Good news, bad news for gun rights

By Michelle Malkin  •  June 28, 2010 01:31 PM

First, the good news: The Supreme Court affirmed the Heller decision on the individual right to bear arms and essentially and effectively struck down the city of Chicago’s sweeping gun ban:

The Supreme Court ruled for the first time Monday that the Second Amendment provides all Americans a fundamental right to bear arms, a long-sought victory for gun rights advocates who have chafed at federal, state and local efforts to restrict gun ownership.

The court was considering a restrictive handgun law in Chicago and one of its suburbs that was similar to the District law that it ruled against in 2008. The 5 to 4 decision does not strike any other gun control measures currently in place, but it provides a legal basis for challenges across the country where gun owners think that government has been too restrictive.

“It is clear that the Framers . . . counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty,” Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote for the conservatives on the court.

It was a 5-4 decision with Justice Sam Alito penning the majority decision and Justice Antonin Scalia writing a scathing concurrence and kiss-off to retiring Justice Anthony Stevens. Ed Morrissey runs down the ruling here.

Praise pouring in from Capitol Hill. From my mailbox, GOP Sen. Jim DeMint reacts:

Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, made the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the McDonald v. City of Chicago case that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms to citizens in all 50 states.

“This is a critical victory for the Constitution and the freedom guaranteed by the Second Amendment for individual Americans to keep and bear arms,” said Senator DeMint. “Our freedoms have been under attack by big government liberals for decades, but today the Supreme Court rightly based their decision on the Constitution and the law, not personal opinions.

“This is also an important reminder that Supreme Court justices must have an unwavering dedication to our Constitution and rule of law. In fact, current Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan, as a Supreme Court law clerk in 1987, wrote that she was not ‘sympathetic’ to a man who argued for his Second Amendment right to bear arms.”

“It’s also disappointing that Solicitor General Kagan, after taking an oath to defend the Constitution, declined to submit a brief in defense of Second Amendment rights in such a clear case where American freedoms were being threatened,” said Senator DeMint.

And GOP Rep. Mike Pence:

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement today after the U.S. Supreme Court, in its ruling on McDonald v. Chicago, extended the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms to all fifty states:

“In its ruling today, the Supreme Court has affirmed a fundamental point of federalism: No state has the right to legislate away the blood-bought Constitutional right of every law-abiding American to protect their person, their family, and their liberty.

“This decision is a victory for the Second Amendment, but as a 5 to 4 ruling among the justices it also sends a warning. The Supreme Court is closely divided and at least four of its members would not extend a basic constitutional right to all fifty states. For that reason alone, the nomination and confirmation of any Supreme Court Justice requires careful deliberation to ensure that the members of the high court will protect the rights handed down by our Founding Fathers.”

The bad news? This should be a triumph for the granddaddy of gun rights groups, the National Rifle Association. But the NRA has been getting into hot water lately with grass-roots. Erick Erickson at RedState and Curt Levey of the Committee for Justice blows the whistle:

Despite the NRA’s concerns about Sonia Sotomayor’s gun rights record – concerns confirmed by her vote today in McDonald – the NRA did not publicly oppose her confirmation last summer until after the release of a letter of opposition signed by 14 members of the NRA board and the heads of five NRA state affiliates. Nonetheless, the NRA’s eventual opposition was key to making gun rights the most prominent and influential issue in the final month of the Sotomayor confirmation fight.

This summer, people have been asking why NRA board members have not spoken out about Kagan’s even worse Second Amendment record. The explanation CFJ has been hearing from board members was confirmed yesterday by Erick Erickson’s reporting at RedState:
“Internal Senate emails confirmed by NRA Board Members show that the National Rifle Association’s management team has explicitly and directly told the NRA’s board they are prohibited from testifying about second amendment issues during the Elena Kagan confirmation hearings. … [and] from coming out against Kagan in their individual capacity.”
The gag order, issued months ago in anticipation of the current Supreme Court vacancy, was a reaction to the NRA’s concern about having its hand forced last summer.

Unlike other leading gun rights groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation and Gun Owners of America, the NRA had been silent on Kagan. But that changed on Friday. While stopping short of opposing Kagan for now, the NRA did issue a statement critical of her. Erickson says the statement came “after the internal Senate email began leaking out.”

Levey notes the NRA sellout on the DISCLOSE Act:

It remains to be seen whether the NRA will formally oppose Kagan’s confirmation before the Judiciary Committee and full Senate vote on her. I hope so. Having opposed Justice Sotomayor and announced the scoring of her confirmation vote last summer, doing less this summer will be interpreted as NRA acquiescence in Kagan’s confirmation.

