Had a wonderful evening with OldNFO. Good times. One of the things that we discussed was how much of our history, our heritage, is being lost because the stories aren't being told. If you have a family member who is of the "Greatest Generation", please get them to tell their story.
To them, it may not be anything important. To them, their life is just what they did to get by. To us, it is a touch-point of a time and a people who were more important in shaping the world as we know it than anybody realizes. Their stories, their histories, need to be captured. Lest we forget who we are as a people, a nation, an ideal.
Pax,
Newbius
Showing posts with label responsibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label responsibility. Show all posts
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ten Years Later
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the act of war against our country by rich, spoiled, fanatical, Saudi Arabian Wahhabist terrorists aligned with Al Queda. My good friend OldNFO asked for reminisces the other day on his blog. What follows is my comment from there, unedited:
We have become a nation of appeasers, more interested in being inoffensive than in being right. Once upon a time, we were a nation of leaders who cared not what the other nations of the world thought. Once upon a time, the rest of the world either feared us or wanted to be us. Now, they only ridicule us while using our own wealth against us. Wealth stolen by spineless politicians and given to the socialists in the UN, or paid to Middle-East radicals in exchange for energy we shouldn't have to import.
Ponder that while you watch and listen to the national dirge, on every channel your TeeVee can receive. Ponder that, and ask yourself if this is the nation your were raised in. Ponder that, and ask yourself why you willingly accept the chains and shackles of an out-of-control government staffed with lifetime civil servants who hate your remaining Liberties and envy your remaining abilities.
Then, DO SOMETHING about it. It is past time to re-engage as CITIZENS. It is past time to take your country back.
Newbius
|||
I was at home, getting ready to go to work. After the WTC was hit, I went to the basement and began cleaning guns. Then my neighbor came over, crying. The Pentagon had just been hit, and she couldn't make contact with her husband (who worked near the Pentagon impact site). We eventually connected with him. He had been one corridor North of the impact and had spent the day doing SAR in the burning section of the building before being sent home. He and I spent the evening quietly with a bottle of Jack Daniels, while he worked through what he had seen. One man to another, sharing the pain.
I will never forget. I will not forgive. There is not enough oil in the Middle East to justify appeasing those lying bastards. The proper response would have been to turn Riyadh into a smoking sheet of glass...it still is.
We have become a nation of appeasers, more interested in being inoffensive than in being right. Once upon a time, we were a nation of leaders who cared not what the other nations of the world thought. Once upon a time, the rest of the world either feared us or wanted to be us. Now, they only ridicule us while using our own wealth against us. Wealth stolen by spineless politicians and given to the socialists in the UN, or paid to Middle-East radicals in exchange for energy we shouldn't have to import.
Ponder that while you watch and listen to the national dirge, on every channel your TeeVee can receive. Ponder that, and ask yourself if this is the nation your were raised in. Ponder that, and ask yourself why you willingly accept the chains and shackles of an out-of-control government staffed with lifetime civil servants who hate your remaining Liberties and envy your remaining abilities.
Then, DO SOMETHING about it. It is past time to re-engage as CITIZENS. It is past time to take your country back.
Newbius
|||
Friday, August 26, 2011
Weather
Yes. I am in the projected path of ZOMGANOTHERHURRYCAINE!!!!11!Eleventy!
(sigh)
Earlier this week we had a little rumbler come through. 5.8 on the "wreck-ter" scale. Where I come from, that barely stops conversation over dinner. Now we face a hurricane. Projected to be 75+mph winds when it hits the house. With rain.
(yawn)
That's like Santa Ana winds without the fire.
This is not the "End of the world as we know it" people. It is weather. It is natural phenomena. It happens every year. It is predictable. It is only a tragedy to those who are unprepared for it. And only then because the sob-story makes good camera-fodder for the talking heads at 6PM.
Get over it.
Oh, and if the Scat hits the air-movement device and the Free S**t Army wants some of mine? It would be better to ask politely for help than to try force. I still have Beauty and the Beast; and a half-decent rifle, too.
Pax,
Newbius
(sigh)
Earlier this week we had a little rumbler come through. 5.8 on the "wreck-ter" scale. Where I come from, that barely stops conversation over dinner. Now we face a hurricane. Projected to be 75+mph winds when it hits the house. With rain.
(yawn)
That's like Santa Ana winds without the fire.
This is not the "End of the world as we know it" people. It is weather. It is natural phenomena. It happens every year. It is predictable. It is only a tragedy to those who are unprepared for it. And only then because the sob-story makes good camera-fodder for the talking heads at 6PM.
Get over it.
Oh, and if the Scat hits the air-movement device and the Free S**t Army wants some of mine? It would be better to ask politely for help than to try force. I still have Beauty and the Beast; and a half-decent rifle, too.
Pax,
Newbius
Monday, July 11, 2011
Hunter Safety
I finally completed my Hunter Safety course this weekend. I first took the class in the late 70's as a teen. I did not get a chance to take the final exam due to a family emergency. Fast-forward 30+ years, I am now legal to hunt.
I am not sure I am ready, but I am now legal.
