After a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with family in San Diego, we packed up the car to begin the return trip. The plan was to take I-15 North, and hook up with the I-70 East in the middle of Utah. We departed around 10:30 PM local time on Thursday night, full of turkey and stuffing and new memories to cherish.
My lovely bride took us as far as Las Vegas, where we changed drivers, got some gas and some coffee, and took a slow tour through the underbelly of society. Black Friday came early in Sin City and the shoppers were out in force, as were the prostitutes. It seems as if the LVPD was only interested in traffic enforcement as the wheels of commerce were in full spin...
Leaving Las Vegas behind us, we began the long climb up into Utah. The Virgin River Gorge is very pretty (I have driven this route before), but in the dark, dodging falling rocks, and with temps below freezing, it is just a tense serpentine blur.
We got breakfast in St. George, Utah, then headed up the snow-dusted central spine of the state to Interstate 70. As the sun rose to our right, the cliffs and breaks on our left lit up in a wonderful palette of green, yellow, orange and red. The road was clear. The temperature hovered in the single-digits. The speed limit was 80... :) Time to make tracks.
Shortly after changing onto the I-70, it was time for another diver change. I got to watch as the surreal scenery of central and eastern Utah gave way to the high plains and canyons that approach the western slope of the Rockies. Although I didn't sleep, the rest was welcomed as I needed to take over driving again near the Colorado border.
Driving along the Colorado River for 2 solid hours, we got to see scenery that postcard photographers can only dream about. The temperature was below freezing and there was a dusting of snow on the rocks and plains, and the shores of the river were coated in ice. The river gorges gradually gave way to the ski towns of Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge. The roads through the mountains were icy in spots, but no chains were required. The drivers showed as much caution for each other as the skiers do. I was driving at a black diamond pace. They were flying along much faster than I.
We exited the mountains and dropped down into the Denver metropolitan area before sundown. We toured some of the suburbs there, trying to get a feel for an area that might become our next home. As the last of the twilight faded in the west, we pulled into the driveway at our destination for the night, Monument, Colorado.
This leg covered roughly 1,175 miles in about 19 hours including stops. The visit with friends was a welcome break. Their hospitality, food, and beers were very much appreciated. The 10 hours of sleep were much needed.
More in part three...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fast, but is it food?
Mrs. Newbius and I arrived home safely last night. My thanks to all of the people who supported us this past week. I treasure all of you.
A couple of observations are in order. First, fast food isn't. Some of it is food, but is not fast. Some of it is fast, but barely qualifies as food. Some of it is neither. While blasting across the country twice this past week, I got to sample a lot of fast food. The things that really stand out in my mind are these:
McDonald's is consistent. A burger, breakfast sandwich, or cup of coffee tastes exactly the same in Dickson, Tennessee as it does in St. George, Utah. They are a known quantity, no surprises. Not great, but consistent. A solid 4 out of 10 on the fast-food scale.
Sonic is inconsistent. Where they are good, they are above average. Where they are not, they are not. The Sonic in Oklahoma City was above average. This store rates a 5.5 out of 10.
Wendy's does the double-patty cheeseburger better than most, and they are pretty good nationally. I had forgotten how good they are, and the Wendy's in Parachute, Colorado was very good but a bit pricey. The produce was fresh and the meat was very flavorful. This store rates a 6 out of 10.
The regional chains generally do better than the national ones do in terms of taste. The three that stand out are: Five Guys (East coast), Steak and Shake (Midwest), and In-N-Out (West coast). In my experience, they rank (worst-to-first) Steak and Shake (7/10), Five Guys (8/10), and In-N-Out (9/10). There are no losers in this bunch. All of these chains rank far above the national chains in terms of taste and quality (although Five Guys doesn't do drive-through). You can take me to a Steak and Shake for a milkshake any time. They are very good there, and the one in Topeka was worth the stop.
Five Guys does fresh meat patties and hand-cut fries, and the few I have been to are pretty good. The finished product is at times inconsistent, but is mostly good most of the time. They are not quite as polished as some chains, and the one by my house has at times needed a more thorough cleaning. If you want a good fast-food burger and one of these is nearby, go there.
What can I say about In-N-Out? Everybody should go there at least once in their life. Fresh (never frozen) meat, locally sourced. Fresh produce on the burgers. French fries that are made from honest-to-goodness potatoes cleaned and cut right there in the store. Reasonable prices, outstanding flavor. Their slogan is "Quality you can taste", and they mean it. I went to the one in Anaheim Hills, and it was great.
Double-double with both raw and grilled onions, French Fries, and a lemonade. Well worth the drive, all 2700 miles of it. :)
Pax,
Newbius
(Note to the FTC: I paid for these burgers with my own cash, and sometimes with indigestion-thanks McDonald's. I have received only food value for this post...)
