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I Wish It Were A Joke

April 1, 2011 by

Sometimes you are sent stories that you think must be a joke. That is especially true if they arrive on April 1st.

So if you got sent a news story with a headline that reads “Black Lawmakers Sue to Dissolve Cities that Are Too ‘White’”, most people would think it was a joke. A bit off color and maybe racist but a joke nonetheless.

It’s true.

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus filed a lawsuit Monday against the state of Georgia seeking to dissolve the city charters of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and Chattahoochee Hills. Further, the lawmakers, joined by civil rights leader the Rev. Joseph Lowery, aim to dash any hopes of a Milton County.

The lawsuit, filed in a North Georgia U.S. District Court Monday, claims that the state circumvented the normal legislative process and set aside its own criteria when creating the “super-majority white ” cities within Fulton and DeKalb counties. The result, it argues, is to dilute minority votes in those areas, violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution.

Before I read this story, I literally went into Pacer.gov to see if such a case had been filed and it was. You can read the case here. The case is entitled Lowery et al v. Deal. The cities in question were created between 2005 and 2008.

I guess the truth is stranger than fiction.

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Disturbing To Whom?

April 1, 2011 by

As noted here on Wednesday, HB 111 passed the North Carolina House. This bill would allow concealed carry in restaurants and eating establishments that serve alcohol as well in state and local parks (in most areas.)

Rep. Ray Rapp (D-Madison) represents the 118th District and is one of the five Minority Whips in the North Carolina House. I live in the 118th District. I had written to him last week in support of the bill and he didn’t commit to supporting the bill in his response to me.

Today, I received his weekly email newsletter, Ray’s Raleigh Report, discussing legislation, visitors to his office, etc. Here is what he had to say about HB 111.

Perhaps the most disturbing bill to be enacted this week was House Bill 111, “an act to allow persons with concealed handgun permits to protect themselves and their families in restaurants (and bars).” Thanks to Rep. David Guice of Brevard, the bill was amended to allow local authorities to enact ordinances to prohibit carrying concealed handguns at playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools and athletic facilities and I supported this amendment. I was one of 42 to vote against the bill which passed with 74 in favor on third reading. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Disturbing to whom? Criminals? The Brady Campaign? Lisa Price’s NCGV? Some Democrats?

The bill extends where a concealed carry holder may carry legally in North Carolina. In my opinion, this is a good thing. It allows people to protect themselves when they are out and about in the world. It does not allow one to drink and carry concealed. So what is the problem?

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Melson Crosses Line In The Sand

April 1, 2011 by 1 Comment

Wednesday, March 30th, was the deadline for ATF to produce requested documents to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. That deadline was ignored.

Today, Rep. Darrell Issa announced that the Committee is issuing a supoena for the requested documents. He didn’t take being blown off by Kenneth Melson as business as usual. And unlike Senator Chuck Grassley who has done great work to bring out the details of Operation Gunrunner, Rep. Issa has the power to make his displeasure felt.

Chairman Issa Subpoenas ATF for ‘Project Gunrunner’ Documents
Subpoena comes after ATF fails to meet earlier deadline

WASHINGTON. D.C. – Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today announced the issuance of a subpoena to the Department of Justices’ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for documents related to the highly controversial “Project Gunrunner.”

“The unwillingness of this Administration – most specifically the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms – to answer questions about this deadly serious matter is deeply troubling,” said Chairman Issa. “Allegations surrounding this program are serious and the ability of the Justice Department to conduct an impartial investigation is in question. Congressional oversight is necessary to get the truth about what is really happening.”

On March 16, 2011, Chairman Issa wrote a letter to Acting Director Kenneth Melson of the ATF requesting specific documents related to Project Gunrunner, its “Fast and Furious” component, and records related to the death of Border Agent Brian Terry. ATF failed to meet the March 30th deadline for producing these documents and furthermore refused to voluntarily commit to any date for producing them.

