There's an old joke, The Irish gave the Scots bagpipes as a joke. The Scots still don't get the joke.
20 July, 2012
Friday Funtrack - Thunderstruck
There's an old joke, The Irish gave the Scots bagpipes as a joke. The Scots still don't get the joke.
19 July, 2012
Common Sense, isn't
I've seen a couple of my FB friends who 'liked' the Common Sense Coalition.
So I went and looked at what they are about. I looked at what they listed as their principles. Among them was Personal Freedom, a concept my readers probably know is dear to my heart.
It goes;
Protecting individual rights from over-zealous government is a fundamental principle of our democracy. The virtues of individuals — self-reliance, responsibility, ingenuity, entrepreneurialism – these are the cornerstones of the Bill of Rights, our culture and our strength as a nation. While we are a nation of individuals, we have a history of working together to help those in need.
I'd tell them we don't live in a democracy, but rather a representative republic. Hmmm, maybe they weren't in class that day in school, so I'll let it slide for now
Another one is labeled 'Efficient Government' color me shocked, but somehow when those two words are paired together, rents in the fabric of spacetime occur somewhere.
When we entrust our government with our money, we impose upon them an obligation to behave responsibly and efficiently. Government should have clear goals and metrics for the programs they invest in and should change or repeal those programs that are ineffective. Government should also aggressively root out waste and hold itself to the highest standard of accountability. Decision-making should also occur at the right level of government. State and local governments, who are closer to the people and problems at hand, are often better suited to solve problems than the federal government.
I really like the idea that state and local government understands what folks at those levels need, rather than some politician in Washington D.C. So far, with a couple small details, they sound like a rather 'common sense' bunch.
The next principle I'd like to examine is what they term 'justice and fairness.
A government that indiscriminately favors one group over another does so at the expense of justice. A government that exempts a select few from its laws or regulations does so at the expense of fairness.
Pay attention to that first sentence in the above paragraph, cause I am getting to my point in this whole exercise. And look at the next paragraph.
Fairness dictates that the costs of government be borne both broadly and disproportionately by those who have benefited the most from our economic system. This means our tax system should be simple, progressive, and that all citizens should bear part of the burden.
So by having high income earners pay more, the government is discriminately favoring one group over another. But how is that fair, to discriminate against a very productive part of the tax base? The answer, it isn't fair. A much more sensible, fair policy would be a flat tax. Thanks, but no thanks, common sense, isn't.
17 July, 2012
After his political dysfunction, Weiner wants to stand erect again.
Anthony Weiner, after having his politcal balls cut out from underneath him, wants to run for mayor of New York.
He'll be standing in the Hamptons announcing his candidacy.
It warms the cockles of my heart
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16 July, 2012
QOTD - Diplomad 2.0
I can't resist ending this by making a simple observation and asking a simple question: A Kennedy, a car, and a highway . . . what possibly could go wrong? -
Diplomad 2.0
At least she failed to kill an intern.
h/t to Diplomad 2.0
Diplomad 2.0
At least she failed to kill an intern.
h/t to Diplomad 2.0
13 July, 2012
07 July, 2012
State Dept. "Trust us with your 2A rights." Thanks, but I'll keep an eye on you.
Pretty words......
But I wouldn't trust the State Dept. to negotiate itself out of a wet paper sack.
But I wouldn't trust the State Dept. to negotiate itself out of a wet paper sack.
06 July, 2012
05 July, 2012
4 Illegal Mayors Against Guns in Missouri
A while ago, I found that there were three mayors in the state of Missouri who were part of Illegal Mayors Against Guns.
Well, count KCMO as adding one more to that roster of scum and villainy.
I urge my readers to call on these mayors and demand an accounting as to why they would actively seek out to curtail your 2nd amendment rights under the constitution.
Well, count KCMO as adding one more to that roster of scum and villainy.