A couple of observations are in order. First, fast food isn't. Some of it is food, but is not fast. Some of it is fast, but barely qualifies as food. Some of it is neither. While blasting across the country twice this past week, I got to sample a lot of fast food. The things that really stand out in my mind are these:
McDonald's is consistent. A burger, breakfast sandwich, or cup of coffee tastes exactly the same in Dickson, Tennessee as it does in St. George, Utah. They are a known quantity, no surprises. Not great, but consistent. A solid 4 out of 10 on the fast-food scale.
Sonic is inconsistent. Where they are good, they are above average. Where they are not, they are not. The Sonic in Oklahoma City was above average. This store rates a 5.5 out of 10.
Wendy's does the double-patty cheeseburger better than most, and they are pretty good nationally. I had forgotten how good they are, and the Wendy's in Parachute, Colorado was very good but a bit pricey. The produce was fresh and the meat was very flavorful. This store rates a 6 out of 10.
The regional chains generally do better than the national ones do in terms of taste. The three that stand out are: Five Guys (East coast), Steak and Shake (Midwest), and In-N-Out (West coast). In my experience, they rank (worst-to-first) Steak and Shake (7/10), Five Guys (8/10), and In-N-Out (9/10). There are no losers in this bunch. All of these chains rank far above the national chains in terms of taste and quality (although Five Guys doesn't do drive-through). You can take me to a Steak and Shake for a milkshake any time. They are very good there, and the one in Topeka was worth the stop.
Five Guys does fresh meat patties and hand-cut fries, and the few I have been to are pretty good. The finished product is at times inconsistent, but is mostly good most of the time. They are not quite as polished as some chains, and the one by my house has at times needed a more thorough cleaning. If you want a good fast-food burger and one of these is nearby, go there.
What can I say about In-N-Out? Everybody should go there at least once in their life. Fresh (never frozen) meat, locally sourced. Fresh produce on the burgers. French fries that are made from honest-to-goodness potatoes cleaned and cut right there in the store. Reasonable prices, outstanding flavor. Their slogan is "Quality you can taste", and they mean it. I went to the one in Anaheim Hills, and it was great.
Pax,
Newbius
(Note to the FTC: I paid for these burgers with my own cash, and sometimes with indigestion-thanks McDonald's. I have received only food value for this post...)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Driving across the country
Last Friday, my beautiful bride and I set out on a cross-country trip. We drove straight through, along Interstate 40 to California, arriving Sunday evening.
I learned a few things along the way. I learned that my wife can sleep in a moving vehicle at the drop of a hat, and that I cannot unless fatigued far beyond normal endurance. I learned that the forests of Arizona (yes, you read that correctly) are beautiful, especially when it snows. I learned that Americans are still gracious, polite, and friendly in the main. And, I re-learned that I really do love long-distance driving.
The trip west was interesting. The mountains and hills of Tennessee gradually gave way to the foggy swamps of Arkansas. We didn't see the sun until we got to Oklahoma. And then we didn't see a cloud again until Albuquerque.
California is still beautiful, and I don't miss it much. Actually, I should say that I miss the climate, and my family, and my friends out here. I miss In-N-Out Burger and Del Taco, and the Pacific Ocean. I especially miss Catalina Island, my "happy place". But, I don't miss the traffic, or the socialist politics, or the entitlement mentality.
Sometime either late tonight or early tomorrow, we will begin the return journey. Our planned route will be east along Interstate 70, through the heartland of America. We will start in San Diego, head up the I-15 through Las Vegas to Utah and Western Colorado, then pick up the I-70 east. We have friends to see in Colorado, and I have never seen the St. Louis Gateway arch. I am looking forward to this trip. It will be an adventure. Please be safe out there during your Holiday travels, as we plan to be.
Pax,
Newbius
I learned a few things along the way. I learned that my wife can sleep in a moving vehicle at the drop of a hat, and that I cannot unless fatigued far beyond normal endurance. I learned that the forests of Arizona (yes, you read that correctly) are beautiful, especially when it snows. I learned that Americans are still gracious, polite, and friendly in the main. And, I re-learned that I really do love long-distance driving.
The trip west was interesting. The mountains and hills of Tennessee gradually gave way to the foggy swamps of Arkansas. We didn't see the sun until we got to Oklahoma. And then we didn't see a cloud again until Albuquerque.
California is still beautiful, and I don't miss it much. Actually, I should say that I miss the climate, and my family, and my friends out here. I miss In-N-Out Burger and Del Taco, and the Pacific Ocean. I especially miss Catalina Island, my "happy place". But, I don't miss the traffic, or the socialist politics, or the entitlement mentality.
Sometime either late tonight or early tomorrow, we will begin the return journey. Our planned route will be east along Interstate 70, through the heartland of America. We will start in San Diego, head up the I-15 through Las Vegas to Utah and Western Colorado, then pick up the I-70 east. We have friends to see in Colorado, and I have never seen the St. Louis Gateway arch. I am looking forward to this trip. It will be an adventure. Please be safe out there during your Holiday travels, as we plan to be.
