterways for film crews of five people or fewer.

This is a bi-partisan bill strongly supported by the NSSF, the NRA, Safari Club International, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and many other shooting and hunting groups. Indeed, the target range expansion bill was originally proposed back in 2011 by former Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO).

I look at the Republicans who voted against the bill and some I can understand. Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) took anti-gun Sen. Mark Kirk’s seat though he IS a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. Rep. Dan Donovan (R-NY) is new and represents a Brooklyn and Staten Island district. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) is just an asshole. However, Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) who represents south-western Kentucky including Paducah has some explaining to do. He is listed as a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and there are a lot of hunters and anglers in his district.

What I don’t understand (or maybe I do) are the 18 Democrats who are members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus that voted against the bill. Included in this list are past leaders of the Caucus such as Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS). Is their concern and that of their fellow Democrat CSC members polar bears, African elephants, and lead sinkers or is it a need to stick to the Democrat’s anti-gun national agenda?

I’d wager it is unfortunately the latter.

I am thankful that some Democrats – not all of whom are members of the CSC – crossed the aisle to vote for this bill. The goals of the bill are bi-partisan and worthwhile. Now it is on to the Senate where hopefully it won’t get lost in the shuffle. We need to start sending letters, faxes, and emails along with calls to our senators demanding this bill get in and out of committee and brought to the floor for a vote.

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Virginia’s Grand Compromise

February 27, 2016 by 6 Comments

The compromise between Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) and gun rights supporting legislators over concealed carry reciprocity has been consummated. In exchange for voluntary background checks by VA State Police at gunshows and a state prohibition on firearms for those with permanent domestic violence protection orders against them, carry reciprocity agreements that had been abrogated by Attorney General Mark Herring (D-VA) were restored.

In addition, the Virginia State Police have been ordered to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states as needed so that Virginia carry permit holders can carry in those states. As I read the law, Virginia will now recognize all other state’s carry permits so long as the holder is 21 years old or older and the permit can be verified 24 hours a day.

Gov. McAuliffe issued a press release calling the passage of this “public safety” legislation historic.

“The historic bipartisan agreement will make Virginia safer by keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and people who cannot pass background checks,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Virginians elect their leaders to work together to get things done, and today I am proud to say we did just that. This is the most significant step forward on gun safety in 24 years, and I look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly and the public safety community to build on the progress we made this session.”

Buried in press release was the important information about reciprocity agreements with the other statements. It is to be expected that a gun prohibitionist like McAuliffe would want to downplay that part of the agreement and play up the minor concessions from gun rights advocates.

The National Rifle Association’s statement on the deal went to the heart of the deal – carry reciprocity.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Deal Signed in Virginia


Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association (NRA) commends Virginia’s leaders for reaching an agreement to secure the rights of law-abiding concealed carry permit holders. H.B. 1163 and S.B. 610 which will restore and promote concealed carry reciprocity for permit holders in the Commonwealth and around the country, were signed into law today.


“Now, more than six million law-abiding gun owners will be free to travel in and out of Virginia with their Second Amendment rights intact,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “Self-defense is a fundamental right that must be respected.”


On Dec. 22, 2015, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring decided to sever concealed carry reciprocity agreements with half the country. The change was set to take effect early in 2016. The decision nullified agreements with the following states; Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.


In addition to providing concealed carry recognition for valid permits from other states, the bipartisan legislation signed today requires the Virginia State Police to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states where needed.


“Concealed carry permit holders are among the safest groups of citizens in Virginia and throughout the country. On behalf of the NRA’s more than five million members, we commend this effort to protect public safety and fundamental freedoms. Hopefully this effort will encourage Congress to pass national right to carry reciprocity legislation as soon as possible,” concluded Cox.


Governor McAuliffe signed the legislation earlier today despite a repeated onslaught of attacks from New York City Billionaire Michael Bloomberg and his misguided gun control allies.


~NRA~

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As Bad As The Sandy Hook Truthers

February 25, 2016 by 8 Comments

I and others get regular emails from what I call “Sandy Hook Truthers”. They assert a number of things including that the whole thing was a hoax. A recent Hillary Clinton fundraising email is in the same league as the Truthers.

As reported by the Daily Caller, the email is headlined, “The differences between Senator Sanders and me.” It goes on to assert that SHE is the only one standing with the Sandy Hook families because SHE voted against the Protection for Legal Commerce in Arms Act of 2005.

In 2007, Senator Ted Kennedy made a valiant effort to pass immigration reform — I stood with him and voted for that bill. Senator Sanders voted against it.


This week, families from Sandy Hook are in court suing the manufacturer of the gun that killed their children, challenging the law that gives gun-makers legal immunity. I voted against that law. Senator Sanders voted for it.

The bill passed the Senate in a 65-31 vote and the House in a 283-144 vote. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was in the House of Representatives then as the sole representative from the state of Vermont. He along with 59 Democrats voted for passage of the PLCAA. Only four Republicans voted against it including, believe it or not, then-Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX).

What Hillary Clinton should be railing against are scum-dog ambulance chasing lawyers who are preying on the emotions of the families of the dead children of Sandy Hook. The manufacturer of the stolen AR-15 is no more responsible for the deaths of those children than you or I. That doesn’t stop the ambulance chasing lawyer from dreaming of a big payday along with big headlines.

Likewise, when it comes to presidential politics and the chance to scarf up money and votes, everything is on the table for Hillary. If it puts her in the same league as the Truthers, so what. They deny the event happened and she is saying that Bernie stands in the way of “justice” for those poor families. Whether she believes what she says is true or not is irrelevant. Money and votes – not the families of Sandy Hook – is what she cares about.

