Crickets

On March 25, I sent the email below to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. To date I have not heard back from him. I have a feeling that I shouldn't hold my breath.

If I do hear back from him, I will post his reply.

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Dear Governor Lee,

You have been quoted on NPR (http://nashvillepublicradio.org/post/tennessees-next-governor-wide-support-keeping-states-handgun-carry-permit-requirement#stream/0) "I don't (support Constitutional Carry). 

Elsewhere, you state " I am committed to eliminating the carry permit fee for gun-owners, because no one should have to pay a tax for exercising their constitutional rights." (https://www.billlee.com/our-tennessee-values/ (now a dead link)). This would imply a permit at no charge. 

On another page, you state "Constitutional Carry - - You shouldn’t have to pay a fee to exercise your constitutional rights. I’d work with the legislature on any proposal where we can expand your constitutional rights, and I’ll sign legislation to make it happen."

But a question is, will state employees, such as THP officers continue to appear in committee meetings and testify against Constitutional Carry?

You have also been quoted as clearly saying you "would sign constitutional carry" in Loudon.

For the record, I heard (former) Governor Haslam promise a TFA group I attended that he would sign CC, and I have seen the video where he promised the same to another TFA group. Yet his minions worked diligently in committee meetings to assure the legislation never reached his desk, thus allowing him to keep his promise.

When will you begin to work for passage of Constitutional Carry.

I will post your answer on my website: http://www.goodhillpress.com/

Respectfully,

Liston Matthews

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Kentucky passes permitless carry; Tennessee still tarries

Governor Matt Bevin has signed permit-less carry (AKA Constitutional Carry) into law in Kentucky. This brings to sixteen the number of states that have done so.

Boundary marker between Tennessee and Kentucky
Liston Matthews photo

What does this mean. I read the bill, and it appears that anyone who may legally own a firearm may legally carry a firearm in Kentucky. So, if you are on the other (North) side of the boundary stone pictured, the Second Amendment is your carry permit. according to WKYT, the law becomes effective June 26. 2019.

On the other hand, if you are on this side of that big rock, you  are in Tennessee,

Benchmade shreds guns . . .

What about their reputation?

We learned recently that Benchmade Knives cut up some guns for Oregon City, OR.

Many in the gun rights community took issue with their involvement in this destruction. One Facebook correspondent observed that they appeared to have created a short-barreled shotgun in the process.

It has been reported since then that Benchmade has made contributions to Democratic (the party of gun control) politicians.

Having read a report that Benchmade sells only to officials, I went to their website and found this acknowledgment form (AKOA, reproduced below 2/27/19*) This form appears to say that ordinary citizens are not allowed to purchase Benchmade automatic knives.

Yet, a correspondent informed me that he purchased a Benchmade automatic from an online retailer without completing that form. Then, when listening to Benchmade's representative interview with Tom Gresham on Guntalk, his statement about citizen sales did not line up with the AKOA.

Another person reported that Bud's in Sevierville, TN will sell to ordinary citizens.

Here's hoping that they will change their official policy and acknowledge that citizens in some states, including Tennessee, have had the right to carry any knife restored.

If they are located in a state where the only politicians to be donated to have a D after their name, and if they are serious Second Amendment supporters, maybe they should think of relocating.

What do you think?

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*Automatic Knife Opening Acknowledgement Form 
IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL STATUTES, Benchmade Knife Company requests that you read carefully the requirements set forth below, and sign this acknowledgement [sic] form prior to your purchase or receipt of any automatic opening knife from our company. 

By placing an order or receiving a Product Service (Lifesharp Service, Lasermark Service, warranty or repair) from us for any automatic opening knife product, you agree that you meet any or all of the following criteria established by Federal law: 

Federal law prohibits shipment of automatic knives across state lines, with the following exceptions: 

1. to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government; 
2. an active Armed Forces member or employee acting in the performance of his or her duty; 
3. to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or militia of a State, Territory or the District of Columbia ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in the connection with the activities of such organization; 
4. to supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of an [sic] State or Territory, or any county, city or other political subdivision of a State or Territory; 
5. to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant of an order from any person designated in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

Benchmade Knife Company will not sell automatic opening knives to any customer unless such sale or receipt of Product Service return is made in compliance with one or more of the above conditions. 

