What happens when a combat vet home on leave encounters a bank robber who then threatens the vet's kids? Typically, the robber gets the spank down, and that's what happened.
Army Staff Sargent Eddie Peoples stopped at a bank before taking his boys on a fishing trip where said thug was encountered. Thug was dumb enough to threaten the kids of a soldier who has probably cleared rooms in the bad areas of Baghdad and disarmed insurgents, meaning that a man with a fake pistol wasn't all that difficult to spank into submission. (Read the article for the detailed take down, as the thug certainly qualifies for a Darwin award for stupidity, only difference was he didn't die).
I'm sure somewhere, some sad panda pacifist is crying in their Wheaties thinking that this guy took a chance he didn't need to and that he could have been a statistic. It is just a shame he can't even be counted amongst the concealed carry permit holders in helping to thwart crimes in progress. Certainly Peoples' actions deserved a commendation from the police department, and not to detract from his bravery, but does the same thing happen for those who pack? I doubt it.
Showing posts with label Concealed Carry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Concealed Carry. Show all posts
02 June 2011
01 June 2011
Morning Laugh: Out of the Car!
Passed along via email to me from a family member and too funny not to post.
Another lesson to ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings, and cut little old ladies some slack.
11 March 2011
Realm of Unpossible: Drunk Sherrifs Don't Shoot People!
Because sheriffs officers would never drink and shoot drunk! It is simply UNPOSSIBLE!
Maryland, maintaining the average citizen is not as responsible as people wearing the badge since the days of Jim Crow.
Maryland, maintaining the average citizen is not as responsible as people wearing the badge since the days of Jim Crow.
29 January 2011
Former MD Gov Carried; Lawful Citizens, No Such Luck
Positive proof that the bastard liberal elites believe they have more rights than us! So much so, that they even de facto admit that guns are the best defense against threats from two legged predators.
Read and listen here to see that former Maryland Governor Marvin Mandel carried (potentially without a permit) at the suggestion of some MD State Police.
EDIT: Bonus around 27 minute mark, the radio host has to correct himself when he says "target." The pussification of society is almost complete!
Read and listen here to see that former Maryland Governor Marvin Mandel carried (potentially without a permit) at the suggestion of some MD State Police.
EDIT: Bonus around 27 minute mark, the radio host has to correct himself when he says "target." The pussification of society is almost complete!
15 January 2011
QOTD: George Mason Disagrees with Legacy University
“[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, – who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually, by totally disusing and neglecting the militia.”Sebastian over at SIH covered this the other day when the Virginia Supreme Court sided with George Mason University to restrict carry in buildings and dorms, but thanks to a smart poster over on MD Shooters, our founding father tends to disagree with the lot of them.
Obviously, as we have learned over the last week, to be enslaved does not necessarily mean to JUST your government or purely as a piece of chattel. Nope, we can also be enslaved to ugly and perverted thugs whom are demons praying on the weak. As the saying goes, best to be prepared when the fight comes to us, instead of to be always looking for a fight.
17 December 2010
Michael Bane on School Board Shooting
I obviously have no reason to reblog anything of Michael Bane's simply because he is so wide read, but I do feel a need to add an addendum to this post from Wednesday.
Michael and his colleagues made it quite apparent that the situation that occurred in the Florida school board meeting is a very real and very realizable for anyone. Unfortunately, as is discussed in the linked post, most states have felt the need to restrict "sensitive places" and carve out gun free niches in the purview of compelling interest. As illustrated this week, those gun free zones turn into "willing victim zones." Most of us in the gun blogging and pro-self defense community would agree that the best way to stop this attacker would have been to demand peaceful disarmament through compelling request (read good guy with a gun shouting for compliance) followed by superior firepower if the request was not honored. Unfortunately, that was a solution that could never manifest itself since the "rules" altered the game of the "gun fight."
Which leads to Michael's question posed: What do you we need to learn from this event? Unfortunately, the answers from the professionals leave a lot to be desired, simply because there is no clear cut answer. Every one of us can simply say the law needs to be changed. True. As the common sense world has shown, there is no such thing as a "gun free zone" when there is a bad guy with a gun meaning to cause good people harm. But what should the individual do to mitigate this problem? How should you or I prepare to deal with a potentially disastrous situation when we are forced to be unarmed?
I have noted before that, currently, I have the choice made for me on a statewide level since I am a Maryland resident. Permit Unobtainium is a serious problem where I reside. That said, several of us in the Maryland community have come across this theoretical question before. In Mr. Bane's post, I noted that several of the top tier trainers implied that they would consider disregarding the law and/or signs that create gun free zones. I can assume that the saying goes that it is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. However, my libertarian mind works in mysterious ways; meaning, my rights stop at your door step. That applies to both "state" owned property and or private property and business that don't wish for you to be armed.
The biggest issue I take from some of the responses is this avocation for "bending" the rules. Considering there are varying degrees of punishment depending upon what state you are in, I don't know if I can agree with that assessment. My initial assessment of the Maryland Shooters thread with a "private gun free zone" was to ignore the sign, keep it concealed, and not get caught, thinking that the most that would happen would be a request to leave and or a potential trespass charge. In Virginia (where I carry the most) that would not be the case. Violation of a private property posting would result in the loss of the permit, and a potential weapons charge since a permit is no good where the permit is no good (sorry for the bad English). Further, as we learned this summer, that can compromise you when you end up the unwilling victim of bad police work and corporate policy.