It is kind of funny...the videos that they showed during my class this past weekend were the same ones that I saw as a youth. I guess some things are timeless, even the mustaches.
A big "thank you" goes out to the volunteers at the Quantico Rod and Gun Club. They gave up their weekend to teach a classroom full (60+) of new hunters how to do it right, and at no cost to the participants. I was especially gratified to see the large number of kids in the class (all of whom passed). Hunting is a legacy that needs to be passed on to our kids.
The winter hunting months are rapidly approaching. Now is a great time to get involved, get certified (for life), and get your gear together. Hit the web, find a class near you, and learn something. You'll be glad you did.
Newbius
I am not sure I am ready, but I am now legal.
It is kind of funny...the videos that they showed during my class this past weekend were the same ones that I saw as a youth. I guess some things are timeless, even the mustaches.
A big "thank you" goes out to the volunteers at the Quantico Rod and Gun Club. They gave up their weekend to teach a classroom full (60+) of new hunters how to do it right, and at no cost to the participants. I was especially gratified to see the large number of kids in the class (all of whom passed). Hunting is a legacy that needs to be passed on to our kids.
The winter hunting months are rapidly approaching. Now is a great time to get involved, get certified (for life), and get your gear together. Hit the web, find a class near you, and learn something. You'll be glad you did.
Newbius
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Hunter Safety
This coming weekend, I will be taking a Hunter Safety course at the local Rod and Gun club. I took this class as a teenager in California, but do not have my certificate. I need to brush up on a few things in any case, so I can have a safe hunt this fall. My goal is to harvest my first deer this coming season. If I can arrange things right, I might even be able to meet up with ZerCool for his hunt at the farm...(hint hint).
Anyway, this will complete the rite of passage that I began when I was (much) younger. Stay safe.
Newbius
Anyway, this will complete the rite of passage that I began when I was (much) younger. Stay safe.
Newbius
Friday, June 17, 2011
Mission: Bolivia
Mission: Bolivia is a money bomb request Facebook support page whose goal is to send a teacher to Bolivia to instruct High School youth at a Christian mission center. I have met the teacher, and she is wonderful. Due to a time schedule that compressed unexpectedly (and not the way our economic outlook is 'unexpected'), she needs to raise more money, more quickly, than originally anticipated.
Please share the link, and support if you can. We would like to raise $25,000 in two weeks. $1 or all of it...whatever you are willing to do. Please share the link.
Pax,
Newbius
ETA: The monetary support is requested, the Facebook status updates are real, and the goal is worthy. And, yes, I have pledged my own money to the cause first before asking anybody else to join me.
Please share the link, and support if you can. We would like to raise $25,000 in two weeks. $1 or all of it...whatever you are willing to do. Please share the link.
Pax,
Newbius
ETA: The monetary support is requested, the Facebook status updates are real, and the goal is worthy. And, yes, I have pledged my own money to the cause first before asking anybody else to join me.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Opportunities in disappointment
Every now and then, you will get a wake-up call that forces you to re-evaluate your commitment to your dreams. I got one today. My prospective business partner, who was working a contract job to build up the seed money to start the pizza restaurant, has had a setback. It seems like the job he got hired for was a little bit of smoke-and-mirrors...
Ah, well.
For me, this is a gut-check. "Do I really want this?" The answer is still "yes". So, I will press on. I will continue to refine the processes, and the recipes, until the product is right. I will also continue to build up the name recognition locally by hosting more parties and maybe doing a little catering. In the mean-time, I wish my future partner all the best. When the time is right, then we will move forward. Not before, and not at-risk. And most assuredly without outside financing. I will not be beholden to any bank.
The timing has to be right. I am in no hurry. Instead of causing worry, this little disappointment has been a blessing in disguise. It has allowed me the time to be introspective about what I want and how I intend to bring it to fruition. For now, I will wait patiently and work at what I know.
I need to learn patience anyway.
Pax,
Newbius
Ah, well.
For me, this is a gut-check. "Do I really want this?" The answer is still "yes". So, I will press on. I will continue to refine the processes, and the recipes, until the product is right. I will also continue to build up the name recognition locally by hosting more parties and maybe doing a little catering. In the mean-time, I wish my future partner all the best. When the time is right, then we will move forward. Not before, and not at-risk. And most assuredly without outside financing. I will not be beholden to any bank.
The timing has to be right. I am in no hurry. Instead of causing worry, this little disappointment has been a blessing in disguise. It has allowed me the time to be introspective about what I want and how I intend to bring it to fruition. For now, I will wait patiently and work at what I know.
I need to learn patience anyway.
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Support those who support you
Yesterday I cleared out my email box of offers, spam, real messages, and news items from around the nation and world. Noteworthy is the regular email that I get from four groups I belong to: Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). These emails detail the issues being worked in the fight for my rights. Why four? Because these groups educate, fight for and defend my right to self-defense at the personal, local, state and national levels.
USCCA is a great resource for news and information relating to carrying your weapon. They have informative videos, pamphlets, and forums to discuss the practical and legal issues involved when you make the decision to carry your gun.
VCDL works the local events, demonstrations, and gun shows; and also coordinates advocacy lobbying at the state legislature.