________________________ (Benchmade Customer/Owner) recognizes and acknowledges that it is our responsibility as the owner, buyer to ascertain and obey all applicable laws (local, state, federal and international) in regard to the possession or purchase of any item from Benchmade Knife Company. We hereby represent and certify that our purchase or ownership of automatic opening knives from Benchmade Knife Company meets one or more of the criteria set forth above and agree to use these knives in connection of duties as described above in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. 

Signature of Customer/Owner: _____________________

Date: _____________________

Link: How to Ban Private Gun Ownership in America

It can be done. You just can’t do it in one fell swoop. You must do it in steps. 

You take the first step in 1934 by making some kinds of guns bad...

Read this thought-provoking article from my friend David Cole at Black Man with a Gun 

HERE.

What's wrong with a bump-stock ban?

The end goal of gun prohibitionists is total elimination of private firearms ownership. 

They have a national history that goes back four score and five years to the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA 1934).¹ Being unable to succeed in their goal in one fell swoop, they have implemented bans on various firearms; and created a slowly growing list of prohibited persons who may no longer legally possess firearms.

Here is a short list of just some of their actions, both nationally and in various states and localities:

• 1911 - Sullivan Law in New York
• 1981 - Morton Grove, Illinois gun ban
• 1982 - Chicago gun ban
• 1990 - Mayland Saturday Night Special ban
• 1986 - Hughes Amendment gun ban
• 1997 - Lautenberg Amendment people ban
• 2018 - A proliferation of Red Flag laws, including one proposed in Tennessee.

Additionally, we saw the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, which banned firearms with certain cosmetic features. A partial list includes semi-automatic rifles able to accept detachable magazines and with two or more of the following:

• Folding or telescoping stock
• Pistol grip
• Bayonet mount
• Flash suppressor, or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one
• Grenade launcher

This Federal ban, which had a ten year sunset, could have been called a lipstick and eye-shadow ban because of the fact that it had no effect on the functionality of a firearm. It also included a ten round magazine capacity limit. A number of states and municipalities passed similar bans which are still in effect. Recently, there has been a spate of similar Goldilocks bans passed around the country.

Using a spare Android as a GPS

Some GPS's, such as a Magellan I once had, require that you download software to a PC, connect the GPS to the PC, download updates, stand on your head, and jump through three hoops to get an update.

Smartphones, on the other hand, can be updated wirelessly, and Google Maps are kept well up to date, for the most part*. The problem I have run into with several Androids is that, even when plugged into a 2.1A vehicle charger, the battery still discharges. On a long trip, the battery would go too far down for the phone to be trusted to get around at my destination.

I had to get a new phone because  of switching carriers. My old Alcatel phone is GSM compatible, and I needed to use Verizon towers which use CDMA technology.

So...
After getting a CDMA compatible phone, I decided to press the Alcatel (6" screen) into service as a GPS. Even with the SIM card removed, I still had the problem of the battery continuing to discharge over time. This is not as critical, of course, as having the primary mobile phone go down....but still inconvenient.

I tried several things, read lots on the internet, but could not find the answer. Finally, I put the phone in AIRPLANE mode. That did the trick. Now, the battery stays charged while travelling.

I did some experimenting, and here is the procedure I follow:

1. Download offline maps for the region(s) I will be travelling in.
2. Create an itinerary on the laptop and email it to myself.
3. Open the email on the phone while WiFi is available (important).
4. Set the phone on AIRPLANE.
5. Plug into power in the vehicle, and go.

Note...
Since I am operating offline, I will not be getting real-time traffic on my GPS Android. That's a trade-off for keeping my battery operating. I still have my operational phone, which I can get traffic on as needed.

Let me know your results, or share your ideas...

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*I discovered that it is possible to send new street addresses to Google Maps, and they will update them in a week or two.

For more on GPS Android navigation, check out this article at The Joy of Android.

Did Rick Scott shoot himself in the foot before the Florida Senate race?

As I write this on November 14, Florida is once again in the throes of a vote recount. The Senate race pits term-limited Governor Rick Scott (R-ish) against incumbent Bill Nelson (D). Following the tragic massacre at Parkland. Florida, Scott got on board with the gun banners and signed a bill -

Official Photo, State of Florida

• prohibiting young adults, age 18-20, from purchasing long guns
• banning bump stocks
• creating a red-flag law that nullifies due process for gun owners
• imposing a three day waiting period for gun purchases

Did Scott think there would be no backlash from this? Did he really think gun owner memories are that short?

