bearingarms--2020-09-08--Teachers Keep Calling Cops On Kids With Toy Guns

The story of Isaiah Elliott , a 12-year old middle school student in Colorado who was suspended from school and received a visit from local law enforcement after a teacher spotted a toy gun during an online class , is now making national headlines .
For some reason , however , many media outlets are choosing to make Elliott ’ s story one of racial bias instead of acknowledging that kids of all racial backgrounds have been subjected to similar stupidity in recent months .
From Buzzfeed to the Washington Post , many reporters seem convinced that there was some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the overreaction .
What ’ s really odd about the national attention on Isaiah Elliott is that he wasn ’ t the only middle schooler in Colorado suspended after a teacher spotted a toy gun during an online class session .
11-year old Maddox Blow also got a visit from police after his teacher alerted authorities to the presence of a toy gun , and Blow too was suspended by school officials in Jefferson County as a result of his fidgeting with his airsoft gun .
Blow said he was attending online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so he pulled up other things on his computer screen and mindlessly grabbed the Airsoft pistol in his room .
His actions were caught on a recording , but a teacher didn ’ t notice it until hours later when she was reviewing the recorded session , according to Justin Blow , Maddox ’ s father .
“ This is a blatant overreaction on everyone ’ s part , ” said Justin Blow .
“ Maddox is owed an apology.
” Yep , and so is Isaiah Elliott , though I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get an “ I ’ m sorry ” from their local schools .
On today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co we delve into the issue of teachers freaking out over toy guns in the home , now that they ’ re able to peer into the homes of their students during online classes .
These two incidents in Colorado aren ’ t the first time we ’ ve seen something like this happen .
Back in June , a kid in Baltimore County , Maryland also had cops called to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BB gun hanging on the 5th grader ’ s bedroom wall .
As in the cases out of Colorado , the schools contacted police before they ever reached out to the parents .
As a Navy veteran with four years of active duty , Courtney Lancaster has extensive knowledge of guns , how to use them and how to store them .
In his pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout , Courtney says her son has learned how to shoot a BB gun and an airsoft gun .
He ’ s also taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother says he stores his bow and guns on this wall in his bedroom .
It ’ s never been a problem until June 1 , when police pulled up outside her house .
“ I had no idea what to think .
I ’ ve never been in any legal trouble whatsoever .
I ’ ve never had any negative encounter with law enforcement , ” said Courtney .
“ I had no idea .
I really didn ’ t know what to think.
” I know what I think , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Parents need to be proactive here , and shouldn ’ t wait for the cops to show up because their son or daughter was caught on camera playing with their toy gun .
They should be reaching out to their local school board members and their superintendent to find out what the district ’ s policy is if a teacher spots a Nerf , airsoft , or BB gun during an online class session , particularly if there ’ s no threat involved .
If that policy dictates that police are contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That may mean working with other parents , showing up at the next school board meeting , and tirelessly advocating for a policy that ’ s based on common sense instead of anti-gun fear mongering .
The alternative is more students with disciplinary records , or God forbid , kids being arrested or even harmed by officers who ’ ve been told that there ’ s a juvenile with a gun in the home .
I don ’ t think any teacher or administrator wants that on their conscience .
These educators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ better safe than sorry ” approach , but they ’ re not actually making anybody safer , and this policy is a sorry excuse for student safety .

The story of Isaiah Elliott, a 12-year old middle school student in Colorado who was suspended from school and received a visit from local law enforcement after a teacher spotted a toy gun during an online class, is now making national headlines. For some reason, however, many media outlets are choosing to make Elliott’s story one of racial bias instead of acknowledging that kids of all racial backgrounds have been subjected to similar stupidity in recent months.
From Buzzfeed to the Washington Post, many reporters seem convinced that there was some sort of racial bias at the heart of the overreaction.
Dani Elliott was at work last month in Colorado Springs when her 12-year-old son’s vice principal called with alarming news: A police officer was on the way to her house — all because her son had played with a toy gun during his virtual art class. Elliott says she was terrified, especially considering her son is Black. “I never thought: ‘You can’t play with a Nerf gun in your own home because somebody may perceive it as a threat and call the police on you,’” Elliott said. Elliott’s son, Isaiah, was later suspended for five days and now has a record with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and a mark on his school disciplinary paperwork saying he brought a “facsimile of a firearm to school” — even though he was in his own home doing a virtual class. The “gun” was obviously a toy, painted black and green with “Zombie Hunter” on the side.
What’s really odd about the national attention on Isaiah Elliott is that he wasn’t the only middle schooler in Colorado suspended after a teacher spotted a toy gun during an online class session. 11-year old Maddox Blow also got a visit from police after his teacher alerted authorities to the presence of a toy gun, and Blow too was suspended by school officials in Jefferson County as a result of his fidgeting with his airsoft gun.
Blow said he was attending online class and finished a quiz early, so he pulled up other things on his computer screen and mindlessly grabbed the Airsoft pistol in his room. His actions were caught on a recording, but a teacher didn’t notice it until hours later when she was reviewing the recorded session, according to Justin Blow, Maddox’s father. “This is a blatant overreaction on everyone’s part,” said Justin Blow. “Maddox is owed an apology.”
Yep, and so is Isaiah Elliott, though I don’t think either kid is going to get an “I’m sorry” from their local schools.
On today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co we delve into the issue of teachers freaking out over toy guns in the home, now that they’re able to peer into the homes of their students during online classes. These two incidents in Colorado aren’t the first time we’ve seen something like this happen. Back in June, a kid in Baltimore County, Maryland also had cops called to his home after his teacher spotted a BB gun hanging on the 5th grader’s bedroom wall. As in the cases out of Colorado, the schools contacted police before they ever reached out to the parents.
As a Navy veteran with four years of active duty, Courtney Lancaster has extensive knowledge of guns, how to use them and how to store them. In his pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout, Courtney says her son has learned how to shoot a BB gun and an airsoft gun. He’s also taken three levels of archery lessons. His mother says he stores his bow and guns on this wall in his bedroom. It’s never been a problem until June 1, when police pulled up outside her house. “I had no idea what to think. I’ve never been in any legal trouble whatsoever. I’ve never had any negative encounter with law enforcement,” said Courtney. “I had no idea. I really didn’t know what to think.”
I know what I think, and it rhymes with “pull fit”.
Parents need to be proactive here, and shouldn’t wait for the cops to show up because their son or daughter was caught on camera playing with their toy gun. They should be reaching out to their local school board members and their superintendent to find out what the district’s policy is if a teacher spots a Nerf, airsoft, or BB gun during an online class session, particularly if there’s no threat involved.
If that policy dictates that police are contacted before parents, it needs to change. That may mean working with other parents, showing up at the next school board meeting, and tirelessly advocating for a policy that’s based on common sense instead of anti-gun fear mongering. The alternative is more students with disciplinary records, or God forbid, kids being arrested or even harmed by officers who’ve been told that there’s a juvenile with a gun in the home. I don’t think any teacher or administrator wants that on their conscience. These educators may think they’re simply taking a “better safe than sorry” approach, but they’re not actually making anybody safer, and this policy is a sorry excuse for student safety.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--"Stand Your Ground" Is Legalized Murder? Think Again

Florida ’ s Stand Your Ground law has gotten a lot of heat over the years .
Opponents of the law call it legalized murder .
They claim that all you have to do is claim you were in fear of your life and you can kill anyone you want .
Of course , we all know that to be complete nonsense .
Those who espouse such crap are either ignorant or outright lying .
In fact , a case in Florida proves just how idiotic those claims actually are .
A Florida man has been arrested after he shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early Sunday morning , killing him with “ too much force used , ” Polk County Sherif Grady Judd said at a news conference .
Bryan Medeiros , 25 , was outside the bounds of Florida ’ s “ stand your ground ” law when he shot Devyn Pritchett , 19 , as he walked away from him .
Pritchett drew attention to himself after he “ dropped some acid ” and “ freaked out , ” Judd said , leaving a nearby hotel room where he was staying with several friends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the shooting and was clearly unarmed , Judd said .
After leaving the hotel , Pritchett first encountered a man walking his dog outside the Davenport apartment building where the shooting eventually took place .
Still under the influence of drugs , Pritchett reportedly made “ finger guns ” and said “ pow pow pow ” toward the man , who shoved him and knocked him down .
The man with the dog went upstairs to his third floor apartment , told his roommate about the encounter , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them went outside to see where Pritchett went .
Now , I get that Pritchett was someone to keep an eye on .
Anyone that strung out is someone you should be cautious of .
However , it appears that he was unarmed and walking away from Medeiros .
While the “ finger guns ” thing might be construed as a threat , that ’ s for the police to deal with , especially if there ’ s no sign of a weapon .
Now , Medeiros is facing murder charges .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should .
See , while many will still claim Stand Your Ground laws allow you to get away with murder , that ’ s simply not true .
It ’ s not enough for you to feel a little threatened .
There has to be an actual threat , and those are two different things .
One can feel threatened by any number of things , but that doesn ’ t mean there ’ s not a real threat .
A sketchy looking guy walking behind a woman on an otherwise-abandoned street can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat ?
Not necessarily .
If he ’ s just walking that same direction because he ’ s walking home from work , he ’ s not a threat at all .
But , the moment that dude pulls out a knife or something and makes an aggressive action , now he ’ s a threat and Stand Your Ground laws apply .
This isn ’ t rocket science in the least , yet it ’ s amazing to me just how many people don ’ t seem to comprehend the difference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ help but wonder of Medeiros heard some of these arguments from people who didn ’ t understand the law and simply assumed he was good to go .
If so , he almost deserves to be locked up for stupidity alone .