The NRA does education, instructor training, industry news, and lobbies at the state and federal levels. They also do some litigation work, but their primary arm working in the legal area is their Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) which scores politicians every election cycle.
The Second Amendment Foundation is focused on litigation at the state and federal level to roll back existing infringements on our rights. They were the people responsible for bringing you the McDonald decision, and were an amicus in Heller. SAF is currently working on landmark litigation in the strongholds ofJim Crow Gun Control areas like Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Virginia, and Washington DC.
I value my civil rights. I have put my money where my beliefs are and I support these groups financially. If you value your Second Amendment civil rights, you should support them too. If you are not already a member of USCCA, your local and state organization, the NRA, and the SAF, then join them ASAP. These groups are working for your rights daily. They need your support. If you cannot send them money, donate your time and get active. Do it. Today.
Pax,
Newbius
USCCA is a great resource for news and information relating to carrying your weapon. They have informative videos, pamphlets, and forums to discuss the practical and legal issues involved when you make the decision to carry your gun.
VCDL works the local events, demonstrations, and gun shows; and also coordinates advocacy lobbying at the state legislature.
The NRA does education, instructor training, industry news, and lobbies at the state and federal levels. They also do some litigation work, but their primary arm working in the legal area is their Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) which scores politicians every election cycle.
The Second Amendment Foundation is focused on litigation at the state and federal level to roll back existing infringements on our rights. They were the people responsible for bringing you the McDonald decision, and were an amicus in Heller. SAF is currently working on landmark litigation in the strongholds of
I value my civil rights. I have put my money where my beliefs are and I support these groups financially. If you value your Second Amendment civil rights, you should support them too. If you are not already a member of USCCA, your local and state organization, the NRA, and the SAF, then join them ASAP. These groups are working for your rights daily. They need your support. If you cannot send them money, donate your time and get active. Do it. Today.
Pax,
Newbius
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The open carry debate
A little brouhaha has erupted over the 'library carry' demonstration. I am not going to address the specific controversy here.
What I will state is this:
Pax,
Newbius
What I will state is this:
Define your goals. Plan a way to effectively achieve those goals. Do an 'after-action' report to gauge the effectiveness of those plans. Adjust, adapt, and then repeat.If your goal is to maximize media exposure, regardless of reaction or outcome, then you take the negative with the positive and live with the result. If your goal is something else, then it would help to state it in advance so that the reaction can be tempered in the context of the desired outcome.
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
What do you say?
What do you say, when it is all being said by others? What topic should be dealt with, what insight can I give?
Such are the questions that run through my mind when blogfodder is thin. I run through Drudge, and PuffHo, and the Daily Kooks, and I wonder. How much more of the same we can talk about and still remain sane?
When Woodward and Bernstein were exposing the crimes of the Nixon administration, it was good for the country. When I was old enough to appreciate it, I saw the value of an inquisitive press. When the same press was trying to generate scandal against Ronald Reagan, I saw the destructive force of ideology attempting to use the same power of the press to bring down a great man.
Witness the press actions through Clinton and GWB, and you see this ideologically-driven press get more biased, more divisive, and begin the process of institutional lying to promote agendas.
And now, we have Obama as president. What started out 40 years ago as independent journalism (yes, even then with a bias, but with a willingness to tell the story regardless of outcome) has now become dependent propagandism. Journalists are no longer even pretending to offer fealty to journalistic ethics, or unbiased story-telling. They no longer seek to hold the government accountable to the people. They no longer care about truth. Nowadays, they only care about access.
Access? Really? Come on, guys. Any government which attempts to bribe or coerce reporters with promises of (or threats to withhold) access to them is corrupt. Any journalist which falls for the ruse is corrupt, and lazy.
Think about this. If the government needs to get information out, it either must co-opt the airwaves, or announce a press briefing. In either case, the government will tell its side of whatever story is breaking. The real journalists will ask the uncomfortable questions of these mouthpieces and get them to comment on the real workings or issues. We are not seeing this any more. The editors are protecting their access, at the expense of their integrity.
The truth of the matter is this: The government needs access to the reporter, and will seek them out if they need a story told. The reporter does not need the government mouthpiece. They seem to have forgotten this.
Chris Muir puts out a comic strip with insightful political commentary called 'Day by Day' (over there on the sidebar). With immense clarity, Chris has accurately portrayed the White House Press Corps during the briefing. A fine example of this is HERE. Instead of an independent press asking insightful questions in order that the people can get the real skinny on the workings of our government, we get fawning empty-headed acolytes bowing to their masters.
So I am left with the question: What do you say? What do you say to your kids when they ask why everybody on TV is shouting at each other? What do you say when the reportage and the reality have an obvious disconnect? What do you say when the policies being proposed have a history of failure and worse, yet they are reported with no hint of irony as the solution to our ills? What do you say when you see agencies of your government exempt themselves from the laws that they impose on the People? What do you say?
What would Patrick Henry say?
And, Patrick Henry also said this: "For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it." These are words to live by.
Open your eyes and look for the truth. For objective truth is, and no amount of dissembling will make it less so. The Truth shall set you free.
