Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
9.11.2010
9.10.2010
Thoughts on: Conflagration
The original post can be found over at The Breda Fallacy: conflagration.
The original story can be found here.
An interesting update to the story, here.
I dislike book burnings. Not because of the loss of knowledge it once was, but because it gives people bad ideas.
I understand Rev. Terry Jones's need to display his (and his follower's) displeasure with the Muslims and the acceptance of Islam as a political and religious force (one in the same, truth be told) in this country. And I admit the Islamic "cultural center" to be built near Ground Zero is just as offensive as the thought of erecting a Shinto shrine overlooking the USS Arizona memorial. He and his congregation are free to do any non-violent thing they want as an act of, what? Defiance? Display of disgust? Anger? whatever. The first amendment guarantees them that.
I still don't like it.
Breda mentions that in this age of electronic storage, one can delete an infinite number of Quran E-books. This is not the same as a book burning. In the old days, among certain cultures, when a host wanted to strut his stuff and shame his guest, he destroyed his possessions (typically by burning). It was a way of saying "I have so much nice stuff, that this stuff here, is worthless to me. Don't you feel like a chump because I have such nice stuff that I can burn the kind of stuff you have." Deleting an electronic copy of a free book is like covering up the shadow cast by your house and trying to claim you burned it. By burning a book you are saying the information in this book is worthless to me, it means nothing.
While I can see the validity of the sentiment, I still don't like book burnings.
A lot of the chatter on the intarwebz seems to be centered around the "It will put our troops in danger" whine. While I think that true compassion for our troops is a great and noble thing. This ain't it folks.
Out troops are already in danger. They're in danger every minute they're deployed. Don't think that the militant extremists, Afghan warlords and general baddies are taking it easy on us because we're not pissing in their Cheerios today. By burning a Quran, the worst that will happen is that uncommitted fence sitters amongst the Muslims will pick a side and line up to be molded into poorly trained Predator-fodder and awarded their virgins (male, basement dwelling WoW addict, 72 each).
Liberal Muslims (are there any liberal Muslims?) will feel pity for us and try even harder to make us understand that Islam is the "Religion of Peace". Moderate Muslims will become incensed and will write sternly worded letters to the papers (not that anyone reads them any more) and protest, embarrassingly. But the militants, the truly hardcore will say nothing (except perhaps to release another tape that no one knows what in Niflheim they're saying on), load their magazines and strap C4 to themselves. Because that's what pissed off (really pissed off, not just angry and offended) people do, they don't bitch, they prepare. But that was what they were doing on Saturday anyhoo.
I still don't like the idea of book burning. Because if people think it OK to burn a book we hate or don't care about, how long 'til someone decides to burn a book I like.
H/T to Breda
The original story can be found here.
An interesting update to the story, here.
I dislike book burnings. Not because of the loss of knowledge it once was, but because it gives people bad ideas.
I understand Rev. Terry Jones's need to display his (and his follower's) displeasure with the Muslims and the acceptance of Islam as a political and religious force (one in the same, truth be told) in this country. And I admit the Islamic "cultural center" to be built near Ground Zero is just as offensive as the thought of erecting a Shinto shrine overlooking the USS Arizona memorial. He and his congregation are free to do any non-violent thing they want as an act of, what? Defiance? Display of disgust? Anger? whatever. The first amendment guarantees them that.
I still don't like it.
Breda mentions that in this age of electronic storage, one can delete an infinite number of Quran E-books. This is not the same as a book burning. In the old days, among certain cultures, when a host wanted to strut his stuff and shame his guest, he destroyed his possessions (typically by burning). It was a way of saying "I have so much nice stuff, that this stuff here, is worthless to me. Don't you feel like a chump because I have such nice stuff that I can burn the kind of stuff you have." Deleting an electronic copy of a free book is like covering up the shadow cast by your house and trying to claim you burned it. By burning a book you are saying the information in this book is worthless to me, it means nothing.
While I can see the validity of the sentiment, I still don't like book burnings.