Pax,
Newbius
Thanksgiving
I have many things to be thankful for. Mostly, I am thankful for the continued blessings of friends and family. I hope that your "Day of Giving and Thanks" is special. Cherish those who are close to you. Remember those whom you are away from.
Be well.
Pax,
Newbius
Be well.
Pax,
Newbius
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Run, Sarah, Run!
Francis Porretto lays it all out at Eternity Road on why Sarah Palin is feared (and ridiculed) by all who oppose her. Go and read it. If it doesn't open your eyes to the real oxen getting gored by her, nothing will.
Pax,
Newbius
Pax,
Newbius
A good night's sleep
I finally got one. It is amazing how much nicer the day looks from behind rested eyes.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Alinsky's Rule Number 5
5. "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counteract ridicule. Also it infuriates the opposition, which then reacts to your advantage."
Go and look at Twitter #TSAslogans and enjoy the fun.
Go and look at Twitter #TSAslogans and enjoy the fun.
TSA USAToday-Gallup MiniTrue poll
According to the USA Today / Gallup poll, "Most are OK with the full-body scanners." Supposedly, 78% approve. The sample size? 542 adults, with no disclosure on how many of them actually worked for the TSA.
I ask, because according to a Reuters poll, 96% of people are against the use of these machines and the new pat-down techniques and will change their travel plans accordingly.
The sample size? 68,706, including me.
I ask, because according to a Reuters poll, 96% of people are against the use of these machines and the new pat-down techniques and will change their travel plans accordingly.
The sample size? 68,706, including me.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dear Airline Industry
You have lost me as a customer.
Just as I am entering into the years of my life where I planned to do a lot of travel, you enabled the thugs of TSA to completely and forever alter the relationship with your customers. Now, instead of responding to the millions of advertising dollars that you spend every year by purchasing a seat on the "friendly skies", I will travel by car.
The revenue that you hoped to see during the holidays? It will instead be spent at a string of Exxon, Texaco, and Unocal stations from sea to shining sea. Do not expect me to be helping you pay off your 777's and 787's any time soon.
In order for me to fly on your airline, I must:
Endure the indignity of shoe checks, naked scans, or groin gropes.
Leave my toiletries at home.
Leave my pocket knife at home.
Leave my handgun at home (because if it doesn't get damaged in-transit, your baggage handlers will steal it).
Arrive several hours in advance of my flight, get hassled by rejects from rent-a-cop school, get questioned about my destination, purpose for traveling, length of stay, and desire to remain a sane citizen (Papers, please!).
Be willing to submit to indignities under penalty of excessive fines without ability to appeal.
For the pleasure of enduring all of the above, I have to pay you, and pay extra if I wish to bring more than two changes of clothes.
No thanks.
You (the airline industry) are clamoring for the government to make you feel safe, while trampling the liberty of the citizenry. Too bad. I refuse to play any longer.
In the near future, I am embarking on a round-trip journey across the country, from Virginia to California and back. All-told, this could have generated a couple of thousand dollars of ticket sales for you, as I intend to stop in Tennessee, Arizona, Colorado, and Kansas along the way. Instead, I will take the lesson that you are trying to teach me to heart. Namely, you value your alleged security more than you value my liberty or my custom. So, I am taking away my custom and keeping my Liberty.
In opting out, you will lose my revenue, as you have lost my willingness to be subject to arbitrary rules without logical purpose (except to teach me subjugation). My schedule can tolerate a few extra days devoted to travel. Can your profit margin tolerate people like me boycotting your services? If so, how many, and for how long?
The traveling public wishes to know.
The traveling public is waiting for the Airline Transport Association to decide that the pendulum has swung too far. The public is waiting to see what breaks first: your industry, or the TSA. I am betting the former. The bureaucracy has finally gotten what it has always wanted: Carte-Blanche to inspect and detain citizens at-will, and without cause; and you are the smokescreen.
When the last airline is destroyed, sacrificed upon the altar of the Security god, don't whine that you "didn't know". You are all hoping to be the last one standing, to receive the final bailout and nationalization. In truth, the TSA parasite has already killed the Airline Industry host. All that remains to be seen are the agonizing throes of your demise.
I'll be the one with the popcorn.
Newbius
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Just as I am entering into the years of my life where I planned to do a lot of travel, you enabled the thugs of TSA to completely and forever alter the relationship with your customers. Now, instead of responding to the millions of advertising dollars that you spend every year by purchasing a seat on the "friendly skies", I will travel by car.
The revenue that you hoped to see during the holidays? It will instead be spent at a string of Exxon, Texaco, and Unocal stations from sea to shining sea. Do not expect me to be helping you pay off your 777's and 787's any time soon.
In order for me to fly on your airline, I must:
Endure the indignity of shoe checks, naked scans, or groin gropes.
Leave my toiletries at home.