Considering that there are a lot of issues that need to be worked out in a post-Heller/McDonald world, it is hard to completely agree with "bending the rules." If a permit violation were as cheap as a small civil fine and "don't do it again," I would completely agree with ignoring signs that create no gun zones. However, in states like Virginia, where the charge could be a high level misdemeanor that results in the loss of a permit as well as the potential to make me a prohibited person in the state of Maryland, the loss of the rights is my risk to the reward of remaining alive. Following the law should not allow someone to loose their life, but in the tyrant state, that's the rules as they have been carved out.
Currently, it is hard to feel completely unsafe in the United States. We are still extremely fortunate that crime has not degenerated into mass levels like seen in Mexico or even Argentina. That said, as the economy continues to degenerate, we will see the degenerates attempt to keep their money for nothing scheme alive. Desperate people will do desperate things, or as was illustrated in the Florida school board shooting, crazy people will do crazy things. Meaning? Be prepared!
Update: Fortunately, as I typed this, Michael Bane in his good ways, has an updated "what we've learned" post on how to deal with this type of threat. While the carry aspect of it does not fit in with the Maryland Permit Unobtainium, everything else in his latest post does. Some of his helpful tips are bulleted here in summary here:
Michael and his colleagues made it quite apparent that the situation that occurred in the Florida school board meeting is a very real and very realizable for anyone. Unfortunately, as is discussed in the linked post, most states have felt the need to restrict "sensitive places" and carve out gun free niches in the purview of compelling interest. As illustrated this week, those gun free zones turn into "willing victim zones." Most of us in the gun blogging and pro-self defense community would agree that the best way to stop this attacker would have been to demand peaceful disarmament through compelling request (read good guy with a gun shouting for compliance) followed by superior firepower if the request was not honored. Unfortunately, that was a solution that could never manifest itself since the "rules" altered the game of the "gun fight."
Which leads to Michael's question posed: What do you we need to learn from this event? Unfortunately, the answers from the professionals leave a lot to be desired, simply because there is no clear cut answer. Every one of us can simply say the law needs to be changed. True. As the common sense world has shown, there is no such thing as a "gun free zone" when there is a bad guy with a gun meaning to cause good people harm. But what should the individual do to mitigate this problem? How should you or I prepare to deal with a potentially disastrous situation when we are forced to be unarmed?
I have noted before that, currently, I have the choice made for me on a statewide level since I am a Maryland resident. Permit Unobtainium is a serious problem where I reside. That said, several of us in the Maryland community have come across this theoretical question before. In Mr. Bane's post, I noted that several of the top tier trainers implied that they would consider disregarding the law and/or signs that create gun free zones. I can assume that the saying goes that it is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. However, my libertarian mind works in mysterious ways; meaning, my rights stop at your door step. That applies to both "state" owned property and or private property and business that don't wish for you to be armed.
The biggest issue I take from some of the responses is this avocation for "bending" the rules. Considering there are varying degrees of punishment depending upon what state you are in, I don't know if I can agree with that assessment. My initial assessment of the Maryland Shooters thread with a "private gun free zone" was to ignore the sign, keep it concealed, and not get caught, thinking that the most that would happen would be a request to leave and or a potential trespass charge. In Virginia (where I carry the most) that would not be the case. Violation of a private property posting would result in the loss of the permit, and a potential weapons charge since a permit is no good where the permit is no good (sorry for the bad English). Further, as we learned this summer, that can compromise you when you end up the unwilling victim of bad police work and corporate policy.
Considering that there are a lot of issues that need to be worked out in a post-Heller/McDonald world, it is hard to completely agree with "bending the rules." If a permit violation were as cheap as a small civil fine and "don't do it again," I would completely agree with ignoring signs that create no gun zones. However, in states like Virginia, where the charge could be a high level misdemeanor that results in the loss of a permit as well as the potential to make me a prohibited person in the state of Maryland, the loss of the rights is my risk to the reward of remaining alive. Following the law should not allow someone to loose their life, but in the tyrant state, that's the rules as they have been carved out.
Currently, it is hard to feel completely unsafe in the United States. We are still extremely fortunate that crime has not degenerated into mass levels like seen in Mexico or even Argentina. That said, as the economy continues to degenerate, we will see the degenerates attempt to keep their money for nothing scheme alive. Desperate people will do desperate things, or as was illustrated in the Florida school board shooting, crazy people will do crazy things. Meaning? Be prepared!
Update: Fortunately, as I typed this, Michael Bane in his good ways, has an updated "what we've learned" post on how to deal with this type of threat. While the carry aspect of it does not fit in with the Maryland Permit Unobtainium, everything else in his latest post does. Some of his helpful tips are bulleted here in summary here:
- Always be aware of your surroundings! ALWAYS!
- Stay in a conditioned yellow (or moderate awareness) until you are certain you are in a safe environment. Don't look at people, but look at actions, emotions, and the "tell" of someone meant to do yourself, your family, or others harm.
- When a bad situation does present itself, don't just react for the sake of reacting, but be calculated in how you react. Non-action is the worst and almost always results in death or harm. Do something, even if that something is wrong.
- Every time you enter a new room, assess the situation. Where are exits? Where is cover? (Adding my own here) Where is the best place to stay out of the mass rush? People get trampled when panic sets in and flight takes hold. Evading a gunman only to be crushed by the sheep won't bring you home safely.
- Read the others on both posts for a complete understanding of what professionals would do if in this kind of a situation.
04 December 2010
Cali to Release 40k Inmates; State Still Refuses to Alter Carry Laws
Q: What happens when some 40,000 prison inmates, some of which are the hardest of the hardened criminals are released all at once due to a court order of poor and inhumane conditions due to over crowding and lack of "mentally ill" treatment?