The National Association of Evangelicals, the nation's largest umbrella evangelical group, issued a statement urging the church to cancel the event, warning it could cause worldwide tension between the two religions.I hate to tell you folks at the NAE, but there already is world wide tension between Islam and EVERY OTHER RELIGION ON THE PLANET! What can you say when a religion is; militantly evangelical, practices holy war, advocates active disinformation to non-believers, and promises to reward a violent death? Well it's either Islam or medieval Christianity, take your pick.
A lot of the chatter on the intarwebz seems to be centered around the "It will put our troops in danger" whine. While I think that true compassion for our troops is a great and noble thing. This ain't it folks.
Out troops are already in danger. They're in danger every minute they're deployed. Don't think that the militant extremists, Afghan warlords and general baddies are taking it easy on us because we're not pissing in their Cheerios today. By burning a Quran, the worst that will happen is that uncommitted fence sitters amongst the Muslims will pick a side and line up to be molded into poorly trained Predator-fodder and awarded their virgins (male, basement dwelling WoW addict, 72 each).
Liberal Muslims (are there any liberal Muslims?) will feel pity for us and try even harder to make us understand that Islam is the "Religion of Peace". Moderate Muslims will become incensed and will write sternly worded letters to the papers (not that anyone reads them any more) and protest, embarrassingly. But the militants, the truly hardcore will say nothing (except perhaps to release another tape that no one knows what in Niflheim they're saying on), load their magazines and strap C4 to themselves. Because that's what pissed off (really pissed off, not just angry and offended) people do, they don't bitch, they prepare. But that was what they were doing on Saturday anyhoo.
I still don't like the idea of book burning. Because if people think it OK to burn a book we hate or don't care about, how long 'til someone decides to burn a book I like.
H/T to Breda
8.05.2010
To Conceal, or Not to Conceal? That is the Question.
I make my morning check (that'd be nightly for you daywalkers) and the newsfilter dredges this bit of krill out of the info-ocean for me.
Apparently a man frightened the citizenry of Nashville, simply by legally carrying a firearm. After being detained for several hours, he was released without charge. Later in the year he was again the subject of police scrutiny, when he was reported in the vicinity of a country club, carrying a black powder revolver. Again, Mr. Leonard Embody ws released without charge. Police Chief Tim Eades (Belle Meade Police Department) is quoted as saying:
David Codrea notes a prawn of a particularly putrid flavor coming from Officer.com, a forum for police officersand the perps who love them.
Liston Mathews, a Knoxville Gun Rights Examiner, in a related article opines:
By hiding our firearms we send an unconscious message that guns are somehow bad, otherwise why hide them? Additionally, by carrying openly we invite people to ask us questions about firearms, carry laws and training. I've managed to steer a dozen people to local CCW licensing schools, firearms stores and shooting ranges in the year or so I've been carrying openly. Yes I get hassled by the cops, and I think I've made my feelings known about the people that sic 'em on me too. But I'm willing to endure that harassment in order to acclimatize my fellow Alaskans to the sight of a man, legally carrying a firearm.
Aye, 'tis nobler indeed to take up arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing the slings and arrows of outrageous LEOs, and ignorant citizens, and by opposing their bullshit, end it.
Apparently a man frightened the citizenry of Nashville, simply by legally carrying a firearm. After being detained for several hours, he was released without charge. Later in the year he was again the subject of police scrutiny, when he was reported in the vicinity of a country club, carrying a black powder revolver. Again, Mr. Leonard Embody ws released without charge. Police Chief Tim Eades (Belle Meade Police Department) is quoted as saying:
"Just because you have a right to do something doesn't mean it's the right thingThe TN AG's opinion was that the law does not require a licensed gun owner to carry concealed. That is, if you wanna carry concealed, go ahead, but if you don't, that's fine too. Looking deeper into the story I see that Leonard's permit to carry was suspended by the Tennessee DOS, sighting "material likelihood of risk of harm to the public". And he's filed suit, alleging violation of his civil rights.
to do."