Newbius
Such are the questions that run through my mind when blogfodder is thin. I run through Drudge, and PuffHo, and the Daily Kooks, and I wonder. How much more of the same we can talk about and still remain sane?
When Woodward and Bernstein were exposing the crimes of the Nixon administration, it was good for the country. When I was old enough to appreciate it, I saw the value of an inquisitive press. When the same press was trying to generate scandal against Ronald Reagan, I saw the destructive force of ideology attempting to use the same power of the press to bring down a great man.
Witness the press actions through Clinton and GWB, and you see this ideologically-driven press get more biased, more divisive, and begin the process of institutional lying to promote agendas.
And now, we have Obama as president. What started out 40 years ago as independent journalism (yes, even then with a bias, but with a willingness to tell the story regardless of outcome) has now become dependent propagandism. Journalists are no longer even pretending to offer fealty to journalistic ethics, or unbiased story-telling. They no longer seek to hold the government accountable to the people. They no longer care about truth. Nowadays, they only care about access.
Access? Really? Come on, guys. Any government which attempts to bribe or coerce reporters with promises of (or threats to withhold) access to them is corrupt. Any journalist which falls for the ruse is corrupt, and lazy.
Think about this. If the government needs to get information out, it either must co-opt the airwaves, or announce a press briefing. In either case, the government will tell its side of whatever story is breaking. The real journalists will ask the uncomfortable questions of these mouthpieces and get them to comment on the real workings or issues. We are not seeing this any more. The editors are protecting their access, at the expense of their integrity.
The truth of the matter is this: The government needs access to the reporter, and will seek them out if they need a story told. The reporter does not need the government mouthpiece. They seem to have forgotten this.
Chris Muir puts out a comic strip with insightful political commentary called 'Day by Day' (over there on the sidebar). With immense clarity, Chris has accurately portrayed the White House Press Corps during the briefing. A fine example of this is HERE. Instead of an independent press asking insightful questions in order that the people can get the real skinny on the workings of our government, we get fawning empty-headed acolytes bowing to their masters.
So I am left with the question: What do you say? What do you say to your kids when they ask why everybody on TV is shouting at each other? What do you say when the reportage and the reality have an obvious disconnect? What do you say when the policies being proposed have a history of failure and worse, yet they are reported with no hint of irony as the solution to our ills? What do you say when you see agencies of your government exempt themselves from the laws that they impose on the People? What do you say?
What would Patrick Henry say?
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them."
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."
"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience."
"I know of no way of judging the future but by the past."
"Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?"
"When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object."
"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"
And, Patrick Henry also said this: "For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it." These are words to live by.
Open your eyes and look for the truth. For objective truth is, and no amount of dissembling will make it less so. The Truth shall set you free.
Newbius
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Defensive Gun Use in Utah
Jay_G at MArooned has the link (DGC #111).
This story is a tragedy, but not for the reasons many are stating. The dead choirboy (sorry, some comments at the news article site are calling him a "good man") was arrested earlier in the day on Domestic Violence charges. Meaning, he was abusing the woman (not his wife) that he was shacking with. The police haul him off to jail, and he is slapped with a 'no-contact' order.
In the world of good intentions, said choirboy would realize the error of his ways and go get a motel room for the night, removing himself from the premises. Also in the world of good intentions, everybody kisses and makes up and life goes on normally.
In the real world, thugs who beat up on women tend to take offense at being told by said women to go away. Even more so when the law gets involved. Then they get a mite peeved at the restraining order. Add a little gray-bar time, and the likelihood is that the thug is going to return to the scene and finish the lesson he was trying to teach when he got arrested the first time.
The gun-banner (fantasy) mindset is that good intentions matter, that children (I think that means anyone under 26 nowadays) should not be able to access their parents guns (nor know how to use them), and that the police will protect people since they are the 'only ones' who should have force of arms. Additionally, chivalry dictates that the strong thugs will never prey on the weaker women, and that once things go to the courts that the issue is resolved.
This tragic case has reality coming home to destroy the liberal gun-banner fantasies in a very concrete way. No restraining order will keep a criminal abuser away from his intended victim, as the act of abusing the victim is already a crime. The police will not protect you. Children should be properly trained about guns in the home, and when appropriate, taught how to use them effectively. Guns should be accessible to those same 'children' so that they can be used defensively. And, finally, thugs generally don't listen to reason, and criminal thugs do not obey the law. They usually only understand force.
That a 17-year-old girl had to end this encounter with a gun speaks volumes about the situation. That she did so shows remarkable courage. The fact that she will have to live with this for the rest of her life is the real tragedy.
It is a terrible thing to have to take another's life, even in self-defense. Contrary to the media narrative (and Brady-VPC-Joyce spin), most gun owners recognize this. None of us are looking for a fight. But, to those who say that my 'stuff' is not worth my life I reply: "to the thug who wants to take it, it is". Therefore, I should be willing to meet that threat with a willingness to, and the ability to, return the same sentiment. In copper-jacketed lead, if required. God willing, I will never have to.
Pax,
Newbius
This story is a tragedy, but not for the reasons many are stating. The dead choirboy (sorry, some comments at the news article site are calling him a "good man") was arrested earlier in the day on Domestic Violence charges. Meaning, he was abusing the woman (not his wife) that he was shacking with. The police haul him off to jail, and he is slapped with a 'no-contact' order.