A: Unless you have one of the illusive and endangered species listed carry permits in Cali, you're Just Another Nameless Victim (JANV).
Well, that is the stage that has been set before SCOTUS, and it looks like they are ready to rule upon the Constitution, and not for the greater good in keeping criminals locked up and behind bars. Seems that even Justice Alito understands the consequences of the pending ruling.
A: Unless you have one of the illusive and endangered species listed carry permits in Cali, you're Just Another Nameless Victim (JANV).
Well, that is the stage that has been set before SCOTUS, and it looks like they are ready to rule upon the Constitution, and not for the greater good in keeping criminals locked up and behind bars. Seems that even Justice Alito understands the consequences of the pending ruling.
"If I were a citizen of California, I would be concerned about the release of 40,000 prisoners," said Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., noting that the forced release of prisoners elsewhere has led to an increase in rapes, robberies and assaults.This means that average, law abiding citizens of the great state of California, will remain nearly defenseless as they roam the streets with the lowest of the low.
16 November 2010
B-More Seeking to Make Illegal Carry a Felony
Baltimore is undoubtedly one of the nastiest cities in the country as has been noted here before. So it should come as no surprise that Baltimore City Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake wants to make carrying a gun even more illegal than it currently is. While no one wants to see criminals with firearms, are we sure that this will even begin to deter the would-be thug from carrying a firearm without a permit? The whole definition of criminal is "does not follow the law, in letter or in spirit."
As Sebastian over at Snow Flakes In Hell noted, it would be nice to see reform to our handgun permit to wear or carry be enacted first rather than a token law change in an effort to put more criminals behind bars. Do not get me wrong, I think the idea is admirable, but those who know this state know that we should not hold our breaths for the MD legislature to change our carry laws until forced to do so. Additionally, I realize that Mayor Rawlings-Blake's "get tougher on criminals with stiffer penalities" is a good course of action, but it certainly is not an idea that will deter the worst of the harden criminals.
As I steal from fellow MD Shooters board member Patrick, we really need the SAF suit to play out in the courts. Through that arena, there will be lasting impact that politicians can't mess with, or at least that's the hope. Either way, just goes to show, that when there aren't enough criminals in the system, the police state will simply enact legislation to make more criminals.
As Sebastian over at Snow Flakes In Hell noted, it would be nice to see reform to our handgun permit to wear or carry be enacted first rather than a token law change in an effort to put more criminals behind bars. Do not get me wrong, I think the idea is admirable, but those who know this state know that we should not hold our breaths for the MD legislature to change our carry laws until forced to do so. Additionally, I realize that Mayor Rawlings-Blake's "get tougher on criminals with stiffer penalities" is a good course of action, but it certainly is not an idea that will deter the worst of the harden criminals.
As I steal from fellow MD Shooters board member Patrick, we really need the SAF suit to play out in the courts. Through that arena, there will be lasting impact that politicians can't mess with, or at least that's the hope. Either way, just goes to show, that when there aren't enough criminals in the system, the police state will simply enact legislation to make more criminals.
13 November 2010
Who Needs a Gun in Hazard County
Local news website has two stories of armed robbers that hit up a GameStop store in Harford County.
Thankfully no one was hurt, but the potential was there. Yet again, another reason why this state needs to lose it's case as the defendants in the SAF's lawsuit!
Thankfully no one was hurt, but the potential was there. Yet again, another reason why this state needs to lose it's case as the defendants in the SAF's lawsuit!
12 November 2010
SAF Suit on Maryland Motion for Summary Judgement!
The fine people @ www.mdshooters.com have posted this piece of information today! PROGRESS!
This is a good Friday! H/T Krucam!
This is a good Friday! H/T Krucam!
26 October 2010
UPDATE: MD Election Rumor Mill: Write in Candiate Jim Rutledge for AG? YES I WILL!
Update: Turns out that this was a well substantiated rumor, but unfortunately, Mr. Rutledge will not be filing to his write in candidacy. What a shame too.
The repubics of the state of Maryland couldn't come up with anyone to run against Mr. Gansler in the general election because of apparent infighting, and a candidate that wouldn't have had to do anything declined to get involved. Not surprising really, but if we had just run Micky Mouse or Homer Simpson, they could have pulled off the upset of good old Dougy who's continuing to sand bag against the Woollard case.
God Bless MD Politics; Snatching defeat from the jaws of defeat before the window of opportunity even opened.
The repubics of the state of Maryland couldn't come up with anyone to run against Mr. Gansler in the general election because of apparent infighting, and a candidate that wouldn't have had to do anything declined to get involved. Not surprising really, but if we had just run Micky Mouse or Homer Simpson, they could have pulled off the upset of good old Dougy who's continuing to sand bag against the Woollard case.
God Bless MD Politics; Snatching defeat from the jaws of defeat before the window of opportunity even opened.
22 October 2010
MD Election Rumor Mill: Write in Candiate Jim Rutledge for AG? YES I WILL!
There is a rumor spreading around the MD Shooters forum that is advocating for writing in Jim Rutledge (former Republican Senate candidate) for Attorney General in opposition to Doug Gansler (who is unopposed in the general election).
I cannot substantiate the validity of this idea from the candidate himself, but either way, who cares. Gansler is now using the power of his office to fight the SAF lawsuit of Woollard vs. MSP's Handgun Permit Review Board, so let's at least make him sweat reelection bid.
