Archive for the ‘Editorial, Opinion’ Category
November 4, 2009
I’m sure that I will raise the ire of many law and order folks with this. The Bill of Rights is an entire package, and when you weaken it anywhere, you weaken the entire thing, including the concept. And please, don’t come here and post about not yelling fire in a crowded theater. If the damned thing is actually on fire then you have a civic duty to inform your fellow theater patrons that the damned place is in fact on fire and needs to be evacuated…
| Tuesday, November 03, 2009 |
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| On October 22, 2009, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief in the case of Millender v. County of Los Angeles, et al. (07-55518). The case is pending en banc hearing before a 12 judge panel in the Ninth Circuit United States Court of Appeals. A copy of the brief is posted at www.calgunlaws.com. No right is more clearly established under the Fourth Amendment than the right not to be subject to search and seizure under a general warrant (i.e., a warrant not based on probable cause and not particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or thing to be seized). Furthermore, as the Second Amendment makes clear, firearms are lawful to possess and may not be seized without probable cause to believe that a specific firearm was used in a crime.
The NRA/CRPA amicus brief challenges the ability of law enforcement to write over-broad “general” search warrants which allow police to seize any and all firearms an individual may possess, even when police only have “probable cause” to search for a particular firearm. Far too often police seize legal firearms collections even when most of those firearms are not alleged to be part of a criminal offense. This is sometimes driven by a political motivation to increase gun seizure statistics so police can seek increased funding.
This deprivation of property often results in damage to the firearms and inevitably causes the owner to incur significant expense and legal fees in retrieving the firearms. The purpose of the NRA/CRPA brief is to convince the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to publish a binding precedent to prevent these search and seizure abuses in the future.
SOURCE
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Tags:Bill of Rights, California, Gun Control, Law, News, NRA, Politics
Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on California: Amicus Brief Filed in Millender v. County of Los Angeles
November 4, 2009
From Downsize D.C. see sidebar for a link.
We want to thank the staff at Reason magazine for drawing attention to a great Denver Post column by David Harsanyi.
We’re going to crib from it for today’s action item.
Please send a letter to Congress opposing the 1,900-page healthcare bill.
Here’s what I wrote in my personal comments (my Senators will receive a copy too so they can know how I feel about this):
I object to the 1,900-page House healthcare bill precisely because it’s 1,900 pages long. That’s too much complexity.
I object because the word “regulation” appears in this bill 181 times, “tax” is there 214 times, and “fees” is used 103 times. I hate these words and I won’t feel too good about you either if you inflict them on me.
I object because you’re not going to read this bill before you vote on it, or sit with the federal code to look up and read all the parts of existing law that the bill will change.
I object because the bill will require federal bureaucrats to write hundreds, or even thousands of pages of regulations to fill in the details, and because I’ll have to pay for lawyers and accountants, either directly or indirectly, to interpret and comply with this mess.
I object because many of my healthcare choices will be dictated by a “Health Choices Commissioner” and an “Inspector General for the Health Choices Administration.” I won’t be able to elect or fire either of these people, and I do not want them in my life.
I object because this bill costs too much, and because you’re hiding the true cost in a variety of fraudulent ways.
I object because this bill contains numerous Trojan Horses that will eventually kill free market healthcare in favor of complete government control.
I object because it is increasingly clear to me that my supposed representatives really represent their own party leadership first, special interest lobbyists second, and me not at all.
Please stop to consider that this bill will be imposed on me at the point of a policeman’s gun. If I do not want to pay for it, or comply with it, armed men will eventually knock on my door to force me to submit. Do not do this too me!
If you pass this bill, or anything like it, I will never forgive you.
END OF SAMPLE LETTER
You can send your letter to Congress here.
Please take additional steps to spread the word, recruit more DC Downsizers, and increase the heat on Congress:
Tags:Downsize D.C., News, obamacare, Politics
Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Immigration, Law, mysandry, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 2 Comments »
November 4, 2009
This is the sort of thing that just makes you sick. Another theive at the public trough.
$11,000 REWARD IN DE BEQUE BIGHORN POACHING CASE
DE BEQUE, Colo. – Three energy companies are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poaching of a bighorn sheep ram north of De Beque.