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law has gotten a lot of heat over the years. Opponents of the law call it legalized murder. They claim that all you have to do is claim you were in fear of your life and you can kill anyone you want.
Of course, we all know that to be complete nonsense. Those who espouse such crap are either ignorant or outright lying.
In fact, a case in Florida proves just how idiotic those claims actually are.
A Florida man has been arrested after he shot another man multiple times in the back early Sunday morning, killing him with “too much force used,” Polk County Sherif Grady Judd said at a news conference. Bryan Medeiros, 25, was outside the bounds of Florida’s “stand your ground” law when he shot Devyn Pritchett, 19, as he walked away from him. Pritchett drew attention to himself after he “dropped some acid” and “freaked out,” Judd said, leaving a nearby hotel room where he was staying with several friends. He was wearing only shorts and socks at the time of the shooting and was clearly unarmed, Judd said. After leaving the hotel, Pritchett first encountered a man walking his dog outside the Davenport apartment building where the shooting eventually took place. Still under the influence of drugs, Pritchett reportedly made “finger guns” and said “pow pow pow” toward the man, who shoved him and knocked him down. The man with the dog went upstairs to his third floor apartment, told his roommate about the encounter, and called 911. Then the two of them went outside to see where Pritchett went.
Now, I get that Pritchett was someone to keep an eye on. Anyone that strung out is someone you should be cautious of.
However, it appears that he was unarmed and walking away from Medeiros. While the “finger guns” thing might be construed as a threat, that’s for the police to deal with, especially if there’s no sign of a weapon.
Now, Medeiros is facing murder charges. If the reports here are accurate, he should.
See, while many will still claim Stand Your Ground laws allow you to get away with murder, that’s simply not true. It’s not enough for you to feel a little threatened. There has to be an actual threat, and those are two different things.
One can feel threatened by any number of things, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a real threat. A sketchy looking guy walking behind a woman on an otherwise-abandoned street can be threatening, but is it a threat? Not necessarily. If he’s just walking that same direction because he’s walking home from work, he’s not a threat at all.
But, the moment that dude pulls out a knife or something and makes an aggressive action, now he’s a threat and Stand Your Ground laws apply.
This isn’t rocket science in the least, yet it’s amazing to me just how many people don’t seem to comprehend the difference. In fact, I can’t help but wonder of Medeiros heard some of these arguments from people who didn’t understand the law and simply assumed he was good to go.
If so, he almost deserves to be locked up for stupidity alone.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--Gun Owners Of America Labeled "Conspiracist" By "News" Site

Lauren Boebert shocked a lot of people when she won her primary race .
Few expected for the restaurant owner to make that much of a splash into politics , yet here we are .
Boebert isn ’ t shaping up to be some kind of squishy Republican , either .
She ’ s taking hard lines and a lot of people don ’ t like it .
They dislike it so much they ’ re willing to liable an entire organization to make a point .
In a post titled , “ Boebert Accepting Endorsement of Conspiracist Group Gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the website Colorado Times Recorder wrote : The far-right Gun Owners of America ( GOA ) group is endorsing Lauren Boebert for Colorado ’ s 3rd congressional district at an in-person event in Pueblo this Saturday .
GOA is a fringe pro-gun group that , like Dudley Brown ’ s National Association for Gun Rights , has sent fundraising emails asking for money to defend Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse .
The group also has a history of promoting extremist conspiracy theories .
Following the Aurora theater shooting in 2013 , GOA issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s availability to discuss the possibility that the massacre was a false flag attack orchestrated by the federal government .
So , one ranking member of the group makes a comment about the timing of an attack feeling suspicious–something that many of us feel when a mass shooting takes place at the worst possible time for a mass shooting to happen from a political standpoint–and suddenly it ’ s not just that Pratt thought it possible that there was more to the story , but the entire organization is built on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy it , I ’ ve got a bridge to sell you .
However , maybe we should be a little suspicious of the messenger .
See , let ’ s take a look at their name , Colorado Times Recorder .
Sure sounds like your run of the mill local or state-level newspaper , right ?
Only , it ’ s not .
It ’ s a progressive blog .
From their own about page : In other words , there ’ s an inherent bias in their “ reporting.
” Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arms has an inherent bias in what we report as well .
The difference is that with a name like Bearing Arms , everyone and their brother can guess what that bias is .
We ’ re not trying to hide it by using a name that suggests a news outlet rather than a political blog .
As a result , people will see this hit piece on Boebert–who apparently scares the crap out of them–and think the Gun Owners of America is out there screaming about black helicopters , cattle mutiliations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scan your brains rather than the staunch defenders of the Second Amendment we all know them to be .
Frankly , even if that were true , the Colorado Times Recorder writer completely and totally failed to make the case .
Larry Pratt said something back in 2012 and that ’ s the only link you have when it was his son who issued the endorsement ?
Pathetic work , really .
The truth is that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is terrified of someone like Boebert and they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from winning the election .
That seemingly includes defamation , apparently .

Lauren Boebert shocked a lot of people when she won her primary race. Few expected for the restaurant owner to make that much of a splash into politics, yet here we are.
Boebert isn’t shaping up to be some kind of squishy Republican, either. She’s taking hard lines and a lot of people don’t like it. They dislike it so much they’re willing to liable an entire organization to make a point.
In a post titled, “Boebert Accepting Endorsement of Conspiracist Group Gun Owners of America at Pueblo Event,” the website Colorado Times Recorder wrote:
The far-right Gun Owners of America (GOA) group is endorsing Lauren Boebert for Colorado’s 3rd congressional district at an in-person event in Pueblo this Saturday. GOA is a fringe pro-gun group that, like Dudley Brown’s National Association for Gun Rights, has sent fundraising emails asking for money to defend Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse. The group also has a history of promoting extremist conspiracy theories. Following the Aurora theater shooting in 2013, GOA issued a press release offering founder Larry Pratt’s availability to discuss the possibility that the massacre was a false flag attack orchestrated by the federal government.
So, one ranking member of the group makes a comment about the timing of an attack feeling suspicious–something that many of us feel when a mass shooting takes place at the worst possible time for a mass shooting to happen from a political standpoint–and suddenly it’s not just that Pratt thought it possible that there was more to the story, but the entire organization is built on a foundation of conspiracy theories?
Yeah, sure. I totally buy that.
If you buy it, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.
However, maybe we should be a little suspicious of the messenger. See, let’s take a look at their name, Colorado Times Recorder. Sure sounds like your run of the mill local or state-level newspaper, right?
Only, it’s not. It’s a progressive blog. From their own about page:
We aim to be fair and accurate. Our work has a nonpartisan, progressive orientation, which means we emphasize coverage of Colorado stories that advance or illuminate the progressive values of freedom, justice, responsibility, opportunity, and equality.
In other words, there’s an inherent bias in their “reporting.”
Now, that’s fine. Bearing Arms has an inherent bias in what we report as well. The difference is that with a name like Bearing Arms, everyone and their brother can guess what that bias is. We’re not trying to hide it by using a name that suggests a news outlet rather than a political blog.
As a result, people will see this hit piece on Boebert–who apparently scares the crap out of them–and think the Gun Owners of America is out there screaming about black helicopters, cattle mutiliations, and the New World Order coming to scan your brains rather than the staunch defenders of the Second Amendment we all know them to be.
Frankly, even if that were true, the Colorado Times Recorder writer completely and totally failed to make the case. Larry Pratt said something back in 2012 and that’s the only link you have when it was his son who issued the endorsement? Pathetic work, really.
The truth is that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is terrified of someone like Boebert and they’ll do anything to try and prevent her from winning the election. That seemingly includes defamation, apparently.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--More Than 200,000 Sign Petition To Scrap Canada's Gun Ban