Jim ran in the Republican primary as a strong fiscal and Constitutional conservative who is extremely pro-gun. That sounds exactly like the man who needs to head Maryland's highest legal office in my opinion. Just think, a potential victory by Jim as a write-in candidate and a win by Bob for the Gov-ship? We could get some real changes in this state without having to deal with the stacked legislature. It's an idea so crazy, it just might work if we get the message around!
I cannot substantiate the validity of this idea from the candidate himself, but either way, who cares. Gansler is now using the power of his office to fight the SAF lawsuit of Woollard vs. MSP's Handgun Permit Review Board, so let's at least make him sweat reelection bid.
Jim ran in the Republican primary as a strong fiscal and Constitutional conservative who is extremely pro-gun. That sounds exactly like the man who needs to head Maryland's highest legal office in my opinion. Just think, a potential victory by Jim as a write-in candidate and a win by Bob for the Gov-ship? We could get some real changes in this state without having to deal with the stacked legislature. It's an idea so crazy, it just might work if we get the message around!
Texas Women Packing More Heat
Courtesy of John R. Lott (the author of More Guns Less Crime), comes a story from Tyler Texas where more women are now carrying concealed handguns than ever before. Some 31,000 females now have Texas CHP licenses which is up nearly 40% from the previous high in 1996 (initial year of issuance for the permits to all individuals).
What is also fascinating is this little blurb from KLTV 7's coverage of the story:
Just more subtle evidence that the trend toward individual freedom as afford to us in our founding documents is mainstream and very much alive. All the more reason that our freedom is attacked with regularity by those who wish to take our freedom away.
What is also fascinating is this little blurb from KLTV 7's coverage of the story:
Terry Adams and John Coblentz teach concealed handgun classes and say it's not just women who are arming themselves. "The people that are pushing gun control are making people nervous and they're buying weapons," said Adams.Interesting. So, those who are against us are now becoming the biggest hypocrites in the kitchen? (Sorry for using hypocrite twice today).
Just more subtle evidence that the trend toward individual freedom as afford to us in our founding documents is mainstream and very much alive. All the more reason that our freedom is attacked with regularity by those who wish to take our freedom away.
15 October 2010
Slice of Life: A Date in Virginia with Concealed Carry
If you’ve read this blog before, you have undoubtedly seen numerous stories pertaining to the concealed carry of firearms. I have been, and always will be, a firm believer in our Second Amendment civil rights and the free exercise thereof. Suffice it to say, I finally got an opportunity to use my fairly new Virginia Permit while on a long weekend on the Virginia shore.
With this new experience in life, there were certainly a range of emotions. Those feeling ranged from happiness and excitement to apprehension, nervousness, and a constant uneasy feeling. Remember, this is the first time in my life that I have had the ability and the power to defend my life and the lives of my family members. As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Fortunately, the experience was liberating and most importantly, uneventful.
On the Monday of a three day weekend retreat, the family and I went for a little drive in search of boat ramps to expand on the flounder fishing territory. Being a chilly and dreary morning, I chose to wear a pair of cargo shorts, a t-shirt, and a U of Delaware hoodie. Of course, I can’t forget the non-wife approved, non-visible fashion accessory that is my SERPA holster and XD 40. Considering no one watched me arm myself, no one other than my father (whom I informed to make sure we would not cross over into Maryland) was aware I was carrying. The fact that the sweatshirt hid the handgun from sight of everyone on the trip, the act of concealed carrying did its job to perfection. It was out of sight, out of mind, but only a moment’s reach away should the need arise.
Our first stop was a small, defunct ferry terminal along one of the inter-coastal waterways of the VA tidewater. Upon our arrival at this stop, it appeared as though several people were sitting in their cars for various reasons, but not acting suspiciously, nor did they make any overt advances towards us. Both my dad and I did take note however. You can never be sure where you might find a crack head shooting up. Also, considering my father and wife have a bit of a photo-bug and like nature photography, the potential for theft of their camera equipment is quite a real possibility. Thankfully, in VA, I am afford to defend myself if someone really wants to do us harm to obtain our property.
Further along on our drive, we stopped at another ramp that looked out to an ocean inlet. We talked with some local surf bums, got some knowledge of the channel, and climbed back into the car. The surf bums and my wife were still clueless that I was carrying, and I now understand the point to concealed carry. Again, out of sight, out of mind, and you don’t freak out the general population, but you certainly do get a chance to deter criminals. Also, I had learned by this time that getting in and out of the car was a bit more of a hassle. The holstered handgun caught up in my sweatshirt, and caught the seatbelt. It hit the door of the vehicle upon exit, and I was constantly aware that it existed on my hip. Was it a bit of a pain in the ass? Sure, but I knew I was safe, and that is a very securing feeling.
A few more stops and then we returned home for a quick lunch before a trip to the beach for some more photography opportunities. Being warm and toasty in the house, I removed my sweatshirt, at which time I got a “Really?” from the wife. She was displeased at that point to have learned that I was carrying (safely) a concealed handgun around her.
Sidebar: My wife, if I haven’t mentioned it before, is not the most ardent supporter of my interest in my 2A civil rights. I respect that of her and of course wish to take every reasonable and prudent precaution for safe storage and bearing but I have made it clear that I refuse to be a victim in my life. I do understand her irrational fear of a tool of self defense, and I can understand how she may think that I am “looking for trouble” in carrying a firearm. As she said to my mother “there is a difference between wanting to and a need.” Yes, there is a want to in my carrying a gun but it is solely for the need to be prepared for trouble when it finds me (and hopefully IF it finds me). In this day and age when you cannot trust the world to be safe, it is evident that we see the world and how “safe” it is in entirely different ways.
