Another Court Ruling That Somehow Didn't Make News In The Mainstream Media

I know it's New Years Eve, but for all the gun owners out there, just consider it a late X-Mas present.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/12/24/federal-appellate-court-rules-epa-cannot-regulate-content-of-ammunition/

What Shale Oil Production Is Good For

Besides making it cheaper to fill my gas tank. The production and export of Shale Oil from the US has been driving down the price of crude oil for months now. Aside from lowering the cost of filling your tank, it's also had the benefit of making life miserable for some countries that have not been on Santa's or anybody elses nice list. Russia's economy is nosediving and so is Iran's. But the link below is about Venezuela and the effect the price drop in crude oil is having on that socialist utopia.

Gotta' love it!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/25/oil-prices-push-venezuela-brink-economic-collapse/print/

Electric Cars And Ethanol Additves Are SO Much Better For The Environment

NOT!

The linked article is quite the eye opener. Apparently if you own an electric car in area that has its elctricity produced through coal plants, you actually create more air pollution.

And despite all the hoopla from Al the Wooden Indian Gore, ethanol pretty much sucks.

Gee, what a surprise......

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_CLIMATE_FUEL_EFFECTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-12-15-15-01-37

Here's An Interesting Poll Result

And some of the demographic groups showing support for gun rights are a bit surprising.

http://www.people-press.org/2014/12/10/growing-public-support-for-gun-rights/

NYPD Loses Lawsuit for False Arrest Of Knife Owner

NYC sucks. I know because I was born here, and I live and work here. It's nice to see the District Attorneys office under Cyrus Vance Jr. get fucked once in a while by a regular citizen.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/11/04/new-york-city-pays-7500-to-falsely-arrested-knife-owner/

OPEC And Shale Oil, The Latest Round

So, just in case you hadn't noticed, gas prices have been falling at the pumps for weeks now.
The reason, essentially, is that Shale oil production (particularly U.S. shale oil) has forced OPEC to lower their prices for crude oil from a high last June of $115 a barrel to a current low of $72 a barrel.

However the silver lining for consumers is that Shale's current success is also likely to be it's undoing at some point the near to middling future. The fact is that if OPEC oil prices drop to $60 a barrel or less, Shale can no longer be pumped at a profit. One of the reasons that Shale, which everyone has known was around for decades, just wasn't worth drilling for at the ratio of then current oil prices as measured against cost of the then available technology that was required.

But once it became obvious a few years ago that OPEC oil was like;y to stay above $90 a barrel, well it was off to the races for Shale oil producers.

The linked article below essentially cover OPEC's strategy for the near future. It's a short read, but quite to the point.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OPEC_MEETING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-11-27-10-37-37

It's Tough being An OPEC Member In The Age Of Shale Oil

Fuck em'!

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4355edac-53ac-11e4-8285-00144feab7de.html#axzz3GANhMq9v

Mini Drones!!

Yeah, let's see the government try to regulate these. Should be justa about as easy as regulating 3D printers. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/10/13/san-francisco-drone-maker-aericam-unveiling-smartphone-controlled-anura-drone-that-folds-away-into-pocket-size-foldable-rotors/

More Bad News For Obamacare AND The IRS

Hmmm.... Apparently even the President and the IRS can't make shit up as they go along after all.
Must be my engineering background, I just love watching things fall apart piece by piece.

http://cnsnews.com/mrctv-blog/craig-bannister/judge-irs-obamacare-rule-arbitrary-capricious-and-abuse-discretion

Crossfit!!!!

Because you just can't make this shit up!! LOL!!!

(Double click on the video for full screen)

Another Bad Day For Bloomturd

It's tough to be Mike Bloomturd, avenging angel of the anti-gun movement.

LOL!!!!

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/09/03/With-Gun-Control-Push-Failing-Michael-Bloomberg-Returns-To-Private-Business

Sitting In Chairs May be Comfortable,

But it's becoming more clear, that it's not that healthy if you spend too much time doing it. Consider this blog post a follow up and progression from the the last one about standing.

http://www.maxwellsc.com/downloads.cfm?src=nl16&goto=art3250&nlemail=blackthorn%40outgun.com

Want To Live Longer?

Then get off your ass and on your feet you lazy bastids!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/11073662/How-standing-might-be-the-best-anti-ageing-technique.html

Quotes From Thomas Jefferson

Almost like he foresaw the future.

“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not”

“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debs as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one half the wars of the world”

“I predict future happiness for the Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them”

“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government”

“No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms”

“The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government”

“I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property – until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.”

Let's Call This 'Climate Change Monday'

Wow, researchers actually using science instead of pushing an agenda that will get them government grants. Will wonders never cease. One of my favorite comments from the climate change people is how they won't use solar activity in their computer models because they can't quantify it mathematically.

Or so they say.

http://www.washington.edu/news/2014/08/21/cause-of-global-warming-hiatus-found-deep-in-the-atlantic-ocean/

Let's Try The Mexican Approach To Immigration Enforcement

You know Mexico is obviously one of the most vocal critics to American Immigration Policy and Enforcement. So maybe we should just follow their laws and methods.

Let's give it a run through shall we?

And then we can have a discussion about hypocritical horseshit.

http://humanevents.com/2006/05/08/mexicos-immigration-law-lets-try-it-here-at-home/

Obama Anti-Gun Executive Order Comes Back To Bite Him On The Ass

You can't make this shit up.

Almost as embarrassing as the U.N. report on Second Hand cigarette smoke that concluded that there was no direct connection between second hand smoke and cancer. Never heard of that report? That's because since it only showed a connection between second hand smoke and lesser pulmonary diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, it was never released.