On Friday, Oct. 30, investigators with the Colorado Division of Wildlife were notified that a quarter-curl bighorn ram had been poached on private land. Information from people in the area and evidence collected at the scene indicate that the bighorn sheep ram was likely shot between Sunday, Oct. 25 and Tuesday, Oct. 27 by a single shot to the neck. The poacher made no attempt to salvage meat from the animal or to take the head or horns.
“This is the worst kind of poaching case,” said Albert Romero, District Wildlife Manager for the De Beque district. “It appears that someone just shot and killed this animal for no reason at all.”
Chevron, EnCana and Williams have committed a total of $10,000 to the Division of Wildlife reward fund for information that leads to a conviction in this case. Additionally, Operation Game Thief has offered a $1,000 reward and Colorado’s TIPS program may provide tipsters with a bighorn sheep hunting license in exchange for testimony in the case.
The ram, which was part of the De Beque Canyon bighorn sheep herd, had recently wandered into the Kimball Creek area west of Roan Creek Road (Garfield County Road 204). The ram was frequently seen and photographed by area residents and energy workers who travel the road up Kimball Creek. The ram carcass was discovered on private property owned by Chevron.
Criminal charges in this case could include trespassing, illegal possession of wildlife, waste, felony willful destruction, and hunting in a closed unit. If convicted of all charges, the perpetrator in this case could face up to five years in jail and more than $100,000 in fines. Upon conviction the person would also face suspension of their hunting privileges in Colorado and 30 other states.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the official state animal of Colorado and they appear on the seal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can qualify for up to $1,000 in reward funds; however tipsters must be willing to testify to qualify for energy company reward funds or TIPS licenses. Operation Game Thief is a program that works with the Division of Wildlife to provide rewards for information in poaching cases. TIPS is a DOW program that provides hunting licenses or preference points for sportsmen who provide information in poaching cases.
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Editor’s note: A Chevron employee snapped a photo of the ram days before it was poached. A copy of the photo is available at http://wildlife.state.co.us/apps/ImageDB/ImageDownload.aspx?ImageId=25530&ImageSize=Print&ImageType=JPG
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
Tags:Bighorn Sheep, Colorado, Crime, DOW, News, Operation Game Thief, poaching, reward
Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
November 3, 2009
Yesterdays Patriot Post posed several questions, and answers. Using the work of three of America’s brightest minds from past and present an assessment is made of the current status here in America. Draw your own conclusions.
“It is obvious what the fraudulent issue of fascism versus communism accomplishes: it sets up, as opposites, two variants of the same political system; it eliminates the possibility of considering capitalism; it switches the choice of ‘Freedom or dictatorship?’ into ‘Which kind of dictatorship?’ — thus establishing dictatorship as an inevitable fact and offering only a choice of rulers. The choice — according to the proponents of that fraud — is: a dictatorship of the rich (fascism) or a dictatorship of the poor (communism). That fraud collapsed in the 1940’s, in the aftermath of World War II. It is too obvious, too easily demonstrable that fascism and communism are not two opposites, but two rival gangs fighting over the same territory — that both are variants of statism, based on the collectivist principle that man is the rightless slave of the state — that both are socialistic, in theory, in practice, and in the explicit statements of their leaders — that under both systems, the poor are enslaved and the rich are expropriated in favor of a ruling clique — that fascism is not the product of the political ‘right,’ but of the ‘left’ — that the basic issue is not ‘rich versus poor,’ but man versus the state, or: individual rights versus totalitarian government — which means: capitalism versus socialism.” –philosopher and novelist Ayn Rand (1905-1982)
“Just one year ago, would you have believed that an unelected government official, not even a Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate but simply one of the many ‘czars’ appointed by the President, could arbitrarily cut the pay of executives in private businesses by 50 percent or 90 percent? Did you think that another ‘czar’ would be talking about restricting talk radio? That there would be plans afloat to subsidize newspapers — that is, to create a situation where some newspapers’ survival would depend on the government liking what they publish? Did you imagine that anyone would even be talking about having a panel of so-called ‘experts’ deciding who could and could not get life-saving medical treatments? Scary as that is from a medical standpoint, it is also chilling from the standpoint of freedom. If you have a mother who needs a heart operation or a child with some dire medical condition, how free would you feel to speak out against an administration that has the power to make life and death decisions about your loved ones? Does any of this sound like America? How about a federal agency giving school children material to enlist them on the side of the president? Merely being assigned to sing his praises in class is apparently not enough. How much of America would be left if the federal