In the world of good intentions, said choirboy would realize the error of his ways and go get a motel room for the night, removing himself from the premises. Also in the world of good intentions, everybody kisses and makes up and life goes on normally.
In the real world, thugs who beat up on women tend to take offense at being told by said women to go away. Even more so when the law gets involved. Then they get a mite peeved at the restraining order. Add a little gray-bar time, and the likelihood is that the thug is going to return to the scene and finish the lesson he was trying to teach when he got arrested the first time.
The gun-banner (fantasy) mindset is that good intentions matter, that children (I think that means anyone under 26 nowadays) should not be able to access their parents guns (nor know how to use them), and that the police will protect people since they are the 'only ones' who should have force of arms. Additionally, chivalry dictates that the strong thugs will never prey on the weaker women, and that once things go to the courts that the issue is resolved.
This tragic case has reality coming home to destroy the liberal gun-banner fantasies in a very concrete way. No restraining order will keep a criminal abuser away from his intended victim, as the act of abusing the victim is already a crime. The police will not protect you. Children should be properly trained about guns in the home, and when appropriate, taught how to use them effectively. Guns should be accessible to those same 'children' so that they can be used defensively. And, finally, thugs generally don't listen to reason, and criminal thugs do not obey the law. They usually only understand force.
That a 17-year-old girl had to end this encounter with a gun speaks volumes about the situation. That she did so shows remarkable courage. The fact that she will have to live with this for the rest of her life is the real tragedy.
It is a terrible thing to have to take another's life, even in self-defense. Contrary to the media narrative (and Brady-VPC-Joyce spin), most gun owners recognize this. None of us are looking for a fight. But, to those who say that my 'stuff' is not worth my life I reply: "to the thug who wants to take it, it is". Therefore, I should be willing to meet that threat with a willingness to, and the ability to, return the same sentiment. In copper-jacketed lead, if required. God willing, I will never have to.
Pax,
Newbius
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
Friday, April 16, 2010
RTFM, and the RULES
Yep. The consequences of failing to RTFM, and of violating the Four Rules, are usually injuries at the very least.
Funny thing, the Four Rules of Gun Handling work equally well for other things with triggers, too. Like gas-engined pressure washers.
I've read the manual. I noted where it said DO NOT CROSS THE STREAM, or something like that. Don't use it to take a shower, don't stick your xxxx into the blast. Really, I did.
Violate more than two of these at once, and you will do some damage. The good news is that the skin will eventually grow back and the finger still works.
Plus, the "Hello Kitty" bandage is kinda cute. :)
RTFM. Obey the Four Rules. Word.
Pax,
Newbius
Funny thing, the Four Rules of Gun Handling work equally well for other things with triggers, too. Like gas-engined pressure washers.
I've read the manual. I noted where it said DO NOT CROSS THE STREAM, or something like that. Don't use it to take a shower, don't stick your xxxx into the blast. Really, I did.
The power washer is always loaded.
Don't point the power washer at anything you don't want to wash
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are aimed at your intended target
Be sure of your target, you are responsible for that water until it stops.
Violate more than two of these at once, and you will do some damage. The good news is that the skin will eventually grow back and the finger still works.
Plus, the "Hello Kitty" bandage is kinda cute. :)
RTFM. Obey the Four Rules. Word.
Pax,
Newbius
Monday, February 8, 2010
On effort vs. reward
If you want any of the benefits, but are not willing to work for the result, then you have no basis for a claim to another's efforts.
If the scope of the effort is something which you are not willing to undertake, do not expect others to be willing to shoulder the burden on your behalf for very long.
Pax,
Newbius
If the scope of the effort is something which you are not willing to undertake, do not expect others to be willing to shoulder the burden on your behalf for very long.
Pax,
Newbius
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti
First, let me state very clearly that the Haiti earthquake is a genuine tragedy. My heart goes out to all of the victims and their families. It is my sincere desire that as much relief be made available to the island as humanly possible.
Got that?
OK. Good.
For you patriots out there, please watch Haiti very closely. What is happening there, especially in Port-Au-Prince, is illustrative of what will happen in any kind of societal breakdown. There is already looting, pockets of anarchy as the government scrambles to retain control, instances of military patrols limiting access to certain areas, supply shortages in food and medicine, and difficulty getting relief to where it is needed due to communication failures and road conditions. Dysentery and other diseases are going to be an issue very shortly as sanitary conditions deteriorate further.
Additionally, the airports there are clogged, so needed supplies are stalled in the US awaiting access. Please note that the US is the largest supplier of aid so far (per our usual history). Also note, without the US Military taking over the air traffic control functions, whatever supplies that ARE making it into Haiti would otherwise be stalled.
Now, think about what would happen if the disaster was the collapse of the US Dollar, or a major natural disaster affecting an entire region, or a major disruption of electrical power, oil, natural gas, or water distribution. Who would provide aid to us? How would your town, city, county, or state react? How long could you and your family go without any of these basic supplies of our modern world? How about your neighborhood? Are you ready to go without new supplies of groceries and gasoline for a month or more? Really ready?
