Monday, September 27, 2010

Tennessee gubernatorial race - final days

The primaries are over. There are several independant candidates out there, but history has shown they are just not going to be real players. That means the only real choice one has is to go with either Haslam or McWherter.

So, between the two, who do you choose?

Last January, the big Tennessee newspapers, including the News-Sentinel of Knoxville, ran a piece titled, Candidates on the Issues - Guns. I followed up with my analysis of their report HERE. The scores could range from +12 to -12.

Haslam lost points because of his stance on guns in parks, and scored +6.

McWherter scored -12. His views appear to reflect the typical Democratic big brother elitist attitude of Leftist politicians. He doesn't appear to trust the average Joe with the ability to make sound judgement. His answers make me think he would take the veto pen to pro gun rights legislation.

Go study the two links, then make your choice.

I am going with Haslam.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Tennessee 7th Senatorial District - - Campfield or Walker?

With five weeks left until the election, it is time for Knoxville citizens to revisit these candidates' response to the Gun Rights Quiz. Stacey Campfield and Randy Walker are running for the 7th Tennessee Senate seat.

Their responses to the Gun Rights Quiz are listed for Campfield HERE, and for Walker HERE. You can click the links to see their responses.

Here is my brief analysis --

Campfield believes there is only one reasonable gun law, the Second Amendment. Walker was not specific, he simply restated his support for the right to keep and bear arms (makes me think of John Kerry).

When asked about Vermont style carry, meaning carrying with no permit required (Now legal in Vermont, Alaska, and Arizona), Campfield is agreeable. Walker said,
I am unfamiliar with the laws in the State of Vermont, but I do support Tennessee’s gun laws.
Walker was rather vague with all his answers, repeatedly stating his support for the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Campfield, on the other hand, has a voting record that shows a strong pattern of support for the individual right of self protection.

Campfield, also, has consistently shown his concern for the unborn citizen, through proposed legislation, and his voting record.

So, I recommend Campfield.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Say Uncle - 5 megavisitors

Say Uncle reports five million visitors to his blog.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Conservative obituary

The late Donald Unsworth of Rome, GA, appears to have been quite conservative. His obituary includes this request from his family:

The family respectfully asked in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or to the campaign of whoever is running against President Barack Obama in 2012.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

TVA parks last holdout against lawful carry

Last February, a Federal law went into effect that allowed handgun carry in National Parks. This law requires that the National Parks conform to state laws in the state(s) the parks are located in. For example, if the park is located in Tennessee, the park conforms to Tennessee law; if in North Carolina, the park conforms to North Carolina.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, near Knoxville, straddles the line, and is in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Now, as a result of the Federal law, and a Tennessee law passed last year, people with Tennessee carry permits (or permits from other states, which are recognized by Tennessee) are able to carry in the Smokies. See related story HERE.

The Tennessee Parks Carry law that the Federal law conforms to allows for carry in state, county, and city parks, provided the local governments do not opt out. (In the case of Knoxville, there is local prohibitive ordinance that dates to 1962 that was grandfathered in last year. I'm guessing it was a Jim Crow law; and the Knoxville City council decided to keep it in effect.)

As it stands now, National Forests (part of the U. S. Department of Agriculture) have long been neutral towards firearms. National Parks are now on board, perhaps reluctantly recognizing the Second Amendment. But the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) still posts their properties against lawful handgun carry. . . .

In an effort to find out if there are any plans at TVA to move towards recognizing the Right to Carry, as enumerated in the Bill of Rights, and affirmed by the Supreme Court, I queried TVA:
tvainfo@tva.gov
Tue, Sep 21, 2010
subject    Handgun Carry Permits  
  
In February, A law went into effect requiring National Parks to conform to state laws for parks, allowing those with Handgun Carry Permits to carry their defensive firearm in the National Parks.

Does TVA follow the same procedure? If not, is there any plan to? Is this being looked at?

Thanks,

Liston Matthews
Knoxville
I got this reply from TVA:
Fri, Sep 24, 2010
subject    Handgun Carry Permits

Mr. Matthews

Thank you for your inquiry.  TVA is aware of the laws affecting National Parks and firearms.  Currently unless otherwise posted, possession and use of firearms and other weapons is permissible subject to all applicable state regulations on TVA land.  TVA doesn't allow hunting or the possession of firearms at developed recreation areas (campgrounds, picnic and boat launch areas), or power plant and hydro electric dam reservations.  At this time there are no proposed changes to TVA rules involving these developed areas.

