So What?

George Zimmerman Stopped For Speeding In North Texas

Y'all don't have any real news out there?

Oh, and George has apparently obtained a new weapon on his own. Good man.

Natalie Foster: Message for the Media

Piers Morgan Pwned...

...by Ken Hanson of the Buckeye Firearms Foundation. You'd think, as often as he gets his head handed to him by pro-gun advocated, that he'd go squealing all the way home.

You're peeking...

Laye's has a new chicken and waffles flavored potato chip.

Nasty.

Governor McCrory signed HB 937 into law.

That's a good thing. I'm thankful he followed through, but he seems confused as to the contents of the bill. That, or he's purposely attempting to mislead the public about the original bill. Oh, that's right. He's a politician, and his lips are moving.

[UPDATED]

No Duty To Protect

Subway Stabbing Victim Can't Sue NYPD For Failing To Save Him

That's nothing new. It's just new to some people.

Police Have No Duty To Protect Individuals by Peter Kasler

H/T to Uncle.

The Wolverine

The first two acts are top notch. The third...not so much. The actors and story are fine, but the pacing goes to hell. On the whole a very good effort and head and shoulders better than X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This is what I expect from Wolverine. Also, wait through the credits for a bit. That's almost worth the price of the movie by itself.

Yep.

Now that's bright.

This Is What Happens When a Criminal Tries to Rob a Gun Store…With a Bat

Mere Coincidence?

I think not.

That's good work.

U.S. gun group raises $12,000 for George Zimmerman

The problem with enforcing the gun laws "already...

...on the books" is that the Federal bureaucrats reinterpret them at will, and what was once legal is now illegal and you are now a criminal.

ATF's latest confiscation program

Valkyrie - The Crüxshadows

It's not new, but I hadn't heard it before.

That's funny

Via Wirecutter.

Okay. It's kinda funny, but...

...oh so true.

Nerf Sentry Gun

That frickin' cool.

Here's the how to if you are so inclined.

Natalie Foster: Language

Update on SB226: Repeal 1935 Durham Firearms Act

I emailed my State Senator and was told that the bill has no opposition in the House. It sits in committee because the House won't vote on it until the Senate votes on SB315 and the Senate won't vote on SB315 until the House votes on SB515. Neither wants to go first.

They're playing legislative chicken.

SB315 is titled Roadside Campaign Signs and SB515 is titled Jordan Lake Water Quality Act.

Seriously?

[Head] [Wall] [Thump] [Thump] [Thump]

Please make some calls and send some emails and see if we can shake this bill loose before the end of the session.

No Means No

In Houston, TX, a man didn't get the hint when a woman at a gas station rebuffed his sexual advances. He flashed a knife. She pulled a rifle from her car and shot him dead. No means no.

[UPDATE: 7/25/2013] Analysis and video at Legal Insurrection.

SB226: Repeal 1935 Durham Co. Firearm Act.

Does anyone know what the hold-up is on the repeal of the 1935 Durham Co. Firearm Act?

[UPDATE: 7/24/2013] It may be too late but if you'd like to help and inquire as to the status of this bill, send and email to these guys.

Senator Mile Woodard at Mike.Woodard@ncleg.net. He is the bill's sponsor.

Tim Moore [Tim.Moore@ncleg.net], Paul Stam [Paul.Stam@ncleg.net] and Justim Burr [ Justin.Burr@ncleg.net], the Committee Chair and Vice Chairs.

The members of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House are here:

John.Blust@ncleg.net, Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net, Marcus.Brandon@ncleg.net, William.Brisson@ncleg.net, Becky.Carney@ncleg.net, Leo.Daughtry@ncleg.net, Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg.net, Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net, Larry.Hall@ncleg.net, Susi.Hamilton@ncleg.net, Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net Bryan.Holloway@ncleg.net, Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net, Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net, David.Lewis@ncleg.net, Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net, Jason.Saine@ncleg.net, Ruth.Samuelson@ncleg.net, Edgar.Starnes@ncleg.net, Michael.Stone@ncleg.net, John.Torbett@ncleg.net

Any help is appreciated.