David Codrea notes a prawn of a particularly putrid flavor coming from Officer.com, a forum for police officers
Liston Mathews, a Knoxville Gun Rights Examiner, in a related article opines:
"...what is legal is not always prudent. If we are to win the hearts and minds of our neighbors, it makes more sense to be dressed like a neighbor when we carry openly."Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a person's manner of dress covered under the First amendment? A long as my clothing does not sport patently pornographic iconography (i.e. nude images of a prurient and lascivious nature), it matters not what I wear. I can wear a speedo and clogs topped with a football helmet if I feel like it, and while I should be prepared for people to point and laugh, neither the police nor the ranger service should be involved. Does it really matter if I add a gun to that ensemble. So what if Mr. Embody's clothing seemed... intimidating to hikers, just so's he's polite and courteous to others. Besides, my Five-seveN doesn't fit under my suit coat.
By hiding our firearms we send an unconscious message that guns are somehow bad, otherwise why hide them? Additionally, by carrying openly we invite people to ask us questions about firearms, carry laws and training. I've managed to steer a dozen people to local CCW licensing schools, firearms stores and shooting ranges in the year or so I've been carrying openly. Yes I get hassled by the cops, and I think I've made my feelings known about the people that sic 'em on me too. But I'm willing to endure that harassment in order to acclimatize my fellow Alaskans to the sight of a man, legally carrying a firearm.
Aye, 'tis nobler indeed to take up arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing the slings and arrows of outrageous LEOs, and ignorant citizens, and by opposing their bullshit, end it.
8.17.2009
Two of Four Downed by Three
The owner/proprietor of the Kaplan Brothers Blue Flame Corporation in Harlem NY, NY was being robbed on the 13th by four men. They apparently strode in just after 1500 hrs and began to restrain Charles Augusto Jr.'s employees. When one of then put up a bit of resistance, he was hit on the head with a Glock.
Seeing one of his employees assaulted either convinced the "mild mannered" owner that his people were in danger of immanent harm, or merely provided him with an opportunity. An opportunity that he took.
Rising from a chair some 20-30 feet away from the action, Mr. Augusto (Gus as he is known around the neighborhood) pulled out a 12 gauge Winchester pump (purchased after a robbery 20 years ago, and had lain untouched since) and fired three rounds (apparently fast enough that a nearby witness claims to only have heard two shots) at the perps. The first round killed James Morgan (29), while the other two wounded all three of the others. Raylin Footman (21) ran across the street and died on the sidewalk in front of a housing project. The other two; Bernard Witherspoon and Shamel McCloud were soon arrested.
This is not what I wanted to talk to you about.
I wanted to talk to you about the after effects of this event.
Reactions of the friends and family of the brigands ranged from prayer to bereaved bafflement. One woman wondered why they [the robbers] would want to rob a store, when "he [one of the robbers] got money".
Neighbors of the "laid-back, unexcitable" Gus, were confused and sympathetic. The president of the housing project seemed perplexed that anyone would try a hold up in broad daylight. One of the resident's voiced the opinion that "You have to protect your workers and your family. Case closed.”
The police did not arrest or charge Mr. Agusto Jr. with any crime, saying that "he is being treated like a witness".
At first the DA's office was considering filing a weapons misdemeanor against Gus, because the status of his weapon was unclear. But it turned out that Gus had obtained the needful permit for the shotgun, way back when he acquired it, and no charges were filed.
After retuning to work, Gus' only regret was "I wish I didn't have to do it."
So.
The cops don't think he's a criminal, the neighbors think he's a hero for saving his employees, even the kith and kin of the wounded and deceased are more confused as to why the men chose to enter into brigandage than angry with Mr. Agusto jr.
Only the DA even contemplated jerking this guy around. An with what? A misdemeanor weapons charge for not having a lawfully permitted weapon.
Which then turned out to be lawfully permitted.
Even the comments on the news story are supportive. Except for that goatfucker Gregory A. Butler (comment #4) and his shit was well and truly jumped by damned near every other commentator after that.
Apparently not everyone in NYC is a bleeding heart. Many people there seem to understand, when you take up arms to rob, rape, murder and plunder, you take your life in your hands. And you live or die by your own actions.