I urge my readers to call on these mayors and demand an accounting as to why they would actively seek out to curtail your 2nd amendment rights under the constitution.
15 June, 2012
13 June, 2012
So when is the right time to lay claim to standing your ground?
And this is what we fight:
The parents of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin say Floridians who initiate confrontations should not be allowed to invoke the state’s “stand-your-ground law,” which permits using deadly force against those who pose a risk of killing or seriously injuring someone.
Pray tell, why? exactly should we not be allowed to invoke it? Who initiated this confrontation? It is not known, as far as I can tell. That is why George Zimmerman sits in a jail cell in Florida awaiting trial.
The parents of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin say Floridians who initiate confrontations should not be allowed to invoke the state’s “stand-your-ground law,” which permits using deadly force against those who pose a risk of killing or seriously injuring someone.
Pray tell, why? exactly should we not be allowed to invoke it? Who initiated this confrontation? It is not known, as far as I can tell. That is why George Zimmerman sits in a jail cell in Florida awaiting trial.
11 June, 2012
Wisconsin Governors Race 2010 & 2012, it wasn't about the money.
What happened in Wisconsin in the recall election is telling. For all the disparity of money that was spent by the Republicans vs. the Democrats, the polling numbers are remarkably similiar.
In 2010 they look like this
Walker 52.3%
Barrett 46.6%
In 2012 they are as follows
Walker 53.1%
Barrett 46.3%
Historically, unions have been well organized and are able to motivate and influence their membership to vote the union's preference. It is fascinating that not being buried in with a lot of other political races, the democrats were unable to gather enough support to sway the vote. Walker gained .8% of the vote and Barrett lost .3% of it.
I've seen figures that various pro Walker organizations and such outspent pro Barrett supporters 4 to 1. All to gain less than one percent of the total vote? It wasn't money that kept Scott Walker in the Wisconsin governors seat, it was the same folks before liking what he's done and supporting him to continue doing what he's doing.
In 2010 they look like this
Walker 52.3%
Barrett 46.6%
In 2012 they are as follows
Walker 53.1%
Barrett 46.3%
Historically, unions have been well organized and are able to motivate and influence their membership to vote the union's preference. It is fascinating that not being buried in with a lot of other political races, the democrats were unable to gather enough support to sway the vote. Walker gained .8% of the vote and Barrett lost .3% of it.
I've seen figures that various pro Walker organizations and such outspent pro Barrett supporters 4 to 1. All to gain less than one percent of the total vote? It wasn't money that kept Scott Walker in the Wisconsin governors seat, it was the same folks before liking what he's done and supporting him to continue doing what he's doing.
08 June, 2012
Hell & No
Environmental wackos these days, watcha gonna do with them? It seems that six groups feel the need to pester peaceably armed citizens about the lead they fill their hands with, when it comes time to harvest Bambi.
Tam, back in 2010 had something to say about this previously.
* There is anecdotal evidence that the banning of traditional ammunition would have an adverse impact on government bureaucrat populations.
It would also have an adverse impact on environmentalist and junk scientist populations.
Tam, back in 2010 had something to say about this previously.
* There is anecdotal evidence that the banning of traditional ammunition would have an adverse impact on government bureaucrat populations.
It would also have an adverse impact on environmentalist and junk scientist populations.
There was a little black spot on the sun Tuesday
Just because Venus transited in front of the sun this past Tuesday.
07 June, 2012
QOTD - Elie Mystal
And please, never own a gun. It’s exactly the kind of people who don’t
know how to take care of themselves without a weapon who think that
owning a firearm will somehow make it all better — and then end up
shooting their way out of a situation that simply required some common
sense.
QOTD found here.
I was reminded of Robb's post about driving to work the other day when I read the above quote. Of course instead of whipping out his gat and gunning down the offender, he thought discretion was in order and simply walked away. A gun doesn't make it all better, but better to be armed and able to respond with equal or superior force than to cower when someone who lacked restraint visits violence upon you.