Media reports have raised questions about the handling of operations involving gun trafficking into Mexico – specifically the allegation that ATF has had a policy of permitting – and even encouraging – the movement of guns into Mexico by straw purchasers. This practice may have contributed to the deaths of hundreds on both sides of the border, including federal law enforcement agents. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), who has also been pursuing the matter, recently stated, “I’m still asking questions and we’re still getting the runaround from the Justice Department, [t]hey’re stonewalling.”

President Obama recently stated that neither he nor Attorney General Holder authorized this operation. His statement did not specify whether Attorney General Holder was aware of this policy or who did authorize it. The Committee’s investigation seeks answers to these questions and the true nature of Project Gunrunner.

Documents subpoenaed and due to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by April 13, 2011, include:

1.Documents and communications relating to the genesis of Project Gunrunner and Operation Fast and Furious, and any memoranda or reports involving any changes to either program at or near the time of the release of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General report about Project Gunrunner in November 2010.

2.Documents and communications relating to individuals responsible for authorizing the decision to “walk” guns to Mexico in order to follow them and capture a “bigger fish.”

3.Documents and communications relating to any investigations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or any other DOJ component following the fatal shooting of Agent Brian Terry, including information pertaining to two guns found at the crime scene that may have been connected to Project Gunrunner.

4.Documents and communications relating to any weapons recovered at the crime scene or during the investigation into the death of Agent Brian Terry.

5.Documents and communications between ATF and the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) who sold weapons to Jaime Avila, including any Report of Investigation (ROI) or other records relating to a December 17, 2009 meeting “to discuss his role as an FFL during this investigation.”

6.A copy of the presentation, approximately 200 pages long, that the Group 7 Supervisor made to officials at ATF headquarters in the spring of 2010.

7.Documents and communications relating to Operation Fast and Furious between and among ATF headquarters and Special Agent in Charge William D. Newell, Assistant Special Agents in Charge Jim Needles and George Gillette, Group Supervisor David Voth, or any Case Agent from November 1, 2009 to the present. The response to this component of the subpoena shall include a memorandum, approximately 30 pages long, from SAC Newell to ATF headquarters following the arrest of Jaime Avila and the death of Agent Brian Terry.

8.Documents and communications relating to complaints or objections by ATF agents about: (1) encouraging, sanctioning, or otherwise allowing FFLs to sell firearms to known or suspected straw buyers, (2) failure to maintain surveillance on known or suspected straw buyers, (3) failure to maintain operational control over weapons purchased by known or suspected straw buyers, or (4) letting known or suspected straw buyers with American guns enter Mexico.

Ticklethewire.com got this comment from an ATF spokesman prior to the issuing of the supoena.

Drew Wade, an ATF spokesman, said Friday morning shortly before the subpoena was announced: “We aren’t going to discuss matters of ongoing investigations.” He could not immediately be reached for a follow up comment.

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“Gun Extremist”

March 31, 2011 by 3 Comments

I am now officially a “gun extremist” according to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. Below is a Tweet that they sent out today.

CSGV
Gun extremist says C. McCarthy is “using the tragic death of her husband as a means of political gain.” #politics… http://fb.me/YLVswYYw
16 minutes ago

I want to thank them for this accolade and will endeavor to live up to it.

As to what I wrote about Carolyn McCarthy, I stand by it. Mrs. McCarthy has used the tragic death of her husband as a means for political gain since the day she first ran for Congress and continues to do so. One need only read her recent press releases on gun control issues to see this.

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The Fifth Rule

March 31, 2011 by

Col. Jeff Cooper distilled gun safety down to four simple rules.

1. All guns are always loaded.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target.

4. Identify your target, and what is behind it.

Chance Ballew adds one more to that list:  Do not try to catch a dropped gun.

I think Col. Cooper would have approved the addition of Rule 5 if he were still with us.

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HR 822 – National Right-To-Carry Reciprocity Hits 100

March 31, 2011 by 3 Comments

Only last week, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy was issuing press releases trumpeting that her magazine ban bill, HR 308, had hit 100 co-sponsors “with more on the way.” There were quotes from all the gun prohibitionists congratulating her and saying what an important bill it was. It reminded people of “her unique perspective” and tried to reinforce her victimhood. (See my comments at the bottom of this post about not moving on.)