If the Federal Government took over supply distribution, how would they allocate resources? Would their Continuity of Operations plans take precedence over you and your family's survival needs? Would the Constitution still be in effect? Would martial law be declared until the crisis is over? What are your plans?
Think about it.
Pax,
Newbius
Got that?
OK. Good.
For you patriots out there, please watch Haiti very closely. What is happening there, especially in Port-Au-Prince, is illustrative of what will happen in any kind of societal breakdown. There is already looting, pockets of anarchy as the government scrambles to retain control, instances of military patrols limiting access to certain areas, supply shortages in food and medicine, and difficulty getting relief to where it is needed due to communication failures and road conditions. Dysentery and other diseases are going to be an issue very shortly as sanitary conditions deteriorate further.
Additionally, the airports there are clogged, so needed supplies are stalled in the US awaiting access. Please note that the US is the largest supplier of aid so far (per our usual history). Also note, without the US Military taking over the air traffic control functions, whatever supplies that ARE making it into Haiti would otherwise be stalled.
Now, think about what would happen if the disaster was the collapse of the US Dollar, or a major natural disaster affecting an entire region, or a major disruption of electrical power, oil, natural gas, or water distribution. Who would provide aid to us? How would your town, city, county, or state react? How long could you and your family go without any of these basic supplies of our modern world? How about your neighborhood? Are you ready to go without new supplies of groceries and gasoline for a month or more? Really ready?
If the Federal Government took over supply distribution, how would they allocate resources? Would their Continuity of Operations plans take precedence over you and your family's survival needs? Would the Constitution still be in effect? Would martial law be declared until the crisis is over? What are your plans?
Think about it.
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, January 8, 2010
Getting it right
The Virginia Assembly is now in session. Several pro-gun bills are pending before the VA legislature this year and there is going to be a rally of gun owners on January 18th. According to a post by Turk, CCW permit holders will be the ones NOT having to suffer the indignity of being poked, prodded, and scanned for weapons...because we will be CARRYING THEM ON OUR PERSONS LEGALLY while visiting our representatives. We will have an express lane!
Yippee!
Seriously folks. This is how it should be.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League has a tracker of pending bills before the Virginia Legislature that they support. These are all "Sensible Gun Laws", in that they remove silly restrictions currently placed upon the law-abiding in the Commonwealth.
To this list, I would like my Delegate to add legislation affirming that state entities (which are NOT the legislature) are prohibited from infringing on our Constitutional (Federal and State) Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Specifically, that the state should preempt any and all laws by any municipality, regulatory agency, or College Board of Regents which usurps the legislature's purview in this area. If we are really trying to prevent another Virginia Tech tragedy, disarming the victims is not the way to achieve it.
When I visit with my delegate on the 18th, I will be bringing this letter as well as this one, and requesting of him that the Legislature extend preemption of ALL gun issues, whether open-carry or concealed-carry to all agencies in the state. Additionally, I want the legislature to work on open reciprocity of all permit holders from other states, to ensure that other gun owners do not run afoul of any patchwork laws which may trip them up.
Sounds ambitious...but the opportunity to act is before us like never before. I hope to see you there.
Pax,
Newbius
Yippee!
Seriously folks. This is how it should be.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League has a tracker of pending bills before the Virginia Legislature that they support. These are all "Sensible Gun Laws", in that they remove silly restrictions currently placed upon the law-abiding in the Commonwealth.
To this list, I would like my Delegate to add legislation affirming that state entities (which are NOT the legislature) are prohibited from infringing on our Constitutional (Federal and State) Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Specifically, that the state should preempt any and all laws by any municipality, regulatory agency, or College Board of Regents which usurps the legislature's purview in this area. If we are really trying to prevent another Virginia Tech tragedy, disarming the victims is not the way to achieve it.
When I visit with my delegate on the 18th, I will be bringing this letter as well as this one, and requesting of him that the Legislature extend preemption of ALL gun issues, whether open-carry or concealed-carry to all agencies in the state. Additionally, I want the legislature to work on open reciprocity of all permit holders from other states, to ensure that other gun owners do not run afoul of any patchwork laws which may trip them up.
Sounds ambitious...but the opportunity to act is before us like never before. I hope to see you there.
Pax,
Newbius
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Freedom Fighters
If you are an American, you are the beneficiary of the efforts of Freedom Fighters. This is also true of any we may have liberated throughout our history, but is definitely true for my Countrymen.
Freedom fighters come in all guises. They fight the battle in many ways. The most obvious are the warriors. They directly put their lives on the line and are willing to sacrifice their all for the sake of Liberty. If you know a warrior, shake their hand and offer thanks. Make a donation to a charity that assists wounded warriors. Write a letter to a soldier on deployment. Help their family back home. They are making direct and obvious sacrifices for your freedom and should be given thanks.
Less obvious than the warriors in the battle for your Liberty are those who are advocates for Freedom, using the media as their battlefield. These people deserve your prayers and support while they fight the battles loudly and publicly on our public airwaves and through alternative media like blogs, webchats, podcasts, and new media articles.