I am not unaware of or completely unsympathetic to the political calculations holding the NRA back. However, in light of the NRA’s recent negotiation of a special carve out in the DISCLOSE Act, the controversial campaign finance bill, the NRA needs to be sensitive to putting politics above principle.

Yeah, that’s a chronic problem in Washington, isn’t it?

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Posted in: Guns,Supreme Court

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Comments


  1. #1
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:38 pm, tarpon said:

    A good place to start is with Borking the anti-American Kagan.

    She has no more qualification for the SC than I do.

  2. #2
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:38 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    the NRA needs to be sensitive to putting politics above principle.

    Oh they’re sensitive alright, practically “Tickle Me Elmos” they are!

  3. #3
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:39 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Hmm where’s #1?

  4. #4
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:42 pm, Flyoverman said:

    I admit that I have no clue what in the Sam Hill the NRA leadership is thinking. When has trying to appease despots ever yielded a positive result?

    They need to follow that sage quote attributed to several people:

    “Better to die on your feet then live on your knees.”

  5. #5
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:48 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    “It is clear that the Framers . . . counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty,” Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote for the conservatives on the court.

    Thank you Justice Alito. It must be T-Shirt week for me – I want that on a shirt.

  6. #6
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:48 pm, dcbprime said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:39 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Hmm where’s #1?

    You are Number Six.

  7. #7
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:49 pm, letget said:

    Things have really gone to heck since Heston was the head of the nra! We will not re-new our subscription with the group.
    L

  8. #8
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:51 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:48 pm, dcbprime said:
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:39 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Hmm where’s #1?
    You are Number Six.

    Could you please introduce me to 7 of 9?

  9. #9
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:51 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    So that I may be a “Prisoner of love”.

  10. #10
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:52 pm, FirstSkirt said:

    Give no quarter to any liberal trying to deprive you of your liberty. As a gun owner, I’m very happy with this ruling by the SC; however, as an NRA member, I am very disappointed in their actions.

  11. #11
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:55 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    My NRA membership expires in October and I will not be renewing. I will be returning the renewal form with a letter of explanation.

    It’s bad enough we have a GOP that puts party over principle, we don’t need an NRA putting its own political entrenchment over its memberships’ principles. When did they join the AARP, United Fund club?

  12. #12
    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:57 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    The next constraint JUSTICE STEVENS suggests is harder to evaluate. He describes as “an important tool for guiding judicial discretion” “sensitivity to the interaction between the intrinsic aspects of liberty and the practical realities of contemporary society.” Post, at 24. I cannot say whether that sensitivity will really guide judges because I have no idea what it is. Is it some sixth sense instilled in judges when they ascend to the bench? Or does it mean judge sare more constrained when they agonize about the cosmic conflict between liberty and its potentially harmful consequences? Attempting to give the concept more precision, JUSTICE STEVENS explains that “sensitivity is an aspect of a deeper principle: the need to approach our work with humility and caution.” Ibid. Both traits are undeniably admirable, though what relation they bear to sensitivity is a mystery.
    Justice Scalia

    Heh-heh…

  13. #13
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:00 pm, Hangfire said:

    Never joined the NRA. I don’t want to be data-based by the Feds. My weapons aren’t registered.

  14. #14
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:02 pm, tarpon said:

    The Constitution hangs by a mere thread, why isn’t that what is being talked about?

  15. #15
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:04 pm, right_on said:

    Please…list the names of those Directors who have infiltrated this citizen’s rights organization.

    If they are not booted, I will not renew, nor support the NRA, until these closet socialists are gone!

    Yes, we HAVE been infiltrated (that’s what socialists do.) Wayne cannot explain his way out of this, unless he can PROVE the reports are wrong!

  16. #16
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:18 pm, dcbprime said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:51 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Could you please introduce me to 7 of 9?

    So that I may be a “Prisoner of love”.

    Heck, I still (half) blame her for Obama.
    (OK, not really her fault that the records were opened, but I don’t know the names of the Tribune thugs that pressed the Court out there to do it.)

    Besides, I never met her.

  17. #17
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:20 pm, John Deaux said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:39 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:
    Hmm where’s #1?

    Maybe that’s who Number Two works for.

  18. #18
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:30 pm, Roland said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:38 pm, tarpon said:
    A good place to start is with Borking the anti-American Kagan.

    She has no more qualification for the SC than I do.

    You are considerably better qualified than she is.