Yesterday, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) bill – National Right-To-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 – hit 100 co-sponsors. It was introduced on Feb. 18th which was exactly one month after McCarthy introduced HR 308. It has added co-sponsors at a much quicker rate and, unlike HR 308, is genuinely bi-partisan. In the past week alone, it has added 17 co-sponsors.

Rep. Stearns is a more modest person than Mrs. McCarthy. He has not used the milestone of 100 co-sponsors as an event that requires press releases and media events. Since he hasn’t publicized this milestone, I will.

The 100 Congressmen and Congresswomen who have stood up for your Second Amendment rights are listed below. As I have said many times, if your representative isn’t listed and they say they are pro-gun, it is time to call them and ask why they aren’t a co-sponsor.

Rep Adams, Sandy [FL-24] – 3/8/2011
Rep Aderholt, Robert B. [AL-4] – 3/29/2011
Rep Altmire, Jason [PA-4] – 3/16/2011
Rep Bachmann, Michele [MN-6] – 3/2/2011
Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] – 3/8/2011
Rep Barton, Joe [TX-6] – 3/2/2011
Rep Benishek, Dan [MI-1] – 3/3/2011
Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] – 3/11/2011
Rep Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [GA-2] – 3/3/2011
Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2] – 3/2/2011
Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] – 3/2/2011
Rep Buchanan, Vern [FL-13] – 3/15/2011
Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] – 3/2/2011
Rep Canseco, Francisco “Quico” [TX-23] – 3/8/2011
Rep Carter, John R. [TX-31] – 3/2/2011
Rep Chaffetz, Jason [UT-3] – 3/3/2011
Rep Coffman, Mike [CO-6] – 3/2/2011
Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] – 3/2/2011
Rep Costello, Jerry F. [IL-12] – 3/11/2011
Rep Crenshaw, Ander [FL-4] – 3/15/2011
Rep Critz, Mark S. [PA-12] – 3/17/2011
Rep Davis, Geoff [KY-4] – 3/3/2011
Rep Dent, Charles W. [PA-15] – 3/16/2011
Rep Diaz-Balart, Mario [FL-21] – 3/2/2011
Rep Duncan, Jeff [SC-3] – 3/29/2011
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] – 3/2/2011
Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] – 3/8/2011
Rep Fleming, John [LA-4] – 3/11/2011
Rep Forbes, J. Randy [VA-4] – 3/29/2011
Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] – 3/8/2011
Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2] – 3/30/2011
Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] – 3/2/2011
Rep Gibbs, Bob [OH-18] – 3/15/2011
Rep Gibson, Christopher P. [NY-20] – 3/2/2011
Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] – 3/2/2011
Rep Granger, Kay [TX-12] – 3/3/2011
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] – 3/2/2011
Rep Green, Gene [TX-29] – 3/10/2011
Rep Griffith, H. Morgan [VA-9] – 3/15/2011
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] – 3/3/2011
Rep Harris, Andy [MD-1] – 3/10/2011
Rep Heck, Joseph J. [NV-3] – 3/30/2011
Rep Heinrich, Martin [NM-1] – 3/3/2011
Rep Heller, Dean [NV-2] – 3/2/2011
Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5] – 3/30/2011
Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] – 3/3/2011
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] – 3/3/2011
Rep Huelskamp, Tim [KS-1] – 3/2/2011
Rep Hunter, Duncan D. [CA-52] – 3/29/2011
Rep Jenkins, Lynn [KS-2] – 3/8/2011
Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] – 3/14/2011
Rep Johnson, Timothy V. [IL-15] – 3/3/2011
Rep Jordan, Jim [OH-4] – 3/11/2011
Rep Kinzinger, Adam [IL-11] – 3/14/2011
Rep Kissell, Larry [NC-8] – 3/3/2011
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] – 3/8/2011
Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] – 3/2/2011
Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] – 3/8/2011
Rep Latta, Robert E. [OH-5] – 3/14/2011
Rep Luetkemeyer, Blaine [MO-9] – 3/29/2011
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] – 3/8/2011
Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] – 3/8/2011
Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] – 3/3/2011
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10] – 3/16/2011
Rep Miller, Gary G. [CA-42] – 3/3/2011
Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] – 3/2/2011
Rep Mulvaney, Mick [SC-5] – 3/8/2011
Rep Nugent, Richard [FL-5] – 3/17/2011
Rep Owens, William L. [NY-23] – 3/2/2011
Rep Palazzo, Steven M. [MS-4] – 3/15/2011
Rep Pence, Mike [IN-6] – 3/2/2011
Rep Peterson, Collin C. [MN-7] – 3/3/2011
Rep Petri, Thomas E. [WI-6] – 3/8/2011
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] – 3/29/2011
Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] – 3/29/2011
Rep Pompeo, Mike [KS-4] – 3/17/2011
Rep Posey, Bill [FL-15] – 3/3/2011
Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] – 3/3/2011
Rep Rivera, David [FL-25] – 3/11/2011
Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] – 3/2/2011
Rep Rogers, Mike J. [MI-8] – 3/14/2011
Rep Ross, Dennis [FL-12] – 3/11/2011
Rep Ross, Mike [AR-4] – 3/2/2011
Rep Scalise, Steve [LA-1] – 3/29/2011
Rep Schmidt, Jean [OH-2] – 3/2/2011
Rep Schock, Aaron [IL-18] – 3/29/2011
Rep Shuler, Heath [NC-11] – 2/18/2011
Rep Sullivan, John [OK-1] – 3/29/2011
Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] – 3/30/2011
Rep Thornberry, Mac [TX-13] – 3/16/2011
Rep Tiberi, Patrick J. [OH-12] – 3/16/2011
Rep Turner, Michael R. [OH-3] – 3/8/2011
Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] – 3/29/2011
Rep West, Allen B. [FL-22] – 3/3/2011
Rep Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3] – 3/2/2011
Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] – 3/8/2011
Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] – 3/10/2011
Rep Wolf, Frank R. [VA-10] – 3/30/2011
Rep Young, Don [AK] – 3/2/2011
Rep Young, Todd C. [IN-9] – 3/30/2011