I'm not saying conservatives have gone out and jumped on the Nelson bandwagon. But, many folks are tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. Sometimes they either -

• just stay home, or
• leave that particular race blank

As I said in my letter to President Trump earlier this year,

Based on the history I have seen of past elections, if you flip on the Second, there is a good chance you would not get our support in 2020. Worst case, people will vote for the Democratic candidate. At best, many will stay home, and could very well throw the election by their absence. 

Governor Scott, perhaps if you hadn't turned your back on the firearms community, the spread would be great enough that there wouldn't even be a recount, huh?

What do you Floridians say about this?

Blackburn v Bredesen 2018

As we near the general election, I have a few thoughts for Tennesseans whose minds are not made up yet on the Senate race.
Examine your belief systems and see which candidate's views most closely match yours. This can encompass many different areas, such as right to life, firearms rights, or border security. Vote for that candidate.
Consider the Supreme Court. The contentious atmosphere surrounding the appointment and confirmation of Justice Kavanaugh revealed the true nature of the Democratic Party's leadership. The Democrats, with one exception (Manchin of WV), voted the party line, against Justice Kavanaugh. On major issues, Democrats by and large vote the party line in Washington.
The Democratic Party is, without a doubt, the PARTY OF GUN CONTROL! You can research this yourself, or you can check out my friend John Richardson's compilation of state Democratic Party platforms HERE.
Bredesen, as governor, vetoed Restaurant Carry in 2009, as I noted in an update in 2010. With Mike Bloomberg hosting a fundraiser for him, is there any reason to believe that he is no longer a gun banner?
These mid-term Senate races, like the Presidential race two years ago, are really about the Supreme Court. Do you want to see President Trump appoint and have confirmed justices who will follow the Supreme Law of the Land, the Constitution; or risk having a Democratic controlled Senate stalemate his appointments until after the next Presidential election?

Well, do you?

Gun Rights Policy Conference 2018

The 2018 Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) convened in the Windy City on Saturday, September 12, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. The meeting, sponsored by the  Second Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, was preceded by a reception Friday evening, which included a concealed carry fashion show.

The Sears Tower (Willis Tower) in Chicago

Saturday morning, the meeting was called to order by Julianne Versnel, Director of Operations, Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). The day saw a potpourri of Second Amendment advocates speaking. You can see a list of the speakers HERE.

One serious issue mentioned by several speakers was Red Flag Laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Reminiscent of the denouncements of the French Revolution, some Red Flaw Laws allow for the confiscation of firearms without due process; without one even being able to face their accuser.

Historical American jurisprudence has required that you be accused, with an opportunity to defend yourself in court. The trend with these Red Flag Laws is for another person to make an accusation that you might commit a crime. The judge issues a ruling, and the police show up to confiscate your guns, violating both your Second and Fifth Amendment rights.

This alarming legislation is a prescription for so much to go wrong. Here are some possibilities.

1. The police show up unannounced to take Joe's guns. Joe is not willing to give them up, and in the ensuing gunfight, Joe and/or some police are killed or seriously injured. 
2. Joe, who has been not been convicted of any crime, now has had his Second Amendment rights unilaterally extinguished without due process. 
3. The police successfully confiscate Joe's guns, and now Joe has an expensive legal fight to reclaim his guns.

These states now have some sort of Red Flag Law:

California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Maryland
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington

If you hear of similar proposed legislation in your state, this is bad law, and needs to be opposed at every level.

For me, a high point of the conference was meeting Rhonda Ezell, the winning plaintiff in Ezell v Chicago. Chicago had a historical ban on handguns. Following the McDonald decision which restored the right to own a handgun in the Windy City. . . .Chicago required that citizens have training before acquiring a handgun, while prohibiting gun ranges in the city. A Catch-22 situation. Ezell's case changed that. According to the Chicago Guns Matter website, "laws regarding handgun ownership are uniform across the entire state (of Illinois)."

The SAF leads in the fight for gun rights restoration. Make plans to attend GRPC next year in Phoenix. There is no charge to attend the conference, but you will have to pay for your transportation and some meals.

-------------------------

Friday of the same weekend the Alternative Mass Media Convention (AMM*CON) Second Amendment media workshop was held in the same location. It was a gathering of podcasters, writers, bloggers, etc., with a goal of improving the effectiveness of our alternative media.