And you probably won't ever get to read the CDC report that Obama commissioned through an Executive Order that didn't support the agenda of the anti-gun lobby.

Welcome to America in the 21st century boys and girls.

http://downtrend.com/travis/cdc-report-says-gun-ownership-can-prevent-crime/

Another Bloomturd Anti-Gun Front Group Gets Shown The Door

Anyone have a Krogers near them? I wish there was one near me, I'd give them my business.

http://downtrend.com/71superb/kroger-tells-moms-demand-action-take-hike-open-carry-protest/

Interesting Old Quotes On Climate Change

Hmmmm.......

"World oil production can probably keep going up for another 6 or 8 years. But some time in the 1980s it can’t go up much more. Demand will overtake production."-Jimmy Carter 1977

"Because of increased dust, cloud cover and water vapor the planet will cool, the water vapor will fall and freeze, and a new Ice Age will be born"-Newsweek 1970

"civilization will end within 15 or 30 years unless immediate action is taken against problems facing mankind,”-George Wald 1970.

Really?????

'My Kind Of Cop' Sticks It To Bloomberg

It would appear that Sheriff Clarke has succeeded in making Mike Bloomturd look bad. Although when it comes to old Mike throwing his money around to defeat pro-gun elected officials, his record has been pretty shitty anyway.
This time it cost him close to a half a million dollars to get his ass kicked in the political arena.

Screw Bloomturd.

http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2014/8/bloomberg-defeated-by-milwaukee-sheriff-david-clarke.aspx

My Kind Of Cop

The anti-gun types hate people like this.

http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2014/8/the-sheriff-who-dared-to-ask-for-help.aspx?s=&st=&ps=

Apparently There Really Is A 'Vast Left Wing Conspiracy'

While the 'progressive' movement in this country is constantly foaming at the mouth about Right Wing Conspiracies, they've putting together a secret society version of one for themselves. Called 'Gamechangers Salon', it has over 1,00 mwmber including journalists, political flaks, and othe left wing activists.

http://eagnews.org/1000-member-secretive-progressive-journalist-group-uncovered/

And below is a link to the members list. Apparently they're not too good at keeping secrets.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmediatrackers.org%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F07%2FGamechanger-Salon.pdf&ei=EtDjU96gBKSaygO35YCgAg&usg=AFQjCNEyn7--Yvq0wraxMt_EL1vfVMw_0w&sig2=A5W15bCtyY7lHkrM4omRvg

Novel Drone Use Revisited

Well it's happened again. Another bunch of enterprising souls decided to provode some of lifes little pleasures to their incarcerated friends. The first time I saw this it was in Ireland as I wrote about here:

http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2014/06/novel-new-use-for-drones.html

This time it's right here in the good old USA.

Gotta' Love that entrepreneurial spirit!

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/drone-carrying-drugs-phones-crashes-south-carolina-prison/story?id=24791025

Maybe one of these days some of these guys will actuall figure out to get the damned drone to land in the prison instead of crashing into or outside of it.

More Bad News For The Anti-Gun Rights Crowd

A Federal Judge has ruled that Washington D.C.'s ban on carrying a handgun outside the home is unconstitutional. The District has until October to either appeal the dedision or come up with a licensing system.Officials in D.C are not leaning to appealing the decision as they feel that since the Heller case in 2008, the chances of maintaining a total ban are extremely poor.
Some of you guys are going to complain that the licensing system sucks, they're going to use it to make things hard and/or expensive.... yada, yada, yada.
Well you're right, they will try.

But just like Chicago they'll wind up in court over and over again. And just like in Chicago they will lose over and over again.

Why?

Because Heller was a turning point for gun owners in this country. Some of you whining bastards will complain that nothing changed. But some things did change, and they will continue to change. The anti-gun crowd didn't accomplish as much as they did overnight. They kept at it even after defeats, and used their victories as the basis for more legal victories.

Just as the the pro-gun groups have been using Heller for the last 5 years to mount numerous successful court challenges to restrictive gun laws in various locales around the country.

I'm sorry if some of you guys think it's taking too long. My only advice is suck it up, stop nagging and keep supporting those groups and politicians that are doing the work for you. You may not get everything you want in your lifetime on this issue, but instead of crying about what you don't have, just take advantage of, and joy in the wins that are happening.

In short, stop crying like babies and act like grown adults.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/judge-puts-dc-handgun-ruling-on-hold/2014/07/29/c86383f2-1738-11e4-9349-84d4a85be981_story.html

Beretta USA Makes A Move

In keeping with the current proclivity for Gun companies here in the USA, Beretta USA has decided to leave Maryland and go to Tennessee. The decision was made after Maryland Governor O'Malley signed into law provisons that ban almost 4 dozen semi-auo firearms form being sold/owned in the state.

http://freebeacon.com/issues/beretta-dumps-maryland-after-new-gun-laws/

Japan Enters The Drone Wars in a BIG Way

Drones are becoming the new Nukes as a means of Political Persuasion. Japan, 3rd largest economy in the world, is apparently upping their game in using drones as a means of projecting force in the face of increased aggressive behavior from the Red Chinese and the North Koreans.

I'm going to go out on alimb here and suggest that as the U.S. becomes less relaible as a military ally, Japan is feeling the need to stop feeling bad about WW2, and start taking steps to fend fot itself in the event the U.S. doesn't keep it's word in terms of providing assistance if the shit hits the fan with China or N. Korea.

One never knows.....

http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2014/07/how-japan-fell-love-americas-drones/89195/

Violent Crime Declines In Detroit

And the chief of police credits increased legal gun ownership as being a part of the solution.