    However ignorant you may or may not be, you would actually try to defend the Constitution.

  19. #19
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:34 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    Just amazing that 4 voted t rewrite our founding documents. Just mind boggling.

  20. #20
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:38 pm, martin.musculus said:

    Just called, had a long talk w/a nice young lady at the NRA.
    Cancelled my Lifetime membership.

  21. #21
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:42 pm, cheapseat said:

    ditto #20. It’s obvious that our most learned justices have a hard time with English. They have conjured freedom of religion into freedom from religion. They have conjured a right to life liberty and happiness into a right to terminate a life if it is prebirth, the right to liberty conjured into the state can take your property and give it to someone else if it makes more money for the state, and the right to happiness conjured into the a mandate to take producers money and give it to parasites.

  22. #22
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:44 pm, Ragspierre said:

    Boy, everybody needs to read the reasoning on both sides of this decision!!!

    It is JUST beautiful as a exposition of the gulf between thinking people and people who only allegedly think!

  23. #23
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:45 pm, bjc said:

    *I had heard earlier about the NRA getting a carve out on the Disclose Act; Very disturbing that they would sell out in such a way; Shades of the 1930′s progressives; Let them know by cancelling your membership.
    *Very disturbing that 4 on the SC are okay with throwing the 2nd overboard; Will someone ask Kagan if she’s okay with deleting a portion of the Bill of Rights?; Pathetic.

  24. #24
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:45 pm, Ragspierre said:

    I’m very much afraid that the wheels have fallen off the NRA wagon…

    Good thing there are alternatives…

  25. #25
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:46 pm, rightisright said:

    I heard ol Wayne try an talk his way out of the NRA’s position of throwing away 1st amendment rights for other organizations while the NRA and a select few others like that commie group none as AARP get a pass. He couldn’t convince me, I’m canceling my NRA membership and asking for a refund for the remainder of my dues.

    Who said politics doesn’t corrupt…oh, nobody did.

  26. #26
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:50 pm, rightisright said:

    ooops, got carried away there with the negative, I am tickled with the ruling…going to buy more ammo today.

    Anytime you hear a gun ban artist you know their un-America. they tell you we don’t want you guns, we want you to register them is all. Lyin’ bastards.

    Registration leads to confiscation.

  27. #27
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:51 pm, Speakup said:

    5-4 on a plainly worded amendment, can there be any more of a glaring wake up call for the GOP?

    No more liberalism without a helluva fight!

  28. #28
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:52 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    It is rather strange that this case should have even been needed. I was speaking to someone that said the Heller decision only applied to DC. That’s ludicrous. My response was that since Mr. Heller is a citizen of the U.S. and has a 2nd amendment right to keep a firearm for personal protection, then as a U.S. citizen not living in DC, so do I. If one citizen has a right, then ALL citizens have that same right. Anything less would be…socialism.

    Well, thank God for this decision. Now the socialists will have a very tough time with their gun control B.S.

  29. #29
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:54 pm, Random63 said:

    I joined the NRA when Obama was elected. Now, considering the faltering of the NRA leadership lately, I’m seriously going to reconsider if I’ll renew my membership come 2012.

    I didn’t pay membership dues to the NRA so they can cut deals with the politicians at our expense.

  30. #30
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:58 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Joining the NRA was on my list of things to do. Not now.

  31. #31
    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:59 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:51 pm, Speakup said:

    5-4 on a plainly worded amendment, can there be any more of a glaring wake up call for the GOP?

    It is a difficult task to wake someone from a coma.

  32. #32
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:03 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “It is a difficult task to wake someone from a coma.”

    Well at least now we can still try firing a weapon to see if the noise will wake them.

  33. #33
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:04 pm, AmericaFirst said:

    This is the same NRA that endorsed left wing Dede Scozzafava over pro 2nd Amendment Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman in New York’s 23rd District House race. I cancelled my NRA membership during the campaign. The NRA are frauds just like AARP. The warning signs were already there.

  34. #34
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:12 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    “…the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

    Well, sure, it’s sort of spelled out there.
    But, that’s not nearly as important as smelling a right from the ‘emanations’ of ‘penumbra’ from 2 or 3 different parts of the Constitution at the same time!
    /s

  35. #35
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:14 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 2:58 pm, Flyoverman said:
    Joining the NRA was on my list of things to do. Not now.

    Ditto.
    I guess it’s 2nd Amendment Foundation or Gun Owners of America. Which should it be?