This is what we gunnies refer to when we talk about defending ourselves. Gus wasn't out looking for trouble, or even participating in high risk activities like Bernie Goetz (who's only conviction eventually turned out to be for not having a license for his piece).
He was in his place of business, minding the same, when four men came in and began to act in a violent and disturbing manner. Ask anyone in a position to know; PD, professional criminals, DAs, robbery victims, you want money, you walk in, stick the piece in somebodies face, and get the cash. Then you "flee the scene".
You DO NOT tie people up. Not only does this exponentially increase the amount of trace evidence you leave behind, but increased exposure time, means increased failure probability.
You DO tie people up if you intend one or more of the following;
torture
rape
ritual murder
terrorism
serial murder
suicide by cop.
I applaud Charles Augusto Jr. for his bravery, ability, and foresightedness. This is a MAN. And one I would not mind standing to a beer.
I note that neither the Huffpo nor Brady blogs even mention this event (despite the fact that it was at the top of my news filter). I guess that honest people doing the right thing with legal guns isn't good for their image.
Oh and fuck what that Jersey City Police Chief said pump shotguns are NOT assault weapons. The only time that any one has even come close to succeeding with an assault shotgun is Military Police Systems, Inc. with the AA-12. Which is like comparing a Sharps Buffalo Rifle to a S.A.W.
By this kind of reasoning, if you burn yourself on the stove, you should get rid of it and never cook again.
Enjoy your Fruit Loops for dinner!
Seeing one of his employees assaulted either convinced the "mild mannered" owner that his people were in danger of immanent harm, or merely provided him with an opportunity. An opportunity that he took.
Rising from a chair some 20-30 feet away from the action, Mr. Augusto (Gus as he is known around the neighborhood) pulled out a 12 gauge Winchester pump (purchased after a robbery 20 years ago, and had lain untouched since) and fired three rounds (apparently fast enough that a nearby witness claims to only have heard two shots) at the perps. The first round killed James Morgan (29), while the other two wounded all three of the others. Raylin Footman (21) ran across the street and died on the sidewalk in front of a housing project. The other two; Bernard Witherspoon and Shamel McCloud were soon arrested.
This is not what I wanted to talk to you about.
I wanted to talk to you about the after effects of this event.
Reactions of the friends and family of the brigands ranged from prayer to bereaved bafflement. One woman wondered why they [the robbers] would want to rob a store, when "he [one of the robbers] got money".
Neighbors of the "laid-back, unexcitable" Gus, were confused and sympathetic. The president of the housing project seemed perplexed that anyone would try a hold up in broad daylight. One of the resident's voiced the opinion that "You have to protect your workers and your family. Case closed.”
The police did not arrest or charge Mr. Agusto Jr. with any crime, saying that "he is being treated like a witness".
At first the DA's office was considering filing a weapons misdemeanor against Gus, because the status of his weapon was unclear. But it turned out that Gus had obtained the needful permit for the shotgun, way back when he acquired it, and no charges were filed.
After retuning to work, Gus' only regret was "I wish I didn't have to do it."
So.
The cops don't think he's a criminal, the neighbors think he's a hero for saving his employees, even the kith and kin of the wounded and deceased are more confused as to why the men chose to enter into brigandage than angry with Mr. Agusto jr.
Only the DA even contemplated jerking this guy around. An with what? A misdemeanor weapons charge for not having a lawfully permitted weapon.
Which then turned out to be lawfully permitted.
Even the comments on the news story are supportive. Except for that goatfucker Gregory A. Butler (comment #4) and his shit was well and truly jumped by damned near every other commentator after that.
Apparently not everyone in NYC is a bleeding heart. Many people there seem to understand, when you take up arms to rob, rape, murder and plunder, you take your life in your hands. And you live or die by your own actions.
This is what we gunnies refer to when we talk about defending ourselves. Gus wasn't out looking for trouble, or even participating in high risk activities like Bernie Goetz (who's only conviction eventually turned out to be for not having a license for his piece).