Who'd a thunk' it???

http://dailycaller.com/2014/07/16/guess-what-detroits-police-chief-credits-for-crime-decline/

So Just How Extensive is the NSA's Spying Reach

Well, based on new documents from Mr. Snowden, there are only 4 countries we trust. Apparently the only emails, texts, etc. that are filtered out of the NSA's data gathering system are from Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand.

Everybody else is fair game.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/court-gave-nsa-broad-leeway-in-surveillance-documents-show/2014/06/30/32b872ec-fae4-11e3-8176-f2c941cf35f1_story.html

Novel New Use For Drones

It would appear some enterprising young soul in Ireland has come up with a new use for drone technology. Now it didn't work this time, but I'm sure it won't deter future attempts from other techno-geeks looking to display their high-tech, entrepreneurial aspirations.

And as I've said before people, you just can't make this shit up. LOL!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/drone-crashes-dublin-prison-193037514.html;_ylt=AwrBEiEqJqtTPT8ABk_QtDMD

Chicago Just Can't Seem To Get Any Anti-Gun Wins In The Courts These Days

This one was a beat down on both the First and Second amendment fronts. My favorite part was where the kids lawyer asked how could the schools have a zero tolerance policy banning images of weapons and violence when both of those things were present in school issued textbooks in the various History classes.
Apparently the Schools lawyers had no response to that.
Which brings to mind, to me at least, the old Latin Quote: "Inter Armas Enim Silent Leges"

Which translates out to "In The Face Of Arms, The Law Is Silent"

http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2014/05/second-and-first-amendment-win-in-chicago-school-2957362.html

Ever since Heller, Chicago has become the front lines of the legal battle over gun rights. They're dragging their feet and kicking and screaming, but they keep on losing in the courts. Which in turn will set precedents for future legal battles in other parts of the country. A lot of us may not be around to see the future benefits of the these current fights, but this just goes back to what I've said for a while. The Anti-gun people didn't achieve their victories overnight. They kept hammering away wherever they could and moved on from their losses to obtain their victories.

The pro-gun camp has to do the same thing. We have to be persistent, just like a bad, annoying cough.

The Drone Wars Move Onward And Upward

Here's a cheery piece of news for your midweek perusal. I know it just made my day......

http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2014/05/every-country-will-have-armed-drones-within-ten-years/83878/?oref=d-skybox

Bloomturds Anti-Gun Losses Just Keep Rolling In

I can't help myself when it comes to printing bad news about Bloomies anti gun bullshit campaign.

http://gunssavelives.net/blog/breaking-head-of-mayors-against-illegal-guns-stepping-down/

The NYPD Follies Of May 2014

Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect.

Motto of the NYPD...........

http://www.aol.com/article/2014/05/02/3-nypd-cops-arrested-in-separate-drunken-shootings/20879064/?icid=stnwsltr|aol

21st century Technology Meets Mid 20th Century Technology

And 2014 loses to 1957.

You just can't make this shit up!

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/spy-plane-fries-air-traffic-control-computers-shuts-down-lax-n95886

Bloomturd 's Anti-Gun Efforts Continue To Fizzle

I'll say one thing for Super-Nanny, he's persistent.

You know, like a bad cough or a nasty viral infection.

His 'Everytown for Gun Safety' organaization just can't seem to get itself up and running. So far it seems to be about as effective as the his now defunct group 'Mayors Against Illegal Guns'. I just wonder when, if ever, he's going to realize that his money is not going to buy him votes in the south, thw midwest or the southwest.
He just doesn't seem to get the fact that people in those states/regions don't appreciate some richie-rich billionaire from New york City coming in and telling them how they should think and vote.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/04/28/signs-of-anti-gunner-weakness-as-nra-meeting-shines/

Think Your Infrastructure Is Safe?

And amazingly, even I never heard about this little incident last year. It apparently only surfaced in The Wall Street Journal in Feb of this year. The incident occurred on 4-16-2013

http://www.ruthfullyyours.com/2014/02/06/assault-on-california-power-station-raises-alarm-on-potential-for-terrorism-april-by-rebecca-smith/

Bloomturds New Anti-Gun Group Off To A Rocky Start

In his attempt to portray his new Anti-Gun umbrella group as "fair and balanced" Bloomie has recruited a number of high profile Republicans as high ranking members. However it would seem that things are not going quite as planned.
Oh well, too bad for him and his cronies.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/04/25/exclusive-gov-tom-ridge-resigns-from-bloombergs-new-gun-control-organization/

Another Win For Gun Owners

Georgia just might wind up on my short list for a place to retire to. The Anti's, especially Bloomturd, are fucking fuming!!

Screw em'!

http://www.nbcnews.com/#/news/investigations/arms-georgia-governor-sign-controversial-gun-bill-wednesday-n86941

Poor Rahm, A Blowhard For The Windy City

He just can't get no satisfaction for his Gun control Schemes. Ever since Heller Chicago has been trying to keep people from exercising their right to own a firearm. But even with creative lawmaking and the Big-Bucks Anti-gun Joyce Foundation backing them, things just don't seem to be going well for the anti-gun crowd.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/03/25/wayne-lapierre-purchase-possession-liberty-restored/

Even I Didn't Hear About This Vote

Apparently there was vote in the Senate to prevent the U.S. from surrendering our Constitutional rights as regards gun ownership to the U.N.Fortunately it passed by a vote of 53 to 46. Needless to say it nevr got any play that I saw in the press.

Below is a list of the 46 shitbirds, most of them the usual suspects, who are so fucking desperate to get gun control of any type passed, that they were willing to cede our rights to the U.N.

Below is the wording of the bill that keeps us out of the U.N. Small Arms Treaty, and as I stated above, a list of the miserable bastards that voted against it.



