But I simply can't let this one pass. The comedians in Washington DC have fed me one straight line too many.
The House voted Tuesday to fund the Homeland Security Department through the end of the budget year, ending a protracted standoff that centered on objections to President Obama's controversial immigration actions.
The House voted 257-167 for the legislation, which includes no immigration provisions, and was carried over the finish line with mostly Democratic votes. In a statement late Tuesday, President Obama said he would sign the legislation as soon as it reached his desk.
The US House, with a majority of its seats held by Republicans (you remember them, they're the clowns with the "R"s after their names) couldn't manage to stop the Democrats (they're the clowns with the "D"s after their names) from handing their guy in the White House a victory.
Well of course not. Because, as I have said time and again, the Democrats and the Republicans are different sides of the same worthless slug of a coin. If this doesn't demonstrate that to you, then I don't know what it will take.
Oh sure, they doing what we want on the M855 ammo ban, because they know will absolutely will vote their asses out of office over that--it's happened before. But this? No one--not one effing elected official--has lost his job over allowing more illegal aliens into the country. Not that they shouldn't have, they just haven't. They know this and they're willing to roll the dice that this will hold true this time.
So, America. Just how long are you willing to put up with the best government money can buy?
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Odd the things that don't make the news
I first got wind of this bit of news via the Email Reflector That Must Not Be Named and have since saw it pop up on a couple of preparedness boards. Working in the information technology arena, it's sort of odd that I'm hearing about this from that direction, rather than in my own trade press.
It seems that around noon on February 25, 2015, someone cut a fiber optic cable outside of Phoenix, AZ. Now this in itself isn't that big a deal. "Backhoe fade" is a fact of life in my business. Even though everyone knows to call in the locators before digging, sometimes it doesn't get done, and sometimes the locator services goof and miss things. It happens.
Details vary depending on the source, but the fiber optic cables (yes, plural) were buried somewhere between "several feet" and 15' deep. However, one detail that doesn't vary is that they were cut by "vandals". Now this doesn't seem all that likely to me. Vandals, while destructive, are stupid, lazy beasts. They aren't going to grab picks and shovels and dig up buried fiber--even assuming they know where it's buried.
Some speculate that this was the government making some sort of trial run for martial law. I'm not buying that BS either. If the government wanted to turn off part of the telecommunications infrastructure in this country, they have easier ways to do it.
It is possible that it was an accident of some sort. Someone was digging for some unknown reason, didn't get a locate, cut the cable and, knowing he was going to be liable for the repairs, ran like hell. It could happen. However, supposedly there was zero evidence left behind at the scene. I take that to mean not even tire tracks, and most folks digging hole like this would be using heavy equipment of some sort. Some kind of evidence would be left behind.
I have to wonder if this is something like the incident a couple of years ago where an electrical substation near San Jose, California was shot up and put out of commission in a very sophisticated attack that also didn't get much media play.
No, I think that something else is going on here. Hard to say just what, but it feels like we are being probed. It's also possible that this was a diversion to allow a tap to be installed elsewhere in the data lines. Given it screwed up telecommunications over an extremely wide area, perhaps it was to allow a crime or series of crimes to be committed. If I puzzle over this long enough, I'm afraid I'll come up with even worse possibilities.
At any rate, you can read some conspiracy theory-ish stories here and here, while I was able to dig up a few local media stories in Google News here. Draw your own conclusions.
I guess strange times are going to make for strange news, but things like this really make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Whatever this is and whatever the reason for it, the odds are against it meaning anything good.
If you depend on the Internet for communications, I suggest you come up with some new plans. Part of my plans include amateur radio, but that costs money and it takes time to study for and get your license. You can substitute CB and GMRS to some extent, but you won't have the distance capability that amateur radio brings to the table. Unfortunately, there are few workable alternatives out there.
The interesting news just keeps on getting more and more interesting, doesn't it?
It seems that around noon on February 25, 2015, someone cut a fiber optic cable outside of Phoenix, AZ. Now this in itself isn't that big a deal. "Backhoe fade" is a fact of life in my business. Even though everyone knows to call in the locators before digging, sometimes it doesn't get done, and sometimes the locator services goof and miss things. It happens.