HB937 passes both House and Senate.

Now Governor McCrory needs to sign it. Either call or email the Governor and politely let him know he either signs the bill into law or he can kiss his chances for a second term goodbye.

John Richardson has details here and here.

Red 2

Most of what Hollywood considers comedy these days ain't. Current humor seems to depend on embarrassing the characters and you're expected to laugh at their discomfort. That ain't funny to me.

The critics seem to be fairly harsh in regard to Red 2 calling it a poor action film. Well they're poor critics because Red 2 isn't an action film so much as it is a comedy. The action is secondary to the laughs. The laughs are based on the characters and the situations they're placed in not embarrassing and belittling them. The action scenes are well done and all the actors are at the top of their game and clearly having a grand time making this movie. But it's achievement is it's funny and Hollywood don't do that like it used to. Go see it. Laugh.

Also I'd like to see a Helen Mirren/Victoria solo flick. She's frickin' hot.

Moms Demand Action...

...and their first action should be to hire a competent copy editor. An AK-15? Really... [head] [wall] [thump, thump, thump].

It's time to let the Republicans know the cost...

...of screwing gun owners once again. They did it to us last year with restaurant carry and they seem ready to do it again this year with HB937. Republicans traditionally seem to think they can do to us what they please because they're the only game in town. They need to know the consequences of what they do. I will by GOD sit out the next election if that's what I need to do to get this point across.

Make phone calls and send emails. Do it NOW.

The clock to adjournment is ticking...IT IS TIME TO BRING THE HEAT!

While the gun rights of North Carolinians hang in the balance, Republican leadership can't stop playing political games. They are being manipulated by the competing misguided interests of the NC Sheriffs' Association (NCSA) and NRA.

The political angst has reached the level that Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer has begun emailing accusations that GRNC is spreading “inaccurate information”. GRNC President Paul Valone quickly responded: “As I just told your legislative assistant, Sharon, I would love to know what is "inaccurate" about our reporting. My understanding was that to close what you yourself have called the "arming felons loophole," sans repeal of all or part of the purchase permit statute, you suggested requiring NICS checks if purchase permits were older than 30 days. As we have said all along (and I have numerous positions issued to Republicans to this effect), punishing gun owners for the malfeasance of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association is unacceptable to us. So please, tell me what is "inaccurate," before I am forced to report to 87,000 gun owners that it is actually you who is disseminating false information.“ It is time to stop the blame game and pandering to NCSA and NRA. These organizations didn't elect the Assembly. You did. Have they forgotten who they represent?

Apparently they need another reminder. GRNC has set-up a “Pass HB 937” petition at http://grnc.org/pass-h937 that will help the politicians focus on the issue. Sign it, and pass along the link to your friends.

The Assembly is set to adjourn this Friday. We only have a few more days to instill sense in both the Assembly and Governor McCrory and get this bill passed.

We have fought for years for this progress. Failure IS NOT AN OPTION!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

You need to do three things:

Call the three Republican leaders, Gov. McCrory, Speaker Tillis, President Pro Tempore Berger; Sign the petition and forward it to others; and Send the copy-and-paste message to all Republicans in the NC House and Senate MAKE SURE TO BOTH CALL AND EMAIL Sen. Berger, Speaker Tillis and Gov. McCrory. This is our last chance to make an impression. Let's make it GOOD!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Speaker Thom Tillis, 919-733-3451, Email: Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, 919-733-5708, Email: Phil.Berger@ncleg.net

Gov. Pat McCrory, 919-814-2000, Email using BOTH this address governor.office@nc.gov AND the webpage at http://www.governor.state.nc.us/contact/email-pat

Use the following cut-and-paste email list to contact NC House Republicans:

Dean.Arp@ncleg.net; Marilyn.Avila@ncleg.net; John.Bell@ncleg.net; Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net; Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net; Robert.Brawley@ncleg.net; Brian.Brown@ncleg.net; Rayne.Brown@ncleg.net; Rob.Bryan@ncleg.net; Dana.Bumgardner@ncleg.net; Justin.Burr@ncleg.net; Rick.Catlin@ncleg.net; George.Cleveland@ncleg.net; Jeff.Collins@ncleg.net; Debra.Conrad@ncleg.net; Leo.Daughtry@ncleg.net; Ted.Davis@ncleg.net; Jimmy.Dixon@ncleg.net; Josh.Dobson@ncleg.net; Jerry.Dockham@ncleg.net; Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net; Jeffrey.Elmore@ncleg.net; John.Faircloth@ncleg.net; Jim.Fulghum@ncleg.net; Mike.Hager@ncleg.net; Jon.Hardister@ncleg.net; Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net; Mark.Hollo@ncleg.net; Bryan.Holloway@ncleg.net; Craig.Horn@ncleg.net; Julia.Howard@ncleg.net; Pat.Hurley@ncleg.net; Frank.Iler@ncleg.net; Charles.Jeter@ncleg.net; Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net; Bert.Jones@ncleg.net; Jonathan.Jordan@ncleg.net; Donny.Lambeth@ncleg.net; James.Langdon@ncleg.net; David.Lewis@ncleg.net; Chris.Malone@ncleg.net; Susan.Martin@ncleg.net; Pat.McElraft@ncleg.net; Chuck.McGrady@ncleg.net; Allen.McNeill@ncleg.net; Chris.Millis@ncleg.net; Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net; Tim.Moore@ncleg.net; Tom.Murry@ncleg.net; Michele.Presnell@ncleg.net; Nathan.Ramsey@ncleg.net; Dennis.Riddell@ncleg.net; Stephen.Ross@ncleg.net; Jason.Saine@ncleg.net; Ruth.Samuelson@ncleg.net; Jacqueline.Schaffer@ncleg.net; Mitchell.Setzer@ncleg.net; Phil.Shepard@ncleg.net; Paul.Stam@ncleg.net; Edgar.Starnes@ncleg.net; Bob.Steinburg@ncleg.net; Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net; Michael.Stone@ncleg.net; John.Szoka@ncleg.net; Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net; John.Torbett@ncleg.net; Rena.Turner@ncleg.net; Harry.Warren@ncleg.net; Andy.Wells@ncleg.net; Roger.West@ncleg.net; Chris.Whitmire@ncleg.net

Use the following cut-and-paste email list to contact NC Senate Republicans:

Austin.Allran@ncleg.net, Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net, Chad.Barefoot@ncleg.net, Tamara.Barringer@ncleg.net, Phil.Berger@ncleg.net, Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net, Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net, Harry.Brown@ncleg.net, Peter.Brunstetter@ncleg.net, Bill.Cook@ncleg.net, David.Curtis@ncleg.net, Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net, Jim.Davis@ncleg.net, Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net, Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net, Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net, Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net, Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net, Neal.Hunt@ncleg.net, Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net, Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net, Buck.Newton@ncleg.net, Louis.Pate@ncleg.net, Ron.Rabin@ncleg.net, Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net, Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net, Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net, Norman.Sanderson@ncleg.net, Dan.Soucek@ncleg.net, Jeff.Tarte@ncleg.net, Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net, Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net, Trudy.Wade@ncleg.net

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: Republicans will be held responsible for failure of HB 937

Dear Speaker Tillis/President Pro Tem Phil Berger/Governor Pat McCrory/Representative/Senator:

NC gun owners have worked too hard for too long and have spent too much time and money supporting politicians claiming to be pro-Second Amendment. If HB 937, the omnibus gun bill, fails to be passed into law we will hold you responsible.

You need to make sure this bill leaves the conference committee and is signed by Gov. McCrory. We've had enough of the political games. HB 937 must be signed into law this year or there will be a price to be paid during the next election.

You owe this to NC gun owners who are largely responsible for your election. Do not disappoint us.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,

H/T to John.

Fake Gun v. Real Gun. Expected Result.