I was honored to be one of the presenters there. Here is a recording* of my  presentation:

*Must remember to reverse the camera on that cell phone!

The evil of the handgun permitting process

More than two decades ago, Tennessee passed a "shall-issue" handgun carry law, requiring the Tennessee Department of Safety to issue a handgun carry permit to any citizen who takes the required training, has a clean record, is mentally competent, and has enough money to pay for the privilege.

Source: Jeff Dege, used with permission

As the animated graphic shows, states have continually enacted laws, that have gone variously from no issue to may issue to shall issue. And some have moved all the way to Constitutional Carry! The legislatures and governors of these states have been recognizing that the typical crime does not occur when the police are nearby. Most crimes occur outside the home. Police most often can only clean up after the crime, take a report and start looking for the perpetrator.

While the permitting process in Tennessee and other states has certainly improved the situation for citizens, they still place an undue burden on the peaceful citizen, but not on the criminal.

In Vermont, it is lawful to carry a firearm openly or concealed provided the firearm is not carried with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring a fellow man. No permit is needed. Thus, in Vermont, citizens are not required to get a permit to carry a firearm. The State of Vermont has long recognized the right of its good citizens to defend themselves while away from home without the need of a permit.

In 2014, Tennessee joined most of the surrounding states, and does do not require a permit to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle, but still requires a permit if one is to carry a handgun on or about the person. 

No Leland, no!

Today, we learn from the Firearms Policy Coalition that the Town of Leland, NC, has banned "dangerous weapons"

RESTRICTIONS ON POSSESSION, TRANSPORATION, AND TRANSFER OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND SUBSTANCES 

Effective at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, the transportation or possession, or the sale or purchase of dangerous weapons or substances, while off one’s own premises, is prohibited. This prohibition and restriction does not apply to lawfully possessed firearms or ammunition.

We've been through this before. Officials in their officialdom (often while surrounded by tax-paid armed security) attempt to disarm the citizenry. You must evacuate, lowly resident, and you must abrogate your Constitutional Rights while doing so.

And the good city fathers expect law officers to be able to discern between lawfully and unlawfully possessed firearms or ammunition.

Just no!

Federal funding for guns in schools - why not?

Last night, August 23, Jason Chaffetz guest hosted The Ingraham Angle on Fox News. He had a segment about the proposal to provide Federal funding to arm school staff.

Chaffetz's guests were Igor Volsky of an organization known as Guns Down, and Laura Carno, founder of FASTER Colorado.

FASTER stands for Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response.
FASTER training enables teachers, administrators and other school employees to stop school violence quickly and administer medical aid immediately. FASTER is not intended as a replacement for Police and EMTs. Instead, it enables on-site personnel to save lives through prompt action.

 HERE is the link to their debate.

WP Clip Art

The problem having no armed security, or even SRO's here and there, is time. As correctly stated by a Federal judge and the Michigan Attorney General (in a case involving guns in a home with foster children), criminals don't call ahead for an appointment. Neither do school invaders.

Volsky's stance was that the police should be called. That attitude brings us back to the time problem. Chaffetz brought up his coach in high school, mentioned his credentials, and asked what about him having a gun (in school). Volsky begrudgingly agreed that with such proper training, it would be OK (to arm some school staff).

Well Duh!

That's what FASTER is all about.

Carno gave a well-reasoned argument for the FASTER program. Well done!

. . . Volsky also commented that he wanted to reduce the number of guns in the United States.

Not gonna happen!

Consider this. Recent published estimates place the number of guns in private American citizens' hands at somewhere around four hundred million. That is approaching half a billion. . . .and considering that prior to the Nazi inspired Gun Control Act of 1968, there were no government records kept, there just might be a few more!

Just suppose Volsky and company could get a law passed reducing the number of legal guns to absolute 0, who is going door-to door to collect?

What do you think?

Gear review: LAPG Sling Pack

The one problem with backpacks is that they are "back there". I have used one or another for over a half century, and they are very practical for many situations. I even have a couple that have skate wheels and an extendable handle. One of those could serve as a carry-on bag if travelling very light.

However, some times the fact that the bag is "back there", makes it inconvenient. Enter the SLING BAG OR SLING PACK. I have been wearing LAPG pants and shorts for several years. They have cargo pockets, and use a fabric that goes from the dryer to the drawer or hanger; and they are ready to wear. When you catch them on sale, they are a really good deal.