53-46 vote

The U.N. Resolution 2117 lists 21 points dealing with firearms control, but perhaps of most interest is point number 11: “CALLS FOR MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT WEAPONS COLLECTION, DISARMAMENT ---”
HOORAY - 53-46 vote - The U.S. Senate voted against the U.N. resolution.


Now, Which 46 Senators Voted to Destroy Us? Well, let their names become known !! See below . If you vote in one of the states listed with these 46 “legis..traitors”… vote against them.

In a 53-46 vote, the Senate narrowly passed a measure that will stop the United States from entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. The Statement of Purpose from the Bill reads: "To uphold Second Amendment rights and prevent the United States from entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty." The U.N. Small Arms Treaty, which has been championed by the Obama Administration, would have effectively placed a global ban on the import and export of small firearms. The ban would have affected all private gun owners in the U.S. and had language that would have implemented an international gun registry, now get this, on all private guns and ammo.

Astonishingly, 46 out of our 100 United States Senators were willing to give away our Constitutional rights to a foreign power.

Here are the 46 senators who voted to give your rights to the U.N.

Baldwin (D-WI)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bennett (D-CO)
Blumenthal (D-CT)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Cardin (D-MD)
Carper (D-DE)
Casey (D-PA)
Coons (D-DE)
Cowan (D-MA)
Durbin (D-IL)j
Feinstein (D-CA)
Franken (D-MN)
Gillibrand (D-NY)
Harkin (D-IA)
Hirono (D-HI)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kaine (D-VA)
King (I-ME)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Merkley (D-OR)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murphy (D-CT)
Murray (D-WA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schatz (D-HI)
Schumer (D-NY)
Shaheen (D-NH)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Udall (D-CO)
Udall (D-NM)
Warner (D-VA)
Warren (D-MA)
Whitehouse (D-RI)
Wyden (D-OR)

Un-Fucking-Believable

You really can't make this shit up. California's leading anti-gun state level politician arrested for gun trafficking.

And this hypocritical waste of a life did it because he wanted the money to run for the California State Attorney General's office.

Seriously!

http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2014/3/fbi-arrests-anti-gun-california-senator-on-firearm-trafficking-charges.aspx

Want To Vote? Get a Fuckin' I.D.

That's what the Federal Courts say, and it's about goddamned time. Last time I checked, I needed I.D just to get a Library Card. As for the people who say that "Voting is a right", my response is possessing a firearm is also a right (you know, that damned pesky, inconvenient 2nd Ammendment). But all you fucks (and you know who you are) still think anyone who wants a gun should present I.D. and have a background check. Tha's OK, right?

So which is it you Hypocritical, phony bunch of shits?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/19/judge-states-can-demand-proof-citizenship-voters/?page=all#pagebreak

Holder and the DOJ are still deciding how to handle this court defeat. i can't wait to see how this shakes out.

We Live In Interesting Times

As the old Chinese curse goes (More or less). Upheaval in Eastern Europe, North America, and in Britannia. The annexation of the Crimea to Russia is essentially a done deal no matter what Obummer and the European Union say.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26606097

The Parti' Quebecois is poised to take control of the Provincial government again for the first time in ten years and they are sure to push for an Independent Quebec and might actually pull it off this time.

http://www.bnn.ca/News/2014/3/5/Separatist-battle-in-Canada-rekindled-with-Quebec-election.aspx

And last but certainly not least, it appears that Scotland is about to vote on splitting from Great Britain

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10700499/Scotland-vote-threatens-to-derail-2015-election.html


Oh wait! I almost forgot, there's even some action in Southern Europe on the Mediterranean. Venice is fed up and wants to be free of the rest of Italy. Who knew?

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/03/15/more-sovereignty-votes-sunday-referendum-may-see-venice-elect-to-secede-from-italy/

WOW!! It looks like everybody's pissed off these days.

Interesting times indeed.

Is The NRA Effective?

A lot of people knock the NRA calling them sellouts, ineffective, money grubbers, etc. They talk about the GOA, JPFO, etc.

So tell me, what legislation have those last two groups ever gotten passed or stopped? What court cases have they initiated and won?

They mean well and they try to do things, but they simply don't have the history, the membership, or the financial wherewithal to take on the well organized groups that think the 2nd Amendment should be either ignored or taken out of the Constitution.

Why do anti gun groups go after the NRA? Because they know that the NRA have the experience, the finances and the practical attitude to do what it takes to protect the rights that gun owners care about. Sometimes they win, sometimes they delay or break even, and sometimes they lose. Heller was a win but some gun owners piss and moan because owning a firearm in Chicago is still not that easy to do as a result of delaying actions by the municipal government in Chicago. But so far every roadblock they've thrown up has been taken to court and knocked down. They've probably got a few more tricks up their sleeve, but simply because of the Heller decision they will eventually lose.

Illinois was forced by a recent court decision to start issuing CCW's. I'm sure they'll find a way to stall, but as long as pro gun groups, backed and/or supported by the NRA keep hammering away, eventually Illinois will cave.

The anti gun groups did not get all the things they have succeeded at by going out one time, losing, and then grumbling about how they lost. They were persistent, they were organized and they were patient.

Pro gun people have to take the same attitude or else we will lose.

Some people are asking why the NRA didn't initiate a law suit over the Conn. gun control laws that were recently instituted in the wake of the Newtown killings. Why is the current lawsuit being brought by local in-state groups instead.

Below is paragraph taken from the NRS-ILA blog about the issue that sums up the answer to that question quite succinctly.