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Concealed Carry In Restaurants And Parks Passes NC House

March 31, 2011 by 2 Comments

HB 111 passed its Third Reading this afternoon 74 – 45 with 3 excused absences and 1 not voting (the Speaker). It has been ordered engrossed and will now be sent to the North Carolina Senate for action.

Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake) offered an amendment that would have stripped out concealed carry in restaurants. It failed 45 – 71.

The final vote on the Third Reading was a roll call vote despite earlier reports that it would be a non-roll call vote.

Ayes

Democrats

Representative(s): Alexander, K.; Brisson; Crawford; Hill; McGuirt; McLawhorn; Owens; Spear; Wray

Republicans

Representative(s): Avila; Barnhart; Blackwell; Blust; Boles; Bradley; Brawley; Brown, L.; Brown, R.; Brubaker; Burr; Cleveland; Collins; Cook; Current; Dixon; Dockham; Dollar; Faircloth; Folwell; Frye; Gillespie; Guice; Hager; Hastings; Hilton; Hollo; Holloway; Horn; Howard; Hurley; Iler; Ingle; Johnson; Jones; Jordan; Justice; Killian; Langdon; LaRoque; Lewis; McComas; McCormick; McElraft; McGee; McGrady; Mills; Moffitt; Moore, T.; Pridgen; Randleman; Rhyne; Sager; Samuelson; Sanderson; Setzer; Shepard; Stam; Starnes; Steen; Stevens; Stone; Torbett; Warren, H.; West

Noes

Democrats

Representative(s): Adams; Alexander, M.; Bell; Bordsen; Brandon; Bryant; Carney; Cotham; Earle; Faison; Farmer-Butterfield; Fisher; Floyd; Gill; Glazier; Goodman; Graham; Hackney; Haire; Hall; Hamilton; Harrison; Insko; Jackson; Jeffus; Keever; Luebke; Martin; Michaux; Mobley; Moore, R.; Parfitt; Parmon; Pierce; Rapp; Ross; Tolson; Wainwright; Warren, E.; Weiss; Wilkins; Womble

Republicans

None

The NRA-ILA released this on the bill this evening:

North Carolina: House Finally Considers and Passes Right-to-Carry Reform Bill

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

House Bill 111, which would expand where Right-to-Carry permit holders may lawfully carry firearms for personal protection, passed Second Reading on Tuesday and then passed in the House of Representatives today on Third Reading. H 111 will now move to the state Senate for their consideration.