When I saw that LAPG offered a sling pack, I decided to take a close look. After reading the description, the reviews, and the Q&A's, I went for it. For 20 bucks plus shipping, why not.

Since it came from the left coast, economy shipping meant it came around the cape, through the canal, or by mule drawn wagon, but it got here in about a week and it was worth the wait!

The bag is ambidextrous, meaning their is a bottom strap on each side, so you can rig it to go over either shoulder. You can, when needed, wear it in front as the situation warrants.

Johns Is Elected as President of the Tennessee Valley Sportsmen’s Club

Bill Johns

Knoxville, TN – July 22, 2018: Bill Johns, MBA, MPA (also known locally and globally as The Hawaiian Shirt Guy™) has been recently elected as President of the Tennessee Valley Sportsmen’s Club, the oldest conservation and hunting and fishing club in Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Sportsmen’s Club (TVSC) was founded in East Tennessee with its roots going back to the 1940s and even before. It has been the premier Club over the decades for being a leading advocate for conservation, wildlife resources, sportsmen, land management, and seasoned, beginning, or student professionals of the wildlife and conservation industries.

“Johns is the perfect leader of our Club with his passion, expertise, and knowledge and his local and national networks are outstanding” stated Carter Davis, a former pastPresident of the Club and retired Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officer.

No more lollygagging - pass National Reciprocity

It's time for the Senate to get off their duffs and pass National Reciprocity. Sometimes the perfect is the enemy of the good. HR 38 would permit citizens, including President Trump's staffers, to legally carry a defensive handgun in the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

It would also allow congress-critters to carry. We are entering an era when they, particularly the Republicans, are now subject to violent attack as never before.

Just recently we have seen Secretary Nielsen's home surrounded by a mob, and Press Secretary Sarah Sanders kicked out of a restaurant in Virginia.

Not everyone has an armed security detail like Senator Mitch McConnell. It was fun to see his wife, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, confront a mob, but is only a matter of time before one of these mobs turns violent, and some unarmed government employee or private citizen is attacked.

What is National Reciprocity?

Simply, a handgun carry permit issued in any state or the District of Columbia is, like a driver's license, valid in all states and the District. The permit holders would be subject to the laws of the state they are in, just like a driver's license. By way of comparison, if you have a Wyoming Driver's License, you may drive up to 80 mph on some of their highways. But with the same license, your maximum speed in North Carolina would be 70.

Let's do this, Mr. Mitch!

Suicide is not painless

The recently reported suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain have caused me to pause and think about suicides that have happened close to me.

The theme song of M*A*S*H is a sad song that states, in part, that "suicide is painless". No, it is not. The one who leaves has apparently had much pain, and those left behind experience tremendous pain for a long time.

I have had two co-workers opt-out. Also, my wife lost a friend as a teenager, and we had a schoolmate who checked out in middle age.

Three of those were some of the biggest surprises ever, though one had spoken of it beforehand. I do remember being dumbfounded upon hearing about them.

Why do people do this? Others with much more education in this have not (to my mind) figured it completely out yet. I will not attempt it here.

Source: World Health Organization

I will tell you what I know, though:

Suicides cross all national and cultural lines. Look at this chart. One area with the highest rate is the former Soviet Union, which, for a lifetime asserted there is no God. (a clue?)

   ---

...and I will tell you what I think:

Gun-grabbers in the United States will use these suicides (Spade and Bourdain) as a springboard to demand more bans of firearms. Note that these two celebrities were reported to have hanged themselves. Sad, but no firearm involved.

A couple of years ago, I had a back-and-forth dialogue with a lady on the other side about guns, published at Ammoland. As I wrote there concerning suicide,

The CDC reports for 2013 that there were a total of 41,149 suicides, of which 21,175 were listed as firearm suicides. So, about 58 of 113 suicides (51%) per day were committed with a firearm. 

While suicides are certainly tragic, if you were able to totally eliminate firearms from the civilian populace, the other 49% would still be there, and I suppose some of those who would have used a firearm will resort to some other method as they do in other countries where firearms are not readily available...

Societies with very low private gun ownership, such as India have a much higher suicide rate than the United States, so they can't blame guns there. Hanging, poisoning, and jumping are used more internationally. So, it seems that those who are serious about it will find a method/tool to accomplish it.

Well, suicide is not painless; nor is it the fault of the necktie, bridge, insecticide, or gun.