Justin Trudeau ’ s ban on “ military style ” firearms hasn ’ t gotten any more popular since it was announced earlier this year in the wake of a spree killing in Nova Scotia by a man who illegally armed himself with firearms and posed as a police officer to target his victims .
An online petition calling for an end to the ban drew responses from more than 230,000 Canadians , and according to CBC , it ’ s the most popular parliamentary online petition ever filed in the country .
The petition asks the prime minister to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” calling it “ undemocratically imposed without debate during a pandemic while Parliament is suspended , [ and ] an assault on Canadian democracy.
” “ [ Canadians ] are wondering why the government has chosen to confiscate legally-owned firearms during a suspended parliament , ” [ MP Michelle ] Rempel Garner said in an interview with CBC News .
“ When we know that that is going to do little to reduce the issue of violent crime in Canada , in terms of firearms that are obtained illegally.
” Rempel Gardner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province of Alberta , is absolutely right that Trudeau ’ s gun ban isn ’ t going to do anything to tackle violent crime in Canada , much of which is driven by gang violence surrounded by both illegal drugs and illicitly obtained firearms .
Instead of a ban on assault-style weapons , Rempel Garner ’ s petition calls on the government to crack down on firearms obtained illegally , specifically targeting the prevention of smuggled firearms across the U.S. border .
“ Canada has one of the most rigorous firearms acquisition licensing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ When we ’ re looking at the very important issue of preventing firearms violence in Canada , we have to look at where firearms that are used in violent crime are coming from and we know that the vast majority of those are illegally obtained and primarily smuggled in from the United States.
” Even some police officers in Canada have acknowledged that making it illegal to own some of the most common modern sporting rifles isn ’ t going to impact the gang members and drug dealers fueling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % increase in gun violence over the past five years , but Winnipeg police Insp .
Max Waddell doesn ’ t believe a gun ban would do much to stop it .
Waddell , speaking to the media with close to $ 1 million in drugs in front of him following a recent bust , said the drug trade is the leading cause for the uptick because those who sell illicit drugs need to protect themselves and their property .
And it ’ s that ruthlessness that leads Waddell to believe , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not stop illicit and illegal drugs in Winnipeg .
“ The reality is , if criminals want to get their hands on it , they ’ re going to get their hands on it , ” he said .
Waddell used the drugs in front of him as an example .
They are all banned , he said .
“ It ’ s not going to do anything , ” he said .
“ It will come from illegal means again.
” Waddell pointed to the legalization of cannabis , saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the black market .
“ It ’ s still as strong or stronger , ” he said .
“ It ’ s the exact same principle .
Canada ’ s parliament won ’ t be back in session until later this month , but when lawmakers return Rempel Gardner will officially file the petition , which will trigger a mandated response by the federal government .
I doubt that Trudeau ’ s response will be to kill his gun ban , but the issue isn ’ t going to simply disappear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced a two-year amnesty for existing gun owners to hand over their now-illegal firearms .
That amnesty is set to expire in mid-2022 , a little more than a year before the deadline for Canada ’ s next federal election in October of 2023 .
It ’ s quite possible that federal elections will take place before then , but either way I suspect that Trudeau ’ s gun ban is going to be a key issue for many voters in the country ’ s midsection , which has seen the most opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justin Trudeau may have imposed his nationwide gun ban , but voters still have the opportunity to undo the damage by returning the Liberal party to a minority when they get the opportunity to cast their next vote .

Justin Trudeau’s ban on “military style” firearms hasn’t gotten any more popular since it was announced earlier this year in the wake of a spree killing in Nova Scotia by a man who illegally armed himself with firearms and posed as a police officer to target his victims. An online petition calling for an end to the ban drew responses from more than 230,000 Canadians, and according to CBC, it’s the most popular parliamentary online petition ever filed in the country.
The petition asks the prime minister to immediately scrap his “firearms confiscation regime,” calling it “undemocratically imposed without debate during a pandemic while Parliament is suspended, [and] an assault on Canadian democracy.” “[Canadians] are wondering why the government has chosen to confiscate legally-owned firearms during a suspended parliament,” [MP Michelle] Rempel Garner said in an interview with CBC News. “When we know that that is going to do little to reduce the issue of violent crime in Canada, in terms of firearms that are obtained illegally.”
Rempel Gardner, who represents a district in the province of Alberta, is absolutely right that Trudeau’s gun ban isn’t going to do anything to tackle violent crime in Canada, much of which is driven by gang violence surrounded by both illegal drugs and illicitly obtained firearms.
Instead of a ban on assault-style weapons, Rempel Garner’s petition calls on the government to crack down on firearms obtained illegally, specifically targeting the prevention of smuggled firearms across the U.S. border. “Canada has one of the most rigorous firearms acquisition licensing regimes in the world,” she said. “When we’re looking at the very important issue of preventing firearms violence in Canada, we have to look at where firearms that are used in violent crime are coming from and we know that the vast majority of those are illegally obtained and primarily smuggled in from the United States.”
Even some police officers in Canada have acknowledged that making it illegal to own some of the most common modern sporting rifles isn’t going to impact the gang members and drug dealers fueling the violence.
Police have seen a 58% increase in gun violence over the past five years, but Winnipeg police Insp. Max Waddell doesn’t believe a gun ban would do much to stop it. Waddell, speaking to the media with close to $1 million in drugs in front of him following a recent bust, said the drug trade is the leading cause for the uptick because those who sell illicit drugs need to protect themselves and their property. “It’s a ruthless business,” he said. And it’s that ruthlessness that leads Waddell to believe, in his opinion, a ban on guns will not stop illicit and illegal drugs in Winnipeg. “The reality is, if criminals want to get their hands on it, they’re going to get their hands on it,” he said. Waddell used the drugs in front of him as an example. They are all banned, he said. “It’s not going to do anything,” he said. “It will come from illegal means again.” Waddell pointed to the legalization of cannabis, saying that police haven’t seen a downturn in the black market. “It’s still as strong or stronger,” he said. “It’s the exact same principle.
Canada’s parliament won’t be back in session until later this month, but when lawmakers return Rempel Gardner will officially file the petition, which will trigger a mandated response by the federal government. I doubt that Trudeau’s response will be to kill his gun ban, but the issue isn’t going to simply disappear.
As part of his plan, Trudeau announced a two-year amnesty for existing gun owners to hand over their now-illegal firearms. That amnesty is set to expire in mid-2022, a little more than a year before the deadline for Canada’s next federal election in October of 2023. It’s quite possible that federal elections will take place before then, but either way I suspect that Trudeau’s gun ban is going to be a key issue for many voters in the country’s midsection, which has seen the most opposition to Trudeau’s anti-gun agenda. Justin Trudeau may have imposed his nationwide gun ban, but voters still have the opportunity to undo the damage by returning the Liberal party to a minority when they get the opportunity to cast their next vote.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--Missouri Governor Race Heating Up, Guns An Issue

The state of Missouri is a pretty pro-gun place .
They weren ’ t always , of course , but in recent years they ’ ve opened up a lot .
Unfortunately , that ’ s coincided with an increase in violence in Saint Louis , which has made many question the wisdom of doing so .
Possibly as a result , the Missouri governor ’ s race appears to be heating up .
Despite the state leaning solidly for President Trump , there ’ s some suggestion that Democrat Nicole Galloway is making some headway .
And that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri .
In the same interview , Parson further said he would most likely pardon Mark and Patricia McCloskey if they face criminal charges .
The St. Louis couple made headlines after they were caught on video pointing guns at protesters marching outside their home in a gated community shared with the city ’ s mayor .
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch cited Parson ’ s record as one of emphasizing on improving education and infrastructure .
He is someone who typically stays away from vocal partisan attacks , the paper said .
Galloway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat ” with a focus on good government .
She has advocated for “ commonsense ” gun control reforms , including enhanced background checks and permits .
The problem for Galloway is that there ’ s nothing “ common sense ” about additional background checks and permits .
Oh , some like to pretend they are , but only if you know a small part of the overall picture .
The truth of the matter is that the criminals aren ’ t going to be impacted by any of these laws .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No , the only people hit by this are the law-abiding citizens who represent zero threat to anyone other than the criminals who would seek to prey on them .
See , Missouri had a licensing requirement before .
While some see the increase in violence after it was repealed as evidence that it worked , nothing is quite that straightforward .
Violence is ugly and complicated .
No single law creates that kind of an impact .
There are a myriad of factors that contributed to that violence .
But in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to exercise their Second Amendment rights because they had to approach the government with hat in hand and ask , “ Mother may I ?
” Meanwhile , criminals were still obtaining guns .
In fact , there ’ s absolutely no evidence that criminals are obtaining guns at a higher rate .
They ’ re simply using them more now than they had in the past .
That suggests a deeper problem , one that lawmakers would do well to look into .
But for people like Galloway , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about trying to sell people on the idea that they ’ ll make her safer .
No , she won ’ t .
She ’ ll be a disaster for Missouri gun owners and anyone who looks at this critically can see it as plain as day .
Whatever issues one may have with Gov .
Parson , at least he ’ s willing to stand for people ’ s rights to keep and bear arms , unlike his opponent .
While much of the attention we see right now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not forget these vital state races .