Leave my pocket knife at home.
Leave my handgun at home (because if it doesn't get damaged in-transit, your baggage handlers will steal it).
Arrive several hours in advance of my flight, get hassled by rejects from rent-a-cop school, get questioned about my destination, purpose for traveling, length of stay, and desire to remain a sane citizen (Papers, please!).
Be willing to submit to indignities under penalty of excessive fines without ability to appeal.
For the pleasure of enduring all of the above, I have to pay you, and pay extra if I wish to bring more than two changes of clothes.
No thanks.
You (the airline industry) are clamoring for the government to make you feel safe, while trampling the liberty of the citizenry. Too bad. I refuse to play any longer.
In the near future, I am embarking on a round-trip journey across the country, from Virginia to California and back. All-told, this could have generated a couple of thousand dollars of ticket sales for you, as I intend to stop in Tennessee, Arizona, Colorado, and Kansas along the way. Instead, I will take the lesson that you are trying to teach me to heart. Namely, you value your alleged security more than you value my liberty or my custom. So, I am taking away my custom and keeping my Liberty.
In opting out, you will lose my revenue, as you have lost my willingness to be subject to arbitrary rules without logical purpose (except to teach me subjugation). My schedule can tolerate a few extra days devoted to travel. Can your profit margin tolerate people like me boycotting your services? If so, how many, and for how long?
The traveling public wishes to know.
The traveling public is waiting for the Airline Transport Association to decide that the pendulum has swung too far. The public is waiting to see what breaks first: your industry, or the TSA. I am betting the former. The bureaucracy has finally gotten what it has always wanted: Carte-Blanche to inspect and detain citizens at-will, and without cause; and you are the smokescreen.
When the last airline is destroyed, sacrificed upon the altar of the Security god, don't whine that you "didn't know". You are all hoping to be the last one standing, to receive the final bailout and nationalization. In truth, the TSA parasite has already killed the Airline Industry host. All that remains to be seen are the agonizing throes of your demise.
I'll be the one with the popcorn.
Newbius
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Opt Out, Part Deux
According to TSA'a guidelines, if you opt out, you can be subject to CIVIL penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. The procedure, outlined here, lays out the prosecution guidelines. Please note that at no point is the alleged violator given the option of a jury trial. Also, the alleged violator is accused, convicted, and assessed, with final disposition (if disputed) subject to the ruling of an Administrative Law Judge.
I have one word for this procedure: Unconstitutional.
Whether or not you agree that the act of purchasing a plane ticket waives your 4th and 5th Amendment rights, the fact that the penalties are civil in nature strikes me as an attempt to defuse the core constitutional question regarding the right to a jury trial. Since the attempted fine to be exacted exceeds the sum of $20.00, (it is $10,000 per alleged violation), the denial of the right to a jury trial under both Article 3 Section 2 AND the 7th Amendment strikes me as ripe for challenge.
What say you?
Newbius
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I have one word for this procedure: Unconstitutional.
Whether or not you agree that the act of purchasing a plane ticket waives your 4th and 5th Amendment rights, the fact that the penalties are civil in nature strikes me as an attempt to defuse the core constitutional question regarding the right to a jury trial. Since the attempted fine to be exacted exceeds the sum of $20.00, (it is $10,000 per alleged violation), the denial of the right to a jury trial under both Article 3 Section 2 AND the 7th Amendment strikes me as ripe for challenge.
What say you?
Newbius
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Saturday, November 13, 2010
Spendathlon
Spendathlon: A competition between government agencies to determine who can spend the most tax dollars in the shortest amount of time.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Blogroll Addition
I have been remiss. I am adding Larry Correia's Monster Hunter Nation blog to my list. The books are amazing. The guy is first class. Go and read him.
(Okay, there is also a slight possibility that I am also hoping to get blogroll reciprocity and am being a shameless whore about it. I'll admit that the accusation might be plausible. For the record, what I posted above as the reason is my story. I am sticking to it.)
Pax,
Newbius
(Okay, there is also a slight possibility that I am also hoping to get blogroll reciprocity and am being a shameless whore about it. I'll admit that the accusation might be plausible. For the record, what I posted above as the reason is my story. I am sticking to it.)
Pax,
Newbius
Prepping for Appleseed
I want to do an Appleseed shoot soon. I do NOT want to do it with my .308 or AR.
Preparation step 1: Buy a 22LR rifle - CHECK
Preparation step 2: Buy box of 22LR ammo - CHECK
Preparation step 3: Buy spare magazines -TO DO CHECK
Preparation step 4: Sight in new rifle - TO DO
Preparation step 5: PRACTICE - TO DO
Preparation step 6: Buy optics???
Now I need to go to the range and play with my new toy...
How are your preps going?
Preparation step 1: Buy a 22LR rifle - CHECK
Preparation step 2: Buy box of 22LR ammo - CHECK
Preparation step 3: Buy spare magazines -
Preparation step 4: Sight in new rifle - TO DO
Preparation step 5: PRACTICE - TO DO
Preparation step 6: Buy optics???