"NRA is currently backing a lawsuit, Shew v. Malloy, to challenge the constitutionality of several provisions of the law, including its expanded bans on semi-automatic firearms and its restrictions on magazine capacity. Some have wondered why NRA has not appeared as a named plaintiff in the suit. Simply put, experience has often shown that NRA is more effective in lending its expertise and resources, rather than its name, to litigation. Many within the legal elite have been slow to embrace the fundamental, individual rights protected by the Second Amendment, and getting a fair hearing on these matters is difficult enough. When NRA participates in a legal case as a plaintiff, its involvement attracts a traveling media circus eager to criticize and attempt to discredit whatever it does. This can further inhibit courts from giving the merits of the case a thorough and impartial hearing. Unlike some groups who will eagerly tout their participation in any "gun rights" case, no matter how ill-advised or unlikely to succeed, NRA is more interested in advancing our Second Amendment freedoms through litigation, rather than just using lawsuits for publicity or fundraising purposes."

Direct and to the point. A strategy based on prior experience gained through previous lawsuits. If you're a gun owner these days, the NRA is the best thing you've got going for you if you want your civil rights to be upheld.

I will now get off my soapbox.

Russia Got Rambo, We Got Urkel

Yeah I know, Putin's a dictatorial bastard, but at least he's effective. That's a lot more than we can say about Barry 'O'.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/6/putin-has-transformed-russian-army-into-a-lean-mea/?page=all#pagebreak

On The Situation In The Ukraine

Some interesting grist for the mill. I can't speak to the accuracy, but it definitely sounds plausible. After I found out about Saudi Arabia's and Qatar's involvement in the Syrian mess last year, and how we almost got sucked into that mess, I have learned to be a little more patient before rushing to judgement on certain international issues these days. Please read the linked articles below in order.

http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2014/02/23/democracy-murdered-protest-ukraine-falls-intrigue-violence/

http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2014/02/25/crisis-ukraine-paul-craig-roberts/

http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2014/02/26/ukrainian-neo-nazis-declare-power-comes-barrels-guns/

I t Was Only A Mater Of Time

Until this shit started. You'll see it in the big cities first. I'm sure it'll take several decades, but it will spread. The mere fact that it is even being brought up is an ominous omen of the future.

Actually I'm surprised that Boston doesn't already use AR's. I'm guessing that they were still only using/issuing shotguns, SMG's and maybe some Mini-14's during the Tsaranev incident that the BPD has now asked to be upgraded.

Only in modern day "progressive" America could you see this.

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/12/31/Boston-Mayor-Elect-Opposes-AR-15-For-Police-Officers

Piers Morgan Out At CNN

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

http://dailycaller.com/2013/10/11/report-cnns-piers-morgan-out-at-9-pm/#!

Another Win For Gun Owners!

The most amazing thing about this is that the decision was made by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. These are the most left-wing wing-nuts in the country.
On the negative side though, they're also the court with the most reversed decisions in the country. The question is does San Diego County really want to appeal? Because an appeal means going before the Supreme Court.
If SCOTUS rules to support the 9th 's decision, that opens up a whole can of worms for any jurisdiction that says "self defense" is not a legitimate reason to be issued a gun permit.

Interesting times people, interesting times.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-guns-9th-circuit-20140213,0,3489492.story#axzz2tG5mNQPU

Just So You Know Where You Stand If You're A Gun Owner These Days

Another sign of the times......

http://mediatrackers.org/ohio/2014/02/10/ohio-national-guard-training-envisions-right-wing-terrorism

Gotta Love It! Islamic Suicide Bomb Instructor Kills His Entire Class

"Now pay close attention my pupils, I can only demonstrate this once"......

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/world/middleeast/suicide-bomb-instructor-accidentally-kills-iraqi-pupils.html

They Say Necessity Is the Mother Of Invention

God Bless American ingenuity. It's not going to help me here in The Not So Democratic Peoples Republik Of NYC, but hey, anything that pisses off the anti-gun crowd is OK by me!

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/370733/manufacturers-change-look-ar-15-rifle-now-legal-new-york-state-charles-c-w-cooke

Shale Oil And The U.S. Econmy

CNAS is a is a Think Tank that advises the Govt. on security issues facing the U.S. The scope of their recommendations are pretty broad. They recently published a paper on Shale Oil production in the U.S. While States like New York continue to moan about the dangers of fracking, other states are realizing major economic boons. As well this paragraph from the CNAS report is quite telling:

"The unconventional boom has also given the U.S.
refined-product sector a competitive global edge,
particularly over Europe. Shale oil produces plentiful
light grades of oil, which, when refined, deliver
greater gasoline and diesel supplies than do heavier
grades of crude. The new shale oil produced in the
United States is refined into more gasoline and
diesel at home, which reduces the need to import
these products from abroad. Also, U.S. refineries
configured to handle heavier, imported crude from
Canada, Mexico and Venezuela are sending more
of their refined products abroad because domestic
refined product needs are increasingly met by oil
drilled and refined at home. After more than 60
years as a net importer, the United States became
a net exporter of refined products in 2011.."

You can read and/or download the entire document here:

http://www.cnas.org/sites/default/files/publications-pdf/CNAS_EnergyBoom_Rosenberg.pdf

Great, Just Great.......