The state of Missouri is a pretty pro-gun place. They weren’t always, of course, but in recent years they’ve opened up a lot. Unfortunately, that’s coincided with an increase in violence in Saint Louis, which has made many question the wisdom of doing so.
Possibly as a result, the Missouri governor’s race appears to be heating up. Despite the state leaning solidly for President Trump, there’s some suggestion that Democrat Nicole Galloway is making some headway.
And that’s bad news for pro-gun advocates in Missouri.
In the same interview, Parson further said he would most likely pardon Mark and Patricia McCloskey if they face criminal charges. The St. Louis couple made headlines after they were caught on video pointing guns at protesters marching outside their home in a gated community shared with the city’s mayor. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch cited Parson’s record as one of emphasizing on improving education and infrastructure. He is someone who typically stays away from vocal partisan attacks, the paper said. Galloway is framing herself as a “Missouri Democrat” with a focus on good government. She has advocated for “commonsense” gun control reforms, including enhanced background checks and permits.
The problem for Galloway is that there’s nothing “common sense” about additional background checks and permits. Oh, some like to pretend they are, but only if you know a small part of the overall picture.
The truth of the matter is that the criminals aren’t going to be impacted by any of these laws. Only a fool would believe they are.
No, the only people hit by this are the law-abiding citizens who represent zero threat to anyone other than the criminals who would seek to prey on them.
See, Missouri had a licensing requirement before. While some see the increase in violence after it was repealed as evidence that it worked, nothing is quite that straightforward. Violence is ugly and complicated. No single law creates that kind of an impact. There are a myriad of factors that contributed to that violence.
But in the meantime, law-abiding citizens were delayed in being able to exercise their Second Amendment rights because they had to approach the government with hat in hand and ask, “Mother may I?”
Meanwhile, criminals were still obtaining guns. In fact, there’s absolutely no evidence that criminals are obtaining guns at a higher rate. They’re simply using them more now than they had in the past. That suggests a deeper problem, one that lawmakers would do well to look into.
But for people like Galloway, it’s never about that. It’s about trying to sell people on the idea that they’ll make her safer.
No, she won’t. She’ll be a disaster for Missouri gun owners and anyone who looks at this critically can see it as plain as day. Whatever issues one may have with Gov. Parson, at least he’s willing to stand for people’s rights to keep and bear arms, unlike his opponent.
While much of the attention we see right now is directed toward presidential politics, let’s not forget these vital state races.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--"That's America": Dueling Protests Pass Peacefully Outside OR Brewery

With the country on edge the way it is at the moment , there ’ s an expectation that any protest involving Black Lives Matter demonstrators and pro-police supporters is going to end poorly .
Thankfully , that wasn ’ t the case this weekend in Seaside , Oregon , where Second Amendment supporters rallied across the street from a brewery whose owner recently spoke out against open carry in the city .
Seaside Brewery owner Jimmy Griffin had a packed house of supporters on Saturday as the gun rights activists gathered for an open carry rally at nearby City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on the streets of the small town , however , both sides vocally exercised their First Amendment rights in loud , but peaceful , protests .
Second Amendment supporter Brandon T. Williams , a candidate for the City Commission in Warrenton , said local gun owners have a right to peaceful assembly .
“ I think it ’ s important that both sides , all groups involved , are able to freely exercise their inalienable rights , ” Williams said .
“ If it ’ s a group of conservative patriots on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street and if it ’ s a group of antifascists/Black Lives Matter on the street , and they want to be armed , they ’ re exercising their rights .
There doesn ’ t have to be an exchange.
” While the event was peaceful , there were occasional one-on-one encounters that led to raised voices .
Participants on both sides deescalated the conflict , stepping in when confrontations threatened to get out of hand .
According to the Seaside Signal no arrests were made , no citations were handed out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervene .
It sounds like there may even have been some actual conversations between individuals on both sides of the street .
While I doubt any minds were changed in the discussions , the fact that the protest and counter-protest came off peacefully is worth noting in and of itself .
“ It ’ s good , ” Griffin said from the brewery parking lot .
“ There was a great vibe here and lots of people I ’ ve never seen before showing up and taking a stand for their community.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I don ’ t think they could have done a better job than they did .
What happened today was a healthy back and forth exchange and dialogue between two groups with two different opinions .
That ’ s America.
” I ’ m actually encouraged to see stories like this , as well as the fact that the much larger protests in Louisville this weekend also came off without any major incidents .
Ironically , while Griffin had expressed concern that open-carry activists were driving away customers , it sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Griffin probably won ’ t be reaching out to the organizers of the open-carry rally to see if they ’ ll come back next weekend , but the presence of dozens of gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights may actually have helped his business over the Labor Day weekend by bringing in supporters to grab a pint or two .

With the country on edge the way it is at the moment, there’s an expectation that any protest involving Black Lives Matter demonstrators and pro-police supporters is going to end poorly. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case this weekend in Seaside, Oregon, where Second Amendment supporters rallied across the street from a brewery whose owner recently spoke out against open carry in the city.
Seaside Brewery owner Jimmy Griffin had a packed house of supporters on Saturday as the gun rights activists gathered for an open carry rally at nearby City Hall. Rather than open warfare breaking out on the streets of the small town, however, both sides vocally exercised their First Amendment rights in loud, but peaceful, protests.
Second Amendment supporter Brandon T. Williams, a candidate for the City Commission in Warrenton, said local gun owners have a right to peaceful assembly. “I think it’s important that both sides, all groups involved, are able to freely exercise their inalienable rights,” Williams said. “If it’s a group of conservative patriots on one side, on one side of the street and if it’s a group of antifascists/Black Lives Matter on the street, and they want to be armed, they’re exercising their rights. There doesn’t have to be an exchange.” While the event was peaceful, there were occasional one-on-one encounters that led to raised voices. Participants on both sides deescalated the conflict, stepping in when confrontations threatened to get out of hand.
According to the Seaside Signal no arrests were made, no citations were handed out, and police didn’t have to intervene. It sounds like there may even have been some actual conversations between individuals on both sides of the street. While I doubt any minds were changed in the discussions, the fact that the protest and counter-protest came off peacefully is worth noting in and of itself.
“It’s good,” Griffin said from the brewery parking lot. “There was a great vibe here and lots of people I’ve never seen before showing up and taking a stand for their community.” Griffin thanked the police for their support. “I don’t think they could have done a better job than they did. What happened today was a healthy back and forth exchange and dialogue between two groups with two different opinions. That’s America.”
I’m actually encouraged to see stories like this, as well as the fact that the much larger protests in Louisville this weekend also came off without any major incidents.
Ironically, while Griffin had expressed concern that open-carry activists were driving away customers, it sounds like Seaside Brewery was packed on Saturday. Griffin probably won’t be reaching out to the organizers of the open-carry rally to see if they’ll come back next weekend, but the presence of dozens of gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights may actually have helped his business over the Labor Day weekend by bringing in supporters to grab a pint or two.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--Columnist Wants To Make Kenosha, Portland Shootings About Guns

We ’ ve had a bit of separation between the shootings in Kenosha and in Portland by now , enough that we can look at them with somewhat cooler heads .
The two incidents , besides being videoed and taking place during tense “ protests , ” have almost nothing at all in common from what we ’ ve been able to tell .
Yet for one columnist , it seems a fine time to try to shift the conversation over toward gun control .
The killings on the streets of Kenosha , Wis. , and Portland , Ore. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolster one of the main arguments made by gun control advocates : widespread access to guns leads to needless death .
In both cases , confrontations between political opponents quickly escalated , shots were fired , and people died .
Further , the Kenosha shooting involved a semi-automatic “ assault ” rifle , in a state with an open carry law ( though the 17-year-old shooter , Kyle Rittenhouse , is one year short of being able to legally open carry in the state ) .
Yet the shootings have not sparked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not spending much time at all debating background checks , assault weapons bans or open carry laws .
Why aren ’ t we talking about guns ?
Chiefly , because the presidential candidates aren ’ t talking about guns .
Donald Trump is busy blaming Joe Biden and Democratic mayors for failing to crack down on rioting and looting , while Biden is blaming Trump for fueling divisiveness .
Well , that ’ s part of it , but there ’ s more to the discussion than that .
Much , much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that gun in self-defense .
While there may be some debate as to whether he was legally in possession of that rifle at that particular moment , none of that negates his right to self-defense .
From the moment a scumbag tried to take that gun from him , he acted out of a desire to preserve his own life .
In Portland , however , we have a cold-blooded murder .
An Antifa thug pulled out a gun and killed his ideological opponent .
Sure , he claimed self-defense , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim having a knife as the shooter alleged and video showed police were on the scene incredibly quickly .
It ’ s unlikely there was a knife and the police didn ’ t see it .
The two cases are completely different .
But shouldn ’ t the Portland shooting be all the reason we need to call for gun control ?
Why didn ’ t that change the conversation ?
What the author misses is that the people who actually care about the victim don ’ t blame the gun , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only people who would blame the gun are the people who supported the shooter in the first place .
That ’ s not exactly a recipe for calls to repeal the Second Amendment .
Back to Rittenhouse , if he broke any laws , it ’ s more evidence that gun control doesn ’ t work anyway , so there ’ s really no reason for anti-gunners to bring it up regularly by any stretch .
I mean , unless they enjoy learning how little gun control laws actually stop people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day , no one is talking about guns because there ’ s no reason to talk about guns .
This isn ’ t a gun issue , nor has it ever been .
It ’ s always been a people issue , where there is an issue at all .
Maybe more people are starting to understand that .