In Florida, two home invaders broke into a home expecting their fake gun to carry some weight. It didn't. The home owner had a real one and shot them both. They are in a local hospital in serious condition.

H/T to David.

The Sharpton Legacy

Death by a thousands cuts...

...or compromise. The end result is the same. If we, gun owners, play the game. We get screwed.

Why Gun Owners Are Right to Fight Against Gun Control

RTWT.

I can see why this might upset the Left.

H/T to Kevin.

Robber killed during Harnett home invasion

In Erwin, NC, two home invaders kicked in the carport door to a house and were fired on by one of the residents. One of the robbers was killed and the other fled. The incident is under investigation.

Bill Whittle: The Lynching

Probably not the reaction Holder expected.

The DOJ has asked the Sanford Police Department to hold on to George Zimmerman's pistol since they are conducting a witch hunt, excuse me, investigation of Zimmerman for civil rights violations.

OK then.

In response, author Brad Thor has offered to buy him a pistol, a rifle, a shotgun, and as much ammo as he wants or needs.

A Florida Gun Shop in Volusia County has offered Zimmerman a free gun.

The Buckeye Firearms Association is collecting funds to buy him one and has asked gun owners to donate.

I'd be willing to donate if only to stick a figurative thumb in Eric Holder's eye. That's a cause I can get behind.

{UPDATED 7/20/2013]

R.I.P.D

It's a lot of fun. Had a kinda Men in Black feel to it. Jeff Bridges was a hoot. It is worth seeing in the theater. There is some mild profanity and cartoonish violence, but nothing in it I wouldn't take my preteen to see if she were into this kinda movie.

Blacks benefit from Florida ‘Stand Your Ground’ law at disproportionate rate

African Americans benefit from Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” self-defense law at a rate far out of proportion to their presence in the state’s population, despite an assertion by Attorney General Eric Holder that repealing “Stand Your Ground” would help African Americans.

Black Floridians have made about a third of the state’s total “Stand Your Ground” claims in homicide cases, a rate nearly double the black percentage of Florida’s population. The majority of those claims have been successful, a success rate that exceeds that for Florida whites.

H/T to Sebastian.

The Biden Defense...

...didn't work.

Vancouver man’s gun shooting defense: Biden

Warning shots are always a bad idea.

Only half?

Americans Own Nearly Half of the Privately Owned Guns on Earth

That's not nearly enough.

H/T to Sebastian.

Crickets

Can you imagine Trayvon Martin using George Zimmerman's defense?: Jarvis DeBerry

Fortunately, I don't have to imagine it.

Jury Finds Roderick Scott Not Guilty

Scott says he acted in self defense when he confronted Cervini and two others saying they were stealing from neighbors cars. He told them he had a gun and ordered them to freeze and wait for police.

Scott says he shot Cervini twice when the victim charged toward him yelling he was going to get Scott.

Black man shoots white 17 year old in self-defense and is acquitted as he should have been.

So what does the media and haters have to say about that?

'bout what I thought. Crickets.

H/T to Glenn.

Now that's...dead on.

Of all the young black shooting victims in this country, you can name 1. Because you've been trained like a circus seal to bark on command. - Dave Burge

Journey into Mystery #117

The Mighty Thor versus godless Communists.

That's funny.

HB937

The Republicans fucked us. It's going to conference committee. The North Carolina Sheriff's Association wins and purchase of a handgun in North Carolina is still at the whim of the local sheriff. Fourteen voted for concurrence. One hundred bowed to the North Carolina Sheriff's Association and should find themselves out on their asses come election day regardless of how they eventually vote on HB937 without the pistol repeal. Oh, and Governor McCrorey will not get my vote when he comes up for re-election.

Wait. Here's an idea. Remove the permit repeal, but make pistol permits shall issue just like the CCW permit. Remove Sheriff's discretion from the equation. Then maybe I'll forgive you for the knife in my back.

Colion Noir: Do I Need A Reason To Own or Buy A Gun?

Seriously?