Details vary depending on the source, but the fiber optic cables (yes, plural) were buried somewhere between "several feet" and 15' deep. However, one detail that doesn't vary is that they were cut by "vandals". Now this doesn't seem all that likely to me. Vandals, while destructive, are stupid, lazy beasts. They aren't going to grab picks and shovels and dig up buried fiber--even assuming they know where it's buried.
Some speculate that this was the government making some sort of trial run for martial law. I'm not buying that BS either. If the government wanted to turn off part of the telecommunications infrastructure in this country, they have easier ways to do it.
It is possible that it was an accident of some sort. Someone was digging for some unknown reason, didn't get a locate, cut the cable and, knowing he was going to be liable for the repairs, ran like hell. It could happen. However, supposedly there was zero evidence left behind at the scene. I take that to mean not even tire tracks, and most folks digging hole like this would be using heavy equipment of some sort. Some kind of evidence would be left behind.
I have to wonder if this is something like the incident a couple of years ago where an electrical substation near San Jose, California was shot up and put out of commission in a very sophisticated attack that also didn't get much media play.
No, I think that something else is going on here. Hard to say just what, but it feels like we are being probed. It's also possible that this was a diversion to allow a tap to be installed elsewhere in the data lines. Given it screwed up telecommunications over an extremely wide area, perhaps it was to allow a crime or series of crimes to be committed. If I puzzle over this long enough, I'm afraid I'll come up with even worse possibilities.
At any rate, you can read some conspiracy theory-ish stories here and here, while I was able to dig up a few local media stories in Google News here. Draw your own conclusions.
I guess strange times are going to make for strange news, but things like this really make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Whatever this is and whatever the reason for it, the odds are against it meaning anything good.
If you depend on the Internet for communications, I suggest you come up with some new plans. Part of my plans include amateur radio, but that costs money and it takes time to study for and get your license. You can substitute CB and GMRS to some extent, but you won't have the distance capability that amateur radio brings to the table. Unfortunately, there are few workable alternatives out there.
The interesting news just keeps on getting more and more interesting, doesn't it?
Could you use a 1000 hour flashlight?
How to take a $4.97 flashlight (plus tax, because Ghu know the government needs your money, even if you have been taxed on it already), a 50 cent resistor and some of your valuable time and make one yourself.
Now that is a pretty bright idea.
Now that is a pretty bright idea.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Welcome to the party
It looks like the legacy media is beginning to pick up the news of the impending M855 ammo ban. Nice of you to join us.
From the Washington Examiner: Obama to ban bullets by executive action, threatens top-selling AR-15 rifle
The Springfield (AR) New-Leader: Proposal: Banning armor piercing bullets for the public
FOXNews picks up the Washington Examiner article under their own headline: ATF pushes bullet ban, threatens top-selling AR-15 rifle
Forbes actually got in the game earlier this week with a really good article that hits all the check boxes: Why Is The ATF Moving To Ban Common Rifle Ammo?
We'll stop there, Google for yourself if you'd like more.
Interestingly enough, every article I found from the main-stream media called into question the ATF's motives on this proposed ban. That's almost frightening. However, given His Royal Highness Barack the First's sudden move to try and impose his agenda via executive order and regulation, it seems even the media is getting just a bit concerned.
I hope all those newly elected (R)s in Congress develop some backbone in the next day or two, because we really need them and the old, go along to get along (R)s to stand up and start putting some roadblocks in front of the Obama steamroller. There is a foul undercurrent out here amongst the forgotten. People are now officially tired of his shit and Congress's inaction in reigning in his excesses. There's no way to know what form that displeasure will take, or when (or even if) it may erupt.
All I can tell you is that if it does, watch out. It will not be pretty.