We’ve had a bit of separation between the shootings in Kenosha and in Portland by now, enough that we can look at them with somewhat cooler heads. The two incidents, besides being videoed and taking place during tense “protests,” have almost nothing at all in common from what we’ve been able to tell.
Yet for one columnist, it seems a fine time to try to shift the conversation over toward gun control.
The killings on the streets of Kenosha, Wis., and Portland, Ore., by gun-toting, self-appointed ministers of justice bolster one of the main arguments made by gun control advocates: widespread access to guns leads to needless death. In both cases, confrontations between political opponents quickly escalated, shots were fired, and people died. Further, the Kenosha shooting involved a semi-automatic “assault” rifle, in a state with an open carry law (though the 17-year-old shooter, Kyle Rittenhouse, is one year short of being able to legally open carry in the state). Yet the shootings have not sparked a fresh dialogue about gun control. We are not spending much time at all debating background checks, assault weapons bans or open carry laws. Why aren’t we talking about guns? Chiefly, because the presidential candidates aren’t talking about guns. Donald Trump is busy blaming Joe Biden and Democratic mayors for failing to crack down on rioting and looting, while Biden is blaming Trump for fueling divisiveness.
Well, that’s part of it, but there’s more to the discussion than that. Much, much more.
For one, Rittenhouse used that gun in self-defense. While there may be some debate as to whether he was legally in possession of that rifle at that particular moment, none of that negates his right to self-defense. From the moment a scumbag tried to take that gun from him, he acted out of a desire to preserve his own life.
In Portland, however, we have a cold-blooded murder. An Antifa thug pulled out a gun and killed his ideological opponent. Sure, he claimed self-defense, but there’s been no mention of the victim having a knife as the shooter alleged and video showed police were on the scene incredibly quickly. It’s unlikely there was a knife and the police didn’t see it.
The two cases are completely different.
But shouldn’t the Portland shooting be all the reason we need to call for gun control? Why didn’t that change the conversation? What the author misses is that the people who actually care about the victim don’t blame the gun, they blame the thug who shot him. The only people who would blame the gun are the people who supported the shooter in the first place.
That’s not exactly a recipe for calls to repeal the Second Amendment.
Back to Rittenhouse, if he broke any laws, it’s more evidence that gun control doesn’t work anyway, so there’s really no reason for anti-gunners to bring it up regularly by any stretch. I mean, unless they enjoy learning how little gun control laws actually stop people from doing things.
At the end of the day, no one is talking about guns because there’s no reason to talk about guns. This isn’t a gun issue, nor has it ever been. It’s always been a people issue, where there is an issue at all.
Maybe more people are starting to understand that.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--10 Killed, More Than 50 Shot In Chicago Over Labor Day Weekend

Despite the presence of more Chicago police officers on the streets this weekend , it was another violent weekend in the Windy City , with at least 10 people killed and at least 54 people shot over the Labor Day holiday .
Before the weekend even began , Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown moved to ensure that more cops would be patrolling high crime neighborhoods by cancelling days off and extending the standard 8-hour shift to 12-hours on the street .
Unfortunately , the extra police had to deal with more shootings than last year ’ s Labor Day weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 fatalities .
According to ABC 7 in Chicago , at least one of the shooting incidents appears to have involved a concealed carry licensee acting in self-defense .
One man was shot to death and three others wounded during a shootout Monday in Stony Island Park on the South Side .
Two men , 21 and 30 , were traveling northbound in a red Nissan Altima in the 8400 block of South Cregier Avenue when two 18-year-old men on foot fired shots , Chicago police said .
One man in the backseat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both gunmen , police said .
The injured men in the Nissan were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , police said .
The 21-year-old was shot in the neck and was pronounced dead , and the older man was listed in good condition with a gunshot wound to the thigh .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office hasn ’ t released details about the fatality .
One of the men who had been shooting at the car was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The other 18-year-old alleged gunman was taken to Trinity Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the forearm .
Both 18-year-olds are being questioned by investigators , police said .
The man who returned shots has a valid conceal carry license .
There was also an officer-involved shooting in the city early Saturday morning , when two officers shot and killed a man with a large knife who attempted to stab an officer .
Police responded to reports of a stabbing near a park on the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a victim who suffered a minor wound to his hand .
Officers found the suspect nearby , but the man fought with officers as they tried to take him into custody .
Preliminary information from the Civilian Office Police Accountability shows officers attempted to apprehend the man , who was still armed with the knife , when a struggle ensued and officers tased him .
The man continued to attack officers with the knife , resulting in two officers discharging their firearms , according to COPA .
The man suffered multiple gunshot wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the scene a short time later , police said .
The officers were wearing body cameras , according to COPA .
In addition to the deployment of more officers in Chicago , federal authorities are still in the city as part of Operation LeGend , which has so far led to the arrest of more than 100 people on federal drug and firearm charges .
“ The mission of Operation Legend is clear : reduce violent crime and save lives , ” U.S. Attorney John Lausch , Jr. said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with a gun offense for allegedly “ straw purchasing ” several guns in Indiana on behalf of a convicted felon in Chicago .
In August , a man was arrested on a federal robbery charge for allegedly robbing a USPS delivery truck .
In another case , a man was indicted on carjacking charges for stealing a vehicle from two women at gunpoint in Chicago , prosecutors said .
The man allegedly fired a handgun during the carjacking .
The federal indictments should send a clear message to the criminal element in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County prosecutor is dropping felony charges left and right , there will be consequences for turning neighborhood streets into shooting galleries .
Unfortunately for the city ’ s law-abiding citizens hoping to purchase or carry a firearm in self-defense , the Illinois State Police are still dealing with a backlog of more than 140,000 applications for a Firearms Owner ID card , which means that applicants are having to wait for months before receiving their state-issued permission slip to exercise their Second Amendment rights .
As crime continues to spiral upwards in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Police to process FOID cards and concealed carry licenses in a timely manner is only going to lead to more people choosing to carry a gun illegally for self-defense .
If state officials like Gov .
J.B. Pritzker really want to help cut down on violent crime , they should be ensuring that the bureaucracy isn ’ t standing in the way of law-abiding residents protecting themselves and their loved ones .

Despite the presence of more Chicago police officers on the streets this weekend, it was another violent weekend in the Windy City, with at least 10 people killed and at least 54 people shot over the Labor Day holiday. Before the weekend even began, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown moved to ensure that more cops would be patrolling high crime neighborhoods by cancelling days off and extending the standard 8-hour shift to 12-hours on the street.
Unfortunately, the extra police had to deal with more shootings than last year’s Labor Day weekend, when there were 41 shootings with 7 fatalities. According to ABC 7 in Chicago, at least one of the shooting incidents appears to have involved a concealed carry licensee acting in self-defense.
One man was shot to death and three others wounded during a shootout Monday in Stony Island Park on the South Side. Two men, 21 and 30, were traveling northbound in a red Nissan Altima in the 8400 block of South Cregier Avenue when two 18-year-old men on foot fired shots, Chicago police said. One man in the backseat of the Nissan returned gunfire, striking both gunmen, police said. The injured men in the Nissan were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. The 21-year-old was shot in the neck and was pronounced dead, and the older man was listed in good condition with a gunshot wound to the thigh. The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t released details about the fatality. One of the men who had been shooting at the car was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the thigh, police said. The other 18-year-old alleged gunman was taken to Trinity Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the forearm. Both 18-year-olds are being questioned by investigators, police said. The man who returned shots has a valid conceal carry license.
There was also an officer-involved shooting in the city early Saturday morning, when two officers shot and killed a man with a large knife who attempted to stab an officer. Police responded to reports of a stabbing near a park on the city’s southwest side and were able to treat a victim who suffered a minor wound to his hand. Officers found the suspect nearby, but the man fought with officers as they tried to take him into custody.
Preliminary information from the Civilian Office Police Accountability shows officers attempted to apprehend the man, who was still armed with the knife, when a struggle ensued and officers tased him. The man continued to attack officers with the knife, resulting in two officers discharging their firearms, according to COPA. The man suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body and was pronounced dead on the scene a short time later, police said. The officers were wearing body cameras, according to COPA.
In addition to the deployment of more officers in Chicago, federal authorities are still in the city as part of Operation LeGend, which has so far led to the arrest of more than 100 people on federal drug and firearm charges.
“The mission of Operation Legend is clear: reduce violent crime and save lives,” U.S. Attorney John Lausch, Jr. said in a statement. Most recently, a man was charged with a gun offense for allegedly “straw purchasing” several guns in Indiana on behalf of a convicted felon in Chicago. In August, a man was arrested on a federal robbery charge for allegedly robbing a USPS delivery truck. In another case, a man was indicted on carjacking charges for stealing a vehicle from two women at gunpoint in Chicago, prosecutors said. The man allegedly fired a handgun during the carjacking.
The federal indictments should send a clear message to the criminal element in Chicago that, even if the Cook County prosecutor is dropping felony charges left and right, there will be consequences for turning neighborhood streets into shooting galleries.
Unfortunately for the city’s law-abiding citizens hoping to purchase or carry a firearm in self-defense, the Illinois State Police are still dealing with a backlog of more than 140,000 applications for a Firearms Owner ID card, which means that applicants are having to wait for months before receiving their state-issued permission slip to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
As crime continues to spiral upwards in Chicago, the inability or unwillingness of the State Police to process FOID cards and concealed carry licenses in a timely manner is only going to lead to more people choosing to carry a gun illegally for self-defense. If state officials like Gov. J.B. Pritzker really want to help cut down on violent crime, they should be ensuring that the bureaucracy isn’t standing in the way of law-abiding residents protecting themselves and their loved ones.


bearingarms--2020-09-08--Putting "Protests 93 Percent Peaceful" Into Some Context