  36. #36
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:18 pm, stoptheinvasion said:

    I think I’ll go shoot my .357 magnum at the range in celebration that we barely still have the right to do so, despite hordes of control-hungry socialists and 4 disgusting humans on the nation’s highest legal body.

    5-4 should scare every damn one of us, it is sickening, and shows how thin our margin of freedom is.

    I’m sure the Marxist-in-chief is chuffed at this ruling, given how many years his kind have been stacking our courts with traitors.

  37. #37
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:22 pm, 24Klady said:

    I’ve been the only member of NRA in my family for some time. Just like AARP my NRA card is shredded and in the trash, apparently, where it belongs.

    Grateful for the decision but still worried over Billary signing that danged thing floating around the UN… it only needs ‘Bambi’s signature to upset the applecart.

  38. #38
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:34 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    where gun owners think that government has been too restrictive.

    Just what is TOO RESTRICTIVE? The bad news is not the NRA’s foolishness-the bad news is the loop hole allowing somewhat less restrictions-they are giving us rights that are ours by our very humanity. A “sweeping gun ban” such as Chicago’s is no less onerous once they take the hobnails off the boot on our neck.

    I too am upset with the NRA’a action and as a voting member I hope to do something about it. As a counter to the NRA’s often squeamishness I also belong to the Second Amendment Foundation and the Gun Owners of America and my local civil right lobbying group.

    No this decision is but a half victory at best-perhaps all we can expect from this court. That the people have a Right to Keep and Bear Arms should be a given to all. The right to protect home and family, our nation, should not even be challenged. “Less onerous restrictions” such as licensing, registration, background checks, manner in which a gun is stored, how it is worn all serves but one cruel and evil purpose: control of the individual by the state and eventual confiscation when the time is right.

    One of the arguments of the fascist is that the Constitution provides for the militia to be armed: agreed fascist dogs and just who is the militia? Read the Founders-It is the whole body of free men–you too ladies.

    King George the Mad tried some gun control: April 19, 1775
    Major Pitcairn came ridding up and with sword drawn, called out, “Disperse, you damn rebels! Damn you, throw down your arms and disperse!”
    And thus the Shot Heard Round the World

    If you do not yet own a gun, several, and a good supply of ammunition this is a good day to do so. For country, family and self–you are you own best first responder.

  39. #39
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:54 pm, spaceycakes said:

    It’s really hard to convince a Missouri bushwacker to lay down arms of any kind.

  40. #40
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:55 pm, granite said:

    I tried joining the NRA a couple of years ago, but their software screwed up, and did not register me.
    Customer service was pleasant, but completely unhelpful.

    With the passage of time, I become more and more pleased that I ended up not getting registered.

  41. #41
    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:59 pm, spaceycakes said:

    Maybe if I had 8 or 10, and needed to downsize.

  42. #42
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:25 pm, NeoFan said:

    After learning that the NRA is endorsing John McCain I decided not to renew my membership. Looks like I made the right move. Seems that everything is infected.

  43. #43
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:27 pm, 24Klady said:

    AZNeanderthal = sage advice. Tell the fellas out there not to forget to teach their daughters when teaching their sons how to safely handle a firearm.

    My dad taught me to shoot when very young, as he did my brothers. My mom taught my brothers how to throw knives and one time, a short handled ax. My dad always laughed he’d be looking for his gun while my mom would have filleted an intruder long before he found it! ;)

  44. #44
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:28 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    I did not review my NRA membership after I learned they supported Scozafava in NY-23 last year. There are several conservative alternatives to the NRA. Maybe Michelle or Doug can run a brief blog outlining some of them…

  45. #45
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:30 pm, 24Klady said:

    Forgot to add: Growing up in CA I can’t imagine now what the neighbors thought about this violent family next door? Especially, the nuns right behind our house!

  46. #46
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:31 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    One of the last things to prevent me from purchasing one or more firearms is the lack of a safe place to store them in the home. I can’t put in a gun safe for several reasons. Anybody have any alternatives? Keep in mind I have small children at home…

  47. #47
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:32 pm, EWTHeckman said:

    With friends like the NRA, who needs enemas?

  48. #48
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:34 pm, RedDog said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:42 pm, Flyoverman said:
    “Better to die on your feet then live on your knees.”

    Unless it’s in prayer. But I agree with your sentiments. There are many in this country who would capitulate just so long as they got their shelter and three squares a day. Oh, and their Iphones.

    I have heard comments from many Lefties who would not be averse to the USA being broken up into four or five nation-states.

  49. #49
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:39 pm, jrgdds said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:52 pm, FirstSkirt said:

    Give no quarter to any liberal trying to deprive you of your liberty.