government continued on this path? … How far the President will go depends of course on how much resistance he meets. But the direction in which he is trying to go tells us more than all his rhetoric or media spin. Barack Obama has not only said that he is out to ‘change the United States of America,’ the people he has been associated with for years have expressed in words and deeds their hostility to the values, the principles and the people of this country. … Nothing so epitomizes President Obama’s own contempt for American values and traditions like trying to ram two bills through Congress in his first year — each bill more than a thousand pages long — too fast for either of them to be read, much less discussed. That he succeeded only the first time says that some people are starting to wake up. Whether enough people will wake up in time to keep America from being dismantled, piece by piece, is another question — and the biggest question for this generation.” –economist Thomas Sowell
“Ah! Re-regulation. What a great idea. As I recall, the Soviet Union and old Eastern Bloc tried heavy government control and regulation, and it didn’t work. The people rebelled. They wanted economic freedom, the right to keep their own money, the right to start their own businesses and the right to climb the ladder of success in a free economy. Now here’s a counter-thought. The Ronald Reagan free-market revolution, which included regulation lite, a sound dollar and low tax rates, launched a three-decade-long boom. And yes, the Gipper’s policies were copied around the world. … So why not try something different? Unfashionable as it may be today, why not go back to the supply-side model of lower marginal tax rates for individuals and businesses, large and small? … It’s the incentive model of economic growth. At lower tax rates, where folks keep more of what they earn and invest, greater after-tax rewards spur greater work effort and investment risk. They also boost asset values. This is exactly what the economy needs: a rejuvenated dose of incentives — permanent incentives. Think of this: At the same wage level from cost-conscious businesses, a 10 percent personal tax cut provides a handsome after-tax wage-increase incentive that will spur individuals to go back to work — simply because work will pay more after-tax. … That’s the message for economic freedom fighters everywhere: Unite, and throw off your chains. Especially here in America.” –economist Lawrence Kudlow
SOURCE
Tags:News, Obama, obamanomics, Patriot Post, Politics
Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Law, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on Capitalism versus Socialism
November 1, 2009
Just for kicks I decided to post a reading list that this blogs followers might like, in addition to those on my blogroll in the side bar. Enjoy!
Recommended reading
Tags:Examiners, Gun Control, gun rights, News, Politics
Posted in Blogroll, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 3 Comments »
November 1, 2009
OSHA Czar David Michaels rabid anti liberty ideology makes him yet another perfect fit in the current administrations war on America. David Kopel explains just how dangerous this political animal is to your personal safety. Not to mention your liberty and freedom.
Read about that HERE.
What is it with team obama? Is there an end point to the collective hate that permeates this group? We are being assaulted from all sides. I guess that means that we can swing our swords in any direction because the enemy, is everywhere.
Tags:Czar Wars, Dave Kopel, Gun Control, News, OSHA, Politics
Posted in Czar Wars, Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 3 Comments »
November 1, 2009
Judicial arrogance is nothing new, yet this past week the Colorado Supreme Court established a new benchmark in being better than thou. From Mike Rosen at The Denver Post
The liberal majority on the Colorado Supreme Court has taken judicial chutzpah to a new level.
In a 4-3 decision last week, they overturned two lower court rulings and declared that, henceforth, unelected judges rather than elected legislators will determine how much money Colorado taxpayers must spend on K-12 education. The victorious plaintiffs in the case included the usual suspects: the teachers union and other educratic organizations.
This will encourage a spate of “adequacy” lawsuits which activists hope will mandate an additional $3 billion in school spending on top of the $4.7 billion we already spend. Given the current state of the economy, this is obviously money we don’t have.
Full Story
Actions and arrogance often lead to grassroots movements that seek to reign in such behavior. Be that The Tea Party, Gun Owners of America, or a new group in Colorado.
Clear the Bench Colorado is just such an organization. If you are from Colorado, or have an interest there click on the link. The Colorado Supreme Court is one of, if not the most partisan high state court in the country. The law should be above politics, period. If you think this doesn’t concern you, think again, because the same thing may be coming to your state soon!
Tags:Clear the bench Colorado, Colorado, Colorado Supreme Court, judicial activism, Law, Mike Rosen, News, Politics
Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 4 Comments »
November 1, 2009
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a grant program for funding shooting ranges and shooting areas. An anticipated $500,000 in funding will come from a combination of sportsmen’s licenses and other cash funding along with federal funding. The program is intended for the construction of new ranges and improvement of existing shooting areas. Contact Larry Strohl at 303-291-7346.