Minor drug beef costs Army vet federal gun buy OK

An Army Vet can't buy a .22 rifle because of a misdemeanor marijuana conviction from 42 years ago. He hasn't been in any trouble since and served 20 years in the U. S. Army. That's silly for anyone. The fact he served in the military shouldn't even be an issue. No one should be permanently stripped of a civil right for a non-violent misdemeanor conviction. Once you've served your time and probation that should be it.

H/T to Jeff.

GOA is warning that Harry Reid is going to...

...change the Senate rules to push gun control through. Wouldn't surprise me one damn bit. Reid is a lying, conniving weasel. Call your Senators and tell what you think on this.Do it soon.

GRNC Alert 7-11-13: Stop Harry Reid's Senate Rules Shell Game

NC SB226: Repeal 1935 Durham Firearms Act

There's been some movement. It was withdrawn from the and is in the Committee on Government. That more movement than I've seen on HB937. Maybe I should write a post called Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House where good gun bill go to die. Call your representatives and ask them to push for a concurrence vote on HB937.

UPDATE: And now SB226 back in the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House but HB937 is out of committee and on the calendar for 7/16/2013. This shit is getting old.

It isn't over...

...but we knew that already.

In the wake of that “not guilty” verdict, the Justice Department today announced that federal investigators were resuming their review, and that "experienced federal prosecutors will determine whether the evidence reveals a prosecutable violation."

The question now is, of course, whether or not the Department of Justice defines self-defense as a prosecutable violation. I've got my answer.

Pacific Rim

Giant robots beating the crap out of giant monsters. What more can you ask for from a summer movie. Pacific Rim is good light entertainment that is well done and works at all levels. No profanity. No sex. No graphic violence. Go see it.

Not Guilty.

Jury finds George Zimmerman not guilty on all charges

I have nothing else to say on the matter.

Fire!

There's always something a little higher on the food chain.

You can carry in a Post Office parking lot,...

...at least in the Fifth Circuit.

Word of the Day

Ambitchous [am-bich-ous]

adjective

Ambitious in a bitchy way.

Heard it for the first time today. Ummmm.

No loss...

...and California deserves her.

He finally got the message.

Man Shot And Killed By Wife Within 15 Minutes Of Being Released From Jail

Police arrested him for threatening to kill his wife and children. There was a protective order in place ordering him to stay away from the [How well did that work?]. They took him to the local magistrate and the protective order was explained and he was released on bail. Fifteen minutes later the wife called telling police he was trying to get inside the home. Police arrived and found a kicked in front door and him, in the back room, dead with a bullet in the chest. Some people learn hard, and by the way. Lead works.

The Company You Keep

Another Misbehaving Mayor in MAIG

Just like you and me...

...only better.

Democratic aide carting gun in federal building is let off with warning

18 USC § 930 - Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities

a) Except as provided in subsection (d), whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

Beethoven's 9th

So the grand baby and momma are staying with me a couple of days to give the semi ex-wife a break. I'd been told the grand baby was soothed by classical music so I went looking on You Tube and found this. THIS is great.

Didn't sooth the crying baby though.

Just like you and me...

...only better.

NY Gun law amended in middle of night to exempt retired cops from magazine limit

You know what a retired police officer is? NOT a police officer. They should be treated the same as everyone else.

And then there were none.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's veto has been overridden by both the Illinois House and Senate. Concealed Carry in Illinois is now the law of the land and all States have concealed carry of one kind or another.

A Common Theme

Ruger is coming to North Carolina.

Good.

I guess we'd call this an oops moment.

EMC, an insurance company that covers Kansas schools, refused to renew polices for two community colleges when the law changed to allow teachers with concealed carry permits to carry in the schools. The schools formed a co-opt. EMC is now trying to get their business back after realizing the schools had options. Here's hoping the schools tell EMC to pound sand. Decisions have consequences.

H/T to Dean.

The Gun Blog Black List is...

...back up...

...and under new management. Thank you North for the time you put into the page.

But for the grace of God...

...nobody died. The action starts at about the 2:50 mark.