    No matter how well intentioned or how responsible they may seem NEVER allow a liberal or a chimpanzee to handle and control your firearm!

  50. #50
    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:45 pm, 24Klady said:

    WarEagle #47
    Sounds like you need a double top secret locking cabinet/closet – with only you in possession of a key (unless your wife is skilled as well). Course, if your home is ever burgled a closet with a lock is a dead give away. That’s a hard one for sure.

  51. #51
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:01 pm, Flyoverman said:

    I have heard comments from many Lefties who would not be averse to the USA being broken up into four or five nation-states.

    That would be interesting. You’d have two properous and free nations with strong militaries, secure borders, and havens for the law abiding, hard-working immigrants who yearn for freedom, with a happy, free, God fearing citizenry, run by conservatives.

    In contrast you would have two nations that are financially ruined, drowning in drugs, overrun with illegals, that contain silenced, impoverished, over taxed citizens who have every aspect of their lives controlled by a totally separate class of rich, entitled, elitist progressives entrenched in power with no accountability; nations that will be easy pickings for Islamic terrorists.

    “Be careful what you ask for; you may get it.”

  52. #52
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:02 pm, rightisright said:

    I can’t put in a gun safe for several reasons. Anybody have any alternatives? Keep in mind I have small children at home…

    I understand your concerns and with children their safety, but I question where do I HIDE my guns and ammo for when the time comes they come a looking. Two of my 3 guns are registered, had no choice, I can always say, well I lost them. But where do I hide them, I live in a condo. I fear eventually “they” will come for them.

  53. #53
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:09 pm, Hangfire said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 4:34 pm, RedDog said:
    I have heard comments from many Lefties who would not be averse to the USA being broken up into four or five nation-states.

    I’m not a Leftie, but it has a pleasant possibility.

    1. Republic of Texas (Comprised of present day Texas, Oklahoma, and Western Louisiana.)
    2. People’s Republic of Hawaii.
    3. People’s Republic of Pacifica. (California, Oregon, and Western Washington State.)
    4. Peoples Republic of New England. (New Yawk, Connecticut, Taxachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Na Hampshuh, and Maine.)
    5. United States of America. (The leftovers.)

  54. #54
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:12 pm, Hangfire said:

    First order of business for the Republic of Texas:

    The Siege of Austin.

  55. #55
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:26 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    One of the last things to prevent me from purchasing one or more firearms is the lack of a safe place to store them in the home. … Anybody have any alternatives?

    A steel lock box like this might be the ticket. You can bolt it to the floor.

  56. #56
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:33 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Dexter Alarius,

    Thanks. I’ll certainly look into that. It is certainly better than most other options I have seen recently.

  57. #57
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:36 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Check the other options they have in the “Gun Safes” section also. THey do have some slimmer ones that could potentially be bolted underneath your bed, and open from the side instead of the top.

  58. #58
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:36 pm, 24Klady said:

    Hangfire
    Brilliant – Texans will never have any peace until the loons in Austin are sent packing. :)

  59. #59
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:41 pm, Hangfire said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:36 pm, 24Klady said:
    Hangfire
    Brilliant – Texans will never have any peace until the loons in Austin are sent packing.

    I’m not saying we kill them. We’ll just give them safe passage back to California and Puget Sound. On foot.

  60. #60
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:47 pm, Rorschach said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 3:22 pm, 24Klady said:

    I’ve been the only member of NRA in my family for some time. Just like AARP my NRA card is shredded and in the trash, apparently, where it belongs.

    Grateful for the decision but still worried over Billary signing that danged thing floating around the UN… it only needs ‘Bambi’s signature to upset the applecart.

    Actually, it also requires 2/3 approval in the Senate as well.

  61. #61
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:57 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    Hangfire said:
    4. Peoples Republic of New England. (New Yawk, Connecticut, Taxachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Na Hampshuh, and Maine.)

    NEW YORK?!? Part of New England? NEVAH!!!! They can slide up into Canada for all I care, (would serve those Canucks good). They can’t even pronounce the word ‘coffee’, (sounds like ‘quawfee’).