Just when thought technology couldn't get anymore annoying.

http://www.eonline.com/news/507361/just-when-you-thought-google-glass-couldn-t-get-creepier-new-app-allows-strangers-to-id-you-just-by-looking-at-you

Just When You Thought Google Glass Couldn't Get Creepier: New App Allows Strangers to ID You Just by Looking at You
by John Boone Tue., Feb. 4, 2014 4:27 PM PST

Google Glass/Facebook

Have you ever seen someone wearing Google Glass out at the bar? Like a real person at a real bar actually wearing Google Glass? If so, you know how absolutely ridiculous they look, which may be the only factor we have that will stop this:
A new app will allow total strangers to ID you and pull up all your information, just by looking at you and scanning your face with their Google Glass. The app is called NameTag and it sounds CREEPY.
The "real-time facial recognition" software "can detect a face using the Google Glass camera, send it wirelessly to a server, compare it to millions of records, and in seconds return a match complete with a name, additional photos and social media profiles."
The information listed could include your name, occupation, any social media profiles you have set up and whether or not you have a criminal record ("CRIMINAL HISTORY FOUND" pops up in bright red letters according to the demo).

NameTag

And NameTag may have already added you to their database.
Two million entries have already been uploaded to FacialNetwork.com. Once the app officially goes live, you can sign up for NameTag and opt-out, instead of the alternative: Having to opt-in to allow them to show your information.
How is that OK?
"It's not about invading anyone's privacy," one NameTag's creators claimed (via Independent). "It's about connecting people that want to be connected. We will even allow users to have one profile that is seen during business hours and another that is seen in social situations. NameTag can make the big, anonymous world we live in as friendly as a small town."

It may not be about invading anyone's privacy, but that sounds like what it does. And forcing people to opt-out if they want to maintain their privacy is wrong (we would go so far as to say it should be illegal). But the purported benefits of the app are almost even worse:
They continue, "It's much easier to meet interesting new people when we can simply look at someone, see their Facebook, review their LinkedIn page or maybe even see their dating site profile. Often we were interacting with people blindly or not interacting at all. NameTag on Google Glass can change all that."
Gross.
It's enough to make you root for that app that lets you film Google Glass porn, if you had to pick one. Luckily, Google has banned facial-recognition software from the Glass—for now.

Copyright eEonline 2014

The 'Rurales' Ride Again

Last year I posted about how some vigilantes in Mexico took on a local politician and the drug Cartel that was paying him. Apparently other groups of Mexicans having similar problems started giving the Cartels grief. The central government, already I guess 'embarrassed' by not being able handle either the Cartels or the Vigilantes, have decide to solve this touchy political problem.

They're legalizing some of the vigilante groups by incorporating them under the old Rural Defense corps laws that date back to the late 19th century.

In other words, The Rurales Are Back!

Now how exactly this is going to play out over the long run is anybody's guess. Obviously the potential for abusing heir new found legality is certainly there, but if nothing else, it's going to be interesting!

http://www.mail.com/news/politics/2604628-mexican-vigilante-legalization-plan-carries-risks.html#.2718-stage-set1-3

On The Iranian Nuclear Deal

Good Job Obama, Good Job Kerry!!!

You guys are the gift that keeps on giving......

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/22/politics/iran-us-nuclear/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Oh Yeah, The Digital Age Is So Great....

So apparently, the NSA is able to fuck with your computer even if it's not hooked up to the internet.
Well isn't that just wonderful?

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/us/nsa-effort-pries-open-computers-not-connected-to-internet.html?hp&_r=0

Worried About The NSA ?

Hell, you'd be surprised who's spying on you..

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303453004579290632128929194?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303453004579290632128929194.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories

Illinois Gun Banners Double-Fucked!!!

On the heels of the Chicago Retail Firearms sale ban defeat, the state of Illinois must now implement the issue of Concealed Carry permits to state residents. The Illinois State Police are expecting between 350,000 to 400,000 applicants.

Holy Shitballs Batman!!!!!!

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/06/Illinoisans-Flood-Online-Conceal-Carry-Application-Site

Chicago Gun-Banners Fucked Again!

They're forced to allow the ownership of guns inside Chicao city limits (Heller decision). So they try an end run by making retail sales inside city limits illgeal.

Once again, no joy!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/chicago-gun-sale-ban-unconstitutional-judge-rules/

Think You'll Save Money By Buying An Electric Car Or Hybrid??

Think again, and never underestimate the creativity of politicians when they start losing Tax revenue. The article linked below is a perfect example.
And even better (for the politicians) is that they get to track you wherever you go!
Of course they just have to do that in order to collect the revenues.

Or do they?

The simple fact is that there's no need for trackers at all. As far as I know, every state in the union requires a motor vehicle inspection once a year. At the time the safety inspection and/or emissions test is done, the testing location is required to record the vehicles mileage and provide that information with both safety and emissions results to the state motor vehicle department. It should then be a simple matter of determining how many miles had been driven in the year since the last inspection. At that point a bill could be sent to the vehicle owner, or the amount could be added to the cost of renewing the vehicles registration.
Now personally, Ireally think the whole idea stinks, but if it should come to pass, there is no reason to install tracking devices on peoples cars.
Unless the conspiracy theorists are right and the government does just want to spy on us 24/7/365. :-/

http://dailycaller.com/2014/01/06/states-turn-against-electric-cars-as-gas-tax-revenues-fall/

And Here We Have A former Politician With An Interesting Take On Disaster Preparation

Roscoe Bartlett, former Congressman and Modern day prepper who actually seems to know what he's doing.

What do you think?

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/01/roscoe-bartlett-congressman-off-the-grid-101720_full.html

Which Way For The Future?

This article from Stratfor makes for an interesting read.

http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/crisis-middle-class-and-american-power

The Crisis of the Middle Class and American Power

Geopolitical Weekly
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - 04:01 Print Text Size 


Editor's Note: The following Geopolitical Weekly originally ran in January 2013.

