Gun Culture

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Gun Culture Debate

I’ve been avoiding blogging on this matter, mostly because I don’t think I can do justice to the matter in hand.
However I can’t put it off forever....
JohnJo at Frontrank The England Project asks

Who broke gun culture and how might we get it back?

Firstly John corrects those of us who consider John a libertarian.  John doesn’t tick all the libertarian boxes such as drug law and immigration law.  One might say that this is because he hasn’t taken his thoughts on the matter to their logical conclusion.  I too once didn’t think that scrapping drug laws was a good idea, however two factors changed my mind.  Firstly the knowledge that prohibition has never worked and never will, and secondly J.S. Mills who considered that over the mind and body the individual is sovereign - i.e. it’s none of my dammned business if my neighbour wishes to shoot skag up his veins.  If that causes him to commit a crime however, then he should be punished for that crime.  We don’t (yet) ban the drug alcohol because people abusing it may commit crime for example.  I digress!  John is probably a libertarian leaning conservative, it’s all good!

Back to the subject at hand.  Gun Culture.

After my initial amusement at being unwittingly the subject of John’s post, we get to the meat.
John believes that the prejudice against guns, what one might call an anti-gun culture, can only be tackled by the growth of the shooting sports.  John argues that the UK is not prepared for guns as a self defence tool.  He is to a certain extent correct.  The establishment will not hear of such a thing, very few corners of the media will entertain the idea.  The chattering classes have a pavlovian fit at the very concept of the thing, gun ownership in the eyes of these people is the next best thing to kiddy fiddling - in some eyes it literally is a perversion.
These people will never be won over - ever.
No amount of fine sporting acheivements, Olympic medals, responsible behaviour will change their view.
Guns are evil.  There is no need for private individuals to possess these things

In short we are wasting our time with the establishment and the chattering classes.
So what of the rest, the undecided, the easily lead, the not bothereds?
Will they come over to us to punch holes in paper in a dark poorly ventilated shed in the middle of nowhere?  To shatter clay discs in the air once a week in a windswept quarry after having waited 10 minutes plus for your turn?
Will they bugger.  Many of those who would, already have.  For sure there are some out there and we should be reaching out and embracing them, but the trickle will never turn into a tide.

People are however interested in their own safety.  They do read the papers and see people terrorised in their own homes, they do see householders killed by burglaries ‘gone wrong’ and they do feel uneasy walking to their cars on a dark night.
In short there are a significant number of people out there who very much would like to own a firearm for self defence.
This from the Observer from two years ago (Guardian on Sunday)

If the law were changed to allow possession of registered handguns, would you be tempted to carry a gun for protection?

Yes 22%
No 78%

Now this is from the journal of choice for the chattering classes and liberal establishment.  Were this today and from a more central or (whisper it) more right wing publication I have absolutely no doubt the number would be significantly higher.

To summarise; I believe that sporting shooting is doomed in the UK and no amount of good behaviour will change this.
The recognition that self defence is the most basic human right that there is and that a firearm is the best tool for this is the only thing which can possibly save private firearm ownership.  Not just in the UK but across the globe.

The final word goes to Kim du Toit

At best, using John’s prescription, gun ownership will belong to an ever-dwindling group of people, until it finally disappears like a candle burning out. If I’m proved incorrect in this, and gun ownership (and the “gun culture") does indeed grow as a result of shooting sports growth, then I’ll be the happiest man in the world.

Monday, January 24, 2005

Frankenstine’s Ruger

As promised, some pics of my Ruger.

This creature started life as a Deluxe Sporter and came to me second hand having suffered a few knocks and dints.  I was generally underwhelmed by the trigger (isn’t everyone!) and reliability, but it was good fun plinking.
(Split into the read more to avoid hacking off those poor souls on dial up!)

Continue reading Frankenstine’s Ruger...

Friday, January 21, 2005

Bye bye RKS

Finally it seems that the UKIP is rid of ego maniac Kilroy-Silk!
My favourite (and the most accurate) article covering this story appears in The Spoof.