Now I need to go to the range and play with my new toy...
How are your preps going?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
TSA Turnabout
I suggest that all travelers bring their carry-on with a spare change of clothes in it. Upon arrival at the airport, and while still outside of the checkpoint, strip down to bikini, or speedo, and flip-flops (Kerrys). Then, once through security, get dressed. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Makes no never-mind if you are Giselle Bundschen, or Rosie O'Donnell, or Borat or Gerard Depardieu. Give them what they want. Give them the full measure of forcing the humiliation back onto THEM, and proudly show them that they are perverts and molesters and thugs.
If some TSA/JBT insists upon touching you while you are nearly-naked, protest and file a 1983 complaint and include Big Sis in the pleading...maybe she will get the message.
I am positive that if enough people do this, the regulations will get changed.
Makes no never-mind if you are Giselle Bundschen, or Rosie O'Donnell, or Borat or Gerard Depardieu. Give them what they want. Give them the full measure of forcing the humiliation back onto THEM, and proudly show them that they are perverts and molesters and thugs.
If some TSA/JBT insists upon touching you while you are nearly-naked, protest and file a 1983 complaint and include Big Sis in the pleading...maybe she will get the message.
I am positive that if enough people do this, the regulations will get changed.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Mystery missile
The people who know are not saying anything. The people who are saying things, don't know.
IF this is a missile, then there are very few possibilities. Either: We screwed up and sent something up we should not have. Or, We sent a message to someone. Or, Someone sent a message to us.
If this was a mistake, then usually the news gets it out in pretty short order. The fact that there is a dearth of reporting lends credence to the theory that this was intentional.
If this was intentional, then the symbolism is pretty stark. The real question is this: Whose message is being sent, and to whom? Only time will tell.
Pax,
Newbius
IF this is a missile, then there are very few possibilities. Either: We screwed up and sent something up we should not have. Or, We sent a message to someone. Or, Someone sent a message to us.
If this was a mistake, then usually the news gets it out in pretty short order. The fact that there is a dearth of reporting lends credence to the theory that this was intentional.
If this was intentional, then the symbolism is pretty stark. The real question is this: Whose message is being sent, and to whom? Only time will tell.
Pax,
Newbius
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Mandatory Spending?
Someone please explain to me why National Defense is "discretionary" and Social Security and Medicare are "mandatory"? Since when did statutes enacted in violation of the limits of Congressional authority trump the actual Constitution itself?
Isn't it time begin dismantling the socialist structure that these programs represent?
Isn't it time begin dismantling the socialist structure that these programs represent?
Lazy Saturday
Nothing much going on except doing some cleaning and making some pizzas...and, making sure that the rice, beans, jerky, and ammunition supplies are topped up. Because, you just never know...
Pax,
Newbius
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, November 5, 2010
Connecticut Gun Rights
Received an email from Rich Burgess. Here it is in its entirety:
Please jump into the fray and support our rights.
Pax,
Newbius
Hi,
My name is Rich Burgess. I am part of some of the 'gun rights movement' here in Connecticut.
I think many people have given up on us considering our neighbors, but we have an active gun community here. I am currently working on issues with regards to Open Carry, and we have people working on our permitting process and other things that are currently being abused here.
Recently a local paper has picked up on this and gave a pretty good and fair article (for journalists in traditional media). I thought you might like to share this with your readers. It certainly is a good primer about what is going on here and we could use whatever help and/or attention we can get.
These are actually all the same article, but are distributed all over the state and they have different and separate comment systems:
If you find yourself interested in any of the incidents listed in the article, I would be happy to get you whatever info you need.
Thank you,Rich BurgessPh: 203.208.9577
Please jump into the fray and support our rights.
Pax,
Newbius
Opt out
Yes, Opt out. There are many reports going around the 'net these days about the TSA Security Theater, and about how 'opt-outs' now get treated to a pat-down instead. Folks, this is an attempt at gradually conditioning you to accept government intrusion into everything you do.
Never mind the fact that they are lying to you about how "this is always what we have done". Enough people travel regularly to know that this is not true, yet many more only travel infrequently and just accept it at face value.
I choose not to play at all.
Until TSA is abolished, and these intrusive security scans are removed, I will not fly commercially. Period. They can all go pound sand. There is nothing that I need to get to that is so critical that I cannot drive. This includes visiting my ailing grandmother in Arizona, and a likely funeral in California within the next few months. California is 2600 miles away. Round trip airfare right now is about $260 per person. Gasoline, round trip, is about$300 $600 and I will have a car when I get there. If I have to stay at a couple of fleabag motels on the way, it might cost me an extra $100. So be it. As long as the airlines agree to provide the trains to the gas chambers vehicle for expanding tyranny in my life, I will refuse to play.