....and peaceable gun owners need not feel guilty....

Join a "community conversation on gun violence"

I know this is short notice, but if you are close enough, please sign up an attend tomorow evening, Tuesday, in Wake Forest. 

Grass Roots North Carolina,  P.O. Box 10665, Raleigh, NC  27605  877-282-0939, www.GRNC.org, Fax: 919-573-0354 GRNC NEEDS YOU to attend what's laughably billed as a "Community Conversation on Gun Violence."  Our Home Page   |   About Us   |   Join GRNC   |   Contact Us In This Issue 2nd Amend. Resources Quick Links Alert Details Immediate Action RWI 2nd Amend. Resource Library J. Lott's Crime Prevention Research Ctr. Support RWI:You Shop. Amazon Gives. More On Us  Update Your Information  Facebook Twitter GRNC NEEDS YOU to attend what's laughably billed as a "Community Conversation on Gun Violence." Do we really believe that they intend to have "Balancing Perspectives and Responsible Solutions" like they say? Not with panelists such as Anti-gun Senator Floyd McKissick, Anti-Gun House Minority Leader Darren Jackson, NC Council of Churches (Part of the National Council of Churches, an anti-gun group) NC Executive Director Jennifer Copeland, the Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners (and registered Democrat) Jessica Holmes, and as "Moderator," Rick Glazier, the Executive Director of the extreme Leftist NC Justice Center. Far from the "balanced perspectives" that this event's organizers espouse, this is a left-wing gun-grabber's dream panel. They billed it as a "Community Conversation," but did they invite Grass Roots North Carolina, our state's premier gun rights organization? Of course they didn't. But they're inviting YOU. Registrations still seem to be open, so we need you to sign up HERE and attend this event. If gun owners are to have a say in our communities, our voice must be heard and that means YOUR voice needs to be heard at this event. The Community Conversation will be Tuesday, 15 May 2017 from 6:30PM until 8PM at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest, NC 27587. We need you to clear your schedule and meet us there so that it's actually a conversation and not just unchallenged anti-gun propaganda. Because this event will take place in a church, please wear appropriate clothing. No camo or ragged jeans, no t-shirts with slogans. Business casual is preferred, but any clean clothing appropriate to a house of worship is acceptable. Afterwards, join us at across the street at East Coast Wings and Grill for a little food and pro-2A camaraderie. IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED! Sign up for the "conversation" at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-community-conversation-on-gun-violence-tickets-45555177763 Email Sean at SeanS@grnc.org and let him know that you'll be in attendance. MORE ABOUT GRNC

Ruger Security 9

The Ruger Security-9 appears to be aimed (pardon the pun) squarely at the Glock 19. Although I have not fired one, I had a chance to handle several at the NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas.

The pistol is extremely close to the G 19 in dimensions. A little thinner. About the same weight. It is hammer fired, like the Ruger LCP II, rather than striker fired, like the Glocks, Ruger SR-9, etc. The price? About 60% of the G 19.

I dry-fired several Security-9's at NRA, and, being a fair shot, but not a top tier competitor, it felt fine to me. Some writers on the web have noted that it has a long trigger reset. I like to let the trigger go all the way forward between shots, so that's not a big deal to me.

When I was handling the Security-9, I discovered that I could not put it on Safe. One of the Ruger reps was nearby, and he took the pistol and put on safe, no problemo. Hmmm....

Hold on there, hombre, how did you do that?

It turns out that this pistol's safety pivots from the front, like Ruger's nearly seventy year old  line of .22 pistols; not at the rear like a 1911. Push up on the REAR of the safety, and it goes on Safe very easily. It's all in knowing how. I hope Ruger adds this little tidbit to their owner's manual.

So, it looks like Ruger has introduced a pistol that competes with the (relatively) expensive Glocks, yet costs just a little more than the SCCYs. A look at Gun Genie shows the ones equipped with fifteen round magazines are "allocated" which indicates they are selling well. The units with ten round magazines are as low as $329.90, out the door, tax and all in my area.

I like it.

Guess who I saw at NRA 2018 in Dallas

Here are a few pictures with some folks I saw at NRA. I have included hot links you can follow.

I was sitting in the audience at the NRA ILA Leadership Forum, waiting for the VPOTUS and POTUS to speak. I felt a tap on my shoulder, and there was Il Ling New, a Facebook friend and firearms instructor at Gunsite Academy. 