At a public meeting in his East Midlands constituency, Narcissistic Personality Disorder sufferer Robert Kilroy-Silk explained to his fan why he is quitting the UK Independence Party.

Journalists were earlier tipped off about Mr Kilroy-Silk’s decision to leave UKIP by Mr Kilroy-Silk himself as he left home this morning jumping up and down and shouting “Look at me! Look at me! I’m Robert and I’m going to be God one day. But tonight I’m leaving UKIP. Look at me! Look at me!”

Roger Knapman (UKIP’s democratically elected leader) has this to say

He was quite useful initially because he has remarkable ability to influence people but, sadly, after the election it became clear that he was more interested in the Robert Kilroy-Silk Party than the UK Independence Party so it was nice knowing him, now ‘goodbye’.”

Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out Bob.

CP or PC?

As widely reported elsewhere (pick any of the links on my blog roll), a certain Robert Oulds has been booted by Creature of the Night Howard for molesting small children serious fraud “badger watching” being pictured holding an item perfectly legal to own which wasn’t even his!
Howard’s Conservative party just doesn’t seem to miss a trick when it comes to alienating their traditional voter.
ID cards (I recognise that there is a cross-section of the blue rinse brigade that think these are a good thing)
Socialism
Gun owner persecution
Picking a fight with the Republican Party

Quite why they think it is a good idea to piss off their traditional voter base in the attempt to appeal to people who would never, ever vote for them ever is completely and utterly beyond me.

Note to Mr Oulds - you will be made most welcome in the UKIP where we abhor ‘political correctness’ and support individual rights and freedom.

Monday, January 17, 2005

Darth Vader Lives in My Car

In my engine bay as it goes....
After having an engine management remap on my Leon Cupra, I thought an induction thingy in order.  Basically this replaces the standard airbox with a shiny metal one.  In theory it allows the flow of air to be higher and makes your motor more free revving.  Dunno about that, but in practice it make a bit more noise and when you close the throttle ‘on boost’ it makes a Darth Vader style breath noise.  Weird.

When I get around to it I shall put up some pics of my heavily modded Ruger 10-22.........

Thursday, January 13, 2005

EU crushes dissent

Reproduced in full, Nikkie Sinclair’s statement regarding and incident in the EU ‘parliment’ this week

Statement by Nikki Sinclaire

As the political assistant/advisor to Mike Nattrass MEP I was present in the
European Parliament this week.

Yesterday I was assaulted by the EU Security guards while peaceably making
my views known about the proposed European Constitution. I along with
colleagues from several other countries held banners espousing ‘NO’ in
various languages. It should be noted that I was located on the 4th floor
and not in the thoroughfare of MEP’s leaving the chamber. We were previously
informed by the security that we were not permitted to display the banners
over the balconies. I decided not to antagonise the guards and display the
banner vertically in front of my 6 foot seven frame. The guards unhappy that
an alternative opinion was being espoused decided to forcibly retrieve the
banner. I was punched in the breast, pushed to the ground and kicked before
being dragged more than twenty yards along the ground by five guards. Other
female staff was also manhandled. No action was taken by persons displaying
‘YES’ banners’

I sustained several bruises and was visibly shaken. I needed medical
attention and was prescribed medication. I was initially detained but
released.

In all my years of political campaigning (21 years) I have never being
treated in such a deplorable way. It was like being transported back in time
to the days of Nazi Gestapo. It is indicative of the European Union and
their lack of tolerance for any alternative view that does not adhere to
their unrelenting, obsessive amalgamation of Europe against the will of the
people.

UKIP MEP’s including the Party Leader made points of order seeking
clarification on who ordered such heavy handed treatment. No answer was
given.

I will be making a formal complaint and considering the legal position.

Harry’s costume

Poor Harry seems to have inherited his grandfather’s ability to put his foot in it.
However the current fuss over his choice of fancy dress costume is a bit lame.
Yes we are aware of the holocaust and we can understand that Jews are justified in being hypersensitive, after all when your faith/racial type has been subject to attempted genocide - you are going to take it a bit personal.  This does not mean that when a young lad goes to a party dressed as a German desert soldier the poor bugger should be harranged from pillar to post.  By all means use it as an opportunity to remind us of the horrors commited by some of those wearing the Swastika, but get a little perspective perhaps?