He was in his place of business, minding the same, when four men came in and began to act in a violent and disturbing manner. Ask anyone in a position to know; PD, professional criminals, DAs, robbery victims, you want money, you walk in, stick the piece in somebodies face, and get the cash. Then you "flee the scene".
You DO NOT tie people up. Not only does this exponentially increase the amount of trace evidence you leave behind, but increased exposure time, means increased failure probability.
You DO tie people up if you intend one or more of the following;
torture
rape
ritual murder
terrorism
serial murder
suicide by cop.
I applaud Charles Augusto Jr. for his bravery, ability, and foresightedness. This is a MAN. And one I would not mind standing to a beer.
I note that neither the Huffpo nor Brady blogs even mention this event (despite the fact that it was at the top of my news filter). I guess that honest people doing the right thing with legal guns isn't good for their image.
Oh and fuck what that Jersey City Police Chief said pump shotguns are NOT assault weapons. The only time that any one has even come close to succeeding with an assault shotgun is Military Police Systems, Inc. with the AA-12. Which is like comparing a Sharps Buffalo Rifle to a S.A.W.
By this kind of reasoning, if you burn yourself on the stove, you should get rid of it and never cook again.
Enjoy your Fruit Loops for dinner!
8.13.2008
Pulled from the Headlines
Sacramento police seize guns, ammo under new law
Apparently a July 2007 law has ammunition vendors registering ammo purchases (name and thumbprint) with the Sacramento PD. They compare this info to a database of those residents that are prohibited from owning fire arms (felons, drug abusers etc.). If the names match the PD goes out to check on the situation and are able to make arrests.
In the last 6 months, 74 firearms forbidden people have purchased ammo, 62 were prior felons, 11 were repeat offenders, a total of 53 people have been charged with felonies and a total of 56 firearms and 800 rounds of ammo have been seized.
{sigh}
I'm not entirely sure how to feel about this. On the one hand, keeping guns away from critters (especially repeat offenders) is a good thing. On the other hand I cringe at the thought of anyone tracking anything having to do with guns, especially ammo since at first blush it's so innocuous. On the gripping hand I noticed at the bottom of the story, that the Brady Campaign endorses this law, and as a knee jerk reaction I'm inclined to oppose it just to get another toe hold on the slippery slope that is the Second Amendment battle.
I guess the idea is that since the Second Amendment does not guarantee a right to bear ammo, they think they can get away with it. Fairly certain the law actually violates the intent though.
I can see in the future, first the anti-ammo lobbyists manage to get the National Ammunition Registration act passed, requiring each case and bullet to be micro-etched with a serial number (raising the cost of ammo to $3-$10 a round). Soon there will be an "Ammunition Cooling-Off Period" prohibiting the sale of ammunition with a firearm, and that an ammo purchaser must clear their purchase with the BATFE and wait a mandatory 3 days before the purchased ammo may be picked up.
After that it's just a hop, skip and a goose-step to making it illegal to purchase ammunition in any caliber that will fit any assault rifle or matching gun ever produced. Sure there'll be hold outs. You know, the guy on the outskirts of your neighborhood that collects used brass, reloads his own shells and casts his own bullets. In response the Brady "Anti-Terrorist/For the Children/Change You Can Believe In" Campaign will restrict any-and-all explosive material as Anti-American and subversive as well as dangerous. The following year no person will be allowed to own anything that can be used to "fabricate a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or accoutrement for a firearm" outlawing; metal, wood, plastic leather, natural and artificial fibers, sewing machines, electricity, power and hand tools, 2/3rds of the periodic table (including oxygen), and hands.
Thus ends civilization. With no way to do anything that might be dangerous to anything, mankind devolves to his earliest state.
Eatin' bushes.
So please for the love of civilization, stand against the Brady Campaign, and their subtle and insidious plot to end civilization as we know it.
Guns at church, college next on Georgia lawmakers' agenda
This on the other hand I know how to feel about. Ahem...
WOOT!