Here is Vice President Pence. You can hear his speech HERE.

Here is President Trump. You can hear his NRA speech HERE.

I had to leave the Leadership Forum for an interview with NPR, but I was able to catch Diamond and Silk's live feed later in the Press Room:

Here I am in the press room with Rick Ector of Detroit, my pal John Richardson, and competetive shooter Annette Evans.

Here I am with champion shooter Julie Golob.

Here I am with former Secret Service agent and Fox News contributor Dan Bongino.

John Richardson got tickets to Michael Bane's party. Appropriatly, it was named Cinco de Baneo.

Here I am with a new friend Jason Crotteau, owner of Wyoming Tactical LLC. 

Here's John Richardson with Michael Bane.

Here I am with Michael at his party.

I saw some other friends also, too many to mention. It was great seeing over 87,000 of my best friends at NRA in Dallas.

No room at the inn

Some months ago, I made a reservation through Travelocity with-

Comfort Suites West Dallas - Cockrell Hill (CSWD)
4275 Dfw Turnpike, Dallas TX 75211

-for the NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas.

Boy, was that a bad move.

NPR interview at NRA 2018 convention

The President spoke at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings. Afterwards, I had an interview with NPR. It was a total surprise to me to be asked to do this. Although I felt like I was being baited a time or two, I thought the interview went well.

To hear the four minute-ish interview and see a transcript of the conversation, click HERE.

1 Peter 3:15

Administrative things - May 2018

1. There are links that I think are worth looking at in the green bar at the top of this blog.

• Got Jesus? - Well do you?
• Knox Gun Guy - From my time in Tennessee.
• Tennessee Lawn Grass - I relate my experimentation with Zoysia grass in Tennessee; I think it is the best all around lawn grass for the South.

2. On the left side.

• My mugg
• A subscribe link. If you like my work, you can subscribe there. This is running on a Google product which makes it easy for you to unsubscribe whenever you wish. Give it a try.

3. On the right side.

• My work that has been popular with readers.
• My blog list. This shows the latest posts of bloggers I have an interest in. They update each time one of those folks posts something new.

I regretfully reserve the right to not approve comments if, in my opinion, they come from the Left, or if they do not meet my decency standards; or if I just don't like them. The Google blog platform is free and available, as long as you meet their standards. Maybe some should start their own pages.

I will always try to answer serious questions.

I appreciate your cooperation.

And now POTUS

President Trump, White House Photo

I recently reported that VP Mike Pence will be speaking at the NRAAM in Dallas. Now we learn from Fox News that President Trump will also be in attendance.
The Secret Service will be in charge of security while POTUS and VPOTUS are there, so, once again,

NO GUNS, NO KNIVES, NO WEAPONS

As I commented at Fox news,

Contrary to what some are saying, the historical record shows that the NRA Annual Meetings (NRAAM) for quite a few years have been open to carrying of firearms, in accordance with state, local, and Federal laws. Some are calling the NRA hypocritical for "banning guns" when VPOTUS speaks at NRAAM in Dallas. That is pure rhetoric. Whenever a person such as POTUS, VPOTUS, or anyone subject to Secret Service protection, attends an event, be it NRAAM or a rally in Saginaw, MI, weapons of any type are not allowed. I spoke with President Trump at the NRAAM in Nashville, and have video of the conversation. I was armed at the time. Mr. Trump was not under Secret Service protection at that time. You on the left keep saying you want to have a conversation about guns. How can we have an intelligent conversation when you emit such garbage.

VP Pence to speak at NRA in Dallas

VP Mike Pence,
Official White House photo

In a previous post, I noted that handguns will be allowed at the NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas this year.

BUT--

I learned from Jenn Jacques this morning at TTAG, that VP Mike Pence will be speaking at Friday's Leadership Forum.

SO--

I contacted the NRA and asked if that event (the Leadership Forum) would be a Secret Service weapons exclusion zone.

YES, it will be. Here is the reply I got from NRA:

---------------------------

Matteo, Jack 
10:55 AM (12 minutes ago)
to me 
Good morning,

The ILA-Leadership Forum will be a Secret Service secured event. Firearms will be strictly prohibited in the hall.* Please make the necessary arrangements with your firearms prior to the event.

 Firearms will be allowed in the exhibit hall in accordance with state law and proper documentation.

Thank you,

---------------------------

So, please be sure to not attempt to go there with your gun.  