Whilst on the topic of Nazis, I have been watching “The Nazis - A warning from history” recently.  It is enlightening how easily an extremist gained power and should remind those ‘it could never happen here’ ostrich types that it could very well happen here - it could happen anywhere.  Let us not forget that it is democracy which is the abberation and dictatorship the norm.  Let us not forget that our own extremist government was elected by a minority.
What is also shocking me about the programme is the manner of the Nazis interviewed.  They are quite simply not arsed about what they did, what they supported.  I can understand those who were too fearful to speak out against what was happening, but those actively involved aren’t at all contrite.  They seem to me as though they would do it all again.

Fungus backs burglar’s rights

Downing Street press release:

Law on protecting households remains unchanged

12 January 2005

The ‘reasonable force’ law on defending the home is ‘sound’ and will not be amended, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced.

In a written Ministerial statement he accepted that the law on self defence needed greater explanation.

Information will be published soon which spells out what homeowners are allowed to do within the law to protect their homes.

Mr Clarke added:

“Concerns have been raised about the ability of householders to use reasonable force to defend themselves, their families, their homes and their property. After consultation I have concluded that the current law is sound but needs to be better explained to all concerned.

“I have come to the conclusion that this guidance and clarification will ensure that the current law is properly understood and implemented; and that therefore no change in the law is required.”

No great shock there.  What Fungus means is that he would like the definition to remain vague so that people like him can decide what is reasonable.  i.e. it is never reasonable to do anything than cower in your room and wait at the intruder’s mercy.  This guide gives helpful advice which complies with government guidlines.

The Times (and the Government!) seem to think we should look to scum for advice on how to protect ourselves in this article

Don’t take them on, urges former thief
Bob Turney, 59, from Reading, Berkshire, spent more than 20 years as a burglar. Today, a reformed man, he is a consultant to the Probation Service

Tells us a lot about what is wrong with society when government take more notice of criminal’s point of view than that of the real people.

How government is helping small business

Put yourself in my shoes for a moment, sorry about the smell.
You are the owner of a small business.  You have around a dozen employees.  You are working in a fiercely competetive market sector, under pressure from competitors domestic and foreign.
After providing your staff with a modest crimble bonus and the christmas gap holiday free gratis and for nothing; you return to work on the 4th of January to find one of your staff AWOL.  You receive no phone call to explain the absence as required by contract.  The week rolls on and still no contact, other employees report having seen chummy out and about.  Righto you think, send out a letter to wit - if you don’t come back or explain your absence by the end of the week, we assume you to have resigned.
Bang on the point where an absence due to illness would require a doctors note, chummy rolls in.
What would you do?
(a) Tell chummy to turn right ‘round and never darken our door again
(b) Hold a return to work interview, advise that this constitutes an investigation which may lead to disciplinary procedures.  Later advise 48 hours notice of a disciplinary interview at which a representative of the employee may attend.  Hold interview.  Advise the outcome, which as it turns out cannot be anything more sinister than a warning.

No prizes for guessing.

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Disparity in sentences

A reader from Oaklahoma, home of the so called ‘Make my day’ law, asks

Locally, we hear that in the UK householders who injure burglars are getting longer prison sentences than burglars who injure householders.  Any opinion on that?

Well of course Stan, I have an opinion on everything!
My reply to Stan is reproduced below:

Hi Stan,

There are a couple of issues here.
Firstly the burglar is likely to not get caught, if he does he can expect a few bites at the cherry before he is actually eating prison food.  Whilst a violent burglar is more likely to receive a custodial sentence, chances are he will not be caught.  The magistrate will be fed a load of crap about what a poor time he had as a youth, how he had no lucky breaks etc. 