Phyllis Wissel
TVA Environmental Information Center
800-882-5263
Seeing that there are "no proposed changes" to TVA rules, I asked the following of TVA:
Fri, Sep 24, 2010
subject    Re: Handgun Carry Permits
  
So, are you saying that as far as TVA is concerned, The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for personal defense, as affirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States in the Heller and McDonald cases, does not apply in campgrounds, picnic, and boat launch areas?

Does TVA keep TVA police officers posted at these areas to provide for the security of citizens that your policy disarms?

I would appreciate an answer to both these questions.

Thank you,

Liston Matthews
If and when I get a reply, I will post it here. It seems unconscionable to me that this Government Bureaucracy continues to disarm law-abiding citizens, in view of the recent Supreme Court decisions.
What do you think?


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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Justice Clarence Thomas visits University of Tennessee

Official photo from the public domain
Justice Clarence Thomas is visiting Knoxville and the University of Tennessee this week. Thomas judged a moot court at UT Law School, and is attending the UT vs. Florida football game today. For more on his visit see Matt Lakin's News-Sentinal column here.

Thomas was the sole justice of the Supreme Court to apply the Privileges and Immunities Clause to the McDonald case earlier this year, writing a concurring opinion agreeing with the majority.

Thomas believes in the original intent of the Constitution, as has been seen in his votes and opinions. The McDonald case was a landmark case argued by attorney Alan Gura on behalf of Otis McDonald of Chicago.

This suit was supported by Alan Gottlieb and the Second Amendment Foundation, which is "Winning firearms freedom one lawsuit at a time."

The McDonald case is important to Tennesseeans because it "incorporates" the Second Amendment to all state and local governments.


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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

America at the Crossroads

I went to a great service tonight at Grace on Western Avenue. It was the first in a three part series titles America at the Crossroads. We meet again tomorrow at Wallace Memorial, then Tuesday at Concord.

America's problems won't be solved at the White House or the State House, but at the Church House, when God's people humble ourselves, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. Only then will he heal our land.

Come join us the next two nights if you live within driving distance of Knoxville.


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Friday, September 10, 2010

Bruce Pearl

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

That's what my mama told me.

If Coach Bruce Pearl's mama told him, I guess he forgot. To the tune of two million bucks. No silence about that one.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Assault on the Second Amendment

All the way back to the Persians telling the Spartans to lay down their arms, governments have attempted to disarm people. The Spartan's reply was Molon Labe (Come and Take Them). Joseph Jarret, Knox County Law Director began his excellent presentation to the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Firearms Association (TFA), with a reference to this historic battle of Thermopylae.

Thus began Jarret's discussion on the assault on the Second Amendment, and the two major views of the Second Amendment, the individual view, like free speech and the collectivist view.
He noted that many politicians and judges have held to the collectivist view.

Joseph G. Jarret
Jarret spoke of the historic support for the individual view, going back to the Anglo-Saxon requirement to bear arms for militia service. He noted that even today, Switzerland has virtually no violent crime, and that most Swiss have a military issue firearm in the home.

He referenced Great Britain, noting that the English got a Bill of Rights in 1689. Then in 1997, Britain's Firearms Act virtually disarmed all British subjects, yet three million illegal guns have flooded the island nation since then. (Let me see . . . American prohibitions on alcohol did not work well either.) Jarret said that the city of Manchester, England, is now called Gunchester.

Jarret noted that there is 'fear and loathing' of firearms in the Beltway. The latest example of this is the Obama Administration's ban on importation of M1 Garand rifles and M1 Carbines from South Korea. Their fear is that these guns might fall into the wrong hands. (Never mind that one mail order a Garand directly from the Government for as little as $495.00 + Shipping)

Jarret also spoke briefly about the McDonald v Chicago case, one of the most important Second Amendment cases ever. He points to multiple lawsuits around the nation which will over time restore more and more of the Second Amendment.


Jarret was asked whether or not there had been any problems with 'Parks Carry' by permitted individuals since it was voted in last year by the Knox County Commission. He said that the sheriff is a client of his (as are the county mayor and commission) and there have been no problems at all.

He was also asked about the current ban on carry in the Knox County libraries. He said this could be addressed by the new library director and mayor. (Perhaps there should be some citizen contact made with these public servants.)