By George Friedman

When I wrote about the crisis of unemployment in Europe, I received a great deal of feedback. Europeans agreed that this is the core problem while Americans argued that the United States has the same problem, asserting that U.S. unemployment is twice as high as the government's official unemployment rate. My counterargument is that unemployment in the United States is not a problem in the same sense that it is in Europe because it does not pose a geopolitical threat. The United States does not face political disintegration from unemployment, whatever the number is. Europe might.

At the same time, I would agree that the United States faces a potentially significant but longer-term geopolitical problem deriving from economic trends. The threat to the United States is the persistent decline in the middle class' standard of living, a problem that is reshaping the social order that has been in place since World War II and that, if it continues, poses a threat to American power.

The Crisis of the American Middle Class

The median household income of Americans in 2011 was $49,103. Adjusted for inflation, the median income is just below what it was in 1989 and is $4,000 less than it was in 2000. Take-home income is a bit less than $40,000 when Social Security and state and federal taxes are included. That means a monthly income, per household, of about $3,300. It is urgent to bear in mind that half of all American households earn less than this. It is also vital to consider not the difference between 1990 and 2011, but the difference between the 1950s and 1960s and the 21st century. This is where the difference in the meaning of middle class becomes most apparent.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the median income allowed you to live with a single earner -- normally the husband, with the wife typically working as homemaker -- and roughly three children. It permitted the purchase of modest tract housing, one late model car and an older one. It allowed a driving vacation somewhere and, with care, some savings as well. I know this because my family was lower-middle class, and this is how we lived, and I know many others in my generation who had the same background. It was not an easy life and many luxuries were denied us, but it wasn't a bad life at all.

Someone earning the median income today might just pull this off, but it wouldn't be easy. Assuming that he did not have college loans to pay off but did have two car loans to pay totaling $700 a month, and that he could buy food, clothing and cover his utilities for $1,200 a month, he would have $1,400 a month for mortgage, real estate taxes and insurance, plus some funds for fixing the air conditioner and dishwasher. At a 5 percent mortgage rate, that would allow him to buy a house in the $200,000 range. He would get a refund back on his taxes from deductions but that would go to pay credit card bills he had from Christmas presents and emergencies. It could be done, but not easily and with great difficulty in major metropolitan areas. And if his employer didn't cover health insurance, that $4,000-5,000 for three or four people would severely limit his expenses. And of course, he would have to have $20,000-40,000 for a down payment and closing costs on his home. There would be little else left over for a week at the seashore with the kids.

And this is for the median. Those below him -- half of all households -- would be shut out of what is considered middle-class life, with the house, the car and the other associated amenities. Those amenities shift upward on the scale for people with at least $70,000 in income. The basics might be available at the median level, given favorable individual circumstance, but below that life becomes surprisingly meager, even in the range of the middle class and certainly what used to be called the lower-middle class.

The Expectation of Upward Mobility

I should pause and mention that this was one of the fundamental causes of the 2007-2008 subprime lending crisis. People below the median took out loans with deferred interest with the expectation that their incomes would continue the rise that was traditional since World War II. The caricature of the borrower as irresponsible misses the point. The expectation of rising real incomes was built into the American culture, and many assumed based on that that the rise would resume in five years. When it didn't they were trapped, but given history, they were not making an irresponsible assumption.

American history was always filled with the assumption that upward mobility was possible. The Midwest and West opened land that could be exploited, and the massive industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries opened opportunities. There was a systemic expectation of upward mobility built into American culture and reality.

The Great Depression was a shock to the system, and it wasn't solved by the New Deal, nor even by World War II alone. The next drive for upward mobility came from post-war programs for veterans, of whom there were more than 10 million. These programs were instrumental in creating post-industrial America, by creating a class of suburban professionals. There were three programs that were critical:
1.The GI Bill, which allowed veterans to go to college after the war, becoming professionals frequently several notches above their parents.
2.The part of the GI Bill that provided federally guaranteed mortgages to veterans, allowing low and no down payment mortgages and low interest rates to graduates of publicly funded universities.
3.The federally funded Interstate Highway System, which made access to land close to but outside of cities easier, enabling both the dispersal of populations on inexpensive land (which made single-family houses possible) and, later, the dispersal of business to the suburbs.

There were undoubtedly many other things that contributed to this, but these three not only reshaped America but also created a new dimension to the upward mobility that was built into American life from the beginning. Moreover, these programs were all directed toward veterans, to whom it was acknowledged a debt was due, or were created for military reasons (the Interstate Highway System was funded to enable the rapid movement of troops from coast to coast, which during World War II was found to be impossible). As a result, there was consensus around the moral propriety of the programs.

The subprime fiasco was rooted in the failure to understand that the foundations of middle class life were not under temporary pressure but something more fundamental. Where a single earner could support a middle class family in the generation after World War II, it now took at least two earners. That meant that the rise of the double-income family corresponded with the decline of the middle class. The lower you go on the income scale, the more likely you are to be a single mother. That shift away from social pressure for two parent homes was certainly part of the problem.

Re-engineering the Corporation

But there was, I think, the crisis of the modern corporation. Corporations provided long-term employment to the middle class. It was not unusual to spend your entire life working for one. Working for a corporation, you received yearly pay increases, either as a union or non-union worker. The middle class had both job security and rising income, along with retirement and other benefits. Over the course of time, the culture of the corporation diverged from the realities, as corporate productivity lagged behind costs and the corporations became more and more dysfunctional and ultimately unsupportable. In addition, the corporations ceased focusing on doing one thing well and instead became conglomerates, with a management frequently unable to keep up with the complexity of multiple lines of business.