Introduced by state Representatives Mark Hilton (R-96), Jeff Barnhart (R-82), Fred Steen (R-76), and Kelly Hastings (R-110), H 111 would remove the prohibition on permit holders from carrying firearms into restaurants that serve alcohol. As introduced, it would have also completely removed the ability of local governments to prohibit the lawful carrying of firearms by permit holders into parks. Finally, it clarifies that permit holders may carry firearms for personal protection within the state parks system.

As previously reported, H 111 was amended in subcommittee with language to allow servers in restaurants to ask patrons who order an alcoholic beverage whether they are carrying a concealed firearm. This amendment was proposed by state Representative Debra Ross (D-38), one of the most virulently anti-gun legislators in the General Assembly. On Tuesday, state Representative Leo Daughtry (R-26) offered an amendment to strip the Ross Amendment from H 111. This amendment passed by a 72 to 46 vote, removing Ross’s “poison pill” language. Two additional amendments were offered on Tuesday that were designed to weaken provisions dealing with carrying in parks.

First, state Representative David Guice (R-113) introduced an amendment that would allow local governments to prohibit permit holders from carrying firearms onto certain “recreational facilities,” which are defined as playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools, and athletic facilities. Unfortunately, this amendment passed by a 70 to 48 vote. The NRA will work to remove this emotionally-based, anti-gun amendment from H 111 when it is taken up in the state Senate.

In addition to the Guice Amendment, state Representative Bill Faison (D-50) offered an amendment to weaken the provisions regarding the state parks system. That amendment failed by a 44 to 74 vote.

Today, state Representative Darren Jackson (D-39) introduced an amendment that would strip out the restaurant carry provisions entirely. That amendment failed, but at this time, we do not have a vote count.

H 111 is now headed to the state Senate, where the NRA will work to make a good bill even better by trying to remove the Guice Amendment. Please take a moment to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to work with the NRA to improve and pass H 111.

Grass Roots North Carolina sent the following out tonight at about 8:30pm.

HB 111 Passes House
Today, GRNC’s HB 111, “Handgun Permit Valid in Parks & Restaurants,” passed its Third Reading in the North Carolina House and will now move to the Senate. An amendment attempted by Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake, GRNC 0-star) to remove restaurants from the areas where concealed carry is permitted failed in a 45-71 vote. On its Third Reading, the bill passed by 74-42 which, like its vote on Second Reading, represents a veto-proof 3/5 majority. Because the bill passed one chamber before the May 12 “crossover deadline” it remains alive for consideration next year even if not acted on by the Senate before the 2011 session adjourns.

After a request by GRNC, no attempt was made by House Republicans to water down the odious Guice Amendment under which municipalities may bar guns in any park with athletic facilities. Tactically, it is more sound to leave the worst possible language in the bill in the interest of garnering more support to remove it altogether. GRNC is reasonably confident of removing the provision in the Senate.

Throughout the House debate, gun owners found stalwart friends in Reps. Mark Hilton (R-Catawba, GRNC ****), Jeff Barnhart (R-Cabarrus, ****), Fred Steen (R-Rowan, ****), Kelly Hastings (R-Cleveland, Gaston, ****), George Cleveland (R-Onslow, ****), Glen Bradley (R-Franklin, Halifax, Nash, ****), Jonathan Jordon (R-Ashe, Watauga, ****), Bert Jones (U-Rockingham, ****), and Leo Daughtry (R-Johnston, ****) and John Blust (R-Guilford, ****). Particular thanks go to Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg, ****), who weathered adverse media to bring the bill to a vote. Please use the links above to offer a short note of thanks to all.