You cannot compel me to voluntarily waive my rights. You cannot compel me to purchase goods and services. I will not play. You will have to use force, as that is your ultimate argument. And, when it comes down to that, the distilled essence of your nature, I will respond in kind.
Newbius
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Never mind the fact that they are lying to you about how "this is always what we have done". Enough people travel regularly to know that this is not true, yet many more only travel infrequently and just accept it at face value.
I choose not to play at all.
Until TSA is abolished, and these intrusive security scans are removed, I will not fly commercially. Period. They can all go pound sand. There is nothing that I need to get to that is so critical that I cannot drive. This includes visiting my ailing grandmother in Arizona, and a likely funeral in California within the next few months. California is 2600 miles away. Round trip airfare right now is about $260 per person. Gasoline, round trip, is about
You cannot compel me to voluntarily waive my rights. You cannot compel me to purchase goods and services. I will not play. You will have to use force, as that is your ultimate argument. And, when it comes down to that, the distilled essence of your nature, I will respond in kind.
Newbius
|||
Happy Guy Fawkes Day
Remember, remember the 5th of November....
You can either read the historical account of the Gunpowder Plot, or you can view the modern interpretation of it (and rebellion against tyranny) and watch V for Vendetta.
Newbius
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You can either read the historical account of the Gunpowder Plot, or you can view the modern interpretation of it (and rebellion against tyranny) and watch V for Vendetta.
Newbius
|||
Help a Lady Out
Renee Ellmers is in a recount fight with Bob 'Who are You-Tube' Etheridge.
The Stupid Party is being, well, Stupid about it and is not supporting this with either Lawyers, Guns, or Money (like they aren't supporting Joe Miller in Alaska, either). Anyway, Candidate Ellmers is ahead, but just barely. The Evil Party is going to keep recounting until they can Franken her and manufacture the votes needed to steal this, UNLESS WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Can you spare the cost of a box of ammo? If so, DONATE HERE
Pax,
Newbius
The Stupid Party is being, well, Stupid about it and is not supporting this with either Lawyers, Guns, or Money (like they aren't supporting Joe Miller in Alaska, either). Anyway, Candidate Ellmers is ahead, but just barely. The Evil Party is going to keep recounting until they can Franken her and manufacture the votes needed to steal this, UNLESS WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Can you spare the cost of a box of ammo? If so, DONATE HERE
Pax,
Newbius
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Denninger calls for...what?
If you have not figured it out yet, the Federal Reserve (a private consortium of the world's largest banks) has stolen America's wealth. Karl Denninger has been laying it out for years and the People have done exactly nothing about it.
Now, Denninger lays out exactly what the final outcome will be. He doesn't say it, but he hints at the fact that it is decision time for the people. The bones of this turkey are almost stripped clean. When the last of your wealth is gone; when your assets have been stolen by the banking consortium with the full cooperation of the political class; when there is nothing left to the citizens; what will YOU do?
I want to know why Bernanke is not in jail right now. I want to know how he is able to inflate the currency through monetizing the debt. I want to know why you people aren't mad.
The treasonous assault on America's wealth by the Fed and the Banking system, through asset stripping and outright FRAUD should constitute a Fort Sumpter moment. It is too bad that we, the people, are still asleep.
Go and Read This, and THIS. Then do something about it.
Newbius
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Now, Denninger lays out exactly what the final outcome will be. He doesn't say it, but he hints at the fact that it is decision time for the people. The bones of this turkey are almost stripped clean. When the last of your wealth is gone; when your assets have been stolen by the banking consortium with the full cooperation of the political class; when there is nothing left to the citizens; what will YOU do?
I want to know why Bernanke is not in jail right now. I want to know how he is able to inflate the currency through monetizing the debt. I want to know why you people aren't mad.
The treasonous assault on America's wealth by the Fed and the Banking system, through asset stripping and outright FRAUD should constitute a Fort Sumpter moment. It is too bad that we, the people, are still asleep.
Go and Read This, and THIS. Then do something about it.
Newbius
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Virginia Reciprocity
There are a lot of things that are nice about living in Virginia. For a gun owner, it is nice to live in a state that has reasonable gun laws, and has a constitutional right to Keep and Bear Arms enshrined in the state charter.
Up until 1950, the act of carrying a handgun in Virginia was a complete non-issue. In 1950, the legislature passed into law restrictions on concealed carry ("may issue"), but left open carry alone in order to satisfy the constitutional requirement. As the years progressed, through Jim Crow and the Civil Rights fights, these laws became more and more onerous for the average citizen. Unless you were politically connected, white, wealthy, or powerful, a carry permit was not going to be issued.
In 1995, Virginia joined a handful of states changing their laws to "Shall Issue", and the legislature has been peeling back the regulations ever since (over the vehement objections of the Democrats from Richmond, Fairfax, and Arlington county). Last year saw some of the most aggressive attempts to liberate the gun laws in Virgina, and many of these reforms passed. Many more were killed in a specially-formed committee of Henry Marsh's, which was created for the sole purpose of stopping the legislation.