Over the last few months , “ protests ” have come to dominate the news cycle .
I put it in quotation marks because it wasn ’ t really the protests in and of themselves that made headlines .
Instead , it was the riots that sprang from some of those protests that made the news .
In truth , that makes sense .
Protests get a blurb and then we move on .
Riots , especially riots that continue for months , tend to leave a much more lasting impact .
However , thankfully , we have someone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an issue those riots actually are .
About 93 % of racial justice protests in the US since the death of George Floyd have been peaceful and nondestructive , according to a new report .
The findings , released Thursday , contradict assumptions and claims by some that protests associated with the Black Lives Matter movement are spawning violence and destruction of property .
The report was produced by the US Crisis Project , a joint effort by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project ( ACLED ) and the Bridging Divides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which collects and analyzes real-time data on demonstrations and political violence in the US .
“ These data reveal that the United States is in crisis , ” the report ’ s authors wrote .
“ It faces a multitude of concurrent , overlapping risks — from police abuse and racial injustice , to pandemic-related unrest and beyond — all exacerbated by increasing polarization.
” The ACLED recorded more than 10,600 demonstrations across the US between May 24 and August 22 , most of which were peaceful .
About 7,750 of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter movement , the report states .
Peaceful racial justice protests took place in more than 2,440 locations across all 50 states and Washington , DC — violent demonstrations occurred in fewer than 220 locations , according to the report .
Now , the report itself doesn ’ t make light of the numbers , but a lot of people on social media have take that seven percent number as proof that these are “ mostly peaceful.
” However , it ’ s probably a good idea to put that number in perspective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that one in 14 protests erupt in violence .
Considering there are protests going on pretty much nightly in the United States right now , that means we ’ re looking at a riot every two weeks on average .
Think about that for a moment and let it really sink it .
A riot every two weeks .
Sure , it doesn ’ t seem that way , but mostly because we ’ re getting riots in clusters , but the average remains .
To put this in perspective , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 were killed solely from the virus itself , and that ’ s just the people who get the disease .
If you look at the overall population , the odds of a healthy person dying from the coronavirus becomes practically nil , yet we still have to wear masks and many people can ’ t even attend church in their states , yet this is such a pressing concern we have no choice but to intervene in all aspects of American life .
Yet , it ’ s still less than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m giving them the benefit of the doubt that they ’ re accurately determining which protests become violent and which ones don ’ t .
Here ’ s another bit of perspective for you , though it ’ s more speculative .
Let ’ s say a study released said that seven percent of all NRA members turned violent .
What do you think we ’ d see in the media ?
What if it were seven percent of all concealed carry permit holders ?
Obviously , this would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no one should ever have a gun .
Yes , I know , it ’ s whataboutism at its finest , but everyone reading this knows it to be true as well .
I mean , despite being the most law-abiding citizens in the country , gun owners are often vilified as dangerous psychopaths in the making as it is .
Imagine if a study found this many were actually killers .
Of course , that ’ s never going to happen because we ’ re not .
However , one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the left try to vilify anyone who tries to do anything about it .

Over the last few months, “protests” have come to dominate the news cycle. I put it in quotation marks because it wasn’t really the protests in and of themselves that made headlines. Instead, it was the riots that sprang from some of those protests that made the news.
In truth, that makes sense. Protests get a blurb and then we move on. Riots, especially riots that continue for months, tend to leave a much more lasting impact.
However, thankfully, we have someone to come and tell us how little of an issue those riots actually are.
About 93% of racial justice protests in the US since the death of George Floyd have been peaceful and nondestructive, according to a new report. The findings, released Thursday, contradict assumptions and claims by some that protests associated with the Black Lives Matter movement are spawning violence and destruction of property. The report was produced by the US Crisis Project, a joint effort by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) at Princeton University, which collects and analyzes real-time data on demonstrations and political violence in the US. “These data reveal that the United States is in crisis,” the report’s authors wrote. “It faces a multitude of concurrent, overlapping risks — from police abuse and racial injustice, to pandemic-related unrest and beyond — all exacerbated by increasing polarization.” The ACLED recorded more than 10,600 demonstrations across the US between May 24 and August 22, most of which were peaceful. About 7,750 of those protests were linked to the Black Lives Matter movement, the report states. Peaceful racial justice protests took place in more than 2,440 locations across all 50 states and Washington, DC — violent demonstrations occurred in fewer than 220 locations, according to the report.
Now, the report itself doesn’t make light of the numbers, but a lot of people on social media have take that seven percent number as proof that these are “mostly peaceful.”
However, it’s probably a good idea to put that number in perspective.
To start with, seven percent means that one in 14 protests erupt in violence. Considering there are protests going on pretty much nightly in the United States right now, that means we’re looking at a riot every two weeks on average. Think about that for a moment and let it really sink it. A riot every two weeks.
Sure, it doesn’t seem that way, but mostly because we’re getting riots in clusters, but the average remains.
To put this in perspective, just six percent of people who died from COVID-19 were killed solely from the virus itself, and that’s just the people who get the disease. If you look at the overall population, the odds of a healthy person dying from the coronavirus becomes practically nil, yet we still have to wear masks and many people can’t even attend church in their states, yet this is such a pressing concern we have no choice but to intervene in all aspects of American life.
Yet, it’s still less than the percentage of protests that turn violent, and I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that they’re accurately determining which protests become violent and which ones don’t.
Here’s another bit of perspective for you, though it’s more speculative.
Let’s say a study released said that seven percent of all NRA members turned violent. What do you think we’d see in the media? What if it were seven percent of all concealed carry permit holders?
Obviously, this would be the most horrible thing every and proof that no one should ever have a gun. Yes, I know, it’s whataboutism at its finest, but everyone reading this knows it to be true as well. I mean, despite being the most law-abiding citizens in the country, gun owners are often vilified as dangerous psychopaths in the making as it is. Imagine if a study found this many were actually killers.
Of course, that’s never going to happen because we’re not.
However, one in 14 protests turn violent while the media and the left try to vilify anyone who tries to do anything about it.


bearingarms--2020-09-09--Gun-Related Crime In "No-Guns" Japan

Gun-Related Crime In "No-Guns" Japan

Japan has among the strictest gun control laws in the world .
They also have a very odd culture from a western standpoint .
Fascinating in many ways , but odd .
That culture , however , actually seems to contribute a great deal to their relatively low crime rates .
However , that doesn ’ t mean there ’ s no crime .
It also seems that Japanese criminals have odd ways around the lack of firearms in the country .
On a Monday morning , an incident occurred near the US Kadena Air Base in central Okinawa City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the result of Japan gun laws , considered some of the strictest in the world .
A man , brandishing what appeared to be a gun , broke into the Lucky Exchange Center .
The man thrust the apparent weapon at a shop employee , ordering she hand over cash .
His reported demands – which were surprisingly polite – included “ 5 million yen , please.
” Yet before he could receive any of his desired spoils , the Lucky Exchange employee reached for a phone to call the 110 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thereafter , the Okinawa Police were dispatched on emergency deployment , fanning out in search of the attempted robber .
By 3PM on the same day , a suspect – a Japanese man in his 50s – was in custody .
Aided by security camera footage from the surrounding area , the police ascertained the make of the man ’ s getaway car .
This led them to the suspect , living in the village of Kitanakagusuku , around half an hour away from the scene of the crime .
The police arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and breaking-and-entering .
Police told reporters that “ there was no doubt ” that this was the failed robber in question .
As for the man ’ s weapon ?
In the end , it turned out to be nothing but a model gun .
While this might raise eyebrows in countries like the USA , the situation in Japan is a bit different ; the idea that someone would try to rob a store with a plastic toy is , if anything , almost par for the course .
After all – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first place ?
Well , it doesn ’ t actually raise eyebrows here because I ’ ve seen numerous cases of people using toy guns to commit robberies .
It ain ’ t unique to Japan .
As for how would someone get a real gun in the first place , you ’ re deluded if you think none of the criminals of Japan don ’ t have firearms .
They ’ re just less likely to use them than our idiotic criminals .
Some of that might be because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only an idiot would assume that they don ’ t have them .
However , what I do notice that fails to be mentioned in this particular crime is that the employee was in no position to fight back .
See , this is apparently a store , the kind of place that could easily face a robbery here in the U.S. Because of Japanese gun laws , no one had any means to fight back .
They had to gamble it wasn ’ t a real gun .
What if it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dead .
For some , this is somehow preferable , but how is being a victim better ?
I don ’ t care if it ’ s a model gun or a very real one , having a barrel shoved in your face by someone demanding money is the problem and turns people into victims .
Being able to protect yourself–something the law-abiding of Japan can not do–is the only real way to prevent such a thing .
Meanwhile , this crime likely won ’ t be counted as a “ gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real weapon , thus allowing the country to pretend they don ’ t have any issues .