I then contacted KnifeRights and asked,

" Will you be providing knife checks at the Leadership Forum, like you did at Louisville. VP Pence is speaking, therefore it will be a no weapons zone."

Thanks,

I got a quick reply from Doug Ritter:

---------------------------

Doug Ritter 

11:22 AM (10 minutes ago)

to me 

Yes

Doug Ritter

Chairman and Executive Director

Knife Rights, Inc.

Knife Rights Foundation, Inc.

www.KnifeRights.org

---------------------------

*emphasis added

The Second Amendment as an Expression of First Principles

Edward J. Erler
Co-author, The Founders on Citizenship and Immigration

Edward J. Erler is professor emeritus of political science at California State University, San Bernardino. He earned his B.A. from San Jose State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in government from the Claremont Graduate School. He has published numerous articles on constitutional topics in journals such as Interpretation, the Notre Dame Journal of Law, and the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. He was a member of the California Advisory Commission on Civil Rights from 1988-2006 and served on the California Constitutional Revision Commission in 1996. He is the author of The American Polity and co‑author of The Founders on Citizenship and Immigration. This fall he is a visiting distinguished professor of politics at Hillsdale College.

Reprinted by permission from Imprimus, a publication of Hillsdale College. Although this is five years old, it is still pertinent today, in view of the renewed attacks on the Second Amendment. Now retired Justice Stevens advocates repealing the 2nd. 

This is a long read, so find the time to give it your attention. You can also see Dr. Erler's presentation at the end. Added note, fully automatic weapons are not totally illegal. But they are very expensive, and possession without the proper paperwork is illegal. The bold emphasis in the article is my addition.

The following is adapted from a lecture delivered on February 13, 2013, at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C.

We are currently mired in a frantic debate about the rights of gun owners. One example should suffice to prove that the debate has become hysterical: Second Amendment supporters, one prominent but less than articulate member of Congress alleges, have become “enablers of mass murder.”

Special animus has been directed against so-called assault rifles. These are semi-automatic, not automatic weapons—the latter have been illegal under federal law since the 1930s—because they require a trigger pull for every round fired. Some semi-automatic firearms, to be sure, can be fitted with large-capacity magazines. But what inspires the ire of gun control advocates seems to be their menacing look—somehow they don’t appear fit for polite society. No law-abiding citizen could possibly need such a weapon, we are told—after all, how many rounds from a high-powered rifle are needed to kill a deer? And we are assured that these weapons are not well-adapted for self-defense—that only the military and the police need to have them.

Now it’s undeniable, Senator Dianne Feinstein to the contrary notwithstanding, that semi-automatic weapons such as the AR-15 are extremely well-adapted for home defense—especially against a crime that is becoming more and more popular among criminals, the home invasion.

North Carolina Legislature School Safety Committee Meeting

NC School Safety Cmte Mtg

Wednesday, March 20, I attended the first meeting of the Legislature's School Safety Committee Meeting. There were speakers from several branches of NC government.

A few highlights:

Speaker Tim Moore gave a nice welcoming speech.

A North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) speakers said, "we stand ready too respond" (after an incident) and identify the bad guy before the fact.

The most disconcerting thing I heard at the meeting was in a presentation by Elliott Smith, Acting agent in charge of Fusion Center of the SBI. He quoted inflated statistics published by Bloomberg's front group, Moms Demand Action, that there have been over 300 school shootings since 2013. This is simply not true. It is refuted even by such mainstream publications as USA Today, Time, and the   Washington Post, I noted that one representative challenged Mr. Smith on his facts. I recommend that Mr. Smith take another look, to restore his own credibility.

A couple of takeaways from this meeting-

1. I have been hearing for years how the folks in favor of gun control (which, when you drill down far enough, means gun bans) want to have a conversation or "civilized dialogue". How can you have a conversation with someone who publishes bogus statistics.
2. More importantly, even though the statistics are not as bad as the Mom's state, the stakes are still just as high. It is America's children that are at stake. 

And more recently-

A retired Supreme has opined that the Second Amendment should be repealed. The truth finally outs.

So while the legislative committee had enough gendarmes present that you couldn't stir them with a stick, children are still basically not provided with any realistic protection at many schools. The legislature could, no expense, provide enabling legislation for armed volunteer staff at our schools, and while they are at it, provide them immunity from liability for good faith actions.

Video of some attendees at the meeting