It seems that Georgia state senator Timothy Bearden (R-Villa Rica) and others support the right of citizens to carry firearms just about anywhere they please. Already legislation has been enacted that allows Georgians with CCW licenses to carry firearms in state parks, on mass transit vehicles and into restaurants that serve alcohol.
The newest round of legislation is aimed at allowing those with CCWs to carry in churches and on school campuses. The last time this was brought up (2007), the VA Tech shootings occurred, putting them on hold.
This legislation is spearheaded by GeorgiaCarry.org a gun rights group in that state. GeorgiaCarry.org is also responsible for a lawsuit in response to a federal judge's decision to make the non-secure area of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport a no-carry zone.
Looks like Georgia lawmakers might have their shit together after all.
At least that's my opinion. You know what they say about opinions.
Apparently a July 2007 law has ammunition vendors registering ammo purchases (name and thumbprint) with the Sacramento PD. They compare this info to a database of those residents that are prohibited from owning fire arms (felons, drug abusers etc.). If the names match the PD goes out to check on the situation and are able to make arrests.
In the last 6 months, 74 firearms forbidden people have purchased ammo, 62 were prior felons, 11 were repeat offenders, a total of 53 people have been charged with felonies and a total of 56 firearms and 800 rounds of ammo have been seized.
{sigh}
I'm not entirely sure how to feel about this. On the one hand, keeping guns away from critters (especially repeat offenders) is a good thing. On the other hand I cringe at the thought of anyone tracking anything having to do with guns, especially ammo since at first blush it's so innocuous. On the gripping hand I noticed at the bottom of the story, that the Brady Campaign endorses this law, and as a knee jerk reaction I'm inclined to oppose it just to get another toe hold on the slippery slope that is the Second Amendment battle.
I guess the idea is that since the Second Amendment does not guarantee a right to bear ammo, they think they can get away with it. Fairly certain the law actually violates the intent though.
I can see in the future, first the anti-ammo lobbyists manage to get the National Ammunition Registration act passed, requiring each case and bullet to be micro-etched with a serial number (raising the cost of ammo to $3-$10 a round). Soon there will be an "Ammunition Cooling-Off Period" prohibiting the sale of ammunition with a firearm, and that an ammo purchaser must clear their purchase with the BATFE and wait a mandatory 3 days before the purchased ammo may be picked up.
After that it's just a hop, skip and a goose-step to making it illegal to purchase ammunition in any caliber that will fit any assault rifle or matching gun ever produced. Sure there'll be hold outs. You know, the guy on the outskirts of your neighborhood that collects used brass, reloads his own shells and casts his own bullets. In response the Brady "Anti-Terrorist/For the Children/Change You Can Believe In" Campaign will restrict any-and-all explosive material as Anti-American and subversive as well as dangerous. The following year no person will be allowed to own anything that can be used to "fabricate a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or accoutrement for a firearm" outlawing; metal, wood, plastic leather, natural and artificial fibers, sewing machines, electricity, power and hand tools, 2/3rds of the periodic table (including oxygen), and hands.
Thus ends civilization. With no way to do anything that might be dangerous to anything, mankind devolves to his earliest state.
Eatin' bushes.
So please for the love of civilization, stand against the Brady Campaign, and their subtle and insidious plot to end civilization as we know it.
Guns at church, college next on Georgia lawmakers' agenda
This on the other hand I know how to feel about. Ahem...
WOOT!
It seems that Georgia state senator Timothy Bearden (R-Villa Rica) and others support the right of citizens to carry firearms just about anywhere they please. Already legislation has been enacted that allows Georgians with CCW licenses to carry firearms in state parks, on mass transit vehicles and into restaurants that serve alcohol.
The newest round of legislation is aimed at allowing those with CCWs to carry in churches and on school campuses. The last time this was brought up (2007), the VA Tech shootings occurred, putting them on hold.
This legislation is spearheaded by GeorgiaCarry.org a gun rights group in that state. GeorgiaCarry.org is also responsible for a lawsuit in response to a federal judge's decision to make the non-secure area of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport a no-carry zone.
Looks like Georgia lawmakers might have their shit together after all.
At least that's my opinion. You know what they say about opinions.
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