Japan has among the strictest gun control laws in the world. They also have a very odd culture from a western standpoint. Fascinating in many ways, but odd.
That culture, however, actually seems to contribute a great deal to their relatively low crime rates. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no crime.
It also seems that Japanese criminals have odd ways around the lack of firearms in the country.
On a Monday morning, an incident occurred near the US Kadena Air Base in central Okinawa City that highlights something of a trend – the result of Japan gun laws, considered some of the strictest in the world. A man, brandishing what appeared to be a gun, broke into the Lucky Exchange Center. The man thrust the apparent weapon at a shop employee, ordering she hand over cash. His reported demands – which were surprisingly polite – included “5 million yen, please.” Yet before he could receive any of his desired spoils, the Lucky Exchange employee reached for a phone to call the 110, and the man fled the scene. Shortly thereafter, the Okinawa Police were dispatched on emergency deployment, fanning out in search of the attempted robber. By 3PM on the same day, a suspect – a Japanese man in his 50s – was in custody. Aided by security camera footage from the surrounding area, the police ascertained the make of the man’s getaway car. This led them to the suspect, living in the village of Kitanakagusuku, around half an hour away from the scene of the crime. The police arrested the suspect on suspicion of failed robbery and breaking-and-entering. Police told reporters that “there was no doubt” that this was the failed robber in question. As for the man’s weapon? In the end, it turned out to be nothing but a model gun. While this might raise eyebrows in countries like the USA, the situation in Japan is a bit different; the idea that someone would try to rob a store with a plastic toy is, if anything, almost par for the course. After all – how would they get a real gun in the first place?
Well, it doesn’t actually raise eyebrows here because I’ve seen numerous cases of people using toy guns to commit robberies. It ain’t unique to Japan.
As for how would someone get a real gun in the first place, you’re deluded if you think none of the criminals of Japan don’t have firearms. They’re just less likely to use them than our idiotic criminals. Some of that might be because of the laws there, sure, but only an idiot would assume that they don’t have them.
However, what I do notice that fails to be mentioned in this particular crime is that the employee was in no position to fight back.
See, this is apparently a store, the kind of place that could easily face a robbery here in the U.S. Because of Japanese gun laws, no one had any means to fight back. They had to gamble it wasn’t a real gun. What if it had been? Well, they’d be dead.
For some, this is somehow preferable, but how is being a victim better? I don’t care if it’s a model gun or a very real one, having a barrel shoved in your face by someone demanding money is the problem and turns people into victims. Being able to protect yourself–something the law-abiding of Japan cannot do–is the only real way to prevent such a thing.
Meanwhile, this crime likely won’t be counted as a “gun crime” since it wasn’t a real weapon, thus allowing the country to pretend they don’t have any issues.


bearingarms--2020-09-09--Top Cops Resigning As Anti-Police Mentality Takes Hold

Calling the protests and riots that have engulfed the city where he ’ s served as a police officer for more than 20 years an attempt to destroy his “ character and credibility , ” Rochester , New York police chief La ’ Ron Singletary and the entire command staff of the Rochester police force tendered their resignations on Tuesday .
The departure followed days ( and nights ) of unrest after body camera footage of the death of Daniel Prude was released by police .
“ As a man of integrity , I will not sit idly by while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said in a statement .
“ The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for.
” His retirement will be effective Sept. 29 , according to Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott .
Scott told ABC News as of now there is no blueprint for how the city moves forward following the retirements of the command staff .
Almost simultaneously with the news of Singletary ’ s departure , Dallas , Texas police chief Renee Hall announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year .
Upon learning about the chief ’ s resignation , Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata said , “ I think it was necessary .
We ’ ve had double-digit increases in crime .
The murder is at where it was last year if not greater .
And the debacles we ’ ve had time and time again , a lack of leadership , a lack of decision-making.
” Mata added , “ We needed a more dynamic , more experienced chief that could build morale better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were stronger than hers.
” But the Black Police Association of Dallas said a lot of criticism was unwarranted .
“ We increased hiring .
We increased pay during tenure .
So there ’ s a lot of good things that Chief Hall did for the City of Dallas , ” Hopkins said .
The resignations follow the departures of several other chiefs of police , including Seattle chief Carmen Best and both the chief of police in Richmond , Virginia as well as the interim chief who replaced him , who ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job On today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co , former NYPD officer Rob O ’ Donnell joins me to talk about what the mass exodus of police chiefs means for policing and public safety .
O ’ Donnell says the resignations aren ’ t just taking place at the top of the command structure ; plenty of rank-and-file officers are leaving departments as well .
In Portland , Oregon , for example , there were more officer retirements in the month of August than the department sees in most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar in New York City as well , and O ’ Donnell believes this is just the tip of the iceberg .
Another voice speaking out about the protests and anti-police violence that have engulfed many cities over the past three months is former Anne Arundel County chief Tim Altomare , who ’ s resignation took effect on August 1st .
Since then , the longtime law enforcement officer has been increasingly vocal about the dangers of some of the ideas inherent in the police reform movement .
In fact , Altomare was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday .
O ’ Donnell tells Bearing Arms that if these chiefs believed the anti-policing efforts were a flash in the pan , they ’ d likely remain at their post .
Instead , he thinks that the top cops know that the efforts to “ reimagine policing ” aren ’ t going away anytime soon , and that ’ s why so many are deciding to step down rather than stay in charge .
If Rob ’ s right , then we ’ re not likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities like New York City , Seattle , Philadelphia , Baltimore , Portland , and Chicago decline any time soon .
Instead , the “ new normal ” in Democrat-controlled cities is going to mean more dangerous streets and public safety efforts aimed at cracking down on legal gun owners instead of violent offenders .

Calling the protests and riots that have engulfed the city where he’s served as a police officer for more than 20 years an attempt to destroy his “character and credibility,” Rochester, New York police chief La’Ron Singletary and the entire command staff of the Rochester police force tendered their resignations on Tuesday. The departure followed days (and nights) of unrest after body camera footage of the death of Daniel Prude was released by police.
“As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character,” he said in a statement. “The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for.” His retirement will be effective Sept. 29, according to Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott. Scott told ABC News as of now there is no blueprint for how the city moves forward following the retirements of the command staff.
Almost simultaneously with the news of Singletary’s departure, Dallas, Texas police chief Renee Hall announced that she’ll be stepping down at the end of the year.
Upon learning about the chief’s resignation, Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata said, “I think it was necessary. We’ve had double-digit increases in crime. The murder is at where it was last year if not greater. And the debacles we’ve had time and time again, a lack of leadership, a lack of decision-making.” Mata added, “We needed a more dynamic, more experienced chief that could build morale better than she did and had crime-fighting abilities that were stronger than hers.” But the Black Police Association of Dallas said a lot of criticism was unwarranted. President Terrance Hopkins calls hall a progressive chief who moved the department forward. “We increased hiring. We increased pay during tenure. So there’s a lot of good things that Chief Hall did for the City of Dallas,” Hopkins said.
On today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co, former NYPD officer Rob O’Donnell joins me to talk about what the mass exodus of police chiefs means for policing and public safety. O’Donnell says the resignations aren’t just taking place at the top of the command structure; plenty of rank-and-file officers are leaving departments as well. In Portland, Oregon, for example, there were more officer retirements in the month of August than the department sees in most years . We’re seeing something similar in New York City as well, and O’Donnell believes this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Another voice speaking out about the protests and anti-police violence that have engulfed many cities over the past three months is former Anne Arundel County chief Tim Altomare, who’s resignation took effect on August 1st. Since then, the longtime law enforcement officer has been increasingly vocal about the dangers of some of the ideas inherent in the police reform movement. In fact, Altomare was the subject of a pretty in-depth profile by the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday.
Altomare said the Black Lives Matter movement is two-faced: a peaceful movement and a violent one that’s calling for changes to endanger police. According to Altomare’s account, the second faction is “a Marxist group that’s going around tearing the country up with antifa.” Antifa is a group of far-left, anti-fascism activists without much structure, some members of which have been tied to violence, the New York Times reported. The group is not affiliated with other movements, like Black Lives Matter, but people associated with antifa have been known to rally around some of the same causes, according to the Times. The Black Lives Matter organization promotes peaceful movements in support of equality for Black people and abolishing violence against them by “the state,” according to its website. Locally, Black Lives Matter protests have remained peaceful, a fact Altomare has acknowledged and, at times, praised. He spoke to scores of protesters who in June gathered at a park in Pasadena. Altomare promised that the large police presence was there to protect protesters and assured the police department cared about all county citizens, regardless of creed or color. But Altomare said in the recent interview that there’s a push locally and nationally for police reform that he can’t support, like making officers exhaust every option available to them before resorting to their firearm. “That requires dead cops, and I can’t live with it.”
O’Donnell tells Bearing Arms that if these chiefs believed the anti-policing efforts were a flash in the pan, they’d likely remain at their post. Instead, he thinks that the top cops know that the efforts to “reimagine policing” aren’t going away anytime soon, and that’s why so many are deciding to step down rather than stay in charge. If Rob’s right, then we’re not likely to see the increase in violent crime in cities like New York City, Seattle, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Portland, and Chicago decline any time soon. Instead, the “new normal” in Democrat-controlled cities is going to mean more dangerous streets and public safety efforts aimed at cracking down on legal gun owners instead of violent offenders.