  62. #62
    On June 28th, 2010 at 5:59 pm, Rorschach said:

    Wareagle, I bought a couple of these, bolted them to a sturdy piece of 3/4″ plywood, and then bolted the plywood across two studs in my closet and built shelves under each to hold the ammo and spare magazines. If someone REALLY wanted to steal them I guess they could but they’d be working at it for a while unless safecracking is their gig. I doubt either of my kids would ever be able to gain access without the code, which the older one (16) knows because she is home alone fairly often. The younger one (9) will be told the code when she is a bit older, but she has already been to the range twice and is semi-proficient with the .22 (aim needs work but she can usually keep it on the paper at least…)

  63. #63
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:02 pm, dm60462 said:

    Greetings form the SOuth Side of Chicago! Advice to my neighbors 1) Chuck’s in RIverdale. He’s been putting up with demonstrations by the reverends (Jackson & Pfleger) for years. Time to show him some love 2) Freddie Bear in Tinley Park. No car? No problem! Take the Rock Island to Tiley Park (Oak Park Ave stop) and walk 1 pleasant block north. 3) Rink’s in Lemont. Small and inexpensive with a $9 range on site. Skip the “Mega” location(s) You’ll get FAR better service and lower prices at these places.

  64. #64
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:03 pm, 24Klady said:

    Hangfire – I knew what you meant and the Reebok Express is just rewards. Since it’s one of the ‘healthiest’ cities (all that arugula and tofu) with miles of bikepaths and walking trails they should be able to make it to Santa Fe. I’ll drive 30 miles out of the way in August, when it’s blazing hot, so I don’t have to leave a dime in Austin.

  65. #65
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:10 pm, 24Klady said:

    Rorshach #63
    “2/3 approval of the Senate as well.”

    Good to know – but with our current sitting Senate I’m not hopeful on that score.

    Need I mention again that I’m upset with the NRA? Slowly working on my ‘mad on’ and fixin’ to give them an e-mail that would singe the hide off a wild boar. :(

  66. #66
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:19 pm, Hangfire said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:03 pm, 24Klady said:

    I’ll drive 30 miles out of the way in August, when it’s blazing hot, so I don’t have to leave a dime in Austin.

    My daughter lives in Killeen (disgraced the family by marrying a gravel agitator). She says there’s no reason to go all the way into Austin since she can get anything she needs in Round Rock.

  67. #67
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:21 pm, Truesoldier said:

    I always laugh at the liberal thought process, especially when it comes to gun control.

    In their mind, they believe that if you ban guns then no one will have them.

    Of course the reality is that the only people who will have them are the criminals.

    I always like to point out to liberals when they talk about gun control of this fact. I tell them imagine an armed bank robber wakes up the morning of his planned heist and see that the paper says that all handguns are now banned. I ask them do you really think that the armed bank robber is going to say aww shucks now I cant use my 9mm when I go rob the bank today?

    It is fun to watch the change of expressions on their face from one of haughty hollier than thou look to one of utter confusion as the reality of the question sinks in.

  68. #68
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:22 pm, mojoe said:

    4. Peoples Republic of New England. (New Yawk, Connecticut, Taxachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Na Hampshuh, and Maine.)

    I’d have to defect to the Republic of Texas if we parted ways. I’m outnumbered up here in my beloved Massachusetts, though not necessarily outgunned!

  69. #69
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:38 pm, 24Klady said:

    Hangfire #69
    Sounds like a daughter you can be proud of. Chip off the old block I’d venture.

  70. #70
    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:46 pm, Hangfire said:

    On June 28th, 2010 at 6:22 pm, mojoe said:
    I’d have to defect to the Republic of Texas if we parted ways. I’m outnumbered up here in my beloved Massachusetts, though not necessarily outgunned!

    In Texas, you can order iced tea without people making wisecracks.

    I remember asking for iced tea in Wooster (I know its spelled Worcester), and the guy said, “Well-ah, we got us some tea, and we got us some ice, yayuh.” I think he was from Na Hampshuh.

  71. #71
    On June 28th, 2010 at 7:11 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    In their mind, they believe that if you ban guns then no one will have them.

    When guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns.

    Not good.

  72. #72
    On June 28th, 2010 at 7:12 pm, rightisright said:

    Need I mention again that I’m upset with the NRA? Slowly working on my ‘mad on’ and fixin’ to give them an e-mail that would singe the hide off a wild boar.

    I called the NRA to withdraw my membership, can’t do it over the phone, need to write them, done…I’m out of there.

  73. #73
    On June 28th, 2010 at 7:24 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    5. United States of America. (The leftovers.)

    I always thought that some states should get together and form a new country. The liberals would laugh about “the new confederacy” and whether slavery would be allowed but those are easy answers; just say, “No. We’re not democrats. We don’t believe in slavery.”