Great, you say. Why are you telling me this, Newbius?
Here is why: Reciprocity. According to the Virginia State Police, Virginia has formal reciprocity agreements with 12 states. An additional 13 states have informal reciprocity with us. So, out of the total of 50 states, I can legally carry in 26 of them using my home state permit. What about the rest? Well, if I was a law enforcement officer I could carry using my status under LEOSA in all 50 states. Since I am not, I have to depend on bureaucratic dispensation...
OK, but where am I going with this? Well...50 minus 26 is 24 remaining states (plus DC) where my permit is not recognized. Several of these are Blue states where the right is essentially denied. These are Wisconsin, Illinois, California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Subtract these 8 states out of the mix, and that leaves 16 states (15 after Iowa becomes Shall Issue in January).
The remaining states in the US which have either Shall Issue permit laws, or are reasonable about their "May Issue" laws pretty much all have the same stance regarding recognition of the Virginia permit, to wit: "I'll recognize yours if you will recognize mine". Current Virginia statue requires any state which wishes to have their permits recognized in Virginia to have a permit process that is at least as onerous as ours, to have also constructed a 24-hour database sharing system, and to have adopted our prohibitions as well. This is ridiculous.
I have proposed to my Delegate that the statute be amended to strip out these requirements, and to grant recognition of another state's carry permits no matter where issued. The only caveats I would leave in place are restrictions on Prohibited Persons (at least until that is eliminated from Federal law), and persons who are under age. If another state has issued a permit, then we should recognize it.
Face it, every law-abiding person who complies with the carry permit process has had to prove he or she is not a prohibited person already. Most states also require some form of formal training. We should give full faith and credit to these states' permits, just as we do their drivers licenses. We don't require that other states adopt our driving standards before recognizing their licenses, do we? If we don't do this for the exercise of a privilege, why do it for a right?
I would love to hear some feedback on this one.
Pax,
Newbius
Up until 1950, the act of carrying a handgun in Virginia was a complete non-issue. In 1950, the legislature passed into law restrictions on concealed carry ("may issue"), but left open carry alone in order to satisfy the constitutional requirement. As the years progressed, through Jim Crow and the Civil Rights fights, these laws became more and more onerous for the average citizen. Unless you were politically connected, white, wealthy, or powerful, a carry permit was not going to be issued.
In 1995, Virginia joined a handful of states changing their laws to "Shall Issue", and the legislature has been peeling back the regulations ever since (over the vehement objections of the Democrats from Richmond, Fairfax, and Arlington county). Last year saw some of the most aggressive attempts to liberate the gun laws in Virgina, and many of these reforms passed. Many more were killed in a specially-formed committee of Henry Marsh's, which was created for the sole purpose of stopping the legislation.
Great, you say. Why are you telling me this, Newbius?
Here is why: Reciprocity. According to the Virginia State Police, Virginia has formal reciprocity agreements with 12 states. An additional 13 states have informal reciprocity with us. So, out of the total of 50 states, I can legally carry in 26 of them using my home state permit. What about the rest? Well, if I was a law enforcement officer I could carry using my status under LEOSA in all 50 states. Since I am not, I have to depend on bureaucratic dispensation...
OK, but where am I going with this? Well...50 minus 26 is 24 remaining states (plus DC) where my permit is not recognized. Several of these are Blue states where the right is essentially denied. These are Wisconsin, Illinois, California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Subtract these 8 states out of the mix, and that leaves 16 states (15 after Iowa becomes Shall Issue in January).
The remaining states in the US which have either Shall Issue permit laws, or are reasonable about their "May Issue" laws pretty much all have the same stance regarding recognition of the Virginia permit, to wit: "I'll recognize yours if you will recognize mine". Current Virginia statue requires any state which wishes to have their permits recognized in Virginia to have a permit process that is at least as onerous as ours, to have also constructed a 24-hour database sharing system, and to have adopted our prohibitions as well. This is ridiculous.
I have proposed to my Delegate that the statute be amended to strip out these requirements, and to grant recognition of another state's carry permits no matter where issued. The only caveats I would leave in place are restrictions on Prohibited Persons (at least until that is eliminated from Federal law), and persons who are under age. If another state has issued a permit, then we should recognize it.
Face it, every law-abiding person who complies with the carry permit process has had to prove he or she is not a prohibited person already. Most states also require some form of formal training. We should give full faith and credit to these states' permits, just as we do their drivers licenses. We don't require that other states adopt our driving standards before recognizing their licenses, do we? If we don't do this for the exercise of a privilege, why do it for a right?
I would love to hear some feedback on this one.
Pax,
Newbius
LOL of the Day
At The Hill.
I laughed out loud...
They can believe whatever they want to that helps them sleep at night.