bearingarms--2020-09-09--Anti-Gun AGs Defend California Magazine Ban

A coalition of 18 attorneys general are asking the Ninth Circuit to take another look at a recent opinion by the court that determined that California ’ s ban on the possession or sale of so-called large capacity magazines violates the Second Amendment rights of residents .
Washington , D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine , along with the AGs of Connecticut , Delaware , Hawaii , Illinois , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Vermont , Virginia , and Washington , argue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a three judge panel on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals erred in determining that California ’ s magazine ban is unconstitutional .
Instead , they claim that the ban is simply “ a common-sense reform ” put in place by a number of states in order to “ reduce the number of injuries and deaths resulting from the gun violence that plagues our nation.
” The request for an en banc review of the decision in Duncan v. Becerra , as the case is known , was first made by California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28th , and I ’ d say it ’ s a near certainty that the Ninth Circuit will grant the request .
That doesn ’ t mean , however , that the appellate court will reverse the decision of Judge Benitez and the three-judge panel of Ninth Circuit judges .
Nor does it mean that the arguments of the anti-gun attorneys general have much merit .
As Judge Kenneth Lee noted in the Ninth Circuit ’ s opinion in Duncan v. Becerra , states have a legitimate interest in protecting the public , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators can impose whatever restrictions they like in the name of public safety .
“ Even well intentioned laws must pass constitutional muster , ” Lee opined , and California ’ s ban on commonly owned magazines fails that test .
California ’ s law imposes a substantial burden on this right to self-defense .
The ban makes it criminal for Californians to own magazines that come standard in Glocks , Berettas , and other handguns that are staples of self defense .
Its scope is so sweeping that half of all magazines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California .
Even law-abiding citizens , regardless of their training and track record , must alter or turn over to the state any LCMs that they may have legally owned for years — or face up to a year in jail .
The state of California has latitude in enacting laws to curb the scourge of gun violence , and has done so by imposing waiting periods and many other limitations .
But the Second Amendment limits the state ’ s ability to second guess a citizen ’ s choice of arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her right to self-defense .
Many Californians may find solace in the security of a handgun equipped with an LCM : those who live in rural areas where the local sheriff may be miles away , law-abiding citizens trapped in high-crime areas , communities that distrust or depend less on law enforcement , and many more who rely on their firearms to protect themselves and their families .
California ’ s almost blanket ban on LCMs goes too far in substantially burdening the people ’ s right to self-defense .
The brief by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuh-uh.
” The AGs claim that the decisions out of the Ninth Circuit “ give short shrift to states ’ ability to enact reasonable public safety regulations , ” ignoring the fact that the courts have declared that California ’ s ban on magazines that can accept more than ten rounds simply isn ’ t reasonable .
As the Supreme Court has made clear in both the Heller and Caetano cases , the Second Amendment applies to arms that are in common use for a variety of lawful purposes .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazines , which , as Judge Lee noted , comprise more than half of all magazines in the country .
The fact that criminals also use these same magazines in the commission of violent crime doesn ’ t negate their usefulness for legal gun owners , nor does the criminal misuse of firearms or magazines give states the ability to pretend the Second Amendment doesn ’ t exist .
Based on the logic by Racine and his fellow attorneys general , any gun control law that ’ s approved by lawmakers should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can claim some sort of public safety benefit , regardless of the impact to legal gun owners .
It ’ s a bizarre interpretation of the Constitution that , if adopted by the courts , would render the Second Amendment a dead letter and a hollow right .
The Ninth Circuit may choose to rehear the Duncan case , but it should absolutely reject the legal arguments of the state of California and its anti-gun allies and uphold the two decisions that have both found the constitutional flaws in California ’ s @ @ @

A coalition of 18 attorneys general are asking the Ninth Circuit to take another look at a recent opinion by the court that determined that California’s ban on the possession or sale of so-called large capacity magazines violates the Second Amendment rights of residents.
Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, along with the AGs of Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, argue that both U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez and a three judge panel on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals erred in determining that California’s magazine ban is unconstitutional. Instead, they claim that the ban is simply “a common-sense reform” put in place by a number of states in order to “reduce the number of injuries and deaths resulting from the gun violence that plagues our nation.”
The request for an en banc review of the decision in Duncan v. Becerra, as the case is known, was first made by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra back on August 28th, and I’d say it’s a near certainty that the Ninth Circuit will grant the request. That doesn’t mean, however, that the appellate court will reverse the decision of Judge Benitez and the three-judge panel of Ninth Circuit judges. Nor does it mean that the arguments of the anti-gun attorneys general have much merit.
As Judge Kenneth Lee noted in the Ninth Circuit’s opinion in Duncan v. Becerra, states have a legitimate interest in protecting the public, but that doesn’t mean that legislators can impose whatever restrictions they like in the name of public safety. “Even well intentioned laws must pass constitutional muster,” Lee opined, and California’s ban on commonly owned magazines fails that test.
California’s law imposes a substantial burden on this right to self-defense. The ban makes it criminal for Californians to own magazines that come standard in Glocks, Berettas, and other handguns that are staples of self defense. Its scope is so sweeping that half of all magazines in America are now unlawful to own in California. Even law-abiding citizens, regardless of their training and track record, must alter or turn over to the state any LCMs that they may have legally owned for years — or face up to a year in jail. The state of California has latitude in enacting laws to curb the scourge of gun violence, and has done so by imposing waiting periods and many other limitations. But the Second Amendment limits the state’s ability to second guess a citizen’s choice of arms if it imposes a substantial burden on her right to self-defense. Many Californians may find solace in the security of a handgun equipped with an LCM: those who live in rural areas where the local sheriff may be miles away, law-abiding citizens trapped in high-crime areas, communities that distrust or depend less on law enforcement, and many more who rely on their firearms to protect themselves and their families. California’s almost blanket ban on LCMs goes too far in substantially burdening the people’s right to self-defense.
The brief by the anti-gun AGs basically amounts to “nuh-uh.” The AGs claim that the decisions out of the Ninth Circuit “give short shrift to states’ ability to enact reasonable public safety regulations,” ignoring the fact that the courts have declared that California’s ban on magazines that can accept more than ten rounds simply isn’t reasonable. As the Supreme Court has made clear in both the Heller and Caetano cases, the Second Amendment applies to arms that are in common use for a variety of lawful purposes.
That’s certainly the case with so-called large capacity magazines, which, as Judge Lee noted, comprise more than half of all magazines in the country. The fact that criminals also use these same magazines in the commission of violent crime doesn’t negate their usefulness for legal gun owners, nor does the criminal misuse of firearms or magazines give states the ability to pretend the Second Amendment doesn’t exist.
Based on the logic by Racine and his fellow attorneys general, any gun control law that’s approved by lawmakers should be considered “reasonable” as long as they can claim some sort of public safety benefit, regardless of the impact to legal gun owners. It’s a bizarre interpretation of the Constitution that, if adopted by the courts, would render the Second Amendment a dead letter and a hollow right.
The Ninth Circuit may choose to rehear the Duncan case, but it should absolutely reject the legal arguments of the state of California and its anti-gun allies and uphold the two decisions that have both found the constitutional flaws in California’s magazine ban.


bearingarms--2020-09-09--Rochester Chief's Resignation A Sign Of Things To Come

All around the country , a lot of very vocal activists are screaming about how we need to defund the police .
There ’ s a strong anti-police sentiment , at least according to the media , and that ’ s very troubling .
What ’ s more troubling , though , is that politicians are ready to jump at the public perception rather than maintain anything approaching a cool head .
As a result of such a situation in Rochester , NY , their police chief and his entire command staff resigned .
As a man of integrity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside entities attempt to destroy my character .
The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity .
The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for .
The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude ’ s death is not based on facts , and is not what I stand for .
Now , the Daniel Prude case is one we haven ’ t really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some troubling aspects to the man ’ s death , but at the same time , we don ’ t have the whole story .
The problem is that we now live in a world where if anyone dies following an interaction with the police , people start calling for heads .
Meanwhile , law enforcement is still expected to step up and provide more than ever before .
For a police chief , if a city turns against them , even if it ’ s unwarranted , it ’ s time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option left .
After all , the chief will get blamed for anything and everything and that creates a toll on anyone , but also takes a toll on his family .
Singletary is far from the only chief to resign recently after their community turned against them .
However , most retirements don ’ t end up with the chief and his entire command staff leaving their posts at the same time .
Now , the department has no top-end leadership and , frankly , I don ’ t see anyone taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this .
However , what we can expect to see is a lot more of this in the coming months .

All around the country, a lot of very vocal activists are screaming about how we need to defund the police. There’s a strong anti-police sentiment, at least according to the media, and that’s very troubling. What’s more troubling, though, is that politicians are ready to jump at the public perception rather than maintain anything approaching a cool head.
As a result of such a situation in Rochester, NY, their police chief and his entire command staff resigned.
Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary has retired from the Rochester Police Department. The announcement was made Tuesday amid calls from protesters for him and Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren to resign after the death of Daniel Prude. Warren has not announced any plans to resign, nor did she ask Singletary to retire. Singletary served the RPD for 20 years and became the chief in April 2019 after a national search that drew more than 20 applicants. He was recommended for the job unanimously by the internal review committee. … Dep. Chief Joseph Morabito also announced his retirement after more than 34 years of service to the RPD. Dep. Chief Mark Simmons is returning to the rank of lieutenant. Dep. Chief Mark Mura has returned to his previous rank of captain. Commander Fabian Rivera announced his retirement, and Commander Henry Favor is returning to his previous rank of lieutenant. Commander Elena Correia also announced she will retire.
Chief Singletary, in a statement, said:
As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude’s death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.
Now, the Daniel Prude case is one we haven’t really talked about here. There are definitely some troubling aspects to the man’s death, but at the same time, we don’t have the whole story.
The problem is that we now live in a world where if anyone dies following an interaction with the police, people start calling for heads. Meanwhile, law enforcement is still expected to step up and provide more than ever before.
For a police chief, if a city turns against them, even if it’s unwarranted, it’s time to go. There’s just no option left. After all, the chief will get blamed for anything and everything and that creates a toll on anyone, but also takes a toll on his family.
Singletary is far from the only chief to resign recently after their community turned against them. However, most retirements don’t end up with the chief and his entire command staff leaving their posts at the same time. Now, the department has no top-end leadership and, frankly, I don’t see anyone taking the interim job out of the blue like this.
However, what we can expect to see is a lot more of this in the coming months.