Save the chickens.
A program to conserve Colorado’s lesser prairie chickens will include a Nov. 12 workshop at the Division of Wildlife’s Lamar office, 2500 S. Main St. The event runs from 4-8 p.m. Call 719-336-6606.
Special hunt.
The Division of Wildlife and a private landowner in the Meeker area are teaming up to offer a special late-season cow elk hunting opportunity in late November and December. Applications must be received at the Meeker DOW office by 5 p.m. Nov. 9. Applications should be mailed to Bailey Franklin/Special Late Season Hunt, Box 1181, Meeker 81641.
Denver Post
Tags:DOW, Late season special elk hunt, News, prairie chickens, shooting range grants
Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Colorado DOW project notes
October 31, 2009
Stolen! With permission by the way, from Anthony, at the Liberty Sphere.
As we reported yesterday, the gargantuan 1990-page ‘healthcare reform’ bill agreed upon by the House is replete with booby-traps for the citizens. New details revealed today indicate that the ‘death panels’ Sarah Palin warned about are back and very present in the bill.
This provision will determine who is worthy of care based upon age and overall health, which will most certainly result in rationing for the elderly. In addition, the measure mandates that ‘end of life counseling’ be offered to the elderly.
The cost of the plan is also of great interest. According to the Congressional Budget Office the pricetag will be 1.055 TRILLION, far above the supposed goal of Nancy Pelosi and others to keep the cost below a trillion bucks.
But by the time ALL of the hidden costs are added in to the measure, the actual price is more like 2 trillion at the very least.
Let’s take a quick review of the provisions of the bill as they are known so far:
*It covers illegal aliens.
*It covers abortions.
*It raises taxes.
*It mandates that all citizens purchase health insurance (which is unconstitutional).
*It takes billions out of Medicare and depletes the Medicare Advantage supplemental programs.
*It gives the HHS Secretary the power to create ‘waiting lists’ which is tantamount to rationing.
*It imposes heavy fines on individuals who fail to purchase insurance and on businesses that fail to provide it for their employees, leading to unemployment and layoffs since many businesses can’t afford it.
*It maintains the so-called ‘public option’ which will drive private insurers out of business. In short, this is government-run healthcare.
The House will debate the bill next week. Assuming it passes, which is in doubt, it will have to go to a conference committee to reconcile the bill with a Senate version. The Senate has already made it clear that ObamaCare is in deep trouble with heavy hitters such as Joe Lieberman and Olympia Snowe indicating they will not support the plan.
SOURCE
Other great things by the author HERE.
Tags:News, obamacare, Politics
Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Immigration, Law, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 2 Comments »
October 31, 2009
So much for Heller vs D.C. When so many in the Freedom community crows about winning that case many, including myself cautioned that there were devils in the details. Indeed it would appear that the demons that lurked are more then raising their heads.
Courts across the nation, as well as SCOTUS, are a power unto themselves, and they are hell bent to destroy your rights across the board. Think about it. This, despite what is on the face of it, is not really about gun control. It is about controlling you. From the pre- Constitutional right to defend yourself and yours, to property rights, to unreasonable search and seizure, and beyond. This is all about power. The power of government.
Second Amendment: NJ Court Says No Right to Buy Handgun
“A New Jersey appeals court has concluded that Americans have no Second Amendment right to buy a handgun,” CBS News reports. “[T]he superior court upheld a state law saying that nobody may possess ‘any handgun’ without obtaining law enforcement approval and permission in advance.” Given that the Supreme Court ruled last year in DC v. Heller that the Second Amendment guarantees “the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation,” this ruling is a bit surprising. New Jersey Appellate Division Judge Stephen Skillman, writing for the unanimous three-judge panel, said that Heller “has no impact upon the constitutionality of” the state law.
It’s true that the Supreme Court avoided some larger questions in Heller, even specifically saying that the ruling does “not address the licensing requirement.” However, the Second Amendment to the Constitution reads: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Based on our reading of that plain language, there’s nothing in there about permission from a court or law enforcement for particular arms. We hope the Supreme Court addresses this question when it hears McDonald v. Chicago, challenging Chicago’s handgun ban, later this year.
SOURCE
Tags:Gun Control, Heller vs D.C., inalienable rights, News, people control, Politics, Rights, SCOTUS, unalienable rights
Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 1 Comment »
Conservative Libertarian Outpost 