Pax,
Newbius
I laughed out loud...
They can believe whatever they want to that helps them sleep at night.
Pax,
Newbius
Nothing to report right now
Really. Go hit the sidebar. I am more than a little frustrated with the hacks on both sides of the reporting and I need some time to distill the truth.
A lot is riding on the Lame Duck session. If the outgoing slime balls try and pass their country-killing legislation...things will get ugly. Keep holding them accountable. Treason has no statute of limitations, and some of these congress-critters are traitors to the Republic.
Pax,
Newbius
A lot is riding on the Lame Duck session. If the outgoing slime balls try and pass their country-killing legislation...things will get ugly. Keep holding them accountable. Treason has no statute of limitations, and some of these congress-critters are traitors to the Republic.
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bellweather races
Watch the O'Donnell-Coons race, and the McMahon-Blumenthal contest. If either of these goes to the Republican candidate, it will be Game Over for the Dems.
Early reporting shows that the Coons camp is trying to spur on a lethargic electorate, and that turnout in New Castle is well below the mark that would ensure his victory.
The McMahon race was tightening up over the weekend, and it looks like the poll models are over-representing Democratic enthusiasm (and participation levels). Rossi-Murray will come down to lawsuits, and the Fiorina-Boxer race will likely be won by Senator Ma'am (but it will be close).
In the House, watch Sanchez-Tran (CA-47). This one has been flying under the radar for a while now and it looks like Tran may pull it out. If he does, it will be one that the Dems weren't expecting to lose and it may add to the "super-wave" that is beginning to crest.
Buckle in, it is going to be a long night.
Pax,
Newbius
Early reporting shows that the Coons camp is trying to spur on a lethargic electorate, and that turnout in New Castle is well below the mark that would ensure his victory.
The McMahon race was tightening up over the weekend, and it looks like the poll models are over-representing Democratic enthusiasm (and participation levels). Rossi-Murray will come down to lawsuits, and the Fiorina-Boxer race will likely be won by Senator Ma'am (but it will be close).
In the House, watch Sanchez-Tran (CA-47). This one has been flying under the radar for a while now and it looks like Tran may pull it out. If he does, it will be one that the Dems weren't expecting to lose and it may add to the "super-wave" that is beginning to crest.
Buckle in, it is going to be a long night.
Pax,
Newbius
Monday, November 1, 2010
Don't get cocky
Attention Stupid Party!
Don't get cocky.
In 2006 you were thrown out on your ear because you were spending like drunken Democrats. The nation decided it would rather have the real thing and elected enough replacements for Dem-Lite candidates to give Pelosi and Reid the gavels. Say what you want about the electorate, when given the choice between imposters and the real thing, they vote the real thing most of the time. This is also a factor in why McCain lost. Yeah, I know, the Media pimped Obama like James O'Keefe pimped Hannah Giles. Still, Dem-lite vs. the real thing, and McCain lost.
So now it is 2010. The country got their reality check and now they want a Do Over. They hope that you Republicans can undo some of the damage, but they will settle for gridlock until 2012 when they can finish throwing the bums out. Don't get cocky.
The only reason you are winning is that you are not Democrats. The only mandate you have is to stop the destruction of the country at Obama's hands.
Keep your legislative morality to yourself. Start the honest dialog with the people about the realities of the entitlement programs. And, for goodness sakes, start the congressional investigations into ForeclosureGate, and start the prosecutions. This might include indicting Geithner and Bernanke (and maybe Holder for dereliction of duty). It will probably include some people whom you think are your friends. Suck it up. Put on your big kid pants and do the job you were hired to do.
2012 is only 2 years away.
Pax,
Newbius
Don't get cocky.
In 2006 you were thrown out on your ear because you were spending like drunken Democrats. The nation decided it would rather have the real thing and elected enough replacements for Dem-Lite candidates to give Pelosi and Reid the gavels. Say what you want about the electorate, when given the choice between imposters and the real thing, they vote the real thing most of the time. This is also a factor in why McCain lost. Yeah, I know, the Media pimped Obama like James O'Keefe pimped Hannah Giles. Still, Dem-lite vs. the real thing, and McCain lost.
So now it is 2010. The country got their reality check and now they want a Do Over. They hope that you Republicans can undo some of the damage, but they will settle for gridlock until 2012 when they can finish throwing the bums out. Don't get cocky.
The only reason you are winning is that you are not Democrats. The only mandate you have is to stop the destruction of the country at Obama's hands.
Keep your legislative morality to yourself. Start the honest dialog with the people about the realities of the entitlement programs. And, for goodness sakes, start the congressional investigations into ForeclosureGate, and start the prosecutions. This might include indicting Geithner and Bernanke (and maybe Holder for dereliction of duty). It will probably include some people whom you think are your friends. Suck it up. Put on your big kid pants and do the job you were hired to do.
2012 is only 2 years away.
Pax,
Newbius
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