Back to our main story, a little more driving around, some more pictures taken, and finally a return to my parent’s house, all without incident. It was a good day with valuable lessons learned, and a prayer that the Second Amendment Foundation is successful with their lawsuit against Maryland. As soon as that case is found favorably for my state and “We the People,” I will be applying for my Maryland permit too, that way I won’t have to disarm to return to my home state.
In summary, freedom is great!
Who Needs a Gun in Westminster, MD?
Even though the current Gov and some local County Execs have been saying crime is down, it still doesn't prevent crack heads from holding up pharmacies for their drugs and cash.
By definition of the Maryland Permit to Wear or Carry a handgun laws, the pharmacists could have obtained their permits for defense of their products and cash. Even though Investigative Voice has reported that no shots were fired and the suspect was apprehended pretty quickly, it still doesn't excuse the fact that people in this state must cower in fear of criminals who mean to do harm to others.
By definition of the Maryland Permit to Wear or Carry a handgun laws, the pharmacists could have obtained their permits for defense of their products and cash. Even though Investigative Voice has reported that no shots were fired and the suspect was apprehended pretty quickly, it still doesn't excuse the fact that people in this state must cower in fear of criminals who mean to do harm to others.
10 October 2010
SAF Replies to MD's Motion to Dismiss
Continuing to update the saga that is Maryland and their ass backwards carry laws, the Second Amendment Foundation's reply brief was filed Thursday in response to MD Attorney General Gansler's motion to dismiss.
As we have followed on this thread over at MDShooters, lead, local attorney on the case has posted their reply. The case is moving forward, but unfortunate for those who really need to defend themselves and their families, they will have to jump through the hoops that Maryland State Police and the legislature have put into place. Basically, that means that their best chances of obtaining a permit to wear and carry a handgun is to wait on the case to make it's way through the court system.
As we have followed on this thread over at MDShooters, lead, local attorney on the case has posted their reply. The case is moving forward, but unfortunate for those who really need to defend themselves and their families, they will have to jump through the hoops that Maryland State Police and the legislature have put into place. Basically, that means that their best chances of obtaining a permit to wear and carry a handgun is to wait on the case to make it's way through the court system.
26 September 2010
Updating SAF Against MD's CHP Laws
Just a quick blurb that on Monday Sept 20th, the state of Maryland met their deadline to respond to the Second Amendment Foundation's suit against the permitting scheme's severe bias to 2A rights.
Excellent analysis from the initial filing, as well as the latest on the response (post 816) can be found on the Maryland Shooter's forum linked in this sentence. Of course, there is the possibility you need to be a member to access that portion of the forum, but you will definitely need to be a member to download the PDF attached briefs.
I will do some analysis next week after reading this weekend and promise to give updates to the next wave of Gura lawsuits as I get them.
Excellent analysis from the initial filing, as well as the latest on the response (post 816) can be found on the Maryland Shooter's forum linked in this sentence. Of course, there is the possibility you need to be a member to access that portion of the forum, but you will definitely need to be a member to download the PDF attached briefs.
I will do some analysis next week after reading this weekend and promise to give updates to the next wave of Gura lawsuits as I get them.
22 September 2010
Hopkins Attacker's Background Included VA CHP
Investigative Voice has a good article today detailing the background on a man that attacked a Johns Hopkins doctor before committing a murder suicide of his mother and himself last week. According to the article, police found that the man possessed a handgun and a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit. Also summarized by I.V. is that the security staff at JHU Hospital says they won't, and more importantly can't, screen every visitor for deadly weapons.
Paul Warren Pardus was obviously highly motivated to do harm to people and he had the means with which to act. Thankfully, in his derangement, he only harmed three people in the doctor, himself and his mother. The doc looks like he will make a full recovery. His mother, though sad, was probably not living a quality life and Pardus disgustingly didn't seek help and chose to take his own life. Unfortunately, the reaction by many in Baltimore will be a choice to focus on the means with which this man carried out his acts and the outcry will be "people have guns and I'm scared."
Hopkins, a noted gun free zone, and it's head of security has just told the general public that they not only won't screen every visitor for weapons, but they can't. This means that motivated people know their victims are basically a "shooting" gallery and they are free to execute without consequence, their perverted acts against fellow human beings. I do not fault the hospital or the campus for instituting policies that create gun free zones, even if they are theoretically flawed, because it is their property. However, as we have seen time and time again, disarmament zones become victim zones.
It is extremely unfortunate that Mr. Pardus snapped like this, but I don't know how you can pre-screen anyone for premeditation towards physical violence. As someone who has gone through the process to obtain a VA permit to carry a concealed weapon, I can assure you that a through background check is conducted and it sounds like Mr. Pardus did not have any prior predisposition that would have denied him a permit. What bothers me is the abject failure of the security staff to enforce it's policy against people who exhibit a willful disregard for A) Human Life and B) are willing to violate the rules and laws that create a "self defense free" zone. From VA Tech, to Fort Hood, to Discovery Channel, to now John's Hopkins, no rule of law, nor policy of property, has disarmed any criminal. Period.
As discussed here on these bandwidths before, the concealed handgun permit holder's express line for the Texas Capital Building in Austin, TX, takes the opposite approach. Instead of placing restrictions upon the law abiding citizen from entering the building in response to a criminal shooting a year prior, they added a CHP "express lane" that completely bypasses metal detector security. Bags are still x-ray examined however and their permits are checked for validity. This also gives security staff a chance to observe the behaviors of the patrons for potentially violent persons who already have a valid permit. Additionally, on the off hand chance that such patron has obtained a permit to carry a deadly weapon for purposes that are not lawful, including assault or murder, they run a higher risk of being stopped by a peaceful person read to deal with such a threat, instead of continuing their rampage for hours while unarmed persons cower in broom closets.