The homeowner defending his person and property will always be caught.  Why is this?  The homeowner believes (naively!) that the law is on his side and will protect those who protect themselves, so he calls the police.  The police of course will exercise zero discretion and treat the ‘assault’ in the same manner as if it were an unprovoked assault in the street.  The ‘justice system’ having received the police report must of course punish the householder for ‘taking the law into his own hands’ and our hero faces the full onslaught.  Our man likely will not have a sob story about his childhood, he will also probably have a job and possessions - so really he caused the burglary and must atone for this crime. 

The real crime that he has committed is that he challenged the monopoly of the state.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that criminals are getting a lighter deal than homeowners, whether this is born out in factual statistics (an oxymoron?) is a different affair but the fact is that the real people and the scum believe it.

Water Polo for Carlisle United?

Owner Fred Story denies rumours that the troubled football club is to change to water polo, despite picture evidence suggesting that the conversion of Brunton Park (top right) is already under way.

Friday, January 07, 2005

Lovely Weather

When it is raining heavily, as it is now in t’north of England, people are wont to say things like

‘Lovely weather for ducks’

Meaning of course that ducks are not going to be arsed whether tis raining or not because of their waterproofing and water based lifestyle.  The statement is usually followed by a rather stoopid laugh by the sayer, as if they were the first person to ever say it.  We’ve all done it I’m sure.
However has anyone ever considered if the ducks actually like rainy weather?
I bet they don’t.  I’m sure ducks like a nice sunny day as much as the next creature.
Just a thought.

Thursday, January 06, 2005

A different perspective on life

As sometimes happens at the festive time of year I met up with some friends I hadn’t seem for sometime.  Now I was particularly keen to meet these folks again because they are currently residing in Houston, Texas in the good old US of A.  As I have a desire to up sticks and relocate to Texas (despite never having been!) - an expat perspective was very much of interest.

Soon enough, as these conversations do, the talk turned to guns.

Why do you need to buy 9mm ammo from Walmart

Quoth my old school chum.
My obvious response of “Why not?” clearly threw him.
When our talk turned to personal protection, it was clear that my old friend and wife do not support the idea of keeping guns about the place.  They have a small child, I did wonder if explaining to them that there are ways and means of being safe AND keeping the nipper away from your protection but discretion (we were the guests of a mutual friend) got the better of me.
Later still we discussed the liberal bias in the US media.  I was astounded to hear them both say that they felt the US media was extremely right wing biased.  I asked them about the shameful free ride that Kerry had, versus the pounding Bush took on every little thing.  They responded that they thought the opposite was true.

It was then it hit me.
My friend and his wife are raving socialist liberals.

It may not surprise you to learn that the pair are planning to return to the bosum of socialism that is the current UK.

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Easy to be generous with other people’s money

Firstly I’d like to stave off any flames accusing me of being a heartless bastard (well I am, but that’s not the point!).
I think we can all agree that the tsunami is a human tragedy and for most of us it is (thankfully) a horror beyond comprehension.
Further we can probably agree that helping out those affected is The Right Thing To Do.
OK?  Happy so far?  I hope so.

My first thought when I heard that the British Government had pledged 15 million notes in relief aid was - “that’s very fucking big of them”.
Why so?  Quite simply money being taken from me under threat of force in the name of taxation sticks in the craw.  There are those who argue that HMG is merely taking payment for services rendered - surely you would not argue that one should not contribute to our society.  Those people I like to call communists, although they consider themselves socialists for the most part - some even consider themselves right wing!
So you can argue then that taxation for the running national machine is an acceptable evil, no one likes to pay taxes but no one wants zero services.  That leads into a whole other arguement about public services.

When HMG gives money to foreign aid however, it enters a whole new territory.  By taking money from UK taxpayers and giving it away the government has effectively reduced the freedom of the individual in yet another manner.  They have nationalised charity.  Giving money in charity to those less fortunate may well be our duty, but it should also be our choice.

AWOL

For some reason my login at home for the blog was not playing ball, and I was buggered if I was going into work just to post random cobblers!
So I suppose a slightly belated Happy New Year to you!
On the subject am I really alone in not caring one jot about New Year?  Happy New Calendar?  Real excited because the year number goes up by one?
I don’t get it....