Photos by Liston Matthews
  

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Veterans beware

Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State, and Knoxville has had its share of men and women go off to war for Flag and Country.

Now we learn from Fort Smith Gun Rights Examiner Steve Jones of a veteran who has administratively lost his Second Amendment rights.

This veteran, Wayne Irelan, was declared, with the stroke of a bureaucratic pen, a prohibited person. This means that Irelan may no longer own or possess a firearm, under Federal law.

It gets worse. No one who lives in his home may own or possess a firearm there. So, by extension, his family members have become prohibited persons, thus denied the best tool to provide for their own defense against unlawful aggression.

So, veterans, if you find yourself being asked by the Veterans Administration to sign any documents assigning anyone as a guardian of your checkbook or anything else . . . BEWARE!

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

When is an adult not really an adult?

The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) has prohibited, since passage, young adults from purchasing handguns from Federally licensed dealers.


Many young people coming of age since then have been able to drive a car (since 16), potentially a very lethal weapon. They have been able to enter into contracts and marriage, voluntarily join the armed services, and in times past, they have been involuntarily drafted into those services.

Yet, they are not really considered 'fully adult' until they reach age 21. They can not go down to Joe's Gun Shop and buy a handgun.

Now, the NRA has filed suit to change this situation. The case is D'Cruz v. BATFE.

Thanks for the tip to gunbloggers.com

I can already hear the whining and sniveling from the Left about how these folks are irresponsible, etc., etc.

But, my observation is that birthday count has little to do with actual maturity and responsibility.  . .


What do you think?

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Why is the left hostile to america?

In his recent blog post, M. J. Mollenhour explores the concept of the United States as a fortress being invaded by Middle Eastern jihadists. He pictures the Left in America as undermining the walls of the fortress, thus enabling the invaders.

What does this have to do with gun rights in Knoxville? As Mollenhour so aptly puts it in the post:
  • "The gun stands as a repugnant symbol of man’s stubborn insistence that he is equal with other men (because all are sinful in the sight of God).
  • The gun in the hands of the citizen is a bold statement that the citizen rejects state monopoly on power.
  • The gun in the hands of the citizen is a statement that you reject false offers of political salvation from other men viewed as no better than the rest of us–rejecting the false gods of monarchy, theocracy, and all other forms of authoritarian rule.
  • To the modern, Marx-influenced, worshiper of The State, the gun in the hands of individual citizen is the anti-state."
Go brew a cup of coffee, sit back and digest this post.

And check out Mollenhour's novel, Arcturus. I wrote a report on it a while back, and you can view the report and order the book HERE.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Guns in restaurants revisited (again)

Last year, attorney David Randolph Smith successfully filed suit, and had the restaurant carry law suspended. This is a law that was vetoed by Governor Bredesen, and decidedly overridden by the legislature. This year, as reported in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Smith is at it again. This time his client is an anonymous server who alleges that the restaurant carry law creates an unsafe workplace for him. A complaint has been filed with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Work force Development, reports the newspaper.


Governor Bredesen, who, I am sure was embarrassed by the Legislative override both last year and this year, states that it's "a stupid idea" to allow handgun carry permit holders to bring guns into establishments that serve alcohol. Governor Bredesen still has not answered my question from last year:

Let me guess, Phil,
If you go into a restaurant that sells alcohol, you have the option of bringing armed security with you. You can hand off responsibility for your safety to these public servants.
But, I can't do that. I can only depend on myself, as can all ordinary citizens. Your veto continues to deprive us of the means to effective self-preservation, which you are able to provide for yourself at our expense.
So, my question once again is, do you ever take armed security into restaurants with you? I would appreciate a reply.
Thanks,
Liston


The Guv never answered, and it is a good thing I did not hold my breath. Otherwise, I would be looking like a Smurf by now.

Now, we will just have to wait and see if Smith is successful through the complaint/litigation process this time. Never mind that thirty-one states have laws that allow carry in restaurants.

When will politicians/lawyers quit trying to use the doctrine of prior restraint against the Second Amendment?


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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Traveler's Advisory for North Carolina

Notice to Knoxvillians and all Tennesseans.

If you are traveling to North Carolina, be advised that a State of Emergency has been declared there. Leave you gun at home. Under NC law, carrying a firearm away from your premises is illegal during a declared emergency in NC. This means that the Tarheel State is currently a Gun Free Zone.  Read more from Paul Valone here.
 



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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.