From the Washington Examiner: Obama to ban bullets by executive action, threatens top-selling AR-15 rifle
The Springfield (AR) New-Leader: Proposal: Banning armor piercing bullets for the public
FOXNews picks up the Washington Examiner article under their own headline: ATF pushes bullet ban, threatens top-selling AR-15 rifle
Forbes actually got in the game earlier this week with a really good article that hits all the check boxes: Why Is The ATF Moving To Ban Common Rifle Ammo?
We'll stop there, Google for yourself if you'd like more.
Interestingly enough, every article I found from the main-stream media called into question the ATF's motives on this proposed ban. That's almost frightening. However, given His Royal Highness Barack the First's sudden move to try and impose his agenda via executive order and regulation, it seems even the media is getting just a bit concerned.
I hope all those newly elected (R)s in Congress develop some backbone in the next day or two, because we really need them and the old, go along to get along (R)s to stand up and start putting some roadblocks in front of the Obama steamroller. There is a foul undercurrent out here amongst the forgotten. People are now officially tired of his shit and Congress's inaction in reigning in his excesses. There's no way to know what form that displeasure will take, or when (or even if) it may erupt.
All I can tell you is that if it does, watch out. It will not be pretty.
Monday, February 23, 2015
We are paying attention, aren't we?
I haven't been jumping all over this, because it seems that it's being covered pretty well, but there is a looming March 16, 2015 deadline to comment on the proposed BATFE *spit* ban on M855 ammunition.
Not to overstate the situation, but this is serious. The boys in F Troop are trying to pull off a back door gun ban by setting the table to ban an entire classification of long gun ammo--anything that isn't lead core. Couple this with the eco-nazis and their attempt to ban anything that has a lead core, and we'll be using our ARs to lob spitballs in a few years.
The NRA-ILA has a nice concise write-up of the situation, along with contact information. Basically, you need to send BATFE an email and tell them "NO!", but you need to do it in a polite way, and you need to cite some reasons. The nice, concise NRA-ILA write up ought to be most helpful. Hint, hint.
Then start beating up your congresscritters, especially if they are newly elected or freshly re-elected and have an (R) after their name. Remind them who brung 'em to the dance, and that it's now time for them to do their part. We elected them to stop President Hope E. Change-bama and his agenda, and this is a dandy place for them to start.
There's a lot riding on this. We need to get on it and do our part. The NRA, GOA and the rest are doing a lot, but we need to get out of the wagon and help push. It's time for every gun owner in the US to introduce him or herself to the nity-grity of Second Amendment advocacy.
Not to overstate the situation, but this is serious. The boys in F Troop are trying to pull off a back door gun ban by setting the table to ban an entire classification of long gun ammo--anything that isn't lead core. Couple this with the eco-nazis and their attempt to ban anything that has a lead core, and we'll be using our ARs to lob spitballs in a few years.
The NRA-ILA has a nice concise write-up of the situation, along with contact information. Basically, you need to send BATFE an email and tell them "NO!", but you need to do it in a polite way, and you need to cite some reasons. The nice, concise NRA-ILA write up ought to be most helpful. Hint, hint.
Then start beating up your congresscritters, especially if they are newly elected or freshly re-elected and have an (R) after their name. Remind them who brung 'em to the dance, and that it's now time for them to do their part. We elected them to stop President Hope E. Change-bama and his agenda, and this is a dandy place for them to start.
There's a lot riding on this. We need to get on it and do our part. The NRA, GOA and the rest are doing a lot, but we need to get out of the wagon and help push. It's time for every gun owner in the US to introduce him or herself to the nity-grity of Second Amendment advocacy.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
The MTR Custom Leather Small Clip-On Holster for .380 and Small 9mm
As you may remember, some time back I purchased a Ruger LCP with the concept of having a gun that was highly convenient to carry around the house. Since I work in a legislatively mandated "gun free except for the criminals" zone, I'm not allowed to carry as a part of my daily routine. My concept is to make carrying at home as easy as picking up my keys or anything else that would go in my pocket or on my belt.
The problem I've faced is how to carry the LCP. I've tried pocket carry, and while it more or less works, I don't care for it. It's highly awkward to access when sitting, and it since requires me to change around where I carry things at home versus where I carry things the rest of the day, it just did't suit me.