For these and many other reasons, the corporation became increasingly inefficient, and in the terms of the 1980s, they had to be re-engineered -- which meant taken apart, pared down, refined and refocused. And the re-engineering of the corporation, designed to make them agile, meant that there was a permanent revolution in business. Everything was being reinvented. Huge amounts of money, managed by people whose specialty was re-engineering companies, were deployed. The choice was between total failure and radical change. From the point of view of the individual worker, this frequently meant the same thing: unemployment. From the view of the economy, it meant the creation of value whether through breaking up companies, closing some of them or sending jobs overseas. It was designed to increase the total efficiency, and it worked for the most part.

This is where the disjuncture occurred. From the point of view of the investor, they had saved the corporation from total meltdown by redesigning it. From the point of view of the workers, some retained the jobs that they would have lost, while others lost the jobs they would have lost anyway. But the important thing is not the subjective bitterness of those who lost their jobs, but something more complex.

As the permanent corporate jobs declined, more people were starting over. Some of them were starting over every few years as the agile corporation grew more efficient and needed fewer employees. That meant that if they got new jobs it would not be at the munificent corporate pay rate but at near entry-level rates in the small companies that were now the growth engine. As these companies failed, were bought or shifted direction, they would lose their jobs and start over again. Wages didn't rise for them and for long periods they might be unemployed, never to get a job again in their now obsolete fields, and certainly not working at a company for the next 20 years.

The restructuring of inefficient companies did create substantial value, but that value did not flow to the now laid-off workers. Some might flow to the remaining workers, but much of it went to the engineers who restructured the companies and the investors they represented. Statistics reveal that, since 1947 (when the data was first compiled), corporate profits as a percentage of gross domestic product are now at their highest level, while wages as a percentage of GDP are now at their lowest level. It was not a question of making the economy more efficient -- it did do that -- it was a question of where the value accumulated. The upper segment of the wage curve and the investors continued to make money. The middle class divided into a segment that entered the upper-middle class, while another faction sank into the lower-middle class.

American society on the whole was never egalitarian. It always accepted that there would be substantial differences in wages and wealth. Indeed, progress was in some ways driven by a desire to emulate the wealthy. There was also the expectation that while others received far more, the entire wealth structure would rise in tandem. It was also understood that, because of skill or luck, others would lose.

What we are facing now is a structural shift, in which the middle class' center, not because of laziness or stupidity, is shifting downward in terms of standard of living. It is a structural shift that is rooted in social change (the breakdown of the conventional family) and economic change (the decline of traditional corporations and the creation of corporate agility that places individual workers at a massive disadvantage).

The inherent crisis rests in an increasingly efficient economy and a population that can't consume what is produced because it can't afford the products. This has happened numerous times in history, but the United States, excepting the Great Depression, was the counterexample.

Obviously, this is a massive political debate, save that political debates identify problems without clarifying them. In political debates, someone must be blamed. In reality, these processes are beyond even the government's ability to control. On one hand, the traditional corporation was beneficial to the workers until it collapsed under the burden of its costs. On the other hand, the efficiencies created threaten to undermine consumption by weakening the effective demand among half of society.

The Long-Term Threat

The greatest danger is one that will not be faced for decades but that is lurking out there. The United States was built on the assumption that a rising tide lifts all ships. That has not been the case for the past generation, and there is no indication that this socio-economic reality will change any time soon. That means that a core assumption is at risk. The problem is that social stability has been built around this assumption -- not on the assumption that everyone is owed a living, but the assumption that on the whole, all benefit from growing productivity and efficiency.

If we move to a system where half of the country is either stagnant or losing ground while the other half is surging, the social fabric of the United States is at risk, and with it the massive global power the United States has accumulated. Other superpowers such as Britain or Rome did not have the idea of a perpetually improving condition of the middle class as a core value. The United States does. If it loses that, it loses one of the pillars of its geopolitical power.

The left would argue that the solution is for laws to transfer wealth from the rich to the middle class. That would increase consumption but, depending on the scope, would threaten the amount of capital available to investment by the transfer itself and by eliminating incentives to invest. You can't invest what you don't have, and you won't accept the risk of investment if the payoff is transferred away from you.

The agility of the American corporation is critical. The right will argue that allowing the free market to function will fix the problem. The free market doesn't guarantee social outcomes, merely economic ones. In other words, it may give more efficiency on the whole and grow the economy as a whole, but by itself it doesn't guarantee how wealth is distributed. The left cannot be indifferent to the historical consequences of extreme redistribution of wealth. The right cannot be indifferent to the political consequences of a middle-class life undermined, nor can it be indifferent to half the population's inability to buy the products and services that businesses sell.

The most significant actions made by governments tend to be unintentional. The GI Bill was designed to limit unemployment among returning serviceman; it inadvertently created a professional class of college graduates. The VA loan was designed to stimulate the construction industry; it created the basis for suburban home ownership. The Interstate Highway System was meant to move troops rapidly in the event of war; it created a new pattern of land use that was suburbia.

It is unclear how the private sector can deal with the problem of pressure on the middle class. Government programs frequently fail to fulfill even minimal intentions while squandering scarce resources. The United States has been a fortunate country, with solutions frequently emerging in unexpected ways.

It would seem to me that unless the United States gets lucky again, its global dominance is in jeopardy. Considering its history, the United States can expect to get lucky again, but it usually gets lucky when it is frightened. And at this point it isn't frightened but angry, believing that if only its own solutions were employed, this problem and all others would go away. I am arguing that the conventional solutions offered by all sides do not yet grasp the magnitude of the problem -- that the foundation of American society is at risk -- and therefore all sides are content to repeat what has been said before.

People who are smarter and luckier than I am will have to craft the solution. I am simply pointing out the potential consequences of the problem and the inadequacy of all the ideas I have seen so far.


"The Crisis of the Middle Class and American Power is republished with permission of Stratfor."