QOTD found here.
I was reminded of Robb's post about driving to work the other day when I read the above quote. Of course instead of whipping out his gat and gunning down the offender, he thought discretion was in order and simply walked away. A gun doesn't make it all better, but better to be armed and able to respond with equal or superior force than to cower when someone who lacked restraint visits violence upon you.
06 June, 2012
I sure hope democracy is dead
Just to be clear, America is representative republic. Them tears are sooooo sweet, now to figure out a way to become an evil capitalist and collect & market sweet commie tears.
(update) And yet, Republicans are the violent ones.
Whatcha doin? Imma fixin to call me out some cracka gun shop owners.
So Jesse Jackson is gonna march on gun shops? Part of an industry that had a 30.6 percent job growth between 2008 and 2011, he's going to attack a growing part of our economy where jobs to be created. How fun is it going to be watching this foul piece of humanity leave loafer prints on his genitalia.
05 June, 2012
Consequences, a parent spared the rod, and now the child is spoiled
Courtesy of Weerd, it is jaw dropping that there is no remorse shown by either of these spoiled brats. You have to wonder, where did the money come from for Starbucks.
01 June, 2012
Nifty video of a F1 car cut in half
I love it when the engineer refers to driver Sergio Perez as just another component.
30 May, 2012
President refers to death camps as Polish
President Obummer Tuesday referred to the Nazi death camps as 'Polish death camps
It makes one wonder if he spoke to the gathering of people in Austrian
The man's ignorance is breathtaking.
It makes one wonder if he spoke to the gathering of people in Austrian
The man's ignorance is breathtaking.
NSSF Economic Growth Report, or how the peaceably armed citizen is leading the economic recovery of the U.S.
According to an NSSF study detailing economic growth in the firearms industry. According to the report 26,325 jobs have been created in the last two years by firearms manufacturers.
RTWT.
RTWT.
29 May, 2012
Three Missouri Mayors are members of MAIG
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay
University City Mayor Shelley Welsch
&
Lee's Summit Mayor Randall L Rhoads
Use the links to ask them why they wish to curtail your right to keep and bear arms, and why they would knowingly associate with criminals.
University City Mayor Shelley Welsch
&
Lee's Summit Mayor Randall L Rhoads
Use the links to ask them why they wish to curtail your right to keep and bear arms, and why they would knowingly associate with criminals.
27 May, 2012
Rock Band Fights Evil: The Rockening
Back in late April, GI Joe: code name Spreadsheet, book bombed D.J. Butler.
Today while browsing Amazon, I saw the second book in the series. It's free, gratis, no money spent on obtaining the dead pixel version of this series.
If you're a fan of Spreadsheet's alter ego, you'll probably like this series. I'm hooked.
26 May, 2012
When the HuffPo offers you chocolate. sniff it first
Because it might be a load of bullshit instead.
This treaty is the wet dream of every despotic tyrant on the face of the earth.
This treaty is the wet dream of every despotic tyrant on the face of the earth.
25 May, 2012
Begging to go to work, the curious case of why your interior designer goes through more hurdles than the local paramedic to earn a living..
Seeking permission to work, the idea of occupational licensing for a number of lower paying occupations is something many Americans are being required to seek now more than ever. The Institute for Justice recently completed a study that delves into this subject.
Three states account for the greatest burdens, most licensed occupations and/or a combination of both. Louisiana lists 71 out of the 102 studied occupations requiring licensing. Hawaii is the most burdensome and Arizona has the greatest combination of licensed occupations and licensing requirements.
66 occupations have heavier licensing requirements than being an EMT, literally someone who holds your life in their hands faces less licensing regulation than say, the most heavily regulated occupation. that of an interior designer.
And for more, go here.
Three states account for the greatest burdens, most licensed occupations and/or a combination of both. Louisiana lists 71 out of the 102 studied occupations requiring licensing. Hawaii is the most burdensome and Arizona has the greatest combination of licensed occupations and licensing requirements.