Today I am writing asking for your support of one such Freedom Fighter. In the battle for our Liberty, this man is on the front lines daily. Whether you believe in his approach to the problem or prefer a different track to the same goal, consider that he is one of us in the battle to preserve and defend our Constitutional Liberties. The Founders pledged their Lives, Fortunes, and their Sacred Honor to the cause. If you believe that Liberty is a cause worthy of support, you owe it to Her and to yourself to consider helping out. Go Here for additional information.
Mike, I salute you.
Pax,
Newbius
Freedom fighters come in all guises. They fight the battle in many ways. The most obvious are the warriors. They directly put their lives on the line and are willing to sacrifice their all for the sake of Liberty. If you know a warrior, shake their hand and offer thanks. Make a donation to a charity that assists wounded warriors. Write a letter to a soldier on deployment. Help their family back home. They are making direct and obvious sacrifices for your freedom and should be given thanks.
Less obvious than the warriors in the battle for your Liberty are those who are advocates for Freedom, using the media as their battlefield. These people deserve your prayers and support while they fight the battles loudly and publicly on our public airwaves and through alternative media like blogs, webchats, podcasts, and new media articles.
Today I am writing asking for your support of one such Freedom Fighter. In the battle for our Liberty, this man is on the front lines daily. Whether you believe in his approach to the problem or prefer a different track to the same goal, consider that he is one of us in the battle to preserve and defend our Constitutional Liberties. The Founders pledged their Lives, Fortunes, and their Sacred Honor to the cause. If you believe that Liberty is a cause worthy of support, you owe it to Her and to yourself to consider helping out. Go Here for additional information.
Mike, I salute you.
Pax,
Newbius
Sunday, September 13, 2009
One of the "Tens of thousands"
9/12/09: #2 child and I attended the rally in Washington. We were part of the "tens of thousands" that the AP under-reported, and which was gratefully spread by a lazy media desiring to sweep this story away as rapidly possible. Sorry, guys, no can do. We are not going away.
Arrived at the Vienna Metro station in Fairfax shortly after 9:00 AM to take the train into town. When we arrived, the lines for the ticket dispensers were huge, extending far into the parking lots on both sides of the station.
PLEASE CLICK ON ALL PHOTOS TO SHOW THE FULL PICTURE
METRO
It took us 90 minutes to get a pass for the boy and get to the train. Everybody was polite. The crowds were helpful and friendly. There was almost a party atmosphere, even on the train which was packed tightly like sardines in a can.
We got to Freedom Plaza shortly after 11:30. Yes, an hour Metro ride! - Metro was doing scheduled maintenance and rail was restricted to a single track for trains going both directions on ALL of the main lines coming in from Virginia. I am sure that this was incompetence in scheduling and not malice...
Anyway...
The main body of protesters having already left, we walked down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capitol with some of the late arrivals. Now remember, we had a few thousand people in line behind us at the Vienna Metro station, just like the reports I heard from people at other stations leading into DC. So, hundreds of thousands in front of us, and many tens of thousands behind us and this was after the official 11:30 start time of the march. Here are some pictures of the march down by the late-arrivers following the main group.
LEAVING FREEDOM PLAZA
10th and PENN
IN FRONT OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Aerial photo of Capital grounds and East end of the Mall The march route was down Pennsylvania from Freedom Plaza (14th and Penn) to the Capitol Building.
CONSTITUTION AND PENNSYLVANIA
The crowd was just about stopped out to here and movement forward became more difficult.
By 3rd Street, you couldn't move hardly at all.
The entire area from 3rd street forward to the Capitol, and bounded by Constitution and Independence, was a solid mass of people with more continuing to stream into the area from all directions. The police had to redirect the people coming down Pennsylvania onto 4th street and down to Maryland Avenue to handle the flow of people streaming onto the Capitol grounds.
Here are some more images to give you some perspective on the scale of the crowd, and also that this was a peaceful event:
AMERICA'S FUTURE
Gadsden Flags, First Navy Jacks, Culpeper Minutemen flags, and The Stars and Stripes were well represented (and are all available HERE). Although, you can certainly tell that the mood of the country is "back against the wall" given the number of Gadsden Flags compared to all of the rest.
I think that this sign about says it with regard to the feeling of Middle America. People who treasure our Republic and want it preserved want to know:
There is a storm brewing in the Nation's Capital.
For the politicians who fail to heed the people, a warning:
(Note: Sorry for the late posting on this. Trying to sort out the photos and give it contextual coherence took longer than I expected.)
Newbius
|||
Arrived at the Vienna Metro station in Fairfax shortly after 9:00 AM to take the train into town. When we arrived, the lines for the ticket dispensers were huge, extending far into the parking lots on both sides of the station.
PLEASE CLICK ON ALL PHOTOS TO SHOW THE FULL PICTURE
METRO
It took us 90 minutes to get a pass for the boy and get to the train. Everybody was polite. The crowds were helpful and friendly. There was almost a party atmosphere, even on the train which was packed tightly like sardines in a can.
We got to Freedom Plaza shortly after 11:30. Yes, an hour Metro ride! - Metro was doing scheduled maintenance and rail was restricted to a single track for trains going both directions on ALL of the main lines coming in from Virginia. I am sure that this was incompetence in scheduling and not malice...