My thoughts ran to a small, clip-on holster. The LCP is a tiny little thing with almost no weight, even when loaded. Given I normally wear a "gun belt" (some version of an 1 1/2 very stiff belt) at all times, a clip-on holster seemed like a viable option. Easier to put on and take off than a holster with belt loops and more comfortable than a pancake holster, I figured this would be the way to go.
Except this sort of holster is hard to find--or at least, it's hard to find one that is well done. The first one I picked up, from Tagua Gunleather, had a glaring fault that earned it a return trip to Amazon in a hurry. More research turned up nothing from any of the major vendors that looked any better. For some reason, holster makers seem to think a small pistol merits a small holster. Hey, holster designers--not when it makes it difficult to get to my gat, you morons!
Then the light dawned. MTR Custom Leather. Facepalm time--what had I been thinking? I've got how many of their holsters? Why hadn't I gotten in touch with Matt Rector, especially considering his company is local?
So a quick trip to MTR's website and we have this: the MTR Custom Leather Small Clip-On Holster for .380 amd Small 9mm. Here we see it in action:
Look closely and you'll note there is some room between the holster and the grip of the pistol. While it's still less than I would like, it's far more than any other holster I've seen, and it's enough for me to get something approximating a firing grip on the gun during my draw stroke. It does help that I have small hands for a guy.
I do have one complaint about the holster, and that is the clip. It seems to be sized for a 1 3/4 inch belt rather than a 1 1/2. This means that there is a 1/4 inch lift during the draw stroke. I don't like it, but I guess it's something that I can deal with. I usually see them at the local gun shows, and I'll make it a point to mention the need for some choice in that clip.
I do like the fact that it is not totally closed at the bottom, which will allow any crud an escape path. It is, however, long enough that it covers the muzzle of the gun, which protects the furniture. Having gouged one of the dining room chairs with the muzzle of a Charter Arms J frame (carried in a holster which did not cover the muzzle) and endured the displeasure of Mrs. Freeholder for said gouging, this is a nice plus.
For now, this is my solution for carrying the LCP.
The problem I've faced is how to carry the LCP. I've tried pocket carry, and while it more or less works, I don't care for it. It's highly awkward to access when sitting, and it since requires me to change around where I carry things at home versus where I carry things the rest of the day, it just did't suit me.
My thoughts ran to a small, clip-on holster. The LCP is a tiny little thing with almost no weight, even when loaded. Given I normally wear a "gun belt" (some version of an 1 1/2 very stiff belt) at all times, a clip-on holster seemed like a viable option. Easier to put on and take off than a holster with belt loops and more comfortable than a pancake holster, I figured this would be the way to go.
Except this sort of holster is hard to find--or at least, it's hard to find one that is well done. The first one I picked up, from Tagua Gunleather, had a glaring fault that earned it a return trip to Amazon in a hurry. More research turned up nothing from any of the major vendors that looked any better. For some reason, holster makers seem to think a small pistol merits a small holster. Hey, holster designers--not when it makes it difficult to get to my gat, you morons!
Then the light dawned. MTR Custom Leather. Facepalm time--what had I been thinking? I've got how many of their holsters? Why hadn't I gotten in touch with Matt Rector, especially considering his company is local?
So a quick trip to MTR's website and we have this: the MTR Custom Leather Small Clip-On Holster for .380 amd Small 9mm. Here we see it in action:
I do have one complaint about the holster, and that is the clip. It seems to be sized for a 1 3/4 inch belt rather than a 1 1/2. This means that there is a 1/4 inch lift during the draw stroke. I don't like it, but I guess it's something that I can deal with. I usually see them at the local gun shows, and I'll make it a point to mention the need for some choice in that clip.
I do like the fact that it is not totally closed at the bottom, which will allow any crud an escape path. It is, however, long enough that it covers the muzzle of the gun, which protects the furniture. Having gouged one of the dining room chairs with the muzzle of a Charter Arms J frame (carried in a holster which did not cover the muzzle) and endured the displeasure of Mrs. Freeholder for said gouging, this is a nice plus.