Again, the hospital and campus have every right to institute policies no matter how ineffective they are at deterring or stopping crime since it is their property. However, it is time that we as a society realize the tools that cause destruction, can also provide protection, and in fact do in 40 other states. Responsible citizens being armed, levels the playing field against average street thugs, or even act as a deterrent to highly motivated individuals. True, Mr. Pardus may still have carried out his plan for attempted murder, murder and suicide, but perhaps he may have chosen to not carry out his actions inside a place filled with innocent people who could have shot back and stopped him.
By no means do I defend the actions of the assailant. They are horrific, perverted, and disgusting in the course of today's, and yesterday's, civil society. It is hard to find fault with Hopkins as they have instituted their policies for their perceived work place and learning environment benefits. It is unfortunate though that a noted gun free, and thus self-defense free, zone has been at an epicenter of violent crime for several years in Baltimore. From a man defending himself in the area with a sword, to a young researcher brutally murdered, to now a direct frontal assault upon the hospital and it's staff, perhaps it is time for a change of policy, culture, and state laws to prevent such atrocious acts in the future.
Paul Warren Pardus was obviously highly motivated to do harm to people and he had the means with which to act. Thankfully, in his derangement, he only harmed three people in the doctor, himself and his mother. The doc looks like he will make a full recovery. His mother, though sad, was probably not living a quality life and Pardus disgustingly didn't seek help and chose to take his own life. Unfortunately, the reaction by many in Baltimore will be a choice to focus on the means with which this man carried out his acts and the outcry will be "people have guns and I'm scared."
Hopkins, a noted gun free zone, and it's head of security has just told the general public that they not only won't screen every visitor for weapons, but they can't. This means that motivated people know their victims are basically a "shooting" gallery and they are free to execute without consequence, their perverted acts against fellow human beings. I do not fault the hospital or the campus for instituting policies that create gun free zones, even if they are theoretically flawed, because it is their property. However, as we have seen time and time again, disarmament zones become victim zones.
It is extremely unfortunate that Mr. Pardus snapped like this, but I don't know how you can pre-screen anyone for premeditation towards physical violence. As someone who has gone through the process to obtain a VA permit to carry a concealed weapon, I can assure you that a through background check is conducted and it sounds like Mr. Pardus did not have any prior predisposition that would have denied him a permit. What bothers me is the abject failure of the security staff to enforce it's policy against people who exhibit a willful disregard for A) Human Life and B) are willing to violate the rules and laws that create a "self defense free" zone. From VA Tech, to Fort Hood, to Discovery Channel, to now John's Hopkins, no rule of law, nor policy of property, has disarmed any criminal. Period.
As discussed here on these bandwidths before, the concealed handgun permit holder's express line for the Texas Capital Building in Austin, TX, takes the opposite approach. Instead of placing restrictions upon the law abiding citizen from entering the building in response to a criminal shooting a year prior, they added a CHP "express lane" that completely bypasses metal detector security. Bags are still x-ray examined however and their permits are checked for validity. This also gives security staff a chance to observe the behaviors of the patrons for potentially violent persons who already have a valid permit. Additionally, on the off hand chance that such patron has obtained a permit to carry a deadly weapon for purposes that are not lawful, including assault or murder, they run a higher risk of being stopped by a peaceful person read to deal with such a threat, instead of continuing their rampage for hours while unarmed persons cower in broom closets.
Again, the hospital and campus have every right to institute policies no matter how ineffective they are at deterring or stopping crime since it is their property. However, it is time that we as a society realize the tools that cause destruction, can also provide protection, and in fact do in 40 other states. Responsible citizens being armed, levels the playing field against average street thugs, or even act as a deterrent to highly motivated individuals. True, Mr. Pardus may still have carried out his plan for attempted murder, murder and suicide, but perhaps he may have chosen to not carry out his actions inside a place filled with innocent people who could have shot back and stopped him.
By no means do I defend the actions of the assailant. They are horrific, perverted, and disgusting in the course of today's, and yesterday's, civil society. It is hard to find fault with Hopkins as they have instituted their policies for their perceived work place and learning environment benefits. It is unfortunate though that a noted gun free, and thus self-defense free, zone has been at an epicenter of violent crime for several years in Baltimore. From a man defending himself in the area with a sword, to a young researcher brutally murdered, to now a direct frontal assault upon the hospital and it's staff, perhaps it is time for a change of policy, culture, and state laws to prevent such atrocious acts in the future.
27 August 2010
Slice of Life: Come Out Virginia!
On July 23rd, I mailed off my application for a non-resident Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit. On Tuesday, August 24th, a shiny plastic card, too big to fit into any wallet slot was in my mailbox! That's right, I am now licensed to carry in 26 states! (Give or take the few that don't honor VA's non-resident permit).
All told, the saga began about a year ago when I requested a non-resident packet. I simply clicked on to the VSP website, searched around, find the necessary email to request the packet, and a few days later it was in my mailbox. It sat in my important papers pile for the better part of a year until a month ago. My parents had recently finished up a property in VA so it finally made sense to apply for the permit and "experiment" (if you can ever all carrying experimenting) with concealed carry.