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SHARE Act Comes To Vote In The House This Week

February 24, 2016 by 21 Comments

Despite the name – the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015 – it isn’t just for Fudd’s. Yes the act does include a lot of things for hunters but it also includes many things for the Gun Culture 2.0 non-hunting shooter. Stuff like protecting against regulations concerning lead ammunition, support for the development of shooting ranges, and forcing the US Army Corps of Engineers to allow people to protect themselves with a firearm on Corps managed recreational projects. It would also protect knife owners and gun collectors who may have knives or guns with elephant ivory grips.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is supporting this bill and has provide a convenient way to send an email to your congressional representative. The link is in their blurb below:

We need your voice! The National Shooting Sports Foundation has joined 50 sportsmen’s groups representing millions of American sportsmen and hunters to urge members of the US House to vote in favor of HR 2406, the SHARE Act, bipartisan sportsmen’s legislative package, when it is on the house floor this week.

The
SHARE Act is the most important pro-sportsmen and pro-hunting
legislation in a generation. It passed the House in the previous
Congressional session, but was stalled procedurally in the U.S. Senate.

Use this action alert or call the U.S. House of Representatives at 202-224-3121, ask for your U.S. Representative to vote YES on the SHARE Act.

Act today to help promote preserve and protect America’s hunting traditions and the shooting sports.
Email: action alert Call: 202-224-3121

 I used the handy-dandy action alert link to send a message to my congressman. It took all of 30 seconds. I urge you to do the same. We’ve been trying to get parts of this bill passed for the last three Congresses and now is the time to finally get it done.

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Presidential Firearms At The Cody Firearms Museum

February 22, 2016 by 2 Comments

Ashley Hlebinsky, the Robert W. Woodruff Curator at the Cody Firearms Museum, presents some of the firearms owned and presented to US presidents in this video from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

There are a number of Winchester lever actions in the collection including an 1866 presented to LBJ, an 1894 presented to Ike, and a Model 64 presented to Ronald Reagan. There is also an engraved Winchester Model 70, serial number 500,000, that was made for John F. Kennedy. As Ms. Hlebinsky points out, JFK was a Life Member of the NRA and enjoyed shooting.

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Paul’s Legal Defense Fund

February 20, 2016 by 1 Comment

I posted earlier in the week regarding the need to raise funds for Paul Lathrop for his bail and legal defense. As I updated, he is now out of jail and home. However, as he told me after his meeting with his attorney yesterday in Omaha, he faces a year of uncertainty while the legal process goes on. His attorney is handling the case for a flat fee but it not a unsubstantial sum of money. This is especially true for good people of modest means like Paul and his wife Susan.

Paul and Susan with me at the SHOT Show.

What makes this so frustrating is that Paul and Susan are having their life turned upside down over an untrue and unsubstantiated accusation by a disgruntled hot-head who was the aggressor in this whole matter. Aggravating it even more is that Sarpy County, Nebraska has a poor reputation on gun rights from what I’ve been told.

Paul is forbidden by his attorney from going public with the nitty-gritty of what happened but I know Paul. I first met him at the Gun Rights Policy Conference in Orlando in 2012 and then joined The Polite Society Podcast team over a year ago.

Replacing the PayPal link is a GoGetFunding page. This was the mechanism suggested by gun rights attorney Evan Nappen. The link is below:

You can read more about this case and the appeal on our Polite Society Podcast page.
Please be as generous as you can be. The minimum is $1. Every little bit helps. Please don’t feel they don’t appreciate a small donation. They do. The broader the level of support, the better.

UPDATE: As of this morning, 126 people have donated $4,811. This puts the effort at 32% to the total needed. This is a good start and I appreciate everyone who has contributed.

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Campus Carry Updates In Texas And Georgia

February 18, 2016 by 4 Comments

Two events in Texas and Georgia illustrate the advance of campus carry.

In the first event, University of Texas President Gregory L. Fenves said he “would bow to state law” regarding campus carry. He adopted the recommendations of the Campus Carry Working Group who has advised him on how to comply with the law. His decision will allow licensed concealed carry holders to carry in classrooms at the University of Texas. However, he will still work to ban firearms from most on-campus residential halls.

From the Austin Statesman:

“I do not believe handguns belong on a university campus, so this decision has been the greatest challenge of my presidency to date,” said Fenves, who has led the Austin flagship campus since June 3. “I empathize with the many faculty members, staffers, students and parents of students who signed petitions, sent emails and letters, and organized to ban guns from campus and especially classrooms.

“However, as president, I have an obligation to uphold the law. Under the law, I cannot adopt a policy that has the general effect of excluding licensed concealed handguns from campus. I agree with the working group that a classroom exclusion would have this effect.”

Fenves is confident his decision will stand up to challenges. However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has previously issued a non-binding advisory memo stating that dorms shouldn’t be off-limits to firearms.

Moving on to Georgia, the House Public Safety and Homeland Security approved HB 859 which would allow concealed carry in school buildings including classrooms. However, the bill excludes carry from dorms, sorority and fraternity houses, and athletic facilities. The bill was passed out of committee on a 10-3 vote and now goes to the House Rules Committee before it is voted on by the entire Georgia House of Representatives.

If the Georgia bill passes the House, it will go on to the Georgia Senate. Not being a Georgian, I’m not sure of the bill’s chances in the Senate. That body did remove campuses from an expansion of carry locations in a 2014 bill.

H/T Georgia Carry