For now, this is my solution for carrying the LCP.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Let's hear it for good gun news
It seems that Alan Gura rides again--this time in the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division. Get a load of this:
"The federal interstate handgun transfer ban is unique compared to other firearms restrictions because it does not target certain people (such as felons or the mentally ill), conduct (such as carrying firearms into government buildings or schools), or distinctions among certain classes of firearms (such as fully automatic weapons or magazine capacity). Instead," Judge O’Connor wrote in Mance v. Holder, "the federal interstate handgun transfer ban targets the entire national market of handgun sales and directly burdens law-abiding, responsible citizens who seek to complete otherwise lawful transactions for handguns."
According to Judge O'Connor, this approach not only infringes on the core scope of the Second Amendment, it fails to permissibly advance a legitimate government interest while doing so. The Obama administration, he wrote, has "not shown that the federal interstate handgun transfer ban is narrowly tailored to be the least restrictive means of achieving the Government’s goals under current law. The federal interstate handgun transfer ban is therefore unconstitutional on its face."
Obviously, this one is far from over, but that is a strong opinion in favor of the Second Amendment. More importantly, Judge O'Connor used the standard of strict scrutiny, meaning he views the question as one concerning a fundamental right.
Yeah, buddy!
Bet on this one being appealed and appealed. As I understand Gura's grand design, it's all part of the plan to take back our Second Amendment rights in the same way they were stolen--one piece at a time. But this time, we've already gotten them acknowledged as an individual right and we've gotten them declared as incorporated (they apply to states, meaning that a state can not take them away). Unless we go full goose bozo police state, or the nannies manage to get a Constitutional amendment passed, they can't take them from us again.
We just have to watch for the next sneaky way they come after us, such as with a tax, or after our ammo, or our ranges. Because the anti-gunners are our sworn enemies, and like the Terminator, they will not stop. Always remember that. They. Will. Not. Stop. Ever.
"The federal interstate handgun transfer ban is unique compared to other firearms restrictions because it does not target certain people (such as felons or the mentally ill), conduct (such as carrying firearms into government buildings or schools), or distinctions among certain classes of firearms (such as fully automatic weapons or magazine capacity). Instead," Judge O’Connor wrote in Mance v. Holder, "the federal interstate handgun transfer ban targets the entire national market of handgun sales and directly burdens law-abiding, responsible citizens who seek to complete otherwise lawful transactions for handguns."
According to Judge O'Connor, this approach not only infringes on the core scope of the Second Amendment, it fails to permissibly advance a legitimate government interest while doing so. The Obama administration, he wrote, has "not shown that the federal interstate handgun transfer ban is narrowly tailored to be the least restrictive means of achieving the Government’s goals under current law. The federal interstate handgun transfer ban is therefore unconstitutional on its face."
Obviously, this one is far from over, but that is a strong opinion in favor of the Second Amendment. More importantly, Judge O'Connor used the standard of strict scrutiny, meaning he views the question as one concerning a fundamental right.
Yeah, buddy!
Bet on this one being appealed and appealed. As I understand Gura's grand design, it's all part of the plan to take back our Second Amendment rights in the same way they were stolen--one piece at a time. But this time, we've already gotten them acknowledged as an individual right and we've gotten them declared as incorporated (they apply to states, meaning that a state can not take them away). Unless we go full goose bozo police state, or the nannies manage to get a Constitutional amendment passed, they can't take them from us again.
We just have to watch for the next sneaky way they come after us, such as with a tax, or after our ammo, or our ranges. Because the anti-gunners are our sworn enemies, and like the Terminator, they will not stop. Always remember that. They. Will. Not. Stop. Ever.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Of carrots and sticks
(Via Say Uncle)
Why it takes both carrots and sticks to force the political process to behave itself and leave us alone. Interesting reading, because it will make you question your position and force you to think.
Are you a carrot or a stick?
Why it takes both carrots and sticks to force the political process to behave itself and leave us alone. Interesting reading, because it will make you question your position and force you to think.
Are you a carrot or a stick?
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