Anyway...
The main body of protesters having already left, we walked down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capitol with some of the late arrivals. Now remember, we had a few thousand people in line behind us at the Vienna Metro station, just like the reports I heard from people at other stations leading into DC. So, hundreds of thousands in front of us, and many tens of thousands behind us and this was after the official 11:30 start time of the march. Here are some pictures of the march down by the late-arrivers following the main group.
LEAVING FREEDOM PLAZA
10th and PENN
IN FRONT OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Aerial photo of Capital grounds and East end of the Mall The march route was down Pennsylvania from Freedom Plaza (14th and Penn) to the Capitol Building.
CONSTITUTION AND PENNSYLVANIA
The crowd was just about stopped out to here and movement forward became more difficult.
By 3rd Street, you couldn't move hardly at all.
The entire area from 3rd street forward to the Capitol, and bounded by Constitution and Independence, was a solid mass of people with more continuing to stream into the area from all directions. The police had to redirect the people coming down Pennsylvania onto 4th street and down to Maryland Avenue to handle the flow of people streaming onto the Capitol grounds.
Here are some more images to give you some perspective on the scale of the crowd, and also that this was a peaceful event:
AMERICA'S FUTURE
Gadsden Flags, First Navy Jacks, Culpeper Minutemen flags, and The Stars and Stripes were well represented (and are all available HERE). Although, you can certainly tell that the mood of the country is "back against the wall" given the number of Gadsden Flags compared to all of the rest.
I think that this sign about says it with regard to the feeling of Middle America. People who treasure our Republic and want it preserved want to know:
There is a storm brewing in the Nation's Capital.
For the politicians who fail to heed the people, a warning:
(Note: Sorry for the late posting on this. Trying to sort out the photos and give it contextual coherence took longer than I expected.)
Newbius
|||
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Prudence
The most recent power grab by the Democrats in the House of Representatives has me wondering where the patriots are in that stellar body? All that I have seen recently from them is naked aggression against Freedom and Liberty. All in the name of obtaining and retaining control over the levers power.
Woe be unto them when they discover where the real power in the U.S. is held.
I have spent the past week shaking my head in awe at the absolute avarice on display by the Democrats in power at the Federal level. I have been rendered speechless by the sheer audacity of the attempts to remake our nation into a centrally-controlled economy, driven by planners and bureaucrats completely unaccountable to the People. A country whose wealth will be drained by those in power, and whose laws and rules will become changed into a system of political spoils and "party" rule.
As someone who is NOT a member of the favored party, and who holds beliefs antithetical to those who would usurp my sovereignty as a free citizen, I have decided that prudence counsels me to go publicly silent on political issues for the time being. I will leave the strident criticism bewailing our loss of Liberty to those whose positions are more secure.
For now.
In the meantime, I will be preparing myself and my family to weather the coming storm. I suggest that you do likewise. Stay vigilant.
Qui desiderat pacem, preparat bellum...
Pax,
Newbius
|||
Woe be unto them when they discover where the real power in the U.S. is held.
I have spent the past week shaking my head in awe at the absolute avarice on display by the Democrats in power at the Federal level. I have been rendered speechless by the sheer audacity of the attempts to remake our nation into a centrally-controlled economy, driven by planners and bureaucrats completely unaccountable to the People. A country whose wealth will be drained by those in power, and whose laws and rules will become changed into a system of political spoils and "party" rule.
As someone who is NOT a member of the favored party, and who holds beliefs antithetical to those who would usurp my sovereignty as a free citizen, I have decided that prudence counsels me to go publicly silent on political issues for the time being. I will leave the strident criticism bewailing our loss of Liberty to those whose positions are more secure.
For now.
In the meantime, I will be preparing myself and my family to weather the coming storm. I suggest that you do likewise. Stay vigilant.
Qui desiderat pacem, preparat bellum...
Pax,
Newbius
|||
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Brown Truck of Happiness
...UPS arrived with my order from Cabela's. :)
UPS and FedEx are examples of the Private Sector doing things SO MUCH BETTER than the Gov does it, it is not even funny. I vote with my dollars every time I send something that needs shipping, by using private companies to handle my business. You should too.
Speaking of business, Cabela's made a mistake on my order and sent me an extra item (I ordered 60, they sent me 61). I called them, pointed out the error, and tried to pay for the extra item and they refused! They thanked me for the call, but wouldn't take payment. I mean, it was only an $8.00 item, but still...
This is a good company to deal with and they will get more of my business.
Pax,
Newbius
UPS and FedEx are examples of the Private Sector doing things SO MUCH BETTER than the Gov does it, it is not even funny. I vote with my dollars every time I send something that needs shipping, by using private companies to handle my business. You should too.
Speaking of business, Cabela's made a mistake on my order and sent me an extra item (I ordered 60, they sent me 61). I called them, pointed out the error, and tried to pay for the extra item and they refused! They thanked me for the call, but wouldn't take payment. I mean, it was only an $8.00 item, but still...
This is a good company to deal with and they will get more of my business.
Pax,
Newbius
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