66 occupations have heavier licensing requirements than being an EMT, literally someone who holds your life in their hands faces less licensing regulation than say, the most heavily regulated occupation. that of an interior designer.
And for more, go here.
23 May, 2012
Not even firearms are immune to the call of free gubmint cheese
Corporate welfare? For the gun industry? In this era, where gun sales are going through the roof?
Up is down, left is right, and New York of all places is where this is happening.
Up is down, left is right, and New York of all places is where this is happening.
11 May, 2012
Friday Fun Track - Bombay Royale
10 May, 2012
QOTD -
I suspect that Jack would want some federal or local police agency to do the taking. Jack, anytime you're feeling froggy though, Molon Labe!
08 May, 2012
Culling acres of bureaucrats
Recently Chris Christie was the keynote speaker at the Cato Institute's Milton Freedman Milton Friedman Prize Banquet.
In listening to part of his address, he lays the claim that New Jersy had more state workers per square mile than any other state in the union. This led me to think what hundreds of faceless drones indifferently bleating, "We're the government and we're here to help." would look like.
Damn, that right there to me is a funny image. And Christie has culled the herd.
In listening to part of his address, he lays the claim that New Jersy had more state workers per square mile than any other state in the union. This led me to think what hundreds of faceless drones indifferently bleating, "We're the government and we're here to help." would look like.
Damn, that right there to me is a funny image. And Christie has culled the herd.
07 May, 2012
Daily Show examines MO. HB 1621
Recently The Daily Show, through it's comedic premise highlighted HB 1621 here in Missouri.
Featured was Representative Wanda Brown, the author of the bill was asked if anyone has ever been discriminated against by their employer for owning guns. Ms. Brown could not cite an example, but rather claimed this was a preventative bill. It is there to stop any future occurences of discrimination by employers.
Ms. Brown claims to be an adovcate for rights, but when asked, Missouri's only openly gay legislator Mike Colona claims that during previously introduced legislation strengthening LGBT rights concerning workplace protections, Ms. Brown voted against such legislation.
Human rights are there for everyone. People demand we codify these with laws and legislation. We might not like what someone chooses to own or how they choose to live their life, but that doesn't mean we should deny them the chance to do so. If you don't stand up for what someone else believes in, how can you ask them to stand up for what you do?
Featured was Representative Wanda Brown, the author of the bill was asked if anyone has ever been discriminated against by their employer for owning guns. Ms. Brown could not cite an example, but rather claimed this was a preventative bill. It is there to stop any future occurences of discrimination by employers.
Ms. Brown claims to be an adovcate for rights, but when asked, Missouri's only openly gay legislator Mike Colona claims that during previously introduced legislation strengthening LGBT rights concerning workplace protections, Ms. Brown voted against such legislation.
Human rights are there for everyone. People demand we codify these with laws and legislation. We might not like what someone chooses to own or how they choose to live their life, but that doesn't mean we should deny them the chance to do so. If you don't stand up for what someone else believes in, how can you ask them to stand up for what you do?
05 May, 2012
04 May, 2012
Friday Fun Track - B
My buddy Curt had this in his collection for the ride to Memphis a month ago. The name of the band had me predisposed to thinking it was a death metal band of some sort. Not in the slightest. Just good ole' American Rock n' Roll.
30 April, 2012
Go here and read the hover text.
Slogging through Ayn Rand is a bit like exercise. It does you good, but the pain you endure can't be helped.
Slipping further into irrelevancy
This is the latest press releases I can find from the CSGV. You would think that for a group that touts the decline in gun ownership, the CSGV would be on the attack in the press and crowing about the gun's imminent demise. You don't suppose Ladd Everitt decided to find a bottle of sleeping pills and a fifth of whiskey do you? Nah, I doubt he's that despondent.......yet.
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