    Name the country The United States of America. Use the same constitution until a new one can be drafted and ratified; making an income tax unconstitutional (pass a national sales tax), mandatory term limits down to the local level, selection of state-wide offices by county (including U.S. senators), school vouchers, no education departments. You know, all the intelligent things that will make a country great.

    I’ll go with Walter Williams on this. TX, LA, MS, AL, and the panhandle of FL. Think of all that lovely gulf oil! With all the jobs being created, other states will join. The socialists can have the left coast and atlantic north of VA.

    That would be a major economic powerhouse in 5-10 years.

    Too bad it won’t happen.

  74. #74
    On June 28th, 2010 at 7:32 pm, zorro said:

    As a Life Member of the NRA, I think it is time to “re-think” my membership in this organization.

  75. #75
    On June 28th, 2010 at 7:41 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    But where do I hide them, I live in a condo. I fear eventually “they” will come for them.

    I don’t have an answer but I do have a strategy. Just do what liberals do to get elected; fake right, go left.

    First off, get a little .25 or .32 automatic and register it. Tell your friends. It’s for home security. It’s not a .44 Magnum, it’s just right for a condo, blah, blah, blah. Buy a cheap but safe lock box and store the gun and ammo in it. Tell your friends. See the pattern here?

    Find a wall that has enough space to hide a real gun safe. You’ll have to do a very good job of hiding it. Maybe a shadow box or something similar to hide the safe door. I’m not a contractor but if you want it “secret” you’ll have to do it yourself. This one you never talk about.

    When the time comes, give up the lock box with the little automatic and keep the cannons for yourself.

    Don’t forget. A 26-28 inch Louisville Slugger is great for home defense. A crack from solid ash wood across the shins or between the shoulder blades has a way of getting someone’s attention.

  76. #76
    On June 28th, 2010 at 7:59 pm, love2rumba said:

    To Zorro, 24kLady et al:

    I for one am going to try topget the gun club I belong to to drop their NRA sponsored liability insurance…I am really have a sh#t fit with having to show that I am an NRA member to continue membership there at my gun club.

  77. #77
    On June 28th, 2010 at 8:10 pm, 24Klady said:

    love2rumba – excellent point. Forgot about the gunclub requirements. Do they all get $$ from NRA or simply a discount on memberships? Ok, another problem to work through but I’m persistant if not just plain annoying when I’m in the mood.

  78. #78
    On June 28th, 2010 at 8:20 pm, rightisright said:

    TooMuchTime , thanks for your reply, I appreciate it, problem is it’s rented condo. I’ll have to come up with something and soon.

  79. #79
    On June 28th, 2010 at 8:38 pm, Savage24 said:

    The biggest problem here is four Supreme Court Judges voted against the Constitution of the United States of America. Their primary job is to determine what is constitutional and what is not. How can they do that job when they vote against the Constitution. The NRA can go to hell and those of us that belong can quit, but those judges will still be voting against our country.They should be impeached!

  80. #80
    On June 28th, 2010 at 8:58 pm, dan708 said:

    This ruling is a victory – by the slimmest of margins – but it is also frightening confirmation that a liberal Supreme Court would absolutely tear our constitution to shreds to further the liberal agenda.

  81. #81
    On June 28th, 2010 at 9:06 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Rorschach said

    Excellent. Armed daughters rock.

  82. #82
    On June 28th, 2010 at 9:07 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Hey, what happened? They really do rock!

  83. #83
    On June 28th, 2010 at 9:37 pm, love2rumba said:

    24kLady said: love2rumba – excellent point. Forgot about the gunclub requirements. Do they all get $$ from NRA or simply a discount on memberships? Ok, another problem to work through but I’m persistant if not just plain annoying when I’m in the mood.

    Well, from what I understand, the club gets a lower premium for its liability insurance than they’d get anywhere else-this arrangement was done some 13 years ago…It meant that they became an NRA affiliated club, and that all members had to show they were a member of the NRA…Personally, I think the club I belong to should get out from underneath this arrangement and find insurance elsewhere.

  84. #84
    On June 28th, 2010 at 9:48 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    …problem is it’s rented condo. I’ll have to come up with something and soon.

    Well, you could always pull a “Cold Cash” Jefferson.

    You can still do the misdirection, just find some other innocuous hiding place for the ones you want to keep.

  85. #85
    On June 28th, 2010 at 11:34 pm, Tuesday said:

    Charlton Heston ~ you left wimps to take over the helm of the NRA!