The application was fairly painless. It took me about a week to gather the necessary items, complete the application, get it notarized, get a money order, make photo copies of my driver's license and passport and hunters safety card (needed for proof of ID and competence with a firearm), as well as have my finger prints taken and get a passport photo taken. Total costs were right at $114 broken down as follows:
Since I have not been back to Virginia this week (work happens to put a damper on that), I have yet to experience the liberating feeling of being able to exercise my Constitutionally guaranteed right to self-defense and arms bearing. See, unlike my home state, I am surrounded by states that more liberally issue permits to those who are not otherwise disqualified, even to non-residents like myself. Hopefully that will change with the Second Amendment Foundation's lawsuit against Maryland.
Though, most of my non-Maryland travels take me to the relatively peaceful portion of the Virginia Eastern Shore, just knowing that I will be able to defend myself and my family from here on out is a good piece of mind. The prospects of that first experience of carrying are exciting and nerve racking, simply because with great power comes great responsibility.
Until the newest "gray man" checks back in after his first CCW experience, remember to keep your powder dry and your eyes on the target.
All told, the saga began about a year ago when I requested a non-resident packet. I simply clicked on to the VSP website, searched around, find the necessary email to request the packet, and a few days later it was in my mailbox. It sat in my important papers pile for the better part of a year until a month ago. My parents had recently finished up a property in VA so it finally made sense to apply for the permit and "experiment" (if you can ever all carrying experimenting) with concealed carry.
The application was fairly painless. It took me about a week to gather the necessary items, complete the application, get it notarized, get a money order, make photo copies of my driver's license and passport and hunters safety card (needed for proof of ID and competence with a firearm), as well as have my finger prints taken and get a passport photo taken. Total costs were right at $114 broken down as follows:
- License Fee, $100
- Finger print fee, $5
- Postage, $1.22ish
- Passport photo, $7.45ish
- Piece of mind and non-infringed rights for a period of 5 years? Priceless!
Since I have not been back to Virginia this week (work happens to put a damper on that), I have yet to experience the liberating feeling of being able to exercise my Constitutionally guaranteed right to self-defense and arms bearing. See, unlike my home state, I am surrounded by states that more liberally issue permits to those who are not otherwise disqualified, even to non-residents like myself. Hopefully that will change with the Second Amendment Foundation's lawsuit against Maryland.
Though, most of my non-Maryland travels take me to the relatively peaceful portion of the Virginia Eastern Shore, just knowing that I will be able to defend myself and my family from here on out is a good piece of mind. The prospects of that first experience of carrying are exciting and nerve racking, simply because with great power comes great responsibility.
Until the newest "gray man" checks back in after his first CCW experience, remember to keep your powder dry and your eyes on the target.
24 August 2010
MD.gov's No Need for CHP vs. FBI's No. 5
WE'RE NOT NUMBER 1! WE'RE NUMBER 5!
Well, maybe that's not so good, but hey, we disarm the Maryland public and allow them to be unwilling victims! That should serve for some good progressiveness, shouldn't it?
Well, my fellow Marylanders, not exactly. According to the Baltimore Business Journal's article, Baltimore's numbers are pretty bad. Far worse than that of comparable sized cities and even bigger cities. Baltimore's 238 murders in 2009 equates to a rate of 37.26 per 100,000 citizens. That's quite an ugly number. Numbers one through four in this category standout as the quintessential who's who of crime. New Orleans leads the way, with 51.72 murders per 100,000 residents, followed by Richmond, Calif., at 45.82 per 100,000, St. Louis at 40.26 per 100,000, and Detroit at 39.74 per 100,000.
Comparing Baltimore to bigger cities like NYC, DC, Philly and Boston, the results per 100,000 citizens are quite disturbing. With rates like 5.61, 23.85, 19.52, and 8.01, respectfully, Baltimore lags behind by far numbers. Worst still, is the fact that the city that breeds also makes two other top 20 crime lists for aggravated assault and robbery. That is a title that is bequeathed to just a total of six cities. Kudos Charm City!
Now, I'm sure the critics are saying that three of those cities (Philly excluded) do not allowed for concealed or open carry of firearms, but let us examine the facts closer. Baltimore is roughly 625,000 in population size, which is about the same as Washington, DC at approximately 600,000. DC also restricts it's citizens right to bear arms outside their homes. The caveat is that the District is the perfect social science experiment for testing what effect that legal guns, owned by law abiding citizens, have on crime rates. Our nation's Capital has seen a decline in crime in every category (except arson where there was an 8% increase from 51 to 55 per year) from the numbers in 2008. Now, some of that can be attributed to changes in the District's policing and enforcement, but no doubt the major social change that occurred was the finding that DC's private firearm ownership laws were unconstitutional. Criminals aren't dumb and they know that there is the chance their victims will be armed. Hence the reason the significant drops in every violent crime category.
Looking at every city in the nation that has populations between 599,000 and 700,000 citizens, we find some interesting things looking at the murder rates. Comparing cities in the states with concealed carry laws to those without, a significant trend is seen. There are 10 cities falling into this population category, and of those ten, six cities are in jurisdictions with concealed carry laws. Here are all the cities and their murder rates per 100,000 people.
The average of those cities that allow for CCW is a low 8.82 murders per 100,000 while those without are an astounding 20.26 murders per 100,000. Obviously, there is some ability of the statistical evidence to skew these data, so we'll also look at the median sample for argument's sake. For cities with CCW we get 14.95 per 100k and for those without it's 17.88 per 100k. Keep in mind, this is only a quick and dirty example and does not take into account any time series trends or even other rates of crime for forced rape, aggravated assault, or robbery. Our good friend John R. Lott has proven for the last decade that those categories are also dramatically affected by shall issue concealed carry laws.