UPDATE: The link is now there. Sorry.

Just Because...

Found here.

Reasoned Discourse

I wasn't there, but I gather from tweets that the Giffords/Kelly roundtable with "gun owners" was by "invitation only". Figures. I've never met a prohibitionist yet who was really interested in a true conversation on gun control. Once again, it looks like the GRNC turnout was decent considering the Gifford/Kelly group hid the location until the last minute. What are these people afraid of? Oh right, debate.

"Why weren't we invited to the conversation?" - Sean Sorrentino #GRNC pic.twitter.com/o3plx2KonN
— Jonathan Rodriguez (@Jrodreports) July 7, 2013

Sean has details on the protest and media coverage here. Looks like a clear win for the good guys.

Fast and Furious claims...

...two more lives.

Be there, if you can.

Tomorrow Gabby Giffords and Husband Mark Kelly will complete their anti-gun foray into NC at Pit Barbecue, 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC.

GRNC would like people to meet there at 10 am so we can all get inside and pack the crowd with our side. This is where Giffords/Kelly plan to hold their bogus "round table." discussion with gun owners. GRNC would like legitimate gun owners attending, not hand picked media hacks. Please join us.

Much as I'd like to be there, I'm working nights and gotta sleep. If you can possibly be there, do.

One hundred and eight years ago today...

...Robert A. Heinlein was born.

Reason is poor propaganda when opposed by the yammering, unceasing lies of shrewd and evil and self-serving men. - Assignment in Eternity (1953)

Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration

H/T to wizardpc

Careful what you wish for.

President Barack Obama is urging Americans on the Fourth of July to live up to the words of the Declaration of Independence by securing liberty and opportunity for their own children as well as for future generations.

A Third Amendment violation?

That's the one I never really worried about. Guess I should have known better. Give a group of creative cops a little motivation to look for a work around, and they'll find a way.

IF the complaint is valid, I hope they take the officers involved to the cleaners.

Henderson police arrested a family for refusing to let officers use their homes as lookouts for a domestic violence investigation of their neighbors, the family claims in court.

Tar and feathers would be to good for them.

Johnny Cash - Ain't No Grave

Remember TJIC?

The cops raided his house. Tam has what details are available here. Hell of a Independence Day.

We're gonna have visitors.

Not the kind we really want, but we still need to properly greet them.

Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly are coming to Raleigh on July 7th as part of their anti-gun gun safety campaign. No place provided of course. They wouldn't want to give us a heads up so we can organize the troops.

When in the Course of human events...

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Happy 4th

Bill Whittle: Dependence Day

More Astroturf

The Latest Not-Really-Pro-Gun Group

They don't learn do they?

H/T to Bitter.

Intolerance is Tolerance

I seem to recall that our forefathers came to these shores to escape religious intolerance. Now we have an Attorney General that defines that same intolerance as tolerance. That's pretty messed up. How long before he tries to apply the same definitions to American home schoolers?

“Attorney General Holder is trying to seek dismissal of this case because he believes that targeting specific groups in the name of tolerance is within the normal legitimate functions of government,” said Michael Farris, chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association. “This cannot be the ultimate position of the United States without denying the essence of our commitment to liberty.”

As if there was ever any question.

Shocked, I Am (Not)

I'm pretty sure there...

...was a finger involved in there somehow.

KCSO: Woman shot while friend shows off his handgun

“He reloaded it and put it back in its case, and that’s when it accidentally discharged.”

H/T to Uncle.

Only in Illinois

Where else can the Governor rewrite the law given him by the legislature to suit himself then send it back to the Legislature to concur? Isn't the rule sign or veto?

John Richardson has details and updates here.

Damn.

Good luck in your retirement, sir.

Colorado has now officially...

...gone over to the dark side. Shame, really.

Let me get this striaght.

The RCMP forced people out of their homes then broke into them and stole their property, and they want the property owners to provide proof of ownership before they'll return their property? That's gall. Oh well, that's the curse of being a subject rather than a citizen.

Via Thirdpower.