  86. #86
    On June 29th, 2010 at 1:30 am, SpeakEasy said:

    Any Supreme Court Justice that can argue against 2nd amendment rights has no business on the court and should be removed. Their job is to validate constitutional issues- and the 2nd Amendment is very clear. Those who want to change the constitution have to actually amend it through the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, not the judicial. Trying to do so through the judicial branch is against the constitution itself, ironically. Not that liberals have any regard for that document.

  87. #87
    On June 29th, 2010 at 4:25 am, plymouthacclaim said:

    OK, may6be I’m in the minority here, but I’m still proud to me a member of the NRA.

    If all the people who have quit because of a problem with the NRA not being “pure” enough had instead been vocal about it, then the NRA might be tougher on these issues.

    I will NOT quit the NRA and I don’t think you should either. If you want to join the other groups, join them in addition to the NRA.

  88. #88
    On June 29th, 2010 at 7:02 am, Chief RZ said:

    I am an NRA member, and it kept me off a jury recently.

  89. #89
    On June 29th, 2010 at 8:26 am, John Deaux said:
  90. #90
    On June 29th, 2010 at 9:00 am, cicerokid said:

    When guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns.

    Ask Mayor Daley how that’s working out for him in Chicago…

  91. #91
    On June 29th, 2010 at 9:36 am, Marshall Russ said:

    I heard the head of the NRA try to explain his position on Laura Ingraham. I was way less than convinced and not happy.

  92. #92
    On June 29th, 2010 at 9:57 am, Dexter Alarius said:

    The Harry Reid endorsement did it for me.

  93. #93
    On June 29th, 2010 at 10:46 am, Teddy Kennedy said:

    Errah,

    On June 28th, 2010 at 1:38 pm, tarpon said: A good place to start is with Borking the anti-American Kagan. She has no more qualification for the SC than I do.”

    In that regard you’re dead wrong. You probably are more qualified than some liberal judges and lawyers since you have read the constitution and would interpret law based upon it. Kagan and her ilk are looking at it as a defined set of negative rights that can be added to or deleted from based upon the prevailing wind. As long as you can fog a mirror and haven’t put a pubic hair on a coke can, you’re probably just as qualified based upon the current litmus test.

  94. #94
    On June 29th, 2010 at 11:57 am, tiredofit08 said:

    All that needs to be said:

    http://biggovernment.com/files/2010/06/Gun-Rights.jpg

    Love one commenter on big gov:

    I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy…

    I’d add: and because a gun is there in seconds when it really counts!

  95. #95
    On June 29th, 2010 at 2:40 pm, Rorschach said:

    As long as you can fog a mirror and haven’t put a pubic hair on a coke can

    Teddy, do I want to know what you mean by that?

  96. #96
    On June 29th, 2010 at 2:52 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Teddy, do I want to know what you mean by that?

    He was refering to the Clarence Thomas lynching confirmation hearings.

    I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy…
    I’d add: and because a gun is there in seconds when it really counts!

    “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!”
    Stay armed.

  97. #97
    On June 29th, 2010 at 3:14 pm, Rorschach said:

    Thanks Dexter, I was rather young at the time and didn’t give Thomas’ hearings much attention. But then again I’m not paying much attention to Kagan’s hearings either. I know two things for a fact:

    1. She is evil and will destroy this country, but she will not say so during the hearings, in fact she will say absolutely nothing of consequence. She will duck every question and let every person hearing her voice fill in the blanks with their own biases. She will be a Human Rorschach test.

    2. The Evil Dems will make sure she is confirmed no matter what the Conservatives try to do to stop it.

  98. #98
    On June 30th, 2010 at 10:05 am, WarEagle82 said:

    John Deaux,

    I can’t get the “Night Stand/End Table” gun safe from samsclub.com to pop up in my browser. But I found this which is tad more expensive but something like this would be perfect.

    Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

  99. #99
    On July 1st, 2010 at 1:37 pm, MacEamonn said:

    The leadership of the NRA apparently got smacked “up side the head” enough times so that they have finally have come out against Elana Kagan being made an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

  100. #100
    On July 5th, 2010 at 8:35 am, Pixel_Dust_1776 said:

    NRA official statement in regards to their position on Kagan:

    http://www.nraila.org/media/PDFs/Kagan.pdf

    I’ve been a member of the NRA since 1996 and a Firearms instructor in several disciplines.
    I understand the frustration with Wayne and others at the NRA, but if we quit spontaneously, you’d be giving the enemy the satisfaction of divide and conquer.
    My blood boils when cowards attempt to get rid of my Constitutional Rights. But controlling our emotions would yield better results.

    In Defense of the Constitution,
    Rio<
    Semper Fi!

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