Simply put, the stats don't lie. They aren't skewed as they come directly from the FBI, a non-partial source, and the results of this quick and dirty example can be replicated by anyone who's passed 8th grade algebra. The point of this exercise is simple, guns in the hands of law abiding citizens lower crime rates. It's been going on since the invention came into existence, and the inversely proportional trend will continue until the end of time or the firearm. Further, as us gun nuts know, we don't need statistics on our side to win the Constitutional argument, but these facts do help us win the culture war.
I wonder how the Owe'Malley and Dougy Gansler crowd will respond to these facts in the midst of their Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit? I'm sure they will conveniently "dispute" them. Perhaps someone can send these stats along to our good delegate that doesn't have a clue.
Source: FBI Crime Stats. Please note that the statistics used are the "preliminary" statistics, and are subject to some change.
Well, maybe that's not so good, but hey, we disarm the Maryland public and allow them to be unwilling victims! That should serve for some good progressiveness, shouldn't it?
Well, my fellow Marylanders, not exactly. According to the Baltimore Business Journal's article, Baltimore's numbers are pretty bad. Far worse than that of comparable sized cities and even bigger cities. Baltimore's 238 murders in 2009 equates to a rate of 37.26 per 100,000 citizens. That's quite an ugly number. Numbers one through four in this category standout as the quintessential who's who of crime. New Orleans leads the way, with 51.72 murders per 100,000 residents, followed by Richmond, Calif., at 45.82 per 100,000, St. Louis at 40.26 per 100,000, and Detroit at 39.74 per 100,000.
Comparing Baltimore to bigger cities like NYC, DC, Philly and Boston, the results per 100,000 citizens are quite disturbing. With rates like 5.61, 23.85, 19.52, and 8.01, respectfully, Baltimore lags behind by far numbers. Worst still, is the fact that the city that breeds also makes two other top 20 crime lists for aggravated assault and robbery. That is a title that is bequeathed to just a total of six cities. Kudos Charm City!
Now, I'm sure the critics are saying that three of those cities (Philly excluded) do not allowed for concealed or open carry of firearms, but let us examine the facts closer. Baltimore is roughly 625,000 in population size, which is about the same as Washington, DC at approximately 600,000. DC also restricts it's citizens right to bear arms outside their homes. The caveat is that the District is the perfect social science experiment for testing what effect that legal guns, owned by law abiding citizens, have on crime rates. Our nation's Capital has seen a decline in crime in every category (except arson where there was an 8% increase from 51 to 55 per year) from the numbers in 2008. Now, some of that can be attributed to changes in the District's policing and enforcement, but no doubt the major social change that occurred was the finding that DC's private firearm ownership laws were unconstitutional. Criminals aren't dumb and they know that there is the chance their victims will be armed. Hence the reason the significant drops in every violent crime category.
Looking at every city in the nation that has populations between 599,000 and 700,000 citizens, we find some interesting things looking at the murder rates. Comparing cities in the states with concealed carry laws to those without, a significant trend is seen. There are 10 cities falling into this population category, and of those ten, six cities are in jurisdictions with concealed carry laws. Here are all the cities and their murder rates per 100,000 people.
- Denver, CO: Pop 604,680; Rate of 5.13; CCW Allowed / Shall Issue
- Washington, DC: Pop 599,657; Rate of 23.85; CCW Not allowed
- Louisville Metro, KY: Pop 631,260; Rate of 9.82; CCW Allowed / Shall Issue
- Baltimore, MD: Pop 638,755; Rate of 37.26; CCW Heavily Restricted, effectively not allowed
- Boston, MA: Population 624,222; Rate of 8.01; CCW Heavily Restricted, effectively not allowed
- Memphis, TN: Population 667,421; Rate of 19.78; CCW Allowed / Shall Issue
- Nashville, TN: Population 610,176; Rate of 12.62; CCW Allowed / Shall Issue
- El Paso, TX: Population 618,812; Rate of 1.94; CCW Allowed / Shall Issue
- Seattle, WA: Population 602,531; Rate of 3.65; CCW Allowed / Shall Issue
- Milwaukee, WI: Population 604,673; Rate of 11.91; CCW Not allowed, Open Carry infringed
The average of those cities that allow for CCW is a low 8.82 murders per 100,000 while those without are an astounding 20.26 murders per 100,000. Obviously, there is some ability of the statistical evidence to skew these data, so we'll also look at the median sample for argument's sake. For cities with CCW we get 14.95 per 100k and for those without it's 17.88 per 100k. Keep in mind, this is only a quick and dirty example and does not take into account any time series trends or even other rates of crime for forced rape, aggravated assault, or robbery. Our good friend John R. Lott has proven for the last decade that those categories are also dramatically affected by shall issue concealed carry laws.
Simply put, the stats don't lie. They aren't skewed as they come directly from the FBI, a non-partial source, and the results of this quick and dirty example can be replicated by anyone who's passed 8th grade algebra. The point of this exercise is simple, guns in the hands of law abiding citizens lower crime rates. It's been going on since the invention came into existence, and the inversely proportional trend will continue until the end of time or the firearm. Further, as us gun nuts know, we don't need statistics on our side to win the Constitutional argument, but these facts do help us win the culture war.
I wonder how the Owe'Malley and Dougy Gansler crowd will respond to these facts in the midst of their Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit? I'm sure they will conveniently "dispute" them. Perhaps someone can send these stats along to our good delegate that doesn't have a clue.
Source: FBI Crime Stats. Please note that the statistics used are the "preliminary" statistics, and are subject to some change.
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